Lompoc Valley - the City of Lompoc!

summer 2008
Lompoc Valley
magazine
A Legacy
of Green Practices

As Local as
the Vines.
YOU CAN BANK ON IT.
LOMPOC
200 North H Street
805.736.4524
NORTH LOMPOC
1307 North H Street, Suite C
805.735.4985
VANDENBERG VILLAGE
3787 Constellation Road
805.733.3516
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LOMPOC VALLEY MAGAZINE
A City of Lompoc Publication
Cliff Baldridge
Editor’s Note
What an honor to interview former Vice
President Al Gore! No matter what you think
of his politics, Gore has definitely raised
global consciousness of the environmental
consequences of human activity.
Just before Gore was to receive the 2007 Santa Barbara International Film Festival Attenborough Award
for his documentary film “An Inconvenient Truth,” I interviewed him for “Discover Lompoc,” the TAP TV
program that I produce and host for the city. Check out the interview on streaming video at cityoflompoc.
com (Episode 10).
Within a few weeks of our interview, Gore’s film also won two Oscars for Best Documentary and Best
Original Song and within a few months, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for “creating an ever-broader
informed consensus about the connection between human activities and global warming.”
During my interview with Gore, I realized that the City of Lompoc was a model for municipal green
practices because it had been on the vanguard of the green movement before it was cool. In his article,
City Administrator Gary P. Keefe gives a 120-year retrospective of the city’s history of green standard
operating procedures, written with 32 years of experience working toward that end.
Be sure to check out Current City Projects, which may surprise you with several new green projects “in
the works.” The Green City Directory provides a comprehensive list of useful resources and Green
Education highlights the city’s community outreach programs. City Conservation Coordinator Mary
Kammer also writes about green landscaping and various assistance programs.
Lompoc Valley resident Chanda Hagan tells the story of Clos Pepe’s green vineyard practice of farming
with miniature sheep. From Clos Pepe Vineyard, which received the Santa Barbara County Green Award
for best practices, to Presidio Vineyard, which is currently the only certified biodynamic vineyard in the
county, Lompoc Valley contributes to the county’s outstanding green reputation.
Other feature articles illustrate green practices across the valley: Catherine Gallegos describes a straw
bale home constructed in Cebada Canyon; Randall Shulman discusses current and proposed local
renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, solar and wind; and Wesley Carter updates us on what
Vandenberg Air Force Base is doing to go green.
In doing research for this issue, I learned of several green resources that I am already taking advantage
of. My favorite is the Earth Machine compost kit, which the city sells for only $14. What a deal! I
recommend you get one and begin to enrich our earth by recycling compostable material and diverting
waste from landfills.
City Administrator
Gary P. Keefe
City Attorney
Sharon D. Stuart
Editor-IN-CHIEF
Kathleen A. Griffith
Contributing WRITERs
Wesley Carter
Catherine Gallegos
Kathleen A. Griffith
Chanda Hagen
Mary Kammer
Gary P. Keefe
Randall Shulman
CARTOONIST
Sheldon Green
illustration
Ravatt Albrecht & Associates, Inc.
Map
Western Gate Publishing
design & Production
Vari MacNeil
PRINTING
Ventura Printing
Photography
ACCIONA
Cliff Baldridge
Molly Gerald
K.A. Griffith
Wes Hagen
Carrie Hartmann
Gerry Kiffe
Dan McCaffrey
USAF / Ashley Taylor
USAF / Jonathan Olds
Martin Van Enoo
On the cover:
Henley the ram, one of a flock
of miniature sheep keeping
weeds in check at Clos Pepe
vineyard.
On the Table of Contents:
Acciona’s AW-1500 wind
turbine is likely to be used in
the Lompoc Wind Project.
For project updates, go to
countyofsb.org/energy/
projects/LompWindEnergy.asp.
City of Lompoc
100 Civic Center Plaza
Lompoc, CA 93438
cityoflompoc.com
805-736-1261 or 877-730-1261
Kathleen A. Griffith
Editor-in-Chief
k_griffith@ci.lompoc.ca.us
©2008 City of Lompoc, California
All rights reserved, no part of this publication
may be produced in any form or by any means
without permission in writing from the publisher.
Contents of this publication were received or
derived from sources deemed reliable, but neither
the publisher, its members, staff or vendors, nor
the City of Lompoc are responsible for any errors
in or omissions from this publication.

Lompoc Valley
magazine
summER 2008
Features
4 Green before it was cool
6 Woolly Headed
8 Watered Down
10 Straw into Gold
12 Earth, Wind and Water
14 Into the Wild Green Yonder
16 Things to Do & See
Community Resources
29 Green City Directory
30 Green education
31 K-12 & Youth Activities
32 Transportation & Safety
33 Medical Care & Services
33 Other Elected Officials
34 Dining & Lodging
35 Community Events
18 Lompoc Valley Map
City of Lompoc
20 Letter from the Mayor
21 Current City Projects
22 Economic Development Resources
24 City Utilities
Economic Profile
25 Real Estate & Housing
26 Industry & Workforce
28 Higher Education
Photograph courtesy of Acciona

Green ...
before it
was cool
by gary p. keefe
How green is our valley? Currently “cool” green
criteria show that Lompoc is verdant.
“Green city” achievements include air quality, electricity usage and
production, environmental perspective and policy, green design, green
space, public health, recycling, socio-economic factors, transportation
and water quality.
Those of us who live in Lompoc know and appreciate our clean air,
circulated by ocean breezes. Federal and state air quality standards
maintained by Santa Barbara County Air Pollution District show that
our perceptions are correct; we enjoy clean air.
Public health, water quality and environmental policy have been
city priorities for a long time. Shortly after incorporation in 1888, the
town fathers resolved that the City of Lompoc should own and
operate its own utilities to meet community needs. Ordinance No. 24
(1889) determined that public interest and necessity demanded the
construction of a water system, which was completed in 1903. In
1916, Lompoc built its first sewage collection system and an
4 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

elaborate sewage treatment plant. Clean
water and sanitary sewage treatment were
among the earliest “green” benefits of the
city’s incorporation.
1925 saw the installation of water meters
on the city’s water distribution system. As in
most of California at the time, customers
paid a flat rate for monthly water service to
be used in whatever volumes were needed.
But 1925 was a drought year, and the city’s
water resources were diminishing. Meters
were installed to help customers understand
and better control their water usage, and to
provide financial incentives to eliminate the
waste of water. In 1991, as a result of the
statewide drought, California adopted
requirements for water meters statewide,
because many large cities still allowed the
unmeasured use and possible waste of water.
Lompoc’s early water supply was San
Miguelito Creek. As the population grew and
water demand increased, Lompoc developed
groundwater wells. Lompoc’s groundwater is
highly mineralized and very hard. By 1960,
nearly two-thirds of the dwelling units in the
city of Lompoc had home water softening
systems. Tons of waste brine produced by
these home softening systems were
discharged to the sanitary sewage system.
Water meters were widely inflicted with
deposits, sometimes completely clogged,
from well sediment and precipitates from the
various city wells.
To reduce the mineral content, in 1963, a
new water plant was constructed. Lompoc’s
water plant represented a pioneering step in
the application of a diatomaceous earth
filtration system to a relatively large lime-soda
softening plant. In 1963, it was the largest
municipal diatomite filtration plant in the
United States. The plant reduces salts,
provides centralized softening and produces a
high-quality water. Swimming pools no longer
turn orange, and residents have white
clothing that is actually white. They don’t
need individually owned water softeners,
which eliminates the brine discharge to the
sewer system.
Lompoc’s water and wastewater system
improves the mineral quality of our drinking
water and our groundwater by removing
salts. The salt content, or the mineral
concentration, of Lompoc’s wastewater is
lower than that found in water that is
pumped from the ground. Lompoc’s water
treatment plant process, dating from 1963, is
still listed as the best available technology by
federal regulatory standards.
Electricity was originally provided by a
private operator, with an electrical generator
within the city limits. The electrical system
was in poor condition, and electric rates were
very high at 15 cents per kilowatt hour. By
comparison, today’s Lompoc electric rates are
less than 13 cents per kilowatt hour.
In 1923, Lompoc purchased the electric
system, significantly lowered rates and
improved service. Lompoc Electric was selfsupporting
and was, as it is today, contributing
to the city’s general fund to help keep local
taxes at a moderate level.
In 1968, the City of Lompoc joined with 10
other cities to form the Northern California
Power Agency, which allowed Lompoc to
become a producer of electricity. In 1983,
NCPA’s first power plant was constructed in
Northern California, and it produces electric
power from geothermal energy. Lompoc also
owns small percentage shares of several small
combustion turbine plants and hydroelectric
power plants. Lompoc’s energy mix is 29
percent large hydroelectric, 28 percent
geothermal, and 1 percent small hydroelectric.
In all, 58 percent of Lompoc’s electrical energy
is either hydroelectric or geothermal.
During the last 20 years, Lompoc has
developed successful water and energy
conservation programs. Educational programs
are provided to schools and the city conducts
an environmental fair once a year, which
provides a wide variety of information to help
students identity practices that sustain the
environment.
No new construction occurs in Lompoc
unless the developer fully offsets new water
use through our toilet retrofit rebate program.
Lompoc’s water production has remained
relatively constant since the implementation
of this program in 1990. This also reduces
electrical usage because it takes a lot of
electrical energy to pump water.
City conservation staff provide personalized
water and electrical consumption audits to
help with desired savings. Lompoc’s electrical
conservation program includes incentives and
rebates for Energy Star appliances, and cash
rebates in the amount of $3.50 per watt for
solar systems. If your solar system generates
more electricity than you use, Lompoc’s Net
Metering program buys that energy from you.
Lompoc installed LED bulbs in all traffic
lights, even those owned by CALTRANS, in
2001. Work is ongoing with energy saving
upgrades for city facilities, including three
new solar electric systems.
Lompoc’s legacy of green practices is outstanding!
I’m proud of our accomplishments.
Gary P. Keefe is the Lompoc city administrator. He will be
retiring at the end of 2008, after 32 years with the city.
BELOW: Gary P. Keefe in the 1970s, when he began his
career at the city in wastewater treatment.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 5

woolly headed
Wes Hagen
sheep lead a vineyard
toward organic weed control
By chanda hagen
It all started, as these things usually do, around a dinner table strewn with empty
Pinot Noir bottles and almost-empty plates.
Wes Hagen
The discussion that night was
varied and robust and somehow
wound its way to an article in
the Los Angeles Times about
miniature Kobe beef. After we
stopped salivating over the
prospect of perfect little filet
mignon and New York strips,
my husband Wes broke the silence with a strange and fateful inquiry.
“You know what we need? Miniature sheep! I wonder if they
exist?” he asked. “If they do, they could weed the vineyard without
being able to reach the leaves and grapes. That would rule!”
While the concept was sinking in with the rest of the family, Wes
did what he always does in these situations: he disappeared from the
table and set off straight to the office to google “miniature sheep.”
Within five minutes Wes came back with the good news — yes
there were miniature sheep! They were rather expensive, very rare
and really cute. Those selling them made claims that were tempting:
they tend to eat things on the ground before looking up for food, a
few were being used for orchard and vineyard weeding in Sonoma,
and there were even a few lambs for sale. The breed we wanted
were Olde English Babydoll Southdown sheep.
Even though these sheep are considered a miniature breed, they
are actually ancient stock from the Southdown region of England.
Their small size was common before refrigeration. They were the
perfect size (only 100 pounds mature) to slaughter and bring to
market to sell in a single day. They also had some of the finest wool
of any breed. Most were bred up in size for modern times, but
isolated populations of the original small sheep were discovered and
brought in small numbers to the United States in the 1990s.
Over the next few weeks I spent hours every day researching sheep
on the Web, ordering books (I heartily recommend “Living With
Sheep” by Chuck Wooster and Geoff Hansen, a fun read for anyone),
signing up for email discussion groups, and making plans for a sheep
enclosure. I located a few reputable miniature sheep breeders in
Northern California, and sent in deposits for a ram lamb and two
ewes. These three sheep would make up our foundation stock:
Henley the ram (named after my mother’s side of the family), and the
6 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

two ewes that were named by a contest we held for our customers:
Althea and Matilda. The winners received an old and rare bottle of
Clos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir.
The sheep arrived in crates in the back of a pickup truck in summer
2006 from Canvas Ranch in Petaluma. Their shelters and pens were
built and ready. They were set free in their new enclosures and quickly
turned the weeds into a perfect fairway. The ram was sequestered in
his own pen and the ewes in theirs. We were amazed when Henley
broke gate after steel gate with his head in an attempt to get to his
“ladies.” We also recognized that while Henley was a very well behaved
ram when given his space, he would do everything he could to take a
human out at the kneecaps if you were in his pen and not paying
attention. For the first time we understood where rams got their name.
I never imagined that the sheep would be so much work. The pen
is right next to our house, so I clean the pen at least once a day. We
use fly predators and have yet to see too many flies — the sanitation
and the biological controls really seem to work.
The flock has increased by a few sheep each year, both by rescue
and births. The first year, 2006, we bred Henley to Matilda and got
one ewe lamb, Penelope. We rescued three more Babydolls from a
petting zoo to bring the flock to seven. A local breeder produced an
exceptionally rare coloration of an Icelandic sheep, which we saved
from the barbecue shortly after we rescued the zoo sheep. We named
him Loki after the Nordic trickster god. Our second (black) foundation
ram came in late summer 2007, and even though he was just a lamb,
managed to impregnate at least one of our ewes (young and
impressionable Penelope) who had a single ram lamb, Benjamin.
We are now up to 12 sheep with the births of Brutus and Portia,
both from our original three foundation sheep. All the lambs are
named by our “Name the Lamb” contest every year.
We also shear them once a year, process the fiber at Ranch of the
Oaks in Cebada Canyon and then I use the wool for my knitting
projects. How’s that for integrated production!
The real turning point was spring 2007 when we purchased a very
rare and spunky Australian Kelpie herding dog. He was more money
than we’ve ever paid for a dog (actually the only one we have that
isn’t a rescue), but he was a trained herding dog. His skills in the field
are formidable — I have now worked many head of cattle and 300
goats with Mad Max at other ranches, and sometimes I think that 12
sheep bore him a bit. He’s an “eyed” dog, which means he stares at
sheep to get them to move, or offers a safe and slight nip if they
don’t respect his authority.
We’ve been using the sheep in the vineyard or olive orchard
almost every day, teaching Max to keep them off the vines, and we
are trying to decide how much they can help us in the future. We’re
considering selling a few lambs each year, and if you are interested
in a Babydoll lamb send me an email at chanda@clospepe.com.
They make great pets and lawnmowers.
A front-page Los Angeles Times article about our vineyard sheep
in June 2007 was picked up (amazingly) by 18 national papers and
made our sheep the most famous in the country for a few months.
Joni Gray, our county supervisor, saw the article and heard that we
were using a lot of sustainable production methods for our grapes and
olives and recommended us for a Santa Barbara County Green Award.
After a site visit we were awarded the only Green Award for a vineyard/
winery in 2007, and received the award at a fancy ceremony. The
sheep were not invited, but they were there in spirit.
Vineyards are perhaps the most environmentally friendly kind of
farming in California. We use modern technology and hand labor to
our advantage. Organic/sustainable farming is becoming the norm in
viticulture faster than any other section of agribusiness. Local heroes
like Richard Sanford (Alma Rosa), the biodynamic stylings of Ampelos
Vineyard (Peter and Rebecca Work), and the solar powered Hilliard
Vineyard are three examples of those working to make a difference.
Clos Pepe continues to use the sheep for weed control and
fertilization, and we are always looking for new ways to make our
farm even more environmentally sensitive. We are currently looking
into getting off the grid and going to wind power, which seems to
have a lot of potential in our blustery Sta. Rita Hills corridor.
The sheep are a lot of work, but they make me very happy. And if
they misbehave and try to eat a vine, I can either send in Max or
remind them we have a lot of nice Bordeaux in our cellar and mint
jelly in the cupboard. It hasn’t come to that yet, and we do eat a lot
less lamb these days.
Chanda Hagen is assistant winemaker/shepherd at Clos Pepe Vineyards.
OPPOSITE TOP: Some of the Clos Pepe flock at work.
OPPOSITE: Penelope, the first lamb born at the vineyard.
RIGHT: (From left) Althea and Matilda make short work of grass.
Wes Hagen
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 7

watered down
by mary kammer
Can you have a beautiful, lush landscape in our semi-arid climate without high
water usage and bills in the summer months? Yes — by going green.
Going green can range from creating a
complete new landscape and irrigation
system to being conscientious when caring
for existing landscapes. In either case,
irrigation is key to water-wise gardening.
Group your plants according to similar
water and light needs and match irrigation
to each group of plants or zone. It wouldn’t
make sense to plant most bedding plants
(such as petunias) with or by cactus. There
are good references available that will help
identify your plants’ best growing conditions;
learn to use them and organize your garden
to take advantage of those needs.
Lawns have the highest water usage and
require the most maintenance in the typical
landscape. Consider replacing grass with a
low-water-using groundcover or a creative
arrangement of shrubs, trees and
hardscapes. Patios and sidewalks enhance
the appearance of a garden and reduce
water requirements.
If you still choose to plant a lawn, pick
low-water-using species such as long-bladed
Fescues and Bermuda hybrids. An unmowed
Fescue lawn is a dynamic, sculptural element
in the garden while the thicker ground cover
it provides helps the soil retain water.
Most landscapes are over-watered or not
watered efficiently. To avoid waste, let your
lawn tell you when it needs water. Step on
the grass. If the blades spring back, the lawn
is still hydrated. If you leave a footprint, it’s
time to water. Avoid watering between 10
a.m. and 4 p.m., when evaporation and drift
are highest. With automatic irrigation
systems, make sure you adjust frequency
and timing to match the seasonal needs of
your plants. An inexpensive rain gauge that
plugs into the irrigation system can be used
to automatically turn off the system when
it rains.
8 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008
Gerry Kiffe

Gerry Kiffe
Gerry Kiffe
K.A. Griffith
FROM LEFT: A rainwaterirrigated
flower garden. Blue
Fescue is left natural. Rainwater
collection bins. OPPOSITE: A lush
yet drought-tolerant garden.
Lush gardens can survive on very little
summer water. One such garden in Lompoc
uses the rain collected in trashcans to provide
all of the garden’s water needs in summer. The
trashcans catch rainwater that is used to water
roses, fruit trees, a salad garden and flowers.
The landscape is healthy and beautiful.
Use mulch when possible. Composting is an
easy way to recycle garden and food waste,
reduce plants’ water needs and return nutrients
to the soil. Bark and wood chips can be used to
enhance areas planted with trees, shrubs and
other low-water-using plants.
it takes a village
To encourage Village residents
to conserve water, Vandenberg
Village Community Services
District offers a cash-for-grass
rebate. VVCSD will give
residents up to $2 per square
foot with a $1,000 maximum
for turf removed and replaced
with low-water-using plants,
rocks or synthetic turf.
Customers may also be
eligible for a free evapotranspiration
controller. ET
controllers create a watering
schedule based on soil, type
of landscape and the slope,
combined with weather data
from local weather stations.
This method of irrigation
scheduling prevents runoff of
fertilizers and pesticides while
conserving water and energy.
The mulch can be purchased or composted
in your yard. Compost bins are available from
the City (see page 31), commercially or they
can be made easily and inexpensively. Look
for instructions online or in gardening books.
When installing an irrigation system,
choose water-efficient systems that allow for
irrigation by zone, by weather conditions,
and is easy to program.
New “smart” controllers automatically
reset the irrigation time for each zone
according to current weather conditions.
These controllers receive a radio signal from
a remote location that uses moisture, wind
and sun conditions from each user’s area and
automatically reprograms the timer to apply
water to each zone in the landscape. Users
program information about plant type, soil
type and condition, runoff and amount of
water applied into the system. The timer
then automatically applies the correct
amount of water to each zone.
Consider installing drip systems and lowoutput
sprinkler heads. These systems save
water by putting it where it’s needed and by
reducing water loss from evaporation, runoff
or overspray. They require minimal
maintenance and, because they apply water
at a slow rate and only to an area that is best
absorbed by the plant, reduce weed growth.
Proper and frequent maintenance of a
system is important. No matter how good
your irrigation system, it’s necessary to
frequently override the system and check to
see if heads need to be readjusted or if there
are broken sprinkler heads or broken pipes.
Many landscapes in our area are “green”
and beautiful. The yards are attractive, using
little more water in the summer than in the
winter and they require minimal maintenance.
The front yard (pictured opposite) of a local
Spanish-style house is a good example of green
gardening. It is beautiful and well suited to the
style of house. Drive around your neighborhood
for other examples of green gardening.
Lompoc has information to help water
customers save water both indoors and
outdoors. The City distributes brochures on
water-wise landscaping and irrigation
practices. Staff will work with residents to
perform a water audit of their property.
To help reduce indoor usage, rebates are
available if a customer replaces 3.5 gallon
per flush (gpf) toilets with 1.6 or 1.28 gpf
toilets, or replaces old dishwashers and
washing machines with Energy Star models.
The city Conservation Office recommends
that residents take the Countywide Water
Challenge (at sbwater.org) that asks
households to use 20 gallons less per day.
The website also has water-saving tips.
Lompoc is concerned about California’s
water issues and is considering offering
additional programs and rebates to
encourage water conservation. Call 875-
8298 for more information.
Mary Kammer is the utility conservation coordinator for
the City of Lompoc.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 9

STRAW INTO GOLD
HOW ONE LOCAL FAMILY BUILT THEIR
OWN EARTH-FRIENDLY DREAM HOME
BY CATHERINE GALLEGOS
Clockwise from top left: Pace Hartmann installs the underfloor radiant heating system; Carrie Hartmann slices a bale to size and below, applies waterproofing to a window; the
finished house has smooth stucco exterior walls. Photography courtesy of Hartmann family. Opposite: The Hartmanns in front of the “truth window.”
When longtime Lompoc residents Carrie and Pace Hartmann
decided to build their dream home in Cebada Canyon, they fou-nd
themselves drawn to consider the rustic charm and environmental
benefits of straw bale construction.
The Hartmanns volunteered at Central Coast barn-raising-type
“bale-raising” parties to garner experience. Then, two years ago,
together with their homeschooled son Casey, they launched their own
construction project. The Hartmanns completed their home this year.
Today, taking refuge on a hot summer day inside their cool,
spacious, thick-walled living room, the Hartmanns explain that their
decision to build “green” was inevitable.
“The environment has always been a focus for us, and we have
always tried to make a difference personally by being efficient,
reusing and recycling,” Carrie says.
The family soon discovered that their interests and skills
complemented one another during the building process. Casey
enjoyed operating the tractor, helping dig the septic trench and
assisting his parents with other aspects of construction. Carrie says
her “mechanically talented” husband Pace, a Delta II rocket
technician at Vandenberg Air Force Base, provided the perfect
balance to her artistic tendencies during design and construction.
“We are a great team. Pace has tremendous mechanical skills, yet
the willingness to believe that everything does not need to be linear.
He learned to see the beauty in my organic, flowing, curving ideas,
yet made sure we also built straight and true,” she says.
Carrie, a biologist by education and the owner of Essential Touch
Massage Therapy in Lompoc, attended carpentry and home repair
adult education classes to prepare herself for the construction
project. Carrie designed and handmade the interior doors throughout
the house herself — and to her credit, they look to be the work of a
master craftsperson.
The building project soon became an extended-family affair. Pace’s
dad, Les Hartmann, offered considerable hands-on assistance,
including installing the home’s electrical wiring.
The Hartmanns also counted on the experience of their architect,
Scott Clarke of the San Luis Sustainability Group, the architects and
10 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

engineers of Santa Barbara County’s all-volunteer Innovative Building
Review Program, and the assistance of several subcontractors who
helped with grading, framing, cabinetry and roofing.
The result is a striking two-bedroom home filled with
environmentally friendly details throughout.
Carrie describes the building process as “exciting.” Once the house
was framed out, the family set to work with baling needles and a
chainsaw. They sized, re-baled, compressed and then sandwiched the
rice straw bales between the framing to form their home’s thick walls,
chain-sawing notches into some of the bales to fit them flush against
the posts and beams. Carrie carefully shaped and compressed loose
straw to create gracefully arched windows and doorways.
The tightly compressed straw bales now serve to enhance
the home’s structural integrity, while providing the family with
a two-foot-thick layer of non-toxic insulation — doubling as
impressive soundproofing.
Carrie says the toughest part of the job was covering the stacked
bales with stretched chicken wire. Next came a thick layer of cement
stucco over the chicken-wired walls, followed by a clay plaster
interior finish to create an attractive adobe-style look.
The living room’s expansive windows serve as passive solar heaters
during the winter months, inviting the sun in to slowly heat the
room’s thick concrete floor. The concrete then efficiently retains and
radiates heat well into the night. By summertime, the windows are
just out of reach of the sun’s shifting path, and the thick bale walls
successfully insulate against unwanted heat.
For flooring, the Hartmanns simply hosed down their smooth
foundation with a form of iron — nontoxic liquid ferrous sulfate —
to rust-stain the concrete, creating an artful, practical walking
surface throughout the house. In the kitchen, they tiled over the
concrete with cork, “A renewable resource, soft on the feet, and
when dishes fall they don’t break,” Carrie says.
Ground-mounted solar panels meet most of the Hartmanns’ electrical
needs. The family remains “on the grid,” son Casey says, but their home
is outfitted with a two-way electrical meter. “When our solar panels
produce more electricity than we use, the meter runs backwards, and
we receive credits from Pacific Gas & Electric,” he explains.
Drought-tolerant landscaping and an organic garden round out the
Hartmann homestead — all surrounded by miles of ranchland and
dense wild sagebrush ... a landscape that might lead a visitor to
wonder about the safety of building a straw bale home in a wildfire
zone. Yet straw bale construction is fairly fire resistant. Oregon-based
straw bale expert Andrew Morrison, an educator who teaches intensive
seven-day straw bale construction workshops year-round, insists that
straw bale homes are actually much safer than traditional structures.
“Recent independent testing proves that a properly constructed
straw bale wall has a significantly longer burn resistance than
conventionally framed walls,” Morrison says, adding, “Furthermore,
once the plaster skins of the walls are penetrated by fire, the straw is
so dense and lacking oxygen that fires tend to smolder, not increase
in strength; whereas once the drywall skin of a conventional house is
penetrated, the house is lost.”
What about critters getting inside those haystack walls? “Pests are
more of an imagined concern than a real threat,” Morrison says,
explaining that once straw bale walls are properly sealed, there is no
way for bugs or rodents to get into the bales, and not enough
nutritional value in straw — as opposed to hay — to sustain pests.
He says that any bugs or vermin accidentally sealed into the walls
will eventually die from lack of oxygen and edible materials.
“Termites and other pests pose more of a problem to conventional
construction than they do to straw bale structures,” he comments.
Morrison notes that many architects and engineers consider straw
bales to be the ideal “seismic-resistant” building material as well.
The Hartmanns are not the only locals enthusiastic about straw
bale construction. In 2001, straw bale building contractor Dave
Exline built a one-bedroom bale house for a customer on Tularosa. In
1996, Thekla and Richard Sanford, owners of Alma Rosa winery,
added a handsome straw bale meeting room next to their old adobe
tasting room on Santa Rosa Road.
This year the Lompoc City Council conceptually approved straw
bale building plans for the Charlotte’s Web Children’s Library project.
Perhaps the most dramatic Santa Barbara County straw bale structure
to date is a lavish 4,500-square-foot home in Montecito.
“Straw bales and sustainable living are really about taking personal
responsibility,” Carrie Hartmann concludes. “We have so many
environmentally friendly options available to us now. It is getting
easier and easier because more people are aware and are talking
about these options. So many great ideas are out there. Why wait?”
Lompoc Valley resident Catherine Gallegos is editor-in-chief of Novica.com, an online
marketplace featuring the handmade creations of artisans worldwide.
K.A Griffith
RESOURCES
• Workshops and tutorials: strawbaleworkshops.com
• Built Green Santa Barbara: builtgreensb.org
• San Luis Sustainability Group: slosustainability.com
• Santa Barbara Innovative Building Review Program: sbcountyplanning.org
• Livingreen store, Santa Barbara: Livingreen.com
• Ecological Building Network: ecobuildnetwork.org
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 11

earth, wind
and water
Energy from
renewable sources
makes Lompoc a leader
BY RANDALL SCHULMAN
Martin Van Enoo
Green is in — it’s impossible to miss. From cars and
construction to clothes and even household cleaners,
the movement toward sustainability is spreading.
Some people have a genuine desire to save the
environment; others need to conserve another
important kind of green. Whatever the reason, being
environmentally conscious is all the rage. But while
driving a hybrid, recycling old magazines or limiting
the amount of energy we consume in our homes
does decrease carbon dioxide output, the big
transformation is happening on a citywide level.
By limiting people’s ability to use nonrenewable
energy in the first place, smart local governments are
figuring out how to dramatically decrease their district
environmental footprint. The greatest impact comes
from combining the individual approach (convince
people to use less,) with the community approach,
(make nonrenewable resources less available.)
Here Lompoc is a leader. In a country where only
7 percent of energy comes from renewable sources, fully 58 percent
of Lompoc’s energy is generated from collectively used, renewable and
hydro sources.
The city receives geothermal and hydroelectric power as one of 17
governmental agencies (11 of which are cities) that belong to the
Northern California Power Agency cooperative, a not-for-profit
joint powers agency whose plants boast a 95 percent emission-free
generation portfolio.
As an NCPA member, Lompoc receives 28 percent of its energy
from two geothermal units in The Geysers geothermal field in
Sonoma and Lake counties. Using heat stored beneath the earth’s
surface, geothermal power harnesses steam to generate useable
electricity. While among the cleanest of all sources, geothermal
power still amounts to only one quarter of 1 percent of the world’s
energy. Lompoc plans to continue using geothermal power, entering
into a new purchase agreement that will increase usable power by
around 2 percent.
The remaining renewable energy comes mostly from hydroelectric
plants, also through the NCPA cooperative. While state regulations
12 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

allow hydroelectricity to be deemed “renewable” only if its capacity
is less than 30 megawatts, the federal government and perhaps
more importantly, the scientific community, recognize hydropower as
a viable and sustainable source of energy. By plugging into the power
grid, Lompoc Electric transmits and distributes hydroelectricity at a
loss rate of only 9 percent — nearly the same rate as if we were
connected directly to the plant. This is remarkable given the several
hundred miles between the power sources and the community.
The Lompoc Valley is doing its part to create power as well.
Two years ago, Pacific Renewable Energy Generation LLC, a
subsidiary of Acciona Energy North America Corporation of
Chicago, Ill., began the lengthy process of obtaining a permit for
a wind farm in Santa Barbara County.
Wind power is attractive because of its clean, renewable and
relatively unobtrusive placement. Generally found in rural areas, a
small number of turbines can produce a significant amount of
energy, especially in a place like the Lompoc Valley where wind is
almost constant.
Taking its cue from years of successful flower and strawberry
farming, and for the first time effectively harnessing the well-known
Lompoc winds, the three-phase, 25-year, project is being permitted
to produce 80 to120 megawatts of renewable electricity. Put in
context, that’s enough energy to power up to 40,000 households
(more than the entire population of Lompoc), reduce oil usage by
292,000 barrels per year and prevent 135,000 tons of CO 2
from
being released annually — the same amount absorbed by a forest
105 square miles in size.
But to some Lompoc residents there is a catch. Open forums have
given community members a chance to speak out, and they have voiced
concerns about traffic during construction, wildlife and bird habitats
and, most notably, disruption of views, including from La Purisima trails
and public areas close to the project itself. The environmental studies
have shown, however, that in general this is a low bird-usage site and
only one listed sensitive or locally important species has been identified.
The views from La Purisima Mission were not deemed to be a significant
impact by the county of Santa Barbara.
The site, which uses just under 3,000 acres in Miguelito Canyon
along the southern slopes of Lompoc, will have up to 80 wind
turbines, which originally stood 492 feet at their highest point.
Further refinement of the project’s design resulted in an amendment
to the proposal that lowers the turbines by about 100 feet. While a
few residents have voiced objections, average Lompoc wind speeds
of 15 miles per hour and the idea of self-produced, around-the-clock
energy is too good to pass up. Studies have shown the adverse
environmental impact of wind farms to be minute, while the positive
impacts include decreases in greenhouse gases and almost silent
energy production. Current wind turbine technology, with its slow
rotation, greatly reduces hazards to birds compared with older turbines.
For residents of Lompoc, the incentive to live green is not just
personal but financial. Lompoc Electric Utility and Pacific Gas &
Electric offer generous incentives to homeowners for installing solar
electric systems. With combined city and state rebates, along with
federal tax credits, most home and business owners in Lompoc Valley
are able to offset the cost of solar systems.
Additional incentives include net metering, whereby excess energy
produced is credited to the consumer’s account. Lompoc Utility
customers fare even better than most — the city pays them for their
excess power.
Lompoc is on the forefront of renewable and sustainable energy
sources, taking steps toward eliminating reliance on limited supply
sources. Somewhere down the line our children will be thankful that we
did our part to springboard into a better and more productive future.
Randall Shulman, whose family resides in Lompoc Valley, is a graduate student at the
University of Southern California in the Master of Professional Writing Program.
So ... how much do I get exactly?
According to Lompoc resident and REC Solar consultant Martin Van Enoo,
“Lompoc Valley is in a unique situation because its residents get power from
two different utilities and are thus subject to two different rebate programs.
Some residents are serviced by Lompoc Utility while those in Vandenberg
Village, Mesa Oaks and Mission Hills get their power from PG&E.”
Most home and business owners are able to afford solar electricity due to
the generous state rebates and federal tax credits that offset a significant
portion of the out-of-pocket cost. In addition to the state rebates allocated
through various utility companies, the federal government also offers a onetime
$2,000 tax credit. Combined, these rebates and tax credits offset roughly
35-40 percent of a solar electric system’s cost.
Electricity rates offered through Lompoc Utility are significantly lower when
compared with PG&E, and Lompoc Utility offers a generous rebate of $3.50
per AC watt, which covers almost 40 percent of a solar electric system’s cost.
Resources
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
State, local, utility and selected federal incentives; workshops and online
courses in solar building technologies; evaluation tools to help you find the
amount of solar energy available at your location; tool to estimate the price,
savings and size of your solar system. Go to nrel.gov.
Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Click Federal Incentives for information on federal loans, energy efficient
mortgages and tax credits. Go to dsireusa.org.
California Energy Commission
News, program information, statistics, policy reports, R&D updates, how-to
videos. Good links to other energy-related sites. Go to energy.ca.gov/.
Consumer Energy Center
Apply for rebates online; information on energy efficiency, rebates and renewable
energy; information, instructions and forms relating to solar and other
state renewable energy rebates. Go to consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate.
K.A. Griffith
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 13

into the wild
green yonder
Vandenberg aims for eco-friendlier BASE OPERATIONS
by wesley carter
Members of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron don’t just talk about protecting the environment.
They put it on paper.
Currently Vandenberg airmen are testing fully recycled printer
paper. $5,000 worth of the 100 percent-recycled-content paper is
being distributed across the base. Feedback is collected via a website
where users can rate how well the paper is performing.
“So far we have had positive responses,” says Steve Van
Middlesworth, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of environmental
quality. “We are looking to make this a base-wide initiative. This
would be a big step in
m i n i m i z i n g o u r
environmental footprint.”
The 30th CES is also
participating in a duplexo
n l y p r i n t p r o g r a m
throughout the squadron,
whereby all printers are set
to automatically print on the
front and back of the paper.
“This could allow the
squadron to print 33-40
percent less paper,” Van
Middlesworth says. “It
would be a huge saving in
money and trees.”
Initiatives like these are
USAF /Airman 1st Class Jonathan Olds
not rare at Vandenberg. Many organizations are moving toward
more environmentally sound practices, including tenant units like the
381st Training Group.
In late 2007, the training group put together a team of energy
management representatives for each squadron. Each manager was
then tasked to conduct an energy audit of their squadron’s facilities.
“Working with Brad King (the 30th Space Wing’s energy manager)
and leadership, we identified any problems that we could fix,” says
Capt. Christopher Hughes, energy manager for the 381st. “We
broke it down into no-cost, low-cost and high-cost initiatives.”
The energy managers worked on implementing the no-cost
initiatives first. These included easy fixes such using ambient lighting
where possible, cutting back
on the use of heating and
air conditioning, and
keeping lights off in littleused
rooms.
As Hughes puts it, “It was
just a change of culture. We
did all that just as soon as
we could.”
One of the big no-cost
initiatives was ridding
cubicles and offices of
individual refrigerators and
portable heaters, which
draw large, constant
amounts of energy. Another
is energy management
training for new flight commanders.
“Anytime someone’s expected to move up and become a flight
commander, they have to take a course specific to our group,”
Hughes says. “Right now we’re just giving them the basics — this is
why we’re doing it and this is why it’s important. There’s an energy
14 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

management checklist that each of them will have and they’re going
to have their work area comply with that.”
Protecting the environment is not a leadership-heavy attitude at
Vandenberg. “We are seeing airmen at every level support the effort
to conserve energy and the environment,” says Van Middlesworth.
“They are thinking of creative ways to help out.”
The most talked-about initiative came from the 30th CES. They
discovered a new way to provide illumination to Vandenberg streets,
parking lots and facilities using light emitting diode, or LED, lamps.
LEDs use about two-thirds less electricity than high-pressure
sodium fixtures, according to Master Sgt. Russ Wells, superintendent
of the electrical flight.
“With a high-pressure sodium fixture, it’s a hollow glass tube and
basically a lightning bolt that arcs through the tube,” he explains.
“It’s the arc that creates the light.” About 450 to 540 watts of
electricity are required to create that lightning bolt, Wells says.
LED lights work on a smaller scale. Following the principle of
strength in numbers, each LED light fixture comprises dozens of
pencil eraser-sized 5-watt lights. “Inside is a little wafer of phosphor.
It makes a very small arc so it consumes two-thirds to three-quarters
less electricity than high pressure,” says Wells.
Another visible green process is being worked in the electrical
shop where Wells installed two light fixtures. One is a sodium bulb
that glows yellow and turns everything beneath it a shade of orange.
The other is a square panel with dozens of tiny bright lights that
flood the floor with white light. The natural color is a bonus.
Both are hooked up to meters to measure the amount of electricity
used. For the sodium bulb, the meter reads 1,110 kilowatt hours.
The LED meter reads about 380.
Most of the electricity Vandenberg uses comes from El Diablo
Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, says 30th CES energy manager Brad
King. The energy savings wouldn’t make a difference on carbon
dioxide emissions, since nuclear plants don’t emit C0 2
. However,
King says the savings in power makes him very optimistic about
saving money.
But cost savings is not the stick that Vandenberg uses to measure
environmental success. “We come to work every day to make sure
that we are in compliance with federal, state and local laws,” says
Van Middlesworth. “I took this job because of the innovativeness
of the base, and the leadership involvement to protect the
environment. It is a joy to work for a base that is proactive in its
‘green’ approach.”
Vandenberg, considered by many a crown jewel of the Air Force
because of the many natural and cultural resources to which it has
access, is working hard to lead the Air Force in protecting those
resources, he says.
Airman 1st Class Wesley Carter is assigned to the Public Affairs Office at the 30th Space
Wing, Vandenberg AFB.
USAF / Airman 1st Class Jonathan Olds
USAF / Airman 1st Class Ashley Tyler
Light emitting diode lights are being tested on Vandenberg to possibly replace existing sodium vapor lamps. LED lights use three times less
energy than sodium vapor lamps. (From left) Scott Bly, 30th Civil Engineering Squadron, tests regular light bulbs and light emitting diode lights
to determine which street light works better to save millions of dollars in energy costs base-wide. Master Sgt. Russ Wells of the 30th Civil
Engineering Squadron tests an installed light emitting diode street light.
OPPOSITE: A sodium vapor lamp is lit next to a light emitting diode light in the Civil Engineering Squadron’s Operations Flight Building. Both
are hooked up to meters to measure the amount of electricity used. For the sodium bulb, the meter reads 1,110 kilowatt hours. The LED meter
reads about 380.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 15

Anon
K.A. Griffith
Things to Do & See
Beaches
Pristine beaches near Lompoc include Jalama Beach Park
(jalamabeach.com), one of the world’s great wind surfing
beaches, Surf Beach and Ocean Park.
Biking
Pedal in the dust of Tour de France and Amgen contenders, who
train in Lompoc Valley, or cycle with Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club.
County bike map available at trafficsolutions.info.
Birding
View many rare species of birds, such as the Western Snowy Plover,
in the area. Contact La Purisima Audubon Society for organized hikes
and information at lapurisimaaudubon.org.
Camping
Commune with nature at River Park (cityoflompoc.com)
and Jalama Beach Park (jalamabeach.com).
Fishing
Catch your quota at Jalama Beach (jalamabeach.com), Ocean Park
and Surf Beach, or just share fish stories with local fishermen.
Gardening
Dig into the long tradition of gardening in Lompoc Valley and join
the Lompoc Valley Botanic and Horticultural Society (lvbhs.org).
Golfing
Experience the challenge of PGA qualifier La Purisima Golf Course
(lapurisimagolf.com). Other local golf courses include Marshallia Ranch
Golf Course and Village Country Club.
Hiking
La Purisima Hiking and Riding Trails map available at
lapurisimamission.org. “A Naturalist at Play in Coastal California and
Beyond,” a collection of vignettes and literary sketches by Vernon
Human, will enhance your hike. Other trails are found at localhikes.
com/MSA/MSA_7480.asp.
wine tasting on the sta. rita hills wine trail
Lompoc urban wineries and Sta. Rita Hills AVA wineries comprise
more than 50 fine wine labels. Call for times or appointments.
lompoc urban tastings
• Ampelos Cellars 736-9957*
• Cargasacchi & Point Concepcion Wines 736-7763*
• D’Vine Wine Bar & Tasting Room 331-3487;107 W. Ocean Ave.
• Dragonette Cellars 722-0226*
• Fiddlehead Cellars 757-3915; 1597 E. Chestnut Ave.
• Flying Goat Cellars 737-GOAT*
• La Vie Vineyards Winery 291-2111; 308 N. 9th St., Unit D
• Loring Wine Company 818-681-4803*
• P2 Wine 317-294-4543*
• Pali Wine Company 736-7200; 1036 W. Aviation Drive
• Palmina Winery 735-2030; 1520 E. Chestnut Court
• Sissy’s Tasting Room 735-4877; 112 S. I St.
16 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Nora Wallace
K.A. Griffith
Dan McCaffrey
FROM LEFT: Turducken Dinner couple Anne and Jim Jimenez raise money for the Lompoc Library at the annual fundraiser; a rare snow-covered view from a Lompoc flower field; Lompoc
fireworks display by PyroSpectacular, the nation’s largest fireworks production company; a ‘55 Chevy pickup participating in the popular “Cruise Night” at the Olde Towne Market.
The hidden treasure of the Pacific Coast Highway, the City of Arts and Flowers
offers many options for the sporting life, entertainment and just down-home fun.
Horseback riding
For trail rides and more, ride with Lompoc Valley Riders
(lompocvalleyriders.org) or ride to hounds with the Santa Ynez Valley
Hounds (syvhounds.com).
La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
Visit the most accurately restored of California’s 21 Franciscan missions,
Misión de La Purísima Concepción de María Santísima (lapurisimamission.
org). Special programs and tours with historical interpretation.
Lompoc Old Town
• Art Alley, Cypress Gallery, mural walk, & sculpture gardens
• Antiques shops & vintage California architecture
• Farmers Market (Friday afternoons)
• Italian Stone Pines (Pinus pinea) on South H Street
• Lompoc Museum (formerly Carnegie Library)
• Lompoc Swap Meet (Saturdays)
• Olde Towne Market (Friday afternoons, July-August)
Return to Freedom
Visit a safe haven for rare heritage breed horses at Return to Freedom
(returntofreedom.org). Tours and seminars available.
Skydiving
Feel the rush of flying through the air at 120 mph while checking
out the ocean view of Vandenberg AFB and Point Conception. Sky
Dive Santa Barbara (skydivesantabarbara.com).
Vandenberg Air Force Base
Get an inside look at the history of satellite and missile launches at
Vandenberg Air Force Base (vandenberg.af.mil), the country’s premier
polar launch facility.
Viewing
Experience the Lompoc Flower Tours. Fragrant and colorful flower
fields are visible from May through September.
For more information contact: Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce
& Visitors Bureau at 736-4567 or lompoc.com.
vineyard tours and tastings
• Alma Rosa Vineyards & Winery 688-9090; 7250 Santa Rosa Road
• Babcock Winery 736-1455; 1575 E. Hwy 246
• Clos Pepe Vineyards 735-2196*
• Dierberg Vineyards & Winery 736-0757; 1280 Drum Canyon
Road
• Foley Winery 737-6222; 6121 E. Hwy 246
• Gypsy Canyon 737-0572*
• Huber Vineyards & Cellars 736-3854*
• Lafond Winery & Vineyards 688-7921; 6855 Santa Rosa Road
• Melville Vineyards & Winery 735-7030; 5185 E. Hwy 246
• Mosby Winery & Vineyards 688-2415; 9496 Santa Rosa Road
• Sanford Winery 688-3300; 5010 Santa Rosa Road
*By appointment only
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 17

Letter from the Mayor
The City of Lompoc is proud to present to you the latest issue of
Lompoc Valley Magazine. Browsing through the pages of this publication
will provide you with a glimpse of why we who live here are
proud to call this community our home.
The Lompoc Valley was first settled by the Chumash Indians over
8,000 years ago. The first Europeans arrived from Spain around
1787, when they oversaw the building of the Mission, La Pursima
Concepcion de Maria Santisima. The Lompoc Valley Land Company
was formed as a temperance colony in 1874, and incorporated as a
city on August 13, 1888.
Once known as “The Flower Seed Capital of the World,”
Lompoc’s flower seed industry began in 1907. While today, much
of Lompoc’s flower seed industry has been outsourced to other
countries around the world, the valley still blooms every year with
acres of lovely flowers.
Neighboring Vandenberg Air Force Base, activated in 1958, is
home to the 14th Air Force, the “Flying Tigers,” and the 30th Space
Wing. VAFB serves as a vital component of our nation’s defense, and
is the premiere space launch facility in the United States with
numerous satellite launches every year.
While visiting our community, don’t forget to tour the 50
commissioned murals in our downtown area, eat at one of our fine
local restaurants where you can sip one of the wines produced in
the Lompoc Valley, shop in our stores, and visit with our friendly
local residents. I hope that you enjoy this issue of Lompoc Valley
Magazine.
Dick DeWees, Mayor
City Council
Mayor Dick DeWees, d_dewees@ci.lompoc.ca.us
Mayor Pro Tem Ann Ruhge, jaruhge@hotmail.com
Councilmember Mike Siminski, lompocski@gmail.com
Councilmember DeWayne Holmdahl, grapetotheglass@hotmail.com
Councilmember Will Schuyler, schuylermower@hotmail.com
Nationally recognized as a Tree City USA ®, , the City annually acknowledges outstanding Lompoc citizens by planting trees in their honor in Recognition Grove on Arbor Day.
K.A. Griffith

Current City Projects
To enhance the quality of life for residents, the City
of Lompoc has several projects that are currently
being rolled out or are “in the works,” including:
• Lompoc’s first green public building, Charlotte’s Web Children’s
Library, has been approved by the planning commission and city
council. The building will feature straw bale wall construction and
other green practices, such as daylighting, radiant floor heating,
photovoltaic panels, low-VOC paint and recycled content
materials. The library will serve as a demonstration facility for
sustainable architecture by meeting the prestigious Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard level Silver.
This new branch of the Lompoc Public Library System, now in the
design development phase, will offer a homework center,
storytime area, and materials for children up to age 14 in a
variety of formats. The City of Lompoc is working with library
staff and trustees to make former Lompoc Mayor Charlotte
Benton’s dream of a children’s library in her neighborhood a
reality. The facility will be located at 211 S. I Street, formerly
Benton’s residence, which she donated to the city in 1997.
Reflecting the demographics of the service area, library materials
will be available in Spanish and English in a variety of formats.
Benton’s bequest will allow the library to operate for 30 years
independent of city funding. The Lompoc District Libraries
Foundation has worked on this extraordinary project since 1997
and continues to take the lead in fundraising for construction.
Community Development Block Grant and Redevelopment
Agency funds have been committed to the project.
• The Wastewater Division’s 27-month, $79 million plant upgrade
project is underway. For an update, see page 24 or visit http://www.
cityoflompoc.com/departments/utilities/ww_plant_update.htm.
• An energy audit of city equipment systems and facilities revealed
opportunities for energy savings. Chevron Energy Solutions
Company investigated many energy management systems,
including HVAC and security systems, air conditioners, water
boilers, fire alarms, and fire and life safety systems. After calculating
energy savings for viable energy conservation and retrofit
measures, including retrofit of existing facility lighting and the
installation of solar panels to generate electricity, city staff worked
with Chevron Energy Solutions Company to finalize a comprehensive
energy-saving project list.
Completion of the energy-savings contract, projected for fall 2008,
will provide high-efficiency lighting and mechanical equipment efficiency
upgrades to many city facilities and parks, including the
Lompoc Library, Anderson Recreation Center, Lompoc police and fire
stations, Lompoc wastewater and water plants, Ryon and Thompson
Parks, City Hall, the Civic Auditorium, and corporate and transit
garages. Roofs will be seal-coated for the Electric and Streets Division
parking sheds at the Corporate Yard. Solar energy systems will
be installed at the Corporate Yard, Solid Waste V Street facility and
the water plant. City Water Well No. 8 will receive a new variable
frequency drive, and City Parks will acquire a new irrigation control
system for Beattie, JM, Pioneer, Riverbend, River, Ryon, Thompson
and Westvale Parks.
The city’s energy-savings construction effort will realize a net savings
of $3,094,519 over 30 years. Cash contributions from the city’s
Water Retrofit Program, and the Electric Public Benefits Program,
reduced the amount of money borrowed through a municipal facility
finance lease-purchase agreement to $4,282,120, with the annual
debt service of $339,053.24 funded through a distribution of Electric
Public Benefits, the Lompoc Redevelopment Agency, and the using
departments. The utility savings (electric, water, and gas) realized by
the General Fund offsets the General Fund’s share and the departments’
share of the debt service. A component of the city’s contract
with Chevron Energy Solutions included transfer to Chevron and its
affiliates any greenhouse gas emission reduction credits that result
from the work completed.
Visit www.cityoflompoc.com for more information.
BELOW: The Charlotte’s Web Children’s Library will feature straw bale construction and
other green practices, including solar panels, underfloor radiant heat and low-VOC paint.
Ravatt Albrecht & Assoc.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 21

Economic Development Resources
The city’s Economic Development Office launches and supports programs and projects that promote
economic vitality in the community, including loan and grant programs, as well as other economic development
tools such as city-owned utilities. The ED Office also supports workforce training and local entrepreneurship
through strategic partnerships. Contact Kate Griffith, 875-8232 or k_griffith@ci.lompoc.ca.us.
Loan & Grant Programs
Redevelopment Agency (Contact: Linda Wertman, 875-8278)
The city has a strong Redevelopment Agency that offers financial
incentives for projects located within the Old Town Lompoc Redevelopment
Project Area. RDA area maps are available on the city website
or at City Hall.
During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the agency allocated $500,000
for the Seismic Retrofit Program, $350,000 for Old Town Development
Projects, $850,000 for Historic Preservation & Restoration in
Downtown, $430,000 for the Commercial Façade Improvement Loan
Program, $470,000 for the Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive
Program, $985,000 for the Downtown Pocket Park, $25,000 to
Blight Removal Operations, and $1,700,000 in Housing Set-Aside
Funds, as well as $335,000 in CalHFA funding for multi-family affordable
housing acquisition and rehabilitation projects.
The Commercial Façade Improvement Loan Program is for labor
and materials related to façade improvement such as Palm Square,
La Chiquita Shopping Plaza, and Alfie’s Fish & Chips. The program
allows reimbursement of 50 percent of city permit fees and 50
percent of architectural design costs (up to $1,000 for each). Loans
are available up to $30,000 for an individual commercial unit or
$15,000 for attached commercial units, with a maximum total of
$75,000. Applicants may elect a five-year interest-free loan or a 10
year amortized loan at 5 percent interest.
The Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive Program offers a grant
component with a low-interest loan that combine to assist property
owners and long-term tenants with rehabilitation expenses for interior
and exterior renovation within the Old Town Lompoc Redevelopment
Project Area. Loans accrue interest at a rate of three percent
upon completion of the rehabilitation work. Interest-only payments
commence upon project completion and are due monthly during the
first five years, converting to a fully amortized loan over the last five
years. Total term of the loan is 10 years at three percent interest.
The Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive Program allows reimbursement
of 50 percent of actual cost or a maximum of $1,000,
whichever is less, for the removal and replacement of any nonconforming
signage. Projects that include replacement of three or more
signs will be granted a maximum allowance of 50 percent actual cost
up to a maximum of $350 per sign (for attached units, shopping
centers and plazas). The program also allows reimbursement of 50
percent of actual cost or a maximum of $1,000, whichever is less, for
city fees and architectural design charges associated with the
project. City fees include planning, building and utility fees.
Old Town Project funding, Historic Preservation & Restoration
Downtown funding, and Seismic Retrofit Financing Program funds
have been identified by the Lompoc Redevelopment Agency to
encourage and assist property owners to preserve historic buildings
as well as renovate vacant buildings and put these buildings back
into use to promote and regenerate our Old Town area.
The LRA Housing Set-Aside Fund will loan funds for affordable
housing projects, including land acquisition, construction and predevelopment
costs for affordable housing projects. The agency can only
subsidize each project up to the percentage of affordable units
contained in the development. The agency seeks to develop the Old
Town Redevelopment Project Area with projects of both commercial
and residential uses that will enhance and serve project area residents.
The $335,000 CalHFA Help Funds, available during the 2008-
2009 fiscal year for housing projects, can be used for multifamily
acquisition and rehabilitation.
Community Development Block Grant (Contact: 875-8279)
The City Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund is designed
to encourage businesses to create jobs. The program loans up to
$35,000 for every full-time job created with the condition that 51
percent of the jobs created be made available to low and moderate
income individuals. California Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep and Saletti’s
Restaurant have received revolving loans in recent years.
Revolving loans are underwritten and the terms are tailored to the
individual needs of each business. Generally, loans are made for
acquisition, furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, working capital
and permit fees. Loans for construction are discouraged due to the
extra cost of the mandatory Davis-Bacon wage. The interest rate is
set at prime plus additional points based on risk. Long-term loans of
15 to 20 years are available. Collateral and/or guaranty is required.
22 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Other Financial Resources (Contact 875-8232)
The city economic development office has information on other
financial resources including the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, U.S. Small Business
Administration 504 Program and industrial development bonds.
Building & Safety
Prospective business owners or operators who are considering
locating in the city are invited to utilize the city’s full-service Building
and Safety Division, recognized as having one of the most qualified
and respected staffs in the nation. All building inspectors, fire inspectors,
plans examiners and code enforcement officers have had extensive
training and experience and have proven their abilities by
obtaining certifications within their fields. Visit the Building & Safety
Division at cityoflompoc.com for information or for customized
support contact 875-8220.
Business Tax Certificate
To do business in Lompoc, you must have a Business Tax Certificate
(BTC). If your business is located outside the city, you must first process
the forms from the City Clerk’s Office in order to conduct business
within the city limits. If your business is located within the city limits
in a commercial area, inquire with the Planning Department about
zoning requirements for your type of business and planned location.
Obtain a pre-connection checklist and Fire Inspection Application from
the Building Division and a Utilities Connection Application from the
Treasury Office. For a home-based business within the city limits, you
will first need a Home Use Permit. You must then obtain a BTC from
the City Clerk’s Office before starting your business. For tax rates and
forms, contact 875-8242 or visit cityoflompoc.com and click Quick
Links – Business Tax Info.
K.A. Griffith
Alfie’s Fish & Chips recently utilized the Lompoc Redevelopment Commercial Facade
Improvement Loan Program to get a fresh look.
Lompoc City Airport
A general aviation facility, Lompoc City Airport has 16 prime acres
to build on with a road extending all utilities. The business-friendly
facility offers the possibility of reserving land around the airport for
development purposes. The airport area is in a Public Facilities Zone,
with neighboring uses characterized as R&D, light industry, manufacturing
and administrative offices. It is conveniently located with easy
access to rail and highway links to markets in Southern California
and the Bay Area. Fifteen new hangars are available, as are additional
areas for building of corporate hangars. To facilitate jet traffic,
the city has expanded the airport landing strip to 4,600 feet and
made jet fuel available. Contact: 875-8268.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
The Lompoc Public Library offers a collection of books, books on
CD, and DVDs on small business startup and operation. Materials in
English and Spanish cover business plan development, employee
issues, marketing and management. An Internet station at the
library is reserved for small business and job related research. The
library holds membership as a cooperating library of the New Yorkbased
Foundation Center. The center’s premier grant-seeking database
is available to library users. A collection of books on grantseeking
complements the online resource.
The city also contracts with the Lompoc Valley Chamber of
Commerce to provide business assistance services, such as to coordinate
and advertise the on-site consultation service and seminars
of the U.S. Small Business Development Center; provide business
plan, marketing and other information to start-up businesses; and
provide a business resource library, including Internet connection,
for the research of business-related topics and information. All
services are provided free to the public.
Chamber members recently launched Lompoc Business Connection,
a diverse group of local small business owners who work
together to stimulate growth in their businesses through
networking, marketing and sharing their successes and challenges.
The group’s vision is to stimulate pride and increase local purchasing
through their combined efforts. They have adopted the slogan:
“Shop, Taste, Experience - Lompoc” to encompass every type of
business represented in the group -restaurant, retail, service and
home businesses. The Connection offers unique Lompoc gift packages
as part of their marketing strategy.
Since some Connection members were unaware of other businesses
in the group, they realize the need to educate the greater
local community of what local businesses have to offer. The high
energy in the group is exciting and their determination to be
successful is contagious. Other local business owners are welcome
to get involved. Contact: 736-4567 or lompoc.com.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 23

City Utilities
WATER WASTEWATER ELECTRIC BROADBAND
The City of Lompoc has operated its citizen-owned water, wastewater and electric utilities since 1889,
1916 and 1923 respectively. Following a recent survey of residents and businesses, the city established a
fourth utility, broadband utility services, and began construction of a wireless network to make Internet
access available to all Lompoc residents at affordable rates.
Broadband
Lompoc’s Wireless System is constructed to industry standards
referred to as Wi-Fi. Over the past several months, the city has taken
steps to reduce costs and improve services by bringing several tasks
in-house that were previously being performed under contract.
Signal reception issues have also nearly all been eliminated as a result
of careful optimization of existing equipment and the addition of
more access points.
The city has also integrated the latest generation of customer
premise equipment, or CPE, to improve the customer experience.
Soon the Wi-Fi system will be used to read the city’s water and electric
meters. To learn more about the city’s newest utility service, visit
LompocNet.com or call 875-8750.
Wastewater
Lompoc’s Wastewater Treatment Upgrade Project is the largest
capital improvement project ever undertaken by the city. Currently
being constructed under the direction of the Wastewater Division,
the project will provide additional treatment to remove nutrients
from wastewater, something the current plant cannot do. The
upgraded plant will serve the City of Lompoc, the Vandenberg
Village Community Service District and Vandenberg Air Force Base.
As of July 2008, 13 months into its 30-month schedule, the city’s
prime contractor, Parsons RCI, has completed over 50 percent of
construction activities. The upgraded plant will employ ultraviolet
(UV) light disinfection as a replacement for the current chemical
disinfection system. The new UV disinfection will remove diseasecausing
organisms from the wastewater before it is discharged to
the environment, without adding undesirable chemical by-products.
Electric
Lompoc City Electric system offers electrical rates that are on
average approximately 13 percent lower than PG&E and 10 percent
lower than SCE’s small commercial rate (25,000 kWh per month or
less). The city also has an electrical incentive rate available for businesses
that create jobs and add new electrical load. This program
can help a power-conscious business save significant amounts of
money. The city has the ability to finance the electrical expansion
costs for new and expanding businesses potentially through its
Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. These loans are fully
negotiable with low-interest rates and long terms. The city’s incentive
programs will further lower the cost of operation.
Lompoc City Electric is a member of Northern California Power
Agency (NCPA). NCPA’s geothermal generation projects, located in
the rural mountains bordering Lake and Sonoma counties 70 miles
north of San Francisco, were among the first projects to be certified
by the State of California for green energy. Year after year, Lompoc
derives around 60 percent of its energy from this renewable resource
and hydroelectric sources.
Water
Lompoc’s Water Division’s mission is to produce and deliver safe
water. The city derives its water supply from nine local wells. The
balance of the water system consists of four storage reservoirs, and
approximately 133 miles of distribution pipe, valves and meters. The
City of Lompoc is fortunate to have a water treatment plant that
softens the water, and ensures that water is safe to drink. A welltrained,
state-certified staff works 24/7 to ensure that water is safe.
Recently, a filter plant addition project was completed to upgrade
the plant from a 7.5 million gallon/day (mgd) production capacity to
a 10 mgd capacity. Other projects are underway to replace antiquated
support equipment to ensure the plant will continue to produce and
deliver water upon demand to Lompoc citizens and businesses.
The city also has a residential commingled and green waste recycling
program and has won a state award for reducing landfill trash
by half during the first decade after the law was passed.
24 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Real Estate & Housing
After several years of a rapid increase in the number and value of residential properties in the Lompoc
Valley, the housing market has been making an adjustment since summer 2005. Now commercial and
industrial development projects have taken off, especially in the wine and hospitality industries. There are
118 acres of non-residential vacant land within city limits, much of which is available for development.
Commercial and Industrial
• Crown Laurel Industrial Condos, 1251 W. Laurel Ave., 23,000 sf
of industrial building space, nearly completed
• Melville Winery, 204/208/212 E. Laurel Ave., proposed 10,000 sf
industrial building for wine warehouse
• Sea Smoke Winery, 1600 N. O St., 25,000 sf wine processing
building, approved
• Flight Central Wine Center, 1501 N. L St., 50,000 sf winemaking
facility, proposed LEED-certifiable, approved
• Santa Rita Hills Wine Center, southeast corner of Highway 246
and Highway 1, preliminary application under review
• Holiday Inn, 1417 N. H St., hotel expansion project
• Hilton Garden Inn, N. H St., new hotel, approved
• Jerezano Plaza, 316 E. Ocean Ave., 20-vendor indoor market,
nearly completed
• Palm Square, 1025 N. H St., façade remodel and construction of
5,000 sf pad
• In Shape City, 501 W. Central Ave., health club facility tenant
improvement in existing facility
• Lompoc Hospital, northeast corner of Ocean Avenue and 7th
Street, 111,000 sf, 60-bed hospital under construction
• Lompoc Hospital Training Center, 216 N. 3rd St., 2,000 sf
building under construction
• Yanez Electric, 112 N. F St., 6,700 sf commercial buildings (3)
under construction
• Barto Industrial Building, 300 N. G St., phase 1 of a 12,580 sf
office & warehouse completed, phase 2 under construction
• Good Samaritan Shelter, 608 W. Ocean Ave., approved
• Charlotte’s Web Children’s Library, 211 S. I St., new 4,650 sf
public facility, approved.
• Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation,
northeast corner of Ocean Avenue and H Street, 34,332 sf retail and
office complex, approved
• Lompoc Theater, renovation plans approved, Lompoc Redevelopment
Agency funds approved
Residential
First-time buyers, especially from Vandenberg AFB, and military
retirees are buying homes in Lompoc Valley in the $200,000-
$350,000 range. The Valley’s single-family detached home average
selling price was $304,000 and the median price was $285,000,
with 173 closed escrows from January through mid-July 2008. Of
the 173 homes sold, 83 were REO with a median price of $230,000.
Valley-wide sales have been under $800,000 since September 2007.
These trends are expected to continue while interest rates remain
below 6.5 percent. People will continue to seek housing in Lompoc
Valley because they are priced out of Santa Barbara County’s South
Coast market and much of the Five Cities market in San Luis Obispo
County. The relative affordability of housing gives Lompoc an advantage
over other regional coastal areas. The high quality of life and
availability of a variety of home options will continue to attract buyers.
• The Gardens at Briar Creek (150 units), off Western Avenue, a
Centex Homes project recently purchased by another developer,
certificate of occupancy issued for 70 single-family residents.
• The Courtyards (80 units), building permits issued for 21 homes,
certificate of occupancy issued for 12 units.
• Sea Breeze Apartments (64 units), grading permit issued.
• Burton Ranch (476 units), 149 acres on Purisima Road and North
H Street, Towbes Residential Development Plan (210 units) in four
distinct neighborhoods on 100.96 acres and the Cottages at Burton
Ranch (55 units) on 14.3 acres, approved.
• River Terrace (308 units), E. Laurel Avenue, approved
• Crown Laurel (73 units), Laurel Avenue and V Street, workforce
housing project, grading and improvements underway.
• Chestnut Crossing (34 units), N. H Street and Chestnut Avenue,
proposed mixed-use infill project with 19 commercial condos, 27,550
sf commercial development, extension approved.
• Coastal Meadows (42 units), 1275 N. V St., proposed townhouse
infill development on approximately 3.09 acres, extension approved.
• Bailey Avenue Specific Plan Area, 270 acres, specific plan and EIR
in process
For a list of recently completed projects and updates, see http://www.cityoflompoc.com/departments/econdev/RealEstate.htm.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 25

Industry & Workforce
Lompoc Valley enjoys a healthy and diversified economy. Home to Vandenberg Air Force Base,
which contributes $1.7 billion to the regional economy and is the largest employer in Santa
Barbara County, Lompoc Valley is the powerhouse driving the county’s economy.
A University of California, Santa Barbara, Economic Forecast
Project study of the economic impact of Vandenberg Air Force Base
to Santa Barbara County (http://www.cityoflompoc.com/departments/econdev/Publications.htm)
confirmed that the military facility,
with many high-skilled and high-paying jobs, accounted for an estimated
7 percent of the county’s gross economic output and 8
percent of its jobs.
The study evaluated the impact of Vandenberg in terms of population,
output, jobs, labor income and taxes generated using data from
fiscal year 2004. The report accounted for both direct impacts
created by the base and additional impacts that occurred in relation
to base activity with a multiplier effect of 1.92, which means every
dollar spent by Vandenberg generates another 92 cents in business.
Located on nearly 100,000 acres outside of Lompoc, Vandenberg‘s
impact is stable due to its role as a classified military installation for
rocket and missile launches. As of December 2007, Vandenberg had
2,919 military members, 941 civilian and 2,835 contract employees.
Col. Steve Tanous, then Commander 30th Space Wing, affirmed that
the base was scheduled to get 272 more military positions, 43 civilian
jobs and 160 reservists through relocation of units, along with the
growth of other programs. Construction activities on base include a
$40 million Astrotech Space Operations payload processing facility, a
$16. 8 million fitness center and a $13 million new home for the
Joint Space Operations Center. See related feature article on page 14.
To enhance the role of Lompoc’s space and technology workforce,
the city partners with California Space Authority in several projects,
including a 3-year, $15 million grant that CSA won from the U.S.
Department of Labor for its Workforce Innovation in Regional
Economic Development initiative. Now CSA and the city are seeking
a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic
Development Administration for the proposed California Space
Center, a 66-acre project to be built outside Vandenberg AFB gates.
The California Space Education and Workforce Institute is developing
the proposed edutainment center, which will include education
and office facilities. The center will present a history of California’s
role in space enterprise and other aspects of the space industry.
It will also feature a permanent launch viewing area, a historic rocket
park and a Native American interpretive center that discusses
Chumash references to the sky and artifacts found on the base.
The proposed center’s business plan, environmental baseline survey
and economic impact study have been completed and an Air Force
lease contract is being pursued. The plan projects that the center will
contribute $2.4 billion to the regional economy, create 3,000 local
jobs, and attract 200,000 to 500,000 visitors annually. No doubt,
Lompoc will be a major beneficiary of the center!
Another local workforce training project underway will relocate
the Allan Hancock College fire, police and emergency services
training academies to Lompoc Valley Center by 2011. The $46
million project includes a city donation of 39 acres of land adjacent
to the college for a total of almost 100 acres that will be dedicated
to the academies, a high speed driving course and further expansion.
Other major employers in Lompoc Valley include Lompoc Unified
School District, Lockheed Martin Corporation, U.S. Department of
Justice (Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex), City of Lompoc,
Lompoc Hospital District, Boeing, Celite Corporation and retail
operators such as Wal-Mart, Vons and Home Depot. Local
artisans, especially boutique winemakers, are driving entrepreneurship
in Lompoc.
Lompoc Valley’s agricultural roots have shifted to value-added
products such as flower seed research and development and most
recently, wine production. Over the past decade, Lompoc’s affectionately
termed “Wine Ghetto” has become a production center for
some of the finest wines in the country, many featuring the new Sta.
Rita Hills wine appellation. In less than five years, the number of
Lompoc’s premium artisanal wines grew from five to 30 labels. There
are now 32 labels produced in 14 wineries across town. Local winemaker
camaraderie continues to spawn innovation and winery incubators
continue to launch new wine labels.
As these boutique wineries grow, they move into larger facilities
and hire more employees. This past year, Brewer-Clifton moved into
a new 12,000 square foot production facility; Loring Winery and Pali
Winery constructed a 30,000 square foot wine facility for processing,
operational offices, case good storage, barrel rooms and fermentation
rooms. More recently, Flying Goat Cellars purchased a 3,600
26 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

square foot industrial condo for wine production at JM Development’s
new industrial condos on West Laurel. Several other wine
facilities in the works will create more growth opportunities with
more available production space.
Another local employer, Plains Exploration & Production Company
(PXP) is targeted for growth because of the landmark agreement
between the offshore oil producer and environmental groups earlier
this year. The agreement, which has been approved by the Santa
Barbara County Board of Supervisors and awaits state and federal
approval, allows PXP to develop untapped undersea oil reserves off
the coast of Lompoc on Platform Irene in exchange for ending its
drilling by 2022, conveying over 3,900 acres of land for public parkland,
and donating $1.5 million to reduce greenhouse emissions in
Santa Barbara County.
Other targeted industries for the city include Internet, entertainment
technology and multimedia. Citywide broadband service has
positioned Lompoc to develop as a media and
communications center with at least three competitors
offering service. The city seeks to attract
production talent, digital production companies
and pre-and post-production operations.
On the local level, Allan Hancock College Film &
Video Production Program, with its a 30-year
history, and the city’s sophisticated TAP TV media
studio provide training grounds for an emerging
technology workforce. City sponsorship of the
Santa Barbara International Film Festival also
enhances student opportunities through the
festival screenwriting and filmmaking contests and
festival field trips.
The city partners with the Santa Barbara County
Film Commission to promote the area for film
locations. The production of commercials and films
such as “Sideways” contribute to the community’s
economic vitality. Film location managers increasingly
take an interest in business-friendly Lompoc
and the surrounding area. Most recently, “There
Will Be Blood” and “Grindhouse” were filmed on
Jalama Road and used Lompoc facilities.
On the manufacturing side, Fagerdala World
Foams purchased Lompoc-based Pactuco in 2003.
The company retained a number of former Pactuco
employees and has a seasonally adjusted workforce
of 60 to 93 employees. A privately held
company with corporate headquarters in Stockholm,
Sweden, Fagerdala manufactures polymer
foam products used for insulation, packaging and
decoration. It also produces thermoformed packaging
and injection molded products used in the
toy, food and electronics retail markets.
K.A. Griffith
K.A. Griffith
Also in 2003, Raytheon Vision Systems opened a manufacturing
division in Lompoc rather than expand its Goleta headquarters. The
55,600 square foot facility in Lompoc employs 30 workers who
develop and manufacture infrared sensors for scientific, commercial
and government applications.
The population of Lompoc Valley is about 65,000, much of which
is young and Hispanic. The recent housing boom attracted many
young professionals from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Non-residential
investment is now paving the way for job opportunities with
industrial, commercial and public infrastructure growth. Lompoc’s
comparative advantage in housing prices, information technology
and overall quality of life will continue to attract a young, edgy
technology workforce. Additionally, the city continues to develop a
wide spectrum of workforce training opportunities in the valley.
LEFT: JM Development’s
industrial condos, the
first in Lompoc, will be
completed in August
with wine production
and retail space.
BELOW: Pali Winery
and Loring Winery
opened their new
30,000 square foot
production facilities
and tasting room off
W. Central Avenue.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 27

NASA-JPL
Higher Education
One of the best-kept secrets in Lompoc Valley is the diversity of higher education opportunities. Two universities
and one college are located within minutes of the city: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the
University of La Verne, which have campuses at Vandenberg Air Force Base, and Allan Hancock College,
which has a Lompoc campus and a program at VAFB. The University of California Santa Barbara and California
Polytechnic State University (CalPoly) in San Luis Obispo are also within commuting distance of the city.
In addition, state-funded workforce and leadership training is available through several community colleges.
Allan Hancock College
The most visible of the local higher education institutions, Allan
Hancock College Lompoc Valley Center, sits on a 156-acre parcel at
the north end of the city. The one-college district has a campus in
Santa Maria with centers in Lompoc, Vandenberg AFB and Solvang.
The $21 million Lompoc Valley Center was built in 1999. To complement
its diversified curriculum, Allan Hancock College provides the
opportunity to earn degrees from several universities on its campus.
Holy Names College offers a bachelor’s degree program in registered
nursing; University of La Verne offers a bachelor of science degree
program in child development; and California State University Bakersfield
offers a bachelor of science degree program in business administration.
In all, the college has partnered with local universities to
offer 18 bachelor degree programs.
Allan Hancock College provides 56 vocational-degree programs
and 106 vocational certificates, ranging from culinary arts to public
safety. Specialized programs include viticulture/enology, with an
oncampus vineyard and computer and traditional animation, which
uses state-of-the-art facilities to train in cutting edge industry techniques.
The fire, police and emergency medical training academies
will relocate to the Lompoc campus in a $46 million project to be
completed by 2011. The passage of a $180 million general obligation
bond will bring great changes to the college over the next decade.
The AHC environmental technology program provides certified
training for both private employers and public agencies. Over the last
four years, AHC Regional Environmental Business Resources Assistance
Center (REBRAC) provided training to more than 3,000
employees and 250 local businesses, in such environmental areas as
hazardous materials handling and home land security.
Mechatronics is a new degree program which combines mechanical
engineering, electronics, controls engineering and computers, emphasizing
links between machine and computer, using software to guide
a physical system like a robot. There is a great demand locally for
these skills, where graduates of the AHC two-year program can
expect to earn an average salary of $45,000, on up to $90,000 annually.
The new degree was developed in partnership with a regional
grant and the California Space Authority.
AHC also offers an outstanding nursing program that prepares 40
licensed vocational nurses and 40 registered nurses every year. It has
the largest Certified Nursing Assistant program in the state, with the
highest pass rate on the state licensing exam. These accomplishments
are possible due to the partnerships with industry. For example,
Marian Medical Center generously provides $211,000 annually to
support nursing facility positions. Marian and other agencies help
fund the program and provide clinical settings for students. Contact:
735-3366 or hancockcollege.edu.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Vandenberg Center opened
in May 2002. ERAU offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs
in professional aeronautics and technical management, and professional
certificates of concentration in space studies, occupational
safety, aviation safety, supply chain management and logistics. A
graduate degree program is available in aeronautical science, with
eight specializations including space and space operations management,
and management, with five specializations. ERAU has five
terms a year with classes starting every 10 weeks. Tuition assistance
is accepted as well as veterans benefits, and financial aid is available.
The university is nationally accredited. Contact: 734-4076 or
erau.edu/vandenberg.
The University of La Verne
The University of La Verne Vandenberg understands the needs of
the military student. For more than 30 years it has helped military
personnel stationed at Vandenberg AFB achieve their educational
goals. The Vandenberg campus offers bachelor’s degree programs in
business administration and organizational management and a
master’s degree program in business administration. Contact:
734-1306 or ulv.edu.
28 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Green City Directory
Parks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Dept.
“Parks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Quarterly Guide” 875-8089
Parks & Urban Forestry Manager Cindy McCall 875-8036
Plastic for Playgrounds Program 875-8034
Depositories :
• Anderson Recreation Center, 125 W. Walnut Ave.
• Lompoc Aquatic Center, 205 W. College Ave.
• Lompoc City Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza
• Parks & Urban Forestry Division, 1300 W. Laurel Ave.
“Treechie” coloring book (English & Spanish) 875-8036
Free mulch delivery 875-8032
New City Tree Planting Program request 875-8034
Beattie Park Recognition Grove nomination application 875-8034
Public Works Dept.
Solid Waste Superintendent Claudia Stine 875-8023
“Trash Talk” Quarterly Newsletter 875-8027 or 875-8024
“City-Wide Greenwaste Recycling” brochure 875-8027
Compost Kit 875-8027
Commingled recycling & greenwaste recycling 875-8027
City Recycling Center 875-8024; 1585 N. V St.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection 875-8024; 1585 N. V St.
Used Oil Collection Centers (accept oil and filters):
• City of Lompoc Airport, 1801 N. H St.
• City Corporate Yard, 1300 W. Laurel Ave.
• City Recycling Center, 1585 N. V St.
• Lompoc Landfill, S. Terminus of Avalon Rd.
• Napa Auto Parts, 1100 N. H St.
• Auto Zone, 538 N. H St.
• Jiffy Lube, 503 N. H St.
• Kragen Auto Parts, 511 W. Central Ave.
Household Battery Sites (no automotive batteries):
• City Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza
• Solid Waste Office, 1300 W. Laurel Ave.
• Lompoc Library, 501 E. North Ave.
• Lompoc Fire, 115 S. G & 1100 N. D St.
City Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Steve Castor 875-8035
(specialist in retrofitting diesel vehicles to reduce particulates)
Aviation & Transportation Administrator Richard Fernbaugh 875-8268
Public Transit & Dispatch Office 736-7666
Utility Dept.
Utility Conservation Coordinator Mary Kammer 875-8298
Incentive Rebate Programs:
• Photovoltaic or Solar PV • Commercial Lighting • Exit Sign Rebate
• Refrigerator & Freezer • Clothes Washer • Electric Clothes Dryer
• Electric Water Heater • Dishwashers • LED Holiday Light • Toilet
Retrofit Program
Educational Outreach Programs
• Energy Conservation Office • Water Awareness Art Contest
• Environmental Fair • Classroom Presentations
Energy Audits
“Best Management Practices for Wineries” brochure contact 736-5083
Wastewater plant and water plant tours contact 875-8297
Other Resources
City Senior Environmental Coordinator Stacy Lawson 875-8275
Vandenberg Village water conservation programs 735-2475
Santa Barbara County
• Waste Reduction Programs lessismore.org
• Green Business Program 705-1686
Asphalt, concrete, and dirt recycling contact 736-2317

K-12 & Youth Activities
Early Childhood Education & Care
Children’s Resource & Referral Program provides up-to-date information
for parents seeking to enroll their young children in preschool
or child care learning environments. Contact this free service
for a listing of local, licensed, quality home-based and center-based
programs or for information on becoming a licensed child care
provider. Contact: 805-737-0073.
Kindergarten – High School Graduation
Lompoc Unified School District provides comprehensive K-12
learning for all school-aged children. LUSD serves the City of Lompoc,
Mission Hills, Vandenberg Village and other unincorporated areas in
the county. The district covers approximately 300 square miles with
close to 10,500 students attending the 10 elementary, three middle
and three high schools. Two elementary and one middle school
operate on a year-round schedule offering options for families.
Lompoc Unified has a work force of more than 1,000 experienced,
qualified and dedicated professionals serving students and families.
More than 600 full-time teachers are employed, with almost 98
percent fully credentialed. Many faculty hold master’s degrees. In
addition to faculty, the district has over 500 employees working in
pupil services, classified positions and administration. LUSD School
Board policy encourages input from all stakeholders. Parents find
opportunities for involvement through local PTA/PTSA, ELAC (English
Learner Advisory Council), an annual Parents Are Teachers, Too!
conference, School Site Councils and many district-wide task forces.
The high schools offer several small “school-within-a-school”
experiences for students interested in agriculture, marine biology,
space technology, horticulture and more. All schools offer a full array
of sports, clubs and service opportunities. In particular, Cabrillo High
School has been recognized for an outstanding aquarium project
(From left) Kiana Zaragoza and Olivia Torres from Garcia Dance Studio perform
flamenco-style at the Olde Towne Market.
K.A. Griffith
(cabrilloaquarium.org), while Lompoc High School has sported a CIF
championship football team for three years in a row and received
academic accolades for its space and technology program. Maple
High School offers an alternative academic experience and houses
the CalSAFE (School Age Family Education) program for teen parents.
All high school seniors are encouraged to prepare for the world of
work through regional occupational programs that fulfill many interests
including automotive technologies, teaching/child development,
criminal justice and environmental sciences.
Mission Valley School provides K-12 alternative education through
independent study. Finally, LUSD Adult Education School (the best
kept education secret in Lompoc) promotes “Learning4Life” by
offering courses in languages, parenting, crafting, career skills, GED
preparation and more. Contact LUSD at 805-742-3300 or lusd.org.
Private Schools and Homeschooling
In addition to public schools, Lompoc Valley offers private schools
and a thriving network for homeschooling children. There are several
private faith-based schools in Lompoc Valley including La Purisima
and the Christian Academy. In addition to the independent study
program at LUSD, there are three homeschool groups in Lompoc:
Lompoc Christian Educators, Lompoc Valley Home Educators, and
Family Homeschool Adventures.
Youth Leadership & Activities
Keeping children healthy, involved and growing up smart is the
goal of the many nonprofit sport associations that offer children,
teens and parents an opportunity to join clubs and to play sports.
From the Lompoc Girls Softball Association to AYSO Soccer, from
Little League or Babe Ruth to PeeWee football, from the Police
Activity rock climbing wall to the award-winning drill teams, Lompoc
is a competitive and lively place to play.
Young people will find a place to be safe and have fun at the City
Parks & Recreation Department, the local Boys & Girls Club, Lompoc
Family YMCA, Lompoc 4H Club and faith-based youth programs.
The Endeavour Center provides space education programs for youth
ages 7-14 and families, including Endeavour Camp, Saturday Science
Seminars (November through April), and school/group field trips.
Meet Space Cowboy and Space Dog! K-12 teachers can also visit the
NASA Educator Resource Center at the Center. For program applications
call 805-734-1747 or visit endeavours.org/sec. Teenagers can
apply to join the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership
Program, the City of Lompoc Youth Commission and the many
organizations that welcome young volunteers.

K.A. Griffith
Green
Education
by kathleen a. griffith
As an outreach to the community, staff
members of the Lompoc Utility Department
participate in a number of activities to
promote water and electric conservation,
and an understanding of the utility services
provided by the city. These include classroom
presentations, a water art contest, an
annual Environment Fair, water and wastewater
plant tours, and demonstrations at
the Olde Towne Market.
For 14 years the city has sponsored the
Environment Fair, which provides 4th and
5th grade students an opportunity to learn
more about the environment and subjects
that they encounter in everyday life. Participating
city departments include water, electric,
solid waste, urban forestry, fire and
police. Also participating are community
volunteers who have knowledge of subjects
that are of special interest to the children.
For instance, a retired science teacher may
talk about diatomaceous earth, an artist
may show the children how to make paper,
a ranger from the mission may talk about
wild animal safety or the “butterfly lady” may
talk about the benefits of butterflies.
The annual Water Awareness Art Contest,
held in conjunction with the state’s Water
Awareness Month of May, is another activity
that promotes water conservation and an
understanding of the city’s water supply.
This year’s theme was Water Is Life. The
winning artwork, chosen from 432 entries,
is displayed at McConnell’s Ice Cream Cafe.
The city’s Solid Waste Division publishes
the “Trash Talk” newsletter, which recommends
recycling and disposal opportunities,
as well as provides valuable information to
enhance a green thumb. For example, the
Solid Waste Division offers composting kits
for $14, reduced from $40 retail, which
include a large plastic composter and an
instruction booklet to get novices on their
way to recycling compostable waste material
in their own backyard.
The city also participates in the Lompoc
High School “Recycle to Read” program,
through which the Solid Waste Division
provides the blue recycling bins for classrooms.
This year about 70 teachers have
recycling bins in their rooms. Books
purchased with these funds have a “Recycle
to Read” program sticker to enhance awareness
of the program.
The Parks & Urban Forestry Division participates
in several other green community
outreach programs. The Plastic for Playgrounds
program recycles plastic containers
to raise money for safe, quality and fun
equipment for children. Also, “Treechie,”
the Teaching Tree Coloring Book, is
published in English and Spanish as a fun
educational tool for youth. Free delivery of
mulch (in very large truckfuls) is also available
to enhance citywide gardening. An
update on all the division’s programs is
published in the quarterly “Lompoc Parks,
Recreation & Urban Forestry Department
Guide.“
Vandenberg Village Community Services
District seeks to get students excited about
water conservation by offering grants for
water conservation projects. Students and
teachers in the Village can apply for a grant
of up to $5,000 to assist in funding a water
conservation project at their school. Applications
are due by October 15 of each year.
Kathleen A. Griffith is economic development manager
for the city of Lompoc and editor-in-chief of Lompoc
Valley Magazine.
ABOVE: The Earth Machine composter is available from
the city. TOP: Sela Webb’s winning poster in the city’s
Water Awareness Art Contest. Webb is a third grader at
Clarence Ruth Elementary School.
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 31

Transportation & Safety
Public Bus Service
COLT provides public transit service within
the City of Lompoc, Mission Hills, Vandenberg
Village, Buellton and Solvang.
Service is available from 6:30 a.m. to 8
p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on Saturday. Curb-to-curb service is available for seniors and persons
with disabilities. Children under six years of age may travel free when
accompanied by a fare-paying passenger 14 years and older. Escorts
for persons with disabilities travel free. COLT now operates one round
trip to Santa Barbara each Tuesday and Thursday. Contact: 736-7666 or
cityoflompoc.com.
The Breeze Bus provides weekday commuter
bus service linking Lompoc,
Vanden berg Air Force Base and Santa
Maria. Contact: 800-417-2137 or
breezebus.com.
Clean Air Express provides round-trip
motor coach commuter service from
Lompoc to Santa Barbara and Goleta
five days a week. Contact: 963-SAVE or
cleanairexpress.com.
Traffic Solutions
Tired of high gas prices? Do you
commute from Goleta or Santa Barbara?
Then Traffic Solutions has some great
news for you. The regional rideshare
agency is starting a vanpool that will serve commuters who live in
the Goleta/Santa Barbara area and work in Lompoc. The vanpool will
be FREE for the first two months, and subsidized thereafter. The van
will be a comfortable ride with bucket seats for 10 commuters and
free onboard Wi-Fi. All drivers will receive a $500 bonus after three
months of driving. Sounds better than putting $50 in your gas tank
three times a week, doesn’t it? Call Traffic Solutions at 963-SAVE or
email info@TrafficSolutions.info.
City of Lompoc Santa Barbara County
Fire Chief Linual White
Fire Chief John Scherrei
Contact: 736-4513
Contact: 681-5500
Police Chief Timothy L. Dabney Sheriff William F. Brown, Jr.
Contact: 736-2341
Contact: 737-7737
The City of Lompoc has always recorded FBI crime index statistics
that are well below the state and national averages. Major crime was
reduced by over 26% in the first half of 2008 compared with the same
period last year.
City police and fire departments are very involved with community
programs that include: Gang Resistance Education & Training, Every
15 Minutes, Citizens’ Police Academy, Jr. Police Camp, Youth Fire
Camp, and Citizens’ Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Hosted by the police department, “Lompoc Police Beat” airs live
on Channel 23 on Thursdays from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. The live TAP TV
show allows viewers to call in at 736-2408 with questions. Rebroadcast
times are Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m.
The city’s full-service fire department enhances the quality of life
in Lompoc through disaster preparedness, firefighting, hazardous
materials response, EMS (Advanced Life Support), confined space/
urban search and rescue and fire investigations, and serves as a technical
reference and support to the community and staff for fire and
building regulations.
The department participates in fire operations on a county, state
and federal level through cooperative agreements that allow Lompoc
personnel to assist with major fire incidents with most costs reimbursed.
In 2007, the department sent personnel to at least 20 incidents
throughout California and New New Mexico, including heavy
activity at local Los Padres Forest and other Forest Service Dispatch
Centers, and collected $644,000 through contract agreements.
Amtrak
Pacific Surfliner service at Surf/Lompoc station. Contact: 800-usa-rail or
amtrak.com.
Airports
• City of Lompoc Airport (general aviation)
Contact: 875-8268 or cityoflompoc.com
• Santa Maria Airport (commercial and general aviation)
Contact: 922-1726 or santamariaairport.com.
• Santa Barbara Airport (commercial and general aviation)
Contact: 681-4803 or flysba.com.
K.A. Griffith
Locally available,
the electric GEM
car is designed
for in-town trips.
Top speed is 25
mph with a top
range of 40
miles. Models
come in 2-, 4-
and 6-seater
versions, with
several cargo
options. Prices
start at $6,795.
32 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Medical Care & Services
Lompoc Valley Medical Center
The Lompoc Valley Medical Center is owned by the citizens of
the Lompoc Valley. The Center includes Lompoc Hospital, Convalescent
Care Center (skilled care) and Mammography Center. A fully
accredited community hospital, Lompoc Valley Medical Center has
contracted with most HMO and preferred provider health plans
and will consider others. Contact 737-3301 for questions related to
health plan or insurance.
Services include: 24-hour emergency service and paramedic base
station; critical and coronary care; obstetrical and perinatal services;
team medical and surgical nursing; inpatient and outpatient surgery
center; breast imaging and stereotactic center; diagnostic imaging
center, including nuclear, ultrasound, CT, and MRI services; outpatient
services, including laboratory, cardiology, physical therapy and
lithotripsy.
• Lompoc Hospital Contact: 737-3300
• Convalescent Care Center Contact: 736-3466
• Outpatient & X-Ray Department Contact: 735-9229
Santa Barbara Medical Foundation Clinic
Services include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, urgent
care, occupational medicine and pacemaker checks; specialists in
urology, dermatology, nephrology, cardiology, psychology, allergy; and
a dietician and asthma educator. Contact: 737-8700
Valley Medical Group of Lompoc
Provides a team of family practitioners, general surgeons, internal
medicine physicians, full service counseling and a nutritionist.
Contact: 736-1253
Lompoc Skilled & Rehab Center
Provides skilled care, especially for seniors. Contact: 735-4010
The Lodge of Lompoc
Provides assisted living for seniors. Contact: 736-1234
Valley Haven Senior Day Care Center
Provides services and facilities for social day care to dependent
seniors and provides respite and supportive counseling to the caregivers
of these seniors. Contact: 733-9459
At Home Senior Services
Provides quality care for seniors at home. Contact: 736-8249
BestCare Central Coast Home Health Agency
A not-for-profit organization that provides home health care services
such as skilled nursing care, physical, occupational and speech
therapy, as well as personal hygiene care performed by home health
aides. Contact: 736-2124
Other Elected Officials
In addition to serving on Lompoc City Council, responsible
citizens in Lompoc Valley also serve on boards for Mission
Hills Community Services District and Vandenberg Village
Community Services District, which represent unincorporated
communities outside the City of Lompoc and within Santa
Barbara County.
Mission Hills Community Services District was established
in 1979 as a local government agency for the purpose of
providing water, sewer and street sweeping services to the
community of Mission Hills and Mesa Oaks. It is governed by
a board of five locally elected directors. Contact: 733-4366 or
visit mhcsd.org.
Vandenberg Village Community Services District was established
in 1983 as a local government agency for the purpose of
providing water and wastewater services to the community of
Vandenberg Village, and for providing water to a small portion of
Vandenberg Air Force Base. VVCSD is governed by a board of five
locally elected directors. Contact 733-2475 or visit vvcsd.org.
Mission Hills Community
Services District
President: Susan Warnstrom
Vice president: James MacKenzie
Finance officer: Stanly Whitty
Alt. finance officer: Bruce Nix
Director: Cathy Schlottman
Vandenberg Village
Community Services
District
President: Donald Rowland
Vice president: Robert Wyckoff
Finance officer: Anthony Fox
Director: Christopher Brooks
Director: Charles Blair
Santa Barbara County
Board of Supervisors
Fourth District
Supervisor Joni Gray
Contact: 737-7700
Third District
Supervisor Brooks Firestone
Contact: 568-2192
California Legislature
19th District
Sen. Tom McClintock
Contact: 686-0830
33rd District
Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee
Contact: 549-3381
U.S. Congress
Sen. Barbara Boxer
Contact: 202-224-3553
Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Contact: 202-224-3841
24th District (Lompoc Valley)
Rep. Elton Gallegly
Contact: 686-2525
23rd District (adjacent coastline)
Rep. Lois Capps
Contact: 730-1710
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 33

Dining & Lodging
Dining
Lodging
Alberto’s N.Y. Giant Pizza
129 N. V St. | 736-1887
Alfie’s Fish & Chips
1036 N. H St. | 736-0154
American Host Restaurant
113 N. I St. | 735-5188
Angelas
115 S. J St. | 315-6086
The Bakery
419 W. Ocean Ave. | 735-1335
Bakers Square #477
936 N. H St. | 735-8330
Baskin Robbins
419 N. H St. | 736-3131
Blacksmith Steakhouse
118 S. H St. | 742-0026
Bravo Pizza
129 W. Central Ave. #C-2
737-6181
Bread Board Deli
322 N. H St. | 736-4448
Budget Café
832 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-4085
Burger King
1153 N. H St. | 736-8111
Burrito Loco
1412 N. H St. | 735-9567
Cajun Kitchen Café Five
1508 N. H St. | 735-7877
Carl’s Jr. #326
625 N. H St. | 735-1016
Carrow’s Restaurant
1129 N. H St. | 736-0702
Cats Market & Deli
421 W. Ocean Ave. | 736-9388
China King Super Buffet #168
1037 N. H St. | 735-8484
Country Buffet
1601 N. H St. | 735-7978
Dogfathers
1701 E. Ocean Ave. | 452-1646
Domino’s Pizza
700–C N. H St. | 735-7777
3734 Constellation Rd.
733-4555
Don Pepe’s Restaurant
610 N. H St. | 736-3202
Dong Hae Sushi & Teriyaki Restaurant
600 N. H St. | 740-1488
Dragon Palace
1325 N. H St. | 736-8899
El Paraiso
813 W. Laurel Ave. | 737-4133
El Toro Bronco
1030 N. H St. | 735-3499
Floriano’s Mexican Food
319 E. Ocean Ave. | 737-9397
Foster’s Family Donuts
1145 N. H St. | 736-2291
Foster’s Freeze
1120 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-1321
Hickory St. Cafe
508 E. Hickory Ave. | 737-3342
Hunter’s Landing Coffee Co.
508 N. H St. | 740-0051
Jack in the Box
539 N. H St. | 735-1264
Jalama Beach Café
400 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-8205
Jalama Beach Store & Grill
Jalama Beach Park | 736-5027
Jetty Restaurant
304 W. Ocean Ave. | 735-2400
Johnson’s Donuts Ltd
1001 N. A St. | 736-7166
Kentucky Fried Chicken
1401 N. H St. | 736-0846
La Botte Italian Restaurant
812 N. H St. | 736-8525
La Michoacana
1008 N. H St. | 735-6161
La Purisima Café
3455 E. Highway 246 | 736-4118
Little Ceasar’s
1133 N. H St. #A | 735-7782
Lompoc Donuts
400 N. H St. | 736-9017
Lompoc Valley Center Café
1 Hancock Dr. | 735-3366
Lompoc Restaurant
925 N. H St. | 736-8600
Mariscos Costa Brava
401 W. Ocean Ave. | 740-2063
Mariscos El Palmar
124 E. Ocean Ave. | 736-5656
McConnell’s Ice Cream Café
1412 N. H St. # E | 736-0200
McDonald’s Restaurant
701 W. Central (inside Wal-Mart)
835 N. H St. | 736-9669
Mi Amore Pizza & Pasta
1321 N. H St. | 735-3316
Mr. Taco
3734 Constellation Rd.
733-3213
Oki Sushi
1206 W. Ocean Ave. | 735-7170
Paleteria y Neveria la Nueva
Michoacana
1008 No. H St. | 735-6161
Papa Murphy’s Take-N-Bake Pizza
623 W. Central Ave. | 740-6168
Penelope’s Teas & Gifts
105 W. Ocean Ave. | 736-1122
Pizza Garden
1017 N. H St. | 736-9999
Pizza Hut
1620 N. H St. | 736-7272
PJ’s Delicatessen
128 W. College Ave. | 736-2010
Quizno’s Subs
515 W. Central Ave. | 737-4304
Rice Bowl
117 W. Central Ave. | 736-5709
Round Table Pizza
721 W. Central Ave. | 735-3333
Saletti’s Italian Restaurant
825 N. H St. | 736-2050
San Martin Café
112 N. A St. | 736-4104
Sissy’s Uptown Café
112 S. I St. | 735-4877
Southside Coffee Company
105 S. H St. | 737-3730
Starbuck’s Coffee Shop
1436 N. H St. | 735-7320
Subway
1133 N. H St. # C | 735-6388
616 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-4797
Sugar Magnolia’s Café
724 N. H St. | 736-2229
Suvan’s Kitchen
129 W. Central Ave. Ste E
737-9802
Sushi Teri
213 W. Ocean Ave. | 740-0123
Taco Bell of Lompoc
1548 N. H St. | 735-8890
426 N. H St. | 736-8632
Taco Loco
129 W. Central Ave. | 737-0255
200 E. Ocean Ave. | 737-4494
Taco Roco
1140 N. H St. | 737-0011
Taqueria La Tizanda
910 N. H St. | 714-2541
Texas Cattle Company
1325 N. H St. #A | 736-7471
Thai Cuisine
920 N. I St. | 736-7450
Thai Fast Food
1133 N. H St. | 735-1022
Tom’s
115 E. College Ave. | 736-9996
Triple D’s Grill
510 W. Ocean Ave. | 740-1770
Ursula’s Cafe
1420 E. Ocean Ave.| 736-4541
Village Coffee Stop & Espresso Bar
3734 Constellation Rd.
733-5511
Village Country Club
4300 Clubhouse Rd. | 733-3535
Wendy’s Hamburgers
1102 N. H St. | 735-8656
White Oaks Restaurant
3955 Apollo Way
733-5000
The 1890 House (Bed & Breakfast)
122 W. Cypress Ave.
736-9423/888-736-9422
Best Value Inn
1200 N. H St.
735-3737
Best Western O’Cairns Inn
940 E. Ocean Ave.
735-7731/800-528-1234
Budget Inn Motel Of Lompoc
817 N. H St.
736-1241
Days Inn
3955 Apollo Way
733-5000/800-DaysInn
1122 N. H St.
735-7744
Embassy Suites
1117 N. H St.
735-8311/800-433-3182
Holiday Inn Express
1417 N. H St.
736-2391/800-324-9566
Lompoc Motel
528 N. H St.
736-7517
Motel 6
1521 N. H St.
735-7631
O’Cairns Inn
1020 E. Ocean Ave.
735-6444
Quality Inn & Executive Suites
1621 N. H St.
735-8555/800-228-5151
Star Motel
212 E. Ocean Ave.
736-8144
Travelodge of Lompoc
1415 E. Ocean Ave.
736-6514
White Oaks Hotel
3955 Apollo Way
733-5000
At Sugar Magnolia’s Café, which is under
new ownership, all disposable cups, lids,
to-go boxes and flatware are made from
recycled compostable paper and cornstarch.
K.A. Griffith
34 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Community Events
2008 Calendar
August 1
Olde Towne Market
S. H Street
736-4567
August 2
Purisima’s People Day Program
La Purisima Mission
733-3713
August 3
Jazz on the LIbrary Lawn
Dawn Lambeth and Usonia Jazz
501 E. North Ave.
875-8788
August 8
Olde Towne Market
S. H Street
736-4567
August 8-10
Lompoc Civic Theatre
“Ruthless - The Musical”
735-ACT1
August 10
Jazz on the LIbrary Lawn
Mike Pakaluk Quintet
501 E. North Ave.
875-8788
August 15
Olde Towne Market
S. H Street
736-4567
August 15-17
Lompoc Civic Theatre
“Ruthless - The Musical”
735-ACT1
August 16
Mission Life Day Program
La Purisima Mission
733-3713
August 17
Jazz on the LIbrary Lawn
Clam Chowder
501 E. North Ave.
875-8788
August 22
Olde Towne Market
S. H Street
736-4567
August 22-24
Lompoc Civic Theatre
“Ruthless - The Musical”
735-ACT1
August 23
Village Days Program
La Purisima Mission
733-3713
August 3
Jazz on the LIbrary Lawn
Dick Clark’s Big Band Sound
501 E. North Ave.
875-8788
August 29
Olde Towne Market
S. H Street
736-4567
August 29
Lompoc Police Dept. Cruise
Ocean Avenue
875-8108
August 30
Lompoc Police Dept. Benefit Car Show
Ryon Park
www.lompocpd.com
August 31
Jazz on the LIbrary Lawn
Ensemble Vientos del Sur
501 E. North Ave.
875-8788
September 5
Norma Stillman Memorial Golf Tourn.
Lompoc Boys & Girls Club Tourn.
Village Country Club
736-4978
September 6
Purisima’s People Day Program
La Purisima Mission
733-3713
September 20
Mission Life Day
La Purisima Mission Program
733-3713
September 20
Lompoc Hospital Foundation
Annual walk-a-thon
736-4005
September 27
Lompoc Valley Distance Club
Half-Marathon Run & Walk
La Purisima Mission
36-7380
October 10-11
Candlelight Tours
La Purisima Mission
733-3713
October 12
Free Community Organ Performance
Graham Blyth
925 N. F St.
736-1271
October 17
Lompoc Concert Association
Thuringer Salonquintett
925 N. F St.
733-4006
Wickie Rodenhi
Mike Pakaluk of The Mike Pakaluk Quintet, which will be performing again on August 10
as part of the Jazz on the Library Lawn series.
October 25
Village Days Program
La Purisima Mission
733-3713
November 1
Turducken Dinner Benefit
Village Country Club
733-3583
November 15
North County Rape Crisis & Child
Protection Center
Holiday Auction
Santa Ynez Marriott
November 22
Lompoc Concert Association
Thuringer Salonquintett
925 N. F St.h
733-4006
December 5
Childrens Holiday Parade
875-8100
December 8
Founding Day Celebration
La Purisima Mission
733-3713
December 14
Lompoc Hospital Foundation
Holiday Home Tour and Candlelight Tea
736-4005
Year-Round Events
La Purisima Mission Guided Tours
Daily 1 p.m.
2295 Purisima Road
733-3713
Farmers Market
Fridays 2:00 p.m. to dusk
I St. & Ocean Ave.
305-9829
Lompoc Swap Meet
Saturdays 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
I St. & Cypress Ave.
735-6717
Cypress Art Gallery
119 E. Cypress Ave.
Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
736-1129
Lompoc Museum
200 S. H St.
Tueday - Friday 1 - 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
736-3888
Fabing-McKay-Spanne House
207 N. L St.
Mondays & Thursdays 8:30 - 11 a.m.
(except holidays)
Fourth Saturday of month, 2 - 4 p.m.
735-4626
Vandenberg Air Force Base Tours
Tours by reservation only
606-3595
Space Endeavor Center
Various events all year
734-1747
Cabrillo Aquarium
4350 Constellation Road
Open by appointment only
733-1028 or
cabrilloaquarium.org
Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 35

CityofLompoc.com
877-730-1261

lompoc urban
wineries
Dragonette Cellars
2006
Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills