SUN Best of Northern Santa Barbara County 2014 by New Times Media Group, San Luis Obispo

20 14

14TH ANNUAL RE ADERS’ POLL

2 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 PUBLISHERS Alex Zuniga Bob Rucker EDITORS Ryan Miller Amy Asman MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR Dora Mountain CONTRIBUTORS Ryan Miller Amy Asman Joe Payne Camillia Lanham Emma Fuhs Ariel Waterman Wendy Thies Sell Shelly Cone PROOFREADER Andrea Rooks PHOTOGRAPHER Henry Bruington ART DIRECTOR Colin O’Shaughnessy Tucker PRODUCTION Colin O’Shaughnessy Tucker Eva Lipson Jenny Gosnell Brendan Rowe Leni Litonjua COVER & GATEWAY DESIGN Colin O'Shaughnessy Tucker Alex Zuniga Jenny Gosnell

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

ADVERTISING Georgia Shore Kim Rosa Colleen Garcia Heather Welsh Elisa Baro Jason Gann Rhonda O’Dell Tracey Joyner Scuri Katy Gray

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

You like them! You really like them!

s you flip through the pages of this edition of the Sun’s annual Best Of issue, you may forget that you— yes, you—are the reason it all happens. Remember: Though the editorial, sales, and design teams work together (and with assorted other amazing employees at the paper) to produce this special publication, we don’t collectively choose the winners. You do. Each first-place award (and runner-up) in this pullout is here because you—and

readers like you—voted. You stepped up and said, “These are my favorites! These are the businesses, restaurants, people, and nonprofits to whom I would hand a trophy, if I had one!” You’re pretty eloquent, by the way. Well, don’t worry about that trophy. This issue is reward enough. And since you did all the hard work, now’s the time to sit back, relax, and find out how the votes unfolded for 2014. There are some longtime winners here, as well as new names to delight you.

Sample food and drink with Wine, Dine, and Devour [5], get creative with Arts and Entertainment [25], get ready to spend some money with Burnin’ Cash [33], treat yourself to Feelin’ Good [47], keep your eye on the area with Community On My Mind [55], and listen to your heart with For Love and Money [59]. You spoke up. You filled out the ballots. You honored these businesses. And we know they’re thankful.

Ryan Miller, executive editor

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

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4 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

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FROM ALL OF US AT

the

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Wine Dine & Devour

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

6 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 Best Breakfast

Kay’s Country Kitchen 135 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt Kay’s has been dishing up home-style, country cooking for a long time. The restaurant leaves you full, content, and feeling like you just had a nice home-cooked breakfast from Mom. This establishment is a breakfast staple for local folks. Complete with charming 1904 décor, a breakfast counter overlooking the kitchen, and copper detailing, the space is cozy and inviting for customers. Kay’s menu presents an overwhelming amount of breakfast choices with traditional combinations and specialty omelets, including the “Too Much to Drink Last Night.” Breakfast comes hot off the griddle, and don’t forget to complete the meal with coffee, orange juice, or a refreshing mimosa. —Kristina Sewell

RUNNER-UP (TIE): IHOP RUNNER-UP (TIE): JACK’S RESTAURANT

Best Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt

Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab 168 E. Clark Ave. Orcutt Maybe it’s the smell that hits you when you walk into Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab. Maybe it’s the décor, or the theme, or—maybe—the ice cream itself that has made the business successful enough to open three Central Coast locations! No matter the reason, though, it’s true. Founder

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Greg Steinberger said they try to make their ice cream the old fashioned way, with lots of cream, and serve it fresh. Of the three scoop shops, Orcutt’s location gets its own flavor: Orcutt Crunch, which is marshmallow ice cream, chocolate chips, pecan pralines, chocolate-covered toffee pieces, and caramel swirls. “I love marshmallow ice cream, it’s so good,” Steinberger said. “It’s better than vanilla.” —Camillia Lanham

RUNNER-UP: YOGURT CREATIONS

Best Smoothie

Blenders in the Grass 4854-F S. Bradley Road, Orcutt The spinning of the blades never stops during business hours at Blenders in the Grass in Orcutt, voted the top smoothie shop by Sun readers. The popularity of the creamy, smooth drinks hasn’t waned over the years, but don’t think everything is “business as usual.” “We’ve updated our menu in the last year and added some kale and spinach to the menu,” said Orcutt store manager Nachole Farrens. “We now offer a Pitaya smoothie; it’s a new kind of dragon fruit smoothie that is bright pink in color.” The fresh additions to the juice menu also include nutrient-rich plants like kale and ginger, which keeps fans excited to try what’s new. —Joe Payne

RUNNER-UP: JAMBA JUICE

Best Local Red Wine

Presqu’ile Winery 5391 Presqu’ile Drive, Santa Maria “Our area has the components necessary to craft world-

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

class pinot noir: climate, soils, geography, and great people,” Presqu’ile Winery President Matt Murphy said. He noted that the winery has a dedicated winemaking team that takes advantage of the natural potential of the Santa Maria Valley. The winery produces four different pinots: One from grapes sourced throughout the Santa Maria Valley and three from specific vineyards: Rim Rock, Steiner Creek, and Presqu’ile. The winery’s website describes its pinot as encompassing the Santa Maria Valley, with sandalwood spice, bright fruit, and a silky mouthfeel. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: RANCHO SISQUOC

Best Local White Wine

Cambria Winery

5475 Chardonnay Lane, Santa Maria All of Cambria Winery’s wines are grown and bottled in its estate vineyards. “Our winemaking and vineyard teams are here responding directly to the earth, the weather, and the grapes themselves,” Aimee Sands, a spokesperson for the winery, said. “That’s why we believe Cambria wines are an expression of the Santa Maria Valley and, specifically, the Santa Maria Bench.” She said Katherine’s Chardonnay reflects the unique stamp of the region. The wine is a blend of different blocks of grapes—some old, some new—and carries with it subtle tropical and citrus aromas alongside flavors of stonefruit and apples. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: RIVERBENCH

Best Wine Tasting Room

Presqu’ile Winery 5391 Presqu’ile Drive, Santa Maria

CHILL OUT Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab takes a creative approach to the scoops it serves, nabbing it the Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt award in this year’s poll.

Although Presqu’ile used to have two tasting rooms— one in Los Olivos and one in Santa Maria—the winery now focuses solely on providing a warm and gracious experience at its space in Santa Maria. “We opened our Santa Maria tasting room with the goal of sharing a little gracious southern hospitality in a unique, relaxed, and friendly environment,” Presqu’ile President Matt Murphy said. The winery also offers 75-minute tours by reservation to give guests the opportunity to taste through the wine line-up as they check out the tasting room, wine cave, white and red wine levels, and the outlook terrace. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: COSTA DE ORO WINERY WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

continued page 8

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

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SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH DAILY Monday through Saturday 6-2 and Sunday 7-2

135 E. Clark Ave, Old Orcutt

(805) 934-4429 KaysCountryKitchenOrcutt

8 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

For a bigger caffeine kick, try the Vietnamese coffee: sweet, creamy, and ready to get you going. Coffee Time also offers a selection of traditional drinks and fresh-made bakery items from Edna’s Bakery in San Luis Obispo. —Kristina

from page 6

Best Margarita

Pepper Garcia’s

RUNNER-UP: CAFÉ NOIR

3301 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria The recipe for Pepper Garcia’s margarita mix is top secret. “If we gave you the recipe, everybody would have first place next year,” said Jose Gonzalez, the restaurant’s general manager. Head bartender Armando Cervantes would only say that it includes sugar and lime juice. The rest is a delicious mystery that pairs with everything on the menu or stands alone with the free chips and salsa provided in the bar. “Good margaritas and sizzling fajitas—that’s a good combo,” Gonzalez said with a smile. Cervantes recommends that the margaritas be served on the rocks with a rim of salt and a slice of lime. —Amy Asman

RUNNER-UP: APPLEBEE’S

Best Locally Owned Coffee Shop Presqu’ile Winery was a doublefavorite this year, landing the Best Local Red Wine and Best Tasting Room accolades.

Best Bakery

Gina’s Piece of Cake 307 Town Center East, Santa Maria Gina Martin said her father Lloyd, the baker at Gina’s Piece of Cake, is the biggest reason why the pastries and cakes they produce are consistently good. “We’ve been doing this for years, and my dad’s been baking for as long as I’ve been alive,” Gina said. She said that through at least 44 years of trial and error, her dad has perfected the recipes and now teaches his assistant bakers to make sure their measurements are precise and everything the bakery produces is of a consistently high quality. “He just knows,” she said. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: JOVI’S DELIGHTS

Coffee Time

SEEING RED

151 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria 1311 Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria Coffee Time’s owners pride themselves on local ownership, reasonable prices, and a good cup of Joe. At its two Santa Maria locations, Coffee Time has put its own cultural spin on a number of popular coffee drinks, including the tasty Mexican mocha, which uses distinctive Mexican chocolate.

Best Locally Owned Burger Joint

Orcutt Burgers 1099 E. Clark Ave., Santa Maria Do you like hamburgers because of the hamburgers

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

Monday - Thursday

2 for 1 Breakfast Specials with the purchase of 2 drinks

from 8:00 - 11:30am For a limited time only.

1130 E. Clark Ave. #160, Orcutt, CA (805) 938-7958 Monday thru Fridays 9am-9pm Saturday 8am-9am & Sunday 8am-8pm

continued page 10

THANK YOU! to ALL our loyal customers in Orcutt & Santa Maria for VOTING US THE BEST!

BEST TACO

BEST SALSA

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Thank you Sun readers for voting us one of the Best Caterers!

Winner - Best Chinese Restaurant

Located at 146 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444 805.929.8579 www.FTTevents.com

THANK YOU! For Voting us

BEST SMOOTHIE

Year after Year!

Bes t Bes t of

Santa Maria Valley

4854 S. Bradley (CVS Shopping Center)

Orcutt • 938-9011 RUNNER-UP

(805) 925-3705

113 N. BROADWAY SANTA MARIA Open Tues-Sun 11-9 · Lunch Specials 11-2 · Closed Mondays

10 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

from page 8

themselves? Or do you like hamburgers because of all of the accessories they come with? At Orcutt Burgers, you can add crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, creamy avocado, and more to your meat, plus you can stick classic French fries, onion rings, fried zucchini, or even fried mushrooms on the side. If you just can’t wait for lunch, the popular place serves up eggs, that aforementioned crispy bacon, hashbrowns, and biscuits for breakfast, as well as omelets aplenty. You can even get chicken-fried steak or steak and eggs or pork chops. Now that’s a burger joint. —Ryan Miller

RUNNER-UP: CHARLIE’S BURGERS PLUS

Best Pizza

Klondike Pizza 2059 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Is there anything more Alaskan than pizza? Wait. Don’t answer that. Let me rephrase it: Is there anything more Alaskan than pizza in Santa Maria? We don’t know why, but the pie place that gives locals a northern exposure just works. Maybe it’s the stuffed and mounted décor that captures the wild feel of a frontier trading post. Maybe it’s the devil-may-care attitude encouraged in patrons who can snack on peanuts and toss the shells to the floor. Or maybe it’s the—you know—pizza, which can be built from the crust up and topped with anything from traditional pepperoni to spicy jalapeño to exotic reindeer (not Santa’s, the menu states reassuringly). Or try a special, like the chicken cordon bleu pizza. How Alaskan! —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: PATRICIO’S PIZZA

Best Steak

The Hitching Post 3325 Point Sal Road, Casmalia Terri Stricklin, general manager of the Hitching Post in Casmalia, was listing the different cuts of steak offered at the restaurant—New York top sirloin, filet, T-bone, ribeye— when she noted that there’s one that’s not on the menu, but frequently offered as a special: a 30-ounce rib chop. “A bone-in ribeye is what it is, but it’s massive,” she said. “Oh, it’s so good.” Still, top sirloin is the top choice in Casmalia. “Ours are probably the tenderest top sirloins you can get,” she added, “because they’re aged just right, and it’s really good beef.” Keep an eye out for specials: steak paired with lobster, shrimp, or quail. But don’t feel bad if you want to stick with what you know (and love). “Ninety percent of the people know what they’re going to have when they come out there,” Stricklin said. “Everybody knows their favorites.” —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: SHAW’S STEAKHOUSE

Best Tri-Tip Sandwiches

Shaw’s Steakhouse 714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Tri-tip sandwiches go with the Central Coast like peanut butter goes with jelly. The people behind Shaw’s of Santa Maria have worked since 1953 to master their renowned tri-tip sandwich. Shaw’s manager of 13 years, Eric Sties, said a lot of the secret is buying quality ingredients and doing things right every day. When it comes to making their famous sandwiches, Sties said it comes down to the basics: the right wood, seasonings, and letting the fire do the rest. “We go through about seven cases of tri-tip a week on top of all the steak,” Sties

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continued page 12

FAMILY FOOD Sissy’s Uptown Café, voted Best Lompoc Restaurant, is literally a family-run business, and their love for each other shows in the care they give their customers—and the food they whip up from scratch and plate for hungry diners.

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

for voting us one of u o y k n the best Hispanic markets. Tha MONDAY Combo Chile Verde or Chile Rojo w/ 16oz drink $4.49

FRIDAY Combo Asada Quesadilla w/ 16oz drink $4.49

TUESDAY 5 Enchiladas Chicken or Cheese w/ 16oz drink $4.49

SATURDAY Asada Torta w/ 16oz drink $3.99

WEDNESDAY Burrito Asada w/ 16oz drink $3.99

SUNDAY Asada, Pastor or Carnitas Tacos only $1.00

THURSDAY Chicken Flautas w/ 16oz drink $4.49

MEAT DEPARTMENT (CARNICERIA), DELI, PRODUCE, GROCERY, MONEYGRAM FOR BILL PAYMENTS, SEND MONEY, OR MONEY ORDERS. 1138 W. Church St, Santa Maria, Ca 93458 Market Telephone (805) 922-9000 Deli (805) 922-9001

1st Anniversary Celebration

Roast & Toast

nk ha

You Aga in!

A Pig Roast Montemar Wines Music by St. Anne’s Place Life Size Jenga Tournament

August 31, 2014 • 2pm–6pm $30 per person

Limited number of tickets available Purchase tickets by phone, email or at tasting room

MONTEMAR WINES

Tasting Room located in the Ghetto 1501 E Chestnut Ct. # E, Lompoc CA

805.735.5000

montemartr@verizon.net

805.937.8976

156 S. Broadway, In Old Orcutt patriciospizzeria.com

12 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

from page 10

from the bar on ice near the back of the shop. What a beautiful pairing. —Ryan

Best Salsa

said. Still, the manager said he never gets tired of the smell of barbecue. —Kristina

Burrito Loco

RUNNER-UP: THE SWISS RESTAURANT AND BAR

RUNNER-UP: CASA MAÑANA

Best Burrito

4869 S. Bradley Road, suite B2, Orcutt

Best Deli Sandwiches

Want to know who makes the salsa every day at Burrito Loco? His name is Sergio, and he certainly knows his way around a tomato. He said the restaurant goes through about 10 gallons a day of the delicious stuff. The most popular concoction is a mild salsa—not too spicy—that perfectly accompanies everything from chips to meals. The award-winning salsa maker said that fresh produce is a key ingredient; this is no dip from a can. Customers obviously appreciate the difference. “Some people think it’s so good, they’ll slurp it with their spoon,” Sergio said. —Ryan

Papa Napoli Italian Deli

325 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria After 31 years in business, Papa Napoli’s deli is still owned and operated by the Napoli family. A small deli tucked into a small shopping center, the restaurant offers its own brand of small-town Italian charm. Smiling pictures of the family from the early 1900s to the present deck the walls overlooking the tables with red and white checked covers. According to Donna Napoli, owner and manager, the pastrami is definitely the most popular sandwich. “The sandwich is kind of unique; people really crave them,” Napoli said. This meal is piled high with shaved pastrami, toasted to perfection, and comes complete with a special sub sauce. Napoli said other favorites at the deli include the meatball or traditional cold cut. “We have been doing the same thing year after year; we’ve never deviated from quality and quantity—if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” Napoli said. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: CIELITO LINDO

La Unica

2530 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Hungry? You’d better be if you’re coming to La Unica for what Sun readers say is the area’s best burrito. The offerings here are huge, and locals love them. You can get the traditional favorites, including a wet burrito, but there are also opportunities to think outside the standard steak (not that anyone would blame you for sticking with that, though). The California Burrito comes with French fries inside. Yes, you read that right. French fries. You can stuff yourself with goodness from both sides of the border at La Unica. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: CHIPOTLE

Best Taco

Cielito Lindo

Best Santa Maria Restaurant

1130 E. Clark Ave., suite 160, Orcutt Cielito Lindo is a little slice of heaven for taco lovers, who chow down on the popular beef tacos, carne tacos, and more every day. But things get even sweeter on Taco Tuesdays, which put the focus squarely on the packages of goodness cradled in a tortilla. Beef, chicken, carnitas—it all gets laid on the table those nights. While the tacos are good enough to eat as-is, locals also know to douse them with Cielito Lindo’s award-winning salsa

RUNNER-UP: ORCUTT LIQUOR AND DELI

Shaw’s Steakhouse 714 South Broadway, Santa Maria How do you get to be the best restaurant in town in locals’ eyes? By being consistent, according to Shaw’s manager

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

continued page 14

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

“Best Ice Cream”

Mandarin · Szechuan · Hunan · Cuisine

in Northern Santa Barbara County

Lunch • Dinner • Buffet • Banquet

Thank you for voting us one of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Santa Best Maria Valley for 12 years! of

Santa Maria Valley

ORCUTT OPEN HOURS

Sun-Thur 11am - 9:30pm Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm

Bes t of

Santa Maria Valley

WINNER

20% OFF

Entire purchase Not valid with any other offers. Expires 8.31.14 Must present ad.

Open 7 Days a Week

3 SWEETS!

N LOCATIO

2011-E S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454

928-6881

www.mingdynastysantamaria.com

168 W. Clark Ave, Old Orcutt 114 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande 860 Higuera St., Downtown SLO

(805) 474-4068

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

ThankYou forVoting forUs!

Winner BEST SANTA MARIA RESTAURANT Winner

BEST TRI-TIP SANDWICH

Winner

714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria

925-5862

Winner

BEST SEAFOOD

BEST MARGARITA

135 E. Foster Road Santa Maria

3301 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria

937-5144

(Inside SM Airport Terminal)

928-4088

14 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

from page 12

Eric Sties. While Shaw’s is known for its tri-tip sandwiches, you can’t forget about the rib eyes, top sirloin, or filets. “We want to provide good Santa Maria-style barbecue and do it on a consistent basis every day,” he said. Complete with high back booths, the restaurant is a cozy place to devour a steak. Sties said the establishment has developed a solid base of regulars who’ve helped spread the word about the food. “We just try to do it well every day so customers know what to expect,” Sties said. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: THE SWISS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Best Orcutt Restaurant

Trattoria Uliveto 285 S. Broadway, Orcutt Trattoria Uliveto is about more than just good Italian food; it’s about fancy, oneof-a-kind cocktails and original desserts, too, all served on the restaurant’s enclosed outdoor patio—which, by the way, is beautiful and off the main drag—in the traditional dining room, or in the bar area. But, the food, of course, is good and very Italian. A simple snack of Gressini, bread sticks with prosciutto, butter, and sage pairs nicely with a glass of wine in the bar, or you can go big with a pizza or pasta. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: KAY’S COUNTRY KITCHEN

Best Lompoc Restaurant

Sissy’s Uptown Café 112 South I St., Lompoc Dorothy is the mom of the operation. She explained that her whole family started out in the restaurant business 25 years ago in Orange County, but they moved to the Central Coast and bought Sissy’s in Lompoc in 2012. Daughter Janan and son Jon or Jon’s sister-in-law do the cooking for lunch and dinner, while son-in-law Steve works the front of the house to make sure every guest’s dining experience runs smoothly. The family makes all of the dressings, sauces, soups, and Dad Dave’s desserts from scratch, and Lompoc’s Norma Anderson comes in at 3:30 each morning to work up the crusts and fillings for the pies. Sissy’s serves lunch and dinner (think coconut-crusted salmon or filet mignon with Jack Daniels sauce), and Dorothy said they regularly hear diners say the meal was worth the trip. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: LA BOTTE

Best Guadalupe Restaurant

Charly’s Place 865 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe Charly’s Place is only four years old, and it’s already a local favorite. Maybe it’s because the owner (not that he goes in for titles; “Everybody just calls me Charly,” he said) and his parents in the kitchen treat everybody the way they themselves would like to be treated. Or maybe it’s the chili rellenos and flautas. Or it could be the Charly’s Deluxe Burger, which comes with a double patty, double bacon, double avocado, double Ortega chilies, and the rest of the fixin’s you’d find on a typical lesser burger. Oh. My. Charly. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: GUADALUPE RESTAURANT

Best Nipomo Restaurant

Jocko’s

125 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo Fellow Best Of winner Andy Caldwell calls Jocko’s a member of the “Holy Trinity” of local steak joints, and its draw certainly extends well beyond Nipomo’s borders. And the surrounding county’s borders. One Yelp reviewer sang the shop’s praises: “If I am ever within 100 miles of this place, I will be heading back for another large Spencer,” he said, referencing the popular and massive rib-eye that fills people up and still manages to bring them back for more. Sure, there’s more than just steak on the menu here, but beef is the big deal at this staple of the local cuisine scene. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: RANCHO NIPOMO

Best Buellton Restaurant

The Hitching Post II 406 E. Highway 246, Buellton Serving up the same delicious steaks as its Casmalia counterpart, The Hitching Post II builds on that beef foundation to create something both familiar and distinct at the same time, offering turkey steaks with apple-red pepper chutney and smoked duck breast with apricot ginger sauce. Though this go-to established only opened its doors in 1986 (as opposed to its elder’s opening day in 1952), it’s developed a history of its

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

contined page 16

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Thank you for voting us the BEST Hispanic Market 3 years in a row!!! Vallarta offers the following departments: • Full and Self Service Meat (Carniceria) - Wide variety of beef, pork, and chicken

• Deli • Produce • Bakery

• Seafood

(Panaderia)

• Fresh made Tortillas

• Grocery

(Tortilleria)

• Mexican Kitchen (Taqueria)

• Specialty foods

• La Isla (The Island) -

• Health & Beauty Care & General Merchandise

Hot Foods with an in-store dining area

Aguas Frescas/Drinks, Ice Cream. Juice Bar/Jugos Frescos/ Atoles y Champurrados

from Mexico, Central & South America

• Cremeria

(Salsas, yogurts, Latin style cheeses, store prepared “chorizo”) Sliced deli meats

For more information visit: www.vallartasupermarkets.com A SUPERMARKET FOR ALL FAMILIES! VALLARTA #21 1050 SOUTH “A” STREET OXNARD, CA 93030 (805) 240-1400

VALLARTA #31 1875 N. BROADWAY BLVD SANTA MARIA, CA 93454 (805) 349-9490

VALLARTA #44 2690 N. VINEYARD AVE OXNARD, CA 93036 (805) 983-3403

16 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

SO FRESH Hungry for something new? Eric Huwnh’s Omakase, which opened in June of last year, was named Best New Restaurant of 2013. The sushi comes from Spain or the Mediterranean Sea, and is fresh and tasty.

Thank you for voting us best white wine!

5475 Chardonnay Lane, Santa Maria

805.938.7318

info@cambriawines.com • Visit us daily from 10am – 5pm PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

from page 14

own and has become a popular and favored place to stop in for a good meal. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: PEA SOUP ANDERSEN’S

Best Solvang Restaurant

Root 246

420 Alisal Road, Solvang

Thank you!

2014 Best of Northern Santa Barbara County 14th Annual Readers Poll

• Wholesome healthy choices • Rotisserie chicken and tri-tip • Salads with organic lettuce • Breakfast burritos, pancakes, and omelets • Gelato and sorbetto • Patio dining • Conference rooms • Free WiFi and charging stations • Specialty coffees, smoothies and fresh vegetablel juice

Root 246 Manager Beau Armenta said he wants guests to feel like they’re at home, whether they’re eating a burger or top sirloin. The restaurant presents food in unexpected ways and has recently begun making its own cured meats, vinegars, and barrel-aged cocktails. “We’re really focused on technique,” Chef Seth Nelson said. “And I’m always digging up new and old methods of using familiar and nostalgic food ingredients.” Nelson’s pastrami short ribs are a customer favorite: The ribs are brined and smoked for five days and are served with pee-wee potatoes, cabbage, apple, and mustard au jus. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: PAULA’S PANCAKE HOUSE

Best Los Olivos Restaurant

Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Café 2879 Grand Ave., Los Olivos Sam Marmorstein, owner of Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Café, loves meeting people and making them happy with good food and wine—and there’s plenty of that to go around at the café. With an unparalleled selection of 500 wines (many of them locally made), the café was voted one of the top 100 restaurants in the United States for its selection. Marmorstein said the idea behind their cuisine is to be as healthy and sustainable as possible. “About 99 percent of what we serve is made in house, including the bread, pastas, and ice cream,” he said. The restaurant also uses organically grown meat from local farmers, and of course all of the dishes pair well with wine. With a Hollywood film history and seasonally prepared food, the Los Olivos Wine Merchant and Café offers a unique

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continued page 18

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Thank You

For Voting Us Best Manicure/Pedicure in Northern SB County

Thanks For Voting Us #1! Best Caterer: 11 Years in a row!

European Manicure & Spa Pedicure Acrylic Pink & White Manicure Gel Color

Monday-Friday 9am-7pm

Sunday 11am-4pm

Saturday 9am-6pm

Walk-Ins Welcome

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THE

(805) 934-8589 · 1140 E. Clark #110, Orcutt (near Albertsons)

WINE AND BEER LOUNGE BRUNCH

•

LUNCH

•

DINNER

We invite you to enjoy local tap beer and wine in the comfort of our new lounge or a quaint dinner in our newly remodeled bistro room

Friday ~Night~ Flights FEATURING LIVE MUSIC

Every 2nd Friday of the month ($15 per person)

Happy Hour Tuesday ~ Saturday 3pm ~ 6pm HOURS: Monday 11am ~ 3pm • Tuesday ~ Friday 11am ~ 9pm Saturday 11am ~ 9pm • Sunday 10am ~ 3pm WEEKEND BRUNCH: Saturday & Sunday

805-925-7766

345 Town Center East, Santa Maria www.themarketsm.com

805 -739- 0809 · TestaCatering.com 2218 S. Thornburg, Santa Maria

18 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Sweet Victory

Thank you for voting us Best Bakery & Best Wedding Cake Baker!

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

from page 16

and charming experience for local residents and passers-by alike. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: SIDES HARDWARE AND SHOES, A BROTHERS RESTAURANT

Best Los Alamos Restaurant

Full of Life Flatbread

406 Bell St., Los Alamos

ginaspieceofcake.com • (805) 922-7866 307 Town Center East, lower level next to Macy’s

Thank you SUN readers for voting us one of the best tasting rooms! Cheers! Friday Night Wine Downs!

Every Friday 5-8pm at the Tasting Room COME ENJOY LIVE MUSIC, WINE BY THE GLASS, BOTTLE OR TAP Chef Rick is back with another delicious menu. $12/person for food. Please RSVP to 805-922-1468. No cover for music.

1331 S. Nicholson Ave, Santa Maria

East-side 101 freeway at the Stowell Rd. exit

Open Daily 12pm – 6pm • (805) 922-1468

If you asked people five years ago whether flatbread was pizza, you might have received a strange look in return. But the pizza-makers at Full of Life Flatbread aren’t worried about that. Instead, they focus on looking forward—and on local ingredients, all sourced from within an hour of the restaurant. Open only four days a week, this restaurant has nonetheless managed to take off. With a huge wine selection and indoor wood-fired pizza oven, Full of Life is putting a newer and fresher spin on traditional pizza. While the available pizza pies change with the weather, be sure to give the other delectable dishes a try and check out the herb garden outside next time you’re waiting at the no-reservations establishment. —Kristina

Best Overall Restaurant

The Hitching Post 3325 Point Sal Road, Casmalia Hitching Post General Manager Terri Stricklin said that the team at the storied and popular restaurant in Casmalia is honored to win this category, because people have a lot of choices when deciding where to eat. “Even though we’ve been around 63 years, we don’t take anything for granted,” she said. Stricklin noted that the staff sees diners who come back year after year, up to four generations now, to sample the steaks and get the whole Hitching Post treatment. “It’s a historical landmark, but to people, it’s an experience,” Stricklin said. “They don’t just happen to drive by our restaurant. It’s a destination location.” —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: TRATTORIA ULIVETO

Best Meal For Your Money (Tie)

Jack’s Restaurant

RUNNER-UP: CHARLIE’S

156 S. Broadway, Orcutt

Best Santa Ynez Restaurant

Let me say three words: “Home-style cooking.” Now let me add two more: “Large portions.” Put them together, and you’ve got the recipe for what Sun readers consider to be one of the best meals for your money in the area. A half-pound burger weighs in at cheaper than $10— even when you add cheese and bacon. The sandwiches, from hot pastrami to French dip, are similarly priced, and they all come with a side of fries. The omelets are a bit pricier, but they’ve got four eggs each and come with a world’s worth of toppings. Try the Hawaiian, the Italian, the Spanish, the Hungarian, or stick closer to home and sample the Mexican or Denver dishes. Whatever you order, bring your appetite, bring a friend, or bring something to put your leftovers in!

Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn 3539 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez Brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols grew up in Ames, Iowa, cultivating a deep love for good cooking, good food, and family community. They brought that passion with them to California in the summer of 1996 when they opened the original restaurant in Solvang. The brothers firmly believe in creating a family-style atmosphere at their restaurant and never deviating from a commitment to creating innovative dishes from scratch using local, fresh ingredients. Choose from a delectable rack of lamb with goat cheese or the more traditional slow-roasted prime rib. Finish off the meal with an after-dinner drink, house-made ice cream, or the infamous Brothers Mud Pie. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: DOS CARLITOS

Jocko’s 125 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo People who dine at Jocko’s go out of their way to share their experiences online, many of whom gladly report dropping $28 on a “large Spencer,” which is a big rib-eye that comes with a mess of fixin’s. Price, quantity, and quality combine to please hungry meat-seekers, some of whom drive hours just to sample the open-fire-pitcooked slabs of steak that seem to be sized for sharing—if not with your fellow diners,

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

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BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

from page 18

at least with yourself the next day for lunch.

The Moxie Café 1317 W. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria “Moxie” means “determination,” and the staff at this new Santa Maria restaurant is determined to serve up food that won’t deplete diners’ wallets. Restaurant Manager Ron Lovell said that the menu items are all cheaper than $10 each. Wraps, from Greek to garden, will set you back $7, and adding meat to the veggie dish costs only $2. Entrées are $9 each, including the certified Angus tri-tip, the Tuscan chicken, and the BLTA. The shop offers free Wi-Fi, so you get a bonus with your meal. And the kitchen serves chemical-free chicken and fresh fruits and vegetables, so eating here is kind of like investing in your future health, which saves you money, too! —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: OLIVE GARDEN

Best Meal Where Someone Else Pays

The Hitching Post 3325 Point Sal Road, Casmalia

What would Hitching Post General Manager Terri Stricklin order from her restaurant if someone else wanted to treat her and pick up the tab? “Probably steak and lobster,” she said, adding that the surf and turf usually comes with a sirloin, so she’d upgrade to a filet mignon. “People ask me how the lobster is,” Stricklin said. “I tell them, ‘Don’t order it.’ They look at me: ‘What do you mean?’ I tell them, ‘You’re going to want it every time.” Stricklin dines on the delectable combo once a year to keep it special. Add quality meat from the same supplier for the last 30 years, drink specials, and local wines, and you’ve got something really special. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: TRATTORIA ULIVETO

Best Restaurant For Taking Your Honey

Trattoria Uliveto

285 S. Broadway, Orcutt As far as date nights go, they don’t usually involve hamburgers and fries—at least not from a fast food joint—and there’s no burger on the menu at Trattoria

Uliveto, only page after page of such Italian dishes as Parmigiana Di Melanzana, which is eggplant baked in tomato sauce with mozzarella. And the atmosphere is something the restaurant’s owners have worked diligently to create. Trattoria Uliveto’s website said the owners worked to create “the type of atmosphere where dining becomes a true pleasure.” How romantic! —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: THE HITCHING POST

Best Restaurant ForLetting Kids Be Kids

Chuck E. Cheese’s

2254 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria There’s a reason they call the lovable rodent Chuck E. Cheese by his name: He enjoys good cheddar! The place where “a kid can be a kid” is well known as a fun space where kids can really let loose, but they also—obviously—make pizza, which is something children would eat for three meals a day, plus snacks, if given the chance. Parents enjoy Chuck E. Cheese’s just as much as the kids, explained General Manager Debora Templeton, because they know their kids are in a safe and clean environment that they can enjoy, too. “The kids can run around and have fun, and parents love sitting around and talking or playing the parent-friendly video games we have,” Templeton said. “The kids are always safe and have a good time when they are here.” —Joe

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Darensberries staff

wishes to

thank all of our

customers

for their continued

support

RUNNER-UP: RED ROBIN

Best Restaurant For Schmoozing A Client

The Hitching Post 3325 Point Sal Road, Casmalia “We get a lot of schmoozing out here,” Hitching Post General Manager Terri Stricklin admitted. Being so close to Vandenberg Air Force Base and near the home base for some large oil and other companies, the steak-slinging crew is used to seeing business deals greased over business meals. Stricklin said that locals who want to impress out-of-town guests— from as far away as Germany, France, or Japan—bring them to the Hitching Post for a taste of Santa Maria-style barbecue (which—just to be clear—is made with top

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

continued page 20

Bes t Bes t of

Santa Maria Valley

WINNER

Thank you for voting us “Best Strawberry Stand”

Hwy 101 & Betteravia next to Pappy’s 805-937-8000 • Follow Us on

20 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

from page 19

sirloin, not tri-tip). —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: FAR WESTERN TAVERN

Best Restaurant For Veg Heads

Best New Restaurant of 2013

Omakase

205 E. Clark Ave., Santa Maria, CA

Meat? Who needs it? Especially when you can have a bowl of sautéed veggies, a spiritual spinach salad, a Buddha burrito, or a tempeh taco. Santa Maria veg heads voted Natural Café the best restaurant to get their grub on. Non-vegetarians are welcome to sink their teeth into some teriyaki chicken, roasted turkey, or a Gobbler Burger. However, a Yogi special might win a few meat lovers to the veg side—but don’t worry, we won’t tell. —Shelly Cone

Eric Huwnh spent his childhood in and around restaurants with his parents as restaurant owners. It came as no surprise, then, that Huwnh wanted to experience his own culinary adventure, so he went off to Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco to hone his culinary skills. A Santa Maria native, Huwnh returned to the Central Coast and opened Omakase in June 2013. With what he considered to be a limited selection of high-end sushi restaurants to choose from, Huwnh wanted to bring more quality sushi to the Central Coast. “Our sushi is fresh and comes from Spain or the Mediterranean Sea,” Huwnh said. “People come to my restaurant and get to experience something Santa Maria doesn’t normally offer.” Working with partner Sid Patel, Huwnh wants to continue building up the restaurant and possibly open a location in Montecito. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: THE MOXIE CAFÉ

RUNNER-UP: CUGINI’S PIZZERIA AND TRATTORIA

The Natural Café

2407 S. Broadway, Santa Maria

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

Thank you for voting us Best New Restaurant!

Asian Fusion Cuisine DINE IN OR TAKE OUT

805.354.0428

205 E. Clark Ave., Old Town Orcutt, CA Omakase805.com

JAPANESE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

continued page 21

BEST BEST OF OF NORTHERN NORTHERN SANTA SANTA BARBARA BARBARA COUNTY COUNTY 2014 2014

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

from page 20

Best Caterer

Testa Catering 2385 A St., Santa Maria Martin and Debi Testa started their local catering business 25 years ago. From their humble beginnings, the husband and wife caterers now serve hundreds of events every year from San Francisco to the Mexican border. While their business has grown, Debi Testa said they still strive to provide excellent food and even better service. Their culinary team is growing and helps bring international influences and flavors to their various dishes, and they use the freshest, local ingredients. Testa Catering is also versatile, catering everything from high-end events to simple drop off to Santa Maria-style barbecue. The Testa family also operates Testa’s Bistro, a private restaurant that can accommodate 55 guests. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: FIELD TO TABLE CATERING

Best Cowboy Bar

Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse and Saloon 1321 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria This saloon’s motto reveals its attitude: “The coolest joint in town.” You don’t walk into this place, you mosey, preferably

while making that jingling sound so particular to spurs. While bellying up to the bar and wetting your whistle is just about as cowboy as you can get—especially when surrounded by down-home décor that celebrates the wagon-wheel aesthetic of the west—you can also enjoy the sort of grub befitting the ranch life, including potato skins, wings, BBQ nachos, and steak bites. Try the stagecoach martini to discover why this 10-gallon hat goes to 11. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: FAR WESTERN TAVERN

Best Overall Bar

Rooney’s Irish Pub

241 South Broadway St., Orcutt Rooney’s Irish Pub offers the perfect blend of comfort and barroom fun. Their beer selection is always plentiful and includes home brew selections from the brewery next door. Grab a seat at the large, curving wood bar, or spread out at the tables, couches, or booths. The kitchen is always ready to hand out some delicious barroom grub, as well as hearty Irish dishes, including a massive take on shepherd’s pie. The atmosphere is relaxed but welcomes good fun and company. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: COOL HAND LUKE’S STEAKHOUSE AND SALOON

Best Sports Bar

Stinky’s

2430 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Whether your team’s killing it on the field or getting killed, you’ll find a win for yourself at Stinky’s Grill. Sun readers named it Best Sports Bar, a category that requires but two things of its contenders: showing athletic events and serving alcohol. It seems like a deceptively simple combo, but the atmosphere has to be just right. Locals turn to Stinky’s for that perfect blend of cheering for the big game and downing a drink. Happy Hour lets you score $1 off draft beers, $5 Jagerbombs, $5 Jack and Cokes, and $9.99 pitchers of margaritas. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: APPLEBEE’S

Best Happy Hour

Applebee’s

1415 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria It may not be the place where everybody knows your name, but buy a round or two, and no one will forget it. So where do Sun readers head after clocking out? According to our poll, they head to Applebee’s, where they can lose themselves in a Bahama Mama or release their stress with a mojito.

WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

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Thank You For Voting Rooney’s the Best

Best Overall Bar, Best Live Music Venue and one of the Best Happy Hours.

241 S. Broadway Street, Old Town Orcutt (805) 934-3777 www.rooneysirishpub.net

22 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 WINE, DINE, AND DEVOUR

from page 21

There’s plenty of food, too, and TVs for watching whatever game is worth watching at the moment. Even just reading about all this can make you feel good, but a visit in person can make you oh-so-much happier. —Shelly

RUNNER-UP: ROONEY’S IRISH PUB

Best Health Food/ Vitamin Store

LASSEN’S NATURAL FOODS AND VITAMINS 1790 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Health food and vitamins have to come to mean many things to many people, but the widest range of interests and tastes are catered to at Lassen’s Natural Foods and Vitamins. “My team is very into what we are doing,” said Store Manager Lea Lloyd. “We read every ingredient of every product that comes in the store.” From the finest Alaskan fish oil to the fresh organic produce, Lassen’s shelves are always stocked with food free from preservatives, pesticides, and unnecessary chemicals. Each member of the staff is knowledgeable in products offered throughout the store, which even offers fresh food and drinks made to order in the deli. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: GNC

Best Grocery Store

SPENCER’S FRESH MARKET 3580 Orcutt Road, Santa Maria Spencer’s Fresh Market is well known for its friendly staff, fresh food, and fair prices. The colorful sight of the produce department welcomes hungry shoppers when they walk in the doors at Spencer’s, which sources as much of its produce locally as possible, explained Store Manager Richard Bjork. “It’s right in our name—Spencer’s Fresh Market—so I would say that our produce is the freshest, bar none,” he said. “Our truck goes down pretty much every morning to the local farms and picks the produce up and brings it straight to the store.” The deli department is also all the rage with a huge selection of Boarshead meats and cheese sliced to order. Spencer’s also offers local wines, beers, and Harris Ranch beef. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: TRADER JOE’S

Best Strawberry Stand

DARRENSBERRIES

East Betteravia near Hwy 101, Santa Maria Darrensberries employees pull strawberries from the fields and box them, and some of those boxes find themselves on display in the covered stand next to Pappy’s on Betteravia. You can get a basket for $3 or a full box for $18; it all depends on what you want. And those berries can be one of three different varieties grown in Darrensberries’ fields: Albion, credited with an increase in strawberry consumption in the United States; San Andreas, popular among growers in the Santa Maria Valley; or Monterey, the least known variety of

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

the three. Sweet! —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: LITTLE PETE’S FARMS

Best Hispanic Market

VALLARTA SUPERMARKET 1875 N. Broadway, Santa Maria Vallarta Supermarket is locals’ go-to for fresh produce, meats, and traditional Hispanic ingredients. Boasting several locations around the state, Vallarta Supermarket has a fully operating carniceria, a huge variety of Mexican cheeses, and giant bags of pork rinds. The bakery cranks out fresh breads, sweet breads, and pastries daily. Vallarta can help you with the food for your next special event, whether it’s a small gettogether or massive party. Even if you’re not stopping in for groceries, check out their in-house food market where you can order giant burritos, nachos, and tacos, and refresh yourself with a selection of aguas frescas. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: LA PERLA MARKET

Best Chinese Food

NORTH CHINA RESTAURANT 113 N. Broadway, Santa Maria Michael Sun, owner and manager of North China Restaurant, was happy to hear of his restaurant’s win— again—in the Sun’s Best Of, but noted with a laugh that there’s not much new to share. “We’re still plugging away,” he said, referencing the shop’s four decades of serving up Kung Pao chicken, beef with broccoli, fresh potstickers, hot and sour soup, and more. He did tip his hat to the regulars who’ve made North China such a popular stop: “Eighty percent of the clientele, we see them once a week—or a few times a week,” he said. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: MING DYNASTY

Best Japanese Food YANAGI SUSHI AND GRILL

2431 S. Broadway, Santa Maria When locals are in the mood for some great Japanese food, they head over to Yanagi Sushi and Grill on Broadway in Santa Maria. This popular location is packed for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and once again for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. So what makes Yanagi so good? “Our fish is really fresh,” Manager Keisuke “KC” Kirimoto said. “And our teppanyaki grill is something special for our customers because they can come and our chefs will cook for them.” Plus, all of the chefs are incredibly friendly, making every dining experience delicious and enjoyable. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: ATARI-YA

Best Italian Food

TRATTORIA ULIVETO 285 S. Broadway St., Orcutt Favored offerings of Italian delight start with Gressini,

those homemade breadsticks wrapped in prosciutto. Then comes a salad of arugula, Parmesan, lemon, and olive oil. For the main course: penne, sausage, and mushrooms in a tomato cream sauce or a pizza. Meat lovers can depend on a steak or a breaded pork chop, and for those with an eye on the dessert menu, a rich chocolate mousse or a torta della nonna—pastry cream with pine nuts, chocolate chips, and vanilla sauce— should do the trick. “Come experience a quick escape to the Mediterranean,” the website reads. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: OLIVE GARDEN

Best Authentic Mexican Food

CASA MAÑANA 1640 S. Broadway, Santa Maria What’s more authentic than a family serving up food lovingly cooked the same way for decades? Anthony Ontiveros—manager, cook, and son of Casa Mañana’s owners, Robert and Lydia—pointed out that the restaurant has offered the same recipes and combination plates for what will be 50 years in September. The low-priced large portions certainly help: The No. 10, for instance, is a beef enchilada, taco, and burrito, plus beans and rice. “The flavor of the food doesn’t change,” Ontiveros said. “It’s constant.” Three generations of locals are certainly glad for that. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: EL PUEBLITO

Best Outdoor Dining

BRICK’S RESTAURANT 112 W. Main St., Santa Maria Brick’s has been serving up classic American breakfast and lunch for 12 years. This year, they’re back for their sixth time as the winner of Best Outdoor Dining. Owners and managers Bob and Irene Ontiveros have strived to keep their restaurant a family-centered establishment—and they operate with just two waitresses. Summer is peak season at Brick’s; their large brick patio provides a perfect venue for relaxing outdoor dining complete with large umbrellas and hedges. While the Ontiveroses said there are challenges to running a restaurant, they love the friendly environment they get to work in on a daily basis. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: PASION COMIDA MEXICANA

Best Seafood THE JETTY

135 E. Foster Road, Santa Maria An attractive nautical theme welcomes local diners hungry for a taste of the nearby sea, but only so much of a restaurant’s popularity can be attributed to what’s hanging on the walls. What’s on the plate matter most, and The Jetty is the place to get seafood, according to Sun readers. This is no mere fish-and-chips joint. You can find a variety of oceanic dishes to tempt your palate, and we have it on good authority that the fish tacos here are delicious. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: RED LOBSTER

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

From The Entire TrattoriaUliveto Staff

Thank You Northern Santa Barbara County for Voting Us:

Winner! • BEST ORCUTT RESTAURANT • BEST PLACE FOR TAKING YOUR HONEY • BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Runner Up! • BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT • BEST MEAL WHERE SOMEONE ELSE PAYS

Offering Full Bar Services Contact Us About Catering

Fine Italian Cuisine

TrattoriaUliveto.com • 805-934-4546 • 285 S. Broadway, Old Orcutt

Upper Room Tattoo Co. 419 S. Broadway (805) 614-7573 upperroomtattoo.com

24 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST R E A L E S TAT E C O M PA N Y CornerStone Real Estate Santa Maria is honored to be recognized as the Number One Real Estate company in

North Santa Barbara County by our clients and the community we serve. CornerStone has operated in Santa Maria since 2004 and has established itself as a consistent top-rated, result-oriented company on the Central Coast, averaging 30 plus closed transactions per month. Our highly productive sales team consists of 30 qualified and experienced agents, including 9 brokers, with a combined total of 475 years of real estate experience! We appreciate having been voted Number One and are proud of the continued service and success we provide our clients. Call today and have our near 5 centuries of real estate knowledge and experience go to work for you today!

— Broker Associates — TIM GAYDA BROKER of RECORD 35 YEARS

DEBBIE CHRISTIANSON 15 YEARS

ANGELA GUDMUNDS 9 YEARS

GARY CRABTREE 38 YEARS

JOANIE JAMES 36 YEARS

JENELL CUEVAS 12 YEARS

BUNNY MAXIM 30 YEARS

PEGGY GOLDEN 35 YEARS

KIM TUTTOBENE 14 YEARS

— Realtor Associates — STEVE GONZALES Owner/Manager 26 YEARS

GAIL BALL 47 YEARS

MARIAN CANADAY 9 YEARS

JEFF CRABTREE 9 YEARS

CYNTHIA DEPRIEST 18 YEARS

PAZ DIAZ 9 YEARS

PATRICK DOLAN 1 YEAR

JEFF GONZALES 5 YEARS

WILLIE GONZALES 13 YEARS

RAUL HERNANDEZ 36 YEARS

JESSICA KROMER 10 YEARS

CAROLINE LANDRY 10 YEARS

CANDI MARINO 14 YEARS

GLENDA MUTO 25 YEARS

ANGELO NAEMI 2 YEARS

CHERYL PROETT 14 YEARS

TERRI NEWCOMBRAMIREZ 25 YEARS

DOUG RICH 1 YEAR

NATHAN VILLEGAS 8 YEARS

SYLVIA VILLEGAS 7 YEARS

PAUL WOYAK 25 YEARS

411 E. Betteravia Rd., Ste. 100 Santa Maria • 805-349-7777

503 E. Ocean Ave. Lompoc • 805-737-1123

To Open By Year End 2014 225 S. First St. • Orcutt

www.cornerstonesantamaria.com

Arts & Entertainment

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

26 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Best Photographer LUIS ESCOBAR, REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Thanks for voting us one of the best for the last 6 years!

824 S. Broadway, Santa Maria For 30 years, Reflections Photography Studio has served the Central Coast community, and for 30 years, owner Luis Escobar has tried to keep things fresh and new. He said the way they do things is constantly changing and “hopefully our photographic ability is changing with that.” He said they feel fortunate to be in a community, surrounded by good people who are so supportive of the way Reflections does business. “We’re not the kind of place that does everything the same,” Escobar said. “We try to take each customer on as an individual and give them what they need.” —Camillia

RUNNERUP: NANCY’S PORTRAITS

Best Live Music Venue

Bes t Bes t of

Santa Maria Valley

ROONEY’S IRISH PUB

Santa Maria Valley

214 S. Broadway, Orcutt

Come see our expanded store and see why we were voted

BestGift Shop...again! SERVING THE CENTRAL COAST FOR 36 YEARS!

1108 E. Clark, Orcutt • 937-8766

The pub has long been the cornerstone of community and friendship, but Rooney’s Irish Pub in Orcutt goes a step further and offers music for locals to dance and

drink to every weekend. Owner Tim Rooney is dedicated to keeping a variety of fun bands and DJs cycling through the pub to appeal to a wide array of locals. “We have anything from the younger hip-hop crowd to country nights, ’80s nights,” Rooney said. “And we have some great Irish bands periodically, about once every couple months or so.” Whether you want to dance to the hits a DJ is spinning or enjoy a live performance by a beloved local band, check out Rooney’s for your live music needs. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: CHUMASH CASINO

Best Local Band Or Musician (Tie) STEPPIN’ OUT

1steppinout.com When Santa Mariabased band Steppin’ Out has a show, a loyal group of locals, known as the “Steppers,” are there to enjoy the jams and dance all night. The group specializes in music that spans several generations’ worth of dance music that keeps fans cutting rugs. Steppin’ Out is led by Mike Arriola and includes members Abraham Robles, Junior Juanich, Larry Kim, Joe Duran, Sarah Jackson, and Lisa Duran. The group specializes in R&B dance music from the ’70s to the present day, including classic hits and contemporary jams by Bruno Mars. Steppin’ Out recently played the “Concerts in the Park” series to a crowd of thousands, with music lovers of all ages enjoying the show.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT from page 26

UNFINISHED BUSINESS unfinished-business.org The local five-piece rock group Unfinished Business just celebrated its 10 year anniversary as a band, and in that time has become a beloved local group thanks to the members’ dedication to providing quality live music. Unfinished Business is led by Ed Miller and includes members Ben Davis, Thomas Cuffe, Jim Witt, and Dave Hollister. The group makes its business performing everyone’s favorites hits from the 1960s, with some sounds from the ’50s and ’70s, too. “I think the ’60s music is really standing up to the test of time very well,” Miller said. “We have been doing these summer concerts, and the young people are responding to it as well.” —Joe

RUNNER-UP (TIE): JOE DADDY AND THE SUMTHINS RUNNER-UP (TIE): THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT RUNNER-UP (TIE): CHRIS BELAND BAND

Best Place To Buy Musical Instruments

OWENS MUSIC COMPANY 201 E. Main St., Santa Maria Generations of musicians—this writer included—got their first gear, books, or instrument at Owens Music Company.

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

The family business is the premium spot to find any songbook, accessory, or instrument. The showroom is always full of beautiful pianos waiting to be taken home, as well as rows of guitars hanging patiently. All your concert band needs can be met at Owens—just ask anyone who participated in their school band, because it’s more than likely their flute, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone was bought or rented from the historic store. You can also meet any of your percussion, electronic music, or mariachi needs at Owens, where the friendly and musicminded staff can help with just about any musical request. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: COELHO ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Best Place To View Art

SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria

Best Community Festival

SANTA MARIA VALLEY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Santa Maria Fairpark To Yvonne Biely, the answer to why the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival and the Santa Barbara County Fair placed first and second place in this category is simple: “It’s the community’s festival and the community’s fair,” said Biely, public relations director at the Santa Maria Fairpark, which serves as the location for both events. To top it all off, both of these events are family friendly and affordable. “We all work hard and we need to have a day for the family to come relax and have fun,” she said. “Families can come enjoy a full day of food, fun, and entertainment.” —Amy

RUNNER-UP: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FAIR

The Santa Maria Public Library is more than just a place to find books; it’s also a place to view art from Central Coast artists. In addition to featuring a different local artist in the Shepard Gallery once a month, the library also plays host to a rotating Santa Maria Photography Club display on the second floor and children’s art in the Children’s Services Department. Librarian Mary Housel said the children’s art program is a newer display for the library. “The kids love hanging their art, and the parents love looking at it,” she explained. “We’ve got some really talented kids.” —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: SANTA MARIA FAIRPARK

Best Place To Take The Kids On A Saturday Afternoon WALLER PARK

300 Goodwin Road, Santa Maria

The grass is always green at Waller Park, and the shade is ample!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

continued page 28

The Staff, Management & Board of Directors would like to thank the community for their votes! • Winner • Best Community Festival Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival

• Runner Up • Best Community Festival Santa Barbara County Fair

www.santamariafairpark.com

• Runner Up • Best Place to View Art Santa Maria Fairpark

28 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

UNDER THE UMBRELLA

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT from page 27 The many acres maintained by the Santa Barbara County Parks Department at Waller Park are special for many reasons, none of which go un-enjoyed by locals, especially on bright and sunny Saturday afternoons. If you’re in the mood for an outdoor cookout and hang, there are more than enough spots to accommodate. Several sections can seat large parties, which always have a great time among the towering pines and rolling hills. The Woof Pack Dog Park is an award-winning spot for local pooches to strut their stuff, the playgrounds always elicit fun and laughter, and a world-class Frisbee golf course attracts disc spinners daily. Or, if you’d like to keep things more leisurely, you can just sit by the famous Waller Park duck pond and feed the birds. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: BOOMERS!

Best Place To Have A Kid’s Party CHUCK E. CHEESE’S

2254 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria Any kid knows that his or her birthday is a special day, and Santa Maria’s branch of Chuck E. Cheese’s knows that, too. Kids who have their party with Chuck enjoy many perks, including pizza, pop, tokens for games, and a dance party with the big rodent himself! “We have a dedicated person who does birthday parties,” said General Manager Debora Templeton.

“They service everything, including the pizza, drinks—and the kids even get a birthday crown or tiara.” Besides the allure of the flashing lights and cheesy pizza, birthday boys and girls get a special visit from Chuck E. Cheese himself, and he always knows how to have a good time. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: WALLER PARK

KSBY Meteorologist Dave Hovde was once again voted Best TV Personality by Sun readers. We featured him in last year’s issue, but had to do it again this year, because, well, look at that face! The guy obviously loves his job, and locals certainly love him— rain or shine.

Best Live Theater

PCPA THEATERFEST 800 S. College, Santa Maria • 420 2nd St., Solvang The Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts (PCPA) has earned the “Best Live Theater” distinction from Sun readers for more than just the most recent season of stellar performances. The conservatory has continued a legacy of astounding live performances that’s put it on the map as the premier theater arts organization between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. With the start of each show, audiences are transported as if by magic to incredible places to meet strange, magnificent, and compelling characters. With a cadre of commendable teachers and talent who perform key roles, all while teaching another generation of upcoming actors, PCPA is cherished on the Central Coast for the impeccable quality that’s given the institution incredible staying power. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATRE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

continued page 30

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Runner Up, Best Place to Have a Wedding Reception

Math Reading

Confidence

Thank you

SUN readers! Best DJ

in Northern Santa Barbara County

Kumon puts children on the path to becoming the confident, independent, self-reliant people all parents hope their children can be.

Best Tutor Schedule a free placement test now at Kumon Math & Reading Center of Orcutt 4869 South Bradley Rd., Ste. 121, Santa Maria, CA 93455

805.354.0650 ď Ź kumon.com/orcutt

our Book y ow! n event djzapp805@gmail.com

kumon.com 1-800-ABC-MATH

(805) 714-3628

30 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT from page 28

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

Best Local Artist

MINNIE ANDERSON minniezart.com Local artist Minnie Anderson goes above and beyond to make sure people who commission her work are happy with the final result. “I’m different than a lot of artists because I let people come and critique [my portraits], and I’ll adjust it to their liking because they know the people better than I do,” said Anderson, who specializes in portraiture, abstract, and pop art. When drawing a person, Anderson uses photographs, and then adds her own unique flair. “I work really hard to capture the person,” she said, adding that she calls the abstract and pop art “the other side of Minnie.” —Amy

RUNNER-UP: DALE KREITER

Best Museum/ Learning Center

SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM 705 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum has been working hard for its keep. Now in its 10th year, museum staffers have tried to revitalize the Discovery Museum in every possible way, according to Chris Slaughter, the museum’s executive director. Approximately 24,000 children and their families visit the museum each year. “We are thrilled to be a critical resource for families and a center for learning and fun in our community,” Slaughter said. “This coming year, we plan to add new exhibits, expanded programming, and special events, so there is always a reason for families in the tri-county area to come and visit.” —Camillia

RUNNER-UP (TIE): SANTA MARIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY RUNNER-UP (TIE): SANTA MARIA MUSEUM OF FLIGHT

Best Radio Station SUNNY COUNTRY FM 102.5 Dave Daniels might be a recent transplant to the Central Coast, but the operations manager and morning show co-host already knows what makes Sunny Country the best radio station around: “Country music is America’s music, and it connects with all types of people,” Daniels said. “And the station is really involved in the community; all of the jocks are local, and the people who work at this radio station are dedicated to being the best in their field.” The list of events station staffers are involved in includes American Cancer Society fun runs, the Elks Rodeo, and numerous other fundraisers. —Amy

LENS FLAIR Luis Escobar of Reflections Photography Studio was voted Best Photographer, as well as Best Wedding Photographer. He’s a popular choice for locals and visitors alike who want to visually capture important and special moments.

RUNNER-UP: MEGA 97.1

Best Radio Personality JAY TURNER FM 99.1

Best Tv Station KSBY

Best Tv Personality DAVE HOVDE KSBY

If you want to listen to Jay Turner, you’re going to have to turn your radio dial from Sunny Country to KXFM 99.1. This past February, Turner went across the hall to the classic rock station. “The station needed revamping, and I was the guy to do it,” he said. Under Turner’s direction, the station got a facelift to include a wider selection of music, including retro tunes from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. “We’re trying to keep it fresher so it’s not the same songs played over and over again. We revamped the format, and Alice Cooper is doing nights.” —Amy

Northern Santa Barbara County residents like their television programming to be fresh and local, so it’s no wonder they turn to KSBY. “I am thrilled our viewers selected KSBY-TV as the best TV station on the Central Coast,” Kathleen Choal, the station’s president and general manager, said in an email to the Sun. “Our staff works very hard to be the best source of news, programming, and entertainment, day in and day out.” She added: “KSBY is dedicated to making our community the best place to live, work, and play by getting involved in local events.” —Amy

Dave Hovde really loves his job. Really. “It’s so natural, it’s not even work sometimes,” he said. “I’m lucky to get to work at a station that lets me be me.” The meteorologist/standup comedian also considers himself lucky to work on the Central Coast. “The Central Coast is a special place. The people take a lot of pride in it, and so do we, and I think they sense that,” Hovde explained. He said his co-worker Jeanette Trompeter—who took second place in this category—has “that same super-positive spirit” that makes people want to watch her. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: CATFISH MILLER

RUNNER-UP: KCOY

RUNNER-UP: JEANETTE TROMPETER

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Jacks All -American 24/7 Plumbing and Repairs Thank You for Voting Us Best Plumber 8 Years in a Row! 24/7 Service Like us on Facebook

805-925-0199 Jacksplumbing.net

32 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Thank you for voting us Best Dentist in Northern Santa Barbara County

We are here to serve you. We are honored to be chosen your favorite dental office. We will continue to treat you, the patient, with the compassion and care you deserve. Thank you for your confidence in us.

1180 E. Clark Avenue, Suite 160 Orcutt

(805) 937-2059 SmilesOnClark.com

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BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

34 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

ORCUTT In Old Town Orcutt

THANK YOU! Sun readers for voting for

ORCUTT 76!

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Best Locally Owned Clothing Store DEASEE’S DESIGNS 156 S. Broadway, Orcutt When Sun readers leave Deasee’s Designs, they leave feeling great about themselves. That’s because the staff at Deasee’s Designs takes care of each and every customer in a way that allows her to feel confident with the right fit and lifestyle. That’s why the shop was voted Best Locally Owned Clothing Store once again. “We are absolutely thrilled and touched that we’ve had such overwhelming support,” store manager Meghan Rimrodt said about the honor. Rimrodt and owner Terri Deasee give their customers personal attention when they visit, gaining them customer loyalty and big-time fans in Santa Maria. —Shelly

RUNNER-UP (TIE): ONE WAY BOARD SHOP RUNNER-UP (TIE): PARALLEL EDIT

Best Place To Buy Kids’ Clothes TARGET

223 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria

Steve, Bill, Dena, Mark & Chris

937-5340 100 E. Clark Ave

Wide, clean aisles, designer clothing lines, and some of the catchiest commercials on television—what isn’t appealing about Target? With back-to-school shopping on the horizon, Sun readers have voted Target their favorite place to buy kids’ clothes. Target’s clothing line for youth blends the latest trends with fair pricing, so you can grab a pair of Converse shoes and some Shaun White jeans for style the kids will love, and you’ll still have money left over for school supplies (which the kids might not love). —Shelly

RUNNER-UP: WALMART

Best Thrift Store

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF VENTURA AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES, INC. WINNER! Best place to fill up your car Best place for an oil change

Santa Maria • Orcutt • Lompoc Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, Inc., is a prime location for finding lightly used items, from clothes to appliances, at a fair price. The nonprofit corporation says it all in the name, offering jobs to people with barriers to employment in order to give them valuable work experience. Everything sold in the shop has been donated by locals who believe in Goodwill’s mission. Stores can

be found in several locations on the Central Coast, each of which offers a special sale or promotion of some kind every day of the week. Goodwill is a perfect place to find some cool vintage clothes, a favorite record, or an inexpensive book. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: VTC FOUNDATION THRIFT STORE

Best Gift Shop

COMPANY’S COMING 1108 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt Some people struggle over gift giving, trying to pick out just the right present— double-thinking this thing, placing that one back on the shelf—while others seem to be born gift givers. Here’s a secret: The excellent gift giver shops at Company’s Coming. Sun readers consistently vote Company’s Coming Best Gift Shop because the store’s selection of gifts is like no other. Find items that are chic, classy, and stylish— and definitely different. We have it on good authority that no one re-gifts a gift from Company’s Coming. —Shelly

RUNNER-UP: KOKO’S HALLMARK

Best Place To Buy Eyewear COSTCO

1335 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria Who doesn’t love one-stop shopping? At Costco, you can pick up French Champagne, a jumbo pumpkin pie, a big box of diapers, an outdoor grill, and trendy eyeglasses, all in the same shopping trip. Costco’s Optical Department carries hundreds of frames made by top designers such as Fendi, Coach, Juicy, and Tod’s. Costco’s Kirkland brand makes “green” glasses, made from recycled materials. The store carries cutting-edge digital lenses, contacts, sunglasses, and computer lenses, too. Plus, prices are reasonable, thanks to seemingly continuous promotional offers and coupons. —Wendy Thies Sell

RUNNER-UP: WALMART

Best Place To Buy Music BEST BUY

2326 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria If you’re in need of some toe-tapping tunes or inspiring symphonies, look no further than Best Buy in Santa Maria, the location locals agree has the greatest stock of music for sale. For those who still like

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BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

• Sports on TV • ts • • Guy-Smart Stylis • Open Everyday • • • No Appointments

1 # s u g n i t o v r o f u o y k n tha ood to be a guy it’s g

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Panera Brea

805.346.2434

San Luis Obispo Suite C 481 Madonna Road

Center, In the Promenade tteries Plus Ba & k next to Radio Shac

Pismo Beach e 511 Five Cities Driv NEW LOCATION

COMING SOON!

805.544.2264

Visit

Casa Blanca Bridals Thank you for voting for us!

Best Place To Get A Tux

Best Place To Buy A Wedding Best Quinceañera Dress Resource

Quinceanera Dresses Wedding Dresses Tuxedos Your formal wear needs for all occasions 901 N. Broadway, Santa Maria · 805 928-7977

We are humbled by your appreciation and reverence in voting us BEST throughout the years. For this, we thank you!

Lic. # 610659 Tel: 805-928-5756

www.nishimorilandscape.com

36 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BURNIN’ CASH from page 34 to hold a CD case in their hands, Best Buy offers rows upon rows of shiny new albums wrapped in cellophane. Shoppers with a variety of tastes—from the newest hits to albums spanning the ages—can have them met in Best Buy’s music department. If you’re beyond the hard-copy age of music, you can pick up a variety of gift cards that allow you to buy music online, which also makes a perfect gift for music lovers. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: TARGET

Best Bookstore

THE BOOKWORM 230 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria Darin Gabler and Beckie Hellwig were customers at The Bookworm before taking over in September 2012. Gabler said they strive to make the bookstore feel like more than just a shop. They play host to an open mic night once a month, and he notices the books his regulars like, so he can bring books into the store with particular customers in mind. “This should be a place that people find stuff even if they weren’t looking for it when they walked in,” Gabler said. “What we do here isn’t possible without the support of our customers. It’s what makes us successful.” —Camillia TNC_Sun_Best_Aug14fin.pdf

8/6/14

4:21 PM

RUNNER-UP: THE LIBRARY SHOP, SANTA MARIA

Best Fabric Store

BETTY’S FABRICS 1627 S. Broadway, Santa Maria

CMY

Whether you’re repurposing a dress, creating a Halloween costume, or just adding some bling to a project, Betty’s Fabrics is the place to get the goods. For years, Betty’s Fabrics has been the go-to shop for fantastic fabrics, creative patterns, and reams of ribbon. Ready to make a quilt but don’t know where to start? Betty’s Fabrics has a staff that can help answer any question to overcome project challenges. With its selection of fabric and trimming, and knowledgeable staff, Betty’s is Sun readers’ choice for Best Fabric Store. —Shelly

RUNNER-UP: JO-ANN FABRIC AND CRAFT

Best Video Game Selection GAMESTOP

2204 S. Bradley, Santa Maria • 625 W. Central Ave., suite B, Lompoc Imagine a store lined with products that can transport you to any number of

worlds—worlds where monsters stalk, soldiers march, or cars rocket through streets. GameStop is that store. It’s like being a kid in a candy shop—or, more accurately, it’s exactly like being a gamer in a game store. When Sun readers feel like rescuing a princess, they go to GameStop to fulfill that fantasy. The chain has the latest games, but also offers some hard to find titles. They’ll even buy back your old games so you can have a little extra cash for your next adventure. Hyrule, maybe? —Shelly

RUNNER-UP: BEST BUY

Best Audio/Video Equipment Store BEST BUY

2326 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria It’s easy to get overwhelmed when waltzing into the home entertainment department at Best Buy. A giant wall of televisions dominates the back wall of the store, playing everything from sports games to the latest Disney/Pixar movie. You can also find small set ups of faux living rooms, couch and all, that showcase the latest in surround sound technology that Best Buy has for sale. There are several packages available for those looking to deck their home out with the latest and greatest entertainment technology. You also don’t have to worry about installing the complicated and often large screens, speakers, and wiring involved in these systems, as Best Buy offers Geek Squad on the go to install the systems in your home. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: MOBILE WORKS

Best Place To Buy A Computer BEST BUY

2326 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria It can be difficult to keep up in the fast-paced world of computers, tablets, and laptops. Faced with technology that seems to be changing every day, locals trust the techies over at Best Buy to give them the most up-to-date information before a purchase. Whether you’re in need of some serious processing power or you just need a tablet to stream video, Best Buy can hook you up. Worried about possible damage to your device? There are always protection packages, and many products come with warranties. Best Buy is also fully equipped with software and games that make the shiny new computers so useful and fun. You can even order what you want online and pick it up at your local store. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: COSTCO BURNIN’ CASH

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BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

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Best Place To Repair A Computer BEST BUY

2326 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria This technological age isn’t without its inconveniences. A computer that works well is terrific, but one in need of repair— hardware or software—can be a frustrating mess. Luckily, Best Buy in Santa Maria offers a Geek Squad that’s always on call. Whether you bring your computer into the store or get a visit from the Geek Squad’s field repair people, you’re in good hands if you want your computer back in working condition. From virus problems to damages, the Geek Squad has myriad tools and techniques at their disposal to get your computer up and running again. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: DB COMPUTER SERVICES

Best Bike Shop MAIN STREET CYCLES

311 E. Main St., Santa Maria Three or four nights a week, staff members from Main Street Cycles are leading rides for customers and friends. “It’s a lifestyle for us,” Store Manager Bob Albrecht said. “It helps us communicate with our customers.” The shop on Main Street has found its niche by catering to the enthusiast crowd: It carries high-end bicycles, supports the local high school mountain bike club, and fixes ailing bikes. Albrecht said it also helps that the store’s mechanics are all professionals who’ve been with the shop for years. “We bring a lot of knowledge to the table,” he said. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP (TIE): CYCLE STAR RUNNER-UP (TIE): PEDAL POWER

Best Sports/ Outdoors Store

BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS 305 Town Center West, Santa Maria • 1512 North H St., suite H, Lompoc Locals know where to go if they’re in need of a certain something to make their recreational interests happen. Whether the athlete in your life needs sports equipment or just a simple pair of running shoes, Big 5 Sporting Goods is the go-to spot. Big 5 offers a wide range of sporting goods—from soccer to swimming gear—all of which are designed to enhance the experience. Camping

gear is very popular at Big 5, with products for rugged survivalists or comfy weekend campers alike. All of the products at Big 5 are high quality for people who play hard. The friendly and skilled staff is always ready and willing to help locals get equipped to get outside. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Reflections PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Best Bank Or Credit Union

Thank you for choosing Reflections

Lompoc • Vandenberg Village • Vandenberg Air Force Base • Santa Maria • Orcutt • Nipomo

as the Best Photographer in Northern Santa Barbara County

COAST HILLS

Coast Hills has been serving the Central Coast for more than 55 years, and since the outset—when it started serving the needs of military personnel at Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1958— the credit union has set out to make a difference in the community. For the institution, that means making affordable car loans and helping people save money, as well as getting things done in the community, according to the bank’s website. “We’ve been a part of the Central Coast since day one,” the site reads. That’s a reassuring message for locals looking to partner with someone who will take their finances seriously. —Camillia

We have been serving the photographic needs of the Santa Maria Valley since 1984 Luis Escobar 824 So. Broadway - Santa Maria - (805) 922-2932 www.ReflectionsPhotographyStudio.com

RUNNER-UP: RABOBANK

Best Auto Repair (Tie)

BUSH’S AUTOMOTIVE 211 W. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria Bush’s Automotive has been servicing motorists in Santa Maria since 1948. Their mechanics aim to provide the best service to keep your cars running smoothly or to get you back on the road. Whether you have an older or newer car, a domestic or foreign model, truck, car, or van, the pros at Bush’s will treat your baby with kid gloves. They offer top-notch customer service and will help you find cost-effective maintenance and repair alternatives. So when it comes to car care, don’t beat about the bush—head to Bush’s Automotive!

RICK’S CAR CARE 147 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt Rick’s Car Care has been smoothing out hard engine knocks in Orcutt since 1989. The mechanics at Rick’s aim to provide the best service to keep your cars running smoothly

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38 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

LAW MAN David Bixby, voted Best Attorney, has seen it all—or close enough to it. He tackles felony and misdemeanor cases alike. His philosophy is that ever ybody deserves the same fair treatment, so he fights for his clients to ensure that their day in court is one that’s by the books.

Best Auto Dealership (New)

TOYOTA OF SANTA MARIA 700 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria

Best Auto Dealership (Used)

HOME MOTORS CHEVROLET AND CADILLAC 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria

or to get you back on the road. Their experts take pride in their knowledge and ability to assess and solve even the most challenging automotive problems, using state-of-the-art technology. They offer terrific customer service at affordable prices, and have expertise in all kinds of domestic and import cars, trucks, and vans. So don’t end up in a rickshaw—to keep your motor running, zoom over to Rick’s Car Care! —Ariel

Finding the right car is an important decision, and to make such a decision, you have to find the right people. Toyota and Scion of Santa Maria boasts a friendly and knowledgeable staff committed to providing customers with the best service possible. Their mission statement is, “To consistently exceed the expectations of our customers and employees so that Toyota of Santa Maria is recognized as the dealership and employer of choice on the Central Coast.” The exemplary customer service and attention to detail they stand by is reflected in their being voted this year’s Best Auto Dealership (New) in Northern Santa Barbara County. —Emma

It’s not just a car; it’s an investment in the future. Your vehicle will take you many places, and the first step in a long journey together requires a dependable auto dealership. Home Motors has been serving California for more than 55 years, and its tradition of excellence continues today. Not only does Home Motors offer a full selection of new and used vehicles, it has a full parts, accessories, and service department. Customers are invited to test drive brand-new vehicles from a wide selection of Chevrolets that are on the lot. They provide factory-standard service and the best possible prices close to home. —Emma

RUNNER-UP: JAECKELS AUTOMOTIVE

RUNNER-UP: HOME MOTORS CHEVROLET AND CADILLAC

RUNNER-UP: TOYOTA OF SANTA MARIA

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Best Place To Buy Tires SM TIRE

630 E. Boone St., Santa Maria Tires looking tired and tread bare? Got a flat that needs fixing? SM Tire has been in the transportation solution business since 1946! That’s a lot of rubber on the road! SM Tire’s associates will hook you right up with the right wheels for your ride. Their Package of Value encompasses superb customer service and quality products, including Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Republic, Bridgestone/Firestone, American Racing, Wheels, Ultra Wheels for custom cars, Motegi Racing Wheels, and Bandag retreads. They also carry truck and tractor tires for construction and farm vehicles, tires for ATVs, and offer 24-hour emergency tire service, 365 days a year. So don’t spin your wheels—bring them to SM Tire, where the rubber really does meet the road! —Ariel

RUNNER-UP (TIE): BIG BRAND TIRE RUNNER-UP (TIE): CALDERON TIRES AND SERVICE

Best Car Wash

SPLASH N’ DASH 5006 Orcutt Road, Orcutt • 2175 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria The next best thing to driving a new, shiny car is driving one that looks new and shiny. Even my old beaters looked better

for having been washed. Splash n’ Dash is a great place to get your car clean without having your wallet cleaned out. Open daily, they provide three options at good prices. All cars are vacuumed and hand-prepped. The Express is your basic wash, rinse, and power blow dry. A triple foam wax and wheel cleaning is added for The Deluxe. Want The Works? They add clear coat protectant and an air freshener of your choice. Ooh, there’s that new car smell! Splash n’ Dash has a community Fundraising Program and, if you sign up, offers a free wash on your birthday. Sweet! —Ariel

RUNNER-UP: SANTA MARIA WASH N’ LUBE

Best Place To Fill Up Your Car

ORCUTT 76

100 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt In order to keep your car on the road for the long haul, you should be getting oil changes on a regular basis. But where? Locals trust the work done at Orcutt 76. “It’s kind of a hometown thing; it’s comfortable for people around here,” said Manager Deena Earing. “Because we’ve been here so long and have been servicing customers’ cars for years, they keep coming back.” Orcutt 76 is a full-service gas station that offers more than just oil changes and lubes; you can also find SMOG checks and the like. Locals enjoy dropping off their autos and strolling through iconic Old Town Orcutt. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: JIFFY LUBE

100 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt

Best Place For A Brake Job (Tie)

RUNNER-UP: FOODS CO.

Thanks for voting us

Best Yoga Facility 3 years in a row!

BUSH’S AUTOMOTIVE 211 W. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria Finding it hard to slow down? Need new shoes? Hey, we all need a break, and I’m always up for new shoes! We’re talking brake shoes, and Santa Maria boasts some remarkable venues for you to get a brake or two or four. The specialists at Bush’s

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Thank You for voting us best locally-owned clothing store 3 years in a row!

SEPTEMBER IS YOGA MONTH New students, call to receive 1 week of FREE YOGA!

Visit our website for full schedule

www.treetopyoga.net nicole@treetopyoga.net 2771 Santa Maria Way, Ste. C Santa Maria • 805.266.6391

Upstairs at the corner of Santa Maria Way & Miller

Best Place For An Oil Change

ORCUTT 76

Some of us take our cars quite seriously and think twice before we dump any old gas into the tank. Locals who enjoy filling their car with the good stuff from a locally owned gas station have spoken, and they choose Orcutt 76 for when they need to stay on the road. “It’s the old-type gas station,” said Manager Deena Earing. “People come in, they get it done, and then they are out—and they appreciate that.” Owned by Paul Enstad since 1995, Orcutt 76 is thought of as the local, corner gas station where service comes with a smile and at a fair price. —Joe

156 S. Broadway Street, Orcutt Open M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4

805-332-3152 Like us on Facebook

40 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BURNIN’ CASH from page 39 Automotive have the low-down on brake pads, shoes, wheel bearings, drums, hoses, and calipers. They’ll flush out old brake fluids and resurface worn rotors. And should your ABS light come on, it doesn’t mean Always Best to Shop! Your anti-lock brakes may need servicing, and Bush’s pros can diagnose and solve any problems to keep you safe on the road. Them’s the brakes!

RIZZOLI’S AUTOMOTIVE 1149 Tama Lane, Santa Maria Rizzoli’s Automotive is family owned and operated, specializing in hybrid and electric cars, Mercedes, BMWs, Lexus, Volkswagens, Audis, and domestic models. Their brake specialists will help you prioritize repairs to meet safety concerns—as well as your budget—to keep your car running and stopping smoothly. Their website says it all: “We’ll fix your car the first time, perform only the work needed, and the work is completed on time and at a fair price. We service your car as if it were our own.” Rizzoli’s Traveler’s Service is top-notch: Drop off your car, and they’ll run you to the airport or train station. Your car is serviced, washed, and delivered upon your return. Prefer to wait? They have free wifi, coffee, and fresh cookies. So zoom over to Rizzoli’s Automotive for an even brake! —Ariel

RUNNER-UP (TIE): BIG BRAND TIRE RUNNER-UP (TIE): E & J RUNNER-UP (TIE): PAT’S AUTOMOTIVE RUNNER-UP (TIE): SM TIRE

Best Flower Shop

BACK PORCH FRESH FLOWERS AND GIFTS 4850 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria Back Porch owner Houng Hopp said that sometimes there are feelings we can’t always describe, but we can do it with flowers. “I love the beauty flowers bring,” Hopp said. “You feel happier having flowers around, and they convey a lot of feelings.” Hopp bought the shop back in 2006 and now specializes in a variety of events. The owner said they try to purchase flowers from as many local growers as possible with overnight shipments for more exotic flowers. As a florist, Hopp said the work comes down to helping people figure out how to express what they want with the right kind of bloom. For Hopp, the goal is to provide the best service possible to the community. “I love sending out things that will help make people happy,” Hopp said. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: A LITTLE SOMETHING

Best Attorney DAVID BIXBY

937 E. Main St., suite 206, Santa Maria Attorney David Bixby said that after 36 years in the profession, he’s seen just about anything a person might face in the criminal justice system. He handles misdemeanors and felonies—more of the latter than the former, though his office treats all clients the same. “Everybody is entitled to the best advocacy possible. I have a passion to see that my clients are treated fairly and according to the law. I have never been hesitant to fight for a client who is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to a reasonable settlement,” he wrote. He represents clients facing homicide, robbery, embezzlement, and domestic violence charges—tough stuff, but rules are rules and should apply equally to everybody. “Any defense attorney should be prepared to stand in the gap for their client and to make sure the prosecution adheres to the rules,” he summed up. “My clients are people with

personalities and a life story. I will never abide for them to be treated as a number or be just pushed through the process.” —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: CAMERON FERNANDEZ

Best Veterinarian ALL VALLEY BEST HOSPITAL

230 E. Betteravia Road, suite A, Santa Maria Dr. Martin Vale, DMV, is “one of a kind,” according to his front office manager Cindy Frank. “It’s about the pets and the clients, not the bottom line,” she said. The 76-year-old veterinarian has more than 30 years’ experience caring for animals large and small, though these days he limits his clientele to dogs and cats. Part of what makes Dr. Vale special is that in addition to standard medicine, he also practices holistic and homeopathic medicine. “If he won’t take it himself, he won’t give it to the dogs and cats,” Frank said. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: EVERGREEN ANIMAL CLINIC

Best Pet Store PETSMART

2306 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria Whether it crawls, slithers, swims, or walks, PetSmart will have the animal for you. The huge warehouse of pet supplies, accessories, and food also has a fair share of critters, from the cold blooded to our more mammalian friends. “We are constantly changing fish assortment as time goes on,” said Operations Manager Eric Crosiar. “We also just started carrying tarantulas and scorpions.” If you aren’t the arthropod type, there are plenty of cute and cuddly animals at PetSmart as well. Santa Barbara County Animal Services and the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society both show adoptable cats throughout the week, and dogs come and visit the store on the weekends. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: FINS AND CRITTERS

Best Place To Pamper Your Pet PETSMART

2306 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria Cats and dogs are relatively low-maintenance creatures. They require food, drink, exercise, and a comfy place to sleep. But that doesn’t stop us as pet owners from going above and beyond to make our pups and kitties happy. PetSmart is a business that understands that art of pet pampering and offers more than just pet accessories, You can find full-service grooming as well. “One of the new things that we just started doing is we actually do a program called ‘Pet Expression,’” said Operations Manager Eric Crosiar, “where we are getting into the custom grooming where you can have colored sprays added to the tail or ears, or chalking with streaks and designs. They all wash out and are pet safe.” Whether you Chihuahua needs hot pink ears or just some tasty treats, PetSmart has a wide range of pet pampering goods and services available. —Joe

RUNNER-UP (TIE):THE GAYE POODLE RUNNER-UP (TIE): THE POLISHED PET

Best Place To Get A Tattoo

UPPER ROOM TATTOO COMPANY

419 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Sabin Brock, owner of Upper Room Tattoo, said the art of tattoos has come a long way from when he first started. Brock, who runs the shop with his wife, said he loves the challenge that comes with being a tattoo artist. While he loves tattoos, his reason for being in the business has changed over the years—now, customer service is paramount to Brock and the tight-knit crew at Upper Room. “I love this because it goes back to service and putting people first, which is a lost art,” Brock said. Being a tattoo artist means clients have to trust Brock and his crew to do whatever’s asked, ensuring the imagery comes across as desired. Brock said there’s a strange balance to it all. Upper Room is a completely custom shop that focuses only on tattooing—the artists help the clients design each unique piece. “It’s nice to be appreciated, and at the same time it’s good to know that when you put work into something, others see it,” Brock said. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: INK HEADZ TATTOO

Best Place To Get A Body Piercing

COPPER COFFIN TATTOO 104 W. Chapel St., Santa Maria Copper Coffin has been putting holes in ears, noses, and belly buttons for seven years. Body piercing, more common now than ever, is another form of self-expression and method for turning one’s body into art. Todd Badrak, a body piercer and tattoo apprentice, said he started out as a piercing apprentice before moving on to piercer. When clients walk into the shop, Badrak said they’re usually scared or concerned. “It’s my job to provide a professional and fun experience,” he explained. “I want to ease their concern and make them feel welcome.” In addition to customer service, Badrak said keeping the shop and equipment spotless is important as well. “We just hold ourselves to a standard, and people dig it,” he said. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: INK HEADZ TATTOO BURNIN’ CASH

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BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Thanks for the Vote of Confidence! and for voting us

e We’r #1

Best Senior Living

John Henning, Ph.D. & Sharon Henning Owners & Administrators

Best Place to Work

Best Place to Volunteer

All Insurance Accepted · Rehabilitation Therapy · Medicare & Medical 922-6657 830 E. Chapel Street, Santa Maria For more information go to: www.CountryOaksCareCenter.com

COMMERCIAL El Rio/Oxnard 249 Montgomery Ave. (805) 642-0174 (805) 656-6077

Goleta/Santa Barbara (805) 964-4863

Santa Maria/Nipomo 12170 Hutton Rd., Nipomo (805) 928-2501

Paso Robles/Atascadero (805) 466-6224

AUTOMOTIVE CARE CAR  LIGHT TRUCK  SUV Santa Maria 119 W Betteravia (805) 922-4557

Arroyo Grande 1270 Grand Ave (805) 473-1337

San Luis Obispo 219 Tank Farm Rd (805) 543-4780

42 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

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Thank You

for voting us the best locally-owned jewlery store in Santa Barbara County!

Best Place To Put Up Visiting Family SANTA MARIA INN

801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Located in the heart of Santa Maria, the Santa Maria Inn has been a Central Coast landmark since 1917. The hotel blends the style of an English country inn with the elegance of a bygone era and offers romantic dining, an English-style tap room, and a wine bar, massage and spa services, and shopping opportunities. Just minutes from Santa Maria Valley’s wineries, “the inn is an oasis of charm and luxury, offering a unique experience and the sophisticated amenities business and leisure travelers expect,” according to the website. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: RADISSON

Best New Business Of 2013 MOXIE CAFE

1317 W. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria At lunch, Moxie Cafe is packed with workers on their lunch break eating salads, wraps, and hot food. Restaurant manager Ron Lovell attributes their success to the three years of planning that went into the cafe

before it opened. He said the owner, J. Hardy of Hardy Diagnostics, asked his employees for input, and a lot of thought was put into the way the cafe is laid out, the type of food they serve, and how it’s served. “It was a collaborative effort,” Lovell said. “The food is really fresh and everything is under $10, so people can afford to come here more often.” —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: OMAKASE

Best Real Estate Company CORNERSTONE REAL ESTATE

411 E. Betteravia Road, suite 101, Santa Maria Navigating the real estate market can be a daunting task, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’re selling your abode, or you’re relocating to a new area. Luckily, the real estate agents at CornerStone in Santa Maria have got your back. The office’s knowledgeable staff members provide services to almost everyone involved in the market, both in person and online at cornerstonesantamaria.com. Visit the website to check out the most up-to-date property listings, to calculate an affordable mortgage, or to get the ball rolling on making a sale. —Amy

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1140 E. Clark Avenue, Santa Maria · (805) 925-1678

Thank You To Our Loyal Members

1335 S. Bradley Rd., Santa Maria (805) 928-9887

Best Place to Buy Eyewear

Repair Computer

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BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

NISHIMORI LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN

office staff. Plumbing technology has changed a lot in the last 24 years, too. “It’s still a messy, smelly job; these tools make it more bearable,” Becky said. “There are cameras for the sewer lines, and we have a pro-press machine that presses the pipes together so we don’t have to solder them.” And along with all those gadgets comes a commitment to quality work and customer service. —Amy

807 Blosser Road, Santa Maria

RUNNER-UP: GRIFFIN PLUMBING

Jim Nishimori has been designing and beautifying Central Coast landscapes for more than 20 years. The firm provides services to more than 200 residential customers in the Santa Maria area; they specialize in design, erosion control, and they even have services for decorating trellises and wood arbors. Partner at Nishimori, Jill Sims, said the success of the business comes from attention to detail, listening to customers, and responding to calls. Sims, who said time is the biggest factor in this business, feels that landscaping appeals to people for a number of reasons. “It’s quality work, it’s easier to have someone else do it, you’re saving time, and having it done professionally,” Sims said. —Kristina

Best Furniture Store

Best Landscaper

RUNNER-UP: DREAMSCAPE LANDSCAPING

Best Plumber

JACK’S ALL-AMERICAN PLUMBING 2011 Preisker Lane, suite A, Santa Maria Jack’s All-American Plumbing has come a long way from owner Jack Bingham working out of his garage while his wife, Becky, took care of their two children. Now the company has eight plumbers plus

ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE 2104 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria Furniture sets the tone for a home. I still remember the grey sectional in my grandma’s living room on which we grandkids cuddled with her to watch cartoons. Ashley Furniture excels at setting the tone for those Kodak moments, and they do it with style, great design, and terrific customer service. Their products are well made and beautiful, and the company works hard to meet customers’ needs while providing good value. I speak from experience, too. They sure made my family happy with a recliner-sofa, delivered and assembled, perfect for snuggling to watch television or read. Ashley Furniture also takes pride in community involvement. A portion of the cost of every mattress sold is donated to provide less fortunate children with new mattresses. Now that’s a Kodak moment! —Ariel

RUNNER-UP: WEATHERBY’S FURNITURE

Best Home Décor/ Accessories PIER 1 IMPORTS

230 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria Start with the floor: Pier 1 Imports carries rugs that range from accents to serious, foot-welcoming, room-covering squares. Then work your way up. Chairs and chaises come next, along with tables, beds, and all manner of furniture. Cover the seats in pillows that come in a plethora of patterns, the tables in linens and stylish dinnerware. Duvets and quilts can round out the bedroom. For the walls? Check out a selection of mirrors, mosaics, and art from animal to abstract. Add an accent or two—a clock, a plant, a sign—then light it all from above. Feel free to change the look for the season. This task may sound daunting, but Pier 1 makes it easy, carrying all of the above (and more) under one roof. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: A LA CARTE

Best Hardware Store ORCHARD SUPPLY HARDWARE

1950 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Locals looking to fix a leaky sink, paint a bedroom, or spruce up the backyard head straight to Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) for all of their hardware needs. OSH has all of the supplies you’d

BURNIN’ CASH

Thank you for voting us one of the Best Sports and Outdoor Stores... Again!!!

continued page 44

Thank You!

Come see these Flooring Professionals for a great deal! Free In-Home Estimates & Free Furniture Moving

2530-K S. Broadway, Santa Maria · 614-0072 www.playitagainsports-santamaria.com · pias11224@aol.com

2051 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454

805-347-1121

44 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

BURNIN’ CASH from page 43 find in a Big Box store, but has the added benefit of the friendly, personalized service of a mom ‘n’ pop establishment. From colorful camellias to oscillating ceiling fans, OSH has all of the things you need to get the job done. As one satisfied customer posted on yelp.com, “[A] great local hometown hardware store. Sign up at osh.com for great deals and weekly coupons.” —Amy

RUNNER-UP: HOME DEPOT

Best Nursery

WHISPERING TREE NURSERY 110 Norris St., Orcutt The staff at Whispering Tree Nursery is made up of garden designers in their own right, according to Aaron Stern, a plant buyer for the nursery. He said that many of them have been working at the nursery for years and their knowledge extends beyond the plants they sell. The nursery likes to serve each customer as an individual, and also has a landscape consultant who visits customers’ homes in order to see what works best for their garden. “We’ve always been known for our potted trees an our garden design,” Stern said, adding that all the plants in the nursery are hand-selected by buyers like himself. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: ORCHARD SUPPLY HARDWARE

Best Electrician

SMITH’S ALARMS AND ELECTRONICS 1240 Grace Lane, Nipomo If it’s in your home or business and it’s got wires, you can bet that the team at Smith’s Alarms and Electronics can handle it. The family-owned company keeps the juice flowing from Nipomo, specializing in central vacuum, customized home theater, security and alarm, and intercom systems. Administrative Assistant Maritza Limon said the Smith’s staff aims to made sure that every customer leaves happy and feeling secure. “No job is too big or too small for us to handle,” she said. “One of the many things that makes us the best in the industry is the attention to detail that we provide for all our jobs.” Need a surveillance camera? How about someone to run speaker cable for you? Smith’s provides personal service to residents and business owners around the Central Coast. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: EVER-READY ELECTRIC

Best Movers

MEATHEAD MOVERS Santa Barbara County It pays to have a moving company staffed by student athletes. Just ask Meathead Movers co-owner Aaron Steed: “We are the only moving company that jogs when not carrying items, saving time and money.” Also, the company pays movers more money when items aren’t damaged, and they receive a high customer

AWESOME BLOSSOMS service rating on the post-move survey. But that’s not all. Added Steed, “We offer a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Also, we train leaders; our movers are not only working their way through college, but they’re using their experiences at Meathead … to help them with their career goals.” —Amy

RUNNER-UP: SANDERCOCK MOVING AND STORAGE CO. BURNIN’ CASH

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Back Porch Fresh Flowers and Gifts, winner of Best Flower Shop, has been under the same ownership since 2006. Houng Hopp believes in the power of flowers to convey feelings— particularly happiness. Who wouldn’t smile when gifted with a bouquet of fresh and fragrant blooms?

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Winner Best Doctor

Accepting new patients

934-5140

915 E. Stowell, Suite C Santa Maria

Robert W. Okerblom, M.D. Jennifer R. Bobell, M.D. Kay Moreland, R.N. N.P Rebecca Cook, R.N. F.N.P. Donald J. Hole, M.D. Karna S. Gocke, M.D.

THANK YOU

Thank you for voting us one of the Best in Alternative Healing

for voting us best electrician and best home security

Dr. Ruth Corbo DVM, CVCP, CVA

805.619.4510 www.smithane.com contractor C-10 937375 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACO 6884

Having trouble wrangling your pack into the car to go to the vet? Instead, call Dr. Ruth Corbo for a veterinary house-call in the comfort of your home!

Discover us on

www.drruthsvet2pet.com 805-925-7884

46 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Thank You!!

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BURNIN’ CASH from page 44

Best Home Security SMITH’S ALARMS AND ELECTRONICS 1240 Grace Lane, Nipomo

dvd's

gavi

We are very grateful to be be a part of this community. A sincere thank you for everyone's support!

230 E Betteravia Rd Ste K ! Santa Maria 805-922-4282 ! quest@thebookwormcali.com facebook.com/thebookwormcali

Capturing timeless fashion for women of all ages...

Family is important. You want to protect the people you love, as well as the comforts they enjoy. The owners behind Smith’s Alarms and Electronics understand that well: The Central Coast business is family owned and committed to local loyalty. Administrative Assistant Maritza Limon explained how that means if anyone has an emergency—or even simply a question—help is just a phone call away. “We also give free security evaluations and complete installation and service on every system we install,” she wrote. What sort of systems, you ask? Alarm and fire systems, closedcircuit television, door access, and intercoms for homes, businesses, and construction. Couple that with competitive installation pricing and low monthly monitoring rates to realize that physical security doesn’t have to impact your financial security. Whew! —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: ADT

Best Flooring Company G&S FLOORING

222 E. Donovan Road, Santa Maria

(805) 922-9195 317 Town Center East next to Macy’s

Carpet and tile may serve its time beneath our stocking feet or bare soles, but that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, it is one of the most important facets of a home or business. Familyowned G & S Flooring has been a local institution since 1949. With about 35 employees today, customers can count on caring and invested individuals who are committed to doing the finest job. Sharon Hamblin’s father founded the business, and she is committed to continuing his standard of excellence along with husband Bill Hamblin. “We

feel really proud to keep it going the way he would’ve,” Sharon said. —Emma

RUNNER-UP: ABBEY CARPET & FLOOR

Feelin’ Good

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

48 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

MUSCLE UP Free weights and other tools for muscle-building opportunities about at In-Shape, winner of Best Health Club/Gym in this year’s poll. You can go your own way when it comes to staying fit, or you can take a class or work with a trainer.

Best Health Club/Gym IN-SHAPE

1318 South Broadway, Santa Maria Motivating yourself to work out is no easy task, but In-Shape health club of Santa Maria is great at inspiring a desire to commit to fitness. The club offers the full amenities of an upscale health club—just with less damage to your wallet. Discounts are offered for teachers, military personnel, and students. In-Shape has a variety of weight and cardio machines, a section for free weights, a circuit center, and a room dedicated to more body weight crossfit-type workouts. Not to mention there’s a heated indoor pool, tanning beds, and a variety of classes to meet anyone’s workout needs. The training staff is helpful and knowledgeable, there’s onsite childcare, and the biggest plus? It’s clean! —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: WESTERN VILLAGE HEALTH CLUB

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

Best Massage Therapist

HEALING TOUCH DAY SPA 180 Mary Ave., Nipomo When owners Kathleen and Rudy Stowell set out to start a new endeavor 16 years ago, they never imagined their day-spa would become what it has. “The goal wasn’t for this to happen, but every time we turned around there was an opportunity,” Kathleen said. She originally got involved with massage therapy as a way to pay bills, but now she enjoys the customer service aspect. With a variety of services available, Kathleen said the mantra at Healing Touch has always been “to leave your troubles at the door.” When clients come in, Kathleen said she wants to ensure they are treated and pampered so they float out. “We are here to provide total relaxation and a good experience,” she said. —Kristina

the résumé, literally. According to his documents posted on chirowellnessgroup.com, he’s served on numerous well-respected chiropractic boards and received training from various institutions. But despite his background, Peterson remains humble. “I have great patients and an excellent staff,” he said. “Our goal is to treat the individual. When you’re here, you’re like family.” His service to the community is also apparent as he’s a member of the Orcutt Union School District Board of Trustees and as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Maria Valley. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: DR. DAVID LOHMAN

Best Yoga Facility TREETOP YOGA

2771 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria

Best Chiropractor

DR. JAMES E. PETERSON, CHIROPRACTOR WELLNESS GROUP

“I’ve always had a vision of community: the studio being a retreat, a place for people to come and just be—the bad times, the good times, people can just be,” Treetop Yoga owner Nicole Donati said. “It’s more than just a workout.” She said the teachers, staff, and customers all just kind of come together. Donati teaches a variety of yoga classes and tries to bring in new teachers and styles as often as possible. She even teaches a paddleboard yoga class sometimes in Port San Luis. “People love it, and afterwards we go to breakfast,” she said. —Camillia

2615 S. Miller St., suite 108, Santa Maria

RUNNER-UP: YOGA FOR MANKIND

RUNNER-UP: NANCY REILLY

Doctor of Chiropractic James E. Peterson has quite

FEELIN’ GOOD

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BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

THANK YOU Santa Maria Valley! Voted best place for senior living! Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is a resort-style community with many amenities and apartment choices to suit your living style!

Call today to schedule a personal visit!

(805) 863-9287 1220 Suey Road Santa Maria, CA 93454

merrillgardens.com

Independent Retirement • Assisted Living • Memory Care

THANK YOU for voting us one of the best community/non-profit organizations in northern Santa Barbara county!

In our community, over 600 children have been rescued from lives of neglect and abuse. They need safe, loving homes . . . and they need advocates to speak out for them. That is where CASA comes in. Our volunteers work tirelessly to help children’s voices be heard here in Santa Barbara County.

I am for the child.™

However, there are still more children in our community waiting for your help.

up a child’s voice. CASA will provide the Join the CASA Lift team! training and support needed. Contact us at volunteer@sbcasa.org.

Scan here to learn more about CASA!

Lic #425801806

50 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

THANKS FOR VOTING US #1! A Place for ALL Your Automotive Needs SMOG INSPECTION $40.00

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

FEELIN’ GOOD from page 48

Best Place To Get Men’s Haircuts SPORT CLIPS

540 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria Getting a haircut at Sport Clips is, almost literally, a home run. The shop features the “MVP

2000 or Newer for Cars & LD trucks Includes certificate & transfer fees Must present ad Not valid with any other offer

Offer Ends 11/15/14

Located at 211 W. Betteravia Rd Santa Maria CA 93454 (805) 925-3355 Se Habla Español www.bushsautomotive.com

1108 East Clark Ave., Orcutt

treatment,” so clients will leave wishing they could get their hair cut more often. “It’s a sports environment, and we do shampoo massaging in a great atmosphere,” manager Kimberly Phillips said. With multiple TVs tuned to sports channels and steamed towel treatments, there’s no reason to dread a trip to the barbershop. Sports Clips offers flexible, convenient hours for people on the go. When asked what customers can expect from Sports Clips, Phillips said that the answer is simple: “A great experience and a great haircut.” —Emma

RUNNER-UP: BEACON BARBER SHOP

Best Place To Get Women’s Haircuts TRENDS SALON

338 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria

Best Attorney

Santa Maria is a great city. I’ve experienced

35 wonderful years, raising my family and working with a legal community small enough that everybody knows each other personally and by reputation. It’s a pleasure to serve you and support the efforts of concerned leaders and citizens who want to maintain our good quality of life while working for continuing improvement.

—David Bixby

LAW OFFICES OF DAVID M. BIXBY 937 E. MAIN STREET, SUITE 206

805-928-8323

Best Dentist

DR. EMILE WAKED, SMILES ON CLARK

Offer Ends 11/15/14

20% OFF SERVICES Must present ad Not valid with any other offer

Dr. Emile Waked is a superhero on a mission to create healthy smiles. His superpowers include cosmetic and restorative dentistry, implants, and taking the bite out of dental procedures. “When patients are concerned, we talk about why,” he explains. “Some had bad experiences, dislike the environment, or hate needles or the sound of the drill. We provide medication to calm them and offer headphones with music to minimize the drill’s noise. We try to make them as comfortable as possible because they know they need care or they wouldn’t be here.” Educated in Paris and at UCLA, Dr. Clark speaks six languages (including Spanish) and accepts most PPO insurance plans. His super motto: “If you ignore your teeth they will go away. Prevention is the key!” —Ariel

RUNNER-UP: DR. CAROLYN R. BALDIVIEZ, PARK AVENUE SMILES

Best Doctor

DR. ROBERT OKERBLOM 951 Stowell Road, Santa Maria

Hair maintenance is a battle for most women, so sometimes the thought of taking care of our manes on our own can be daunting. During our trying hair times— and which ones aren’t?—it would be best to reach out to Trends Salon of Santa Maria. The stylists working in the relaxing Trends atmosphere seek to provide a quality hair experience at a reasonable price. They offer a number of services, including hair texturing, straightening, extensions, and scalp treatments, as well as groom and bridal services. There are also a number of nail services, as well as makeover treatments. Stylists are experienced and receive continual training to provide the best customer service. —Kristina

Dr. Robert Okerblom truly knows what it means to be the best: He’s been voted Best Doctor 13 of the 14 years the Sun has done its annual Best Of readers poll. Despite that, the good doctor remains humble. “It’s wonderful that my patients have confidence in me and express it,” he said, adding that he owes a great deal to his “phenomenal team” of office staffers, nurses, and fellow doctors. After caring for patients in Orcutt for so many years, Okerblom and crew have now moved to an expanded location in Santa Maria. “The building still has that new smell,” the doctor said. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: TALK OF THE TOWN

RUNNER-UP: DR. DONALD HOLE FEELIN’ GOOD

continued page 51

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

FEELIN’ GOOD from page 50

Best Ob/Gyn

DR. MICHAEL WYATT 1300 E. Cypress St., building B, Santa Maria Local ladies think highly of Dr. Michael Wyatt, who specializes in gynecology. The 69-year-old graduated from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He’s been in practice in Santa Maria for 36 years. “I still love it so much,” Dr. Wyatt told the Sun. When asked why his patients think he’s the best, he humbly answered, “I’m pretty low key. I try to give my patients enough time to deal with their concerns.” —Wendy

RUNNER-UP: DR. TAD P. CALLAHAN

Best Pediatrician

DR. ROBERT S. BARRY 1420 S. Miller St., Santa Maria For numerous years, Sun readers have agreed that Dr. Robert Barry is the guy to see when your child isn’t feeling well. The board-certified pediatrician offers urgent care for little Susie if she falls out of a tree and breaks her arm—ouch!—and preventative care to make sure little Jimmy is getting all of his vitamins. And Sun readers aren’t the only ones who think Dr. Barry is a great doctor. According to patient surveys posted on healthgrades.com, the pediatrician got top marks for listening, explaining medical conditions, and making good medical decisions. Way to go, Dr. Barry! —Amy

RUNNER-UP: DR. ELENA R. REGALA

51 51

Best Counselor/ Therapist

DR. LYNDA GANTT

Moats offers a number of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures to shave away the years. There are also a number of services to help treat acne, moles, psoriasis, and the ever-increasing problems of sun damage. Thinking about money? The practice offers monthly service specials, as well as financing options. —Kristina

301 E. Cook St., suite K, Santa Maria

RUNNER-UP: TALK OF THE TOWN

Counselors approach real-life situations from a perspective of years of training and experience. Each counselor has a unique methodology, and this impacts the care and service he or she provides. In Santa Maria, Dr. Lynda Gantt is trusted by many locals. When asked what makes her practice special, her response was simple: “The individualized attention and personal concern for every patient,” she said. She truly loves her job, as well as all of the wonderfully diverse people she gets to meet. “I always wanted to be of service to others,” she said. Her exceptional service has resulted in such accolades as the Human Relations Recognition Award, which she earned in 2003. —Emma

Best Manicures/ Pedicures (Tie)

RUNNER-UP: DR. MARY JO PEDERSEN

Best Place To Make You Look 10 Years Younger

MOATS LASER AND SKIN CARE 525 Plaza Drive, suite 200, Santa Maria

QUEEN NAILS

321 Town Center West, suite B5, Santa Maria The staffers at Queen Nails are passionate about doing nails. Photos posted on the business’s Facebook page show an array of colorful, gorgeously detailed acrylic nails, from tropical flowers to tiger stripes! So if you’re in the mood for something crazy—or even just a basic shaping and coat of polish—Sun readers say that this is definitely a salon to visit. Plus, its convenient location next to the Santa Maria Town Center mall makes Queen Nails a great place to take a break from shopping.

TALK OF THE TOWN 350 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt

You only have the skin you live in, so you might as well take care of it as much as possible. Moats Laser and Skin Care has been providing board-certified dermatological treatments in Santa Maria since 1978. A graduate from UCLA medical school, Dr. Michael

When the Sun asked Talk of the Town owner Pam Hunter in a phone interview why she enjoys doing people’s nails, she said, “I feel it’s a privilege to give someone a really good manicure and pedicure. It makes my heart feel happy.” It seems to make her

FEELIN’ GOOD

continued page 52

Winner 7 Years In A Row! Best Place To Make You Look 10 Years Younger

Call Today 928-1000

Gift Certiﬁcates Available

Dr. Michael W. Moats, a board certified dermatologist has been serving the Santa Maria Valley for over 30 years. And Moats Laser and Skin Care customizes each treatment to your specific needs performed by a highly trained, caring team of professionals. Michael W. Moats, MD Board Certified Dermatologist www.moatslaser.com 805.928.1000 525 E. Plaza Drive Ste. 200 All major credit cards accepted . Interest free Financing Avaiilable

52 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

A CUT ABOVE

FEELIN’ GOOD from page 51 customers’ hearts happy, too, because after a beat, she added, “My client just told me to tell you that my clients love me.” The people behind this family-run business have ample experience with nails and more: Talk of the Town has been open for more than two decades. So if you feel like being pampered and treated like family, check out this Old Orcutt gem. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: SUNNY’S NAILS AND SPA

Best Tanning Salon TANNER’S COVE

1439 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Owners Sharon and Jeff Smith-Morrow have been providing golden skin tones to clients on the Central Coast for many years. They seek to provide a relaxing experience for people who come to salons as a way to escape the activities of their day-to-day lives. They

also pride themselves on providing a number of tanning maintenance products, as well as consistently changing their lamps to ensure that clients receive the best shade of tan possible. Tanner’s Cove also offers full body waxing and airbrush services. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: SUN TICKLED SPRAY TAN

Best Place For Senior Living

COUNTRY OAKS CARE CENTER 830 E. Chapel St., Santa Maria In mid-July, the staffers and residents at Country Oaks Care Center celebrated the senior living facility’s 23rd anniversary with a Hawaiian barbecue. “We always joke that John swam to Hawaii for the fish,” owner/administrator Sharon Henning said of her husband. It’s that good-natured attitude that makes the Hennings and other staff members accessible to their clients. Country Oaks offers long-term skilled nursing care and physical therapy to local seniors in a closeknit community environment. Enrichment services include music, exercise classes,

Locals agree that Best Place to Get Women’s Haircuts is Trends Salon, where the staff handles the expected cutting, as well as texturing, straightening, extensions, scalp treatments, and groom and bridal services. You can even get a full-on makeover! cooking classes, Bingo, nature walks, mani-pedis, and more. “We really care about the people here,” Sharon said. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: MERRILL GARDENS

Best Alternative Healer

DR. HERB KANDEL, ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF SANTA MARIA 225 E. Mill St., Santa Maria Although Dr. Herb Kandel practices Eastern medicine, he believes a collaboration between Western and Eastern medicine yields the greatest benefits. “Western medicine is great at trauma care and diagnosis of infectious disease and cancer. These are important tools,” Kandel said. “Chinese medicine addresses many conditions that fall through the cracks.” He added that he thinks it’s important to help his patients understand their issues and work with them to come up with a solution. “I collaborate with my patients,” Kandel said. “People want to be engaged in their health as primary players in their treatments.” —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: DR. RUTH CORBO

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Andy Caldwell would like to thank

all the readers who have voted him the best!

The only local talk show to cover the entire Central Coast! Central Coast Government watchdog, taxpayer, business and traditional values advocate. Andy is Live Monday Thru Friday 3:00pm to 5:00pm

For more information visit www.theandycaldwellshow.com Streaming Live on www.am1440.com and www.newspress.com 8 years straight for

Best Take-It-To-The-Man Local Activist and

Best Community Watchdog

http://tunein.com/mobile/

Thank you!

KUHL the information station

Thanks for voting us #1

Best Museum/ Learning Center 13,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, weekly programs and special events for kids and families. Follow our calendar of events on f at smvdiscoverymuseum!

Carolyn R. Baldiviez, DDS 111 East Park Avenue Santa Maria, CA 93454

(805) 925-8112

705 S. McClelland 路 928-8414

www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org

54 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Our community has spoken & we appreciate each one of you for voting!

Santa Maria’s original Walmart is improving to better serve YOU! We will be open during all the great changes. Looking forward to assisting you with all your shopping needs.

Store 2507 • 2220 S Bradley Rd Santa Maria, CA 93455 • (805) 349-7885 www.walmart.com

Community on my Mind

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

56 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 Best Tutor (Tie)

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB Santa Maria • Guadalupe • Lompoc It can be hard to juggle multiple school subjects at a young age. From math and science to history and language, each subject offers unique challenges. Luckily, local parents have a variety of tutoring and after school programs to get their kids involved in via the Boys and Girls Club. For example, the Santa Maria Valley Boys and Girls Club provides a homework club, tutoring, and incentives for young scholars to progress. “What we have is called a power hour program,” said Executive Director Bill Libbon. “So when kids come in and complete their homework, they earn power hour points, and once they accrue enough points they get a reward.” The Boys and Girls Club allows youngsters a safe environment to learn while also motivating them to keep moving forward in their education.

Best Local Entrepreneur

RANDY KIRKENDOLL, CREATIVE JUICES LOUNGE 874 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe Guadalupe-based entrepreneur Randy Kirkendoll has big plans for his new hometown. Now that his own business, Creative Juices Lounge, has hit its stride, he’s starting to think more about other projects to help revitalize the quirky hamlet’s downtown area. “On the horizon for me would be getting an upscale antique store and an art gallery,” he said, adding that he thinks building an RV storage area for people traveling to the dunes would be a great opportunity, too. “Of course, the crown jewel in my vision is the Royal Theater. It’s just sitting there, and—just like Guadalupe—it has so much potential.” —Amy

RUNNER-UP: MICHAEL SUN, NORTH CHINA RESTAURANT

KUMON

4869 S. Bradley Road, suite 121, Santa Maria Kumon is an after-school learning center that helps kids in language and mathematics from the preschool level through high school. The program promotes self-learning and lets young scholars move at a pace they’re comfortable with. “We promote self-learning through our curriculum,” said field consultant Sunim Kim. “It is designed so students can learn on their own as much as possible.” Students go to Kumon twice a week and continue to their education with the materials they take home with them. Regular practice, step-based learning, and the guidance of the skilled educators at Kumon help kids feel on top of their schoolwork and education. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: CHRIS FELIX EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION

Best Builder

HALSELL BUILDERS 3130 Skyway Drive, suite 601, Santa Maria Serving the greater Central Coast region, Halsell Builders has been offering the best in building and design since 2002. Founders and brothers Joe and James Halsell have harnessed their ingenuity into a lasting business that’s making a difference. Halsell Builders features a design showroom that provides a place for clients to interact with professionals. Here, they can start to make their dream home a reality. Employee Kathleen Snell is happy to be a part of a business that’s so dedicated to giving back to the community and providing the best customer

Country Oaks Care Center won Best Place for Senior Living, but it also took top honors for Best Place to Work. The owners love the employees, the employees love their jobs, the residents love the staff—it’s amazing!

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

experience possible. “Everybody here is so wonderful and friendly,” Snell said. “Everyone loves their job!” —Emma

RUNNER-UP: COAST CONSTRUCTION

Best Place To Work COUNTRY OAKS CARE CENTER

830 E. Chapel St., Santa Maria When asked why Country Oaks Care Center is the best place to work, owner and administrator Sharon Henning said it’s because they have the best employees. Country Oaks Care Center provides a skilled nursing facility in Santa Maria. Henning said that in this type of business, it’s important to have skilled and compassionate employees who know what they’re doing. There are 65 employees at the center; a third of them have worked there for more than 10 years. Henning said employees are provided with good benefits, but most importantly she listens to staff and tries to do things to make their lives better. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Best Teacher

MRS. ASHLEY OSTINI Adam Elementary School Teaching is in Ashley Ostini’s blood: Her mom, Angela Doyle, has been teaching in the same district (Santa Maria-Bonita) for decades, and her dad, Jim Doyle, is a P.E. instructor at Pioneer Valley High School. Oh, and her uncle and aunt are teachers, too. That said, the third-grade educator has done plenty to distinguish herself and make her family proud, including winning Best Teacher in this year’s poll.

COMMUNITY ON MY MIND

continued page 58

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

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58 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 COMMUNITY ON MY MIND

from page 56

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

“The best part [of teaching] is being able to spend time with kids all day,” Ostini said. “I love to see their excitement when they discover something new.” —Amy

RUNNER-UP: MRS. SHANNON DAY, RALPH DUNLAP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Best Man Or Woman Behind The Badge

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

and families. Offering a wide range of services including tutoring, sports, recreation, and other activities, the local nonprofit is truly Sheriff’s Deputy Sandra Brown was cherished by the community it serves. voted this area’s Best Man or Woman “I think, over the years, the community Behind the Badge—but the ever humble has found out more and more about what protector demurred, saying others work the club offers to kids,” said Bill Libbon, as hard or harder than she does. executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley, which services both Santa Maria and Guadalupe. “We used to be the best-kept secret, but it has really gone beyond our walls.” Libbon explained that his Boys and Girls Club offers afterschool services for most grade levels in Santa Maria and Guadalupe. Accommodating so many kids is a challenge, but one that’s met each day by the many volunteers who are happy to serve as the area’s favorite nonprofit. —Joe

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC

RUNNER-UP: CASA

SGT. SANDRA BROWN

Best Place To Volunteer BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department It’s not often Sgt. Sandra Brown is speechless, but that was her exact reaction when she found out she won this category in this year’s poll. “I didn’t expect it,” Brown said. “I’m really honored that people recognize the work I’m doing in the community, because there are a lot of men and women out there who work just as hard as—if not harder—than I do.” The department veteran was recently the only person to put her badge in the political ring against Sheriff Bill Brown. While she lost that race, she still takes first place among Sun readers. —Amy

RUNNER-UP: OFFICER PAUL SANTIAGO, SANTA MARIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Best Local News Source KSBY

We here at the Sun have to tip our reporters hats to KSBY for consistently winning Best Local News Source in our annual readers poll. Admittedly, our feathers get a little ruffled (especially the Canary’s) by getting beat at our own game, but if someone else must win, we’re glad it’s KSBY (say it so it rhymes with Frisbee). It’s great to see another news outlet putting so much heart and soul into its reporting. So congrats, everyone over at the Peacock roost on the hill in SLO and the smaller nest down the street from us on Skyway Drive. But watch your backs, because next year IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG! —Amy

RUNNER-UP: KCOY

Best Community Watchdog

ANDY CALDWELL Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business The home page for Andy Caldwell’s weekly radio show refers to him as both “a voice of reason” and “a voice for reason.” That’s because he regularly calls for a measured approach to just about anything you can think of: building regulations, environmental protection, business development, government spending, and the

Santa Maria • Guadalupe • Lompoc

like. He’s got the community’s interest (and wallets) in mind, keeping an eye on public spending, pensions, tax measures, and just about anything that could cost consumers. Like any good watchdog, he’s not afraid to bark when he sees a reason to bark, whether at grassroots anti-oil groups or long-established political figures. On rare occasions, he’ll bite, too—but only if he thinks you deserve it, and always with a smile. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: THE SUN

Best Kids’ AfterSchool Program YMCA

3400 Sk y way Drive, Santa Maria, CA For decades, the YMCA has been aiming to improve the quality of life for youth across America, and that mission certainly applies locally. Open to all, the YMCA seeks to instill in children a desire to try new things, to remain active, and to make new friends. The YMCA of Santa Maria offers a number of after-school programs to supplement local children’s education, as well as provide quality childcare. In fact, the nonprofit works in conjunction with local school districts to provide on-site after-school care. Money shouldn’t be an issue, since financial assistance is available. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Best Community/ Nonprofit Organization BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Santa Maria • Guadalupe • Lompoc Anyone familiar with the Boys and Girls Club knows how important the organization is to local kids

The Boys and Girls Club is constantly providing youngsters with sports coaching, academic tutoring, and a safe place to be kids. Due to the large numbers of kids who visit the Boys and Girls Club or are a part of outside activities, the organization requires a large amount of volunteers, explained Bill Libbon, executive director of the Santa Maria Valley branch, which serves Santa Maria and Guadalupe youth. “We have over 300 volunteers a year that help us,” Libbon said, “not just with the program, but our events as well.” The dedication that the Boys and Girls Club staffers show is an inspiration for the variety of family and friends who volunteer for the organization, all of whom are there for one thing.: “It’s for the kids,” Libbon said. “The kids are our future, the future doctors and businessmen and women in our community.” —Joe

RUNNER-UP: COUNTRY OAKS CARE CENTER

Best Take-It-To-TheMan Local Activist ANDY CALDWELL

Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business Whether he’s challenging local environmentalists to walk their own talk in the climate change debate, fact-checking (he calls it “frack-checking”) criticism of the Central Coast’s oil industry, or holding the area’s government leaders accountable to the decisions they make or don’t make (Congresswoman Lois Capps, he’s looking at you—again), Andy Caldwell approaches his causes with passion and research. The man is a wealth of historical knowledge, is well versed in policy and procedure, and knows just about anybody who is anybody in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Despite his wide geographic gaze, little escapes his notice, and his five-day-a-week radio show ensures that everyone will hear about what he spots—because he’s certainly not afraid to speak his mind. Everyday citizens and elected officials alike mark his words at public meetings, in frequently published opinion pieces, and on the air. —Ryan

RUNNER-UP: ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ

For Love Love & & Money Money For

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

60 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST ALTERNATIVE HEALER Dr. Herb Kandel, L.Ac., O.M.D. 27 Years Experience

Our Many Thanks To Our Loyal Patients

Acupuncture

Center of Santa Maria 225 E. Mill St., Santa Maria

805-922-4490 www.drkandel.com

Celebrating 11 Years of Customer Service Thank You s Sun Reader s e t o v r u o y r fo every year! Happy Today or You Don’t Pay! © (805) 934-1949

Visit our website at:

™

www.callgriffinplumbing.com

Lic# 823283

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

Best Place To Go On A First Date

EDWARDS CINEMAS 1521 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria 100 Town Center East, Santa Maria Everyone can remember the first time they went on a first date at the movie theater: the sweaty palms, the buttered popcorn, and the fact that you can’t remember most of the movie you watched because you were too busy stealing glances at your date. Ah, young love. Well, Edwards Cinemas in Santa Maria is the perfect place to experience that thrill, whether you’re 16 years old or 70. Plus, the new, state-of-the-art theater in the Santa Maria Town Center is so spiffy, you might actually end up watching the entire movie. —Amy

RUNNER-UP (TIE): THE BEACH RUNNER-UP (TIE): TRATTORIA ULIVETO

Best Place To Buy A Wedding Dress DAVID’S BRIDAL

227 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria “When a bride walks through our door, we want to give her that ultimate bridal experience,” David’s Bridal Assistant Store Manager Silvia Ramirez said. “We can dress a bride from head to toe and get her married that same day.” Each bride gets a personal stylist who helps her find her dream gown. David’s carries gowns by designers such as Zac Posen and Vera Wang, and hundreds of dresses for bridesmaids, prom, and special occasions, plus shoes, jewelry, handbags, and even undergarments! —Wendy

RUNNER-UP: CASA BLANCA BRIDAL

Best Place To Get A Tux

CASA BLANCA BRIDAL 901 N. Broadway, Santa Maria Nothing spiffs up a fellow quite like a tuxedo, and locals agree that the place to get their tails is Casa Blanca Bridal in Santa Maria. The shop has been owned by Maria Martinez and her family for 15 years now, and has earned a reputation for getting customers into the best garments for the best price. “We make sure that they get a good, nice, clean tuxedo,” Martinez said, “and we like to help them choose. I don’t want to change anyone’s ideas, but we help them choose and make sure they get what is appropriate for the occasion.” —Joe

RUNNER-UP: DAVID’S BRIDAL

Best Quinceañera Resource CASA BLANCA BRIDAL 901 N. Broadway, Santa Maria A quinceañera is an important day for a young lady

IDYLLIC SETTING

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

The Santa Maria Inn was named, among other wins, Best Venue to Get Married. The historic site is picturesque, spacious, and ready to welcome romance. Brides and grooms can take advantage of a wedding package, which lets them focus on each other instead of going crazy over nitpicking details. and her friends and family, so she should always look her best. Local families love the selection and value of the dresses and accessories found at Casa Blanca Bridal. “I will go the extra mile to take care of my customers,” owner Maria Martinez said. “To me, my customers are my family; I try to do the best for them.” Casa Blanca Bridal offers free alterations and steaming for dresses that are bought at the store, which goes the extra mile with young ladies hoping to look their best for their special birthday. They also remember the quality of service and value years later if and when they get to prepare for a wedding. —Joe

RUNNER-UP: DAVID’S BRIDAL

Best Florist

BACK PORCH FRESH FLOWERS AND GIFTS 4850 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria If there’s one thing Back Porch employees know, it’s flowers. The family owned and operated florist shop has been in business for more than 35 years. Owner Houng Hopp has come a long way from designing flowers for weddings to help pay her tuition at Cal Poly in SLO. Back Porch now offers a wide selection of flowers ranging from domestic to exotic—and if they don’t have it, Back Porch employees are big on customer service and love going all out for clients. Whether you’re looking for a bouquet for a special someone or some peonies to brighten (and smell up) your day, Back Porch has what you need to say it with flowers. —Kristina

RUNNER-UP: FLOWER CARRIAGE AND GIFTS

Best Locally Owned Jewelry Store

MELBY’S JEWELERS

1140 E. Clark Ave., suite 190, Orcutt The Santa Maria Valley is home to a real gem of a jewelry store: Melby’s Jewelers. The Melby family has designed fine jewelry in California since

1922. Multiple generations have worked to maintain the family’s reputation in the jewelry industry with their multi-million-dollar in-store and online diamond inventory, skilled artisans, and commitment to excellence. Whether you’re looking for a Lazare diamond, Hearts on Fire, or a custom design to add sparkle to your loved one’s life, look no further than Melby’s. —Wendy

RUNNER-UP: FISCHER’S FINE JEWELRY

Best Venue To Get Married

SANTA MARIA INN 801 S. Broadway St., Santa Maria If you’re getting married at the Santa Maria Inn, you’ll have your pick of scenes: outside in manicured garden settings or inside the historic English-style inn. The folks at the inn even have a special Santa Maria wedding package, with exclusive wedding rates and discounts on private banquet rooms and experienced event planners who can assist in creating a memorable and enjoyable reception. The package includes a choice of banquet halls, champagne or cider to toast, cake-cutting service, centerpieces with candles and mirrors, and a one-night stay at the inn with a bottle of sparkling wine. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: THE DANA-POWERS HOUSE LOVE & MONEY

continued page 62

62 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

LOVE & MONEY from page 61

PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON

Best Wedding Cake Baker GINA’S PIECE OF CAKE

307 Town Center East, Santa Maria Wedding season used to be a June through August sort of thing—or at least that’s how it was when Gina Martin started decorating custom cakes 26 years ago. Now, her cake shop gets calls for wedding cakes year round, and the custom cake business is trending, at least in part, to the cupcake business. Actually, it’s more like cupcake towers topped with an eight-inch cake for the bride and groom to cut. But Martin said they keep it simple with their cupcake flavors. “We’re really just a mom-and-pop kind of shop,” she said. “We’re classic.” —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: JOVI’S DELIGHTS

Best Dj

DJ ZAPP

BIG BASH

djzapp.blogspot.com

A popular place, the Santa Maria Inn was also named Best Place to Have a Wedding Reception. The venue has plenty of room for party itself, and plenty of rooms for guests looking for a place to stay and sleep after they wear themselves out on the dance floor.

If you and your guests really want to get down on the dance floor at your wedding, DJ Zapp is the guy for the job. “Although my foundation was hip-hop and old school, I’d really consider myself a dance music DJ. To me, that means not putting any boundaries or limits on the music and playing lots of genres and styles,” Zapp told the Sun in an email. Zapp also prides himself on getting the job done well. “I’m an experienced professional who works really well with my clients. I’m also a working DJ who’s easygoing, and I consider myself to be a DJ’s type of DJ.” —Amy

RUNNER-UP: DJ SOL

Best Marriage Counselor

MARY JO PEDERSEN 900 E. Main St., Santa Maria

There are many factors that make up a good therapist. From being a patient listener to offering unbiased advice, counselors can be a crucial component in helping people to better understand how to handle various situations. Mary Jo Pedersen hopes to provide couples with the tools they need to problem solve and work through various issues. Pedersen is the director of Central Coast Counseling Center, where she’s been working to give patients the best quality treatment with professionals who are securely trained, but have a Christian worldview. “I am passionate about helping people get back to their joyful and peaceful selves,” Pederson said. —Emma

RUNNER-UP: TOM LYON

Best Place To Have A Wedding Reception SANTA MARIA INN

801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria “Picture yourself in a bygone era, one of warmth, elegance, and gracious hospitality,” the Santa Maria Inn’s website reads. But it’s more than just a sweet historical landmark you can stay the night in. With ample space for wedding reception guests in one of the Santa Maria Inn’s 13 meeting spaces and banquet halls, the inn also has plenty of rooms for those guests to stay in once the champagne is drunk and the dancing is over. And

before the band plays its first tune, the catering team will be able to satiate hungry bellies with gourmet culinary creations from what the inn’s website calls “world-class resident chefs.” —Camillia

RUNNER-UP: SANTA MARIA COUNTRY CLUB

Best Wedding Photographer

LUIS ESCOBAR, REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO 824 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Although Reflections Photography Studio doesn’t do a lot of weddings, it does do a good enough job that folks planning destination weddings on the Central Coast look up Luis Escobar and his associates. The man behind the business said that most of the weddings the company does are for people from out of town. Maybe it’s the reputation he and his wife have built within the community since 1984. “We’ve been here a long time, and we have a lot of friends that support us,” Escobar said. —Camillia

RUNNER-UP (TIE): ALEXANDRA WALLACE RUNNER-UP (TIE): NATALIE STRICKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

W I N E RY

Thank You! Thank you Santa Maria Sun readers for voting us Best Red Wine and Best Wine Tasting Room! We love having y’all as our guests and look forward to being a part of the Santa Maria community for years to come.

We invite you to join us weekly for Live Music Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm. Enjoy a glass of your favorite Presqu’ile wine with one of our food pairings while taking in the views of the Santa Maria Valley.

The Murphy Family

5391 PRESQUILE DR., SANTA MARIA, CA 93455

WWW.PRESQUILEWINE.COM

805 937 8110

Join the conversation:

Thank you for voting us one of the Best Builders... Building quality projects with honesty and integrity since 1999 • Custom homes • Custom kitchen and bath remodeling • Additions and general building

• Interior and exterior remodeling • Custom patios and decks • Windows, doors, and more...

Oﬃce (805) 934.2500 Cell (805) 878.6836 coastconstruction@verizon.net Rich Blythe, Owner/Operator Licensed, Bonded and Insured, LIC # 792524

64 BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2014

BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP 13 YEARS IN A ROW BEST USED CAR DEALERSHIP 12 OF LAST 13 YEARS