Andrea Blanco is the secret Santa at Laguna Middle School who puts on a fabulous holiday party for local Latino families. BCA loves to help. When this year’s need grew to over 250 kids, we called in some elves from Duggan, Smith & Heath law firm, RRM Design, Jim & Elaine Gardiner, Marcy Villa and David Fosse, Sharon Young and Thoma Electric. The gang pulled it together, wrapped and delivered the goods. We extend a giant FYI thanks for the teamwork and generosity.
The tragic death of KSBY employee Tricia Rittger in an accident just days ago leaves our community saddened. KSBY and Chili’s restaurants are offering a way to help: print the attached flier and head to Chili’s in Arroyo Grande, Paso or Goleta today (Thursday) or Friday and 15% of your meal proceeds will be provided to the fund set up for Tricia’s family … SLO High alum Ricky Villa is a whiz kid working in San Diego for Naughty Dog, a Sony company. And he’s added quite a feather in his gamer hat – he was on the team that developed Sony’s new video phenom, “Uncharted 3” … A good one got away: longtime local John Zuchelli has left his position as news director for KCOY-TV/KKFX in Santa Maria to be the assignment editor for KNTV, the NBC affiliate for the Bay Area … Our friends at Longcrier and Associates CPA’s remind us that now is a great time to offer year end contributions to the many nonprofit organizations that serve locally and beyond. And if you plan to claim the gift as a charitable contribution for tax purposes, get proper documentation so the IRS doesn’t go Grinch in the new year.
And you thought he was just an engineer. Bill Thoma is also a crack photographer (dare we say artiste?) who was moved by the amazing colors now on display in the Edna Valley. Take a drive and enjoy the spectacle before the weather washes it away … Get in the Spotlight: SLO Little Theatre is hosting a first ever Talent Show competition Jan. 16-19. It’s wide open: all ages welcome; solo or group performers invited and any talent considered. Take a chance and have some fun for a good cause – proceeds benefit the theatre’s Scholarship Fund. Find out more … Welcome to Joshua Roberts, P.E., new project manager in RRM Design’s Engineering Group … Two of Santa’s reindeer are touring the Central Coast this holiday seasons, courtesy of Hopper Bros. Family Christmas Trees. Find the duo at one of Hopper’s locations (AG, Santa Maria and Paso) and show your appreciation with a gift toy or non perishable food item. Learn more … Holiday gift ideas eluding you? Galaxy Theatres in Atascadero offers gift cards, and now with a new free Rewards Card, Galaxy dollars buy even more. And if you’re still looking for a party location – think Galaxy Theatres. Fun way to celebrate.
Word of Lee and Val Ferrero’s talent talking about Alzheimer’s is spreading. The couple was recently the guest of GE (yes, as in General Electric) in Chicago, where they were invited to speak at a leadership training meeting of the company’s young executives … If you’re eating out on Friday, try to choose one of the many restaurants generously supporting the AIDS Support Network’s annual fundraiser, “Eat Out Save Lives.” A portion of food sales will benefit the local
group. … 1387 motorcycle enthusiasts, including BCA Controller Kerri Parris-Brown, Cruised for a Cause with the Western Caribbean 2011 “High Seas Rally” on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. Total collected for the HOHS Dialysis Fund through games, auction and donations: $172,989.
