Daily newspapers have only themselves to blame for their demise. The publishers have missed one of the most important reasons why subscriptions have gone down: deterioration in delivery service. And now with the Internet in almost every household, it is probably too late to change. When we began a home in ’51, the morning and […]
Poor delivery service aided newspapers’ decline
Posted inOpinion
Be kind to Mother Nature
When the paved asphalt ends, so does the road. Why do trucks continue into areas where children make sand castles and people happily run their dogs and enjoy a peaceful hike? The Nipomo Dunes are such a unique display of Mother Nature’s genius that the roar of trucks, ATVs, and the RV city really does […]
Posted inOpinion
Survey the surveyors
I had two uninvited, and ultimately unwelcome, visitors knock on my door recently. Their stated intentions were to “conduct a survey” about Proposition 8, the upcoming ballot measure that would reverse recent judicial and legislative decisions that open the state of marriage to any couple seeking it. The visitors soon revealed that they were not […]
Posted inOpinion
Where is the outrage?
When the Chinese government silenced the voice of dissent during the Olympics, the media and many Americans expressed outrage at their tactics. Now, when producers of the news show Democracy Now, filming a peace march at the Republican National Convention, are manhandled and bloodied by law enforcement coordinated by the FBI, where is the media […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Ready to play? A new stadium is open for the season
Just one day before the grand opening of the new Santa Maria High School stadium, athletic director Ralph Baldiviez stood in the middle of the new field, recalling his own days of playing football for the Saints. “I wasn’t a starter,” he said, “but I worked hard.” Then he looked up and immediately saw the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Punt, pass, and kick past the competition
Instead of watching the NFL on TV, kids can get a chance to emulate their favorite players at the NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick Skills Competition put on by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The free event will be held on Sept. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hagerman Sports Complex, […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
One Way Water Polo starts new practice times
Every Sunday through December, the pools at Paul Nelson Aquatic Center will be full of water polo players. To join them, just show up to one of their open swims. The players in the masters (18 years and older) division are in the pool from noon to 1 p.m., and kids of all ages swim […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week
Dan Ando wasn’t expecting to rush for 180 yards in his first game this season. He was hoping to play well, but a guy never knows. “First game, I knew coach would give me a couple carries,” Ando said. But he prepared, just in case. He’s practiced hard all summer, he’s been eating well, and […]
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, 7 p.m., in the downstairs conference room at United […]
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
FARMERS MARKETS
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. […]