Cover Story
The rest of the field
The economy, increasing crime, illegal immigration, and growing pains—the city of Santa Maria faces a host of challenges for the balance of 2010 and beyond, and a crowded field of candidates will be looking for the chance to make the tough decisions as city councilmembers come November. Two seats on the council are up for…
Santa Barbara Business College students celebrate graduation
Aug. 27 was a big day for close to 100 students from Santa Barbara Business College’s Santa Maria campus. Scholars from several different fields—including business administration, criminal justice, medical assisting, massage therapy, and more—mounted the Ethel Pope Auditorium stage at Santa Maria High School to receive their diplomas. As the graduates marched to their seats…
What are you having for dinner tonight?
George Schovic software analyst “I am having vegetables, chicken patty, and a big salad, for a low-fat, low-sodium diet.” Debbie Driggs caregiver “Maybe tri-tip, because the family just loves it.” Katie Graham RTV “Probably something with zucchini since I have a lot of it in my garden.” Steff Caral student “Probably take-out, because of a…
Political Watch 09.02
• On Aug. 27, Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) announced that the Department of Education approved California’s application for $1.2 billion to fund teachers’ jobs in the upcoming year. Capps voted for the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, which allowed the funding. “I applaud the Department of Education’s quick action to get this much needed…
Community Notebook 09.02
TUESDAY, SEPT. 7 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office…
No sign language, please
On July 3, a sunset clause that had allowed the use of “sandwich board” signs in Santa Maria finally faded to black, ending a two-year period intended to give businesses a chance to research and employ alternative forms of advertising. Many local business owners, however, feel they were ultimately left cold in the dark night.…
Welcome Labor Day with your veins
It seems to happen just before every major holiday, but its frequency doesn’t make it trivial: United Blood Services is looking for donors to ensure an ample blood supply. This time around, the organization is particularly seeking people with Type O coursing through their veins to help fill needs over the Labor Day weekend and…
Correction
A local dermatologist and Santa Maria City Council candidate’s first name was incorrect in the Aug. 26 cover story, “Council contenders.” It should have read Dr. Michael Moats. News Briefs is compiled by Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas from staff reporting and local and national media. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail,…
Candidates for the 33rd District State Assembly Seat get ready for November
Now that this area’s string of special elections has ended, it’s time to start thinking about November. When local voters went to the polls in mid-August, they sent Sam Blakeslee to the senate, and now his 33rd Assembly District seat is vacant. There are three candidates vying for it: Republican Katcho Achadjian—who beat out Matt…
Construction begins on new court clerk’s building
Dilapidated modular trailers currently housing records and staff at Santa Maria Superior Court will be history by late 2011, as construction was scheduled to begin Sept. 1 on a new, two-story, 18,650-square-foot clerk’s office. According to Darrell Parker, the court’s assistant executive officer, the building has been a long time coming. “It’s clearly better than…
Judge orders suspension of Cold Spring Canyon Bridge barrier project
Construction of a suicide barrier on Cold Spring Canyon Bridge halted again Aug. 24 after a county judge denied a motion filed by Caltrans to continue the controversial project while environmental impact reports are reviewed. In court documents, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Anderle said Caltrans shouldn’t be allowed to proceed with construction…
Top gun
An F/A-18 Super Hornet jet taxied at Santa Maria Public Airport on Aug. 27, in preparation for the weekend’s 21st annual “Thunder Over the Valley” air show, put on by the Santa Maria Museum of Flight. Though few aircraft took to the skies due to safety restrictions, about 8,500 people attended the two-day event, viewing…
Luncheon highlights educational partnerships
Business and education partnerships will be recognized during an upcoming 2010 Business Appreciation Luncheon presented by the Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 8. The event takes place at the Elks Lodge, 1309 N. Bradley in Santa Maria, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Cost to…
Dunes Center awards scholarships
The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center and the United Way of Santa Barbara County announced that 25 students from Northern Santa Barbara County earned $500 scholarships for their work in the center’s “Fun in the Sun” summer program. The pilot project, for sixth through ninth graders, incorporated a service-learning component from the Corporation for National and Community…
New homes released at Rice Ranch
Western Pacific Land Group announced the release of eight new homes in the Pine Creek community at Rice Ranch in Orcutt. The company reported the release is being offered earlier than anticipated due to strong sales at the community. The new homes include one- and two-story designs, and several homes feature three-car garages. The homes…
Santa Lucia announces new execs
Santa Lucia Bancorp, parent company of Santa Lucia Bank, recently announced the appointment of Margaret Torres as the company and bank’s new executive vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to accepting the position, Torres served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Heritage Oaks and Heritage Oaks Bancorp. The bank also…
Find classes for big kids
The Big Kids class is looking for 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds to learn and have fun with music. The Big Kids class blends elements of the Music Together curriculum with new musical activities, skills, and challenges. Curriculum includes instrumental solos, conducting, game songs, jam sessions, harmony singing, and drumming skills. Fall classes begin Sept. 14.…
PCPA’s season is about to begin
Single tickets for PCPA’s 2010-2011 season go on sale Oct. 6 at 12:30 p.m. The season will feature Peter Pan Nov. 4 through Dec. 23 at the Marian Theatre; Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps from Feb. 10 to March 6, 2011 at the Marian Theatre; Interplay: the Stage Between from Feb. 25 to March 6, 2011…
Spend an evening with a guitar
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Santa Maria Public Library will present “An Evening of Classical Guitar with Manny Mestas” on Sept. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. in Shepard Hall. The evening features the Santa Maria-based flamenco guitarist, who’s spent many years performing as a solo guitarist. When not performing live, Mestas devotes…
From cabaret to cantor
The Jewish High Holy Days—a 10-day celebration that begins Sept. 8 with Rosh Hashanah and ends with Yom Kippur—are filled with music. For the services, an ordained cantor, trained in the musical arts, usually leads prayer services along with a rabbi. That’s the case at Temple Beth El in Santa Maria, though the leader for the…
Shakespearean winter comes to Spanish California
Playwright José Cruz González realizes the capabilities of human emotion in a way not all playwrights do. He can present jealousy, love, or joy and then delve into how they fracture and intertwine in a complicated dance that moves people to falter as they’re overcome. He can show love as an omnipotent force that can…
An anniversary not forgotten
I’ve been writing the Man Overboard column at the Santa Maria Sun for 10 years now, which, for a guy who doesn’t finish many projects around the house, seems absolutely insane to me. I’ve covered everything from dirty words to dirty diapers, with a few stories about my wife, whom I love, in between. The…
Clubs & Meetings
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS for men meets in San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach. Men interested in attending may contact representatives: 550-6718 or not_moses@fastmail.fm. ALL-AMERICAN QUILTERS’…
Spiritual
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH is located at 1000 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. “Jazz Devine” presents a new jazz worship service on July 11 at 6 p.m. at the church. Info: 735-3769 or ghmoran@yahoo.com. BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info:…
Farmers Markets
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and…
Barbecues
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and St.…
Health
SANSUM CLINIC offers a “Cholesterol Management” class Sept. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sansum Clinic, 1125 North H St., Lompoc. A four part “Stress Management” class is Sept. 8 through 29 at the clinic. A “Diabetes Essentials” class is Sept. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10.…
Art
THE LOMPOC SCULPTORS GUILD presents its group show, “Art in the Making,” Sept. 2 through 29 at the Grossman Gallery, Lompoc Public Library, 501 East North Ave., Lompoc. Info: 733-3371. THE SHEPARD HALL GALLERY presents the Lompoc Photography Guild’s new show, “Slice of Life,” through Sept. 30 at the library’s Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland…
Learning
THE SANTA MARIA COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) hold a training series for those interested in advocating for children Sept. 8 and 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at CASA Santa Maria, 120 East Jones St., Santa Maria. Info: 845-8364, Ext. 24# or summers@sbcasa.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS and…
Recreation
WORTH THE DRIVE THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents a “Geo-CA$H Treasure Hunt” featuring GPS marked cans with chances to win a raffle through Sept. 6. The Wildling Art Museum is located at 2928 San Marcos, Los Olivos. Info: 688-1082 or wildlingmuseum.org. ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no…
Kids & Family
MUSIC TOGETHER presents a preview of its “Big Kids” program designed for 5- to 7-year-old kids on Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum. Info: 264-5545 or starberrymusic2gether.com. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents, as part of its family first Thursdays, “Land and Sea,” featuring parent…
Dance Lessons
ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays in Grover Beach. Info: 709-4686 or BlueMoonHaven.com. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info: 349-9016 or 931-0444. EVERYBODY CAN DANCE…
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Invierno by Jose Cruz Gonzalez through Sept. 19 in the Severson Theatre, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Adult themes. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. THE POETRY SOCIETY OF SANTA MARIA invites all to read poetry, sing songs, or just express themselves every other Wednesday starting at 6…
Night Life
The following venues offer either regularly scheduled live entertainment or DJ-hosted dance music. Most performances start after 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. IN THE AREA ADDAMO VINEYARD/TASTING ROOM: 400 E. Clark Ave., suite E, Santa Maria, 937-6400. Live music Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South Broadway,…
Concerts
ALF’S ENTERTAINMENT presents 2nd II None, Junebug Slim, DJ Alf, and DJ Panda in concert on Sept. 3 from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Louie B’s, 213 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Cost is $15 at the door. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “An Evening of Classical Guitar with Manny Mestas” in celebration…
Special Events
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents a “Bulldog Bow-Wow!” event for new students featuring free food, entertainment, and information on student services Sept. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lompoc Valley Center, Lompoc. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3229. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Classic Film Nite” featuring a screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s on…
Don’t infringe on Muslim American rights
Fundamentalist, hate-filled Christians are rabble-rousing Americans against all Muslims. I hope no one will fall for this abominable un-American garbage against free choice of religion. Although no records were kept on what religions the victims of 9/11 were, it is estimated between 200 and 300 innocent Muslims were victims of that horrendous attack. To not…
Wake up, people, to these GOP drunken pirates
Sam Blakeslee, the local boy, wants to cut services to the needy in California. Sam and the rest of his republican ilk across the country represent the Greedy Old Party, and the only constituents they care about are the insurance companies, mega-corporations, and the top three percent of income recipients in the nation who don’t…
Where there is smoke, there may be freedom
If safety is the biggest community concern in Nipomo, then the eradication of Mexican cartel marijuana should be on the top of the list. Regulating a cooperative of local growers defies organized crime and puts the money back in the pockets of our community. It takes forward-thinking vision, the ability to see through narrow-minded anti-marijuana…
Experience ‘The Spirit of the Mission’
Charity, responsibility, caring—the values of the Boy Scouts of America will be on display on Sept. 25 at the “Spirit of the Mission,” a fundraising event benefiting Santa Barbara County Boy Scouts at La Purisima Mission in Lompoc. The evening will begin at 4:30 p.m. with docent-led tours of the mission, followed by wine tasting,…
Jack Avrit
Becoming a golfer is almost like becoming a Jedi Knight: Start early, for you must be enthralled with the discipline. Today, Jack Avrit may be 11, but he’s already been golfing for nine years. His passion began at home. Literally. “My dad bought plastic clubs and balls that we could play with out in the…
Coaches weigh in on bat standards
High school baseball players who recently bought pricey, high-performance bats might want to consider getting refunds, as tougher safety regulations approved by the California Interscholastic Federation could make the bats obsolete next season. Starting Jan. 1, 2011, CIF will require all aluminum and composite baseball bats used in high schools to conform to new Batted…
Calling all Fords!
Own a Ford automobile manufactured between 1903 and 1986? The Santa Maria A’s want you to show it off at their eighth annual All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet on Sept. 11 in Old Town Orcutt. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the swap meet opening to the public at…
Sign up for Boys and Girls club basketball
Youngsters in first through sixth grades are invited to register for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley’s 2010-11 Youth Basketball League. Sign-ups will take place at the Boys & Girls Club, 901 N. Railroad, on Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon; Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.; Sept. 18 from…
Toss a new festival on the table
The fertile land in and around the Santa Maria Valley supports an incredible variety of fruits, vegetables, and row crops. Although wine grapes seem to receive the lion’s share of the attention and glory, it’s the less glamorous bounty—the radishes, cabbage, celery, carrots, and lettuce—that first put the region on the culinary map. A seaside…
