THE DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY presents author and storyteller Matthew Gollub giving a free reading from one of his books on Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the museum, 705 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 928-8414 or smvdiscoverymuseum.org. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department presents an “Improv for Teens” […]
Kids & Family
Dance Lessons
DANCE WITH US offers dance classes Nov. 25 with beginning/intermediate East Coast swing at 6:30 p.m. and beginning salsa at 7:30 p.m. at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, 224 South St., Lompoc. Cost is $10, $20 for three weeks. Info: DanceWithUs.biz. WORTH THE DRIVE THE CENTRAL COAST FOLLIES host dance lessons for those aged […]
Stage
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, through Dec. 23 in the Marian Theatre, 800 S College, Santa Maria. Cost is $26.25 to $30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE VALLEY COMMUNITY THEATRE presents its production of The Fantasticks […]
Night Life
The following venues offer either regularly scheduled live entertainment or DJ-hosted dance music. Most performances start after 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. IN THE AREA ADDAMO VINEYARD/TASTING ROOM: 400 E Clark Ave., suite E, Santa Maria, 937-6400. Live music Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: […]
Concerts
THE ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE CONCERT BAND presents its second “Pops” concert on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 2970 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria. Cost is $10, $5 for seniors and students. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3252. AMY OBENSKI performs in concert on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. at South Side Coffee, […]
Special Events
THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT presents the sixth annual “Celebration of Life” event honoring community members who have reached the age of 90 years or better Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Center, 313 West Tunnell St., Santa Maria. THE FRIENDS OF THE NIPOMO LIBRARY holds a fall […]
Fee fi fo fum
I make just enough money to have about three cents left in my account on the last day of the month. My bank balance is a delicate thing that has to be handled with absolute care and precision. Even a minuscule error can be disastrous—not only disastrous to my finances, but, more importantly, disastrous to […]
Breaking the silence
Suicide is a complex issue. It’s also a subject many people don’t want to talk about because of its painful and taboo connotations. But according to many experts, it’s that very societal need to keep suicide—and the thoughts and feelings surrounding it—secret and shrouded in shame that partly drives people to the point of taking […]
Is there anything you would like to accomplish before the year ends?
Ismael Conas retail employee “Finish the nine-book series X-Wing before I go to basic training on Dec. 8.” George Ramos sales representative “Basically they are work related: stay in business, and make money.” Alisha Logan fashion designer “Start my clothing website: Rock n’ Roll Inject.” Jared Mack M.P. “Get my finances in order.”
Political Watch 11-5
Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams recently announced that Alexandra Gallardo-Rooker, vice chair of the California Democratic Party, has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District seat, which is being vacated by Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) in 2010 due to term limits. “Nobody has been a bigger champion for the Santa Barbara and […]
Community Notebook 11-5
MONDAY, NOV. 9 • The Santa Maria City Block Grants Advisory Committee has its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria. TUESDAY, NOV. 10 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s […]
Hobnobbing with Helen
What is it about the Foodbank’s annual Empty Bowls event that attracts ever so many people? About 700 showed up for lunch on Oct. 28, 11:30-ish, at the Fairpark. This is amazing! Every year, the crowd gets larger. Those at the head of the line got first crack at choosing a bowl from […]

