Bicycle motocross fans have a chance to see skilled riders from all over California compete for trophies when the Santa Maria BMX track hosts a state qualifier race for the first time on April 4 and 5. The race, held at the Elks-Unocal Event Center, is sanctioned by the National Bicycle League and will help […]
Local BMX track hosts state qualifier
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Junior golfers tee off at Vandenberg
About 100 top young golfers will compete for their futures in the sport when the American Junior Golf Association holds its Golf World Preseason Junior tournament March 27 through 29. Of the 78 California golfers participating in the event at Vandenberg’s Marshalia Ranch Golf Course, three are from Santa Maria: Righetti High School junior Cody […]
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High school’s not such a drag after all
Santa Maria High School junior Angel Espinosa was bored with schoolwork, and his grades showed it. He was looking for a reason to stick with his studies. He found motivation when his automotive shop teacher got him involved in a unique after-school program: drag racing. In 2007, the Santa Maria Police Department was looking for […]
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Michael Ybarra
Santa Maria High School varsity baseball team member Michael Ybarra is drawing attention for his excellence and competitive drive out on the field. He’s been playing baseball since he was a youngster. He began at just 6 years old after he was influenced and encouraged by his mother )who played softball) and his father (who, […]
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Arts Briefs
The Lompoc Concert Association wants you The Lompoc Concert Association kicked its membership drive into high gear by announcing its 62nd concert season and a call for members. The season starts Oct. 9 with Project, a flute, bass, and cello ensemble that balances the classics with elements of world music, jazz, and hip-hop. Jan. 20, […]
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Back to the start
Judy Chapel is experiencing a bit of déja vu. It started when she became an artist. All the joy she found in painting and drawing as a kid came flooding back to her. Art was what she did to have fun with her friends and family. It was what she took classes in when she […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A Renaissance to remember
Some people believe they should’ve been born in a different time or place. Some people simply wish that, but others actually make it happen—at least for a weekend. For those whose heart belongs to the late 1500s or early 1600s, Justin LeCavalier of the Living Knights has brought the English Renaissance to Lompoc. The Lompoc […]
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Community Notebook 3-26
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 • The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room, 123 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The agenda is available at co.santa-barbara.ca.us. • The Santa Maria Planning Commission has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, […]
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Hobnobbing With Helen
Question: When does a gym not look like a gym? Answer: When it’s a St. Joseph High School spring BASH event. This year’s fun filled BASH was held on March 13 and 14 at the school’s gymnasium. A crew of creative minds, led by Decorations Chairman Julie Carr, transformed the athletic facility into a very […]
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Nipomo Swapmeet gives bucks away
Sundays from March 29 to April 12 mean free Easter bucks for kids at the Nipomo Swapmeet. Children can use the coupons like cash at any participating vendors. To pick up Easter Swapmeet Bucks, visit the Swapmeet office at 263 North Frontage Road in Nipomo at noon on Sundays. There’s a $3 charge for parking. […]
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Get a blossom for all seasons
Owner and CEO of All Seasons Flowers, Benno Dobbe, announced he’s changing the name of his Nipomo company to Holland America Flowers, effective March 31. Dobbe moved to America from the Netherlands in 1980 and started the cut flower company in Nipomo in 1986. Now headquartered in Washington state, Holland America grows lilies, snapdragons, and […]
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Buellton gets drive-thru coffee
Coffee drinkers in a hurry can grab their morning cup of joe at Coffee Cabin, a new drive-through kiosk open at 264 East Highway 246 in Buellton. The kiosk’s founder, Jennifer Houck, is a former Oregon restaurant owner. “When I moved to the Santa Ynez Valley five years ago, I was surprised that the drive-thru […]