Veterans find help and hope

By Pamela Dozois/Lifestyle Editor pdozois@syvnews.com

Nov 18, 2009 | 8:45 pm | (0) Comments

Low-water doesn’t mean low-color

By Mike Hodgson/Associate Editor mhodgson@santamariatimes.com

Faced with a stage 2 water shortage, the city of Grover Beach is encouraging residents to save water by removing turf and relandscaping their homes with plants that are drought-tolerant and require little irrigation.

Nov 14, 2009 | 10:45 pm | (0) Comments

Arroyo creating fire-resistant demonstration garden

Staff report

Arroyo Grande will soon have a new demonstration garden designed to help residents make their landscapes more fire resistant.

Nov 14, 2009 | 10:40 pm | (0) Comments

Rotary ‘Fun Raiser’ gala benefits Foodbank

Staff report

The Rotary Club of Santa Maria (Noon) held their annual major “Fun Raiser” Nov. 7 to benefit the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and other charities.

Nov 14, 2009 | 9:20 pm | (0) Comments

Photographer’s ‘Layers’ offers deep look at Lompoc

By Laurie Jervis Contributing Writer

Kam Jacoby has always been intrigued by the stories behind the faces and places in historic photographs. In his new book, the Lompoc native combines a series of historic and modern day photographic scenes in compositions that blend the boundaries of time.

Nov 14, 2009 | 9:20 pm | (0) Comments

Julie Fish is ‘Still Out of Her Mind’

Staff report

A Nipomo artist’s works will be featured in an exhibit titled “Julie Fish: Still Out of Her Mind” throughout the month of December at Gallery Los Olivos.

Nov 14, 2009 | 9:15 pm | (0) Comments

Community Calendar for Nov. 15 to 22

By Times staff

If you want an item listed in this calendar, please e-mail it two weeks in advance to calendar@santamariatimes.com, fax it to “Community Calendar” at 928-5657, or mail it to Community Calendar, Santa Maria Times, 3200 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include the event time, date, …

Nov 14, 2009 | 9:10 pm | (0) Comments

Vintners, artists team up for benefit

Laurie Jervis/Wine Country

The mood was festive and the wine pours generous at last weekend’s second annual Vino de Sueños wine sale and art auction, an event to benefit local farm and vineyard workers and their families.

Nov 13, 2009 | 6:25 pm | (0) Comments

Senior Calendar for Nov. 14 to 21

If you have an item to list in this calendar, fax to Linda Olvera, 928-5657; e-mail lolvera@santa mariatimes.com or mail to Linda Olvera, PO Box 400, Santa Maria, CA 93456. Include time, date, address of event and contact phone number. Items must be received at least two weeks in advance …

Nov 13, 2009 | 6:20 pm | (0) Comments

Faith Calendar for Nov. 14 to 21

By Times Staff

If you want an item listed in this calendar, please e-mail it two weeks in advance to calendar@santamariatimes.com, fax it to Attn: Calendar at 928-5657, or mail it to Faith Calendar, Santa Maria Times, 3200 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include the event time, date, address and a …

Nov 13, 2009 | 6:20 pm | (0) Comments

Health Calendar for Nov. 12 to 19

By Times Staff

If you want an item listed in this calendar, please e-mail it two weeks in advance to calendar@santamariatimes.com, fax it to Attn: Calendar at 928-5657, or mail it to Health Calendar, Santa Maria Times, 3200 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include the event time, date, address and a…

Nov 11, 2009 | 9:45 pm | (0) Comments

HICAP helps with drug plans

Staff report

Is a Medicare prescription drug plan the best option for you? Which one should you choose? How can you get help with paying for prescription drugs?

Nov 11, 2009 | 9:45 pm | (0) Comments

Pound for pound

Staff report

A Santa Maria Weight Watchers group did its part to fight two opposing national health problems — hunger and obesity — simultaneously, by participating in the company’s Lose For Good campaign.

Nov 11, 2009 | 9:45 pm | (0) Comments

IN THE GARDEN: Professional landscaping

By Joan S. Bolton

Does your garden need professional help?

Nov 11, 2009 | 12:00 am | (0) Comments

Holiday tree sales to support Transitions

Staff report

Growing Grounds Farm in Santa Maria will offer holiday trees for sale, in support of mental health services in the community.

Nov 07, 2009 | 9:45 pm | (1) Comments

Mystique of Santa Anita race track echoes down the years

Allie Kay Spaulding/Contributing Writer

Race tracks are exciting. The beautiful horses, the jockeys in their bright silks, the people with their bright hopes. But there were two other factors that drew me to the Santa Anita race track.

Nov 07, 2009 | 9:45 pm | (0) Comments

Community Calendar for Nov. 8 to 16

By Times staff

If you want an item listed in this calendar, please e-mail it two weeks in advance to calendar@santamariatimes.com, fax it to "Community Calendar" at 928-5657, or mail it to Community Calendar, Santa Maria Times, 3200 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include the event time, date, add…

Nov 07, 2009 | 9:40 pm | (0) Comments

Early hardships didn’t keep ‘Billy’ Smith from succeeding

Shirley Contreras/The Heart of the Valley

William "Billy" Smith, born in Yorkshire, England on July 12, 1834, crossed the Atlantic alone at the age of 15, settling for a time in Canada, where he married for the first time. By the age of 23, Billy was a widower who had not only lost his wife, but his young child, as well.

Nov 07, 2009 | 9:40 pm | (0) Comments

Senior Calendar

If you have an item to list in this calendar, fax to Linda Olvera, 928-5657; e-mail lolvera@santa mariatimes.com or mail to Linda Olvera, PO Box 400, Santa Maria, CA 93456. Include time, date, address of event and contact phone number. Items must be received at least two weeks in advance …

Nov 06, 2009 | 9:50 pm | (0) Comments