The spirit can handle some amazing tests of emotional strength, and even triumph over what the flesh can’t handle, but it’s the flesh that sometimes bears the scars. With that truth in mind, a group of artists chose to create an exhibition that gives a voice to survivors of all kinds: Indomitable Spirits II: Proud […]
Be proud
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Catch the spirit
Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol, was first published in England on Dec. 19, 1843. Yet its powerful message of the meaning not only of Christmas, but of compassion for one’s fellow human beings, still rings true today. The origin of this timeless story is also pertinent now, in the face of a horrific economic […]
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No butts about it
A recent cigarette-butt cleanup at four Santa Maria parks obviously helped remove unsightly litter. On a more subtle level, however, it added weight to a continuing effort to pass an anti-tobacco ordinance in city parks, which has been smoldering since late summer. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and local community groups coordinated the […]
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Resistance mounts to planned ag cluster
A plan to develop the Laetitia winery estate south of Arroyo Grande is heading down a contentious path. Laetitia’s developers hope to build their project as an “agricultural cluster,” similar to the Santa Margarita Ranch development planned for farther north. And like critics of the plan for Santa Margarita Ranch, critics of the Laetitia project […]
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Correction
In the Sun‘s Nov. 27 School Scene, the address and phone number of Mission Valley School was incorrectly reported. The school office is located at 1301 North A St., room P-1. The school’s phone number is 742-3252. m
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It’s time to talk about traffic
The Santa Maria Transit Division will hold a public workshop on unmet transit needs on Dec. 10 at Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Community members are invited to make suggestions on expanding transit services in the area. For more information, visit the city’s website at ci.santa-maria.ca.gov.
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‘Light Up a Life’ with Marian Hospice
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for people grieving the loss of a loved one. To brighten holiday spirits, Marian Hospice is inviting community members to join its annual memorial celebration-Light Up a Life-in Santa Maria on Dec. 4 and in Lompoc on Dec. 11. The Santa Maria event will be held at […]
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Santa Maria residents are ready to deck the town
Bust out the tinsel and seasonal lawn ornaments-the city of Santa Maria is inviting locals to spread a little holiday cheer by participating in the 2008 Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Decoration Celebration. The nomination period for this year’s event began Nov. 24 and will last until Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Judging will take […]
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Santa Maria’s Christmas Parade of Lights will be a ‘Winter Wonderland’
Sparkling, seasonal lights and other decorations will be on display on Dec. 6 during the annual Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights. The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:20 p.m. on Broadway between Stowell Road and the Santa Maria Town Center. Presented by the Santa Maria and Nipomo Rotary clubs, the parade will feature […]
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Santa Maria Police Department corporal shared his wisdom and skills with everyone
On Dec. 1, the Santa Maria Police Department announced the Nov. 27 passing of retired police corporal Mark Riddering. He was 53 years old. Riddering worked for the Santa Maria Police Department from 1989 to 1998. He retired after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, but continued to […]
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Big name, big heart
If you drop by the Addamo Wine Tasting Room and Bistro on East Clark in Old Orcutt at lunchtime, chances are you will see a tall, blond, young-looking woman in her late 30s. She will no doubt be swathed in a large, dark green apron. While she delivers water or buses tables in the two […]
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Community Corner
The winter months will be a little bit easier for people in need thanks to the Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis’ annual December Coat Drive. From Dec. 1 through 5, locals can donate coats to any Santa Maria, Orcutt, or Guadalupe RaboBank branch. There will be clearly marked drop boxes at each of the branches, and […]