have lived on the Central Coast for the past 14 years, after moving to Nipomo from Los Angeles. I taught school in Santa Maria until I retired two years ago.

During those years, I went to San Luis Obispo for most of my recreation. But my perception of Santa Maria has changed dramatically since my retirement.

Let/s be honest. Santa Maria has been snubbed by both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo for a very long time. They consider it to be "redneck" and a cultural wasteland.

I beg to differ. It is an All-American City. What does that mean? To me it means that it is real.

In San Luis Obispo, the yuppies are everywhere. As an author in New Times said recently, "I worry that I am not pretty enough to shop at Abercrombie and Fitch."

Of course, she was joking, but the implication is no joke.

The Shredder, while criticizing Abel Maldonado, called Santa Maria a "crappy" city. My sister, who lives in Santa Barbara, asked me quite seriously one day, "What can you possibly find to do in Santa Maria?"

Well, here goes. I/m going to tell you.

Three things come to mind immediately. The new Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra is astoundingly good. Listening to the CDs of last season, I made a realization 7 it is as good as most professional orchestras I have heard.

The guest soloists they bring in now are world-class. In addition, the orchestra brings the Music Van to all schools who choose to participate and make presentations to the third-grade students about the instruments of the orchestra and each student gets to try playing each instrument!

Next comes to mind the PCPA Theater of Hancock College. Coming from Los Angeles, I went frequently to both the Music Center and the Shubert Theater in Century City. I can honestly say that PCPA is of the same caliber.

Not only does it present excellent theater, it presents programs to local schools, and offers exciting summer workshops for children from 7 to 18 years of age.

Then, there is the Los Padres Art Guild. I recently went on the guild/s Art and Garden Tour, and I was amazed at the quality and quantity of the local artists.

Finally, the Santa Maria Civic Theater is getting better and better. Its recent Neil Simon play, "Broadway Bound," shocked my Los Angeles friend, who is a Rabbi. She whispered to me while we watched the Jewish-themed play, "I can/t believe this little theater is this good!"

SMCC also goes out to schools to present shows and presents free summer programs for local children in July.

Santa Maria is a real All-American City. When one drives around the town, one sees old people walking with walkers, migrant workers walking with their families, infirm people and some street people holding out their hands. It reminds those of us who are blessed, to share our blessings.

I/ll take Santa Maria over those other towns, thank you very much.

Diane Borad-Mirken lives in Nipomo.