This is looking like the summer of a lifetime for young baseball player Jaden Lyburtus. Just 11-1/2 years old, Lyburtus is preparing to represent the Central Coast in the Big Apple as one of three national finalists—for his age group—in the annual Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit, and Run competition. A resident of Guadalupe, this […]
All Star material
Posted inOpinion
Don’t breathe easy, California
E.B. White wrote, in Charlotte’s Web, that crickets chirped “Summer is dying, dying.” That’s one of the reasons I never invite any of those bugs to my parties. They’re so maudlin. That, and they tend to not use coasters. But here we are, post-heat-wave, post-fireworks. Sunburned skin has either deepened to a tan or is […]
Posted inOpinion
Nuclear waste isn’t an economic plus
So PG&E prodded business and community leaders for a speedier approval of relicensing by claiming there are economic advantages to a nuclear plant (“PG&E makes hard sell for Diablo Canyon renewal,” Tribune, June 29)? Did chief nuclear officer Halpin mention that there is no policy for the disposal of nuclear waste? Now that the myth […]
Posted inOpinion
Who needs to be scared to death?
Every July 4 (and New Year’s Eve), I cry for the animals’ fear and pain that can’t tolerate the pointless blasting, shooting, and screeching of firecrackers. All, from the tiniest pets to farm animals and horses, can break free or injure themselves trying. Those humans who don’t go spend their own money to get sedatives […]
Posted inOpinion
Yes, I’ve used the N-word
I’m not a racist! And I don’t know Paula Dean or what’s in her heart so I don’t know if she is or is not a racist. But I certainly empathize with her and find most of the problems that have come her way unacceptable after her only crime was answering, truthfully, “Yes, of course” […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Strings for the next generation
In the age of electronic pop music, many young kids couldn’t tell you what instruments make a string quartet or symphony happen, let alone what they sound like or how they look. The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is holding an upcoming summer camp by Central Coast Music Academy, Inc., which allows kids between ages […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Saluting chardonnay
Have you tasted Santa Barbara County chardonnay lately? You should! The cooler microclimates of the county are producing some really lovely, food-friendly chards. I’ve been especially impressed with newly released chardonnays from the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills appellations in particular, from producers such as La Fenêtre, Solomon Hills, Deovlet, Presqu’ile, Riverbench, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Bugging out
I guess if I were an airplane, you’d say I was in a holding pattern. After 20 years in journalism, I was facing a decision to learn a new trade. Entering the wine industry. Not knowing what I wanted to do within the niche—sales, marketing, winemaking—I started working a few days a week at a […]
Posted inNews
Moving target
There’s diatomaceous earth, and then there’s diatomaceous earth with crude oil in it. The two look different. Most people are used to seeing the oil-free type that can be dug up and used in filtration systems. It’s a smooth-looking rock with white and beige coloring. But the good, oily stuff looks rough, with swirls of […]
Posted inNews
Youth workforce orientations will be held weekly
Just for the summer, Santa Barbara County Youth Workforce is holding weekly orientations to introduce its program to young people from 17 to 21 years old. Coupled with that orientation is an introduction to the Youth Employment Opportunity Program, which helps young adults from 15 to 25 years old. Both programs are designed to help […]
Posted inNews
Migrant summer school wraps up
The first run at a migrant summer school program finished on July 10 for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. More than 150 students from Santa Maria, Ernest Righetti, Pioneer Valley, and Delta high schools participated in the district’s first migrant summer school. The program is geared toward students whose families have had […]
Posted inNews
Boys & Girls Club to give back-to-school help
With that August rush to get ready for the new school year just around the corner, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria is asking for donations to fund a back-to-school shopping spree. The club is asking sponsors to donate $100 per member to help those who can’t afford basic school necessities. On the […]