A picture may be worth a thousand words, but those words may not necessarily tell the whole story. There are often layers that need to be peeled back—and even then, there are often more questions underneath. Search for answers yourself at the latest C Gallery exhibition Underskin/Understand. The show offers a contemplative look at what’s […]
Go under
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Road to Bethlehem
In July, when most people were thinking about vacations, sunshine, and barbecues, a core group of volunteers at First Baptist Church was thinking about Christmas. Their many months of work will culminate in a presentation of a living nativity featuring more than 200 actors and nearly 100 animals. “Last year was the inaugural event, and […]
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Political Watch – 12.09
• Feel compelled to serve the city of Santa Maria? Local officials are now seeking representatives for several boards and committees. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Dec. 30: • The All-America City Committee: Two at-large and one youth/education appointments will be made for two-year terms. This committee works to enhance the civic […]
Posted inOpinion
What Christmas song do you think is overplayed?
Brianna Sheehy student “‘The Christmas Song.’ It’s personally my favorite, but there are so many versions—country, jazz, and classical. Alex Kelly CNA “‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,’ the Michael Jackson one. I hear it all the time in Wal-Mart.” Ashley Hylton photographer “‘Santa Baby.’ It’s even on right now.” Brittany Wright receptionist “‘Jingle Bells.’ […]
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Community Notebook – 12.09
MONDAY, DEC. 13 • 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, DEC. 14 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s […]
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CALMing effect
Child Abuse Listening and Mediation (CALM)—a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit organization dedicated to putting an end to child abuse—has opened its doors to the North County community. Thanks mainly to a grant from the county’s Department of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services, the organization will be offering counseling and preventative treatment to local families affected […]
Posted inNews
Chemical warfare
After years of debate and strong opposition from scientists and environmental groups, the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) gave final approval on Dec. 1 to using the pesticide methyl iodide on California’s strawberry crops. Methyl iodide, also known as iodomethane, is listed by the state as a carcinogen under Proposition 65. It’s a fumigant […]
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Donate a warming guide
With Old Man Winter already lurking about Santa Maria, and the economy still in a bad place, there are more people in need of basic supplies these days. That’s where RaboBank and the Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis chapter come in. They’re holding their 13th annual December Coat Drive, but they can’t help those in need […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Christmas marches in Old Orcutt
The Old Town Orcutt Christmas parade will start at noon on Dec. 11 in downtown. Enjoy discounts with local merchants, business tours, drinks, and free desserts at various locations after the parade. Old Town Market will have a Toys for Tots box outside to collect unwrapped gifts, and Marines will be on hand to collect […]
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Regulators reject Smart Meter moratorium
California utility regulators won’t block Pacific Gas & Electric from completing installations of its controversial Smart Meters, despite questions about long-term health effects. On Dec. 2, the California Public Utilities Commission rejected a request by a safety watchdog group to postpone PG&E’s installation of the new digital meters until further studies on potential health impacts […]
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Lujan takes stand in his defense
The Lompoc man charged with the murder of his former girlfriend’s 4-year old son spent an entire day testifying in his own defense. James Lujan, 30, of Lompoc, spent Dec. 1 fielding questions from defense attorney David Bixby. The prosecution was able to cross-examine him for roughly 30 minutes before trial convened for the day. […]
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Michael Wilson’s sentencing gets postponed
Victims of sour business deals orchestrated by Orcutt businessman Michael Lee Wilson will have to wait another week to have their day in court. Wilson, who pleaded guilty to nearly 60 felony counts of grand theft, was set to receive his sentence on Dec. 3. The hearing, however, was delayed because of a family emergency […]