Most imbibers have learned that wine can transform a meal into a delicious whole bursting with flavors beyond the sum of its ingredients. In a bid to showcase the fine dining scene on the Central Coast, as well as the merits of pairing wine with food, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and five […]
Dine out, Santa Maria style
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Dad, uninterrupted
My wife took some much-needed R&R from the kids—or maybe it was the kids and me she was taking a vacation from. Regardless of whom she was sick of picking up after/feeding/taking care of, she was gone, and “coincidently” her cell phone battery died. This meant the kids and I were on our own. We […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Make your lawn water-smart
The Nipomo Community Services District will present one last chance to learn about water-smart gardening with its free spring 2009 gardening workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on April 18 at the district office at 148 S. Wilson in Nipomo. According to the district, manicured landscapes seen in most neighborhoods account for as much as […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Shinn shares his expertise
Studio potter, painter, and sculptor Bill Shinn will share some of his secrets to success when he presents a program about painting and ceramics at 2 p.m. on May 18 in the Grange Hall at 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. in Los Olivos. The presentation will consist of a slide show of his techniques as well […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The flap about spring
There’s a cul-de-sac in downtown Lompoc that stands out for its little ornate houses all in a row. The residents are quite transient, but welcomed nonetheless—so welcome, in fact, that one man has built these homes for 20 years. They aren’t for people, though. They’re for the birds. Jim Manweiler builds intricate birdhouses and feeders. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Masters of the stage
Perhaps my favorite thing about PCPA (besides eavesdropping on the conversations of fellow audience members that precede each play) is the fact that once you’re somewhat familiar with the company, you begin to compare the actors’ roles in various productions—often with comedic or surprising results. Erik Stein, for example, assumes the role of Javert in […]
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Look up, up, and away
Keep your eyes on the skies on April 23 and 24 when Orcutt Academy and Endeavour Academy hold their first joint Balloon Festival. Students from the academies’ science classes will be conducting atmospheric research by releasing weather balloons carrying testing instruments 300 feet above the Orcutt Academy campus. The balloons will be used to collect […]
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Allan Hancock College’s summer schedule is now online
Want to catch up on college credits this summer? Allan Hancock College’s summer schedule is now available online at hancockcollege.edu. Beginning April 17, printed schedules will be available at all of the college’s campuses, as well as some community locations. Online registration for summer courses begins April 27, and classes begin June 15. According to […]
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And the Crystal Apple Award goes to …
The Teachers Network of Santa Barbara County recently announced winners of the county’s 2009 Crystal Apple Educator Awards. Nominated by their peers, Crystal Apple winners are recognized for outstanding teaching and leadership skills in the classroom and community. Each year, school employees, parents, and students are invited to nominate outstanding educators. Award winners receive a […]
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Eat well during DineOut week
Local restaurants are serving up fine food at delicious prices during the first-ever “DineOut: Santa Maria Style” promotion, set for April 20 through 26. Special menus and pricing will be available all week at five participating eateries: the Garden Room at the Historic Santa Maria Inn, the Hitching Post in Casmalia, Vintner’s Bar and Grill […]
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Nipomo Chamber of Commerce goes west
Get your Bret Maverick on at the Nipomo Chamber of Commerce’s annual Old West Casino Night fundraiser, set for April 18 at Edwards Barn on the corner of Pomeroy and Willow Road in Nipomo. Running from 5 to 10 p.m., the event includes a barbecue dinner, casino gaming tables, dancing, a silent and a live […]
Posted inNews
Get help for house hunting
First-time homebuyers can find help when it comes to making loan decisions and avoid getting into a bad investment by attending a free seminar on April 22 in Orcutt. Peoples’ Self-Help Housing will be host to the workshop from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mariposa Townhomes, 290 Park View South. Brian Kerrigan, the organization’s housing […]