Philharmonic kicks off its 2008-2009 season Maestro John Farrer will lead the Santa Maria Philharmonic musicians for the opening concert of the 2008-2009 season on Sept. 27, but first there’s a pre-concert event for Philharmonic sponsors at the $1,000 level and higher in the Orion Building lobby. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served, with […]
Arts Briefs
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Get Phat
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band’s music has been featured in films, on recordings with other artists, and even on Air Force One’s onboard entertainment system. But when Goodwin was asked to play the Solvang Jazz Festival, the musical opportunity had a more personal meaning. The person proposing the invitation was Goodwin’s high school musical idol, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Words and art
There’s just something about art and books together. They pair up like peanut butter and chocolate or cookies and milk. And that’s certainly the case at the Santa Maria Public Library. The new library has been in the public eye quite a bit since its August opening, followed by a library shop and a cafe;. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Make a weekend of it
Just when area vintners find themselves knee deep in grape juice and slippery skins, the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association (SBCVA) extends an invitation to join the messy fun. Over four days this October, wine lovers can get an eyeful of the action as winemakers, chefs, and tasting room staffers roll out the red carpet […]
Posted inNews
America’s Tire opens a Santa Maria location
The company that bills itself as the world’s largest independent tire and wheel retailer has opened a 5,000-square-foot facility in Santa Maria at 1266 S. Broadway. The Santa Maria store is operated by six employees and is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on […]
Posted inNews
Tri-County PODS celebrates its millionth delivery
PODS, Inc. just delivered its one millionth POD, and though the delivery wasn’t on the Central Coast, local franchise owner Steve Yapp is still celebrating. “As a PODS franchise owner, it is a thrill to be a part of the millionth PODS container delivery,” Yapp said in a release. “We want to take this opportunity […]
Posted inNews
Fashion N Formal presents new choices for prom night
Fashion N Formal owner Sandra Patton just got back from the Las Vegas Prom convention, and she’s excited about the new dresses she’ll have in stock for the 2009 prom season. Her Santa Maria shop at 2050 S. Broadway, suite B, also offers tuxedo rentals, bridesmaid dresses, and dresses for the mother of the bride. […]
Posted inNews
New car rental company offers fuel-efficient hybrids
Locals looking to get around in a hybrid car can now stop by the Santa Maria-based Zynk Rentals. The new company has a selection of hybrid vehicles available for business or leisure travel. It also offers VIP service and delivers the rental car right to the customer’s home or business and picks it up when […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded a federal grant worth $289,150 to the Santa Barbara County Department of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health. The money will go toward funding the department’s methamphetamine recovery services.The county is expected to use the funds to improve the drug court system, and to expand […]
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing with Helen
Five lithesome L.A. Laker Girls added sparkle and fun to the inaugural Toys for Tots golf tournament on Sept. 8 at the Santa Maria Country Club. The Central Coast Toys for Tots held the outing in order to shore up their sagging coffers before the holidays. “This event will be a giant help to Toys […]
Posted inNews
Creating a support system for cancer patients
Central Coast patients in need of specialized cancer treatment soon won’t have to travel out of the area, thanks to the shared vision of local oncologist Robert Dichmann and a local businessman and cancer survivor, Atul Patel. The two men, along with Patel’s father, are in the beginning stages of building an all-in-one, comprehensive cancer […]
Posted inNews
U.S. House passes bill approving offshore oil drilling
Late on the evening of Sept. 16, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 236-189 to approve a bill that would relax a longtime ban on offshore drilling. The bill would allow drilling 100 miles off of both the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines. That distance would be cut in half to 50 miles if a state’s […]