GALE MCNEELEY AND BETTY FAAS present a program of Broadway and movie musical favorites including songs from Les Mis, the Wizard of Oz, Barnum, and Finian’s Rainbow Dec. 5 2 p.m., Unity Chapel of Light, 1165 Stubblefield Rd., Santa Maria. $10 suggested donation. More info: 925-1882. THE LOMPOC POPS ORCHESTRA presents its annual Christmas concert […]
Concerts
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Special Events
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA presents the 14th annual Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Holiday Decoration Contest with nominations being accepted through Dec. 5 and final judging taking place Dec. 8 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Santa Maria. More info: 925-0951, Ext. 984, ci,santa-maria.ca.us. THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FOODBANK presents it annual Holiday Food Drive through […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A wine shop made new
Central Coast Wines on Higuera in San Luis Obispo has been dedicated to promoting the Central Coast’s fine wines for more than a decade. Vaughn and Sasha Taus founded the shop; two years ago, they sold it to Bob and Dianna Ritchie, formerly of Arizona. Interestingly, the Ritchies were vacationing here when they bought the […]
Posted inNews
Thinking lovely thoughts
Ask almost any child—or adult, for that matter—to explain what the beloved literary classic Peter Pan is about, and you’ll probably get several different answers, each depending on what the explainer fancies. “A boy who can fly,” says the matter-of-fact adult. “Pirates, arrr! And Indians!” shouts the hyperactive little boy. “A girl named Wendy, and […]
Posted inNews
Turkey time!
The Santa Barbara County Foodbank’s Thanksgiving turkey drive ended Nov. 23, but the organization still needs donations for the upcoming holiday season. According to Foodbank officials, 62 percent of households served in Santa Barbara County are living below the poverty level and 29 percent have an annual income of less than $10,000. And many parents […]
Posted inOpinion
How do you know when you’re full on Thanksgiving?
Pat Richman retired “When I pass out.” Kyler Goelzer student “When I’m really, really, really, really, full—like a wanna throw up. And my stomach yells at me.” Kyra Allan student “My brain tells me to stop after three turkey legs.” Sean Allan student “The little guy in my brain screams at me.”
Posted inNews
Political Watch 11.25
Despite “yes” votes from 258 Congressional representatives, the House failed on Nov. 18 to garner the two-thirds majority vote needed to pass a bill that would have extended federal unemployment benefits to out-of-work Americans. As planned, the benefits will expire on Nov. 30. The vote was the result of a stand-off between Democrats and Republicans […]
Posted inNews
Community Notebook 11.25
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1 • The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room, 123 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The agenda is available at co.santa-barbara.ca.us. • The Santa Maria Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City […]
Posted inNews
Shake your booty
Pizza hasn’t yet changed the world, but it might if enough donations come in on Nov. 28. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Domino’s Pizza, in conjunction with the Santa Barbara County Firefighter’s Association, will be participating in the “Fill the Boot” fundraiser to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research Center. This will be its […]
Posted inNews
Start here, go anywhere?
Despite a recent study giving California community colleges failing grades for completion and transfer rates, Allan Hancock College educators are optimistic their students are on the right track. The study, released in October by Sacramento State’s Institute for Higher Education Leadership & Policy (IHELP), analyzed nearly 250,000 degree-seeking students in the California Community College system, […]
Posted inNews
The Sun goes ghost-hunting!
Wait a minute—what the hell am I doing?” Driving southbound down Highway 1, rolling past the Guadalupe Cemetery under the full moon of a crisp autumn night, it suddenly dawns on me: I’m being forced to spend the night in a haunted building or I don’t get paid. I love my job. I first met […]
Posted inNews
Sister of alleged murder victim testifies in Lujan trial
Recent testimony in the trial of a man accused of beating his former girlfriend’s son to death has not been favorable for the defense. On Nov. 23, the jury heard testimony from the sister of 4-year-old Diego Calles, who died in July after allegedly suffering injuries at the hands of James Lujan, 30, of Lompoc. […]