A group of artists and people concerned with the arts in Santa Maria Valley have started meeting to determine how to address the city’s arts-related needs. The goal is to discern the core issues affecting the arts in the Santa Maria Valley. The public is invited to participate in the collaborative to brainstorm ideas from […]
Artists come together
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Leapin’ lizards!
Pismo Beach Youth Theater (PBYT) will stage its production of Annie Junior Dec. 11 to 13. The musical is based on Harold Gray’s comic strip and features music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. The production will be directed by Olivia Domingues-Miller and Kelli Howard. The play will […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Images near and far
It’s not hard to find inspiration when you’re a photographer living on the Central Coast. There are places where the light dances on still water, where the ocean churns up twisted pieces of driftwood, where hills seem to move with the wave of hundreds of tiny flowers. It doesn’t take much to find quaint farm […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Art reclaimed
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 […]
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 […]
