The Brit (my husband) and I enjoy playing chess, and it was a fun part of our dating ritual. I recalled the chess game scene in the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, wherein the game of chess became a metaphor for seduction and sexual dominion. My grandson (Mini-Brit), […]
The doctor is in
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. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. OF SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Altrusa Theatre of the […]
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 […]
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 vegetables. […]
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. […]
Health
SANSUM CLINIC presents a cholesterol management class on April 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic, 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Cost is $10. Info: 737-8700. MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6 p.m. at […]
Art
THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION presents local photographer Robert Hamilton’s exhibition “People, Places, and Pleasures” through March 28 at the Cypress Gallery, 119 East Cypress Ave., Lompoc. Info: 737-1129. COFFEE AND COMPANY presents the art of Terrence McConnell through March 31 in the coffee shop’s Lucman Gallery, 245 Town Center West, Santa Maria. Info: 928-6492. […]
Learning
A LECTURE BY DR. CHARLES ASCHE titled “Doctor, Lawyer, Musician, Human Being: Preparing Students for the Future” is presented March 27 at 1 p.m. at the home of Betty Hansen in Santa Maria. Info: 934-7975 or 481-7561. THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT and the Fall Prevention Task Force of Santa Barbara present a […]
Recreation
WISDOM ISLAND presents “pSychic Saturday” March 27 with James M. Spaces from noon to 6 p.m. at Wisdom Island, 505 Orchard H, Nipomo. Info: 929-2074 or wisdomisland@gmail.com. THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS holds a volunteer outdoor labor day on March 26 at 9 a.m. at the Dana Adobe in Nipomo. Info: 929-5679 or dynia@danaadobe.org. THE […]
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA offers swim lessons for kids 3 years and older Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. March 27 through May 1 at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 937-8521. CITY OF SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT presents its “Spring Eggstravaganza” featuring egg hunts, a magic show, arts […]
Dance Lessons
ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays in Grover Beach. Info: 709-4686 or BlueMoonHaven.com. COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE CLASSES by Jeannette and Henry are Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. for country two-step lessons and from 8 to 9 p.m. for […]
Stage
THE NIPOMO HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTERS present “Central Coast Comedy Night” featuring David Burger, Mike Muratore, Eric Siefert, Jim Trino, and Greg Wilson on March 27 at 8 p.m. at Edwards Barn, Nipomo. Info: 459-4297. KITCHEN WITCHES is a comedic dinner theater production April 17, May 8, and May 29 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Lompoc. […]

