The Town Center Gallery will display large and small views of the world: Martin Johnsen’s pastel drawings and Beth Ostapuik’s Pysanky Ukrainian eggs. The public is invited to a reception for the featured artists from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 18. Johnsen will show 12 pastel drawings he refers to as “cityscapes.” His subjects […]
Views, big and small
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The pain of birthdays
The other day my son celebrated his 14th birthday. Besides the requisite presents and birthday cake, it also meant my wife reminisced about the day she gave birth to our oldest child. This isn’t good for me. You see, apparently, as the story goes, I wasn’t exactly the most supportive husband on the “toughest day […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Notes from France
World-renowned French guitarist Pierre Bensusan sat in the middle of the Santa Maria community television studio, waiting for his cue as a small cadre of guests and technicians looked on. He broke the silence by scatting. Then his guitar joined in, filling the room with a harmonious sound that was both familiar and foreign—definitely a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Watch your Steps!
PCPA should run a disclaimer for audiences at its latest presentation, The 39 Steps: “Warning. Possible risk of whiplash.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The play is actually exciting, like a roller coaster or fast-paced carnival ride. There are moments of witty dialogue, incredibly funny on-stage costume changes, and unbelievable situations. The laughs come […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Find food and fun on the Central Coast
Bordered by fields of growing vegetables, acres of fodder-rich grazing land, an ocean brimming with seafood, and a wonderland of wineries, the Central Coast qualifies as a foodie’s delight. Local residents in search of tasty everyday fare or a sumptuous dinner out need look no further than beyond their own proverbial back yard. Often called […]
Posted inNews
Rewriting history
On any given day, people building family histories discover new information about their genealogy. The revelations tend to be interesting, but not often earth shattering. They may find a new relative here or there, maybe word of an interesting career or a love story. Nearly 1.4 million subscribers search Ancestry.com’s databases for help tracing their […]
Posted inNews
Cupid, draw back your bow …
The Santa Barbara County hills are alive with the sound of Cupid’s harp. This Valentine’s Day, the Sun decided to put the county’s romantic side on full display. The area is a lovers’ paradise packed with picturesque vistas, quaint B&Bs, and breathtaking sunsets—the perfect setting for a romance of epic proportions. Inspired by our surroundings, […]
Posted inOpinion
Roses are red violets are blue …
Eva Alvarez student “Who the heck are you?” Jenise Coates student “I love you.” Rosa Diaz student “If you didn’t like my picture, too bad for you.” Sandy Matthews student “Being caught at community college sucks for you.”
Posted inNews
Community Notebook – 2.10
MONDAY, FEB. 14 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, FEB. 15 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors […]
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing With Helen
Where was everybody? Traffic was down, but business wasn’t. The Santa Maria Women’s Network’s second annual Mini-Trade Show on Wed., Feb. 2, provoked a curious blend of disappointment over attendance and elation over success. The event, held at the Santa Maria Inn, attracted about half of last year’s impressive crowd. Did it matter? Carrie Rosing, […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County is searching for Common Ground
Local leaders are taking even greater steps to end homelessness in the region. In January, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—at the behest of Santa Barbara County Supervisor Doreen Farr and U.S. Rep. Lois Capps—granted the county an 11th-hour 30-day extension on the federal deadline to apply for housing funds. Each year, […]