Cover Story
Looking for the light
A woman in black slacks, high heels, and a billowy top cinched at the waist briskly walked out of a Santa Maria temporary employment agency. She looked up only long enough to push open the door and breeze through it. Then she dropped her head once again and brushed imaginary crumbs—or possibly wrinkles—from her blouse,…
What business do you wish had a drive-thru?
Angie Sandoval payroll “A drive-thru mini-mart. I’ve seen them in México and other places, but not here. Sean Reed correctional officer “Santa Maria Donuts should have a drive-thru.” Victor Limón vocational assistant “First, we need to get a Panda Express—then put a drive-thru in it.” Robert Gonzales insulation manager “A tobacco shop, so I don’t…
Listen to the valley
The Valley Speaks, an event sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society and the Santa Maria Public Library, will feature George Majoue as speaker on Sept. 11 at the Santa Maria Public Library. Majoue, executive director of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society, will talk about classical music’s impact on the city since 1925, when…
Don’t wait to audition
Auditions are coming for the Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s Wait Until Dark, a play written by Frederick Knott and directed by Johannes S. Beals. Show up at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 and 21 at the theater, 1660 N. McClelland, in Santa Maria. The auditions will consist of cold reading excerpts from the script for…
Call for circles and sticks
The C Gallery in Los Alamos is launching its third annual fall group show. The themed show is “Circles and Sticks,” the most elemental of forms. Artists are invited to submit works in all media Oct. 20 through Oct. 23. The show will open to the public on Oct. 30. “Circles and Sticks” will share…
Lenses squared
[image-4] The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission is presenting “6×6: A Photographic Exploration” at the Betteravia Gallery through Oct. 22. Curated by Steven Lewis, a retired art faculty member from Allan Hancock College, the exhibition features work by photographers who create square images. Featured artists include David Passage, Karen Carson, Tim Webb, Lynn Andrews, David…
When life hands you clams …
If you’ve been looking for a copy of Luther Whiteman’s Central Coast classic The Face of the Clam, you should know you could expect to shell out at least $148. The book, originally published by Random House in 1947, enjoyed a second printing after its initial release: an edition printed by the military during the…
Political Watch 09.09
• Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) was recently on the Central Coast to talk about “text4baby” (text4baby.org), a free mobile information service that offers health information to pregnant women and new moms, who can use the service until their baby is a year old. It also sends a toll free number to women using the service…
Community Notebook 09.09
MONDAY, SEPT. 13 The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, SEPT. 14 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board…
Hobnobbing With Helen
A sun-drenched afternoon on a lovely hillside patio. Stupendous views. Music floating over the buzz of the crowd. Ice-cold Chardonnay and just-right-temperature Pinot Noir. Desserts rich with chocolate. Tempting morsels. All this was part of Central Coast Altrusa’s fourth annual Chocolate Delight afternoon affair, held on Sunday, Aug. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at…
Cafeteria boot camp shapes up workers and menus
When students went to the cafeteria for lunchtime in the old days, they pretty much looked forward to it only because it wasn’t class. The Santa Maria Bonita School District recently revamped its menu through intensive boot camps for its food service cooks, so it’s all about the food now. About 30 lunch ladies and…
Fire departments honor 9/11
This Sept. 11 marks the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In remembrance of the tragedy, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department will hold a ceremony on Sept. 11 at its headquarters at 4410 Cathedral Oaks Road in Santa Barbara. The event starts at 9 a.m. Fire Chief Michael W. Dyer will give a brief…
Changes to sign ordinance will head to Planning Commission
Revisions to an ordinance regarding sandwich boards and other temporary signs for Santa Maria businesses will go to the city’s Planning Commission before City Council members can decide how to proceed, city planners said. According to the city’s community development director, Larry Appel, a planning panel must review the proposed amendments before they go to…
Conoco-Phillips agrees to clean up Nipomo oil spill
More than seven years after a spill was first discovered, oil giant Conoco-Phillips has agreed to excavate and clean up the 300-foot oil spill from the Nipomo Creek Pipeline near the Dana Adobe. The spill was discovered in the subsurface of the creek in May 2003, the result of a leak in a crude oil…
Cabrillo High teachers stay home during student’s return to class
Nearly half of Cabrillo High School’s teachers skipped work on Sept. 2, the day of the return of a student allegedly involved in a physical altercation with the school’s head basketball coach, Gary West. A total of 29 of the school’s 65 teachers stayed out that morning, citing “personal necessity” time, according to Lompoc Unified…
Study: Organic strawberries are better
Organic strawberries are not only more nutritious than their conventionally grown counterparts, but in some cases, they taste better, too. That’s according to a study conducted by Washington State University researchers and released on Sept. 2. The study, which the researchers called the most comprehensive of its kind, analyzed soil properties and quality of three…
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’ GUILD meets…
Spiritual
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH is located at 1000 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. “Jazz Devine” presents a new jazz worship service 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: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life…
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 four part “Stress Management” class through Sept. 29 at the clinic. A “Diabetes Essentials” class is Sept. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sansum Clinic, 1125 North H St., Lompoc. Cost is $10. Info: 737-8700. HIRUDAYA HOLISTIC LIFE CENTER offers a series of three retreats from men and women…
Art
THE CYPRESS GALLERY presents the exhibit “Bits and Pieces” featuring the paintings of Shirley Wallace through Sept. 26 at the gallery. An opening reception is Sept. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the gallery, 119 East Cypress, Lompoc. Info: 736-3716. THE LOMPOC SCULPTORS GUILD presents its group show, “Art in the Making,” through Sept.…
Learning
THE SANTA MARIA COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) hold a training series for those interested in advocating for children Sept. 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. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that…
Recreation
ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no contact, is every Sunday at the beach in front of the Sandcastle Inn, Pismo Beach. Cost is $3 per player. Rain cancels. Registration: 489-1340. THE ARROYO GRANDE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB extends an open invitation to everyone interested in participating in all levels…
Kids & Family
ALTRUSA CLUB OF THE CENTRAL COAST presents “International Literacy Day” featuring one free book for each child on Sept. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Santa Maria Town Center, Santa Maria. Info: 937-0222. ONGOING ADVENTURES IN LEARNING PRESCHOOL hosts a free “Story and Sing-A-Long Hour” the first Monday of the month from 10…
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
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “An Evening of Classical Guitar with Manny Mestas” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Shephard Hall, 421 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117. KOSSUTH HOUSE CONCERTS presents Brian Vander Ark in concert on Sept. 10 at 7:30…
Special Events
OLD TOWN MARKET presents wine tasting events featuring Christian Lazo Sept. 11 and Cambria Winery Sept. 18 at the Old Town Market, 405 E. Clark Ave., Old Orcutt. Info: 937-5619. THE SANTA MARIA A’S FORD CLUB presents its eighth annual All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet on Sept. 11 at 7 a.m. in Old…
Get me to the airport on time
I hate airports. I loathe them not because of the long lines for tickets, security screening, and check-in. Nor do I hate them for the noise, solicitors, or over-priced food and coffee at packed eateries. I abhor airports for one simple reason: I am virtually always “The Ride.” Those of you who have been “The…
Listen to Hancock football online
Allan Hancock College football fans will be able to tune in and catch all the Bulldog action live this season for free on the college’s athletic web page. Longtime broadcaster Jim Zimmer will handle the play-by-play, bringing fans the action from Santa Maria and on the road all season long. Halftime shows will feature special…
To catch a fish
Boys and girls ages 6 to 12 can learn the basics of fishing as part of the fourth annual “Take Me Fishing” event on Sept. 12. Participants will be able to take part in a casting contest and fish-printing activities, and learn about watershed education from 9 a.m. to noon at Jim May Park, 809…
Punt, pass, and kick
Youth ages 6 to 15 can test their punting, passing, and place-kicking abilities—and have a shot at advancing to a regional competition—at the annual NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick Skills Competition on Sept. 15. The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, Santa Maria Valley YMCA, and Boys Girls Club of Santa Maria are sponsoring the…
What a drag!
Since the 1950s, when drivers in souped-up cars first roared down a lonely stretch of asphalt now known as Foster Road, drag racing has enjoyed a rich history in Santa Maria. Now, a coalition of racing enthusiasts—Santa Maria Motorsports Park, Inc.—is banking on keeping the tradition alive with ambitious plans for a massive racing complex…
Gary Pintor
Mixed martial arts newcomer Gary Pintor gave an electrifying performance during the Battle in the Vines, held on Aug. 28 in Orcutt. Pintor, who had been rocked during his second round, turned the tables by knocking his opponent out in the third. Pintor may be fresh to the cages of MMA, but he’s faced off…
Relive the ’60s, but in a good way
Whether it was the primordial stage of today’s rock n’ roll, or Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” program, the 1960s were a time of social and culture change that still influence the United States today. In order to put a spotlight on the accomplishments of the era, Allan Hancock College will hold lectures from its staffers…
A penny saved is a penny earned
Saving and money are usually two things teens have trouble putting together, and when the former doesn’t become a habit, trouble usually follows with the latter. That’s where Rabobank comes in, aiding teens in distress. The bank has launched a competition it hopes will inspire teens to save for their future. The video contest—titled “Lights,…
Ownership changes at Signcraft
Signcraft, a Santa Maria-based custom sign manufacturer with clients throughout the Central Coast, recently welcomed Mark Blackford as the company’s new owner. Relocating to the area from Chino, he managed Hydrel—an architectural lighting company—and Omni Playgrounds, a supplier of play spaces for McDonald’s and Burger King. Signcraft, located at 307 E. Main St., provides graphic…
Lompoc group holds raffle
The Lompoc Valley Festival Association will be holding a drawing to benefit the organization on Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building’s Small Hall. Tickets cost $25 apiece, and a maximum of 200 will be sold. Prizes include cash in the amounts of $100, $200, and $1,000; a four-pack of carnival tickets;…
Salad Bowl festival celebrates produce
Conceived by local merchants to promote Guadalupe and celebrate the region’s produce, the first-ever “Salad Bowl Festival” is tossing up fun on Sept. 12. The event will be held at LeRoy Park, 4630 11th St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival’s centerpiece is a 5K run and half-marathon, which starts and finishes at…
Wine shipper inks warehouse pact
Pack n’ Ship Direct, a wine shipper serving 220 wineries and direct marketers from Washington to Santa Barbara, announced a new strategic alliance and warehousing and shipping venue with Central Coast Wine Services in Santa Maria. The company had been previously operating within the Fess Parker Wine Center in Santa Maria, but an increase in…
Celebrate wine
As harvest begins in earnest, Santa Barbara County wineries want to remind us what all the fuss is about. While workers gather grapes for the next vintage, local vintners gear up to celebrate California Wine Month this September by showcasing a selection of new releases. From Zaca Mesa comes liquid history in the form of…
