Summer - the City of Lompoc!

As Local asthe Vines.You can bank on it.SINCE 1 960Lompoc200 North H Street805.736.4524North Lompoc1307 North H Street, Suite C805.735.4985Vandenberg Village3787 Constellation Road805.733.3516A Division of Pacific Capital Bank, N.A., Member FDIC

LOMPOC VALLEY MAGAZINEA City of Lompoc PublicationCliff BaldridgeEditor’s NoteWhat an honor to interview former VicePresident Al Gore! No matter what you thinkof his politics, Gore has definitely raisedglobal consciousness of the environmentalconsequences of human activity.Just before Gore was to receive the 2007 Santa Barbara International Film Festival Attenborough Awardfor his documentary film “An Inconvenient Truth,” I interviewed him for “Discover Lompoc,” the TAP TVprogram 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 BestOriginal Song and within a few months, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for “creating an ever-broaderinformed 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 greenpractices 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 standardoperating 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 “inthe works.” The Green City Directory provides a comprehensive list of useful resources and GreenEducation highlights the city’s community outreach programs. City Conservation Coordinator MaryKammer 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 farmingwith miniature sheep. From Clos Pepe Vineyard, which received the Santa Barbara County Green Awardfor best practices, to Presidio Vineyard, which is currently the only certified biodynamic vineyard in thecounty, Lompoc Valley contributes to the county’s outstanding green reputation.Other feature articles illustrate green practices across the valley: Catherine Gallegos describes a strawbale home constructed in Cebada Canyon; Randall Shulman discusses current and proposed localrenewable energy sources, such as geothermal, solar and wind; and Wesley Carter updates us on whatVandenberg 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 advantageof. My favorite is the Earth Machine compost kit, which the city sells for only $14. What a deal! Irecommend you get one and begin to enrich our earth by recycling compostable material and divertingwaste from landfills.City AdministratorGary P. KeefeCity AttorneySharon D. StuartEditor-IN-CHIEFKathleen A. GriffithContributing WRITERsWesley CarterCatherine GallegosKathleen A. GriffithChanda HagenMary KammerGary P. KeefeRandall ShulmanCARTOONISTSheldon GreenillustrationRavatt Albrecht & Associates, Inc.MapWestern Gate Publishingdesign & ProductionVari MacNeilPRINTINGVentura PrintingPhotographyACCIONACliff BaldridgeMolly GeraldK.A. GriffithWes HagenCarrie HartmannGerry KiffeDan McCaffreyUSAF / Ashley TaylorUSAF / Jonathan OldsMartin Van EnooOn the cover:Henley the ram, one of a flockof miniature sheep keepingweeds in check at Clos Pepevineyard.On the Table of Contents:Acciona’s AW-1500 windturbine is likely to be used inthe Lompoc Wind Project.For project updates, go tocountyofsb.org/energy/projects/LompWindEnergy.asp.City of Lompoc100 Civic Center PlazaLompoc, CA 93438cityoflompoc.com805-736-1261 or 877-730-1261Kathleen A. GriffithEditor-in-Chiefk_griffith@ci.lompoc.ca.us©2008 City of Lompoc, CaliforniaAll rights reserved, no part of this publicationmay be produced in any form or by any meanswithout permission in writing from the publisher.Contents of this publication were received orderived from sources deemed reliable, but neitherthe publisher, its members, staff or vendors, northe City of Lompoc are responsible for any errorsin or omissions from this publication.

Lompoc ValleymagazinesummER 2008Features4 Green before it was cool6 Woolly Headed8 Watered Down10 Straw into Gold12 Earth, Wind and Water14 Into the Wild Green Yonder16 Things to Do & SeeCommunity Resources29 Green City Directory30 Green education31 K-12 & Youth Activities32 Transportation & Safety33 Medical Care & Services33 Other Elected Officials34 Dining & Lodging35 Community Events18 Lompoc Valley MapCity of Lompoc20 Letter from the Mayor21 Current City Projects22 Economic Development Resources24 City UtilitiesEconomic Profile25 Real Estate & Housing26 Industry & Workforce28 Higher EducationPhotograph courtesy of Acciona

Green ...before itwas coolby gary p. keefeHow green is our valley? Currently “cool” greencriteria show that Lompoc is verdant.“Green city” achievements include air quality, electricity usage andproduction, environmental perspective and policy, green design, greenspace, public health, recycling, socio-economic factors, transportationand water quality.Those of us who live in Lompoc know and appreciate our clean air,circulated by ocean breezes. Federal and state air quality standardsmaintained by Santa Barbara County Air Pollution District show thatour perceptions are correct; we enjoy clean air.Public health, water quality and environmental policy have beencity priorities for a long time. Shortly after incorporation in 1888, thetown fathers resolved that the City of Lompoc should own andoperate its own utilities to meet community needs. Ordinance No. 24(1889) determined that public interest and necessity demanded theconstruction of a water system, which was completed in 1903. In1916, Lompoc built its first sewage collection system and an4 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

elaborate sewage treatment plant. Cleanwater and sanitary sewage treatment wereamong the earliest “green” benefits of thecity’s incorporation.1925 saw the installation of water meterson the city’s water distribution system. As inmost of California at the time, customerspaid a flat rate for monthly water service tobe used in whatever volumes were needed.But 1925 was a drought year, and the city’swater resources were diminishing. Meterswere installed to help customers understandand better control their water usage, and toprovide financial incentives to eliminate thewaste of water. In 1991, as a result of thestatewide drought, California adoptedrequirements for water meters statewide,because many large cities still allowed theunmeasured use and possible waste of water.Lompoc’s early water supply was SanMiguelito Creek. As the population grew andwater demand increased, Lompoc developedgroundwater wells. Lompoc’s groundwater ishighly mineralized and very hard. By 1960,nearly two-thirds of the dwelling units in thecity of Lompoc had home water softeningsystems. Tons of waste brine produced bythese home softening systems weredischarged to the sanitary sewage system.Water meters were widely inflicted withdeposits, sometimes completely clogged,from well sediment and precipitates from thevarious city wells.To reduce the mineral content, in 1963, anew water plant was constructed. Lompoc’swater plant represented a pioneering step inthe application of a diatomaceous earthfiltration system to a relatively large lime-sodasoftening plant. In 1963, it was the largestmunicipal diatomite filtration plant in theUnited States. The plant reduces salts,provides centralized softening and produces ahigh-quality water. Swimming pools no longerturn orange, and residents have whiteclothing that is actually white. They don’tneed individually owned water softeners,which eliminates the brine discharge to thesewer system.Lompoc’s water and wastewater systemimproves the mineral quality of our drinkingwater and our groundwater by removingsalts. The salt content, or the mineralconcentration, of Lompoc’s wastewater islower than that found in water that ispumped from the ground. Lompoc’s watertreatment plant process, dating from 1963, isstill listed as the best available technology byfederal regulatory standards.Electricity was originally provided by aprivate operator, with an electrical generatorwithin the city limits. The electrical systemwas in poor condition, and electric rates werevery high at 15 cents per kilowatt hour. Bycomparison, today’s Lompoc electric rates areless than 13 cents per kilowatt hour.In 1923, Lompoc purchased the electricsystem, significantly lowered rates andimproved service. Lompoc Electric was selfsupportingand was, as it is today, contributingto the city’s general fund to help keep localtaxes at a moderate level.In 1968, the City of Lompoc joined with 10other cities to form the Northern CaliforniaPower Agency, which allowed Lompoc tobecome a producer of electricity. In 1983,NCPA’s first power plant was constructed inNorthern California, and it produces electricpower from geothermal energy. Lompoc alsoowns small percentage shares of several smallcombustion turbine plants and hydroelectricpower plants. Lompoc’s energy mix is 29percent large hydroelectric, 28 percentgeothermal, and 1 percent small hydroelectric.In all, 58 percent of Lompoc’s electrical energyis either hydroelectric or geothermal.During the last 20 years, Lompoc hasdeveloped successful water and energyconservation programs. Educational programsare provided to schools and the city conductsan environmental fair once a year, whichprovides a wide variety of information to helpstudents identity practices that sustain theenvironment.No new construction occurs in Lompocunless the developer fully offsets new wateruse through our toilet retrofit rebate program.Lompoc’s water production has remainedrelatively constant since the implementationof this program in 1990. This also reduceselectrical usage because it takes a lot ofelectrical energy to pump water.City conservation staff provide personalizedwater and electrical consumption audits tohelp with desired savings. Lompoc’s electricalconservation program includes incentives andrebates for Energy Star appliances, and cashrebates in the amount of $3.50 per watt forsolar systems. If your solar system generatesmore electricity than you use, Lompoc’s NetMetering program buys that energy from you.Lompoc installed LED bulbs in all trafficlights, even those owned by CALTRANS, in2001. Work is ongoing with energy savingupgrades for city facilities, including threenew 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 beretiring at the end of 2008, after 32 years with the city.BELOW: Gary P. Keefe in the 1970s, when he began hiscareer at the city in wastewater treatment.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 5

woolly headedWes Hagensheep lead a vineyardtoward organic weed controlBy chanda hagenIt all started, as these things usually do, around a dinner table strewn with emptyPinot Noir bottles and almost-empty plates.Wes HagenThe discussion that night wasvaried and robust and somehowwound its way to an article inthe Los Angeles Times aboutminiature Kobe beef. After westopped salivating over theprospect of perfect little filetmignon 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 theyexist?” he asked. “If they do, they could weed the vineyard withoutbeing able to reach the leaves and grapes. That would rule!”While the concept was sinking in with the rest of the family, Wesdid what he always does in these situations: he disappeared from thetable and set off straight to the office to google “miniature sheep.”Within five minutes Wes came back with the good news — yesthere were miniature sheep! They were rather expensive, very rareand really cute. Those selling them made claims that were tempting:they tend to eat things on the ground before looking up for food, afew were being used for orchard and vineyard weeding in Sonoma,and there were even a few lambs for sale. The breed we wantedwere Olde English Babydoll Southdown sheep.Even though these sheep are considered a miniature breed, theyare actually ancient stock from the Southdown region of England.Their small size was common before refrigeration. They were theperfect size (only 100 pounds mature) to slaughter and bring tomarket to sell in a single day. They also had some of the finest woolof any breed. Most were bred up in size for modern times, butisolated populations of the original small sheep were discovered andbrought in small numbers to the United States in the 1990s.Over the next few weeks I spent hours every day researching sheepon the Web, ordering books (I heartily recommend “Living WithSheep” by Chuck Wooster and Geoff Hansen, a fun read for anyone),signing up for email discussion groups, and making plans for a sheepenclosure. I located a few reputable miniature sheep breeders inNorthern California, and sent in deposits for a ram lamb and twoewes. These three sheep would make up our foundation stock:Henley the ram (named after my mother’s side of the family), and the6 | 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 ofClos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir.The sheep arrived in crates in the back of a pickup truck in summer2006 from Canvas Ranch in Petaluma. Their shelters and pens werebuilt and ready. They were set free in their new enclosures and quicklyturned the weeds into a perfect fairway. The ram was sequestered inhis own pen and the ewes in theirs. We were amazed when Henleybroke 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 behavedram when given his space, he would do everything he could to take ahuman out at the kneecaps if you were in his pen and not payingattention. For the first time we understood where rams got their name.I never imagined that the sheep would be so much work. The penis right next to our house, so I clean the pen at least once a day. Weuse fly predators and have yet to see too many flies — the sanitationand the biological controls really seem to work.The flock has increased by a few sheep each year, both by rescueand births. The first year, 2006, we bred Henley to Matilda and gotone ewe lamb, Penelope. We rescued three more Babydolls from apetting zoo to bring the flock to seven. A local breeder produced anexceptionally rare coloration of an Icelandic sheep, which we savedfrom the barbecue shortly after we rescued the zoo sheep. We namedhim Loki after the Nordic trickster god. Our second (black) foundationram came in late summer 2007, and even though he was just a lamb,managed to impregnate at least one of our ewes (young andimpressionable 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 arenamed by our “Name the Lamb” contest every year.We also shear them once a year, process the fiber at Ranch of theOaks in Cebada Canyon and then I use the wool for my knittingprojects. How’s that for integrated production!The real turning point was spring 2007 when we purchased a veryrare and spunky Australian Kelpie herding dog. He was more moneythan we’ve ever paid for a dog (actually the only one we have thatisn’t a rescue), but he was a trained herding dog. His skills in the fieldare formidable — I have now worked many head of cattle and 300goats with Mad Max at other ranches, and sometimes I think that 12sheep bore him a bit. He’s an “eyed” dog, which means he stares atsheep to get them to move, or offers a safe and slight nip if theydon’t respect his authority.We’ve been using the sheep in the vineyard or olive orchardalmost every day, teaching Max to keep them off the vines, and weare trying to decide how much they can help us in the future. We’reconsidering selling a few lambs each year, and if you are interestedin 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 sheepin June 2007 was picked up (amazingly) by 18 national papers andmade our sheep the most famous in the country for a few months.Joni Gray, our county supervisor, saw the article and heard that wewere using a lot of sustainable production methods for our grapes andolives 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. Thesheep were not invited, but they were there in spirit.Vineyards are perhaps the most environmentally friendly kind offarming in California. We use modern technology and hand labor toour advantage. Organic/sustainable farming is becoming the norm inviticulture faster than any other section of agribusiness. Local heroeslike Richard Sanford (Alma Rosa), the biodynamic stylings of AmpelosVineyard (Peter and Rebecca Work), and the solar powered HilliardVineyard are three examples of those working to make a difference.Clos Pepe continues to use the sheep for weed control andfertilization, and we are always looking for new ways to make ourfarm even more environmentally sensitive. We are currently lookinginto getting off the grid and going to wind power, which seems tohave 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 ifthey misbehave and try to eat a vine, I can either send in Max orremind them we have a lot of nice Bordeaux in our cellar and mintjelly in the cupboard. It hasn’t come to that yet, and we do eat a lotless 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 HagenSummer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 7

watered downby mary kammerCan you have a beautiful, lush landscape in our semi-arid climate without highwater usage and bills in the summer months? Yes — by going green.Going green can range from creating acomplete new landscape and irrigationsystem to being conscientious when caringfor existing landscapes. In either case,irrigation is key to water-wise gardening.Group your plants according to similarwater and light needs and match irrigationto each group of plants or zone. It wouldn’tmake sense to plant most bedding plants(such as petunias) with or by cactus. Thereare good references available that will helpidentify your plants’ best growing conditions;learn to use them and organize your gardento take advantage of those needs.Lawns have the highest water usage andrequire the most maintenance in the typicallandscape. Consider replacing grass with alow-water-using groundcover or a creativearrangement of shrubs, trees andhardscapes. Patios and sidewalks enhancethe appearance of a garden and reducewater requirements.If you still choose to plant a lawn, picklow-water-using species such as long-bladedFescues and Bermuda hybrids. An unmowedFescue lawn is a dynamic, sculptural elementin the garden while the thicker ground coverit provides helps the soil retain water.Most landscapes are over-watered or notwatered efficiently. To avoid waste, let yourlawn tell you when it needs water. Step onthe grass. If the blades spring back, the lawnis still hydrated. If you leave a footprint, it’stime to water. Avoid watering between 10a.m. and 4 p.m., when evaporation and driftare highest. With automatic irrigationsystems, make sure you adjust frequencyand timing to match the seasonal needs ofyour plants. An inexpensive rain gauge thatplugs into the irrigation system can be usedto automatically turn off the system whenit rains.8 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008Gerry Kiffe

Gerry KiffeGerry KiffeK.A. GriffithFROM LEFT: A rainwaterirrigatedflower garden. BlueFescue is left natural. Rainwatercollection bins. OPPOSITE: A lushyet drought-tolerant garden.Lush gardens can survive on very littlesummer water. One such garden in Lompocuses the rain collected in trashcans to provideall of the garden’s water needs in summer. Thetrashcans catch rainwater that is used to waterroses, fruit trees, a salad garden and flowers.The landscape is healthy and beautiful.Use mulch when possible. Composting is aneasy way to recycle garden and food waste,reduce plants’ water needs and return nutrientsto the soil. Bark and wood chips can be used toenhance areas planted with trees, shrubs andother low-water-using plants.it takes a villageTo encourage Village residentsto conserve water, VandenbergVillage Community ServicesDistrict offers a cash-for-grassrebate. VVCSD will giveresidents up to $2 per squarefoot with a $1,000 maximumfor turf removed and replacedwith low-water-using plants,rocks or synthetic turf.Customers may also beeligible for a free evapotranspirationcontroller. ETcontrollers create a wateringschedule based on soil, typeof landscape and the slope,combined with weather datafrom local weather stations.This method of irrigationscheduling prevents runoff offertilizers and pesticides whileconserving water and energy.The mulch can be purchased or compostedin your yard. Compost bins are available fromthe City (see page 31), commercially or theycan be made easily and inexpensively. Lookfor instructions online or in gardening books.When installing an irrigation system,choose water-efficient systems that allow forirrigation by zone, by weather conditions,and is easy to program.New “smart” controllers automaticallyreset the irrigation time for each zoneaccording to current weather conditions.These controllers receive a radio signal froma remote location that uses moisture, windand sun conditions from each user’s area andautomatically reprograms the timer to applywater to each zone in the landscape. Usersprogram information about plant type, soiltype and condition, runoff and amount ofwater applied into the system. The timerthen automatically applies the correctamount of water to each zone.Consider installing drip systems and lowoutputsprinkler heads. These systems savewater by putting it where it’s needed and byreducing water loss from evaporation, runoffor overspray. They require minimalmaintenance and, because they apply waterat a slow rate and only to an area that is bestabsorbed by the plant, reduce weed growth.Proper and frequent maintenance of asystem is important. No matter how goodyour irrigation system, it’s necessary tofrequently override the system and check tosee if heads need to be readjusted or if thereare broken sprinkler heads or broken pipes.Many landscapes in our area are “green”and beautiful. The yards are attractive, usinglittle more water in the summer than in thewinter and they require minimal maintenance.The front yard (pictured opposite) of a localSpanish-style house is a good example of greengardening. It is beautiful and well suited to thestyle of house. Drive around your neighborhoodfor other examples of green gardening.Lompoc has information to help watercustomers save water both indoors andoutdoors. The City distributes brochures onwater-wise landscaping and irrigationpractices. Staff will work with residents toperform a water audit of their property.To help reduce indoor usage, rebates areavailable if a customer replaces 3.5 gallonper flush (gpf) toilets with 1.6 or 1.28 gpftoilets, or replaces old dishwashers andwashing machines with Energy Star models.The city Conservation Office recommendsthat residents take the Countywide WaterChallenge (at sbwater.org) that askshouseholds to use 20 gallons less per day.The website also has water-saving tips.Lompoc is concerned about California’swater issues and is considering offeringadditional programs and rebates toencourage water conservation. Call 875-8298 for more information.Mary Kammer is the utility conservation coordinator forthe City of Lompoc.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 9

STRAW INTO GOLDHOW ONE LOCAL FAMILY BUILT THEIROWN EARTH-FRIENDLY DREAM HOMEBY CATHERINE GALLEGOSClockwise 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; thefinished 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 Hartmanndecided to build their dream home in Cebada Canyon, they fou-ndthemselves drawn to consider the rustic charm and environmentalbenefits 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 ownconstruction 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 theirdecision to build “green” was inevitable.“The environment has always been a focus for us, and we havealways tried to make a difference personally by being efficient,reusing and recycling,” Carrie says.The family soon discovered that their interests and skillscomplemented one another during the building process. Caseyenjoyed operating the tractor, helping dig the septic trench andassisting his parents with other aspects of construction. Carrie saysher “mechanically talented” husband Pace, a Delta II rockettechnician at Vandenberg Air Force Base, provided the perfectbalance to her artistic tendencies during design and construction.“We are a great team. Pace has tremendous mechanical skills, yetthe 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 TouchMassage Therapy in Lompoc, attended carpentry and home repairadult education classes to prepare herself for the constructionproject. Carrie designed and handmade the interior doors throughoutthe house herself — and to her credit, they look to be the work of amaster craftsperson.The building project soon became an extended-family affair. Pace’sdad, 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 and10 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

engineers of Santa Barbara County’s all-volunteer Innovative BuildingReview Program, and the assistance of several subcontractors whohelped with grading, framing, cabinetry and roofing.The result is a striking two-bedroom home filled withenvironmentally friendly details throughout.Carrie describes the building process as “exciting.” Once the housewas framed out, the family set to work with baling needles and achainsaw. They sized, re-baled, compressed and then sandwiched therice straw bales between the framing to form their home’s thick walls,chain-sawing notches into some of the bales to fit them flush againstthe posts and beams. Carrie carefully shaped and compressed loosestraw to create gracefully arched windows and doorways.The tightly compressed straw bales now serve to enhancethe home’s structural integrity, while providing the family witha two-foot-thick layer of non-toxic insulation — doubling asimpressive soundproofing.Carrie says the toughest part of the job was covering the stackedbales with stretched chicken wire. Next came a thick layer of cementstucco over the chicken-wired walls, followed by a clay plasterinterior finish to create an attractive adobe-style look.The living room’s expansive windows serve as passive solar heatersduring the winter months, inviting the sun in to slowly heat theroom’s thick concrete floor. The concrete then efficiently retains andradiates heat well into the night. By summertime, the windows arejust out of reach of the sun’s shifting path, and the thick bale wallssuccessfully insulate against unwanted heat.For flooring, the Hartmanns simply hosed down their smoothfoundation with a form of iron — nontoxic liquid ferrous sulfate —to rust-stain the concrete, creating an artful, practical walkingsurface throughout the house. In the kitchen, they tiled over theconcrete with cork, “A renewable resource, soft on the feet, andwhen dishes fall they don’t break,” Carrie says.Ground-mounted solar panels meet most of the Hartmanns’ electricalneeds. The family remains “on the grid,” son Casey says, but their homeis outfitted with a two-way electrical meter. “When our solar panelsproduce more electricity than we use, the meter runs backwards, andwe receive credits from Pacific Gas & Electric,” he explains.Drought-tolerant landscaping and an organic garden round out theHartmann homestead — all surrounded by miles of ranchland anddense wild sagebrush ... a landscape that might lead a visitor towonder about the safety of building a straw bale home in a wildfirezone. Yet straw bale construction is fairly fire resistant. Oregon-basedstraw bale expert Andrew Morrison, an educator who teaches intensiveseven-day straw bale construction workshops year-round, insists thatstraw bale homes are actually much safer than traditional structures.“Recent independent testing proves that a properly constructedstraw bale wall has a significantly longer burn resistance thanconventionally framed walls,” Morrison says, adding, “Furthermore,once the plaster skins of the walls are penetrated by fire, the straw isso dense and lacking oxygen that fires tend to smolder, not increasein strength; whereas once the drywall skin of a conventional house ispenetrated, the house is lost.”What about critters getting inside those haystack walls? “Pests aremore of an imagined concern than a real threat,” Morrison says,explaining that once straw bale walls are properly sealed, there is noway for bugs or rodents to get into the bales, and not enoughnutritional value in straw — as opposed to hay — to sustain pests.He says that any bugs or vermin accidentally sealed into the wallswill eventually die from lack of oxygen and edible materials.“Termites and other pests pose more of a problem to conventionalconstruction than they do to straw bale structures,” he comments.Morrison notes that many architects and engineers consider strawbales to be the ideal “seismic-resistant” building material as well.The Hartmanns are not the only locals enthusiastic about strawbale construction. In 2001, straw bale building contractor DaveExline built a one-bedroom bale house for a customer on Tularosa. In1996, Thekla and Richard Sanford, owners of Alma Rosa winery,added a handsome straw bale meeting room next to their old adobetasting room on Santa Rosa Road.This year the Lompoc City Council conceptually approved strawbale building plans for the Charlotte’s Web Children’s Library project.Perhaps the most dramatic Santa Barbara County straw bale structureto date is a lavish 4,500-square-foot home in Montecito.“Straw bales and sustainable living are really about taking personalresponsibility,” Carrie Hartmann concludes. “We have so manyenvironmentally friendly options available to us now. It is gettingeasier and easier because more people are aware and are talkingabout these options. So many great ideas are out there. Why wait?”Lompoc Valley resident Catherine Gallegos is editor-in-chief of Novica.com, an onlinemarketplace featuring the handmade creations of artisans worldwide.K.A GriffithRESOURCES• 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.orgSummer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 11

earth, windand waterEnergy fromrenewable sourcesmakes Lompoc a leaderBY RANDALL SCHULMANMartin Van EnooGreen is in — it’s impossible to miss. From cars andconstruction to clothes and even household cleaners,the movement toward sustainability is spreading.Some people have a genuine desire to save theenvironment; others need to conserve anotherimportant kind of green. Whatever the reason, beingenvironmentally conscious is all the rage. But whiledriving a hybrid, recycling old magazines or limitingthe amount of energy we consume in our homesdoes decrease carbon dioxide output, the bigtransformation is happening on a citywide level.By limiting people’s ability to use nonrenewableenergy in the first place, smart local governments arefiguring out how to dramatically decrease their districtenvironmental footprint. The greatest impact comesfrom combining the individual approach (convincepeople to use less,) with the community approach,(make nonrenewable resources less available.)Here Lompoc is a leader. In a country where only7 percent of energy comes from renewable sources, fully 58 percentof Lompoc’s energy is generated from collectively used, renewable andhydro sources.The city receives geothermal and hydroelectric power as one of 17governmental agencies (11 of which are cities) that belong to theNorthern California Power Agency cooperative, a not-for-profitjoint powers agency whose plants boast a 95 percent emission-freegeneration portfolio.As an NCPA member, Lompoc receives 28 percent of its energyfrom two geothermal units in The Geysers geothermal field inSonoma and Lake counties. Using heat stored beneath the earth’ssurface, geothermal power harnesses steam to generate useableelectricity. While among the cleanest of all sources, geothermalpower still amounts to only one quarter of 1 percent of the world’senergy. Lompoc plans to continue using geothermal power, enteringinto a new purchase agreement that will increase usable power byaround 2 percent.The remaining renewable energy comes mostly from hydroelectricplants, also through the NCPA cooperative. While state regulations12 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

allow hydroelectricity to be deemed “renewable” only if its capacityis less than 30 megawatts, the federal government and perhapsmore importantly, the scientific community, recognize hydropower asa viable and sustainable source of energy. By plugging into the powergrid, Lompoc Electric transmits and distributes hydroelectricity at aloss rate of only 9 percent — nearly the same rate as if we wereconnected directly to the plant. This is remarkable given the severalhundred 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, asubsidiary of Acciona Energy North America Corporation ofChicago, Ill., began the lengthy process of obtaining a permit fora wind farm in Santa Barbara County.Wind power is attractive because of its clean, renewable andrelatively unobtrusive placement. Generally found in rural areas, asmall number of turbines can produce a significant amount ofenergy, especially in a place like the Lompoc Valley where wind isalmost constant.Taking its cue from years of successful flower and strawberryfarming, and for the first time effectively harnessing the well-knownLompoc winds, the three-phase, 25-year, project is being permittedto produce 80 to120 megawatts of renewable electricity. Put incontext, that’s enough energy to power up to 40,000 households(more than the entire population of Lompoc), reduce oil usage by292,000 barrels per year and prevent 135,000 tons of CO 2frombeing released annually — the same amount absorbed by a forest105 square miles in size.But to some Lompoc residents there is a catch. Open forums havegiven community members a chance to speak out, and they have voicedconcerns about traffic during construction, wildlife and bird habitatsand, most notably, disruption of views, including from La Purisima trailsand public areas close to the project itself. The environmental studieshave shown, however, that in general this is a low bird-usage site andonly one listed sensitive or locally important species has been identified.The views from La Purisima Mission were not deemed to be a significantimpact by the county of Santa Barbara.The site, which uses just under 3,000 acres in Miguelito Canyonalong the southern slopes of Lompoc, will have up to 80 windturbines, which originally stood 492 feet at their highest point.Further refinement of the project’s design resulted in an amendmentto the proposal that lowers the turbines by about 100 feet. While afew residents have voiced objections, average Lompoc wind speedsof 15 miles per hour and the idea of self-produced, around-the-clockenergy is too good to pass up. Studies have shown the adverseenvironmental impact of wind farms to be minute, while the positiveimpacts include decreases in greenhouse gases and almost silentenergy production. Current wind turbine technology, with its slowrotation, greatly reduces hazards to birds compared with older turbines.For residents of Lompoc, the incentive to live green is not justpersonal but financial. Lompoc Electric Utility and Pacific Gas &Electric offer generous incentives to homeowners for installing solarelectric systems. With combined city and state rebates, along withfederal tax credits, most home and business owners in Lompoc Valleyare able to offset the cost of solar systems.Additional incentives include net metering, whereby excess energyproduced is credited to the consumer’s account. Lompoc Utilitycustomers fare even better than most — the city pays them for theirexcess power.Lompoc is on the forefront of renewable and sustainable energysources, taking steps toward eliminating reliance on limited supplysources. Somewhere down the line our children will be thankful that wedid our part to springboard into a better and more productive future.Randall Shulman, whose family resides in Lompoc Valley, is a graduate student at theUniversity 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 fromtwo different utilities and are thus subject to two different rebate programs.Some residents are serviced by Lompoc Utility while those in VandenbergVillage, Mesa Oaks and Mission Hills get their power from PG&E.”Most home and business owners are able to afford solar electricity due tothe generous state rebates and federal tax credits that offset a significantportion of the out-of-pocket cost. In addition to the state rebates allocatedthrough various utility companies, the federal government also offers a onetime$2,000 tax credit. Combined, these rebates and tax credits offset roughly35-40 percent of a solar electric system’s cost.Electricity rates offered through Lompoc Utility are significantly lower whencompared with PG&E, and Lompoc Utility offers a generous rebate of $3.50per AC watt, which covers almost 40 percent of a solar electric system’s cost.ResourcesNational Renewable Energy LaboratoryState, local, utility and selected federal incentives; workshops and onlinecourses in solar building technologies; evaluation tools to help you find theamount 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 EnergyClick Federal Incentives for information on federal loans, energy efficientmortgages and tax credits. Go to dsireusa.org.California Energy CommissionNews, program information, statistics, policy reports, R&D updates, how-tovideos. Good links to other energy-related sites. Go to energy.ca.gov/.Consumer Energy CenterApply for rebates online; information on energy efficiency, rebates and renewableenergy; information, instructions and forms relating to solar and otherstate renewable energy rebates. Go to consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate.K.A. GriffithSummer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 13

into the wildgreen yonderVandenberg aims for eco-friendlier BASE OPERATIONSby wesley carterMembers 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 printerpaper. $5,000 worth of the 100 percent-recycled-content paper isbeing distributed across the base. Feedback is collected via a websitewhere users can rate how well the paper is performing.“So far we have had positive responses,” says Steve VanMiddlesworth, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of environmentalquality. “We are looking to make this a base-wide initiative. Thiswould be a big step inm i n i m i z i n g o u renvironmental footprint.”The 30th CES is alsoparticipating in a duplexon l y p r i n t p r o g r a mthroughout the squadron,whereby all printers are setto automatically print on thefront and back of the paper.“This could allow thesquadron to print 33-40percent less paper,” VanMiddlesworth says. “Itwould be a huge saving inmoney and trees.”Initiatives like these areUSAF /Airman 1st Class Jonathan Oldsnot rare at Vandenberg. Many organizations are moving towardmore environmentally sound practices, including tenant units like the381st Training Group.In late 2007, the training group put together a team of energymanagement representatives for each squadron. Each manager wasthen 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,” saysCapt. Christopher Hughes, energy manager for the 381st. “Webroke it down into no-cost, low-cost and high-cost initiatives.”The energy managers worked on implementing the no-costinitiatives first. These included easy fixes such using ambient lightingwhere possible, cutting backon the use of heating andair conditioning, andkeeping lights off in littleusedrooms.As Hughes puts it, “It wasjust a change of culture. Wedid all that just as soon aswe could.”One of the big no-costinitiatives was riddingcubicles and offices ofindividual refrigerators andportable heaters, whichdraw large, constantamounts of energy. Anotheris energy managementtraining for new flight commanders.“Anytime someone’s expected to move up and become a flightcommander, they have to take a course specific to our group,”Hughes says. “Right now we’re just giving them the basics — this iswhy we’re doing it and this is why it’s important. There’s an energy14 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

management checklist that each of them will have and they’re goingto have their work area comply with that.”Protecting the environment is not a leadership-heavy attitude atVandenberg. “We are seeing airmen at every level support the effortto 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. Theydiscovered 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-pressuresodium fixtures, according to Master Sgt. Russ Wells, superintendentof the electrical flight.“With a high-pressure sodium fixture, it’s a hollow glass tube andbasically a lightning bolt that arcs through the tube,” he explains.“It’s the arc that creates the light.” About 450 to 540 watts ofelectricity are required to create that lightning bolt, Wells says.LED lights work on a smaller scale. Following the principle ofstrength in numbers, each LED light fixture comprises dozens ofpencil 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-quartersless electricity than high pressure,” says Wells.Another visible green process is being worked in the electricalshop where Wells installed two light fixtures. One is a sodium bulbthat glows yellow and turns everything beneath it a shade of orange.The other is a square panel with dozens of tiny bright lights thatflood the floor with white light. The natural color is a bonus.Both are hooked up to meters to measure the amount of electricityused. 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 DiabloCanyon Nuclear Power Plant, says 30th CES energy manager BradKing. The energy savings wouldn’t make a difference on carbondioxide emissions, since nuclear plants don’t emit C0 2. However,King says the savings in power makes him very optimistic aboutsaving money.But cost savings is not the stick that Vandenberg uses to measureenvironmental success. “We come to work every day to make surethat we are in compliance with federal, state and local laws,” saysVan Middlesworth. “I took this job because of the innovativenessof the base, and the leadership involvement to protect theenvironment. 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 Forcebecause of the many natural and cultural resources to which it hasaccess, is working hard to lead the Air Force in protecting thoseresources, he says.Airman 1st Class Wesley Carter is assigned to the Public Affairs Office at the 30th SpaceWing, Vandenberg AFB.USAF / Airman 1st Class Jonathan OldsUSAF / Airman 1st Class Ashley TylerLight emitting diode lights are being tested on Vandenberg to possibly replace existing sodium vapor lamps. LED lights use three times lessenergy than sodium vapor lamps. (From left) Scott Bly, 30th Civil Engineering Squadron, tests regular light bulbs and light emitting diode lightsto determine which street light works better to save millions of dollars in energy costs base-wide. Master Sgt. Russ Wells of the 30th CivilEngineering 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. Bothare hooked up to meters to measure the amount of electricity used. For the sodium bulb, the meter reads 1,110 kilowatt hours. The LED meterreads about 380.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 15

AnonK.A. GriffithThings to Do & SeeBeachesPristine beaches near Lompoc include Jalama Beach Park(jalamabeach.com), one of the world’s great wind surfingbeaches, Surf Beach and Ocean Park.BikingPedal in the dust of Tour de France and Amgen contenders, whotrain in Lompoc Valley, or cycle with Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club.County bike map available at trafficsolutions.info.BirdingView many rare species of birds, such as the Western Snowy Plover,in the area. Contact La Purisima Audubon Society for organized hikesand information at lapurisimaaudubon.org.CampingCommune with nature at River Park (cityoflompoc.com)and Jalama Beach Park (jalamabeach.com).FishingCatch your quota at Jalama Beach (jalamabeach.com), Ocean Parkand Surf Beach, or just share fish stories with local fishermen.GardeningDig into the long tradition of gardening in Lompoc Valley and jointhe Lompoc Valley Botanic and Horticultural Society (lvbhs.org).GolfingExperience the challenge of PGA qualifier La Purisima Golf Course(lapurisimagolf.com). Other local golf courses include Marshallia RanchGolf Course and Village Country Club.HikingLa Purisima Hiking and Riding Trails map available atlapurisimamission.org. “A Naturalist at Play in Coastal California andBeyond,” a collection of vignettes and literary sketches by VernonHuman, will enhance your hike. Other trails are found at localhikes.com/MSA/MSA_7480.asp.wine tasting on the sta. rita hills wine trailLompoc urban wineries and Sta. Rita Hills AVA wineries comprisemore 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 WallaceK.A. GriffithDan McCaffreyFROM 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; Lompocfireworks 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 Flowersoffers many options for the sporting life, entertainment and just down-home fun.Horseback ridingFor trail rides and more, ride with Lompoc Valley Riders(lompocvalleyriders.org) or ride to hounds with the Santa Ynez ValleyHounds (syvhounds.com).La Purisima Mission State Historic ParkVisit 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 FreedomVisit a safe haven for rare heritage breed horses at Return to Freedom(returntofreedom.org). Tours and seminars available.SkydivingFeel the rush of flying through the air at 120 mph while checkingout the ocean view of Vandenberg AFB and Point Conception. SkyDive Santa Barbara (skydivesantabarbara.com).Vandenberg Air Force BaseGet an inside look at the history of satellite and missile launches atVandenberg Air Force Base (vandenberg.af.mil), the country’s premierpolar launch facility.ViewingExperience the Lompoc Flower Tours. Fragrant and colorful flowerfields 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 CanyonRoad• 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 onlySummer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 17

Letter from the MayorThe City of Lompoc is proud to present to you the latest issue ofLompoc Valley Magazine. Browsing through the pages of this publicationwill provide you with a glimpse of why we who live here areproud to call this community our home.The Lompoc Valley was first settled by the Chumash Indians over8,000 years ago. The first Europeans arrived from Spain around1787, when they oversaw the building of the Mission, La PursimaConcepcion de Maria Santisima. The Lompoc Valley Land Companywas formed as a temperance colony in 1874, and incorporated as acity on August 13, 1888.Once known as “The Flower Seed Capital of the World,”Lompoc’s flower seed industry began in 1907. While today, muchof Lompoc’s flower seed industry has been outsourced to othercountries around the world, the valley still blooms every year withacres of lovely flowers.Neighboring Vandenberg Air Force Base, activated in 1958, ishome to the 14th Air Force, the “Flying Tigers,” and the 30th SpaceWing. VAFB serves as a vital component of our nation’s defense, andis the premiere space launch facility in the United States withnumerous satellite launches every year.While visiting our community, don’t forget to tour the 50commissioned murals in our downtown area, eat at one of our finelocal restaurants where you can sip one of the wines produced inthe Lompoc Valley, shop in our stores, and visit with our friendlylocal residents. I hope that you enjoy this issue of Lompoc ValleyMagazine.Dick DeWees, MayorCity CouncilMayor Dick DeWees, d_dewees@ci.lompoc.ca.usMayor Pro Tem Ann Ruhge, jaruhge@hotmail.comCouncilmember Mike Siminski, lompocski@gmail.comCouncilmember DeWayne Holmdahl, grapetotheglass@hotmail.comCouncilmember Will Schuyler, schuylermower@hotmail.comNationally 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 ProjectsTo enhance the quality of life for residents, the Cityof Lompoc has several projects that are currentlybeing rolled out or are “in the works,” including:• Lompoc’s first green public building, Charlotte’s Web Children’sLibrary, has been approved by the planning commission and citycouncil. The building will feature straw bale wall construction andother green practices, such as daylighting, radiant floor heating,photovoltaic panels, low-VOC paint and recycled contentmaterials. The library will serve as a demonstration facility forsustainable architecture by meeting the prestigious Leadership inEnergy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard level Silver.This new branch of the Lompoc Public Library System, now in thedesign development phase, will offer a homework center,storytime area, and materials for children up to age 14 in avariety of formats. The City of Lompoc is working with librarystaff and trustees to make former Lompoc Mayor CharlotteBenton’s dream of a children’s library in her neighborhood areality. The facility will be located at 211 S. I Street, formerlyBenton’s residence, which she donated to the city in 1997.Reflecting the demographics of the service area, library materialswill be available in Spanish and English in a variety of formats.Benton’s bequest will allow the library to operate for 30 yearsindependent of city funding. The Lompoc District LibrariesFoundation has worked on this extraordinary project since 1997and continues to take the lead in fundraising for construction.Community Development Block Grant and RedevelopmentAgency funds have been committed to the project.• The Wastewater Division’s 27-month, $79 million plant upgradeproject 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 revealedopportunities for energy savings. Chevron Energy SolutionsCompany investigated many energy management systems,including HVAC and security systems, air conditioners, waterboilers, fire alarms, and fire and life safety systems. After calculatingenergy savings for viable energy conservation and retrofitmeasures, including retrofit of existing facility lighting and theinstallation of solar panels to generate electricity, city staff workedwith Chevron Energy Solutions Company to finalize a comprehensiveenergy-saving project list.Completion of the energy-savings contract, projected for fall 2008,will provide high-efficiency lighting and mechanical equipment efficiencyupgrades to many city facilities and parks, including theLompoc Library, Anderson Recreation Center, Lompoc police and firestations, Lompoc wastewater and water plants, Ryon and ThompsonParks, City Hall, the Civic Auditorium, and corporate and transitgarages. Roofs will be seal-coated for the Electric and Streets Divisionparking sheds at the Corporate Yard. Solar energy systems willbe installed at the Corporate Yard, Solid Waste V Street facility andthe water plant. City Water Well No. 8 will receive a new variablefrequency drive, and City Parks will acquire a new irrigation controlsystem for Beattie, JM, Pioneer, Riverbend, River, Ryon, Thompsonand Westvale Parks.The city’s energy-savings construction effort will realize a net savingsof $3,094,519 over 30 years. Cash contributions from the city’sWater Retrofit Program, and the Electric Public Benefits Program,reduced the amount of money borrowed through a municipal facilityfinance lease-purchase agreement to $4,282,120, with the annualdebt service of $339,053.24 funded through a distribution of ElectricPublic Benefits, the Lompoc Redevelopment Agency, and the usingdepartments. The utility savings (electric, water, and gas) realized bythe General Fund offsets the General Fund’s share and the departments’share of the debt service. A component of the city’s contractwith Chevron Energy Solutions included transfer to Chevron and itsaffiliates any greenhouse gas emission reduction credits that resultfrom the work completed.Visit www.cityoflompoc.com for more information.BELOW: The Charlotte’s Web Children’s Library will feature straw bale construction andother green practices, including solar panels, underfloor radiant heat and low-VOC paint.Ravatt Albrecht & Assoc.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 21

Economic Development ResourcesThe city’s Economic Development Office launches and supports programs and projects that promoteeconomic vitality in the community, including loan and grant programs, as well as other economic developmenttools such as city-owned utilities. The ED Office also supports workforce training and local entrepreneurshipthrough strategic partnerships. Contact Kate Griffith, 875-8232 or k_griffith@ci.lompoc.ca.us.Loan & Grant ProgramsRedevelopment Agency (Contact: Linda Wertman, 875-8278)The city has a strong Redevelopment Agency that offers financialincentives for projects located within the Old Town Lompoc RedevelopmentProject Area. RDA area maps are available on the city websiteor at City Hall.During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the agency allocated $500,000for the Seismic Retrofit Program, $350,000 for Old Town DevelopmentProjects, $850,000 for Historic Preservation & Restoration inDowntown, $430,000 for the Commercial Façade Improvement LoanProgram, $470,000 for the Commercial Rehabilitation IncentiveProgram, $985,000 for the Downtown Pocket Park, $25,000 toBlight Removal Operations, and $1,700,000 in Housing Set-AsideFunds, as well as $335,000 in CalHFA funding for multi-family affordablehousing acquisition and rehabilitation projects.The Commercial Façade Improvement Loan Program is for laborand materials related to façade improvement such as Palm Square,La Chiquita Shopping Plaza, and Alfie’s Fish & Chips. The programallows reimbursement of 50 percent of city permit fees and 50percent of architectural design costs (up to $1,000 for each). Loansare 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 10year amortized loan at 5 percent interest.The Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive Program offers a grantcomponent with a low-interest loan that combine to assist propertyowners and long-term tenants with rehabilitation expenses for interiorand exterior renovation within the Old Town Lompoc RedevelopmentProject Area. Loans accrue interest at a rate of three percentupon completion of the rehabilitation work. Interest-only paymentscommence upon project completion and are due monthly during thefirst five years, converting to a fully amortized loan over the last fiveyears. Total term of the loan is 10 years at three percent interest.The Commercial Rehabilitation Incentive Program allows reimbursementof 50 percent of actual cost or a maximum of $1,000,whichever is less, for the removal and replacement of any nonconformingsignage. Projects that include replacement of three or moresigns will be granted a maximum allowance of 50 percent actual costup to a maximum of $350 per sign (for attached units, shoppingcenters and plazas). The program also allows reimbursement of 50percent of actual cost or a maximum of $1,000, whichever is less, forcity fees and architectural design charges associated with theproject. City fees include planning, building and utility fees.Old Town Project funding, Historic Preservation & RestorationDowntown funding, and Seismic Retrofit Financing Program fundshave been identified by the Lompoc Redevelopment Agency toencourage and assist property owners to preserve historic buildingsas well as renovate vacant buildings and put these buildings backinto use to promote and regenerate our Old Town area.The LRA Housing Set-Aside Fund will loan funds for affordablehousing projects, including land acquisition, construction and predevelopmentcosts for affordable housing projects. The agency can onlysubsidize each project up to the percentage of affordable unitscontained in the development. The agency seeks to develop the OldTown Redevelopment Project Area with projects of both commercialand 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 multifamilyacquisition and rehabilitation.Community Development Block Grant (Contact: 875-8279)The City Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund is designedto encourage businesses to create jobs. The program loans up to$35,000 for every full-time job created with the condition that 51percent of the jobs created be made available to low and moderateincome individuals. California Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep and Saletti’sRestaurant have received revolving loans in recent years.Revolving loans are underwritten and the terms are tailored to theindividual needs of each business. Generally, loans are made foracquisition, furniture, fixtures, equipment, inventory, working capitaland permit fees. Loans for construction are discouraged due to theextra cost of the mandatory Davis-Bacon wage. The interest rate isset at prime plus additional points based on risk. Long-term loans of15 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 otherfinancial resources including the U.S. Department of AgricultureBusiness & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, U.S. Small BusinessAdministration 504 Program and industrial development bonds.Building & SafetyProspective business owners or operators who are consideringlocating in the city are invited to utilize the city’s full-service Buildingand Safety Division, recognized as having one of the most qualifiedand respected staffs in the nation. All building inspectors, fire inspectors,plans examiners and code enforcement officers have had extensivetraining and experience and have proven their abilities byobtaining certifications within their fields. Visit the Building & SafetyDivision at cityoflompoc.com for information or for customizedsupport contact 875-8220.Business Tax CertificateTo do business in Lompoc, you must have a Business Tax Certificate(BTC). If your business is located outside the city, you must first processthe forms from the City Clerk’s Office in order to conduct businesswithin the city limits. If your business is located within the city limitsin a commercial area, inquire with the Planning Department aboutzoning requirements for your type of business and planned location.Obtain a pre-connection checklist and Fire Inspection Application fromthe Building Division and a Utilities Connection Application from theTreasury Office. For a home-based business within the city limits, youwill first need a Home Use Permit. You must then obtain a BTC fromthe City Clerk’s Office before starting your business. For tax rates andforms, contact 875-8242 or visit cityoflompoc.com and click QuickLinks – Business Tax Info.K.A. GriffithAlfie’s Fish & Chips recently utilized the Lompoc Redevelopment Commercial FacadeImprovement Loan Program to get a fresh look.Lompoc City AirportA general aviation facility, Lompoc City Airport has 16 prime acresto build on with a road extending all utilities. The business-friendlyfacility offers the possibility of reserving land around the airport fordevelopment purposes. The airport area is in a Public Facilities Zone,with neighboring uses characterized as R&D, light industry, manufacturingand administrative offices. It is conveniently located with easyaccess to rail and highway links to markets in Southern Californiaand the Bay Area. Fifteen new hangars are available, as are additionalareas for building of corporate hangars. To facilitate jet traffic,the city has expanded the airport landing strip to 4,600 feet andmade jet fuel available. Contact: 875-8268.SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORTThe Lompoc Public Library offers a collection of books, books onCD, and DVDs on small business startup and operation. Materials inEnglish and Spanish cover business plan development, employeeissues, marketing and management. An Internet station at thelibrary is reserved for small business and job related research. Thelibrary holds membership as a cooperating library of the New YorkbasedFoundation Center. The center’s premier grant-seeking databaseis available to library users. A collection of books on grantseekingcomplements the online resource.The city also contracts with the Lompoc Valley Chamber ofCommerce to provide business assistance services, such as to coordinateand advertise the on-site consultation service and seminarsof the U.S. Small Business Development Center; provide businessplan, marketing and other information to start-up businesses; andprovide a business resource library, including Internet connection,for the research of business-related topics and information. Allservices are provided free to the public.Chamber members recently launched Lompoc Business Connection,a diverse group of local small business owners who worktogether to stimulate growth in their businesses throughnetworking, marketing and sharing their successes and challenges.The group’s vision is to stimulate pride and increase local purchasingthrough their combined efforts. They have adopted the slogan:“Shop, Taste, Experience - Lompoc” to encompass every type ofbusiness represented in the group -restaurant, retail, service andhome businesses. The Connection offers unique Lompoc gift packagesas part of their marketing strategy.Since some Connection members were unaware of other businessesin the group, they realize the need to educate the greaterlocal community of what local businesses have to offer. The highenergy in the group is exciting and their determination to besuccessful is contagious. Other local business owners are welcometo get involved. Contact: 736-4567 or lompoc.com.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 23

City UtilitiesWATER WASTEWATER ELECTRIC BROADBANDThe 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 afourth utility, broadband utility services, and began construction of a wireless network to make Internetaccess available to all Lompoc residents at affordable rates.BroadbandLompoc’s Wireless System is constructed to industry standardsreferred to as Wi-Fi. Over the past several months, the city has takensteps to reduce costs and improve services by bringing several tasksin-house that were previously being performed under contract.Signal reception issues have also nearly all been eliminated as a resultof careful optimization of existing equipment and the addition ofmore access points.The city has also integrated the latest generation of customerpremise equipment, or CPE, to improve the customer experience.Soon the Wi-Fi system will be used to read the city’s water and electricmeters. To learn more about the city’s newest utility service, visitLompocNet.com or call 875-8750.WastewaterLompoc’s Wastewater Treatment Upgrade Project is the largestcapital improvement project ever undertaken by the city. Currentlybeing constructed under the direction of the Wastewater Division,the project will provide additional treatment to remove nutrientsfrom wastewater, something the current plant cannot do. Theupgraded plant will serve the City of Lompoc, the VandenbergVillage Community Service District and Vandenberg Air Force Base.As of July 2008, 13 months into its 30-month schedule, the city’sprime contractor, Parsons RCI, has completed over 50 percent ofconstruction activities. The upgraded plant will employ ultraviolet(UV) light disinfection as a replacement for the current chemicaldisinfection system. The new UV disinfection will remove diseasecausingorganisms from the wastewater before it is discharged tothe environment, without adding undesirable chemical by-products.ElectricLompoc City Electric system offers electrical rates that are onaverage approximately 13 percent lower than PG&E and 10 percentlower than SCE’s small commercial rate (25,000 kWh per month orless). The city also has an electrical incentive rate available for businessesthat create jobs and add new electrical load. This programcan help a power-conscious business save significant amounts ofmoney. The city has the ability to finance the electrical expansioncosts for new and expanding businesses potentially through itsEconomic Development Revolving Loan Fund. These loans are fullynegotiable with low-interest rates and long terms. The city’s incentiveprograms will further lower the cost of operation.Lompoc City Electric is a member of Northern California PowerAgency (NCPA). NCPA’s geothermal generation projects, located inthe rural mountains bordering Lake and Sonoma counties 70 milesnorth of San Francisco, were among the first projects to be certifiedby the State of California for green energy. Year after year, Lompocderives around 60 percent of its energy from this renewable resourceand hydroelectric sources.WaterLompoc’s Water Division’s mission is to produce and deliver safewater. The city derives its water supply from nine local wells. Thebalance of the water system consists of four storage reservoirs, andapproximately 133 miles of distribution pipe, valves and meters. TheCity of Lompoc is fortunate to have a water treatment plant thatsoftens 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 upgradethe plant from a 7.5 million gallon/day (mgd) production capacity toa 10 mgd capacity. Other projects are underway to replace antiquatedsupport equipment to ensure the plant will continue to produce anddeliver water upon demand to Lompoc citizens and businesses.The city also has a residential commingled and green waste recyclingprogram and has won a state award for reducing landfill trashby half during the first decade after the law was passed.24 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Real Estate & HousingAfter several years of a rapid increase in the number and value of residential properties in the LompocValley, the housing market has been making an adjustment since summer 2005. Now commercial andindustrial development projects have taken off, especially in the wine and hospitality industries. There are118 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 sfof industrial building space, nearly completed• Melville Winery, 204/208/212 E. Laurel Ave., proposed 10,000 sfindustrial building for wine warehouse• Sea Smoke Winery, 1600 N. O St., 25,000 sf wine processingbuilding, approved• Flight Central Wine Center, 1501 N. L St., 50,000 sf winemakingfacility, proposed LEED-certifiable, approved• Santa Rita Hills Wine Center, southeast corner of Highway 246and 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 of5,000 sf pad• In Shape City, 501 W. Central Ave., health club facility tenantimprovement in existing facility• Lompoc Hospital, northeast corner of Ocean Avenue and 7thStreet, 111,000 sf, 60-bed hospital under construction• Lompoc Hospital Training Center, 216 N. 3rd St., 2,000 sfbuilding 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 sfoffice & 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 sfpublic facility, approved.• Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation,northeast corner of Ocean Avenue and H Street, 34,332 sf retail andoffice complex, approved• Lompoc Theater, renovation plans approved, Lompoc RedevelopmentAgency funds approvedResidentialFirst-time buyers, especially from Vandenberg AFB, and militaryretirees are buying homes in Lompoc Valley in the $200,000-$350,000 range. The Valley’s single-family detached home averageselling price was $304,000 and the median price was $285,000,with 173 closed escrows from January through mid-July 2008. Ofthe 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 remainbelow 6.5 percent. People will continue to seek housing in LompocValley because they are priced out of Santa Barbara County’s SouthCoast market and much of the Five Cities market in San Luis ObispoCounty. The relative affordability of housing gives Lompoc an advantageover other regional coastal areas. The high quality of life andavailability of a variety of home options will continue to attract buyers.• The Gardens at Briar Creek (150 units), off Western Avenue, aCentex 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 NorthH Street, Towbes Residential Development Plan (210 units) in fourdistinct neighborhoods on 100.96 acres and the Cottages at BurtonRanch (55 units) on 14.3 acres, approved.• River Terrace (308 units), E. Laurel Avenue, approved• Crown Laurel (73 units), Laurel Avenue and V Street, workforcehousing project, grading and improvements underway.• Chestnut Crossing (34 units), N. H Street and Chestnut Avenue,proposed mixed-use infill project with 19 commercial condos, 27,550sf commercial development, extension approved.• Coastal Meadows (42 units), 1275 N. V St., proposed townhouseinfill development on approximately 3.09 acres, extension approved.• Bailey Avenue Specific Plan Area, 270 acres, specific plan and EIRin processFor a list of recently completed projects and updates, see http://www.cityoflompoc.com/departments/econdev/RealEstate.htm.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 25

Industry & WorkforceLompoc 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 SantaBarbara County, Lompoc Valley is the powerhouse driving the county’s economy.A University of California, Santa Barbara, Economic ForecastProject study of the economic impact of Vandenberg Air Force Baseto 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 estimated7 percent of the county’s gross economic output and 8percent of its jobs.The study evaluated the impact of Vandenberg in terms of population,output, jobs, labor income and taxes generated using data fromfiscal year 2004. The report accounted for both direct impactscreated by the base and additional impacts that occurred in relationto base activity with a multiplier effect of 1.92, which means everydollar spent by Vandenberg generates another 92 cents in business.Located on nearly 100,000 acres outside of Lompoc, Vandenberg‘simpact is stable due to its role as a classified military installation forrocket and missile launches. As of December 2007, Vandenberg had2,919 military members, 941 civilian and 2,835 contract employees.Col. Steve Tanous, then Commander 30th Space Wing, affirmed thatthe base was scheduled to get 272 more military positions, 43 civilianjobs and 160 reservists through relocation of units, along with thegrowth 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 theJoint 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 RegionalEconomic Development initiative. Now CSA and the city are seekinga $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce EconomicDevelopment Administration for the proposed California SpaceCenter, a 66-acre project to be built outside Vandenberg AFB gates.The California Space Education and Workforce Institute is developingthe proposed edutainment center, which will include educationand office facilities. The center will present a history of California’srole in space enterprise and other aspects of the space industry.It will also feature a permanent launch viewing area, a historic rocketpark and a Native American interpretive center that discussesChumash references to the sky and artifacts found on the base.The proposed center’s business plan, environmental baseline surveyand economic impact study have been completed and an Air Forcelease contract is being pursued. The plan projects that the center willcontribute $2.4 billion to the regional economy, create 3,000 localjobs, 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 relocatethe Allan Hancock College fire, police and emergency servicestraining academies to Lompoc Valley Center by 2011. The $46million project includes a city donation of 39 acres of land adjacentto the college for a total of almost 100 acres that will be dedicatedto the academies, a high speed driving course and further expansion.Other major employers in Lompoc Valley include Lompoc UnifiedSchool District, Lockheed Martin Corporation, U.S. Department ofJustice (Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex), City of Lompoc,Lompoc Hospital District, Boeing, Celite Corporation and retailoperators such as Wal-Mart, Vons and Home Depot. Localartisans, especially boutique winemakers, are driving entrepreneurshipin Lompoc.Lompoc Valley’s agricultural roots have shifted to value-addedproducts such as flower seed research and development and mostrecently, wine production. Over the past decade, Lompoc’s affectionatelytermed “Wine Ghetto” has become a production center forsome of the finest wines in the country, many featuring the new Sta.Rita Hills wine appellation. In less than five years, the number ofLompoc’s premium artisanal wines grew from five to 30 labels. Thereare now 32 labels produced in 14 wineries across town. Local winemakercamaraderie continues to spawn innovation and winery incubatorscontinue to launch new wine labels.As these boutique wineries grow, they move into larger facilitiesand hire more employees. This past year, Brewer-Clifton moved intoa new 12,000 square foot production facility; Loring Winery and PaliWinery constructed a 30,000 square foot wine facility for processing,operational offices, case good storage, barrel rooms and fermentationrooms. More recently, Flying Goat Cellars purchased a 3,60026 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

square foot industrial condo for wine production at JM Development’snew industrial condos on West Laurel. Several other winefacilities in the works will create more growth opportunities withmore available production space.Another local employer, Plains Exploration & Production Company(PXP) is targeted for growth because of the landmark agreementbetween the offshore oil producer and environmental groups earlierthis year. The agreement, which has been approved by the SantaBarbara County Board of Supervisors and awaits state and federalapproval, allows PXP to develop untapped undersea oil reserves offthe coast of Lompoc on Platform Irene in exchange for ending itsdrilling by 2022, conveying over 3,900 acres of land for public parkland,and donating $1.5 million to reduce greenhouse emissions inSanta Barbara County.Other targeted industries for the city include Internet, entertainmenttechnology and multimedia. Citywide broadband service haspositioned Lompoc to develop as a media andcommunications center with at least three competitorsoffering service. The city seeks to attractproduction talent, digital production companiesand pre-and post-production operations.On the local level, Allan Hancock College Film &Video Production Program, with its a 30-yearhistory, and the city’s sophisticated TAP TV mediastudio provide training grounds for an emergingtechnology workforce. City sponsorship of theSanta Barbara International Film Festival alsoenhances student opportunities through thefestival screenwriting and filmmaking contests andfestival field trips.The city partners with the Santa Barbara CountyFilm Commission to promote the area for filmlocations. The production of commercials and filmssuch as “Sideways” contribute to the community’seconomic vitality. Film location managers increasinglytake an interest in business-friendly Lompocand the surrounding area. Most recently, “ThereWill Be Blood” and “Grindhouse” were filmed onJalama Road and used Lompoc facilities.On the manufacturing side, Fagerdala WorldFoams purchased Lompoc-based Pactuco in 2003.The company retained a number of former Pactucoemployees and has a seasonally adjusted workforceof 60 to 93 employees. A privately heldcompany with corporate headquarters in Stockholm,Sweden, Fagerdala manufactures polymerfoam products used for insulation, packaging anddecoration. It also produces thermoformed packagingand injection molded products used in thetoy, food and electronics retail markets.K.A. GriffithK.A. GriffithAlso in 2003, Raytheon Vision Systems opened a manufacturingdivision in Lompoc rather than expand its Goleta headquarters. The55,600 square foot facility in Lompoc employs 30 workers whodevelop and manufacture infrared sensors for scientific, commercialand government applications.The population of Lompoc Valley is about 65,000, much of whichis young and Hispanic. The recent housing boom attracted manyyoung professionals from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Non-residentialinvestment is now paving the way for job opportunities withindustrial, commercial and public infrastructure growth. Lompoc’scomparative advantage in housing prices, information technologyand overall quality of life will continue to attract a young, edgytechnology workforce. Additionally, the city continues to develop awide spectrum of workforce training opportunities in the valley.LEFT: JM Development’sindustrial condos, thefirst in Lompoc, will becompleted in Augustwith wine productionand retail space.BELOW: Pali Wineryand Loring Wineryopened their new30,000 square footproduction facilitiesand tasting room offW. Central Avenue.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 27

NASA-JPLHigher EducationOne of the best-kept secrets in Lompoc Valley is the diversity of higher education opportunities. Two universitiesand one college are located within minutes of the city: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and theUniversity 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 CaliforniaPolytechnic 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 CollegeThe most visible of the local higher education institutions, AllanHancock College Lompoc Valley Center, sits on a 156-acre parcel atthe north end of the city. The one-college district has a campus inSanta Maria with centers in Lompoc, Vandenberg AFB and Solvang.The $21 million Lompoc Valley Center was built in 1999. To complementits diversified curriculum, Allan Hancock College provides theopportunity to earn degrees from several universities on its campus.Holy Names College offers a bachelor’s degree program in registerednursing; University of La Verne offers a bachelor of science degreeprogram in child development; and California State University Bakersfieldoffers a bachelor of science degree program in business administration.In all, the college has partnered with local universities tooffer 18 bachelor degree programs.Allan Hancock College provides 56 vocational-degree programsand 106 vocational certificates, ranging from culinary arts to publicsafety. Specialized programs include viticulture/enology, with anoncampus vineyard and computer and traditional animation, whichuses state-of-the-art facilities to train in cutting edge industry techniques.The fire, police and emergency medical training academieswill relocate to the Lompoc campus in a $46 million project to becompleted by 2011. The passage of a $180 million general obligationbond will bring great changes to the college over the next decade.The AHC environmental technology program provides certifiedtraining for both private employers and public agencies. Over the lastfour years, AHC Regional Environmental Business Resources AssistanceCenter (REBRAC) provided training to more than 3,000employees and 250 local businesses, in such environmental areas ashazardous materials handling and home land security.Mechatronics is a new degree program which combines mechanicalengineering, electronics, controls engineering and computers, emphasizinglinks between machine and computer, using software to guidea physical system like a robot. There is a great demand locally forthese skills, where graduates of the AHC two-year program canexpect to earn an average salary of $45,000, on up to $90,000 annually.The new degree was developed in partnership with a regionalgrant and the California Space Authority.AHC also offers an outstanding nursing program that prepares 40licensed vocational nurses and 40 registered nurses every year. It hasthe largest Certified Nursing Assistant program in the state, with thehighest pass rate on the state licensing exam. These accomplishmentsare possible due to the partnerships with industry. For example,Marian Medical Center generously provides $211,000 annually tosupport nursing facility positions. Marian and other agencies helpfund the program and provide clinical settings for students. Contact:735-3366 or hancockcollege.edu.Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University Vandenberg Center openedin May 2002. ERAU offers associate and bachelor’s degree programsin professional aeronautics and technical management, and professionalcertificates of concentration in space studies, occupationalsafety, aviation safety, supply chain management and logistics. Agraduate degree program is available in aeronautical science, witheight specializations including space and space operations management,and management, with five specializations. ERAU has fiveterms a year with classes starting every 10 weeks. Tuition assistanceis accepted as well as veterans benefits, and financial aid is available.The university is nationally accredited. Contact: 734-4076 orerau.edu/vandenberg.The University of La VerneThe University of La Verne Vandenberg understands the needs ofthe military student. For more than 30 years it has helped militarypersonnel stationed at Vandenberg AFB achieve their educationalgoals. The Vandenberg campus offers bachelor’s degree programs inbusiness administration and organizational management and amaster’s degree program in business administration. Contact:734-1306 or ulv.edu.28 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Green City DirectoryParks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Dept.“Parks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Quarterly Guide” 875-8089Parks & Urban Forestry Manager Cindy McCall 875-8036Plastic for Playgrounds Program 875-8034Depositories :• 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) 875-8036Free mulch delivery 875-8032New City Tree Planting Program request 875-8034Beattie Park Recognition Grove nomination application 875-8034Public Works Dept.Solid Waste Superintendent Claudia Stine 875-8023“Trash Talk” Quarterly Newsletter 875-8027 or 875-8024“City-Wide Greenwaste Recycling” brochure 875-8027Compost Kit 875-8027Commingled recycling & greenwaste recycling 875-8027City 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 875-8268Public Transit & Dispatch Office 736-7666Utility Dept.Utility Conservation Coordinator Mary Kammer 875-8298Incentive 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 • ToiletRetrofit ProgramEducational Outreach Programs• Energy Conservation Office • Water Awareness Art Contest• Environmental Fair • Classroom PresentationsEnergy Audits“Best Management Practices for Wineries” brochure contact 736-5083Wastewater plant and water plant tours contact 875-8297Other ResourcesCity Senior Environmental Coordinator Stacy Lawson 875-8275Vandenberg Village water conservation programs 735-2475Santa Barbara County• Waste Reduction Programs lessismore.org• Green Business Program 705-1686Asphalt, concrete, and dirt recycling contact 736-2317

K-12 & Youth ActivitiesEarly Childhood Education & CareChildren’s Resource & Referral Program provides up-to-date informationfor parents seeking to enroll their young children in preschoolor child care learning environments. Contact this free servicefor a listing of local, licensed, quality home-based and center-basedprograms or for information on becoming a licensed child careprovider. Contact: 805-737-0073.Kindergarten – High School GraduationLompoc Unified School District provides comprehensive K-12learning for all school-aged children. LUSD serves the City of Lompoc,Mission Hills, Vandenberg Village and other unincorporated areas inthe county. The district covers approximately 300 square miles withclose to 10,500 students attending the 10 elementary, three middleand three high schools. Two elementary and one middle schooloperate 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 98percent fully credentialed. Many faculty hold master’s degrees. Inaddition to faculty, the district has over 500 employees working inpupil services, classified positions and administration. LUSD SchoolBoard policy encourages input from all stakeholders. Parents findopportunities for involvement through local PTA/PTSA, ELAC (EnglishLearner 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 arrayof sports, clubs and service opportunities. In particular, Cabrillo HighSchool has been recognized for an outstanding aquarium project(From left) Kiana Zaragoza and Olivia Torres from Garcia Dance Studio performflamenco-style at the Olde Towne Market.K.A. Griffith(cabrilloaquarium.org), while Lompoc High School has sported a CIFchampionship football team for three years in a row and receivedacademic accolades for its space and technology program. MapleHigh School offers an alternative academic experience and housesthe CalSAFE (School Age Family Education) program for teen parents.All high school seniors are encouraged to prepare for the world ofwork through regional occupational programs that fulfill many interestsincluding automotive technologies, teaching/child development,criminal justice and environmental sciences.Mission Valley School provides K-12 alternative education throughindependent study. Finally, LUSD Adult Education School (the bestkept education secret in Lompoc) promotes “Learning4Life” byoffering courses in languages, parenting, crafting, career skills, GEDpreparation and more. Contact LUSD at 805-742-3300 or lusd.org.Private Schools and HomeschoolingIn addition to public schools, Lompoc Valley offers private schoolsand a thriving network for homeschooling children. There are severalprivate faith-based schools in Lompoc Valley including La Purisimaand the Christian Academy. In addition to the independent studyprogram at LUSD, there are three homeschool groups in Lompoc:Lompoc Christian Educators, Lompoc Valley Home Educators, andFamily Homeschool Adventures.Youth Leadership & ActivitiesKeeping children healthy, involved and growing up smart is thegoal 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, fromLittle League or Babe Ruth to PeeWee football, from the PoliceActivity rock climbing wall to the award-winning drill teams, Lompocis a competitive and lively place to play.Young people will find a place to be safe and have fun at the CityParks & Recreation Department, the local Boys & Girls Club, LompocFamily YMCA, Lompoc 4H Club and faith-based youth programs.The Endeavour Center provides space education programs for youthages 7-14 and families, including Endeavour Camp, Saturday ScienceSeminars (November through April), and school/group field trips.Meet Space Cowboy and Space Dog! K-12 teachers can also visit theNASA Educator Resource Center at the Center. For program applicationscall 805-734-1747 or visit endeavours.org/sec. Teenagers canapply to join the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce Youth LeadershipProgram, the City of Lompoc Youth Commission and the manyorganizations that welcome young volunteers.

K.A. GriffithGreenEducationby kathleen a. griffithAs an outreach to the community, staffmembers of the Lompoc Utility Departmentparticipate in a number of activities topromote water and electric conservation,and an understanding of the utility servicesprovided by the city. These include classroompresentations, a water art contest, anannual Environment Fair, water and wastewaterplant tours, and demonstrations atthe Olde Towne Market.For 14 years the city has sponsored theEnvironment Fair, which provides 4th and5th grade students an opportunity to learnmore about the environment and subjectsthat they encounter in everyday life. Participatingcity departments include water, electric,solid waste, urban forestry, fire andpolice. Also participating are communityvolunteers who have knowledge of subjectsthat are of special interest to the children.For instance, a retired science teacher maytalk about diatomaceous earth, an artistmay show the children how to make paper,a ranger from the mission may talk aboutwild animal safety or the “butterfly lady” maytalk about the benefits of butterflies.The annual Water Awareness Art Contest,held in conjunction with the state’s WaterAwareness Month of May, is another activitythat promotes water conservation and anunderstanding of the city’s water supply.This year’s theme was Water Is Life. Thewinning artwork, chosen from 432 entries,is displayed at McConnell’s Ice Cream Cafe.The city’s Solid Waste Division publishesthe “Trash Talk” newsletter, which recommendsrecycling and disposal opportunities,as well as provides valuable information toenhance a green thumb. For example, theSolid Waste Division offers composting kitsfor $14, reduced from $40 retail, whichinclude a large plastic composter and aninstruction booklet to get novices on theirway to recycling compostable waste materialin their own backyard.The city also participates in the LompocHigh School “Recycle to Read” program,through which the Solid Waste Divisionprovides the blue recycling bins for classrooms.This year about 70 teachers haverecycling bins in their rooms. Bookspurchased with these funds have a “Recycleto Read” program sticker to enhance awarenessof the program.The Parks & Urban Forestry Division participatesin several other green communityoutreach programs. The Plastic for Playgroundsprogram recycles plastic containersto raise money for safe, quality and funequipment for children. Also, “Treechie,”the Teaching Tree Coloring Book, ispublished in English and Spanish as a funeducational tool for youth. Free delivery ofmulch (in very large truckfuls) is also availableto enhance citywide gardening. Anupdate on all the division’s programs ispublished in the quarterly “Lompoc Parks,Recreation & Urban Forestry DepartmentGuide.“Vandenberg Village Community ServicesDistrict seeks to get students excited aboutwater conservation by offering grants forwater conservation projects. Students andteachers in the Village can apply for a grantof up to $5,000 to assist in funding a waterconservation project at their school. Applicationsare due by October 15 of each year.Kathleen A. Griffith is economic development managerfor the city of Lompoc and editor-in-chief of LompocValley Magazine.ABOVE: The Earth Machine composter is available fromthe city. TOP: Sela Webb’s winning poster in the city’sWater Awareness Art Contest. Webb is a third grader atClarence Ruth Elementary School.Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 31

Transportation & SafetyPublic Bus ServiceCOLT provides public transit service withinthe City of Lompoc, Mission Hills, VandenbergVillage, Buellton and Solvang.Service is available from 6:30 a.m. to 8p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Saturday. Curb-to-curb service is available for seniors and personswith disabilities. Children under six years of age may travel free whenaccompanied by a fare-paying passenger 14 years and older. Escortsfor persons with disabilities travel free. COLT now operates one roundtrip to Santa Barbara each Tuesday and Thursday. Contact: 736-7666 orcityoflompoc.com.The Breeze Bus provides weekday commuterbus service linking Lompoc,Vanden berg Air Force Base and SantaMaria. Contact: 800-417-2137 orbreezebus.com.Clean Air Express provides round-tripmotor coach commuter service fromLompoc to Santa Barbara and Goletafive days a week. Contact: 963-SAVE orcleanairexpress.com.Traffic SolutionsTired of high gas prices? Do youcommute from Goleta or Santa Barbara?Then Traffic Solutions has some greatnews for you. The regional rideshareagency is starting a vanpool that will serve commuters who live inthe Goleta/Santa Barbara area and work in Lompoc. The vanpool willbe FREE for the first two months, and subsidized thereafter. The vanwill be a comfortable ride with bucket seats for 10 commuters andfree onboard Wi-Fi. All drivers will receive a $500 bonus after threemonths of driving. Sounds better than putting $50 in your gas tankthree times a week, doesn’t it? Call Traffic Solutions at 963-SAVE oremail info@TrafficSolutions.info.City of Lompoc Santa Barbara CountyFire Chief Linual WhiteFire Chief John ScherreiContact: 736-4513Contact: 681-5500Police Chief Timothy L. Dabney Sheriff William F. Brown, Jr.Contact: 736-2341Contact: 737-7737The City of Lompoc has always recorded FBI crime index statisticsthat are well below the state and national averages. Major crime wasreduced by over 26% in the first half of 2008 compared with the sameperiod last year.City police and fire departments are very involved with communityprograms that include: Gang Resistance Education & Training, Every15 Minutes, Citizens’ Police Academy, Jr. Police Camp, Youth FireCamp, and Citizens’ Emergency Response Team (CERT).Hosted by the police department, “Lompoc Police Beat” airs liveon Channel 23 on Thursdays from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. The live TAP TVshow allows viewers to call in at 736-2408 with questions. Rebroadcasttimes are Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m.The city’s full-service fire department enhances the quality of lifein Lompoc through disaster preparedness, firefighting, hazardousmaterials response, EMS (Advanced Life Support), confined space/urban search and rescue and fire investigations, and serves as a technicalreference and support to the community and staff for fire andbuilding regulations.The department participates in fire operations on a county, stateand federal level through cooperative agreements that allow Lompocpersonnel to assist with major fire incidents with most costs reimbursed.In 2007, the department sent personnel to at least 20 incidentsthroughout California and New New Mexico, including heavyactivity at local Los Padres Forest and other Forest Service DispatchCenters, and collected $644,000 through contract agreements.AmtrakPacific Surfliner service at Surf/Lompoc station. Contact: 800-usa-rail oramtrak.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. GriffithLocally available,the electric GEMcar is designedfor in-town trips.Top speed is 25mph with a toprange of 40miles. Modelscome in 2-, 4-and 6-seaterversions, withseveral cargooptions. Pricesstart at $6,795.32 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Medical Care & ServicesLompoc Valley Medical CenterThe Lompoc Valley Medical Center is owned by the citizens ofthe Lompoc Valley. The Center includes Lompoc Hospital, ConvalescentCare Center (skilled care) and Mammography Center. A fullyaccredited community hospital, Lompoc Valley Medical Center hascontracted with most HMO and preferred provider health plansand will consider others. Contact 737-3301 for questions related tohealth plan or insurance.Services include: 24-hour emergency service and paramedic basestation; critical and coronary care; obstetrical and perinatal services;team medical and surgical nursing; inpatient and outpatient surgerycenter; breast imaging and stereotactic center; diagnostic imagingcenter, including nuclear, ultrasound, CT, and MRI services; outpatientservices, including laboratory, cardiology, physical therapy andlithotripsy.• Lompoc Hospital Contact: 737-3300• Convalescent Care Center Contact: 736-3466• Outpatient & X-Ray Department Contact: 735-9229Santa Barbara Medical Foundation ClinicServices include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, urgentcare, occupational medicine and pacemaker checks; specialists inurology, dermatology, nephrology, cardiology, psychology, allergy; anda dietician and asthma educator. Contact: 737-8700Valley Medical Group of LompocProvides a team of family practitioners, general surgeons, internalmedicine physicians, full service counseling and a nutritionist.Contact: 736-1253Lompoc Skilled & Rehab CenterProvides skilled care, especially for seniors. Contact: 735-4010The Lodge of LompocProvides assisted living for seniors. Contact: 736-1234Valley Haven Senior Day Care CenterProvides services and facilities for social day care to dependentseniors and provides respite and supportive counseling to the caregiversof these seniors. Contact: 733-9459At Home Senior ServicesProvides quality care for seniors at home. Contact: 736-8249BestCare Central Coast Home Health AgencyA not-for-profit organization that provides home health care servicessuch as skilled nursing care, physical, occupational and speechtherapy, as well as personal hygiene care performed by home healthaides. Contact: 736-2124Other Elected OfficialsIn addition to serving on Lompoc City Council, responsiblecitizens in Lompoc Valley also serve on boards for MissionHills Community Services District and Vandenberg VillageCommunity Services District, which represent unincorporatedcommunities outside the City of Lompoc and within SantaBarbara County.Mission Hills Community Services District was establishedin 1979 as a local government agency for the purpose ofproviding water, sewer and street sweeping services to thecommunity of Mission Hills and Mesa Oaks. It is governed bya board of five locally elected directors. Contact: 733-4366 orvisit mhcsd.org.Vandenberg Village Community Services District was establishedin 1983 as a local government agency for the purpose ofproviding water and wastewater services to the community ofVandenberg Village, and for providing water to a small portion ofVandenberg Air Force Base. VVCSD is governed by a board of fivelocally elected directors. Contact 733-2475 or visit vvcsd.org.Mission Hills CommunityServices DistrictPresident: Susan WarnstromVice president: James MacKenzieFinance officer: Stanly WhittyAlt. finance officer: Bruce NixDirector: Cathy SchlottmanVandenberg VillageCommunity ServicesDistrictPresident: Donald RowlandVice president: Robert WyckoffFinance officer: Anthony FoxDirector: Christopher BrooksDirector: Charles BlairSanta Barbara CountyBoard of SupervisorsFourth DistrictSupervisor Joni GrayContact: 737-7700Third DistrictSupervisor Brooks FirestoneContact: 568-2192California Legislature19th DistrictSen. Tom McClintockContact: 686-083033rd DistrictAssemblyman Sam BlakesleeContact: 549-3381U.S. CongressSen. Barbara BoxerContact: 202-224-3553Sen. Dianne FeinsteinContact: 202-224-384124th District (Lompoc Valley)Rep. Elton GalleglyContact: 686-252523rd District (adjacent coastline)Rep. Lois CappsContact: 730-1710Summer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 33

Dining & LodgingDiningLodgingAlberto’s N.Y. Giant Pizza129 N. V St. | 736-1887Alfie’s Fish & Chips1036 N. H St. | 736-0154American Host Restaurant113 N. I St. | 735-5188Angelas115 S. J St. | 315-6086The Bakery419 W. Ocean Ave. | 735-1335Bakers Square #477936 N. H St. | 735-8330Baskin Robbins419 N. H St. | 736-3131Blacksmith Steakhouse118 S. H St. | 742-0026Bravo Pizza129 W. Central Ave. #C-2737-6181Bread Board Deli322 N. H St. | 736-4448Budget Café832 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-4085Burger King1153 N. H St. | 736-8111Burrito Loco1412 N. H St. | 735-9567Cajun Kitchen Café Five1508 N. H St. | 735-7877Carl’s Jr. #326625 N. H St. | 735-1016Carrow’s Restaurant1129 N. H St. | 736-0702Cats Market & Deli421 W. Ocean Ave. | 736-9388China King Super Buffet #1681037 N. H St. | 735-8484Country Buffet1601 N. H St. | 735-7978Dogfathers1701 E. Ocean Ave. | 452-1646Domino’s Pizza700–C N. H St. | 735-77773734 Constellation Rd.733-4555Don Pepe’s Restaurant610 N. H St. | 736-3202Dong Hae Sushi & Teriyaki Restaurant600 N. H St. | 740-1488Dragon Palace1325 N. H St. | 736-8899El Paraiso813 W. Laurel Ave. | 737-4133El Toro Bronco1030 N. H St. | 735-3499Floriano’s Mexican Food319 E. Ocean Ave. | 737-9397Foster’s Family Donuts1145 N. H St. | 736-2291Foster’s Freeze1120 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-1321Hickory St. Cafe508 E. Hickory Ave. | 737-3342Hunter’s Landing Coffee Co.508 N. H St. | 740-0051Jack in the Box539 N. H St. | 735-1264Jalama Beach Café400 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-8205Jalama Beach Store & GrillJalama Beach Park | 736-5027Jetty Restaurant304 W. Ocean Ave. | 735-2400Johnson’s Donuts Ltd1001 N. A St. | 736-7166Kentucky Fried Chicken1401 N. H St. | 736-0846La Botte Italian Restaurant812 N. H St. | 736-8525La Michoacana1008 N. H St. | 735-6161La Purisima Café3455 E. Highway 246 | 736-4118Little Ceasar’s1133 N. H St. #A | 735-7782Lompoc Donuts400 N. H St. | 736-9017Lompoc Valley Center Café1 Hancock Dr. | 735-3366Lompoc Restaurant925 N. H St. | 736-8600Mariscos Costa Brava401 W. Ocean Ave. | 740-2063Mariscos El Palmar124 E. Ocean Ave. | 736-5656McConnell’s Ice Cream Café1412 N. H St. # E | 736-0200McDonald’s Restaurant701 W. Central (inside Wal-Mart)835 N. H St. | 736-9669Mi Amore Pizza & Pasta1321 N. H St. | 735-3316Mr. Taco3734 Constellation Rd.733-3213Oki Sushi1206 W. Ocean Ave. | 735-7170Paleteria y Neveria la NuevaMichoacana1008 No. H St. | 735-6161Papa Murphy’s Take-N-Bake Pizza623 W. Central Ave. | 740-6168Penelope’s Teas & Gifts105 W. Ocean Ave. | 736-1122Pizza Garden1017 N. H St. | 736-9999Pizza Hut1620 N. H St. | 736-7272PJ’s Delicatessen128 W. College Ave. | 736-2010Quizno’s Subs515 W. Central Ave. | 737-4304Rice Bowl117 W. Central Ave. | 736-5709Round Table Pizza721 W. Central Ave. | 735-3333Saletti’s Italian Restaurant825 N. H St. | 736-2050San Martin Café112 N. A St. | 736-4104Sissy’s Uptown Café112 S. I St. | 735-4877Southside Coffee Company105 S. H St. | 737-3730Starbuck’s Coffee Shop1436 N. H St. | 735-7320Subway1133 N. H St. # C | 735-6388616 E. Ocean Ave. | 735-4797Sugar Magnolia’s Café724 N. H St. | 736-2229Suvan’s Kitchen129 W. Central Ave. Ste E737-9802Sushi Teri213 W. Ocean Ave. | 740-0123Taco Bell of Lompoc1548 N. H St. | 735-8890426 N. H St. | 736-8632Taco Loco129 W. Central Ave. | 737-0255200 E. Ocean Ave. | 737-4494Taco Roco1140 N. H St. | 737-0011Taqueria La Tizanda910 N. H St. | 714-2541Texas Cattle Company1325 N. H St. #A | 736-7471Thai Cuisine920 N. I St. | 736-7450Thai Fast Food1133 N. H St. | 735-1022Tom’s115 E. College Ave. | 736-9996Triple D’s Grill510 W. Ocean Ave. | 740-1770Ursula’s Cafe1420 E. Ocean Ave.| 736-4541Village Coffee Stop & Espresso Bar3734 Constellation Rd.733-5511Village Country Club4300 Clubhouse Rd. | 733-3535Wendy’s Hamburgers1102 N. H St. | 735-8656White Oaks Restaurant3955 Apollo Way733-5000The 1890 House (Bed & Breakfast)122 W. Cypress Ave.736-9423/888-736-9422Best Value Inn1200 N. H St.735-3737Best Western O’Cairns Inn940 E. Ocean Ave.735-7731/800-528-1234Budget Inn Motel Of Lompoc817 N. H St.736-1241Days Inn3955 Apollo Way733-5000/800-DaysInn1122 N. H St.735-7744Embassy Suites1117 N. H St.735-8311/800-433-3182Holiday Inn Express1417 N. H St.736-2391/800-324-9566Lompoc Motel528 N. H St.736-7517Motel 61521 N. H St.735-7631O’Cairns Inn1020 E. Ocean Ave.735-6444Quality Inn & Executive Suites1621 N. H St.735-8555/800-228-5151Star Motel212 E. Ocean Ave.736-8144Travelodge of Lompoc1415 E. Ocean Ave.736-6514White Oaks Hotel3955 Apollo Way733-5000At Sugar Magnolia’s Café, which is undernew ownership, all disposable cups, lids,to-go boxes and flatware are made fromrecycled compostable paper and cornstarch.K.A. Griffith34 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | Summer 2008

Community Events2008 CalendarAugust 1Olde Towne MarketS. H Street736-4567August 2Purisima’s People Day ProgramLa Purisima Mission733-3713August 3Jazz on the LIbrary LawnDawn Lambeth and Usonia Jazz501 E. North Ave.875-8788August 8Olde Towne MarketS. H Street736-4567August 8-10Lompoc Civic Theatre“Ruthless - The Musical”735-ACT1August 10Jazz on the LIbrary LawnMike Pakaluk Quintet501 E. North Ave.875-8788August 15Olde Towne MarketS. H Street736-4567August 15-17Lompoc Civic Theatre“Ruthless - The Musical”735-ACT1August 16Mission Life Day ProgramLa Purisima Mission733-3713August 17Jazz on the LIbrary LawnClam Chowder501 E. North Ave.875-8788August 22Olde Towne MarketS. H Street736-4567August 22-24Lompoc Civic Theatre“Ruthless - The Musical”735-ACT1August 23Village Days ProgramLa Purisima Mission733-3713August 3Jazz on the LIbrary LawnDick Clark’s Big Band Sound501 E. North Ave.875-8788August 29Olde Towne MarketS. H Street736-4567August 29Lompoc Police Dept. CruiseOcean Avenue875-8108August 30Lompoc Police Dept. Benefit Car ShowRyon Parkwww.lompocpd.comAugust 31Jazz on the LIbrary LawnEnsemble Vientos del Sur501 E. North Ave.875-8788September 5Norma Stillman Memorial Golf Tourn.Lompoc Boys & Girls Club Tourn.Village Country Club736-4978September 6Purisima’s People Day ProgramLa Purisima Mission733-3713September 20Mission Life DayLa Purisima Mission Program733-3713September 20Lompoc Hospital FoundationAnnual walk-a-thon736-4005September 27Lompoc Valley Distance ClubHalf-Marathon Run & WalkLa Purisima Mission36-7380October 10-11Candlelight ToursLa Purisima Mission733-3713October 12Free Community Organ PerformanceGraham Blyth925 N. F St.736-1271October 17Lompoc Concert AssociationThuringer Salonquintett925 N. F St.733-4006Wickie RodenhiMike Pakaluk of The Mike Pakaluk Quintet, which will be performing again on August 10as part of the Jazz on the Library Lawn series.October 25Village Days ProgramLa Purisima Mission733-3713November 1Turducken Dinner BenefitVillage Country Club733-3583November 15North County Rape Crisis & ChildProtection CenterHoliday AuctionSanta Ynez MarriottNovember 22Lompoc Concert AssociationThuringer Salonquintett925 N. F St.h733-4006December 5Childrens Holiday Parade875-8100December 8Founding Day CelebrationLa Purisima Mission733-3713December 14Lompoc Hospital FoundationHoliday Home Tour and Candlelight Tea736-4005Year-Round EventsLa Purisima Mission Guided ToursDaily 1 p.m.2295 Purisima Road733-3713Farmers MarketFridays 2:00 p.m. to duskI St. & Ocean Ave.305-9829Lompoc Swap MeetSaturdays 8 a.m.-3 p.m.I St. & Cypress Ave.735-6717Cypress Art Gallery119 E. Cypress Ave.Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.736-1129Lompoc Museum200 S. H St.Tueday - Friday 1 - 5 p.m.Saturday & Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.736-3888Fabing-McKay-Spanne House207 N. L St.Mondays & Thursdays 8:30 - 11 a.m.(except holidays)Fourth Saturday of month, 2 - 4 p.m.735-4626Vandenberg Air Force Base ToursTours by reservation only606-3595Space Endeavor CenterVarious events all year734-1747Cabrillo Aquarium4350 Constellation RoadOpen by appointment only733-1028 orcabrilloaquarium.orgSummer 2008 | Lompoc Valley Magazine | 35

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