Kings of Swing Dance Studio will present a Bangra “Bollywood” Dance Workshop for beginners on Sept. 21 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the studio, 282 Town Center Mall East, Santa Maria. The dance style has become known as an exercise method that involves dancing. Cost is $15. More info: 928-7799 or kingsdancestudio.com.
Get into Bangra
Meet the author, Gloria Ewing Lockhart
A free luncheon and book signing event featuring Gloria Ewing Lockhart and her memoir Unmasking: A Women’s Journey is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 3945 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Lockhart is known for being one of the first African-American women to climb to the peak of […]
Writers sharing work
The Bookworm, a local used bookstore, invites all writers to attend an open mic reading event for writers of all kinds, including poetry and prose, on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Bookworm, 230 E. Betteravia Road, Ste. K, Santa Maria. More info: 922-4282, quest@thebookwormcali.com, or thebookwormcali.com.
Altrusa seeking donations and sponsors
Altrusa of the Central Coast—a community service organization that promotes volunteerism in support of youth literacy—is seeking donors and sponsors for two upcoming programs. Altrusa will be celebrating Make a Difference Day with the C.A.N. Project, which will construct a model of the Santa Maria Public Library inside the library out of donated canned foods […]
Locomotive legacy: The Santa Maria Valley Railroad Historical Museum
Twice a month, Santa Marians have the chance to step inside Santa Maria Valley history, thanks to years of effort by local railroad enthusiasts, donors, and volunteers. Located next to the Santa Maria Transit Center in two train cars, the Santa Maria Valley Railroad Historical Museum is now open on the second and fourth Saturday […]
Veteran filmmaker Michael Love turns his lens to the Santa Ynez River
The beauty and splendor of the Central Coast isn’t lost on many, but the extent and complexity of the natural habitats might come as a surprise. Running through the Los Padres National Forest, the Santa Ynez Valley begins to reveal the lushness of the area, which provides many plants and animals with a stable habitat. […]
World class on the coast: The Community Arts Music Association exemplifies why Santa Barbara is a classical music destination
He’s coming. One of the greatest musicians of our time will be performing just a hop, skip, and jump away in Santa Barbara, thanks to the Community Arts Music Association (CAMA) of Santa Barbara. Itzhak Perlman is the world-renowned violinist known for his performances and interpretations of beloved classical music. He’s performed just about everywhere, […]
Teen-enomics
As a father, I have tried to provide good advice to my children. Over the years I have kept them safe by teaching them not to touch hot stoves, not to talk to strangers, and not to wear Ed Hardy T-shirts. As my kids have gotten older, I’ve also tried to teach them financial responsibility. […]
Welcome Willow, Nipomo’s newest restaurant
The new Willow restaurant and market, located at the corner of Willow and Pomeroy roads in Nipomo, opened to a packed house of eager and curious customers on Aug. 29. I was invited to attend Willow’s “soft opening” two nights earlier. I enjoyed my three courses: the heirloom tomato and burrata salad; diver scallops on […]
Claire Bouquette
She’s up with the sun to practice her game, and winding down the day with the warm-up drills that her coaches and team have nicknamed “Claire’s drills.” Claire Bouquette, a sophomore at St. Joseph High School in Orcutt, is known as the top singles player. She said she became interested in tennis as she watched […]
What’s on Deck? 9/12-9/19
THURSDAY, SEPT. 12 Girls’ Volleyball St. Joseph vs. Templeton @ THS, 6 p.m. Pioneer Valley vs. Orcutt @ OAHS, 6 p.m. Santa Ynez vs. San Luis @ SYHS, 6 p.m. Righetti vs. Morro Bay @ MBHS, 6 p.m. Boys’ Waterpolo Cabrillo vs. San Luis @ LAC, 3:40 p.m. […]
Classic exercise
Starting Sept. 25, the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department will be host to a new Conductorcise class at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center. On Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m., participants can enjoy a low-impact workout while listening to the calming sounds of classical music. There is no cost for the class. For more […]

