James Brooks has traveled quite a long way to play baseball—all the way from the sunny land of Australia. Brooks started playing baseball at 17, but he had been playing softball since he was around 5 because his brother and sister were playing. “[Softball and baseball] are minority sports in Australia,” said Brooks, who has […]
James Brooks
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Summer soccer camp wants you!
It’s poised to be a World Cup summer, and Catalyst Soccer and Cal Poly, SLO Mustang Soccer are combining their efforts to help inspire youth soccer players in Orcutt and Santa Maria. Two week-long soccer camps will be held locally, directed by the coaches and players of the Cal Poly men’s and women’s soccer programs […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Packers hold a Texas Hold ‘Em tourney
If you know when to hold ’em, and when to fold ’em, the Santa Maria Valley Packers want you to join ’em for a poker fundraising event on June 26. Organizers will be giving away a 50-inch plasma TV and a poker bracelet to the night’s big winner. Other prizes include a 42-inch TV, a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
An incredible ‘journey’
On June 16, a group of 25 spandex-clad cyclists rode into the parking lot of the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, welcomed by members and athletes of the Northern Santa Barbara chapter of the Special Olympics. The “friendship visit” by the riders was the latest stop on their 4,000-mile “Journey of Hope,” a cross-country trek that […]
Posted inOpinion
Do do that vuvu that you do so well
When I first heard it, I thought a swarm of bees had moved in. “Call a bee-keeper,” I yelled to my husband. “We’ve been invaded by bees.” “That’s not bees, Love! That’s vuvuzelas!” he chuckled. Vuvu-wah? “They’re plastic horns the supporters are blowing at the Cup games,” he continued nonchalantly. Oh, God. The World Cup […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Manny’s is the name
The buzz builds as locals count the days until the grand re-opening of Manny’s, a beloved purveyor of fine Mexican food in the Santa Ynez Valley. Much to the delight of friends and fans, the Tovalin family is back in the culinary game. On Thursday, July 1, the new Manny’s opens its doors in Denmarket […]
Posted inNews
¿Cuanto questa?
You’d have to have been living under a rock—or without a television, computer, or some other news-gathering apparatus—over the past year to have missed the hailstorm of political rhetoric regarding the costs of illegal immigration to California’s and the nation’s economies. For those of you hermit types, here’s just a snippet of the news bites […]
Posted inOpinion
If you were a flavor of ice cream, which kind would you be?
Ana Jacovo student “Pistachio. It’s not too fruity and not too bitter, and it’s nice and creamy and comes with nuts—a nice plus.” Cynthia Cruz assistant manager “Strawberry cheesecake, because it’s sweet. You also get best of both worlds, and that’s how I am.” Antonio Tovai boxing trainer “Lemon. It has a nice color, but […]
Posted inNews
Another’s treasure
For some people, rifling through others’ belongings and finding a steal produces an exhilaration that keeps them coming back for more. Such people are called thieves. But there’s another class of people that fits that description—they’re called yard sale shoppers or flea market enthusiasts. They love to rummage through boxes on someone’s lawn or browse […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Clubs & Meetings
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS for men meets in San Luis Obispo and Grover Beach. Men interested in attending may contact representatives: 550-6718 or not_moses@fastmail.fm. ALL-AMERICAN QUILTERS’ GUILD meets […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Spiritual
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Farmers Market
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and […]