Cover Story
Life, death, and dollars
Jeanne Woodford recalls with a furled brow and a slight grimace the four occasions she witnessed California’s harshest penalty carried out in front of her. As warden of California’s only prison with a death row and an operational execution chamber, Woodford saw firsthand at San Quentin State Prison what she calls the waste of both…
If you could vote for president, for whom would you vote?
Rolando Lopez student “I’d choose Obama, because I’m Mexican, and the other guy might repeal all the things Obama has approved [that help immigrants].” Dominique Rharo student “Most likely Obama, because he helped us when we weren’t doing so well after Bush.” Carlos Ramirez student “Oh, I guess Obama because there have been a lot…
Traveling can be the devil
I am a very good traveler. However, unlike the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who shared amusing anecdotes with “nine and twentye in a companye of sondrye folke” on his way to Canterbury in the 1300s, I travel best alone. I’m more of a Clint Eastwood journeyer, cantering along at my own pace, enjoying in the sites…
Life rocks
Every year a positive, party atmosphere seeps into Santa Maria by way of polished and revved classic cars coming from far and wide to be a part of Cruzin’ for Life, an annual fundraising event in support of local cancer programs. This year, the events, which usually include the car show and cruise on a…
The Mummies are back
Here Come the Mummies is returning with out-of-this-world funk to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. Formed in 2000, the 13-member R&B band is best known for its entertaining concerts and mummy attire. Little is known about the real identity of these professional musicians, who include drummer and…
Artists share inspiration
Artists are invited to gather to share information and inspiration at the next Artist Salon meeting, set for Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. and titled “Where Art and Nature Meet.” This salon will explore how landscapes, flora, and fauna inspire artists and their work. Attendees will also discuss the Wildling Museum’s upcoming…
Fairpark announces themes
The Santa Maria Fairpark has announced the 2013 Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival and 2013 Santa Barbara County Fair themes. “How Sweet It Is” is theme for the 2013 Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival to be held April 26 to 28, 2013. The festival is a celebration of the Valley’s No. 1 agricultural crop: strawberries.…
Paging the community
What does it take to get a community to come together to discuss topics that affect everyone? It takes the effort of dedicated people, some well-developed events, and a bit of fiscal assistance. Thanks to a grant from the Cal Humanities department, an independent nonprofit state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Lompoc…
Beloved comedy
Sometimes, when chaos abounds, it’s good to stop, relax, and have a good laugh at some of life’s lesser-yet-still-chaotic events. You could visit Fayro, Texas, where sisters Frankie, Honey Raye, and Twink Futrelle join cantankerous wedding coordinator Miss Geneva Musgrave (Nancy Amidon) in an attempt to throw a wedding for Frankie’s daughter, Tina Jo. The…
On the roster
• Cruzin’ for Life: The annual car show, cruise, and concert fundraising event takes place Sept. 21 to 23 at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Friday’s events include Family Fun Night, an evening of carnival rides and games, a car show meet and greet, and a ’60s dance at the Plaza Pavilion. The event continues Saturday…
Bike Tour blows through Buellton
About 250 cyclists were welcomed at a celebration dinner in Buellton on Sept. 14, as part of the Arthritis Foundation’s 12th annual California Coast Classic Bike Tour. Participants started their trek in San Francisco on Sept. 9 and cycled down the California coastline over eight days with a goal of raising $1 million for the…
It’s a blast
Like most comic book-obsessed kids, I always wondered what it would be like to be Superman. The thought of lifting off the ground and soaring, experiencing the pure freedom of flight, was—and still is—the stuff of many a daydream. At Jetlev Southwest in Newport Beach, which offers training sessions in water-propelled jetpacks, I came about…
Athlete of the Week: Cameron Artis-Payne
Allan Hancock College’s Cameron Artis-Payne has just one word to describe his game: physical. The stellar sophomore running back exhibited his breakout ability on Sept. 8, tearing up highly ranked El Camino College for 232 yards on 22 carries, and scoring three touchdowns. The performance could be just a glimpse of what Bulldog fans can…
Celebrate the grape
Wine grapes in Santa Barbara County are ripening beautifully this year—a welcome change after low crop yields the last couple of years, brought on by unseasonable weather. “The nearly perfect summer weather this year has resulted in an outstanding crop across the board,” said Chris Hammell, vineyard manager for Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Vineyards…
Who are the childfree?
Some people don’t have the skills and/or abilities to be parents. We see the evidence in our personal lives and the media. We think, “They should never have had kids.” Most have never known they had a choice. People are pressured by society, right person or not. So I introduce the term “childfree” and other…
Linking students to the future
The California Department of Education is launching a new pilot program that will give up to 20 school districts across the state money to create curricula designed to help students graduate from high school prepared to succeed in careers and college. Applicants to the Linked Learning pilot program can include school districts, county offices of…
Learn how to comply with diesel exhaust regulations
Diesel fleet owners, managers, inspectors, and others interested in learning how about diesel particulate management are invited to attend two free courses at Allan Hancock College’s Lompoc Valley Campus in October. The California Air Resources Board is teaching the classes. Diesel Exhaust After-Treatment Devices (CARB Course No. 511) will be held from 8:30 a.m. to…
Hobnobbing With Helen
This was not your run-of-the-mill golf tournament fundraiser. The annual Shoes for Students Golf Tournament prides itself on being offbeat. The 12th annual tournament, held Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Santa Maria Country Club, attracts participants mostly (but not exclusively) from the local community of Realtors and makes no bones about that fact that it’s…
The print that keeps on giving
What do fingerprints and snowflakes have in common? No two are the same, even for identical twins! That’s pretty cool, especially considering how many people there are in this world, and how many snowflakes fall around the world during the year. Since September is “I Spy” month at the Discovery Museum, the topic of fingerprints…
Get a free mammogram
Got breasts? Know someone who does? You’d better take care of them by making sure they’re cancer-free. In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, will offer a free mammogram clinic on Sept. 22 to local women who qualify…
Spotlight on: The Bookworm
“Can I help you find anything?” Darin Gabler asked as a woman walked through the door of The Bookworm, a charmingly quaint used bookstore in Santa Maria. “No, thank you. I know right where to go,” the woman replied with a smile and made her way toward the back of the store. She stopped momentarily…
Reading is power
Eddie Taylor, CEO of the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, is giving me a tutorial on one of his organization’s new education programs. Reading Plus, or “Power Reading,” has been around for decades, but the United Way—through a partnership with educators and businesses—recently helped implement the online version of the program at local schools.…
Fire considered to be suspicious
The Santa Maria Fire Department is investigating a fire that caused $15,000 in damages to a house on Sept. 17. At just before 8:30 that morning, three engines and a ladder truck responded to a blaze at a vacant house on Oakley Street. Neighbors had called in to report the fire. Within 11 minutes, crews…
Marian moves away from nursing assistants
Marian Regional Medical Center recently announced that it’s moving toward an all registered nurse staff supported by certified nursing assistants with specific capabilities—i.e. functioning as monitor observers and unit clerks. A job posting at peoplemenders.com, though expired as of the time of this writing, listed a variety of duties for the assistant position, from observing…
SLO County finalizes improvements around Maria Vista Estates
The last of three phases of public improvement projects surrounding the beleaguered Maria Vista Estates in Nipomo will finally get underway following a contract awarded to a local company. On Sept. 18, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors approved in their consent agenda an item awarding approximately $544,000 to the lowest bidder, Nipomo-based…
First Solar inks deal with PG&E on Cuyama project
First Solar, one of the largest makers of photovoltaic solar panels, announced a deal with PG&E on Sept. 11 to sell the electricity it would generate from two proposed solar power plants, including a large array near Cuyama. Once completed, the two solar farms will have a combined capacity of 72 megawatts: 40 megawatts would…
Panel recommends upgrades to Vandenberg’s missile defense
A study released by the National Research Council on Sept. 11 cautioned that the nation’s missile defense system, which includes ground-based interceptors at Vandenberg Air Force Base, is flawed and in need of improvements. According to researchers, the current Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system—comprised of four interceptor missiles in silos at Vandenberg and 26 in…
Locals get the opposite of trashed
At first, it sounds like the remnants of a Vegas wedding after-party: High-heeled boots. Bras. Men’s briefs. A gavel. Fake fingernails. A barbecue. Then, it starts to get a little weird: A Barbie doll. A ski jacket. A cat scratcher? It makes a bit more sense, however, in the proper context. Volunteers gathered almost 2,000…
