Chuck, you make me chuckle (“We can no longer support the freebies,” Jan. 5), but let’s get real. Yeah, it’s another sad day in America when the federal government is spending our hard-earned money on “illegals” … like the $3T on our Wall Street, white-collar, corporate criminal syndicate, international investment bank, financial fraud empire, and, […]
Thanks for the laugh
Posted inOpinion
Online porn is risky
Several years ago, researchers Wolak, Mitchell, and Finkelhor published a highly disturbing article in Pediatrics magazine about youth exposure to online pornography that highlighted its effects on youth ages 10 to 17. Very few kids or young teens find their way into my office, but I’m beginning to see more and more young adults who […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Dine-out deal
If you eat out only one week this year, make it January 22 to 28. At least 16 restaurants will serve up the deal of the year during Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week. To kick off 2012, local restaurants will offer three-course special tasting menus for just $20.12, delighting both taste buds and wallets. Here’s […]
Posted inNews
Interpreting the signs
Hours after our so-called “perfect baby girl” was born, not only was she put to the test, but so was our idea of perfection. My husband and I were moments from dressing Sienna Dorothy in a pink velour onesie, tucking her in an infant car seat for the first time, and gingerly driving her home, […]
Posted inNews
Interpreting the signs
Hours after our so-called “perfect baby girl” was born, not only was she put to the test, but so was our idea of perfection. My husband and I were moments from dressing Sienna Dorothy in a pink velour onesie, tucking her in an infant car seat for the first time, and gingerly driving her home, […]
Posted inNews
Willing hearts
Marian Medical Center is a hub of activity. Groups of people flow in as others stream out. Some are on their way to cheer up a loved one who’s in for a short stay. Others are rushing to greet the latest edition to this world. Still others are there to say their goodbyes. All of […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
On the roster
• Adult Softball League: Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department will be taking registrations for its Adult Softball program until Jan. 26. Leagues include men’s, co-ed, and men’s 40 years and up. Play begins Feb. 10, and all games will be held at the Hagerman Sports Complex, 3300 Skyway Dr. Fees are $394 for resident […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
No ice? No problem!
There’s still time for youth to sign up for the Santa Maria Valley YMCA’s 2012 Rookie Sports Floor Hockey League, where children can learn the basics of hockey in a fun environment. The program is designed to develop skills and character, as well as teach rules and traditions of the sport to children ages 3 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Bears! Bears! Bears!
Want to learn more about the black bears in your own backyard? The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake will be welcoming expert Kate McCurdy, director at UCSB’s Sedgewick Reserve, for a talk on local bears and other large mammals on Jan. 22. The presentation is the first lecture of the Center’s Food for […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Seminar addresses training for student athletes
Think you’ve got what it takes to take your game to the next level? Coaches, parents, and student-athletes from seventh to 12th grade are invited to attend the “Sports Performance for Youth” seminar on Jan. 28 at Anytime Fitness to learn about cross-training on a consistent basis. The seminar, sponsored by SpeedSac, runs from 11 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Ryan McGready
Righetti High came out with guns blazing on the basketball court in 2012, and a big tip of the hat goes to forward Ryan McGready, who’s emerged as the Warriors’ version of “Mr. Versatility.” After 14 games, the 6-foot-4 senior is averaging a double-double at 23 points and 10 rebounds per game, while leading the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The will to ride
When Solvang resident April Vossler retired as a speech therapist three years ago, she needed something worthwhile to fill her newfound free time. With a history of working with children, and as a former horse owner herself, she found her calling with the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, a nonprofit group providing equine therapy […]