Alternative energy is on everybody’s mind these days. California leaders have mandated that 33 percent of the state’s power come from renewable energy sources by 2020. Even the most ardent members of the “drill here, drill now!” crowd agree that diversifying our energy portfolio makes sense. When people start talking about the particulars of alternative […]
Air Force blue is going green
Posted inOpinion
Decent people will change the station some day
As I sit and watch the images of the humanitarian horror unfold in Haiti, I am simply amazed at the response of the ugly voice emerging from the giant megaphone that is Rush Limbaugh. As the people of the globe literally rush to save the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of suffering humans from […]
Posted inOpinion
Resume drilling
There was a time when I would have agreed with many concerns about offshore oil drilling and collection, but that was long ago. The attacks of 9/11 require re-evaluating the subject. I once worked for commercial fishermen who had their gear run over by seismic survey boats, who could not fish due to displacement, and […]
Posted inOpinion
Arguments against a dispensary make no sense
I don’t understand the arguments against a local medical marijuana dispensary. Allow me to paraphrase what I hear: “It’s not that I deny medical marijuana’s validity; it’s that I don’t want it sold in my town,” or “I understand it’s real medicine but I think a storefront will breed crime.” How is that any different […]
Posted inOpinion
Breathing is not an option
Lately I’ve been reading comments by uninformed offroaders claiming that the particulate problem downwind of the off-highway vehicles is not caused by their activities on the dunes, but that it’s a natural occurrence of sand that would become airborne anyway, any time the wind blows. Apparently they are unaware of the biology of these dunes, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Purple reign
They’re at it again. A year removed from an appearance in the California Interscholastic Federation’s Southern Section semifinals, Righetti High’s boys’ soccer team is keeping the ball rolling right into another playoff berth. Head coach John Pranjic, now in his second year, has yet to lose a Pac-7 league contest in his coaching career, a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Alyssa Ray
Alyssa Ray is no stranger to the game of softball. She’s been playing since she was 5, and since then, she’s accumulated quite a few honors from the field. While attending Lompoc High School, Ray was appointed to All-League every year she played softball. After graduation, she began to play for Allan Hancock College and, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Sign up for city T-ball
Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department is now registering children ages 5 to 7 for recreational T-ball. The cost is $30.50 for city residents and $38 for non-residents. Registrations will be accepted at the Recreation and Parks administrative office at 615 McClelland St. until Feb. 4. Play begins March 6 at Robin Ventura Baseball Field. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Try out for pro baseball
The Las Cruces Vaqueros, a new professional baseball team in the Continental Baseball League, will be holding a tryout camp for prospective players in Santa Maria. The camp will be held Feb. 6 at Elks Field, 622 S. McClelland. The cost is $50 per person and pre-registration is required. Bobby Brown, a former manager of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A long way from trail mix
Have you ever dreamed of hiking an ancient path near the top of the world? And maybe fueling the journey with trailside feasts and wines to match? No longer a mere flight of fancy, this tantalizing notion is about to become reality for a few adventurous souls headed for Peru’s Inca Trail. In July, Firestone […]
Posted inNews
State Farm recognizes Pioneer Valley High School’s efforts to close the academic achievement gap
Pioneer Valley High School recently got a financial boost from State Farm Insurance through the agency’s State Farm es Para Mí program. The panthers were selected, along with 71 other schools and nonprofits nationwide, to receive a $1,000 educational grant. According to information from State Farm’s website, the agency gives grants based on how groups […]
Posted inOpinion
What’s your fondest memory of shop class?
Jonathan Zaragoza student “I don’t really have one—I just remember screwing up a lot. I did make a wooden key, though.” Bubby Baby barber “I remember breaking down an engine and putting it back piece by piece.” Robert Mabry machine technician instructor “I remember once I was teaching a class, and one of the students […]