The so-called “War on Drugs” in regards to marijuana has failed. We spend a fortune on trying to control it, while at the same time filling our overcrowded prisons with inmates. The only thing that has resulted from all this attempt at control has made growing it very lucrative—one plant is worth $4,000. Marijuana has […]
Legalize – and tax – marijuana
Posted inOpinion
Extend compassion to more than dogs and cats
As a veterinarian, I consider my role to be that of an advocate for all animals. As such, I was very disappointed by the article “Opposition groups say Proposition 2 is something to cluck about” (July 31). Proposition 2 is a very modest initiative to improve the welfare of those animals most of us would […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Small cars, big speed
On a normal day at the track, there might be 40 go-karts. Last weekend, at the Santa Maria Karting Association track, there were more than 300. It was the International Karting Federation Grand Nationals, held at the Santa Maria track for the third time, and the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber filled the air. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Athlete of the Week
Dr. Brenda Forsythe and Kadence are quite a pair. She’s a 45-year-old veterinarian practicing in Orcutt, and he’s a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding who likes to jump. Together, they’re winners, and they’ve taken home countless blue ribbons throughout the years in hunting, jumping, and dressage competitions. They’ve even taken home a few division championships. “He’s […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hancock adds two new coaches to the roster
Women’s volleyball and women’s soccer at Allan Hancock College are both set to get new coaches next season. Athletic Director Kim Ensing has recommended Julio Molina as the new volleyball coach and Rodrigo Garcia for women’s soccer. Molina has coached at the high school level for the past five years, most recently as the junior […]
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. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
HEALTH
THE POWER OF LIVING ENERGY WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM features Robert Heiman, Dr. Erminia Guarneri, and Gary Schwartz, all speaking about wellness on Aug. 9 at the Biltmore Hotel, Santa Barbara. Info: 1-800-235-1217 or www.SAIOE.com. ONGOING ARTHRITIS FDN. is a low impact, sit-in-chair exercise program held every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Valentine […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
ART
THE LOS PADRES ARTIST GUILD holds its monthly meeting, featuring local artist Stephanie Krouse demonstrating pastel painting, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Luis Oasis Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave., Old Orcutt. Info: 934-5835 or lospadresartistguild.com. THE CYPRESS GALLERY currently features the exhibition Abstract Thoughtby Elizabeth Monks Hack through August at the gallery, 119 […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
LEARNING
CAMP OBAMA features volunteer information to help Barack Obama win the presidency Aug. 9 from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edwards Community Center, Sierra Vista Park, 809 Panther Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 722-4685. THE DANA ADOBE NIPOMO AMIGOS present the 2008 Summer Talks series featuring Joe Dana speaking about the life of Capt. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
RECREATION
CITY OF SANTA MARIA offers summer aquatic activities through Aug. 10 at Pioneer Valley High School. Weekend recreation swim will be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and lap swim runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Dates and […]