PCPA Theaterfest will offer two productions in a stage-less play-reading format. InterPlay: The Stage Between gives audiences a chance to hear a play read aloud without the adornments of a full-fledged production. Evie’s Waltz features education and outreach director Leo Cortez as Clay, resident artist Kitty Balay Genge as Gloria, and second-year acting student Michelle […]
Who needs scenery?
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Dial another day
My daughter has been literally hanging on my leg and begging me for a cell phone since the moment she popped out of the womb. Her first word wasn’t “mama” or “dada,” it was “Blackberry.” For years, I’ve continued to argue with her that there was no way she was getting a cell phone. She […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The writing on the wall
Until recently, the outer walls of the Allan Hancock College Atkinson Lifelong Learning Center were bare—a stark contrast to the colorful environment of learning, community, and creativity fostered by the program. Some of the center’s excitement began to spill outside those walls, however, drawing together a group of people and resources that would make it […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Walk amid the vines
The Central Coast landscape, with its vine-snaked hills, has inspired many local artists. The beauty of simply meandering through lush vineyard grounds awakens the senses for artists and non-artists alike. Though the landscape provides a jumping-off point for artist Marilyn Dover Benson, her flash of inspiration came in the form of a venue. Benson found […]
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Political Watch
Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) recently released the latest episode in his Treasures of the Central Coast television series. The 30-minute shows give an inside look at some of the area’s most celebrated landmarks, historical sites, institutions, and industries. In the March episode, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes tour of Allan Hancock College’s Santa […]
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Community Notebook 3-5
MONDAY, MARCH 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, MARCH 10 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s Board […]
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Unsung heroes celebrate 50 years of giving back
United Way will commemorate its 50th year milestone at the Elks Lodge in Santa Maria on March 19, when past board presidents and campaign chairs will be honored. The dedicated volunteers have given their time, talent, and resources to meet the needs of local communities. All members, past or present, are invited to participate. United […]
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First 5 just says no to tooth decay
First 5 Commissions throughout Southern California are tackling the health care needs of low-income children one tooth at a time, according to a recent study. The First 5 Southern California Alliance for Learning and Results study found that funds disbursed by local First 5 commissions over the last several years have made quality oral health […]
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Turn groceries into funds for local schools
A tough economy might be forcing people to tighten their belts when it comes to making charitable donations, but local school officials said there are still ways to support education. One easy way to help support local schools is to save “Box Tops for Education” labels and Campbell’s soup can labels, Maggie White, a spokeswoman […]
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Forum tackles health care concerns
For many, a lost job also means lost health insurance coverage. Santa Maria Valley residents concerned with affordable health care plans are invited to attend a free forum to be held by the League of Women Voters on March 12. A panel of health care experts will be on hand to discuss available options and […]
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Local leaders become ‘principal for a day’
The Santa Maria Industry Education Council and Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the 18th annual “Principal For a Day” program that brings business and community leaders together with local educators. On March 11, participants will visit the campus of one of 37 schools taking part in the program this year and meet […]
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Be safe, get a pizza
If you order a pizza from Domino’s on March 6, don’t be alarmed if it’s already paid for. The pizza chain, the National Fire Protection Association, and local fire departments are working together to promote fire safety by awarding free pizza to customers in cities throughout Northern Santa Barbara County who currently have working smoke […]