The Santa Fe Film Apprenticeship Programs, a new nonprofit that offers on-the-job film training, has scheduled its first classes.

Those interested in the program must first apply and be accepted in FAPI. Applications are available at www.filmapprentice.org or by contacting executive director Liz Servis at lservis@filmapprentice.org.

The classes are:

* Set Protocol — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2 at Mesa del Sol in Albuquerque

* Patrick A. Horton/The Story Coach — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 at Spirit Compound in Santa Fe.

* Set Safety — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 15 at Mesa del Sol in Albuquerque.

* The History of Film — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 22 at Mesa del Sol Albuquerque.


The Sonic Drive-In crew at 1721 St. Michael's Drive is one step closer to qualifying for the National Finals of the 16th annual Dr Pepper Sonic Games, a competition that recognizes the best Sonic Drive-Ins in the country, a statement said.

That Sonic is one of 300 remaining drive-ins striving to become one of the final 12 teams to participate in the Dr Pepper Sonic Games National Finals in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 20-21.

The nine-month, Olympic-style competition tests the knowledge of Sonic crew members in the categories of carhop (food delivery), fountain (drink preparation), switchboard (service delivery), dresser, grill and swamp (food preparation).

The games began in January with more than 2,600 enrolled drive-ins. The final 12 teams will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the finals.


The Cowgirl BBQ, 319 S. Guadalupe St., in Santa Fe has been named as one of the top 10 restaurants in Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque by DK Publishing.

DK publishes global travel guides under Top 10 and Rough Guides titles.

The Cowgirl opened in 1993 and has been the recipient of accolades from publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal (best nachos) to Cowboys and Indians magazine (best BBQ).

The business is owned and operated by Santa Fe residents Barry and Susan Secular, Nicholas Ballas and Patrick Lambert.