Each week in School Scene, we review a book for young readers, from picture books up to young adult novels. We call the feature “What Kids Are Reading.” Flipped, a book by local author Wendelin Van Draanen, is coming to theaters in movie form, so a few weeks back, the Santa Maria Sun put out […]
<i>Flipped</i>, be there
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Josh Prenot
It’s a quarter till five, tailwind of summer, and Josh Prenot is swimming laps at practice while the rest of his swim team is on break. “During the training season, I usually have 10 practices a week, which amounts to 24 hours a week,” Prenot said. “After Saturday, I get a break,” he added with […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Saints wrestlers hold golf fundraiser
The Santa Maria High School wrestling team will be holding a golf tournament to raise money for the program on Oct. 16 at Rancho Maria Golf Course. Tee times will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. The cost to play is $100 and includes a tri-tip barbecue. Rancho Maria is located […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Help a vet get a bicycle
Ride 2 Recovery—a program providing bikes, equipment, clinics, and bicycling outings for injured veterans—is asking the public for donations of homemade, patriotic-themed quilts for the group’s upcoming fundraising auction. The quilts may be hand- or machine-made, but must be submitted to Ride 2 Recovery by Sept. 25. Tax donation letters will be available to donors. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hancock football is bullish about the future
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s a fitting motto for Allan Hancock College coach Kris Dutra, now heading into his 10th year at the helm of the Bulldog football program. “We have definitely evolved over the years on both sides of the ball on how we do things, but our base is always […]
Posted inOpinion
California PTA is suing the state
California State PTA has a long, proud history of speaking up for all children and youth in our state. Today, we’re doing so as never before as part of a coalition that has filed a historic lawsuit against the state of California. The lawsuit—Maya Robles-Wong v. the State of California—is straightforward. It asks the courts […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Get picking
Due to cooler-than-average weather this summer, garden tomatoes have taken awhile to blush completely crimson and the zucchini hasn’t yet exploded into zeppelin-sized specimens. Despite a slow start, however, gardens up and down the Central Coast are beginning to pump out plenty of fresh, ripe produce. The harvest of backyard bounty comes just in time […]
Posted inNews
Sharing the gift of relaxation
After going on a personal retreat to learn about the healing powers of relaxation and meditation, a local business owner has returned to the Central Coast to share her knowledge with her neighbors. Starting Sept. 9, massage therapist Diane Shabazian will be leading relaxation retreats for men and women through Allan Hancock College. Shabazian also […]
Posted inOpinion
What song or type of music makes you want to change the radio station?
Shannon Fortner photo lab specialist “The Macarena—because it gets people to act crazy but I like it at the same time.” Gio Shovic software analyst “Rap—though some of it is all right. I’m kind of stuck with what I grew up with, like the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, even the ’90s.” June Romero childcare giver “Hard […]
Posted inNews
Shutter speed
I’ve driven past the Santa Maria Speedway countless times since I moved to San Luis Obispo County back in 1989. I’ve heard the noise of the cars at my girlfriend’s house (six or so miles away from the track) on Saturday nights in Santa Maria. I’ve had a few invites to go to the races, […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch 08.12
Responding to people attempting to reverse Proposition 14 through litigation, Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado released a statement on July 30 that said: “Voters have spoken loud and clear, and the people looking to nullify the initiative are choosing to continue the dysfunction, the unacceptable late budgets, and the continuous infighting. It is unbelievable that party […]
Posted inNews
Community Notebook 08.12
TUESDAY, AUG. 17 • The Guadalupe Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe. • The Santa Maria City Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. Agendas are […]