Life-affirming moments come in various forms, from times of quiet reflection to exhilarating successes. For Damon Castillo of the Damon Castillo Band, such a moment came in the form of a brush with death that confirmed music was his destiny. After the band’s tour van flipped five times on the freeway en route to a […]
Lyrical life
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Under the sea
I have a confession to make. I am completely enamored of a big ugly fish. I am fascinated by all things in the ocean world, but I absolutely adore the giant sunfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It has a face that both repels and attracts me, with those gigantic eyes and that puckered mouth. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS holds a community celebration of the group’s recent land purchase on Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. at Dana Adobe, 671 Oakglen Ave., Nipomo. Info: 929-5679 or danaadobe.org. CENTRAL COAST UNITED FOR CHANGE holds a Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive on Jan. 17 through Jan. 19 in San Luis Obispo […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria PD gets in on the anti-DUI action
On Jan. 9 and 10, the Santa Maria Police Department’s Traffic Bureau conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and drivers license checkpoint, during which officers screened 556 vehicles. According to a press release from the department, the checkpoint yielded one DUI arrest. However, three drivers were evaluated for driving under the influence. Fifteen drivers […]
Posted inOpinion
If you could write a law, what would it be?
Carmen Escalante legal assistant “Public funding for recovery programs—and I would enforce penalties on correctional officers that withhold or delay medication for inmates.” Trinidad Escalante retired “Reform the three strikes law and use it as it was intended: for violent crimes.” William Bell heavy machines operator “I’d make more legal turnout points along the coast […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
CLUBS & MEETINGS
4-H welcomes anyone interested in the group to sign up now. Find a nearby club by contacting the Santa Barbara County 4-H Office at 692-1730 or zmhughes@ucdavis.edu. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. of SANTA MARIA, a nonprofit business and professional organization, meets the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., in the Altrusa Theatre of the Santa […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
SPIRITUAL
BAHA’I interfaith worship services are the second Sunday of each month. Info: 489-4172. Children’s classes are the first Saturday of each month. Info: 937-9451. Study circles about The Life of the Spirit are ongoing in Santa Maria. For questions, dates, and times: 614-0963. Info: 937-9451. BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH holds worship services Sundays with Holy Communion […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
FARMERS MARKETS
SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and bee pollen, breads and pastries, plants and flower bouquets, fresh fruits and vegetables. ORCUTT Corner of Clark and Bradley, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fresh honey, flowers, and eggs, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. […]
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BARBECUES
ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu items include tri-tip, chicken, beef kabobs, chicken adobo, salad, rice, and bread. Meals cost $6. Info: 922-3422 or 922-3799. FILIPINO CATHOLIC SOCIETY, under the direction of St. Mary’s Church and St. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
HEALTH
SMOKING CESSATION CLASSES are offered on Jan. 15, 20, 22, 26, and 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Santa Maria at 2801 Santa Maria Way, suite B; 425 W Central Ave., Lompoc; 2050 Viborg Road, Santa Ynez; 915 N Milpas St., Santa Barbara; and at Cottage Hospital at Pueblos and Bath streets, Santa Barbara. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
ART
MARILYN DOVER BENSON presents her art in a one-woman show through Jan. 31 at the Grossman Gallery, Lompoc. Info: 937-8108. THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION presents “The Essential Worker,” featuring pictures by 10 area photographers, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 13 at the Betteravia Government Center, 511 E […]
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LEARNING
SANTA MARIA VALLEY BEAUTIFUL presents its annual rose pruning demonstration and volunteer practice on Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Santa Maria Rose Garden, Broadway and Main, Santa Maria. Info: 441-6782. WOMEN’S ECONOMIC VENTURES holds free self-employment training orientations on Jan. 20, 28, and Feb. 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Santa Maria. […]