Sun, March 21, 2024

Creating space

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

The Santa Maria Valley lacks dedicated places for the LGBTQ-plus community [6]

Contents

Santa Maria’s small-town feel and conservative political leaning can make it challenging for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ-plus community, said one student member of Allan Hancock College’s Pride Alliance. They described the Alliance as an oasis where everyone can be who they are without judgement, something that can be hard to come by in the area because there aren’t any spaces dedicated to the LGBTQ-plus community. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor writes about the issue this week and the steps some organizations are taking to change that [6].

You can also read about low voter turnout [4] , SLO REP’s upcoming production of What the Constitution Means to Me [20] , and the delicious foodie fusion that touched down in Nipomo [24]

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• Assemblymember Gregg Hart announced Assembly Bill 1866, which will address idle wells by requiring oil operators to develop a comprehensive plan to expeditiously plug the estimated 40,000 idle wells in California within the next decade, according to a March 12 statement from Hart’s office. The bill also requires operators to prioritize plugging wells within 3,200 feet of where communities live, play, and work. At the current pace, it is estimated to take between 75 to 100 years to plug the majority of idle oil wells in California. Existing law requires operators to submit an idle well management plan and plug between 4 to 6 percent of their oldest idle oil wells per year. Operators also have the option to pay as little as $150 per well in order to avoid submitting a plan. This program is not working as intended, according to Hart. Between 2018 and 2021, the number of idle wells increased from 29,000 to more than 38,000, according to the California Department of Conservation Geologic Energy Management Division “AB 1866 is necessary to solve the idle oil well crisis in California. The state department estimated that if all idle oil wells become orphan, it could cost taxpayers more than $10 billion to plug and remediate these sites. This proactive solution will protect taxpayers, create thousands of jobs, and safeguard communities,” Hart said in the statement. “Idle oil wells in California act as a major source of methane gas emissions, groundwater contamination, and air pollution. The facts are clear—this serious problem is getting worse and can’t be ignored.”

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) announced the Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act, which would improve U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ’ (VA) oversight to ensure veterans receive access to quality higher education from reputable institutions, according to a March 13 statement from Padilla’s office. Through the GI Bill, many veterans earn education benefits to help pay for college, graduate school, and vocational training and institutions approved by the VA. The VA is not always aware, however, of institutions that are engaged in deceptive practices or have been subjected to punitive action by a state or federal authority. This can result in veterans using their benefits at bad-actor schools or schools in jeopardy of losing accreditation. To help mitigate fraud, the Isakson-Roe Education Oversight Expansion Act would require all VA-approved institutions to report within 30 days any adverse actions taken against them to the State Approving Agencies (SAA) and the VA. “Veterans should be able to access their hardearned GI Bill benefits without fear of exploitation,” Padilla said in the statement. “I will keep fighting to break down the barriers standing in the way of quality higher education access.”

• California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom released the Equal Pay Playbook, in partnership with the California Partners Project, to provide companies with strategies for creating a more equitable workplace by identifying and eliminating their internal wage gaps, according to a March 12 statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. To mark National Equal Pay Day, Siebel Newsom also announced that more than 200 California-based companies, organizations, and municipalities have signed the California Equal Pay Pledge—more than doubling the number of pledge signatories on Equal Pay Day in 2023. Collectively, women in California lose approximately $87 billion annually to the gender wage gap. The Equal Pay Playbook aims to address this by giving California employers a step-by-step guide for developing a strategic approach to equitable pay that is good for Californians and will help companies attract and retain top talent, boost innovation and productivity, and enhance brand reputation. “Women are the backbone of their communities and the economy and the breadwinner or co-breadwinner in most households in the U.S., yet the gender wage gap continues to deliver the message that our work and our contributions have less value than men’s,” Siebel Newsom said in the statement. “While data on the wage gap may differ, it all tells the same story of inequality and a gap in pay that worsens for mothers, women of color, immigrant women, and LGBTQ [plus] women, ultimately deepening generational poverty and slowing economic mobility.” m

Preliminary election results show low voter turnout during March 5 primary

While ballots are still being counted, Santa Barbara County election results show lower voter turnout than in previous presidential primaries.

Michael Daly—Santa Barbara County ClerkRecorder, Assessor, and Elections Office chief deputy assessor and registrar of voters—told the Sun that 41.6 percent of registered voters had their ballots counted so far during the March 5 primary.

“That could tick up because we haven’t certified, but we should be in the low 40s when all is said and done. It’s not crazy low—a way to think about it is before election day, our turnout was hovering around 20 percent,” Daly said. “Turnout on election day [was] pretty big, pretty substantial. Overall though, in the low 40s, it’s not as big as it could be, but it’s kind of right where it has been for presidential primaries.”

In 2004, Santa Barbara County saw a 55 percent turnout, 66.4 percent in 2008, 44.7 percent in 2012, 55.1 percent in 2016, and 58.7 percent in 2020, Daly said, citing Santa Barbara County data. The Santa Barbara County ClerkRecorder, Assessor, and Elections Office was scheduled to have another updated count by March 21—after the Sun went to press—and Daly added that this should be the last update before the county certifies its election results, which are due to the secretary of state by April 4.

Lompoc Mayor and Santa Barbara County 3rd District supervisor candidate Jenelle Osborne told the Sun in a statement that the 42 percent turnout is a “wake-up call for everyone who cares about the direction of politics in the county and the district.”

Osborne ran as an independent for the 3rd District seat against incumbent Democrat Joan Hartmann and Republican candidate and financial business owner Frank Troise. Hartmann earned 12,020 votes (58.9 percent of the ballots cast), with Troise behind her with 5,196 votes (25.4 percent) and Osborne with 3,121 votes (15.3 percent), according to preliminary election results.

“While the election is over, pending certification, 77 percent of the voters either did not select the incumbent or did not participate,” Osborne said. “Since the incumbent only received 12,020 votes of the 51,275 registered voters (23 percent) in District 3, the incumbent’s election should not be viewed as a majority or a mandate, but rather a statement of voter apathy.”

Assemblymember

Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) told the Sun in a previous interview that primaries tend to see lower turnouts than the general election, and he expects the numbers will “change dramatically” in November.

“I’m not sure if everyone is familiar with the March 5 primary. California’s attempt to change things around just didn’t seem to work as intended, and it’s something we should look at again in the next four years,” Hart said.

Because the California primary election was held in June during previous election cycles, Hart said that changing it to March caused people to turn in their ballots late this cycle and that residents “just aren’t as prepared as they are in June.”

California’s primaries took place in March in 2004, February in 2008, June in both 2012 and 2016, and March in 2020, Daly said, citing county data. He added that it probably has less to do with the time of year and more with what’s on the ballot.

“We only beat 60 percent—‘we’ meaning the voters—in 2008. That had to have been the first Obama election. It might have been a more exciting ballot or what was on the ballot might have been more exciting, different measures or propositions that brought people out,” Daly said. “Of course, we want 100 percent turnout; at the elections office we prepare for it—it makes our work worthwhile.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Nipomo residents are upset about another housing development

The San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission approved another housing development in Nipomo, despite community members’ protests.

Commissioners unanimously approved the construction of 72 affordable, multifamily residential units on 2.57 acres along Magenta Lane during a March 14 meeting. The development will consist of three three-story apartment buildings, an attached community room to the front entrance of the property, on-site parking areas, on-site amenities, and landscaping, according to the staff report.

“The project that’s being proposed here is something that’s desperately needed,” Arris Studio Architects owner and developer representative Thom Jess said at the meeting. “I mean, housing, if it’s not the most important, it certainly is one of the most pressing needs that we have in this community. Affordable housing is at the top of that list that’s needed, and what we’re promising here is a 100 percent affordable family housing project.”

The staff report states that out of the three apartment buildings, eight units will be available to very low-income families at 30 percent of the area’s median income, another eight units will be available to lower-income families at 50 percent the media income, and the remaining units will be available for income levels at 80 percent the median income.

In 2022, the reported median household income in Nipomo was $95,982, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

This housing development comes five months after the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the contentious Dana

Reserve Specific Plan, which is the biggest SLO County housing development in 25 years and looks to add 1,318 residential units, 203,000 square feet of recreational space, a village shopping center, California Fresh Market grocery store, South County Cuesta College campus, and neighborhood parks, according to previous New Times reporting.

Jess said the apartment project design has the three-story apartment buildings pushed against the corners of the development to give singlefamily homes in the area privacy. One building will be next to the Nipomo Post Office, another will face a vacant lot, and the last one will be near the drainage basin. The parking lot will be in the center of the development.

“We’re right in the central business ticker. We’re close to the supermarkets and to other amenities and so forth across that area,” he said.

Nipomo residents who spoke at the meeting said they were concerned about a potential traffic increase and the lack of law enforcement presence in the community.

“The sheriff’s department has made it perfectly clear that they’re unable and incapable to govern this place safely,” Daniel Perez said during public comment.

On March 27, 2023, SLO County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Nate Paul sent a letter to the project developers voicing some concerns with the project.

In that letter, Paul said that with the proposed project’s location near the San Luis Bay Apartments would increase calls for service by less than 1 percent.

“Law enforcement services for Nipomo are currently adequate. With a 0.75 percent anticipated increase in calls for service, this project is one of several that, combined, will create demand for services beyond that which the Sheriff’s Office currently provides,” the letter states. “Simply put, we will need additional deputy sheriffs and associated vehicles and equipment to adequately serve Nipomo if this project is approved.”

After public comment, Planning Commissioner Mariam Shah said she feels as if this is a chicken and egg situation, claiming there’s no way to pay for things the community needs without the community first showing that it has the need.

“The sheriff didn’t say I can’t service this area, and it’s not going to be safe and we’re going to have a free-for-all in the streets,” she said. “The sheriff’s comments were that this is a 0.75 percent anticipated increase in calls for service, so this is creating a need that we cannot meet today. So, first of all, this project won’t be done for two or three years and second of all, the sheriff is advocating for more money.”

Traffic concerns were brought up multiple times, but commissioners said project developers, SLO County Public Works, and community members can work the issue out over time as the development is still a few years away from being built.

“I believe I heard that this isn’t going to happen overnight,” Commissioner Don Campbell said. “We’re not going to build it next year, so there’s perhaps three years or so to work this thing out, and I think Public Works or whoever’s involved with that part of it could put something together before the permit was issued.”

—Samantha Herrera

More than 1,600 Santa Barbara County jail inmates filed grievances

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office saw an increase in inmate complaints about access to medical, mental health, and dental care as well as medication-assisted treatment for inmates facing substance use disorders.

Second District Supervisor Laura Capps pulled the report for discussion during the March 19 Board of Supervisors meeting because grievances haven’t been discussed at a

BIGGER TURNOUT: While the March 5 primary saw lower voter turnout than normal in Santa Barbara County, candidates and election officials say that they expect high participation during the November general election.

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

supervisorial level in a few years. She said she wanted to give it some “air time” because of an upcoming jail health presentation on April 3.

“An inmate grievance is a complaint or question about any condition of confinement,” Cmdr. Ryan Sullivan told the board on March 19. “An inmate or incarcerated person can submit a grievance about a medical condition they feel is not being treated fairly, a medication they might not be prescribed correctly, as well as issues of sanitation of their living quarters, current housing, amongst many other items.”

In 2023, 1,646 inmates filed medical and nonmedical grievances to the Sheriff’s Office—a jump from 1,292 in 2020 and 931 in 2021, according to the staff report. The Sheriff’s Office received the most grievances in 2022 with 1,692.

“Significant trends observed in the grievance reports are an increase in the amount of grievances related to access to care, medications, as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), mental health and dental care,” according to the staff report. “Some aspects that impacted the amount of grievances submitted during this four-year period include the activation of the Northern Branch Jail, the staffing levels of the health care provider, custody staffing levels, COVID-19 impacts, and the planned increased capacity of the MAT program.”

Inmates submit grievances to the medical grievance oversight coordinator—a position created to ensure that medical or mental health related care concerns from inmates are addressed appropriately.

“Our staff looks into those items, and we respond in writing to the individual who submitted a grievance with a response. Over 90 percent of the time that response is satisfactory with the inmate, there’s no further escalation or anything else needed,” Sullivan said. “But

inmates do have the opportunity to appeal that, and it would go to another supervisor at a higher level and give a response accordingly.”

The coordinator meets regularly with the Community Corrections Input Group—a group of community organizations that assist in making recommendations for improvements to the grievance process.

That group formed in 2016 when the county’s health care provider—before current provider Wellpath took over—performed poorly for inmates, Lynn Gibbs told the supervisors during public comment. Gibbs serves as Santa Barbara County’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) public policy chair and served on the Community Corrections Input Group.

“I think we were able to do some very good work. For example we had early input into the jail-based competency treatment program and we regularly review grievances each month related to health care in the jail,” Gibbs said. “The relationship then was really excellent with the Wellpath coordinator. … When concerns came up, she was very accessible to talk them through and resolve things.”

At that point, Gibbs stepped away from the Community Corrections Input Group to take on other tasks, but she noticed a 53 percent increase in grievances in the most recent monthly report compared to “the five-year average before that” when she returned to the group four months ago, Gibbs said.

“This past month, I noticed that there were five grievances related to serious leg infections—one was a duplicate but another one didn’t reach the point of grievance, but was serious because we heard from a family member,” Gibbs said. “Those are the kinds of things we can hone in on when we review the reports and try to get them addressed.” m

—Taylor O’Connor

‘An oasis’

Santa Maria LGBTQ-plus residents reflect on the importance of inclusive spaces and the need for more in the community

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

In the early days of the Allan Hancock College Pride Alliance, students wrote on name tags preferred names and pronouns, with the understanding that the names would only be used during meetings for safety reasons, said Jackie, a student and Pride Alliance member.

The student organization is dedicated to helping LGBTQ-plus students through events and advocates for more representation on campus.

Age:

Breed: Old English

Sheepdog/Terrier

Sex: Male

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Campus: Santa Maria

Zeus

Age: 2 years, 7 months

Breed: American Shorthair

Sex: Male

Weight: 15 lbs.

Campus: Santa Maria

“Pride Alliance is kind of an oasis in [the] sense [that] you can be very open about parts of yourself that you can’t in other places. And that’s really important because there is no other space, to my knowledge, that you can go to … in Santa Maria,” Jackie said.

Santa Maria’s small-town feel and conservative political leaning can make it challenging for some students to identify as part of the LGBTQ-plus community, said Jackie—who asked the Sun to withhold their last name.

“If you’re like me, I’m not out to my family. I can’t be. So I had to be very careful because I have people I know everywhere, and I have so much family around here,” they said. “It’s very hard to know when you can be open about all parts of yourself, but for Hancock, for Pride Alliance I know I can be.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns closed access to campus and student organizations, Pride Alliance was resurrected with the help of a California Community College Chancellor’s Office grant dedicated to helping LGBTQ-plus students find connections on campus, said LeeAnne McNulty, the school’s director of institutional grants and programs. Hancock received $88,000 in 2022 and an additional $89,000 as a result of the first grant to continue its work.

“That funding came down as a reaction to the high rates of suicide and homelessness of the LGBTQ-plus community and especially in places like this, which is such a conservative community where many of our students haven’t come out to their families yet,” McNulty said.

Santa Maria—like many Central Coast communities—doesn’t have a designated LGBTQplus business, and organizations dedicated to serving the LGBTQ-plus community often struggle to find spaces that will host LGBTQ-plus friendly events.

“Hancock, the work here is so important, and it’s a starting point, but I want to see it in the wider community,” Jackie said. “For someone to put a Pride flag in front of their business, that says a lot. I think there’s a silent majority of support in Santa Maria, but generally that support isn’t voiced because we do know that there are people who would, you know, have opposition to it.”

Through the grant, the Pride Alliance was able to get Hancock Pride-themed clothing, host more events and meetings, participate in Solvang’s Pride parade, and work on projects like getting more all-gender restrooms on campus and a full-time Pride Center—which is currently under construction.

“A lot of people were like, ‘Why do you need a Pride center? There’s not even that many students that would go in there.’ And I said you don’t even know because you don’t ask; we don’t have any data on that. The data we have is not really usable data,” McNulty said.

Hancock’s data comes from college applications, which students often complete with their high school peers and teachers in the classroom and sometimes parents are involved for tax information purposes, she said. Application data shows that only 232 students identify as LGBTQ-plus. However, through the Chancellor’s Office, community colleges statewide are working on collecting data through private forums—with estimates showing that 10 percent of community college populations statewide identify as part of the LGBTQ-plus community.

“We have support mechanisms, and we’re taking steps to make this a very LGBTQ-plus open and friendly and safe place,” McNulty said.

Like Pride Alliance, House of Pride and Equality is also bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic and working on hosting more events for LGBTQ-plus individuals, said Suzette Lopez, House of Pride and Equality’s (HOPE) president.

“We’re definitely gaining momentum. Last year was proof that there is a demand for safe spaces,” Lopez said. “Last year, we held Pride at the Santa Maria Fairpark, and it was one of the biggest Prides that we had in the Santa Maria community.”

HOPE is a Santa Maria-based LGBTQ-plus nonprofit that hosts monthly events called Hanging with HOPE, sets up informational tables at community events, and coordinates Santa Maria Pride to help create more visibility for the local LGBTQ-plus community. In 2023, more than 1,000 people attended the June event—Santa Maria’s first Pride since the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

“The fact that after a long haul we had a lot of people come in and people wanted to get involved, it was just crazy. It was mind-blowing. It showed us that the community is there and, again, there is a need for safe spaces, and HOPE was able to create an ultimate safe space by bringing Pride back.”

HOPE started in Santa Maria in 2016 when community members hosted a vigil to honor the 49 people killed during the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Florida, she said. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down HOPE’s momentum and many of the organization’s board members moved away.

“We weren’t sure that the organization was going to survive, [but] the people who were still in Santa Maria decided that HOPE has been something very important for people in the community,” Lopez said. “We were in a meeting and I said, ‘HOPE was there for me when I needed someone, when I needed a safe space.’”

Lopez first got involved with HOPE in 2017 when she was going through her coming out process, she said.

“I was a late bloomer, I came out in my mid-20s. Part of the reason why I feel that happened is because Santa Maria doesn’t really offer safe spaces for people to be able to explore themselves,” she said. “I always felt othered and I never understood why, so after [I came out] in my mid-20s, … a lot of things started making sense. Like I was suppressing a part of myself that I wasn’t even allowing to exist.”

Growing up in a Mexican household and heavily involved in church added challenges to her coming out process, she added. Once she came out, Lopez found DJing as a way to give back to her community by playing at and helping create local LGBTQ-plus events on the Central Coast, she said.

“People groove with music, and you need a vibe to be able to vibe in a safe space. … I love being a part of creating that vibe,” Lopez said.

When she was younger, she played piano for her church and played drums, which led her to DJing. As DJ Suz, she plays throughout the region and is the founder of Mirame Entertainment—an entertainment company that creates culturally inclusive events to make people feel safe and seen, she said.

“We do get support from the community in the sense that they sponsor our events, but finding an actual space that is designated for the queer community does not exist in Santa Maria,” Lopez said. “Some may be OK with a queer event, but they might not be OK with a drag queen, and that makes me question as an individual—as me, as Suzette—if you want a queer event, but you don’t want a drag queen, are you really a safe space?”

Mirame Entertainment has parted ways with organizations and venues that don’t align with its mission, she said.

“A safe space for the queer community doesn’t just have to be a drag show or a party, it also has to be a space where an individual can come and heal, and we need to be able to offer those spaces,” Lopez said. “We’d like to see more intentional safe spaces for the queer community, and I hope we are doing that as an org. I hope that our actions are speaking for themselves.” m

Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@ santamariasun.com.

INCLUSIVITY MATTERS: Allan Hancock College’s LGBTQ-plus student organization, Pride Alliance, is putting more effort toward supporting LGBTQ-plus identifying students, including through signage and events on campus.

Marian

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Rather than seeing pasta sauce, overnight oats, or untouched salad fixings go to waste, Marian Regional Medical Center, in partnership with Replate, will reallocate unused food to community organizations that serve individuals facing food insecurity, Marian Food Services Director Kevin Leitner told the Sun

“This really was initiated by a [California] food recovery bill … SB 1383, and the law basically is supporting or pushing for hospitals or food service operations that are over 100 beds to utilize safe leftover food and redirect it to places in need rather than going to the landfill,” Leitner said.

Dignity Health hospitals, including Marian, partnered with Replate, a food recovery organization, starting Feb. 20. Replate picks up food twice a week and delivers it to the Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast, previously known as the Central Coast Rescue Mission. With seven pickups, Marian has distributed more than 500 pounds of food, with 75 pounds of food per pickup on average.

By using a food scrap calculator, Leitner estimated that Marian diverts 5,577 net pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the landfill each week. This is equivalent to 5,404 miles driven by a passenger vehicle, or 237 gallons of gas.

“It’s cool because we are going to be documenting this over the next year, and we will be regrouping to see how the plan is going, but so far so good,” Leitner said.

The hospital provides three meals a day to more than 900 people, and this partnership is a tool to allow Marian to “be mindful” of the food it prepares each day.

“We prepare fresh fruit in our cafe with portion cups; if they are a couple days close to expiration and they have been safely cooled, we will give those to the Rescue Mission,” Leitner said. “It’s not leftover salad bar food eaten by staff, … it’s mindful food safe for consumption.”

The Rescue Mission Alliance’s aim is to offer comprehensive assistance in overcoming barriers to healthy and financially secure lives, with addressing malnutrition as one of its goals.

“Why wouldn’t we want to hold hands with someone who supports the same population we support at Marian? It’s just a way for us to reach our hands out to the community and not look inwards as a hospital, but outwards as a Santa Maria Valley,” Leitner said.

The hospital incurs all of the costs through its community benefits budget, which covers the $50 Replate pickup fee, labor and food packing costs, and disposable storage containers and other supplies, he said.

“We want to try to find ways to reach out to the community in need, not just have people come when they’re in need. It’s part of our mission— how can we support our community and reach out to the community to show that we are here for them, and it’s just another way that we are

doing that through the Replate program,” Leitner said. “There’s no end in the future for this. … The law was enacted to be a continuous support supplying leftover foods, so I would only see this grow in the future.”

Highlight

• The Lompoc Parks and Recreation department is offering lifeguard training in April that will enable participants to become American Red Cross-certified lifeguards. Whether someone is looking for a part-time job or a career as a professional lifeguard, the Lompoc Aquatic Center’s lifeguard training course provides classroom activities, online learning, and hands-on practice to help participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to work as a lifeguard. The comprehensive training covers accident prevention, lifeguarding techniques, emergency systems, water-rescue skills, basic life support (CPR/AED), and first aid. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive American Red Cross certification in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid. People ages 15 and older can participate. The course, which costs $225, runs April 13, 14, 20, and 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complete required pre-registration at (805) 875-8100 or at apm.activecommunities. com/lompocrecreation. Register before April 8. Since the class is presented in person and online, a valid email address is required at registration. Participants will receive an email with information on how to access the online component of the course. m

Should the county allocate more resources than SLO County to cleanup the Santa Maria Riverbed?

50% It should be 50/50.

38% Yes, it’s fair. Most of the people living there are from Santa Barbara County.

12% No—technically it’s in SLO’s jurisdiction.

0% I don’t care.

8 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

| Alex Zuniga

EDITORIAL

Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad CONTRIBUTORS | Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield

| Mary Grace Flaus GRAPHIC

BY RON FINK

The city of Lompoc like many other jurisdictions is adding a new environmental justice element (chapter) to the general plan.

The introduction to the new chapter says, “Today, and throughout California and United States history, communities with lower incomes, lower levels of education, and higher proportions of minority residents often bear a disproportionately large burden of exposure to environmental hazards.”

This assumes that because you happen to be poor and in a specific ethnic group, you have a greater exposure to environmental hazards. This is of course a false assumption. Why? Because in raw numbers there are far more Caucasian families and individuals that fit the “lower incomes, lower levels of education” definition than there are minorities.

Thus, the statement, “Minority residents often bear a disproportionately large burden of exposure to environmental hazards,” seems to be political gamesmanship rather than a fact. For example, the U.S. census reports that the Hispanic or Latino population in Lompoc is more than 60 percent, thus in this area they don’t seem to fit the description of a minority.

To determine the level of risk, the authors of this document chose to use two computerbased measurement tools, both of which could be manipulated to achieve the desired outcome.

Despite this trait, the authors still couldn’t establish that any portion of our city was in the danger zone, so they concluded that since two census tracts were both high density and consisted of large numbers of low-income families that they fit the definition of a “community of focus” to justify the actions being recommended.

They concluded that “approximately 51 percent of Lompoc’s population reside in the census tracts that comprise the community of focus. All

identified census tracts in the community of focus have significantly higher population densities than Lompoc as a whole (3,807 persons per square mile).”

High density is the root cause of many social and “environmental equity” concerns. It is widely known that Lompoc somehow became a magnet for the low-income housing needs of the county and that at least, according to official city estimates, 30 percent of multi-unit family housing is made up of low-income residents, which is 5 times greater than any other city in the county.

They also concluded that “race and ethnicity are one of the factors considered when measuring health equity and the social determinants of health, along with income, educational attainment, employment status, and access to health care.”

One visible metric is the 200 underhoused (homeless) people in Lompoc. By casual observation, the majority of homeless (unhoused) individuals in our community are Caucasian; rarely do you see Hispanic, Latino, Asian, or Black people represented in great numbers in the homeless community. So, at least by using this example, race and ethnicity don’t appear to be factors.

Another of their claims is that “pesticides are chemicals used by farmers to control insects, plant diseases, and other pests that threaten crops. Pesticides applied in agricultural areas can become airborne and drift to neighboring communities and become a significant source of pollution exposure to residents.”

However, in 1997 the California Department of Pesticide Regulation formed the Lompoc Interagency Working Group. At the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s request, CalEPA’s office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment evaluated illnesses in the Lompoc area. They concluded that analysis of data through 1997 found “few significant differences in illness rates between the Lompoc area and similar communities.”

Since this study was completed, even stricter regulations have been applied to the types and application methods of pesticide/ herbicides used in agricultural

operations, and even though there wasn’t a hazard significant in 1997, it has been reduced even further than it was at the time of the study.

The authors of the environmental justice element also say that “an urban tree canopy can have various positive health outcomes and help improve quality of life. Trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change and extreme heat events by providing shade and creating a cooling effect in urban areas with high concentrations of concrete and asphalt.”

I agree. However, trees in an urban environment interfere with overhead utilities; damage sidewalks, creating trip hazards; and damage curbs and roads, thus creating traffic hazards. In addition, requiring water-wise landscaping further reduces the amount of greenery, and trees die due to a lack of watering.

They also say that “between 2012 and 2022, there were 260 reported traffic collisions in Lompoc that involved bicycles or pedestrians.

About 77 percent of these reported collisions occurred in the community of focus. A high concentration of these collisions occurred along major roadways, specifically North H Street (Highway 1), West North Street, West College Avenue, and West Ocean Avenue.”

Traffic pollution is directly related to high density housing and reduced on-site parking requirements directed by the state of California. It is a fact of life that the more people you pack into a residential block, the more vehicles will be on the streets.

Lastly, to combat so-called environmental injustices, the authors propose a policy of annual inspections to bring substandard housing units into compliance with codes. What this would cost taxpayers in terms of inspectors, clerical staff, and legal counsel is unknown.

And, how effective would it be? Eliminating perceived environmental injustices would cost several million, perhaps over $100 million, to address the issues in all the multi-family housing units. And if that occurred, either the rent would have to be increased to pay for the upgrades or the property owners would simply evict the tenants and shutter the properties. m

Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.

We need to end the killing of Palestinian children and families

I am profoundly moved by United States soldier Aaron Bushnell who recently burned himself to death in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. I feel deeply grieved but also all the more determined to preserve life.

Aaron Bushnell self-immolated, saying he could no longer be complicit in the U.S.-backed genocide against the Palestinian people.

To end the deaths of children and families and others in Palestine and to honor the supremely courageous sacrifice of Aaron Bushnell, I ask that our legislators and all elected officials halt the U.S.-backed war against the Palestinians and denounce forevermore any and all connections they have with the military-industrial complex, which is getting filthy rich off of war, surveillance, weapons, repression, and terrorism.

Dolores Howard Paso Robles

Who do we blame for voter turnout? The election itself or voter apathy or both? I’m going to say both. And Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne might just agree with me.

She challenged 3rd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann in the primary alongside Republican Frank Troise. Hartmann won, according to the uncertified election results, but it’s not exactly a landslide if you look at the number of voters who didn’t cast ballots at all.

“While the election is over, pending certification, 77 percent of the voters either did not select the incumbent or did not participate,” Osborne said of the 3rd District race. “Since the incumbent only received 12,020 votes of the 51,275 registered voters (23 percent) in District 3, the incumbent’s election should not be viewed as a majority or a mandate, but rather a statement of voter apathy.”

Osborne’s probably a little salty that she didn’t get more votes in the election, but she’s not wrong in her summation of things. The 42 percent voter turnout in the district should be “a wake-up call,” she said. It’s pathetic.

It’s not just the 3rd District that needs a wakeup call.

Voter turnout was lower than usual countywide. The county elections office has so far counted up ballots from 41.6 percent of registered voters and doesn’t expect many more to come in. Come on, registered voters! It’s literally easier than ever to vote. You fill out the ballot that’s delivered to you, sign the envelope, and you stick it back in the mail. I guess we can’t be bothered.

The most exciting county race was in the 1st District, but it only got exciting after the votes were counted. Most political party peeps predicted that Das Williams would keep his seat on the dais—so, not exciting. But challenger Roy Lee was beating the incumbent after the first set of primary results were announced on March 5, and he kept that lead through every successive count.

Williams conceded the race with a little more than 500 votes separating the two after the March 13 vote tallies were announced. That’s not a lot of votes, so votes really do count. If more people had voted, would Lee have come out ahead or not? I guess we’ll never know.

It was a big upset. But “do not worry about me,” Williams said in a Facebook post announcing his defeat.

“But do worry about climate change,” he added, as if the two issues belong in the same breath.

They don’t. Climate change and losing an election to a more moderate opponent are not even close! But I digress.

With Grandad of the United States Joe Biden running against the idiotcrat known as Donald J. Trump, I’m not sure the November election will see a good turnout either. It doesn’t seem like anyone is particularly excited about 2024’s presidential election. I certainly am not. But I keep getting texts about rent control being on the California ballot, so maybe that’ll rev people’s engines to actually vote—although I doubt it. I will turn out. I will vote. Because even a canary’s vote counts. Because one choice is worse than the other and sometimes two bad options are all we get to choose between. m

The Canary thinks apathy sucks. Send inspiration to canary@santamariasun.com.

Hot Stuff

SPLIT SCREAM

The Santa Maria Fairpark presents Paranormal Cirque, which runs Friday, March 22, through Monday, March 25. This horror-themed circus features contortionists, acrobats, cabaret acts, and more. For more info, visit paranormalcirque.com or call (941) 704-8572. The Santa Maria Fairpark is located at 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria. —Caleb Wiseblood

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. 805-928-7799.

Kleindancesarts.com. KleinDance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

CASUAL CRAFTERNOON: LADYBUG

SCRAP MAGNETS Make a lovely ladybug magnet that will cheer up any space. This workshop is free, and all materials will be provided. Registration is required, for patrons 18 and older. March 25 4-5:30 p.m. 805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

A COMEDY OF TENORS A fast-paced, hilarious farce set in 1930s Paris. The play, written by Ken Ludwig, revolves around one hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, and three girlfriends, all set against the backdrop of an impending concert in a soccer stadium filled with eager fans. Through March 24 my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. ongoing Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-937-6753, everybodycandance. webs.com/.

LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL DANCE:

WEST COAST SWING Learn west coast swing in a casual, friendly environment, taught by Texas state swing champion, Gina Sigman. Free intro from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Beyond the Basics ($10) is 7 to 7:45 p.m. $10 entry includes social dance (7:45 to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m.

MARCH MADNESS BOOK SALE The Friends’ Library Shop on

floor of

Santa Maria Town Center across from Rock ‘n Jump is having its March Madness Sale. Buy one ($3 or less), get one free (equal or lesser value; does not include children’s books). Every 8 days, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., March 21 11 a.m.-5 p.m., March 22 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 805-925-7116. fsmpl.gov. Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria.

NOVEL NIGHTMARES BOOK CLUB

A book club for lovers of haunting horror. This group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss a creator of creepy tales. The author for March is Joe Hill. Registration is required; for ages 18 and older. March 27 5:15-6:15 p.m. Free. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PARANORMAL CIRQUE IN SANTA MARIA

A unique combination of theatre, circus, and cabaret with a new European style of flare. March 22-24 941-704-8572. cirqueitalia.com. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CALIFORNIA’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE: THE WAY OF WATER Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, this timely exhibition showcases George Rose’s recent expansive documentation of California’s dramatic water story. Through July 8. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, calnatureartmuseum.org.

FLOWERING ARRANGING CLASS Learn the fundamentals of flowering arranging, preparing flowers, and visual display of

flowers. Class includes all materials for class and a glass of wine. March 24 11 a.m. my805tix.com/. Vega Vineyard and Farm, 9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton, 805-688-2415.

IKEBANA: JAPANESE FLOWER ART

Hosted by Women Making Waves. Learn about the philosophies, principles, and purpose of an ancient meditative art form. March 23 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. River View Park, 151 Sycamore Dr., Buellton.

POETRY IN PAPER Karen Bit Vejle’s gallery show. Make sure to experience this unique gallery exhibit during the museum’s regular hours before the show ends. Through May 7 Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805-686-1211, elverhoj.org.

SPRING INTO 2024 Gallery Los Olivos presents three distinct artistic voices: Ginny Speirs, Patricia Watkins, Felice Willat. An award-winning photographer, oil painter, and jewelry artist share the spotlight at the venue. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through March 31 805-6887517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

TODDLER TIME ART PLAY GROUP This is a class for parents and kids to have fun together while meeting new friends and enjoying the art studio in a designated time and structure. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. through March 26 $35. 805-325-8092. artspotonwheels.com/events/toddlertime-art-play-group/. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

THE BABY DANCE Coastal Performing Arts Foundation introduces The Baby Dance by Jane Anderson. Richard and Rachel, a well-off California couple, have everything except a child. They locate Wanda and Al, a desperate poor couple

Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.

in Louisiana, who agree to let them adopt their baby. Viewer discretion advised. March 28 7-9:30 p.m., March 29, 7-9:30 p.m. and March 30, 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 p.m. $25-$30. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/players-west-the-baby-dance/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE FISH WHISPERER A mysterious outsider plots to fix a small fishing town’s sudden bad luck when it comes to fishing. March 22- May 11 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

HELLO, DOLLY! Step into a world of glamour, romance, and toe-tapping tunes as AGHS Theatre Company proudly presents this timeless Broadway classic set in the bustling streets of New York City at the turn of the 20th century. This beloved musical follows matchmaker Dolly Levi. March 24, 7-9 p.m. and March 25, 7-9 p.m. $14-$20. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/ahgs-theatre-hello-dolly/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SPRING BAND AND CHOIR CONCERT

Join the Arroyo Grande High School Band and Choir for its Annual Spring Concert. March 27 7-9 p.m. $5. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/aghs-band-choirspring-concert/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ADAM PARKER SMITH: FOR THE TIME

BEING This exhibition will feature several works made throughout the artist’s career as sort of a mid-career retrospective. Adam Parker Smith has a unique ability to address complex themes in a whimsical, light-hearted way that makes his work incredibly accessible. Through July 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/

exhibition/adam-parker-smith/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design.

Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters.

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ART IN THE GARDEN/SPRING PLANT

SALE Features more than 25 local artists, plus a huge selection of drought-tolerant plants perfect for the Central Coast. Enjoy food and live music with the Jill Knight duo all weekend. March 30 and March 31 Free. 805-541-1400. slobg.org/upcomingevents/aigplantsale/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

ART OF LIZ MARUSKA: AWAKEN TO BEAUTY Immerse yourself in a place held together by breathtaking sunlight and sparkling water. Discover a stunning painting and awaken to the wonder of art. Connect with beauty through Liz Maruska’s exhibition. Through March 31, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free. 805-439-4298.

SLOProvisions.com. SLO Provisions, 1255 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART

CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST’S TALK WITH ADAM PARKER

SMITH Enjoy an artist’s talk with For The Time Being artist Adam Parker Smith. The talk in SLOMA’s Nybak Gallery will be

followed by a Q-and-A with the audience. March 23 , 11 a.m.-noon Free entry. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/artists-talkwith-adam-parker-smith/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BARRY GOYETTE: MULBERRY For his exhibition at SLOMA, San Luis Obispobased artist Barry Goyette shows a series of portraits taken by a very specific mulberry tree as a site for portrait photography guided by the models, of varying stages of life. Through June 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/barry-goyette-mulberry/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BEACON ART SHOW 2024 A nearly monthlong exhibition. Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 24 Free. SLO United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-7580.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-6:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. 702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a

832-884-8114. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

the second

the

COURTESY PHOTO BY BEARDED GONZO PHOTOGRAPHY

loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m.

Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

PAINTING MORRO ROCK WITH DREW DAVIS

Visit site for more info and tickets to this painting class. March 28, 1-3 p.m. my805tix.com/. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL

COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@ yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS This series is a great intro to the pottery wheel. Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate, and glaze. Clay and firing included with admission. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $180. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

QUEER COMEDY SHOW Spice up your Saturday at the queer comedy improv show, hosted by Central Coast Comedy Theater. March 23 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com/. Linnaea’s Cafe, 1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, 805-541-5888.

THE REBOOT PRESENTS SPEAK EASY A special, curated variety show with host Rocky Ross, featuring local talent telling true personal stories, song, spoken word, and “Impromptu Pudding” open mic for audience members to tell 99-second stories. Limited seating; come early. March 22 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-203-6301. facebook.com/the.reboot4u. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ

This weekly sculpture drop-in class gives an opportunity for potters to take on new projects and learn new techniques relating to sculptural work. Additionally, every first Friday of the month, a new project will be taught by Rod Perez for beginners. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SHEN YUN Experience China before communism. The moment the curtain opens, attendees enter “a wondrous dream.” Enjoy “an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture.” March 26, 7-9 p.m. and March 27 7-9 p.m. $92-$167. 805-756-7556. pacslo.org/ events/detail/shenyun24. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW AT DAIRY CREEK

With five headliners (subject to change). March 30, 8-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-782-8060.

SPANISH SPEAKING POTTERY CLASS

(6 WEEKS) Looking for a fun way to learn Spanish? Join Dana Fiore and Shevon Sullivan. The class’s wheel-throwing teachers are bilingual. Guests don’t have to be fluent, just willing to try. Clay and firing included. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through April 22 $225. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

TERRARIUM WORKSHOP Fee includes all materials to make terrarium (several choices for a terrarium) and one 16 oz cider March 23 , 2-3 p.m. my805tix.com/. SLO Cider, 3419 Roberto Ct., Suite C, San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR

This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@ charter.net Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful play she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

Thursdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through April 14 $20-$40. 805-786-2440. slorep.org/shows/what-theconstitution-means-to-me/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

RAISE A GLASS

The Guadalupe Social Club is holding its one-year anniversary party on Sunday, March 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature wine and food specials, music, games, and more. For more info, call (805) 356-6018 or visit guadalupesocialclub.com. The Guadalupe Social Club is located at 945 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. —C.W.

YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AQUARIUS 2024 Central Coast Watercolor Society’s annual juried exhibit features a wide array of watermedia art from experimental to traditional. Through April 1 Free. ccwsart.com/ aquarius-2024-show. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-772-2504.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW: THE ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPES OF THE CENTRAL COAST Cambria Center for the Arts is proud to present Bird’s Eye View: The Architectural Landscapes of the Central Coast. The featured artist is local resident Tigg Morales. Artist’s reception on March 2, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. FridaysSundays. through April 28 Free. 805-927-8190. cambriaarts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. 805-3945560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. ThursdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559-799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

CRAFT ARTIST JARI DE HAM Jari de Ham began Chinese brush painting in 2002. This artist enjoys capturing the Central Coast’s cypress trees with their irregular balance, foggy atmosphere, fish, birds, and many other subjects. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through March 29 Free. 805-7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No

artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805-772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS

PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL JOHNSTON

Johnston’s photography features horses, landscapes, birds, and more, captured locally and abroad, including in Portugal. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

JEWELRY, SMALL WORKS, AND ART BY HOPE MYERS Myers is an award-winning watercolorist, collage artist, and jewelry crafts person. She has been creating her artwork on the Central Coast for more than 30 years. Hope’s jewelry features vintage beads and crystals and is assembled in Los Osos. Gallery open daily. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

OIL PAINTINGS BY JEFF ODELL Odell’s paintings of Morro Bay span across more than 40 years. They are a historical archive of the changes through those years. Odell’s frequently seen with his plein air easel and paints. His original oils are on canvas and wood. Gallery open daily. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PHOTOGRAPHER

GRANT KREINBERG

Kreinberg: “I favor nature and the outdoors of Northern California. I live in Northern California, and I’m always looking for a new road or a new area to explore.” Gallery is open daily. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through March 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

SANDRA SANDERS: ACRYLIC PAINTINGS In Sanders’ words: “The stress of life just seems to go away while I’m painting a beautiful seascape

or a snowy mountain scene. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed painting them.” Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.5 p.m. through March 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

SIX-WEEK SKETCHBOOK WORKSHOP WITH ARTIST SARAH A. PLETTS Students will learn the art of filling a large sketchbook with images and writing. Dreams, photographs, ideas, and more will be part of the creative process. Work from prompts (optional) sent out beforehand. Mondays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. through April 8 $120. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

TALK RADIO A middle of the night talk show host becomes increasingly outrageous with his callers in this off beat dark comedy. Directed by Chrys Barnes. March 22 , 7 p.m., March 23 7 p.m. and March 24 , 3 p.m. my805tix.com/. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BOUNCING BABY STORY TIME Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and caregivers. For ages 0-12 months. This program runs approximately 30 min. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. through April 10 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CENTRAL COAST SENIOR ALL STAR BASKETBALL SPECTACULAR North SB County vs. South SLO County high school senior all stars. An annual event, sponsored by the Kiwanis of Santa Maria Valley. Tickets at the door. March 23 , 5-9 p.m. $5-$10. 805-264-1523. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

D-AND-D AT THE LIBRARY Join an epic adventure with Dungeons and Dragons presented by Central Coast Games. This easy to learn game is the world’s most popular tabletop role playing game, and everyone is welcome regardless of previous experience. Space is limited and registration is required.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

19019 Hwy 1

Ragged Point, California (805) 927-4502

2015 Lance 1575 Travel Trailer

Entertainment Menu

March 22nd - March 30th

Appetizer

Friday, March 22nd

Los Dos Grandes de la Sierra & Grupo Eco - 8pm

Second Course

Saturday, March 23rd

Banda la Preferida, Grupo

Radiante de Fausto Cruz8pm

Main Course

Friday, March 29th

Mestizo - 8pm

Dessert

Saturday, March 30th

Knee Deep - 8pm

Entertainment so good you’ll say “more please”

www.raggedpointinn.com 110 W

(805) 819-0174

If you’re looking for a small trailer that feels big, this is the one for you. Measuring under 20’, this model with a slide-out is hard to find but easy to tow. This trailer is in excellent shape and trip ready!

4-SEASON TRAVEL TRAILER with block foam insulation thoroughout, dinette/bed slide out, power awning, power jack, 24” LED Jensen 12v TV, Jensen stereo radio/ DVD/Aux, Indoor/outdoor speakers, acrylic tinted thermopane eruro windows, combo screen/shade on windows, round galley sink, 3-burner propane range and oven, range hood and light, microwave oven, HDTV Over-the-air antenna, roof top air conditioner, forced air furnace, 5.3 cubic feet capacity refridgerator/freezer, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide/propane leak detector, tankless water heater, private bathroom with door/shower/shower curtain/tub/fresh-water flush toilet/ medicine cabinet/vanity light/ mirror/skylight/ceiling power fan, Fantastic power fan/vent over the queen-size bed, sconce lighting, exterior wash station, dinette conversion bench seating, cable TV inlets, exterior propane connection, fresh water system, fresh/grey/black water tanks, black tank flush system, stabilizer jacks, aluminum wheels, radial tires, spare tire, diamond plate lower front gravel gaurd with hitch light, swing-out entry assist handle, wardrobe closet, 5 lower cabinets, 3 overhead cabinets, interior dimming lights, interior and exterior power outlets (available when connected to shore power), patio light, large pass through exterior cargo area, additional exterior cargo area. Misc RV supplies available also (water hoses, bins, 30amp power cable, 50 to 30 amp adaptor, surge protector, large patio mat, sewer hoses/connectors, trailer and wheel covers, etc.) Text or call (805) 235-5732.

$16,500

• Sleeps 4

• Length - 19’ 6”

Interior Height - 6’ 6”

• Gross Weight - 3700 lbs

• Cargo Weight - 1000 lbs

• Grey Water capacity - 26 gallons

• Fresh Water capacity - 26 gallons Black Water capacity - 25 gallons

• Slides - 1

• Furnace BTU - 18000 btu

• Exterior width - 7’ 1”

• Hitch weight - 205 lbs

March 24 1-4:30 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

EASTER SUNDAY AT PACIFIC CHRISTIAN

CENTER Looking for a place to worship on Easter Sunday? Come and be a part of an amazing celebration at Pacific Christian Center. Services will be held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Easter Egg Hunts follow each service. March 31 9-10:30 & 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 805-934-3491. pacificchristian.net.

Pacific Christian Center, 3435 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt.

org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check

website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing 805-343-2455. dunescenter.org.

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

LOS FLORES RANCH FULL MOON HIKE

For more information, please contact the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. March 23 , 6:30-8:30 p.m. 805-925-0951. cityofsantamaria.org.

Los Flores Ranch, 6245 Dominion Road, Santa Maria.

SMV HISTORY PRESENTS: JAPANESE

COMMUNITY PAST AND FUTURE A free presentation at the Santa Maria Historical Museum. Come hear about the prominent Japanese families who helped develop the Santa Maria Valley. March 23 , 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-922-3130. santamariahistory.com. Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum, 616 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BELLY DANCING BASICS Delve into fundamental techniques, including isolations, shimmies, and undulations, while emphasizing proper posture and body awareness. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, an experienced instructor will guide you through each step. Come once or every week. Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. through March 25 $22 drop in; or $120 for all six weeks. 805-619-0989.

empoweryoga805.com/events. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

CITY OF PISMO BEACH EGGSTRAVAGANZA Hop on over to Dinosaur Caves Park for this family-friendly event which includes egg hunts, bounce houses, games, crafts, a magic show, and more. March 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-7737063. pismobeach.org/73/Recreation.

Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.

Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

FREE FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFÉ Got a toaster that won’t toast? Get it fixed for free by volunteers who diagnose and repair broken small appliances, bikes, tools, clothing, laptops, phones, outdoor gear and apparel, and more. March 23 1-4:30 p.m. Free. 650-367-6780. repaircafe5cities.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

FULL MOON YOGA, MEDITATION, AND SOUND BATH Visit site for more info on the event and tickets. March 24 , 8-9 p.m. my805tix.com/. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.

HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS GOLF

TOURNAMENT 2024 Visit site for more info on this special fundraiser golf tournament to benefit 5Cities Homeless Coalition. March 23 7 a.m.-1 p.m. my805tix.com/. Pismo Beach Golf Course, 25 West Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SCIENCE AFTER DARK A monthly lecture series at the Central Coast Aquarium. An evening for those ages 21 and older. Last Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. through May 28 my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280.

SAN LUIS OBISPO BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. 805-5411400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

BOARD PRESIDENT/CHAIR

ROUNDTABLE (FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS) Spokes roundtables are facilitated, peer networking, and problem-solving opportunities with a hallmark of confidentiality. Participants introduce themselves and share some good news and/or something that’s “keeping them up at night.” They may also offer a “spotlight topic” for discussion during the course of the session. March 21 , 12-1 p.m. $10; free for Spokes members. spokesfornonprofits.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

BUNNY TRAIL AT THE DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS’ MARKET Enjoy some free, family-friendly springtime fun. Bring the kiddos downtown to collect treats from downtown businesses and meet Downtown Bunny. Bunny Trail coincides with the normally-scheduled Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market. March 28 6-8 p.m. Free. downtownslo.com/events/ bunnytrail. Downtown San Luis Obispo, Corner of Santa Rosa and Pacific St., San Luis Obispo, 805-549-0355.

EASTER REGAL

Hotel SLO’s Piadina hosts its Easter Brunch Buffet on Sunday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Executive Chef Ryan Fancher is curating the dinner spread for this holiday lunch. Admission is $69 for adults and $34.50 for children ages 12 and under. Call (805) 234-9969 for more info.

Piadina is located at 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

MOONLIGHT HOURS AT THE SLO

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Come to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for free every third Thursday of the month.

Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-545-5874. slocm.org/moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

OAKS AND ACORNS WITH JESSE TRACE

Jesse Trace will be presenting on local oaks and acorns as a food source. This presentation is in conjunction with the San Luis Obispo Seed Library. Come by and learn about native plants and trees and take home some seeds for your own garden. March 23 , 2-4 p.m. Free. 805781-5991. slolibrary.org. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided.

Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

PRE-GAME PITCH Cal Poly Baseball has some special events this season. Pre-game Pitch is an hour before the first pitch that is complementary to Mustangs fans. Free barbecue, free games, and

good people. Possibility of winning gift card and/or signed merchandise. In H-13 parking lot. March 22 5-6 p.m. Free. gopoly.com. Baggett Stadium, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 805-756-7297.

REST AND DIGEST WORKSHOP An intensive opportunity to learn powerful techniques for working with digestive issues, including self hypnosis, Mayan Abdominal Therapy, applied meditation, progressive relaxation and qigong. Taught by therapists Katy Yurcheshen and Devin Wallace. Call or text. March 23 , 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $150. 805-748-0352. mettahealthandwellness.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SECOND ANNUAL SLO COUNTY BEAVER

FESTIVAL A celebration of beavers, with music, beaver expert speakers, familyfriendly activities, and food. Includes featured speaker Leila Philip, author of “Beaverland.” Live music by Cuyama Mama and the Hot Flashes, and Elliot Johnson Band. Local organizations will share materials about efforts to protect the environment and celebrate biodiversity. March 23 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 805-4641255. slobeaverbrigade.com/beaverfestival-2024/. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

SPRING FLING Join SLO Parks and Recreation for “an EGGciting adventure” at Meadow Park this spring. Kick off the day with an egg hunt for ages 0 to 8 (bring your own basket). After the hunt,

presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. 805-937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER

Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

—C.W.

enjoy free and paid activities, as well as local food trucks. March 23 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; bring money to enjoy food trucks. slorecactivities.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE

ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays 805-922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ

Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing

DUMPLING MAKING CLASS WITH

SICHUAN KITCHEN Join Chef Garrett of Sichuan Kitchen SLO for his famous dumpling making class. He will be sharing his passion for Sichuan cuisine as you learn the art of making dumplings. Mix, season, and wrap your way to a delicious feast. Vegan option included. March 21 , 6-8 p.m. $50. 805-481-7339. bgcslo.org/ events. Boys and Girls Clubs of South San Luis Obispo County Clubhouse, 1830 19th St., Oceano.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing 805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

MUSIC continued page 18

BOOK YOUR AD BY: April 12

PUBLICATION DATE: April 18

BOOK YOUR AD BY: May 17

PUBLICATION DATE: May 23

BOOK YOUR AD BY: May 31

PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 6

WINNING

SB

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. 805-478-6198.

Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

RON MILLER LIVE Enjoy live music from Ron Miller. Visit site or call for more details. March 22 , 6-9 p.m. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KNEE DEEP: BACK AT THE CASTLE An evening of R&B, pop, soul, funk, and more. March 30, 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

LOS DOS GRANDES DE LA SIERRA Enjoy live Latin music. March 22 8 p.m. my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

MESTIZO An intimate evening of smooth Latin tunes and music to get you up and dancing. March 29 8 p.m. my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

NOCHE DE BANDA A night of Latin karaoke with KJ Yow and dance music by DJ Kazanova followed by live Banda and Grupo music. March 23 8 p.m. my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

EASTON EVERETT AT BLACKLAKE GOLF COURSE A singersongwriter known for his independent and adventurous sound. March 24 1-4 p.m. eastoneverett.com/. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo, 805-343-1214.

HANK WILLIAMS’ 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Jason Petty returns to celebrate Hank Williams’ 100th birthday with his amazing, critically acclaimed tribute. Don’t miss Petty’s Obie award-winning performance as he pays tribute to Hank as well as those who influenced him and those Hank influenced. March 23 7:30-9 p.m. $29-$55. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/hank-williams/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

JAZZ AND PERCUSSION CONCERT Join the Arroyo Grande High School Jazz and Percussion group for its Annual Spring Concert. March 26, 7-9 p.m. $5. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ aghs-jazz-percussion-concert/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE Formed in Atlanta, Rumours authentically recreates the iconic superband down to every last detail, performing all the hits from “Dreams” to “Go Your Own Way.” March 21 7:30-10 p.m. $39-$65. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/rumours-a-fleetwood-mac-tribute/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE SAN LYON JAZZ QUARTET AND RIGHETTI HIGH SCHOOL Presented by the Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club. March 24 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE BIKINI BOTTOM RAVE AND DRAG SHOW Hosted by Juicy C.W. and featuring DJs Cryptid and Frank the Tank. The first half of the show will be a drag show themed after everyone’s favorite undersea animated world. The second half of the show will be an all-out rave featuring house music, techno, and bass music. For ages 21 and over. March 22 , 8 p.m. my805tix.com/. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-2337.

HANDBELL CONCERT A free concert featuring the Bel Canto Ringers as part of the annual Beacon Arts Show. The group will perform a variety of styles, including “Let It Be,” “Hallelujah,” and “Scarborough Fair.” Enjoy refreshments and the artwork afterwards. March 24 , 3-4 p.m. Free. 805-543-7580. SLO United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo. SILENT MOVIE WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA: THE FRESHMAN With Orchestra Novo. March 24 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com/. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO WOMEN IN MUSIC AND LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN An afternoon of musical tributes to women for Women’s History Month. March 24 , 2:30-4 p.m.

ARTS BRIEFS

Catch The Fish Whisperer onstage in Oceano

The Great American Melodrama in Oceano presents The Fish Whisperer which is scheduled to run Friday, March 22, through Saturday, May 11.

Set in the small town of Shewauga, Wisconsin, The Fish Whisperer is a musical “brimming with hope and romance,” according to the Great American Melodrama’s website. The show opens during a rough patch for the town’s fishermen, who can’t seem to catch much lately. When a mysterious outsider named Hannah Hill enters the town and offers to resolve the crisis for a fee of $10,000, some locals become suspicious and assume she’s a con artist.

Thirty minutes before each performance of The Fish Whisperer the Great American Melodrama’s popular snack bar—with popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, soda, beer, and more— opens for attendees to enjoy and reopens during each of the show’s intermission breaks.

Visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets to The Fish Whisperer or more info on the Great American Melodrama and its rotating lineup of shows. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m., and every Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m.

General admission to The Fish Whisperer ranges between $32 and $38, with discounts available for children (ages 12 and under), students (ages 13 to 18), seniors (ages 62 and older), and active and retired military.

Call (805) 489-2499 for additional details. The Great American Melodrama is located at 1863 Front St., Oceano.

Other upcoming shows in the company’s lineup include Pirates of Pismo A-Go-Go (Friday, May 17, through Saturday, July 6), Gunsmokin’ (Friday, July 12, through Saturday, Sept. 7), Werewolf of Arroyo Grande (Friday, Sept. 13, through Saturday, Nov. 9), and The Holiday Extravaganza (Friday, Nov. 15, through Tuesday, Dec. 31).

Santa Maria Civic Theatre presents A Comedy of Tenors

Performances of A Comedy of Tenors —the Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s latest production—run through Sunday, March 24.

Currently onstage, this fast-paced comedy is set in 1930s Paris and follows “four tenors, two wives, and three girlfriends,” according to press materials. Tickets to A Comedy of Tenors are available online in advance at my805tix.com.

For more info on the play, written by Ken Ludwig, and other upcoming shows hosted by the Santa Maria Civic Theatre, call (805) 922-4442, visit smct.org, or email smctheatre@gmail. com. The company’s next production will be The Prom set to run Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 19. m

Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

‘We,’ the people SLO REP takes on emotions and deep thinking in What the Constitution Means To Me

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

With the nation smack-dab in the middle of an election year following some historic U.S. Supreme Court decisions, the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre (SLO REP) picked an opportune moment to put on What the Constitution Means To Me.

Hilarious and emotional, yet serious and interactive, What the Constitution Means To Me follows playwright Heidi Schreck’s journey as a 15-years-old girl who toured the U.S. debating the Constitution so she could earn her college tuition while weighing the complexities of being a U.S. citizen and woman in the 21st century.

“She just kind of wanted to explore why she was so obsessed with the Constitution at 15 years old, and it kind of shows how when you age and you go through life and you see things in a different perspective, how it relates to your life, in different ways and figuring out what the Constitution really means for different people in this country,” said Suzy Newman, who plays Schreck “It sounds like a really dry subject, but it’s actually really funny.”

Playing at SLO REP from March 29 through April 14, this play is about storytelling, Newman said. Being able to connect to Schreck through this role is special to her, she added.

“I love the language and direct address to the audience the entire time,” Newman said. “I get to stand up there and talk to them and tell them stories and relate to them and react to them, and it’s just so fun. There’s also something about speaking her words and having that connection that just feels very personal.”

Schreck was brought up with feminist ideologies by a mother who taught her about her rights as an American citizen and how to protect herself, Newman

said. She learned what the Constitution could do for her and what it couldn’t do for her as a woman who was left out of the original document signed in 1787.

“It’s certainly not like a male-bashing or male-hating play,” SLO REP Managing Artistic Director Kevin Harris said. “It’s really about the questions and taking the effort to be empathetic toward someone who might not be your sex or might not be your race or sexual orientation and figure out how the Constitution does or does not protect them on a day-to-day basis.”

In the second half of the play, Newman debates her 15-year-old self, played by SLO High School senior Jamie Collins. The two go back and forth in an amusing, quick-witted debate over abolishing the Constitution and creating a new one or sticking to what we have.

“That really is the ultimate question, and you can take both sides of that as they both have very good points to them,” Harris said. “This is a document that really defines our lives and defines everything that we do every single day.”

Following the debate comes an interactive segment where the audience gets to vote on which debater can take home the cake.

“We’re going to figure out who’s going to take which side of the debate, and we’ll change it every night, and then the audience will vote and hopefully we’ll get some lively discussion out of it,” Harris said. “One person from the audience will be the representative for the whole audience.”

Harris said they decided to do it that way because oftentimes in voting, it’s not necessarily equal representation—often, one person gets to speak for everybody.

Accompanying Newman and Collins onstage is Mike Mesker, who will play The Legionnaire.

The legionnaire, or head of the debate, is an important moral figure for Schreck as he would travel around the country with her as she questioned what the Constitution meant to her.

“He was a very sweet man, very supportive of Heidi, but he was obviously from a different generation as well,” Harris said. “He fought in World War II and as this 15-year-old, Heidi looks back on him, even though he was very supportive and a huge influence in her life, she sees how things have changed in the last 50 years.”

With Schreck giving limited theaters the rights to put on the play, Harris said he’s extremely honored that SLO REP was chosen to be one of them.

“This play is so important to Heidi that she wants to make sure we’re doing it for the right reasons. She wants to make sure that you know the tone of the piece and the overall message of the piece is going to be handled appropriately and delicately,” he said.

While SLO REP is in the process of moving to a new space in downtown SLO in 2027, Harris said it’s very important for the cast to showcase What the Constitution Means To Me in their current building, because it’s a smaller space and allows for a more intimate moment with the audience.

“You can really have a conversation with the audience, and it also used to be a library, so we’re where knowledge resides and it’s a building that was built in order to ask these questions,” he said. “We’re super happy that we can present something that hopefully gets people asking some questions.” m

Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera from the Sun’s sister paper, New Times, at sherrera@ newtimesslo.com.

Go see it

What the Constitution Means To Me will run from March 29 through April 14, Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. SLO REP is located at 888 Morro St. in San Luis Obispo. For more information, visit slorep.org.

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

SEATING: The San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre’s intimate space is perfect for What the Constitution Means to Me, according to Managing Artistic Director Kevin Harris, because the performances are meant to be

LEAD ROLE: Suzy Newman will play Heidi Schreck in What the Constitution Means To Me, which follows her journey from being a teenager to weighing the complexities of being a U.S. citizen and a woman in the 21st century.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN HARRIS

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) directs this dark fantasy about dutiful Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown), a royal from an impoverished kingdom, whose father, Lord Bayford (Ray Winston)—in exchange for wealth—arranges to marry her to Prince Henry (Nick Robison) from the prosperous kingdom of Aurea, ruled by King Roderick (Milo Twomey) and Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright). At first, Elodie is enchanted, but she soon learns she’s being used to repay Aurea’s ancient debt to a fierce dragon (voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo). (110 min.)

Glen: Dan Mazeau’s (Fast X, Wrath of the Titans) screenplay is all about turning the trite “heroic knight saves the damsel in distress” trope on its head. After Elodie is thrown into the dragon’s underground chasm, it’s clear she’s on her own. The only help she’ll get are clues left by earlier victims scratched into the cave’s walls. It’s a nice idea, and I think Mazeau plays it right by making it clear that despite how fierce and resourceful Elodie is, she’s in for a tough time. The problem, of course, is we know she’ll eventually succeed, which deflates tension. Luckily, Brown is an appealing hero, and her performance nearly makes up for a story that doesn’t quite reach its feminist potential. I wish I could have seen it on the big screen because it’s visually stunning, and seeing it play grandly might have overcome the screenplay’s deficiencies.

DAMSEL

Anna: Brown’s dance card has been pretty full since her breakout roll as Eleven in Stranger Things, and I’m excited to see her in this starring role. No doubt many more will follow. Elodie and her family are hoodwinked by her new beau, Henry, and his family. Once married, Henry promptly throws her into an enormous cavern.

I’ve seen some reviews that claim the effects were clunky in parts of the film, but I thought it visually captivating. Maybe the small screen helped to mask some things I missed. I agree that the wind is taken out of the sails a bit in the storyline. We know Elodie is going to make it through her ordeal, so it loses a bit of bite in that respect. I think this would be a great movie for tweens; it has messages of resourcefulness and independence and a very young-adult fantasy feel. The costuming and set design are solid, and the action keeps the story rolling.

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee

What’s it worth,

Glen: I thought the special effects were solid. The dragon is fierce, the landscape’s beautiful, and little touches are well done. The glowing worms that Elodie discovers in the caves that help light the darkness and heal injuries were a cool addition and turned out to be central to Elodie’s later interactions with the dragon. In fact, shout out to Aghdashloo, who voices it with panache. She was amazing. I would have liked more for Wright and Angela Bassett (who plays Elodie’s stepmom) to do. They felt underutilized, but I liked the inclusive casting. This fantasy world looked like a Benetton advertisement. If you have Netflix and like fantasy, it’s worth a look.

Anna: Definitely worth a watch. It falls in the middle rating category on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, with the audience score a bit higher

VERTIGO

What’s it rated? PG

When? 1958

Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo on March 23 and 24 (1, 4, and 7 p.m.), and March 25 (7 p.m.)

Alfred Hitchcock directs this psychological thriller about a former San Francisco police detective turned private eye, John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart), who’s hired to follow an acquaintance’s wife, Madeleine Elster (Kim Novak), who’s been acting strangely and with whom he becomes obsessed.

Scottie’s been suffering from acrophobia and vertigo ever since he was involved in a rooftop chase that resulted in another cop falling to his death. Scottie’s ex-fiancée, Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes), who still harbors feelings for him, believes another emotional shock might snap him out of his affliction. She may just be right.

Filmed on location in and around San Francisco, Mission San Juan Bautista, 17-Mile Drive, and other NorCal areas, the movie is notable for the first use of dolly zoom, used to convey Scottie’s fear of heights. It’s visually stunning, and its thematic focus on obsession over a woman plays out in a surprising way.

The film underwent restoration in 1983, and though its initial response was mixed, it’s now considered one of Hitchcock’s

than critics, which all makes sense to me. The voice acting on Aghdashloo’s part is fantastic, and the dynamics between the two characters gives the story depth and weight. The plotting may be predictable, but that doesn’t make it unenjoyable. There may be some slowdowns here or there, but

13 GHOSTS

What’s it rated? Unrated

When? 1960

Where’s it showing? The Bay Theater of Morro Bay, Monday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m.

William Castle (House on Haunted Hill) directs this ghost story by Robb White (The Tingler). Occultist Dr. Plato Zorba dies, leaving his ramshackle mansion to his impoverished nephew, Cyrus (Donald Woods), and his family, wife Hilda (Rosemary DeCamp), teen daughter Medea (Jo Morrow), and young son Buck (Charles Herbert). The old mansion comes with housekeeper Elaine Zacharides (Margaret Hamilton, the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz). Oh, and 12 ghosts and a hidden treasure.

overall, the film proved to be an adventure. It’s a great film to curl up on the couch and watch for family movie night. m

New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

William Castle’s 1960 horror

finest. The Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry, calling it a “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” film. Here’s your chance to see it on the big screen. (128 min.) —Glen

When released, it used a gimmick: Illusion-O, a pair of cellophane glasses allowing viewers to “see” the ghosts through a red filter or “remove” the ghosts through a blue filter. When the film was released to television, the ghosts were tinted red. No word on whether the March 25 screening at the Bay Theater will include Illusion-O glasses.

“I wish. I’m waiting to see what the print the distributor sends looks like,” theater proprietor Cameron Wilson laughed.

13 Ghosts, follows an impoverished family that inherits a haunted house. See it on March 25 at the Bay Theater in Morro Bay.

In any case, viewers brave enough to witness this film will encounter spirits such as a wailing woman, a lion and its headless trainer, an Italian chef who’s perpetually murdering his wife and her lover, and even Zorba himself, all of whom can only be freed when they collect a 13th ghost. (84 min.) m —Glen

SISTERLY LOVE: Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown, left) and her sister, Floria (Brooke Carter), share a moment on Elodie’s wedding day, both unaware that Elodie must soon battle a dragon, in Damsel, streaming on Netflix.

FREE FALL: Acrophobia sufferer and private eye John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart) becomes obsessed with an old friend’s wife, in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1958 film, Vertigo, screening at The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo.

SCHLOCK MEISTER:

flick,

FRIDAY, MARCH

SATURDAY, MARCH

SUNDAY,

SUN-THURS,

Sunset Wine/Rail Excursion: Santa Barbara!

SATURDAY, MAY 18-SEPT 21 SLO Railroad Museum

SATURDAY, MARCH

MON-FRI,

FRI-SUN,

SATURDAY, MARCH

TUESDAY, MARCH

Viva La Cerveza: SLO Beer & Taco Festival

SATURDAY, MAY 25 Madonna Expo, SLO

By The Sea Productions Presents: Talk Radio

FRI-SUN, MARCH 22-24 545 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, MARCH

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Hope for the Homeless Golf Tournament 2024

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Pismo State Beach Golf Course, Grover Beach

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Harold

FRIDAY, MARCH

SUNDAY, MARCH

SUNDAY, MARCH

FRIDAY, MARCH

MARCH 22-24 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

Silent Movie with Live Orchestra: The Freshman

J. Miossi CPAC, Cuesta College

Noche de Banda with La Banda Preferida de California & more!

SLOFunny Comedy Show, Hosted by Mateen Stewart

29 1216 Park St, Paso Robles

Ikebana: Japanese Flower Art

23 River View Park, Buelton

Marine Science Spring Camp: Sea Explorers

MARCH 25-29 Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

Terrarium Workshop at SLO Cider Co.

23 SLO Cider Co.

Science After Dark with Marine Biologist, Paul Sikkel

26 Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

Improv Comedy Show: Queer Comedy Show

23 Linnaea’s Cafe, SLO

Hank Williams’ 100th Birthday Celebration

23 Clark Center, Arroyo Grande

Painting Morro Rock with Drew Davis

MARCH 24-28 Drew Davis Fine Art, SLO

Full Moon Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Bath Experience

24 Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, SLO

Flower Arrangement Class

24 Vega Vineyards and Farm, Buelton

Shawn Clark Family Band, Fistful of Nickels, & more!

29 Templeton Mercantile

The Bikini Bottom Rave and Drag Show

22 Libertine Brewing Company, SLO

The San Lyon Jazz Quartet & Righetti High School

MARCH 24 Oceano Elks 2504

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

The red flame insignia of Beso Cocina glowed invitingly against its Willow Road abode in Nipomo.

Though located on a quiet street, the inside of the restaurant buzzed with diners enjoying their meals and conversations under the golden light of roughly four dozen black wrought iron lamps hanging from the ceiling.

Revamped from the structure that formerly held the combination market, deli, and wine bar Willow, Beso—meaning “kiss”—is the latest creation of the Central Coast Restaurant Group. It joins the group’s plethora of local eateries like Blast Brewing Company, Blast & Brew, Blast 825 Brewery, and Me N Ed’s Pizzeria and Crafthouse.

“There is a lot of Mexican restaurants here but not like the one we have here,” head chef Ernesto Picazo said on March 7. “We have authentic ingredients, but we’re using everything available here instead of trying to get everything from Mexico. We’re not just a Mexican restaurant, we’re influenced by worldwide cuisine.”

Before leading the culinary team at the three-week-old Beso, Picazo served as the executive chef for Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. He’s a storied chef with a lengthy career that encompassed roles at Full of Life Flatbread and Pico in Los Alamos, and at San Luis Obispo’s Novo, Ciopinot Seafood Grille, La Esquina, Big Sky Café, Sidecar, and Mint and Craft, as well as Mason Bar in Arroyo Grande.

Many of Picazo’s restyled Mexican dishes for Beso use ingredients traditionally found in cooking from the Mexican city Puebla—where his roots lie. He plans for the menu to be seasonal, incorporating dishes from beyond Mexico, like pastas and pizzas.

“Our pizza oven is coming up in two weeks. We’re going to have our flatbread pizzas or a tlayuda,” he said. “Mexico doesn’t really have pizza; tlayuda is kind of our pizza. Even there, I’m infusing it as a naan [an Indian bread] because I’m making a bread out of it. It’s weird!”

Beso patrons can try Picazo’s tlayuda-naan hybrid on May 4 at the restaurant’s grand opening, which will also include a mariachi band and dancing horses.

Currently, Picazo said he’d excited for people to try Beso’s shrimp and lobster versions of chili relleno made with Oaxaca cheese, bell peppers, onions, and tomato, and the dish comes with a bean puree. He’s also concocting a duck mole.

“The mole that I’m making has 38 spices,” Picazo said. “The recipe is my grandma’s from the ’50s or ’60s.”

Beso’s culinary team produces elevated yet hearty food and plates them on stylish dishware. I ordered the shrimp and blood orange

ceviche, which arrived on mini tostadas and was topped with discs of watermelon radish. The shrimp was plump and pleasingly citrusy. It made for a moreish appetizer.

The complimentary basket of piping hot flourcorn hybrid tortillas and orange-flecked honey butter is Beso’s play on buttery dinner rolls. They became the table favorite, and I requested a second basket but forced myself to stop afterward to make space for our entrees. The citrus butter immediately melted into the piping hot tortilla, and the whole process of lacquering the spread and rolling the tortilla was reminiscent of a beloved Indian snack— rolled up chapatti (an almost paper-thin flatbread) with butter and sprinkled sugar.

Then came the generous portion of chili colorado with sides of rice and creamy ranchero pinto beans. The steak arrived in a brick-red guajillo chili sauce. It was delicately spiced and the meat was extremely tender—I didn’t use a knife at any point. Much to my delight, another set of tortillas accompanied this platter. The chili colorado appeared to be a popular item as several other customers also requested it that busy night.

Our server recommended the tres leches chocolate cake, vindicating my decision to resist more tortillas. The tres leches element—literally translating to “three milks”—was evident from the get-go. Perfect for two people after multiple courses (or one if you don’t feel like sharing), the hunk of chocolate cake was incredibly moist and loaded with chocolate bits. It was a creamy and delectable end to round out a

LOFTY INTERIOR: Beso Cocina is quickly becoming known for its glowing red flame symbol and dark interior set off by a constellation of black wrought iron lamps hanging from the ceiling.

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satisfying dinner. It’s worth being a regular at this fledgling but already bustling restaurant.

“It’s been busy every night,” Picazo said. “Our patios are not quite done but eventually, in a month, we will be 100 percent open, and it will be a whole different story.”

Picazo added that the concept of Beso as a fusion-style restaurant with Mexican roots has been in the works for 10 years. Eventually, the space also plans to open a Prohibition-style bar

that serves craft cocktails made with liquors like mezcal, tequila, and whiskey.

“Sometimes, you reminisce about those things you never thought would happen, and here we are. We made it happen,” he said. “Believe me, there are a lot more surprises.” m

New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal, from the Sun’s sister paper, will take all the orange honey butter and flour-corn tortillas to go. Send seconds to brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.