The Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) is preparing for the 2015 Art of Recovery exhibition, a collection of media created by locals recovering from substance abuse or mental illness. The exhibit will show in Santa Maria during May in support of Mental Health Awareness Month, but submissions can be made through April 30 at 5 p.m. […]
Art of Recovery show seeks submissions
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Ag pen pals explore local vineyard
The Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau’s GAATE Foundation Ag Pen Pals Program includes Los Olivos Elementary School’s third-grade class led by Mrs. Branquinho. The class visited its collective pen pal Kevin Merrill of Mesa Vineyard Management on April 15 among the vines in Los Alamos and gained first hand knowledge of how local grapes are […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Hancock College hosts first-ever poetry slam
Poetry is word music: It’s a language composed of rhythm and melody, and its multiple layers of meaning can help readers see and express things in fresh and unique ways. Northern Santa Barbara County now offers community members more opportunities to recite poetry through open mics at the Solvang Brewing Company, Lucia’s Wine Co. in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
The Lompoc Civic explores relationships with ‘I Do! I Do!’
If the audience’s reaction to the first performance of the Lompoc Civic Theatre’s (LCT) current production is any indication, there’s something special about the volunteer theater group’s take on Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones’ musical I Do! I Do! Volunteer actors Lea Schultz and David Gaertig gave such life to subjects of the show, married […]
Posted inFood & Drink
ManRock Brewing in Grover Beach offers up craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and a lesson in California history
Deshia Hiebner loves to watch the expressions on customers’ faces when she tells them the origin of the name “ManRock Brewing Company.” Eyes usually widen from amused to curious to spellbound, all in the span of a brief conversation. Although the Grover Beach hangout sounds like it was named after an ’80s metal band (or […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Blake Jaekels
Blake Jaekels, a junior at St. Joseph High School, runs track to cross-train for the football season, where he starts as quarterback for the Knights. His goals for the upcoming season are to throw more than 2,000 yards and to rush 1,000 yards. “I’m trying to work on my speed,” he told the Sun. “It’s […]
Posted inOpinion
So not cool
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver—that’s the official definition, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, and so are the definitions that follow. There are three common types, listed here alphabetically: A, B, and C. They’re caused by three different viruses, and each can impact the liver in its own way. Hepatitis […]
Posted inOpinion
Where there once was water
I know this may sound strange, but, to be perfectly honest, I think your lawn is rude. It’s screaming at me from the top of its thirsty little lungs: “California is running out of water, sure, but my humans don’t care. They like me. I’m pretty, and I’m green, and that’s all that matters. And […]
Posted inNews
Plans for Pioneer Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center move forward
Pioneer Valley High School is getting closer to the reality of having a new spot to practice and perform the arts. During its April 15 meeting, the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s school board approved a contract for preconstruction of the Pioneer’s Performing Arts Center (the rendering is pictured). The board also gave […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria-Bonita picks new school’s name
The newest school on the Santa Maria-Bonita School District block will no longer be known as “School No. 20.” The district’s school board voted on April 14 to officially name it Roberto and Dr. Francisco Jiménez Elementary School, after two local men who grew up attending school in the district. “Naming the new school after […]
Posted inNews
Hancock STEM Center holds open house for incoming students
Allan Hancock College STEM Center staff played host an open house for high school students and their families on April 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event gave students considering careers in STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—an inside look at the center’s facilities, staff, and resources. The evening began with a speech from the […]
Posted inNews
Spotlight on: Passion Parties
What is a Passion Party? Before we answer this question, do a Google search. The first result says “sex toys parties for women.” Whoa—that’s provocative. “What we do is educate; it can be women and couples to having in-home parties to bring passion to life,” said Alejandra Ochoa, a consultant for Passion Parties Inc. “We […]
