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 […]
Identity Tracking
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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
This old truck
For trips to the lake, runs to Pick-and-Pull for racecar parts, or back and forth from Orchard Supply Hardware to deliver landscaping bricks, I drive a Dodge Ram 1500 two-wheel drive P.O.S. pickup truck. There’s nothing fancy about it. I don’t have it jacked up on big tires; it doesn’t have cool custom wheels or […]
Posted inNews
Start by believing
It’s been about a week since Shane Villalpando was sentenced to one year in Santa Barbara County Jail and five years’ probation for having unlawful sex with underage teenagers. He’ll have to register as a sex offender throughout the duration of his probation. He’ll have to attend sex offender counseling and receive treatment for drug […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Solvang-style breakfast
For years I have taken out-of-town visitors and local friends alike to Solvang for breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House, which is known for some of the best pancakes and waffles around. Paula and Charles Greenwald found success serving their customers crepes and waffles at The Belgian Café in Solvang, so in 1986 they opened a […]
Posted inOpinion
It wasn’t always a joke
OK, I read this today over my chili verde and eggs (“Yes, I’ve used the N-word,” July 11). What I’m getting out of the Paula Deen deal is that she did not own up to it. She tried beating around the bush by saying that it was long ago. She went on to say she’s […]
