Spinning—sometimes called indoor cycling—is a cardio program designed for broad appeal. It can be used to improve cardio, lose weight, tone muscles, and stay in shape, so people from all walks of life are welcomed into a spinning studio. One member of a local class shared that as she got older, her knees grew weak, […]
Spin cycle
Posted inOpinion
What trips or vacations have you gone on this summer?
Joan Chenault retired “I haven’t done much yet, but I am going to British Columbia in late August. I have a timeshare up there.” Mindy Truex social worker “I went to Long Beach not too long ago, and that’s probably the only place I’ll go if I vacation in the future.” Brian Goodenough delivery truck […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
‘Ancestors of our enemies’
It’s a strange sight, a home built into a cliff. When, on a hike in southern Utah, this sight first greeted Dr. Donald J. Rommes—neonatologist by profession and photographer in his spare time—the doctor was initially wary of sharing photos of what he’d seen. The cliff dwellings he’d encountered were just some of many such […]
Posted inOpinion
The economy is paramount
During my college days in the Boston area in 1950 to ’51, I bought a book titled Prejudice. As a young State of Mainer, I was impressed with the ethnic and cultural melting pot of Boston. The book was filled with boring statistics, but had a great introduction that included a story. The story told […]
Posted inNews
Identity Tracking
Tracking ancestry and bloodlines is an über-methodical process. Throw government regulations into the mix, and proving that you are who you say you are is a potentially years-long endeavor. Decades, even. At a recent Bureau of Indian Affairs-hosted meeting in Solvang, emotions also showed up as a starring role in the process to gain official […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Talent through the ages
The words “youth theater” may conjure, for some, images of construction-paper set pieces, forgotten lines, and terrified-looking kids in costume. Joyce Mayhew, artistic director of the Lompoc Youth Theater, hopes to dispel any such myths theatergoers have about youth theater with her program’s upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. “I feel like there […]
Posted inOpinion
Come back from recess!
While I loved school back when I was just a fledgling learning to spell and do math and recite historical dates, I really loved recess. The word itself still sends shivers of excitement down my hollow spine. To run! To play! To soar! Recess was practically magical, an oasis of free time amid hours of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Get the whole family involved
Michael’s Arts and Crafts presents arts and crafts events for kids, including a “Kids Club Handy Growth Chart Event” on Aug. 3. A “Free Family Craft Time Event” is Aug. 10. Each event runs from 10 a.m. to noon in half-hour sessions at Michael’s Art and Crafts, 1934 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 349-8801.
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
PCPA ‘olds auditions for Mary Poppins
The Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts is in need of two young actors to play the roles of Jane and Michael Banks, the young children cared for in the play Mary Poppins, as well as young ensemble cast. Auditions are to be held on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Columbia […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Take a night out
The City of Santa Maria Police Department, Recreation and Parks Department, and the People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY, Inc.) have joined forces to provide a fun and safe event celebrating the National Night Out on Aug. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. Festivities will include free food and beverages, activities for youth, commercial and […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Santa Maria Arts Council calls for artists
The Santa Maria Arts Council is presenting its 2013 Birdhouse Fundraiser, which features 10 birdhouses painted by local artists to be raffled at the annual Autumn Arts Grapes and Grains Festival in October. The arts council currently needs artists to volunteer their talents in painting a birdhouse. Only five of the 10 birdhouses have been […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local Notes: Lend me your ears
Sometimes, unavoidably, I appear as part of my reporting. I may be a writer, but I was a musician first, and I can’t help but have a foot each in the local art and music communities. Your humble columnist has performed Handel’s Messiah with the Allan Hancock College Singers and Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra, was […]