Cover Story
Strings and things
It wasn’t a dark and stormy night, but it was a dark and quiet theater. It was a large theater, as theaters go: 2,000 seats. In the middle of the cavernous space sat a man in a lonely black chair, his fingers plucking the nylon strings of his classical guitar. With each complicated movement of…
Who’s your favorite guitar player?
Gene Ortiz I &C technician “Eddie Van Halen. I like his type of music, but he’s just one on a long list of my favorites.” Kaylee Bondietti baker “Johnny Cash, because I’m living in a ‘Ring of Fire.’” Jeff Helms band director “Slash, because he was the first thing I thought of. I don’t really…
Political Watch 9-24
Getting a college education just got a lot more affordable. On Sept. 17, the House voted 253 to 170 to pass H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA). The bill will reform the federal student loan system, saving taxpayers $87 billion and directing $10 billion of those savings back to the U.S.…
Community Notebook 9-24
MONDAY, SEPT. 28 • The Nipomo Community Advisory Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nipomo Community Services District Headquarters, 148 S. Wilson St., Nipomo. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 3O • The City of Santa Maria Families for the First Decade Project, a group of individuals and agencies who organize programs for the Abel…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Tis the season for nonprofit walks in Waller Park. The American Heart Association held its yearly walk and fundraiser, blessed by perfect weather, on Saturday morning, Sept. 12. About 300 Heart Association supporters, many of them survivors of triple and quadruple bypass surgery, took part. I suspect there were a number of pacemakers and…
Waiting for a superman
With 35.5 million Americans suffering from hunger—33 percent of them children, and 125,000 of them local—we need a Superman. We can’t wait on him forever, though. So, in the meantime, Macy’s will come to the rescue by working to end domestic hunger. Macy’s, the mega-chain known for its Thanksgiving parade, will be partnering with…
Grants will keep locals in their homes
Homelessness is a problem every city deals with. There are countless groups and nonprofits around the country that serve a needy population by providing shelter, food, and other amenities to people who literally have nothing. And there are other groups that fight the problem from the other end, by aiming to prevent homelessness in…
Progress reports are out for area schools
Santa Maria’s high schools showed steady gains in language and math proficiency over the past year, while its elementary schools experienced more varied results, according to data released by the California Department of Education on Sept. 16. The state’s Growth Academic Performance Index charted performance from 2008 based on annual assessment tests: the Standardized…
Correction
In the Sun’s recent Best Of issue, the runner up for Best Massage Therapist was misidentified. The honor should have gone to Jainine Evers. News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers from staff reporting and local and national media. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
Volunteers keep Santa Barbara County’s waterways clean
On Sept. 19, residents up and down the Central Coast celebrated the 25th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day by collecting more than two tons of trash and recyclables, according to an announcement from the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department. A total of 687 volunteers cleaned 23 beaches and creeks in a three-hour period,…
Get screened
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting 1 in 6 men, according to research from the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In light of those statistics, Santa Maria’s Marian Medical Center is offering free prostate cancer screenings to men ages 50 to 80, regardless of medical coverage. The screenings will be held…
Santa Maria officials combat gang violence with a community forum
Responding to a recent escalation in gang violence in the Newlove area of Santa Maria, city and law enforcement officials planned to turn a monthly community meeting scheduled for Sept. 23 into a public forum on crime prevention and mitigation. Over the last month and a half, the area has been the site of…
Older Santa Barbara County employees are offered an early retirement package
In an effort to balance the county’s budget, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved at its Sept. 15 meeting a retirement incentive program that would provide credit for more years of work time to eligible county employees. According to the ordinance, all county employees who reach age 60 on or prior to…
Johnigan found guilty of second-degree murder, DUI
A Santa Barbara County Superior Court jury found 24-year-old Ashley Johnigan—the woman accused of causing the 2008 crash that claimed the life of District Attorney investigator Laura Cleaves—guilty of second-degree murder and driving under the influence. Johnigan’s sentencing is set for Oct. 15. She faces 15 years to life in prison, according to officials…
Santa Maria releases an updated master bikeway plan
Santa Marians interested in commenting on all things bike-related at the city level can submit statements regarding the Santa Maria Bikeway Master Plan by Oct. 16 to the community development department. Now available for public review on the city’s website, ci.santa-maria.ca.us, the bikeway master plan provides a blueprint of the city’s bicycle transportation system…
Explore jobs at Hancock fair
Community members and Allan Hancock College students can educate themselves about their employment options at the college’s annual Career Exploration Day on Oct. 2. The free event will match future employees with employers and educators. Representatives from about 50 different companies—including employers from manufacturing, agriculture, law enforcement, and the medical field—will be on hand…
The wing’s the thing
National restaurant chain Wingstop is flying in to Santa Maria, opening its first location on the Central Coast. Represented by Michael Martz and Kristopher Roth of Hayes Commercial Group, Wingstop will move into its new space at 560 E. Betteravia Road. Wingstop presents a nostalgic, aviation-themed atmosphere with a focus on cooked-to-order chicken wings.…
It’s Premier’s re-premiere
Now under new ownership, Premier Auto Body held its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 18 and is inviting customers to celebrate with a 10-percent discount on the total cost of car repairs. The shop specializes in body and paint and frame alignments. Premier accepts all insurance claims—except for color matching—and provides free estimates…
Learn tips to keep your home
Homeowners who want to learn more about the foreclosure process are invited to attend a free foreclosure prevention workshop hosted by the Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation on Sept. 30. Participants will learn strategies to preserve home ownership and avoid foreclosure. Brian Kerrigan, a housing counselor, will facilitate. Kerrigan holds a degree in business administration/finance…
Travel the world with help from college
Allan Hancock College students will have a chance to attend courses across the pond or beyond during the 2010 spring semester as part of the school’s study abroad program in Italy or England. An informational meeting on the program will be held Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. on the Santa Maria campus in room G-106A/B.…
Walmart does its part for education
A group of Santa Maria Walmart employees came bearing baskets filled with school supplies to Calvin Oakley Elementary School on Sept. 17 as part of the store’s new Teacher Rewards program. At a special staff meeting, assistant principal Toni Kelly randomly selected in a raffle 10 of the school’s teachers to receive $100 gift…
Ten bold endeavors worked well
Government-bashers who challenge supporters of a health-care reform public option to name just one successful government program should read Bold Endeavors by Felix Rohatyn. He cites 10 large and transformative events in American history to explain how our government built America. The author, who managed the negotiations that enabled New York City to resolve…
Andy: It’s not bias, it’s debate
I’m beginning to tire of Andy Caldwell’s campaign to unseat Sarah Christie, Planning Commission chair. Mr. Caldwell, executive director of COLAB and pro-business, anti-regulations columnist and radio commentator, accuses Ms. Christie of “bias” every chance he gets wherever anyone will give him time or space. However, I’ve been to enough Planning Commission and Board of…
A quick fix to the economy won’t happen
The level of criticism aimed at President Obama and his administration regarding their actions toward our limping economy is unrelenting. Some skepticism is fine, but a hefty dose of reality is better. The critics thus far have offered nothing better—if anything—than what our government is trying to accomplish. Our economy at present needs support.…
Here’s the Social Security solution
When Social Security was originated back during the Great Depression of the ’30s, its purpose was to provide survivor income to those who had little or none. Through the years, the program has been expanded, so that now even the very wealthy get a monthly check. With the country spending hundreds of billions we…
Now you see the real Obama
Fortunately, the reality of who Obama is and what he represents is finally sinking in. More Americans are beginning to understand that instead of transparency and unity, all Obama has brought to the table is splurge spending, political chaos, and a national disunity unparalleled since the Civil War. We know government-run health care is…
Caitlyn Brown
Ever since Pioneer Valley’s inception, the athletic department has strived for excellence in all sports. Despite that effort, however, there’s one sport that’s had a bit of trouble in gaining a spot in CIF: tennis. But that’s about to change with help from sophomore Caitlyn Brown. “I feel great about Caitlyn Brown,” said tennis…
Off track gets back on track
Scanning the Daily Racing Form, Leann Berning scribbled notes, handicapping the day’s thoroughbred races before an array of televisions at the Santa Maria Fairpark’s Horseman’s Club. A professor at Cal Poly in SLO, Berning takes a scientific approach to predicting race results, based on jockey reputation, speed ratings, and running styles. “I’ve always…
Dribble it, pass it
Young hoopsters in first through sixth grades are invited to register for the fall Boys and Girls Club’s Youth Basketball League. Walk-in registrations will be held at the club, located at 901 N. Railroad Ave., on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $50 and includes a…
Varsity teams to battle … over burgers
There’s a showdown brewing for Santa Maria’s high school varsity football teams—not on the field, but in the Town Center mall. In honor of homecoming weekend, Deckers Burgers is hosting its inaugural Deckers Burger Bowl on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. The all-you-can eat competition will feature players from Righetti, Pioneer Valley, St. Joseph,…
Get epicultured
On the heels of September, officially known as California Wine Month, come 31 days devoted to all things edible in Santa Barbara County. Throughout October, organizers of “epicure.sb: a month to savor santa barbara” invite locals and visitors alike to take advantage of more than 100 ways to experience the cuisine, libations, and culture that…
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. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., in the Altrusa Theatre of the…
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…
Health
SANSUM CLINIC offers a “Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Nutrition” class Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A “Stress Management” class is Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. through Sept. 30 at the clinic. Free. The clinic is located at 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL…
Art
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE’S Ann Foxworthy Gallery currently features a photography exhibit by Hancock instructor Dave Passage in the college’s academic resource center, Ann Foxworthy Gallery at 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3465. A special photography lecture focuses on images taken during and highlighting the Great Depression Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at…
Learning
THE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF SANTA MARIA presents a meeting featuring Susan Kline and Rod Preston of the Hazel Hutchman NeuroCenter on Sept. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church, 605 E. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria. Info: 937-7776 or 925-0266. THE NONPROFIT SUPPORT CENTER presents a “Community Outreach Roundtable” Sept.…
Recreation
THE SANTA MARIA ELKS present the Elks Soccer Shootout for four age groups (7 to 13) on Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Adam Park, 600 West Enos Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 720-3581. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA needs volunteers for a “Project Clean Waterways” cleanup event on Sept. 26 at…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Love and Ghost Stories from South of the Border,” a kids’ story event featuring folk tales from Mexico told by Olga Loya Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. at the library, Shepard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117. THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS presents a…
Dance Lessons
THE CITY OF LOMPOC Parks and Recreation Department presents a belly dancing class from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 28 at the Anderson Recreation Center, Panorama Room, Lompoc. Cost is $31.50, $26.25 for city residents. A Beginning Ballet class is from 5 to 6 p.m. through Sept. 28 at the Civic Auditorium Classroom, Lompoc.…
Stage
THE SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATRE presents its production of Sex, Lies, and the I.R.S. Sept. 25 and 26, and Oct. 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. at the Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Cost is $14. Info: 922-4442 or smct.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE CLARK CENTER FOR THE…
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:…
Concerts
THE DAMON CASTILLO BAND performs in support of their new album Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. at Chef Rick’s, Orcutt. Cost is $15. Info: damoncastillo.com or 937-9512. ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents “La Guitarra California 2009”, a three-day classical guitar event featuring 10 concerts, 3 masterclasses, a silent auction, and displays by guitar makers Sept.…
Special Events
COLD STONE CREAMERY hosts the “World’s Largest Ice Cream Social” benefit event featuring a free 3-ounce ice cream created by Make-a-Wish Foundation Junior Tastemaster Jack on Sept. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cold Stone Creamery. Info: 676-9474, Ext. 4. THE GUADALUPE UNION SCHOOL DISRICT and others present a “Children’s Festival and Family…
Explore art
Allan Hancock College faculty member John Hood will host a trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Nov. 14. The bus leaves from the college’s student center at 7 a.m. and will return at 10 p.m. The trip will include opportunities to see art shows such as The Art and Craft of…
Catch love
Members of the Central Coast Follies are putting their toe-tapping, heart-singing efforts into their seventh annual show to benefit Parkinson’s disease research. This year’s exciting show, Love is in the Air, is under the direction of Jason Sumabat of Blue Dove Productions, and will showcase music showing the ups and downs of relationships. Hear such…
All that jazz
Since Stix Hooper and the Universal Guild for Jazz and Progressive Music began the Solvang Jazz Festival three years ago to promote the genre to a wider audience, the event has only grown, attracting more audiences, spilling an educational component to the schools, and providing a stream of talented jazz artists to the community. …
Saved at the last minute
The atmosphere at Cuesta College’s Sept. 2 Board of Trustees meeting was tense—and understandably so. Nine jobs were at stake outright, and another three dozen staff members stood to take substantial losses in pay. People were losing their homes, insisted Allison Merzon, president of the Cuesta College Federation of Teachers. In an 11th-hour save…
