A lone platform stands at the Surf Beach Train Station, where crashing waves often provide the only sound. It wasn’t always so lonely here. Lompoc once had two train stations, said Lompoc Museum’s Dee Frasher: “We bemoan the fact that both our beautiful stations were torn down. Now we just have the platform at […]
All aboard!
Posted inFood & Drink
Fall fun for a cause
All festivities on the Central Coast combine optimism, edible plenty, and a call to lend a hand to worthy causes. Area residents gathering to celebrate the joys of harvest are ready to have some fun, while helping to improve the lives of their neighbors. Among Santa Maria’s annual events is the Harvest Festival, slated for […]
Posted inOpinion
Bring back the rock
Dear sticky fingers, I am almost 85, have crippled arthritis hands, and have trouble controlling a paint brush. So I know your reason for taking my painted rock is not my artistic talent. It must have been on a dare or a prank, so will you please return my painted rock to the Hula Hut […]
Posted inOpinion
I’ve got some dune monitoring suggestions
As an avid user of the Oceano Dunes, it is amazing to hear how many people are concerned about windborne silica and other particulates that could be potentially harmful, and how they want to make major policy changes with minimal wind data. I just have one simple question: Where are all the wind stations on […]
Posted inOpinion
People who use parks should pay for the use
Proposition 21 asks us to approve an $18 increase to our vehicle license fees to preserve and improve state parks. State parks bring visions of open space, forests, streams, meadows, and beaches. The wording in Proposition 21 states that the revenue generated will be used for: (b) Wildlife conservation and protection of natural resources, including […]
Posted inOpinion
These are my choicesfor Lompoc leaders
I am supporting John Linn for mayor of Lompoc and Dirk Starbuck for City Council. These two small business owners have the life experiences necessary to help guide Lompoc through these tough times. They have made decisions that allowed their businesses to stay open and keep people employed, and I have all the confidence that […]
Posted inOpinion
Lois isn’t ducking voters
Your Sept. 30 issue carries a “paid advertisement” (page 4). It does not mention who paid for it. I assume Andy Caldwell. This “ad” is negative toward our excellent Congresswoman Lois Capps. The “ad” encourages phoning or e-mailing Lois to get her on Caldwell’s program, which he claims is the “only show” in the afternoon […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Penny Popp
Though Penny Popp, a nurse at Marian Medical Center’s rehab center, originally started participating in triathlons for herself, she’s noticed the effect the effort has had at her work. “It’s a good example for the patients who are in cardio rehab. It shows them that they aren’t the only ones who need to exercise,” she […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Bleacher Bum Chronicles Vol. VIII
There’s nothing quite like Halloween to bring the kid out in all of us—except for maybe Christmas, Chuck E. Cheese, and the ring-ring of the ice cream man. With the ushering in of fall comes the invasion of Halloween “superstores” to all-too-common vacant retail spaces, reminding us it’s never too early to start thinking about […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Fall means changes at Las Flores
Las Flores Ranch Park—which offers hiking, cycling, and horseback riding on about 8 miles of trails—will have new hours and fees for the fall and winter seasons. Beginning Nov. 7 and extending through March 2011, the park will be closed to recreational access Mondays through Thursdays. The park will be open to all users from […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
If you love me, you’ll lie to me
I woke up the other day, rolled my lazy butt out of bed, and looked at myself in the mirror. Whoa! I should come with a warning label. In the mirror was a total stranger, a totally fat stranger. It was as if my brain had been transplanted to some older, fat guy’s body who […]
Posted inNews
The naked truth?
It’s hard to deny it: Sex is everywhere you look nowadays. Scantily clad models beckon to you from the cover of Cosmopolitan in the checkout line at the grocery store. Terri Hatcher and her harem of Desperate Housewives are still going strong on ABC. Heck, there’s even a Porn Star clothing line worn proudly by […]