Several thousand years ago, the Greeks decided to institute an idea of one of their popular philosophers, Democritus. They finally concluded that even though the idea of government run by the people was a wonderful idea, the major weakness was that the people rapidly ran the government into bankruptcy by voting in every luxury they […]
This is democracy
Posted inOpinion
Humans have blown their time on Earth
The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the worst man-caused disaster—ever. We never learn. The oil mess off Santa Barbara in 1969 woke us up locally—but not the rest of civilization. I had hoped we could control our technology, but apparently we can’t. Why do we call ourselves Homo sapiens—meaning “man wise”—when […]
Posted inOpinion
NAFTA has failed, and Mexico has suffered
Asking the question “why” can reveal truths and provide solutions. Wanting to go beyond assumptions and dubious assertions, I seemed to remember that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) had something to do with the current illegal immigration problem. According to info on the web, here are a few interesting facts: In 1994, the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Clubs and 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
Farmer’s 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 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Barbecues
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and St. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Health
THE PIERCE CHIROPRACTIC AND SPORTS INJURY CENTER presents an open house event featuring free chiropractic care to all military service men and women on May 15 at the center, 1415 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Info: 922-1721 or doctorbeau.com. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA offers a “Laughter Yoga” class for adults 50 and older on […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Art
THE LOS PADRES ARTIST GUILD presents an artist demonstration with Julie Fish and her “out of your mind” painting technique on May 14 at the Luis Oasis Senior Center, 420 East Soares Ave., Old Orcutt. Info: 937-4427 or lospadresartistguild.com. THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS present “A View of Nipomo Rancho, Then and Now,” an arts […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Learning
COFFEE WITH CLARK is a question and answer session with Clark Vandeventer, Republican candidate for Congress, on May 13 at 7 p.m. at Coffee Time, 311 Nocholson Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 403-1133 or crewclark.com. CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY presents informational meetings about Brandman University on May 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 1300 E. Cypress St., […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Recreation
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its first Splash and Dash event featuring a 5k run/walk and a 500-yard swim on May 15 starting at 8 a.m. at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Cost is $50. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3227, or athletics.hancockcollege.edu. THE DUNES CENTER presents a “Guadalupe City Walk and Talk” on May […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Penny for Your Thoughts” with storyteller Diane Ferlatte May 13 at 4 p.m. in the Shepard Hall, Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117 or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department, Santa Maria Valley YMCA, and the Boys […]