“We’re taxed enough already! Vote ‘NO’ on Measure S 2010.” That’s the opening line of a letter filed on July 28 by Gregory Gandrud, chairman of the Santa Barbara County Republican Party, and a handful of local business owners opposing the addition of a half-cent sales tax on to the November ballot. The Board of […]
Local business owners file letter in opposition to Measure S
The public clamors over access to dunes committees
When it comes to the often contentious battle over off-roading at the Oceano Dunes, residents of the Nipomo Mesa and recreational riders rarely find common ground. On July 28, however, the two sides were able to agree on something: They want to be involved. At its July 28 meeting, the San Luis Obispo County Air […]
New to the board
PCPA Theaterfest recently welcomed Robert Dickerson to its board of directors. Dickerson is president and CEO of Applied Imaginations, Inc., and has spent the last 25 years in business as an entrepreneur, having successfully founded, grown, and sold several businesses. An active community volunteer, Dickerson has been a member of the Santa Maria’s Community Development […]
Help the theater
The Lompoc Civic Theatre needs adults and teens interested in volunteering. There are openings in acting, set building, costuming, props, stage managing, producing, directing, hospitality, publicity, ticket sales, and more, all awaiting volunteers. If you don’t have the time but still want to help, the theater is continuing its Summer Membership Drive. Meetings are held […]
PCPA student gets a scholarship
The Santa Maria Women’s Network recently presented its community scholarships, including the first-ever award to a PCPA Conservatory student. Clare Lopez was among 26 applicants for the scholarship and was selected based on her hard work and enthusiasm in the conservatory, as well as having received her BA in music and theater arts from St. […]
Gourd Diva tries something new
Lisa Toth is out of her gourd—at least for the moment. The artist otherwise known as the Gourd Diva has been dabbling with canvas for her latest show at Cypress Gallery in Lompoc. Her gourds will be on display as well, but at the moment, Toth is finding happiness spreading her brightly colored abstracts on […]
Caffeinated and captured
Photographer Renee D. Miranda is always ready to snap a picture of that interesting character at a parade or a mysterious location that calls out to be captured. But her favorite subject is people—the more interesting, the better. “I like taking pictures of people who wear interesting clothes, have tattoos, or wear their hair in […]
Steamatic owner wins award
Steamatic, Inc. announced that Darin Gossage, owner of Steamatic of the Central Coast, received the company’s Rising Star award during its recent Biannual International Convention. According to the company, Gossage received the award for expanding Steamatic’s marketing efforts, his reputation as an “up and comer,” and his continual advancement in the company. Steamatic offers cleaning […]
Kumon comes to Orcutt
Kumon Math and Reading Centers, a year-round after-school academic enrichment program, announced the opening of a new location in Orcutt. Founded in Japan in 1958, the Kumon learning method employs an individualized approach, helping children develop a command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study […]
Make wishes come true
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties Board is asking Santa Barbara County businesses to donate auction items for Wishnight 2011, an annual fundraising event. The organization’s Auction Task Group is putting together upscale packages with themes such as “I want to be a wine expert,” “I want to be pampered,” “I want to go on […]
TMHA gets a $150,000 grant
Transitions-Mental Health Association, a nonprofit human services agency serving Northern Santa Barbara County, received a two-year grant of $150,000 from the Weingart Foundation. The funding will advance the organization’s programs for youth and adults by supporting general operating expenses, including paying for client wages and staff at Growing Grounds Farm, an employment program in Santa […]
Ride the rollercoaster of love
Some say marriage is like a rollercoaster ride. Before you get on, you feel excitement and anticipation, but once you’re strapped in, you’re scared to death and thrilled all at the same time. Some people want the ride to last forever, while others become nauseous and lose their corn dog and cotton candy lunch. My […]

