Storm water collection has a lot of people worried these days, mostly because they’re not sure what exactly to be worried about. What’s definite is that new storm water standards passed down by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board will require a truckload of environmental studies and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. […]
Central Coast cities face new storm water standards
Local complaints of voter fraud link to a statewide investigation
Election Day may be over, but trust in the political process could be slow in returning for some Central Coast residents. When Lompoc resident Carolyn Garrett was asked to sign a petition strengthening sentencing for child molesters in October, she never imagined what would happen next. “I got a call from the Republic National Convention […]
Terrorism isn’t a problem for Diablo Canyon, feds say
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant has permission to store spent fuel in above-ground storage containers without further study of a potential terrorist attack. The decision was announced on Oct. 23 by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which ruled that an existing eight-page environmental assessment was adequate despite protests by Mothers for Peace. The SLO-based nuclear […]
What’s behind those ads?
Immigration and global warming: If ever there were two public policy issues that would seem unrelated, it’s these two. One well-heeled group, however, sees them as inextricably linked. A recent TV commercial, sponsored by Santa Barbara-based Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS), purports that increased immigration—both legal and illegal—will quadruple America’s carbon footprint. In the commercial, […]
We need to change
Change is always difficult, but our culture must change if it is to continue. There is a movement that is coming from the people/citizens. It has been given a title of “green,” but I prefer “sustainable.” Basically, it is change from a high consumption rate to living within the capacity of our habitat. Resources are […]
Karting Association members worry about losing their track
It’s not so much a surprise as it is gratifying to find out that something in Santa Maria, relatively small Santa Maria, is revered by others throughout the country. Santa Maria-style barbecue is an example, and so is the rodeo. A bit lesser known—but no less important to racing fans—is the Santa Maria Karting Association’s […]
It’s time for the Turkey Trot Family Fun Run
Forget the shopping trips and pie baking—the best way to get ready for Thanksgiving is to go on a run, especially if it’s the annual Turkey Trot Family Fun Run, put on by the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The run starts at 9 a.m. on Nov. 22 at the Hagerman Sports […]
Athlete of the Week
Sydney Delgado kicks far and she kicks hard, but she doesn’t have to practice, she said, because she was just born to play. “My family is a soccer family,” she said. Delgado, 7, plays for the Coral Crush soccer team. It’s a name Delgado said she came up with because their team shirts are a […]
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 […]
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 […]
HEALTH
SANSUM CLINIC offers a “Cholesterol Management” class Nov. 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic, 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Cost is $8. Info: 737-8700. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT offers community influenza clinics on Oct. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Veterans Hall, 941 […]
ART
THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION presents, as part of its monthly meeting, speaker Ramona Clayton on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Alpha Clubhouse, 704 E Ocean Ave., Lompoc. The art of featured artist Betsee Talavera shows through Nov. 23 at the Cypress Gallery, 119 East Cypress Ave., Lompoc. Info: 737-1129. THE SANTA MARIA […]

