On Feb. 2, two of the five men taken into custody for allegedly participating in a Nipomo cockfighting ring pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges. Cockfighting is a felony is most states, but is considered a misdemeanor in California. The other three men arrested during the Jan. 28 raid—one of the largest such raids in […]
Men allegedly involved in Nipomo cockfighting ring plead not guilty
Posted inNews
State Lands Commission stonewalls Tranquillon Ridge agreement
On Jan. 29, one day after the 40th anniversary of the 1969 oil spill that tainted waters off the coast of Santa Barbara, the California State Lands Commission voted 2-1 to reject an agreement between a Texas-based oil company and three local environmental groups. The agreement between PXP and the Environmental Defense Center, Get Oil […]
Posted inNews
California’s budget is going to the dogs
The cost of veterinary care, a round of golf, and amusement park tickets could all go up thanks to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposal to start taxing more services in the state. The proposal is part of the Republican governor’s plan to balance the state’s $42 billion deficit. If approved, it would apply a 9 percent […]
Posted inNews
Meet the other presidents
On Inauguration Day, Americans welcomed a new president. With little fanfare and virtually no undercover security detail, some community art organizations recently transitioned to new leadership as well—a move that brought renewed hope of a national administration that might support the arts a bit more. Such positive change could ripple down to the Santa Maria […]
Posted inNews
How to teach, each and every one
Few people, if any, refute that there are achievement gaps in academic performance among American students. There are students who succeed, and there are students who fall into a void of low test scores, poor academic performance, and disinterest in learning. The reality of the gaps isn’t really up for debate. The factors that have […]
Posted inOpinion
Obama’s president. Now what?
Daisy Flores singer “Change will finally start happening.” Victor Tapere retail “Now what? Now I wait to see what’s going on.” Tina Hall caregiver “I have no clue!” Richard Lara construction “You never know with that guy. … Let’s hope he can come up with some jobs.”
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
Farmer’s Market
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. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
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. 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. Info: 346-7275 for Santa Maria […]
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 LOMPOC PHOTOGRAPHERS GUILD presents its 2009 Exhibition Feb. 4 through 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Southside Coffee Company, 105 H St., Lompoc. Info: 733-4944 or gstroup200@yahoo.com. THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ARTS […]
