It’s art. It’s trash. The difference may be subjective, but then, sometimes art really is trash—at least in a sense. It takes a dedicated heart to recycle items that would ordinarily go in the garbage, but it takes an inspired heart to take those same items and turn them into a bit of thought-provoking visual […]
Art reclaimed
Posted inFood & Drink
Entrees and extras
Chill winds and short days make this the perfect season for visiting with friends over fabulous dishes of soul-warming food. To encourage diners to sample the fare at area restaurants, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau has launched Dine Out: Santa Maria Style, a two-week bonanza of gustatory delights. […]
Posted inNews
Book battles
Books loom large over Sheila Butterworth as she shifts a volume here and there in her store. The shelves at the Bookworm are wall to wall, floor to ceiling, making her seem even more petite than she is—but she has complete control over her towering inventory. Ask her for a specific book—say, something fondly remembered […]
Posted inNews
Quit cold turkey
Ah, Thanksgiving. Mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, and … tofu-based turkey substitute? Don’t look so surprised, you carnivores. There are plenty of people out there who will be giving thanks without the turkey. And while meat eaters may roll their eyes at the mere thought of a tofurky, that infamous veggie-friendly substitute isn’t necessarily as prevalent […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria to lose red light cameras, for now
The red light traffic enforcement cameras at two Santa Maria intersections are coming down, but that doesn’t mean drivers are going to have it any easier if they run a stoplight. “Whether you get a ticket from a camera or an officer, the fine is still $406 for running a red light,” city spokesman Mark […]
Posted inOpinion
What are you thankful for this year?
Robert Salinas construction worker “More money, and happiness.” Amber Scott barista “My family. It’s so nice to have someone to depend on when going through hard times.” Eric Salguero entrepreneur “Good friends, and family.” Cesar Jaramilo grease monkey “Getting engaged to a great girl.”
Posted inNews
Political Watch 11-26
On Nov. 18, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to increase resources for the country’s firefighters. The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3791) authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel, according to a press release from the office of […]
Posted inNews
Community Notebook 11-26
TUESDAY, DEC. 1 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office […]
Posted inNews
Happiness is a warm cat
In ancient Egyptian times, cats were revered as kings. And man has always loved dogs, giving them a place of honor since long before Lassie saved Timmy again and again from the abyss of the well. These days, however, many dogs and cats are stuck in a rut, facing loneliness during the holidays. You can […]
Posted inNews
Credit where it’s due
In the Santa Maria Sun’s Holiday Guide that debuted on Nov. 19, Neal Breton of SLO Art Supply played the menacing holiday monster, while Rachel Krauss played the ingénue in distress. News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers from staff reporting and local and national media. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria approves a new bike plan
The Santa Maria City Council on Nov. 17 approved a bike plan that will add 139 new miles of bike paths, lanes, and routes and fill in gaps in the city’s existing bike path network. The Bikeway Master Plan, which will become effective in December, will connect neighborhoods to the downtown area, parks, and schools, […]
Posted inNews
Sen. Abel Maldonado nominated for lieutenant governor
At a press conference in Los Angeles on Nov. 24, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he has nominated Sen. Abel Maldonado as California’s lieutenant governor. If confirmed by the Legislature, the Santa Maria Republican will replace exiting Lt. Governor John Garamendi, who was recently elected to Congress. “[Maldonado] is more than just a strong leader […]