During the 2008 holiday season, while most workers will be counting down the hours until they get a few blissful uninterrupted vacation days, about 2,000 county employees will be off from work, spending a full two weeks away from their desks. It seems like a good deal, but first impressions can be deceiving. “It was […]
County employees agree to mandatory vacation
Posted inNews
Where it’s tat
At first glance, tattoo artist Jimmy Coffin looks nothing like a savvy businessman. He looks more like the byproduct of a torrid love affair between a sea-worn sailor and a punk rock princess with a strange affection for cowboy hats. But don’t judge Coffin based on his appearance, because beneath the straw-colored hat and ink-soaked […]
Posted inOpinion
Charge into the fourth quarter
It was not unexpected. I always knew it would someday arrive knocking at my door. I asked myself, “How could 61 years have gone by so fast?” Now I hear, not a pleasant tapping, but a clenched fist banging at my door. It’s here. Open the door and face it. You are 62 years old. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Roll on in
The food that swims, grows, and grazes within just a few miles of our dining room tables on the Central Coast, offers zesty flavors and farm-fresh nutrition. At Yanagi Sushi and Grill, these same comestibles shine as the stars of the show in a performance that turns ordinary cooking into lively entertainment. Located in a […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Songs from his soul
It’s a dream that’s been around as long as rock’n’roll itself: being in a band, being a rock star, playing music to adoring masses. While most dreamers actually only get as far as perfecting their air guitar and that fake, muffled audience scream, some get pretty close to the real thing. Santa Maria resident Paul […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Exploring the home front
Inflation and a weak economy have given rise to a summer phenomenon called the “staycation”—in other words, staying home rather than taking a trip to Disney World. The trend stems from a budget-conscious mindset that Americans—especially families—are increasingly adopting. To celebrate the beginning of summer, I thought I’d try it. I laid out my plans […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Wax on, wax off
Women spend a lot of time and money making themselves look good. Guys rarely appreciate how much pain and suffering goes into the effort of beautification. The fact of the matter is, guys don’t appreciate it because guys have never tried to do it. When we want to look good, we get a $12 haircut […]
Posted inNews
Fake outbreak
Hospital staffers pace up and down the hall, whispering urgently about some kind of outbreak. A woman dressed in scrubs and a red emergency vest enters the control room to talk to someone about the barrage of patients crowding the emergency room. No, this isn’t a cliffhanger scene out of the popular medical dramedy Grey’s […]
Posted inNews
Local heroes recognized for excellence in education
On June 7, the California School Employees Association (CSEA) honored 39 southern California “unsung heroes” at a banquet and awards presentation in Granada Hills. The honorees were selected from among more than 26,000 school employees represented by CSEA in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. Award recipients were selected by their co-workers for […]
Posted inNews
Hobnobbing with Helen
Luscious, local strawberries were the theme of Santa Maria Rotary Club South’s Seventh Annual Strawberry Ball on the night of June 14. The berries were everywhere—in the salads and centerpieces, on the desserts, and in baskets on the auction table. This party was as sweet and yummy as the fruit. More than 200 Rotary supporters […]
Posted inNews
Local students help in fight against Alzheimer’s
Children of all ages clapped and cheered during an outdoor assembly on June 11 at St. Louis de Montfort School in Orcutt, as students from Mrs. Cindy Hubbard’s fifth grade class announced that they raised a grand total of $1,047.45 for the Central Coast chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The organization provides resources and support […]
Posted inNews
June is Adopt-A-Cat Month
In honor of national Adopt-A-Cat Month, the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, in accordance with the American Humane Society, is encouraging local residents to adopt or a cat or kitten. Also during the month of June, the Humane Society is hosting the “Seniors Helping Seniors” cat adoption program, which waives the adoption fee for people […]