The empty storefront in the breezeway of Santa Maria’s Town Center West has potential. Lots of windows make for plenty of natural lighting. The white walls stand tall and barren, devoid of even a drop of color. It’s all a big blank. To the artists at the Town Center Gallery, no gallery space has ever […]
Go West
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Taylor Frias
As an outside midfielder for the Righetti High School soccer team, Taylor Frias’ forte was assisting on goals. Now he’s one step closer to reaching his own. In March, Frias signed a letter of intent to play for Division-II Colorado State-Pueblo after helping the Warriors to an unbeaten season in Pac-7 league play in 2008-09. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Pilots take flight
On the site of what was once training grounds for World War II aviators, a new group of Pilots are flying under the radar into the summer baseball season. With local attention settling mostly on the cross-town Santa Maria Packers, the team is hoping to compete with the big boys in the California Collegiate League […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Learn Xtreme Basketball
The West Coast Xtreme Academy girls’ basketball camp has come and gone, but boys in third through eighth grades still have time to sign up for the academy’s clinic on June 29. Former St. Joseph girls’ basketball coach Ron Barba and current St. Joe’s boys coach Ed Torres are the academy directors and will provide […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc police host golf, basketball programs
Duffers and hoopsters of all skill levels are invited to participate in the Lompoc Police Department’s Police Activities League summer golf and basketball programs, which begin June 30. The golf program is split into beginner and advanced levels and runs until Aug. 19. Transportation to the courses may be provided if necessary. Beginner golf practices—for […]
Posted inOpinion
Jailbait or just a date?
Recently, the former principal of Tunnell Elementary School in Santa Maria, Brookann Collier, pleaded guilty to three felony charges arising from a sexual relationship she had with a teenage girl. She reached a plea bargain that will result in her serving one year in county jail, five years on probation, and the surrender of her […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch 6-18
• U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) recently launched a new “Economic Recovery” page on her website. The additional page explains the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and allows 23rd District residents to track incoming grant and project money online. According to a press release from Capps’ office, the Congresswoman’s staff members will continue to […]
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing with Helen
The Humane Society’s annual “big” fundraiser, “A Night Amongst the Vines,” could not have been better. Set in a dazzling, bucolic venue (the Addamo Vineyards), the “Night” featured great food, great wine, a great band, and great auction items, all at a great price: Tickets cost $100 per person and $80 for members of the […]
Posted inNews
The hospital of the future is on its way
A 20-foot steel beam soars through the air above Santa Maria’s Marian Medical Center, the summer sun reflecting off it like light off a mirror. Perched atop it are an evergreen tree and an American flag. There’s no need for psychoanalysis—this isn’t a dream loaded with strange symbolism, it’s the hospital’s official “topping off” ceremony […]
Posted inNews
In the line of fire
Starting this summer, fires burning in Santa Barbara County will face staunch opposition from a new county fire chief. At a special meeting on June 10, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors announced, after a nationwide search, that it has appointed Michael Dyer as fire chief, effective Aug. 3. “The Board of Supervisors had […]
Posted inNews
Give the gift of re-gifting
The Southern California Special Olympics Program is asking community members to donate unused gift cards to help with the financial cost of running its programs. The Special Olympics is a year-round program funded directly from the community’s pocket to help give people with disabilities a chance to show their stuff and compete against other athletes […]
Posted inNews
Union protests Betteravia Center expansion, layoffs
Shouting such slogans as “Services, not buildings!” about 50 members of the Service Employees International Union-Local 620 gathered June 10 at the Betteravia Government Center to protest Santa Barbara County’s plans for an expansion to the complex. According to union member Darryl Scheck, the union is “frustrated and dismayed” that the county has budgeted $36 […]
