THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Gigglin’ Granny Preschool Story Time” for kids ages 3 to 5 on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. through Dec. 11 at the library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994 or 925-4354. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CLASSICAL ACADEMY presents a […]
KIDS & FAMILY
DANCE LESSONS
ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE offers classes in ballet dance for ages 3 to adult. Call for schedules. Boys and men receive full scholarships. The studio is located at 800 S. Broadway. Info: 937-6753. THE DANCE STUDIO offers dance classes in Santa Maria and Nipomo in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Dance Team. Info: […]
STAGE
PCPA THEATERFEST presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Nov. 6 through Dec. 21 in the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria. Cost is $16.75 to $28.25. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. ST. JOSEPH’S HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB presents its production of The Rednecks Bite Back, Nov. 7 to 9, at 7 p.m., […]
NIGHT LIFE
The following venues offer either regularly scheduled live entertainment or DJ-hosted dance music. Most performances start after 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. IN THE AREA CLUB 805, AKA STINKY’S BAR & GRILL: 2430 South Broadway, 614-9316. DJ Davey D Saturday nights. THE COACHMAN: 1531 S. Broadway, 922-5556. Thursday through Saturday: DJ from 9 p.m. to […]
CONCERTS
THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ANNUNCIATION presents an evening with Chris Hillman, Herb Pederson, and Bill Bryson in benefit of the church on Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. at the Edward’s Barn, 1095 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo. Cost is $60. Info: 265-7829 or tickets@odox.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE COMMUNITY ARTS MUSIC ASSOCIATION presents pianist Ingrid Fliter […]
SPECIAL EVENTS
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents its first ever “Celebrate Philanthropy!” event honoring three local couples on Nov. 6 at the Santa Maria Country Club. Cost is $20. Info: 346-6123. THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, Santa Maria and Lompoc chapter, holds a Retirees Appreciation Day featuring a program, continental breakfast, and lunch Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. to […]
Now that the election is over, what are you going to obsess about?
Reena Herrera secretary’s assistant “The economy, because it sucks!” Paige Pranjic barista “I’ll probably obsess over money and what I’m going to get people for Christmas.” Golan Van Meter student “You’re assuming I obsessed about the elections to begin with. Not that I’m a teenage nihilist or anything, I just like to deal with other […]
One election night, many parties
Reporters either love election night or hate it. The love usually comes from the fact that beer is flowing, people are having fun, and everybody is excited to talk to you, a reporter. The hate kicks in because sometimes the party goes sour, people leave early, and no one wants to see the face of […]
The wait is over
At the national level, this election season saw lipstick on pitbulls and pigs, “terrorist” fist jabs, a plumber becoming a campaign figurehead, and Saturday Night Live finding its footing again. On the local level, to be honest, things weren’t as exciting. Sure, any election is a noteworthy event in that let’s-all-celebrate-democracy sort of way, but […]
Arts Briefs
Dance the night away Get your dancing shoes on and foxtrot over to Santa Maria Dance Days. The event is a series of dances to be held Nov. 14 to 16 at the Santa Maria Inn. Dancers can sign up for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday pass—or for all three days. Workshops include waltz, bolero, […]
A growing garden
Alan Riggle stared out of his window in Cambria. As he gazed at his tree-covered property stretching out before him, he had an idea. The abstract sculptor usually makes pieces that end up in television shows, movies, and car commercials, but for once the nature that surrounded him also inspired him. “I thought, ‘This stuff […]
Saying goodbye
The David Ryan Gallery in Old Orcutt, one of the few remaining art galleries in the Santa Maria area, is set to hang its last piece of art. The gallery will close by the end of December. The decision wasn’t an easy one for owners Ron and Terri Thatcher. The gallery was never about making […]

