Graffiti, as a concept, is about as old as the dust in the Santa Maria River bed. Well, maybe not that old, but it’s been around for a long time. The ancient Romans carved graffiti—including Latin curses, political caricatures, and the like—on walls and monuments. And they’re not the only ones. Everyone from the mighty […]
Artistic expression and rules collide
Where do we draw the line?
In 2007, there were 36,247 people living in poverty in California. In a state with a population of 36 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that means one out of every 1,000 people in California is living in poverty. In Santa Barbara County, the latest Census Bureau information (from 2004) showed that 12.5 percent […]
Yo-ho-ho!
Forget all that X-marks-the-spot business. If you’re looking for treasure, drop the map and grab a copy of this year’s Santa Maria Sun Best Of readers poll. No booby traps. No dead men’s chests. Just a bounty of booty, from top restaurants to hip shops to community movers and shakers. Sun Calendar Editor Joe Payne […]
Hobnobbing with Helen
The new City of Santa Maria Public Library opened officially with speeches and a ribbon-cutting on the morning of Aug. 23, but on the night before, major donors and guests were treated to a “sneak and peek” preview. What a great party. What a great evening. The pre-opening celebration was held from 5:30 to 7:30 […]
CLUBS & MEETINGS
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 Way, 1660 S. Broadway. Info: 352-0026 or 937-4071. ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL INC. OF THE CENTRAL COAST meets at noon the second and fourth Monday of every month at […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
HEALTH
SANSUM CLINIC offers a stress management class Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the clinic. A cholesterol management class is Sept. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $8. The clinic is located at 1225 North H St., Lompoc. Info: 737-8700. ONGOING ARTHRITIS FDN. is a low impact, […]
ART
THE CYPRESS GALLERY currently features the exhibition Abstract Thought by Elizabeth Monks Hack through August at the gallery, 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. The art of Jon Robert Lyra and Judith Grames-Lyra shows in the exhibit By The Sea through Sept. 28 at the Cypress Gallery. Info: 737-1129. THE GROSSMAN GALLERY presents an exhibit by […]
LEARNING
THE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF SANTA MARIA presents Dr. James Sutton speaking about Parkinsons’ disease on Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, E. McCoy and College Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 937-7776 or 925-0266. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources […]
RECREATION
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CACHUMA LAKE NATURE CENTER presents Astronomy Nights, featuring a presentation and stargazing, Aug. 30 at 10 p.m. at the Cachuma Lake Fireside Theater, Cachuma Lake. Cost is $8 for parking. Info: 693-0691 or www.cachuma.com. THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents a “Birds of the Santa Ynez Valley Region” course Wednesdays from 8:30 […]

