History goes digital

Santa Maria Valley native and professional videographer has packaged the area's history, as told through the eyes of pioneers, into video discs.

Mannie Silva of TSM Productions undertook the project after being approached by the Santa Maria Valley Pioneer Association, which wanted to capture the tales of the local families and their roots in the valley. Tales were recorded during the group's 2006 annual picnic.

“Basically I went one step further and instead of just interviewing families I went and followed up on businesses and historical events,” Silva, 50, said. “Basically it turned into a bigger project than I planned on.”

“Circle of Time,” a two-DVD package that uses pioneer families to tell some of the history of the Santa Maria Valley and nearby areas, took about a year to complete.

Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino gives the introduction on the history piece, which he said provides “a small glimpse into the dramatic history of our valley and the surrounding areas as seen through the eyes of the pioneer families and businesses.”

Chapters tell about the area's railroad and Betteravia community, oil and Orcutt, construction and agriculture, Santa Maria-style barbecue, Honda Point naval tragedy, World War II and how the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks affected the valley.

Also, locals share community memories about Tom's Take-out, the Far Western Tavern, Pappy's, Union Asphalt, St. Joseph High School and other sites and events, such as the P-38 Lightning that crashed into Rusconi's Cafe in downtown Santa Maria.

Another DVD produced by Silva, “Thunder Over the Valley,” lets viewers watch the Santa Maria Museum of Flight's 2007 air show. That is paired in a two-disc set with “A Moment in Time: Brothers in War,” which tells the tale of Santa Maria brothers and World War II veterans Smokey and Larry Silva (no relation to Mannie).

Capturing the air show in his lens was a project of love.

“The air show is a passion for me. I've been videotaping air shows for years,” he said, adding that he spent days leading up to and during the event capturing action.

“It was really a big thing for me,” the St. Joseph High School graduate said.

The married father of two sons has turned his childhood passion for the camera into a full-time job.

“It's something I've been doing since I was a kid. I've always been infatuated with the camera. ... I don't remember ever not doing it.”

On DVD & Online

“Thunder Over the Valley,” $25, can be purchased at the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, 3015 Airpark Drive. It is paired in a two-disc set with “A Moment in Time: Brothers in War,” which tells the tale of Santa Maria brothers and World War II veterans Smokey and Larry Silva. For more information, call 922-8758.

“Circle of Time,” a two-disc package that costs $30, uses pioneer families to tell some of the history of the Santa Maria Valley. DVDs are being sold through the Santa Maria Valley Pioneer Association. To buy, call Ann Openshaw at 937-6564 or Mark Lopez at 934-2725

Mannie Silva's Web site at www.footagepro.net also has archival aviation footage.

Janene Scully can be reached at janscully@santamariatimes.com.