New Times, March 19, 2026

BY ANGIE STEVENS

Mendota 360 FireIn Gas Stove

Editor’s note

It’s hot already! And so are the happenings that Calendar Editor Angie Stevens compiled into a onestop shop for arts events slated to take place in the coming months. Our annual Spring Arts issue is all about celebrating the season by diving into self-expression; the creative expression of others; and dancing, singing, and possibly eating your feelings. This issue is all about the community events that people across the Central Coast are hosting just for you. Dive in and see what’s out there [17]

In addition, read about what’s happening with some Cal Poly frats [4]; a painter who captures landscapes before they get developed [15]; and why Hubba Wines has a

to celebrate [42]

lot

Camillia Lanham editor

photo courtesy of My805Tix cover design by Alex Zuniga

Organ Trio will hit the stage at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, March 21, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Hear Brian Ho, along with drummer Sylvia Cuenca (pictured) and

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SLO Planning Commission quashes two more frat permits

Two Cal Poly fraternities paid the price for repeated noise violations and unruly gatherings when the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission revoked their conditional use permits.

On March 11, Lambda Chi Alpha and Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) found themselves without permits after racking up a total of 13 citations from the SLO Police Department from 2024 to 2026, along with several notices of violations and administrative citations from the city’s Code Enforcement Division.

Despite agreeing to the penalty, Planning Commission Chair Dave Houghton criticized the process, stating that revoking the conditional use permit doesn’t necessarily address the misbehaving frat.

“The conditional use permit process, that’s the tool we have to work with, it’s not exactly a Swiss Army knife, it’s like a hammer,” he said. “If we revoke, you guys can still have your house, you can still meet, … you can’t officially call yourself a fraternity, but you can join the other fraternities that no longer hold a conditional use permit but still operate as fraternities.”

Lambda Chi Alpha and AEPi belong to a string of local frats with revoked permits. Last year, the Planning Commission quashed the permits of the Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, and Delta Upsilon chapter houses—underpinning SLO’s response to unsanctioned frat parties in residential neighborhoods, which have also been criticized by longtime residents and the SLO County grand jury.

Community members and the grand jury asked for stricter enforcement and for Cal Poly to assume more responsibility in managing Greek life and separating it from family neighborhoods.

One such resident, Steve Walker, voiced his frustration at the March 11 Planning Commission meeting.

“Where is Cal Poly? Absent from this conversation, and the city continues to bend to Cal Poly’s will,” he said. “They need to have a fraternity situation on campus.”

Walker confirmed he was one of the people who complained to the police in April 2025 about AEPi for noise disturbance at 10 p.m. when they hosted a gathering with 100 attendees.

“I actually moved my family out of that neighborhood, and we no longer live in that neighborhood because we’ve consistently been told by fraternity members … that, ‘You’re not welcome in this neighborhood, you don’t belong here,’” he said. “This is the mentality of fraternities when no

Paid parking pilot program begins in Morro Bay

Morro Bay’s long-discussed paid parking program is now in effect, with fees implemented March 1 at the launch ramp parking lot at the end of the Embarcadero near Tidelands Park.

The new fees apply only to that lot; parking at the smaller lot near Tidelands Park remains free, Mayor Carla Wixom told New Times in an email.

“This is a pilot project, nothing set in stone,” she said during a Jan. 27 Morro Bay City Council meeting.

The program applies to 55 single-stall spaces and costs $5 plus a $0.35 transaction fee for a 24hour period. Payment is available by kiosk, text, or through the Park Smarter mobile app.

The City Council approved the change in January following recommendations from the Harbor Advisory Board as part of a broader effort to improve parking availability, reduce misuse, and generate revenue for harbor maintenance.

one is looking, unfortunately, but when moms and dads are around, different story.”

On March 18, a week after the Planning Commission meeting, Walker’s wife, Kathie, filed a writ of mandate against the California State University board of trustees and Cal Poly President Jeff Armstrong to disclose the addresses of all registered fraternity-sanctioned events.

Lambda Chi Alpha members didn’t attend the Planning Commission meeting. While city staff couldn’t specify what police officers observed at the frat’s parties to warrant “unruly gathering” violations, Assistant City Attorney Markie Kersten told commissioners that the definition comprises noise disturbance, obstruction of public right of way, public drunkenness, minors drinking alcohol, fights, and disturbances of peace.

Staff added that Lambda Chi Alpha also owed the city $7,750 in unpaid fees stemming from the original permit application and its re-review process.

Joshua Pinsky, president of the Sigma Omega chapter of AEPi, said they take full responsibility for his frat’s noise violations. He added that the frat had made some progress.

“In the academic year prior to this hearing, our chapter received 13 citations. Since then, that number dropped to two citations the following academic year, with a third occurring in October,” Pinsky said. “Since those earlier incidents, we’ve strengthened internal monitoring procedures, improved communication with neighbors, and

“Paid parking at the launch ramp will increase space availability and reduce parking impacts from patrons who can park in other areas for free,” Harbor Vitality Director Chris Munson said in a Jan. 21 staff report. “These include boating passengers who drive separately, boat owners parking more than one car, and day users who don’t have a preference regarding where they park.”

Munson noted that the lot can get overcrowded during peak times.

“During summer months, weekends, and special events, the single stalls are impacted heavily by extra vehicles attending boats, paddle craft, and park users,” Munson wrote.

The city has also shifted to a license platebased system intended to simplify payment and enforcement.

“There will be no printouts to display,” Munson said. “Harbor Patrol will be able to look up the license plates on a mobile phone to see if a parking pass was purchased.”

fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi is the latest frat to lose its conditional use permit for repeated noise violations, though the SLO Planning Commission questioned the efficacy of the revocation process.

increased accountability within chapter leadership.”

AEPi is the Jewish frat where an alleged antisemitic assault took place outside the house on Feb. 28. At the time, SLOPD said that four to five white men, between 20 and 25 years old, arrived in a lifted white truck and yelled antisemitic slurs at frat residents. During the confrontation, one of the suspects punched a resident in the head.

Rabbi Micah Hyman of Congregation Beth David spoke in support of AEPi retaining its permit.

“The Yiddish term ‘mensch’ just means to be human, to be a good person, but I want to speak to the reputable character of these individuals at AEPi,” he said. “The intense situation within our Jewish community and our support from our general community is one of fellowship and partnership, and we want to continue that as much as possible.”

While the Planning Commission expressed sympathy for the hardships faced by AEPi, it also stressed its purview: re-examining the frat’s permit because it failed to comply with the multiple attached conditions.

“I hear you, I understand the whole cultural place to practice your traditions and all that. I think it’s great, but at the end of the day, everyone’s treated the same,” Planning Commission Vice Chair Eric Tolle said. “Unfortunately, like it was alluded to, Cal Poly doesn’t provide any on-campus space for this type of activity, so therefore, you’re subject to the city laws and ordinances.”

Annual passes are available as physical stickers that can be displayed in vehicle windshields.

“The paid program at the launch ramp will provide a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t and can be used to create a future paid parking program at the Rock parking lot,” Munson said. “Once expanded, improvements such as vehicle plate readers and additional machines can be explored.”

Community members have expressed frustration with the new payment requirement.

“Just drove down there, ... saw a man park in front of the bathroom, use the facility, and then leave after,” Morro Bay resident Sally M. wrote in a March 10 Nextdoor comment. “He did not pay. There should be short-term parking for free in front of the bathroom for goodness sake!”

She added that she often goes to the lot to photograph birds and doesn’t want to pay $5 for 10 minutes of her time.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Another resident suggested free parking passes be made available for Morro Bay residents.

“The city attorney has stated that it could not be limited to Morro Bay residents only because of established legal precedent, but a reduced annual pass rate for everyone is an option,” Munson said. “At the current rate of $175, someone would need to use it more than 35 times a year to be cost effective.”

Being caught not paying for a pass will result in a $60 fine, according to council documents.

—Chloë Hodge

SLO’s former coin collector wants city acknowledgment as employee

San Luis Obispo’s one-time primary parking meter coin collector wants the city to correct his classification as a contractor and acknowledge his 33-year tenure as an employee.

“Throughout that entire period, I was classified as a ‘contractor,’ despite the nature, duration, and control of my work clearly meeting the legal definition of an employee under California law,” SLO resident Brett Cross wrote in a March 15 letter to the City Council.

According to a Jan. 20 letter to SLO City Attorney Christine Dietrick from Cross’ attorney, his working relationship with the city began in 1993 when he was classified as an independent contractor who collected coins from parking meters. Over the years, SLO issued multi-year contracts for meter collection that typically lasted four years, with two yearlong extensions.

When the contract expired in June 2020, city officials told Cross they intended to retain his services on a month-to-month basis. He continued collecting coins from meters and pay stations across SLO until the city ended his contract in October 2025.

Cross raised the issue with the city, and a mediation was held on Jan. 29. Following alleged silence from the city, he filed a claim on Feb. 10. On March 17—near the end of the 45-day statutory response period—the city scheduled a closed session discussion about potential litigation from Cross.

At the meeting, City Attorney Dietrick said that no reportable action took place that requires public disclosure under the Brown Act. She didn’t respond to New Times’ requests for comment.

It’s unclear why the city terminated his contract. Cross told New Times he wasn’t given a clear explanation.

“The contract required that I have a backup collector available, so I created a small partnership solely for that purpose,” he said.

“My partner filled in for me roughly 10 times over the life of the contract, but the work was exclusively for the city of San Luis Obispo. We didn’t serve any other jurisdictions, and the partnership existed only to meet the city’s backup requirement.”

Starting Aug. 31, 2025, the city switched to the PayByPhone service as the only accepted application for mobile parking payments on downtown SLO streets.

“The city has been transitioning from multiple payment apps to just one since the start of 2025,” the city announced in a news release. “This change follows a comprehensive evaluation process that included vendor proposals, community feedback, and technical review by city staff. Residents and businesses overwhelmingly supported the move toward a single, streamlined app to improve usability and reduce confusion.”

Cross’ attorney, Kathryn Eppright of AMB Law, wrote to Dietrick that state law classifying independent contractors had continuously evolved over the course of Cross’ tenure with the city.

She cited cases like Estrada v. FedEx Ground Package Systems Inc., Alexander v. FedEx Ground Package Systems Inc., and Slayman v. FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc. where courts concluded that FedEx drivers were employees and not independent contractors under California and Oregon law.

“These cases were part of a trend that is attributed to the greater scrutiny of independent contractor classifications that started to occur in 2007 as the country began the Great Recession and saw declines in state tax revenue and the rise of companies offering ‘gig’ work,” Eppright wrote. “California passed a law around this time penalizing employers for the willful misclassification of employees as independent contractors.”

She argued that Cross was similar to FedEx drivers, because he worked on a regular and consistent basis only for the city and was held to a collection schedule set by the city, while wearing a shirt that had a city patch and a City Parking Services hat, and under the daily supervision of city personnel.

Eppright alleged that the city neglected to formalize its working relationship in writing once Cross’ contract ended in June 2020. When it issued a call for proposals for collection services in 2022, Cross and LAZ Parking were the only two bids.

SLO didn’t accept either proposal, but

Cross continued to work for the city. Cross told New Times he’s evaluating his options with his attorney and hasn’t decided if he will pursue litigation.

By March 31, he wanted the city to formally acknowledge his 33-year tenure as an employee, and grant retroactive CalPERS enrollment covering the full period of his service, payment of both employer and employee portions of all retroactive CalPERS contributions, and full payment of the $20,000 attorney and mediation fees.

“My goal is simply to resolve the questions surrounding my employment status after more than three decades of service to the city,” he said. “I’ve asked the council to review the matter, and I’m waiting for their response through my attorney.”

—Bulbul Rajagopal

Cal Poly concert kept ‘St. Fratty’s Day’ under control

For the second year in a row, Cal Poly worked closely with the city of San Luis Obispo to keep St. Fratty’s Day celebrations under control, offering students a safer way to celebrate while keeping the streets clear.

The university’s Morning on the Green music festival the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day intended to draw crowds of students to campus rather than streets and neighborhoods, providing a controlled environment for partying and music.

The festival featured locals McKenna and Ev, followed by headliners Walker and Royce, and closed with electronic duo Odd Mob. Cal Poly sold 14,000 tickets, and at its peak, around 11,000 students were on campus enjoying the early-morning performances. Last year, tickets were capped at 5,000 and sold out in three minutes.

Cal Poly Assistant Vice President for Communications and Media Relations Matt Lazier told New Times via email that to support student safety, the university set up three Sober-Up Spaces—one at the concert venue, one at the Multi-Activity Center, and one in University Housing.

“These spaces were staffed by volunteers and served as a place where students could go if they felt over-intoxicated, or where friends could take someone they were with if that person needed to rest and sober up,” he said. Students were instructed to call 911 immediately if someone was unconscious or unresponsive.

During the weekend, nine students were

transported from a Sober-Up Space to a local hospital for alcohol-related issues and one person was treated for a head injury after falling near a creek outside the concert venue, Lazier said. Despite these incidents, University President Jeffrey Armstrong described the event as well managed, crediting careful planning and collaboration between university staff, volunteers, and law enforcement.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this past weekend’s Morning on the Green music festival. It was a tremendous success and a true reflection of what we can accomplish when our campus comes together,” Armstrong wrote.

“Teams worked long hours behind the scenes and on the front lines to ensure the weekend was safe, well coordinated, and enjoyable for all.”

Armstrong noted that the university collaborated with the California State University Critical Response Unit as a precautionary measure in the event additional police support was needed.

On the city side, SLO Police Department Deputy Chief Brian Amoroso reported that “the San Luis Obispo Police Department, along with 21 allied agencies, staged personnel in the neighborhoods adjacent to the Cal Poly campus in response to the ‘St. Fratty’s Day’ celebration.” Partner agencies included the Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, and Morro Bay police departments, as well as the San Francisco Police Department.

SLO County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency designated March 14 as a “mass casualty incident”—a preemptive measure to ensure city and county resources are prepared for potential increases in emergency calls during the busy weekend.

As in previous years, a “Safety Enhancement Zone” was in effect from March 6 through 18, during which all laws were strictly enforced, and fines were doubled for violations. According to a SLOPD media release, fines for noise, unruly gathering, open container, and public urination were doubled and ranged between $700 to $1,000.

“Between Friday at midnight through 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, SLOPD had one arrest downtown for assault and 19 citations for various nuisance order violations,” the March 14 release said.

Additionally, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office announced it would not offer pre-filing misdemeanor diversion to anyone charged with crimes connected to St. Patrick’s Day activities. ∆ —Chloë Hodge

Smog Check

& REPAIR

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

Election ready

Registered voters in San Luis Obispo can brush up on a new voting method debuting in the general election by making use of multiple educational sessions this spring and summer.

SLO will hold six community meetings on the citywide single-vote system, adopted by the City Council in January. Starting in November, all eligible voters in SLO will only cast one vote for City Council every two years. The two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes will win City Council seats.

SYSTEM SWAP Deputy San Luis Obispo City Manager Greg Hermann said that most registered voters in SLO are already familiar with the single-vote system, especially since almost 70 percent of them selected one City Council member candidate in the 2024 election when they could have picked a maximum of two.

The “vote-for-one” model swaps out the current system where voters cast two votes for two City Council candidates. They will continue to cast one vote for SLO mayor every two years.

“Citywide single vote is a simple and familiar approach to voting,” Deputy City Manager Greg Hermann said. “While we didn’t ask for this change, we are confident that this is the best compromise for the community and was approved by City Council.”

The city’s first informational session is on March 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. Residents can register for free at slocity.org/ Home/Components/News/News/11711.

The next events are an in-person meeting on May 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Ludwick Community Center, a virtual meeting on July 8 from 9:30 to 10 a.m., and an in-person meeting on Aug. 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at SLO High School.

Details of the final two meetings in September and October will be posted on slocity.org/singlevote when they’re finalized.

Discussions about SLO’s election format have been active since 2023 when the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project demanded the city create voting districts to boost the voting power of marginalized groups like the local Latino community.

The voter group’s attorney sued SLO in December 2024 for allegedly weakening minority voting power through its at-large voting system. The lawsuit claimed that the at-large system violated the California Voting Rights Act, which protects minority voters from being diluted.

SLO launched a voter and demographic data analysis in response, concluding that splitting the city into districts would conflict with the intent of the Voting Rights Act. The study found that Latino voters aren’t concentrated in specific geographic areas in SLO. Dividing the city, in fact, could dilute their voting power.

The switch to the single-vote method is part of the city’s settlement agreement with the voter group, sidestepping costly litigation fees and attempting to preserve minority voting power in the process.

But even before the new system’s

adoption—when people were allowed to vote for a maximum of two candidates for the City Council member race—officials noticed that many local voters only picked one person.

“We saw this trend reach its highest peak in the last council member election in 2024, when about 70 percent of voters selected just one candidate,” Hermann said. “This tells us that voting for one candidate is a familiar way of voting for most people.”

The number of voters who picked only one candidate had been increasing every City Council race since 2016 when a little more than 20 percent of voters cast ballots that way. In 2018, that number rose to almost 45 percent, followed by almost 42 percent and almost 54 percent in the 2020 and 2022 elections, respectively.

Each of the city’s informational sessions will include a presentation from staff followed by opportunities for residents to ask questions. The presentations will cover the voting method change, why the city opted for it, how to help spread the word, and how to strengthen their voting power. Questions can be submitted in advance via email to voting@slocity.org.

“We will be doing everything we can to inform voters,” Hermann said, “and our goal is to make sure everyone who wants to vote understands the change and knows how to make their vote count in the November 2026 council member election.”

Fast fact

• Kompogas SLO, the county’s dry anaerobic digestion plant, will host its spring compost giveaway on March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at 4300 Old Santa Fe Road, SLO. The free event encourages the community, especially home gardeners, to stop by to pick up organic certified compost from the Kompogas facility. People arriving in a pickup truck or trailer must bring a tarp to cover the compost when leaving the compound. Visit Kompogas SLO’s Facebook page facebook.com/p/ Kompogas-SLO-100066882732382 for more information. ∆

FILE

Opinion Supervisor Jimmy Paulding has done a lot for this county

I’ll be direct: I’m tired of the recent news focused on tearing down Jimmy Paulding. Because while the critics are busy pointing fingers, Jimmy has been quietly delivering results that have made a real difference in people’s lives, and voters in District 4 deserve to hear about them.

Residents of the Nipomo Mesa once lived with some of the worst air quality in the state. Jimmy has fought for dust control at the Oceano Dunes since his very first campaign in 2017. During his seven years on the SLO County Air Pollution Control District—including as board president in 2024—he trusted the science and pushed for action. The results are measurable: On high-wind days, PM10 particulate matter is down. That’s cleaner lungs for our neighbors.

Then there’s homelessness, a crisis too many politicians treat as a photo opportunity. Since Jimmy took office, the number of unsheltered people in SLO County is down 42 percent, according

The irony of John Donegan

I find it ironic that John Donegan complains about identity politics in his recent opinion column (“A Bad Hare Day,” March 12). His review of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show veritably screams “I am an old white male.” Does he really have “to wonder about [Bad Bunny] giving the performance in Spanish”? Even the most cursory research should have alerted him that Mr. Bunny, who performs almost exclusively in Spanish, was the Top Male Artist on Spotify in 2025. Did he expect Mr. Bunny to peform in English just for him? (I have to mention here how much fun it is to write, “Mr. Bunny.”) Mr. Donegan goes on to write that “[a] nation composed of distinct ... cultural identities ... will be easily exploited by opportunistic politicians.” Hmm, is he talking about any politician in particular? Because one orange-hued demagogue perfectly fits that description, in my opinion. Not so long ago (certainly in both our lifetimes), the “traditional ‘melting pot’ model” that Mr. Donegan celebrates was enforced in part by laws and codes that helped preserve the putative “culture and identity of the majority.” Jim Crow, redlining, racially based immigration quotas, and coverture are just a few examples. It’s not “woke” to believe that our society is better off without these. To suggest otherwise smacks of cultural revanchism, and I’m putting that politely.

Kurt Kramer San Luis Obispo

America’s ‘melting pot’ is a myth

Usually I read John Donegan’s columns and just shake my head. But his recent “A Bad Hare Day” (March 12) rant was too full of specious and mythological hot air to ignore. I don’t care that he didn’t like Bad Bunny’s

to preliminary numbers from this year’s Point-in-Time Count. Hundreds of people are no longer sleeping in riverbeds or under overpasses because of targeted investments in housing, outreach, and mental health services—real systems, not Band-Aids.

On behavioral health, Jimmy made it a top county priority, a first. The result: nearly $22 million secured for a new psychiatric health facility with beds for both youth and adults. Decades overdue and finally on the way.

Add to that: balanced budgets every year, new advocacy for fair redistricting and campaign finance reform; new funding for Sheriff’s Office substations, fire stations, sidewalks, and parks; and a real economic development strategy for South County.

The record is there for anyone willing to look. Vote for Jimmy Paulding—supervisor District 4—on June 2.

Terry Parry

Co-Founder Women’s March SLO

Super Bowl show. But to claim that probably 80 percent of the audience didn’t understand Spanish? That’s emulating Trump spouting fabricated numbers to make himself valid.

But, more egregiously, to assert that the “traditional melting pot” has served the U.S. well is nothing but white-biased fantasy.

If it were true that “each incoming group adopted the culture and identity of the majority,” the pilgrims and other colonists would have joined the many First Nations peoples already here. And then how were the huge numbers of kidnapped and enslaved Africans meant to blend in to the “majority” white culture? Finally, I agree that recent immigrants tend to be fiercely loyal Americans when welcomed. But only as members of the “club” and not to take advantage of “opportunities”? What club?

The so-called melting pot that excluded, and still does, people of color and nonEuropean origins? That is clearly the goal of the current federal administration through its cruel and discriminatory deployment of ICE. Mr. Donegan envisions an American national identity that strictly limits diversity in beliefs and culture to that of one “majority” based on a historically European model. Clinging to that old myth has never worked well. It’s just not the true story of the Americas.

Sara Kelly Los Osos

Offshore wind is neither reliable nor ready

to go

Stephen Van Domelen’s letter regarding offshore wind energy on the East Coast is confused at best (“Let workers finish the job on offshore wind,” March 12). For example, the claim that “affordable” offshore wind is a “reliable and ready-to-go solution” is laughable. Offshore wind is unreliable, as it only works when the wind is blowing,

but not blowing too much. And, if we are talking about the fantastical floating turbines proposed for California, they also don’t work during storms in extreme ocean turbulence.

Development of California’s offshore wind energy, which has not even begun, would take a decade to complete and cost $125 billion, according to a 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab. In fact, floating offshore wind is consistently cited as one of the most expensive forms of energy, and those costs would be passed on to everyday Californians.

The author’s argument that these projects should move forward because of jobs is also a headscratcher.

How about we put those billions into jobs rebuilding Pacific Palisades and other firedamaged communities? Or maybe jobs clearing brush, securing power corridors, repairing dams, and creating new water storage to prevent destructive fires in the first place.

Nicole Dorfman Morro Bay

Join us in downtown SLO to protest the administration

If you’re feeling discouraged and distraught over the current news of war, price increases, environmental damage, and the erosion of our civil liberties, join us on March 28 for the largest single-day peaceful protest in the history of our nation.

Join thousands of like-minded people for No Kings III in downtown SLO. Gather at Osos and Monterey from 10 a.m. to noon for speakers, music, a sidewalk march, booths, and fun.

Bring your signs, costumes, friends, and family members!

Jill ZamEk Indivisible SLO County

Get informed, then vote!

The League of Women Voters urges SLO County voters to get ready to vote in the upcoming primary election on June 2 by learning about the candidates for county supervisor and their positions on the issues that are important to our community.

The League is partnering with area Rotary Clubs to moderate two candidate forums. A forum for District 2 candidates will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Morro Bay Vets Hall, 209 Surf St. in Morro Bay. A forum for District 4 candidates will be held on Wednesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the South County Regional Center, 800 W. Branch St. in Arroyo Grande. Candidate forums are free and open to the public. They provide an opportunity to learn about the candidates, find out their views on the issues, and ask them questions.

To make sure your voter registration is up to date, to change your registration information, or if you are new to San Luis Obispo County and need to register to vote go to registertovote.ca.gov.

As with every election, your vote is your voice and your power. Make your voice heard. Use your power. Register to vote, and cast your ballot.

Janice Langley, Joanne Schultz, Wendy Brown, and Jacquie Canfield League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County

BY JOHN B. ASHBAUGH

Pablo Picasso is famous for “breaking the mold” in the art world, but one overtly political painting is arguably his most famous work: Guernica. This 25-foot mural represents the best of Picasso’s style as well as his passion for world peace. He painted it in the immediate aftermath of an “experiment” conducted by Hitler’s forces during the Spanish Civil War.

In April 1937, German and Italian bombers targeted the Basque town of Guernica, home to about 7,000 for destruction. Estimates vary, but at least 150 civilians were killed in one of the first deliberate uses of “terror bombing.” From that moment on, the tactical use of aerial bombardment became a standard tool in the arsenal of every nation that could dominate the skies. Militaries have been “improving” upon the art of destruction ever since: first with high-altitude bombers, then missiles launched from land or sea, and now high-powered drones.

Picasso’s painting delivers a blunt message: This type of long-distance warfare—indeed, any type of warfare—has no place in a “civilized” society. One can almost hear the agonized screams of the Basque people, of the dying horse, of a terrified bull.

A replica of Guernica occupies a prominent position in the lobby of the United Nations in New York; the original is in the Museo Sofia Reina in Madrid. Stretching 25 feet in stark black, white, and gray, it confronts every visitor with the destructive power of aerial bombardment.

Guernica revisited PismoBeachGolfCoursePresents

It was just after midnight on Feb. 26 when the news flashed across my screen: We are going to war in Iran. Some of my first thoughts went immediately to Guernica I try to see this war as the Iranian people must see it: An intense, sustained campaign of aerial bombardment that can only deepen their hatred of America—and of Israel. Our attempt to pound Iran into submission is perfectly designed to have the opposite effect. Ninety-eight million people are digging in, literally and figuratively, with no intention of surrendering.

Only a day after we launched this bombardment, we learned that a missile— later verified to be a U.S. Tomahawk—had slammed into a girls’ school in Minab, southeastern Iran. The death toll from that single strike was more than 170, mostly children. Was this school misidentified as part of a nearby naval facility, based on obsolete maps—or worse, faulty AI? Will we ever know?

Within days, thousands of munitions had been fired, including the 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bomb known as the “Massive Ordinance Penetrator.” We are told, repeatedly, that these weapons are “precisely targeted,” that this war is being conducted with “surgical precision.” White House videos proudly display the effects of each missile, each explosion, as if they were advertising clips for the latest consumer tech. And still, officials deny responsibility for destroying the girls’ school in Minab.

As I see those videos, my mind paints new images of black-and-white Guernica. We see Iranian missile strikes on Israel, Israeli attacks on Lebanon, of civil wars flaring again in Iraq. Oil refineries are burning furiously in the Persian Gulf—in places like Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, Iraq, and beyond. This region, so critical to energy markets throughout the world, is being torn apart before our eyes.

That is the dreadful reality. Yet too many Americans seem concerned only with rising gas prices and the continuing crisis of “affordability” as Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz continues unabated. The

stars to make a very important wish. But there are countries where instead of shooting stars they have shooting bombs and shooting drones. In the name of our future, in the name of all of our children, stop all of these wars now,” Talanka said.

Those words brought me back, once again, to Guernica—as I’m brought back every time I see images of war, especially this war. I see the agony etched on the faces of Iranians, Israelis, Palestinians in Gaza, families evacuating southern Lebanon—every victim caught up in this widening catastrophe. ∆

John Ashbaugh no longer indulges his

Cal Poly learned from last year’s mistakes when it came to its little 3 a.m. alternative to St. Fratty’s Day

Instead of only “selling”—giving away— 5,000 tickets to the Morning on the Green shindig and making another 1,000 students wait behind a flimsy barricade that they shoved their way through, the university “sold” 14,000 of the free tickets.

At one time, 11,000 students were vibing to the sounds of electronic dance music before sunrise on March 14. San Luis Obispo County’s various Facebook groups lit up with the sounds of complaining millennials and boomers rage typing about loud noises coming from campus.

“I’m a mile from campus and it’s 7:30 a.m. with some serious party bass rattling my windows and lots of sirens,” one person posted.

“Keep calling SLOPD,” wrote another. “Perhaps they should bill the parents, not have the taxpayers pick up the expenses for these law breakers.”

What? You don’t like the DJ-driven beats of Walker & Royce?

Isn’t that better than loud noises coming from the light pole next to your house, or students mobbing together with their blackout rage gallons through your neighborhood? Just saying. It might be time to stop typing in a blackout rage.

Take some deep breaths, center yourself, and take a chill pill. Remember your youth. This year, only nine students needed a lift

to the hospital for over-intoxication, and only one student fell into the creek. All in all, those are pretty good stats for a St. Fratty’s Day weekend!

At least two local frats were no longer frats in the city’s eyes before the big drunk party. They still exist. Just not in the city’s eyes. I’m not really sure what that means. Were they not allowed to officially celebrate St. Fratty’s Day?

On March 11, the SLO Planning Commission revoked Lambda Chi Alpha and Alpha Epsilon Pi ’s conditional use permits after being very loud, drunken, and disorderly too many times. Even one of the planning commissioners said that the city’s process for dealing with bothersome frats doesn’t really do that much.

“If we revoke, you guys can still have your house, you can still meet,” Commissioner Dave Houghton said. “You can’t officially call yourselves a fraternity, but you can join the other fraternities that no longer hold a conditional use permit but still operate as fraternities.”

Lambda Chi Alpha was so concerned about the permitting issue that none of the frat boys bothered to show up to the hearing. Cal Poly’s input was also noticeably missing, as it is with most of the fraternity-based issues that come before the city. It might be the city’s No. 1 complaint when it comes to these Greek life issues.

It definitely was SLO resident Steve Walker’s.

“Where is Cal Poly? Absent from this conversation, and the city continues to bend to Cal Poly’s will,” he told commissioners. “They need to have a fraternity situation on campus.”

“We’ve consistently been told by fraternity members … that, ‘You’re not welcome in this neighborhood, you don’t belong here,’” he added.

I’m not sure that the city has a choice. Can it force Cal Poly to house all of its students on campus?

But what happens to the frats that lose their city permits? Are they still recognized by the university? The answer appears to be yes. Three frat houses that lost their permits last year— Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, and Delta Upsilon—are still listed on the university’s Greek life website under the Interfraternity Council.

I guess the only downsides are that you don’t have to pay the city thousands of dollars in permitting fees anymore, and you don’t get to “officially” host big events at the house. Unofficially, you’re golden!

Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) did have members show up to the hearing—and a rabbi, who voiced his support for the students to keep their cultural gathering space.

Their partying disturbances have diminished over the last couple of years, chapter President Joshua Pinsky told commissioners. After receiving 13 citations in one academic year, it dropped down to just two, he said. Just two, huh?

Speak up!

I wonder what your neighbors have to say about that. AEPi’s probably disturbed the peace more than twice.

The Jewish frat has also experienced antisemitism over the years, unfortunately, including an alleged incident that happened in February where some drunk asshats in a giant pickup truck yelled slurs at frat house residents and things got physical. Rabbi Micah Hyman of Congregation Beth David asked the commission to think about the “intense situation within our Jewish community.”

“Our support from our general community is one of fellowship and partnership, and we want to continue that as much as possible,” Hyman said.

Revoking the frat permit isn’t going to diminish the support that Jewish students receive within and from the community. And as Commissioner Eric Tolle put it, no one gets special treatment when it comes to city rules and regulations. To be human is to err and to pay for your errors.

“I understand the whole cultural place to practice your traditions and all that. I think it’s great, but at the end of the day, everyone’s treated the same,” he said. “Cal Poly doesn’t provide an on-campus space for this type of activity, so therefore, you’re subject to the city laws and ordinances.” Ooh! Another Cal Poly dig! ∆

The Shredder might be a boomer. Send millennial vibes to shredder@ newtimesslo.com.

Hot Dates

ARTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS “PACIFIC LIGHT” AN OIL PAINTING GROUP SHOW “Pacific Light” features fine art oil paintings by Joan Brown, Carol Astaire, and Patricia Newton in Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS CARY LARSON-MCKAY, EXHIBITING MIXED MEDIA SMALL

WORKS See mixed media small works by Cary Larson-McKay, watercolor, collage, and more in the Craft Atelier Space in Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS TERESA FERGUSON, FINE

ART PHOTOGRAPHY Central Coast photographer Teresa Ferguson exhibits majestic landscapes of the central coast in the Upper Gallery at Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29,

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS: GRANT KREINBERG & LORA SALVADOR, PHOTOGRAPHY

Discover a fine art photography exhibition by Grant Kreinberg & Lora Salvador in the Upper Gallery in Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

OTHER DESERT CITIES Set in Palm Springs in 2004, Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz centers on the wealthy, politically conservative Wyeth family.

See in play out on stage at By The Sea Productions. March 20 7 p.m., March 21 7 p.m. and March 22 3 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

SUCCULENT MUSHROOM WORKSHOP

Join us at Cambria Nursery for a hands-on Mosaic Pot Workshop. March 21 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $40. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

DEPRISE BRESCIA ART GALLERY: ONGOING DISPLAYS Features a large selection of encaustic art, sculpted paintings, art installations, acrylic palette knife paintings, digital art, glass, jewelry, stones, fossils, and a butterfly sculpture garden. ongoing DepriseBrescia.com. Deprise Brescia Art Gallery, 829 10th St., Paso Robles, (310) 621-7543.

DON’T TELL COMEDY SHOW Secret comedians. No spoilers. Enjoy wine, dinner, and big laughs at the first tasting room comedy night with Don’t Tell Comedy. March 21 6:30-9:30 p.m. $30. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

FIELDWORK WORKSHOP - OPEN

STUDIO Join us every Tuesday for our community workshop! Bring your creative projects, meet fellow makers, and get inspired. No pressure, just creativity, good vibes, and snacks. Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. $15. fieldworkart. org. Fieldwork, 4307 El Camino Real, Atascadero, (971) 645-2481.

GEL PLATE PRINTMAKING

WORKSHOP Gel plate printing is the perfect way to rediscover your playful side and go home with something beautiful and handmade! March 20 , 6:30-8:30 p.m. $100. (805) 423-5906. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, studiosonthepark.org.

MEET THE ARTIST JUAN FUENTES

Juan Fuentes, a linocut artist, will be at the Pocket to share his work with you. March 28 2-5 p.m. (805) 440-7152. juanrfuentes.com. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FEATURING

JOE SCHWARTZ Join us for a photography exhibit featuring Joe Schwartz’s compassionate images capturing everyday people, cultural diversity, and quiet human connection, inspiring reflection and empathy. March 21 1-3 p.m. and March 22 , 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org. Awakening Ways

POURS AND PAIRINGS

A Progressive Pour Party will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at McPrice Myers Wine Company in Paso Robles. There will be two tasting experiences, in celebration of the company’s new spring release, along with seasonal bites by 805 Coastal Kitchen and live music by local group Five Parts Devil. Tickets are $40. For additional information, head to mcpricemyers.com.

—Angie Stevens

Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.

SILVER SAND CASTING WORKSHOP

WITH BRAD GOLDEN Experience the thrill of transforming molten silver into wearable art and leave with a finished sterling silver piece of your own creation! March 28 12:30-3:30 p.m. $175. (805) 423-5906. Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles, studiosonthepark.org.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

65TH ANNUAL FINE ARTS AWARDS –LIVE STUDENT COMPETITION Celebrate the creativity and talent of local high school students at the 65th Annual Fine Arts Awards, presented by The Monday Club. March 22 1-3 p.m. Free. themondayclubslo.org/event-6402099. The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0594.

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/gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BENEFIT PREVIEW PERFORMANCE OF WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF SLO REP will host a preview performance of the Tony Award-winning play to benefit AAUW Atascadero scholarships and other programs. March 26 7-10 p.m. $50. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

BUILD A JUNKBOT WORKSHOP

WITH JUNKGIRLS Build a one-of-akind JunkBot using vintage and found objects like gears, keys, and metal bits. Assemble, customize and name your robot. March 28 $110. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.

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.

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CONJURING WONDER—MAGIC: UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH DENNIS KYRIAKOS AT HOTEL SLO Hotel San Luis Obispo welcomes Conjuring Wonder, Magic: Up-Close and Personal, an immersive evening of illusion featuring master magician Dennis Kyriakos. March 28 , 6-9 p.m. $115. conjuringwonder.com. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.

CREATIVE KIDS: PRINTMAKING Join us for a fun one-time printmaking class! March 25 4-5 p.m. $25. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides

for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma. org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. INTRODUCTION TO MONOPRINTING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn monoprinting with Gelli plates using acrylic paint, botanicals, stencils, and found objects to create unique textured prints for collage, journaling, cards, or framed art. March 21 , 2-4:30 p.m. $95. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com. KIDS CLAY: CHECKMATE CLASS Kids sculpt clay chess pieces in a threesession pottery series: two building classes, one glazing. Bring a chessboard. Includes kiln firing gap week! Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. through March 30 $100. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

MEMORY LANE COLLAGING CLASS Let’s have some fun and take a walk down memory lane. Receive step-by-step instructions for creating a memorable vintage collage. March 21 12-4 p.m. $45. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics. com/book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age.

PHOTO

Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

$40. Familyfriendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance.

Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN

MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

TEEN NIGHT POTTERY IS LIVE Join Teen Night Pottery, for ages 14 and over. Teens will be taught to throw on the potters wheel, sculpt, or paint a pot. Snacks will be provided. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $35. (805) 896-6197. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

This timeless drama challenges audiences to confront the complexities of love, communication, and the human desire for connection, making it a profoundly unforgettable experience. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through April 12 $28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AS YOU LIKE IT AGHS Theatre Company presents As You Like It. March 27 7-9:15 p.m., March 28 , 7-9 p.m. and March 29 2-4 p.m. $17. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Pioneer Valley High School Center Stage Theatre and Dance Company presents Fiddler on the Roof. March 26 , 7-9 p.m., March 27, 7-9 p.m. and March 28 , 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. $25.50$30.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/ home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

“FEATHERS AND FEDORAS” SPEAKEASY GALA BENEFITTING LOS OSOS CARES Enjoy this costume gala, with red carpet-photographed entry, nohost cocktail bar, gourmet appetizers and desserts, and a silent and live auction.

The movie Chicago will follow at 5:45 p.m. March 23 4:30-8 p.m. $25. (805) 5922701. LosOsosCares.com. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

BOAT AMERICA CLASS The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering this class for all boaters in need of the mandated California Boater Card. Contact Bob Smirl at the phone number provided. March 25 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $30. (805) 225-7930. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, morro-bay.ca.us.

CENTRAL COAST UECHI-RYU KARATEDO Uechi-Ryu Karate-do is a traditional form of karate originating from Okinawa, Japan. Focus is on fitness, flexibility, and self-defense with emphasis on self -growth, humility, and respect. Open to ages 13 to adult. Beginners and experienced welcome. Instructor with 50 years experience. For info, call 805-215-8806. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, 772-6278, morro-bay.ca.us.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS

MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

CRYSTAL CLARITY

A Crystal Clarity Sound Bath experience will take place inside Mystic Nature in Nipomo, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., on Friday, March 20. The therapeutic sound of singing bowls and drums will invite participants into deep relaxation. Tickets range from $23.97 to $33.98 at my805tix.com.

GREENSPACE SPEAKER SERIESCULTIVATING CONSERVATION: THE WORK AND IMPACT OF THE UPPER SALINAS- LAS TABLAS RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Join Greenspace for an inspired Speaker Series with executive director Drew Loganbill and conservation steward and ecologist Brian Keeley to learn about your local RCD. March 22 , 4-6 p.m. $10. (805) 927-2866. Unitarian Universalist Community of Cambria, 786 Arlington St., Cambria.

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

march 13 ~ April 25 th th

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BALANCE FLOW Suitable for all levels. This class is meant to benefit the mindbody connection while emphasizing safe and effective alignment as well as breath awareness and relaxation. Please call to register in advance. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $16-$22; $50 membership. (805) 434-9605. ttrtennis.com/fitness/ yoga/. Templeton Tennis Ranch, 345 Championship Lane, Templeton.

COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT

FEATURING HIDDEN FIGURES Enjoy this community movie night featuring Hidden Figures , celebrating courage, unity, and perseverance. Freely offered gathering with refreshments, reflection, and meaningful connection. All are welcome. March 27 6-8:30 p.m. Free. awakeningways.org. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero, (805) 391-4465.

CRAFT*ER*NOON BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft) to our Sunday Afternoons of Crafting! Grab your unfinished projects and your bestie and join us. March 22 1-5 p.m. Free. (805) 591-7003. stilsoncellars. com. Stilson Cellars, 1005 Railroad Street, Suite 2, Paso Robles.

GUIDED MEDITATION WITH KAREN LEARY AT AWAKENING WAYS Experience guided meditations every Wednesday evening in a supportive space. Connect with your inner self and discover peace, healing, and self-awareness. Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways. org. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.

HAMBLY LAVENDER FARM GUIDED EXPERIENCE This one-hour walk about the farm immerses you in the processes of growing, harvesting, and drying this fragrant herb. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m. my805tix.com. Hambly Farms, 1390 Grana Place, San Miguel.

PASO FOOD CO-OP STARTUP MONTHLY ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING All are welcome to this grassroots startup food cooperative. Enjoy food and better access to local products. March 25 6-7 p.m. (805) 712-7410 text. Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles.

ROOTS TO WINGS Join the annual fundraiser that benefits Santa Lucia School in Templeton. There will be food, a raffle, and luxury auction items. March 29 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $100. (805) 4342217. santaluciaschool.org. McPhee’s Grill, 416 S. Main St., Templeton.

SOUND BATH AND WINE SOCIAL Start your day surrounded by the beautiful sounds of chimes, crystal bowls, harps, and gongs from Anthony and Josh Allesmith. March 21 , 10-11:30 a.m. $45. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT AND STARGAZING

Experience guided stargazing with telescopes, exploring planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. This is a family-friendly event with a night sky tour and and telescope viewing. March 21 , 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. THE BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT INAUGURAL EVENT The Beautiful Movement is a celebration of liberalism and democracy, featuring speakers, games, live music and more! Come and let’s save this sinking ship! March 21 , 12-4 p.m. Free. Gazebo Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos ST, San Luis obispo, (805) 781-7306, slocountyband.org.

BOOK DRIVE FOR RAISING A READER Head to this book drive to collect new and gently loved English, Spanish, and Bilingual books for infants and toddlers through 3rd grade readers. March 23 2-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 712-1224. themondayclubslo.org/event-6541299. The Monday Club San Luis Obispo, 1815 Monterey St,, San Luis Obispo.

CEREMONY SKATE SHOP

ANNIVERSARY SHOW March 28 , 3 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. Ceremony Skate Shop, 1235 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CIRQUE KALABANTÉ Afrique en Cirque fuses Guinean culture, acrobatics, and live Afro-Jazz, with dazzling feats, human pyramids, and music on kora and percussion celebrating strength and agility. March 20, 7:30 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ cirque-kalabante. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 13

www.AmericanMelodrama.com SHOW TIMES

Just as young noble Jane is

Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The

witch's

Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!

Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!

Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!

Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot,

a treacherous island. But here's the real question: her bridal gown for a swashbuckling riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!

and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX

JUNE 19-21

Eyes of Salt - CenterpointDiscourage

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Irah Nox, Mark of the Altar, Ghostframe, Vicious SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Humdinger Brewing, SLO Rebel Heart Live

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 Blast and Brew, Atascadero

An Evening of Jazz with Genesys Project

SATURDAY, MARCH

The Motet w/ Michael Wilbur Of Moon Hooch

Rock, SLO

a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid. com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

KIPS AND FLIPS TUMBLING AND BARS CLINIC Build your skills at our Kips and Flips clinic! Even beginners can start working on the fundamentals of these intermediate skills. All levels welcome are, for ages 5 to 17 years. March 21 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com.

Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DOCENTS

ORIENTATION MEETING Mission SLO

Docents give free daily tours for visitors of all faiths. Orientation for new docentshelp share the special story of Mission SLO! Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 657/465-9182. missionslodocents. org/. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS Join Mended Hearts of San Luis Obispo for Empowering Monthly Meetings for Cardiovascular Patients. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. mendedhearts.org. French Hospital Copeland Health Education Pavilion, 3rd Floor, 1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo.

MOONLIGHT HOURS Since reopening in 2008, the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has offered free hours, Moonlight Hours, the third Thursday of each month. Experience the wonder and get more info at the link. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 544-KIDS. slocm.org/moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

NO KINGS III RALLY AND SIDEWALK

MARCH Join for the No Kings III rally and sidewalk march with speakers, music, booths, and fun for the whole family. March 28 , 10 a.m.-noon Free. San Luis Obispo County Courthouse, 1050 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (866) 2499475, slocourts.net.

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.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB

MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SPRING OPEN HOUSE Take advantage of this rare chance to set foot inside the mostly unrestored La Loma Adobe, part of which was constructed in 1782. There will be guided tours, outdoor displays, and light refreshments. March 29, 2-4 p.m. Free. facebook.com/search/ top?q=friends%20of%20la%20loma%20 adobe. La Loma Adobe, 1590 Lizzie St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 528-1066.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

CRYSTAL CLARITY SOUND “BATH” JOURNEY / NIPOMO Step into the luminous sanctuary of crystal and gemstone energy at Mystic Nature and take a gentle, nourishing journey through sacred sounds while nestled among the crystals—an experience designed to support clarity, renewal, and intentional living. March 20, 6-7:30 p.m. $23.97$33.98. my805tix.com. Mystic Nature, 330 W. Tefft, Unit E, Nipomo.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE

FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

FILLED LOCAL A gathering for foster, adoptive, and kinship moms with a focus on connection, refreshment, teaching, and fun. March 20 5-9:15 p.m., March 21 , 9:30 a.m.-9:45 p.m. and March 22 , 1:30-4:30 p.m. $150. (805) 748-3628. filledretreat.com/filled-local. Calvary Chapel Arroyo Grande, 1133 Maple St, Arroyo Grande.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS

FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NO KINGS III RALLY GROVER BEACH

Join the peaceful No Kings sidewalk rally. Bring your creative signs and a voice to chant. March 28 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 260-4137. mobilize.us. No Kings Rally Grover Beach, Corner of Grande Ave and Oak Park Blvd, 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.

PONY PICTURES Take a photo with a pony at the Discovery Center. March 21 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 473-1421. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT AN ORPHANGE All proceeds from this three-day silent auction support an orphanage in Kenya--buying school uniforms, paying tuitions, hiring tutors and purchasing computers. March 27, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., March 28 , 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and March 29 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Natural Toolbox, Suite 127, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, Pismo Beach.

FOOD & DRINK

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MORRO BAY MAIN STREET FARMERS

MARKET Get fresh and veggies, fruit, baked goods, sweets, and handmade artisan crafts. Come have some fun with your local farmers and artisans and enjoy delicious eats while enjoying the fresh breeze of Morro Bay. Saturdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Varies. (805) 824-7383. morrobayfarmersmarket.com. Morro Bay Main Street Farmers Market, Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS AT CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us every Friday for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities at the Pizza Nook at Cambria Pines Lodge! Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Sept. 25 Free. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

CENTRAL COAST

BEAVER FESTIVAL

CELEBRATING PASO’S UNIQUE

VARIETIES Join for the third annual Alternative Tastes Wine Fest, a celebration of Paso Robles’ rare and remarkable grape varieties. March 28, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

$66.12-$92.90. my805tix.com. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

Parts Devil. March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

$40. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com.

McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

RHONE RANGERS EXPERIENCE

Celebrate Spring with the Rhone Rangers! 80 wineries from throught the USA with your favorite Rhone varietals and blends. March 21 1:30-4 p.m. $65. (800) 467-0163. rhonerangers.org. Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

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3RD THURSDAY GAME NIGHT SERIES & HAPPIER HOUR Join us every Third Thursday for Game Night and Happier Hour. There are many games to choose from., and $2 off glasses of wine and $1 off mocktails. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines. com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

CLUB CAR BAR TRIVIA WITH DR. RICKY

Teams of one to six people welcome. Visit site for more info. Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

TACO TUESDAYS La Parilla Taqueria will be in the courtyard serving up their delicious tacos and tostadas. Menu typically includes barbacoa, chicken, and pastor tacos, as well as shrimp ceviche tostadas. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com.

Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

TASTE OF TIN CITY WALKING TOUR

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food. Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

CLUB SUPSUP Check out the Central Coast’s newest pop-up dinner experience the last Wednesday of every month. Last Wednesday of every month, 6-9 p.m. $125. (310) 692-0046. clubsupsup.com/. Kindred Oak Farm, 1250 Paint Horse Plaza, Paso Robles.

PASO FOOD CO-OP MONTHLY MEETING

All welcome. Get involved and help spread the word about the co-op. Tell a friend, associate, or neighbor. Meet in the Community Room at Oak Creek Commons near Pat Butler Elementary School. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. pasofoodcooperative.com. Oak Creek

Enjoy the first ever walking tour of Tin City – an industrial area just outside of downtown Paso Robles – that is home to a community of innovative and passionate producers of high-quality wines, spirits, beer, and more. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $125. (805) 400-3141. toasttours.com/tour/ tin-city-walking-tour/. Toast Tours, 1722 Stillwater Ct, Paso Robles.

ZINFEST WEEKEND GRAND TASTING

2026 Your ticket includes wine tasting of the 46 West Member wineries and light bites during the event at the Castoro event hall. Tickets are for the grand tasting event on Friday only. March 20 4-7 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, (805) 238-0725.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY MEATLESS MEETUP! This is the first in a series of restaurant visits. March 23 6-8 p.m. $25. (805) 204-6821. facebook. com/events/2399684067130760. Klondike Pizza (Arroyo Grande), 104 Bridge Street, Arroyo Grande.

PACIFIC POURS Join on our oceanfront

Arts

Fun-draiser

Standup comedian, actor, writer, and director Demetri

Martin performs at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, March 28 (7:30 p.m.; ages 5 and older but parental discretion is advised; $52 to $97 at pacslo.org), as a Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa fundraiser to benefit local youth charities.

Martin has appeared in films such as Analyze That, The Rocker, Taking Woodstock and others, and TV series such as Flight of the Conchords, House of Lies, and We Bare Bears and many more.

“Demetri won the Perrier Award at the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh for his one-man show, If I,” organizers announced.

“At the Melbourne International Comedy festival, his show Dr. Earnest Parrot Presents Demetri

Martin won Australia’s Barry Award. Demetri has released three stand-up comedy albums and four hour-long stand-up comedy specials, including his latest for Netflix, The Overthinker.”

His books This Is a Book and Point Your Face at This are New York Times bestsellers. His latest, If It’s Not Funny It’s Art is a collection of his original drawings. In fact, he often uses a large pad of paper to draw during his stand-up shows, which feature one-liners and his live music.

Happy Birthday, Flo

To celebrate her 85th birthday, San Luis Obispo artist Flo Bartell is displaying through March 29 a new collection of paintings called Color Play in Los Osos’ Costa Gallery. The new series “focuses on deep, saturated colors using the ancient art form of encaustic’s materials and techniques,” the gallery announced. “She uses beeswax, pigment, and resin, with applied heat to create her fascinating treasures. The result is a supple and durable surface, best enjoyed in person.”

These paintings represent her most colorful work in years.

“Now, after more than a decade of working primarily in cream, gray, and black, I feel an urgent need to return to strong, rich colors,” she said. “I want to see my favorites—red, coral, teal, and citrus green—melt in my pans and ooze from my brushes. I’m also ready to take a break from heavily content-focused work to enjoy a period of play in my studio.

“Creating this small collection of abstracted fantasy landscapes, sunsets, and seascapes brings joy and a much needed, refreshing break from too much intention,” Bartell added. “I’m grateful to Costa Gallery for making this showcase possible.”

The Costa Gallery is at 2087 10th St., open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Contact at mjcosta.alo.com or call (559) 799-9632. Δ Glen Starkey

BY MADISON WHITE

On the scene

A Central Coast artist paints today’s landscapes for tomorrow’s remembrance

When Katy Smith tells people she’s going painting in Orcutt, she gets puzzled looks in return.

“They’re like, ‘Where do you paint in Orcutt?’ As if there’s not something here to paint,” Smith said. “There are so many beautiful places in Orcutt to paint, and you just have to stop long enough and take it in and realize how pretty it is where we live.”

Often people’s next thought is that she must be painting a sandy saltwater scene, which is pretty, Smith admitted, but so are the other sites she scouts.

Her 9-by-12-inch pieces are done in plein air, all in one sitting, because Smith feels “it’s just not very inspiring” to paint inside a studio. One Thursday morning in March, Smith and a friend painted at the corner of Hummel Drive and Foster Road in Orcutt near the Richards Ranch site. There was a light breeze, and the birds were chirping.

One of her goals is to paint scenes that may soon disappear, like Mud Lake, a neighborhood basin that may be developed into a soccer complex, Smith said. But her latest project is documenting the pre-development landscape at Richards Ranch in Orcutt, a controversial housing and commercial project that moved forward through the county last year. Smith and fellow artists go to the site periodically with their canvases and paints, not to take a side on the matter but to record scenes that may not be visible in the future.

“It’s been quite the controversial subject here in Orcutt, so we’ve been going over and paint[ing] there for the last eight months to try and capture the views of the beautiful eucalyptus groves and trails and such that are in that area before it’s gone,” Smith said.

The artist said 99 percent of her work is done with oils out in the field after scouting locations at different times of the day to find the perfect lighting. Landscape paintings are the “pinnacle of art” in her eyes. Smith revels in experiencing nature in the moment through her creative process.

While it’s still here

To view and purchase paintings by Katy Smith, visit her website katysmithartist.com. She’s active on Instagram @katy_smith_artist and Facebook @katysmithartist. Find her work at Art Center Morro Bay, Costa Gallery in Los Osos, and Orcutt’s Steller’s Cellar.

On top of the seasons changing, Smith’s paintings of Richards Ranch also depict the start of the stoplight installation at Hummel Drive and Union Valley Parkway. Now that construction has started, it’s not as peaceful. Smith said that after more than a dozen completed paintings, her project is nearing its end.

“I want to make sure that the images are preserved of what the area looked like before we change them, … from being just a natural environment to putting high-density housing or tearing out all the trees,” Smith said.

“I get to focus in on all those little details,” Smith said, “and really feel the location and be able to put that on canvas and take it home with me.”

To start her plein air mornings, the painter brings her breakfast and a Frappuccino on a stroll while she picks her subject. Passersby often stop to chat with Smith because it’s unusual to see someone painting outside in Orcutt.

One of her favorite parts of the job is meeting others from the community that she loves so much. Some are artists themselves or enthusiasts who are curious about Smith’s work, often glad she’s recording the natural landscape before it’s gone.

Her next step is toning the canvas. Then she jumps right in, unlike some painters who sketch and conduct a color study before putting brush to canvas.

“Most of the time it works out,” Smith said. “I feel like I have a pretty high percentage of paintings that I’m happy with when I’m done with them.”

Smith shows her work at Steller’s Cellar in Orcutt, the Wine Merchant Café in Los Olivos, Art Center Morro Bay, and Costa Gallery in Los Osos, which was a gallery she joined when she first pursued art professionally after raising her four children.

“I always knew that there was an artist in there, I just hadn’t put the time into it,” Smith said.

After a career teaching elementary school, Smith started to lead art lessons out of her home. She taught all kinds of media including animation, claymation, graphite drawing, and watercolors. She learned everything as she went, which was how she rediscovered her love for painting around eight years ago.

It began with watercolors. A friend asked Smith to teach her daughter watercolor painting, so Smith bought her first set of watercolors at the craft store and ended up falling in love with it.

Soon after, she visited a gallery in Old Orcutt, which she said doesn’t exist anymore.

“I wanted to see a watercolor painting in person because I didn’t know what they were supposed to look like and wanted to make sure I was doing it right before I taught this class,” the artist said.

A gallery attendant invited Smith to show her work there, but the new painter couldn’t believe it.

“I laughed at her and told her that I wouldn’t be doing that because I just started painting this week,” Smith recalled.

Nearly every day for the next year Smith worked on her paintings. She said the gallery encounter inspired her to continue growing as an artist, and she sought to learn a new skill on every canvas. Through YouTube videos, online courses, and self-evaluation, Smith charted her path toward becoming a professional artist.

The first piece she offered to the world was completed in the spring of 2020. She was confident the painting of Old Orcutt Market would sell. A few hours after posting it on Facebook she received three offers.

Since then, she’s made many more paintings and learned a lot more about being a professional artist. It’s all-consuming, she said, and everywhere she goes she’s thinking about putting a certain scene onto her canvas.

On the day in March that she painted the intersection of Hummel and Foster, Smith had a painting in her car ready to ship out to a buyer. It was a piece from the Richards Ranch series. The buyer went to high school with Smith, but he’d since moved out of the state.

He wanted the painting because he remembered riding his bike through Richards Ranch to school, before there were any plans to turn the land into anything else. ∆

Reach Sun Staff Writer Madison White, from New Times’ sister paper,

SELF-TAUGHT Orcutt artist Katy Smith is known for plein air paintings of California landscapes. One of her most recent projects was documenting the natural environment before development at Richards Ranch.

PHOTOS BY PIETER SAAYMAN

JUMP RIGHT IN A few hours is usually all it takes for Katy Smith to finish a 9-by-12-inch painting.

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Creative chaos

PHOTO

SPECIAL SPRING EVENTS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

“FEATHERS AND FEDORAS” SPEAKEASY GALA BENEFITTING

LOS OSOS CARES

Enjoy this costume gala, with red carpetphotographed entry, no-host cocktail bar, gourmet appetizers and desserts, and a silent and live auction. The movie Chicago will follow at 5:45 p.m. March 23 , 4:30-8 p.m. $25. (805) 592-2701. LosOsosCares.com. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

2026 CRUISIN’ MORRO BAY CAR

SHOW April 30 5-8 p.m., May 1 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and May 2 , 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $95. my805tix.com. Downtown Morro Bay, Inquire for address, Morro Bay.

BOAT AMERICA CLASS The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering this class for all boaters in need of the mandated California Boater Card. Contact Bob Smirl at the phone number provided. March 25 , 8 a.m.3:30 p.m. $30. (805) 225-7930. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, morro-bay.ca.us.

EARTH DAY CLEANUP Join MBNEP for our annual Earth Day cleanup! Meet at the Centennial Parkway to pick up trash around the Embarcadero. April 22 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free. eventbrite. com. Centennial Parkway, Front Street, Morro Bay, N/A.

EASTER BRUNCH IN THE GARDEN

Enjoy a delightful Easter Brunch in the Garden at Cambria Pines Lodge, where lush greenery and blooming flowers create a picturesque backdrop for your celebration! April 5 12-3 p.m. $58. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

GREENSPACE SPEAKER SERIESCULTIVATING CONSERVATION: THE WORK AND IMPACT OF THE UPPER SALINAS- LAS TABLAS RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Join Greenspace for an inspired Speaker Series with executive director Drew Loganbill and conservation steward and ecologist Brian Keeley to learn about your local RCD. March 22 , 4-6 p.m. $10. (805) 927-2866. Unitarian Universalist Community of Cambria, 786 Arlington St., Cambria.

LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY

YACHT CLUB!

Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.

SLO CONNECTED 2026 Join for an evening of connection honoring healing, accountability, and second chances through powerful storytelling, shared dinner, and community. April 11 4-8 p.m. $75$100. (805) 439-0832. thekidcat.org. South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY

The Waterfront Market returns for its 9th summer season in Morro Bay. This open-air market features over 30 local vendors from SLO County. May

23 -25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., June 6 -7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., June 20 -21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., July 3 -5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., July 18 -19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 15-16 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 5-7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Oct. 3-4 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 402-9437. facebook. com/waterfrontmarketmorrobayca. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS AT CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us every Friday for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities at the Pizza Nook at Cambria Pines Lodge! Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Sept. 25 Free. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

13TH ANNUAL BREW AT THE ZOO! Sample craft beers, distilled spirits, ciders, seltzers, wine and more. Enjoy an entertainment line-up with live music and contests, including the Hula Hoop Contest, Costume Contest,

and Dance Contest! Sept. 12 , 5-8 p.m. $50.05-$60.76. my805tix.com. Central Coast Zoo, 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero.

2026 ALTERNATIVE TASTES WINE FEST: CELEBRATING PASO’S UNIQUE VARIETIES Join for the third annual Alternative Tastes Wine Fest, a celebration of Paso Robles’ rare and remarkable grape varieties. March 28 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $66.12-$92.90. my805tix.com. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

21ST ANNUAL PASO PINOT AND PAELLA FESTIVAL The Paso Pinot & Paella Festival celebrates the

exceptional Pinot Noirs produced in our region, paired with paella prepared by talented local chefs and restaurants. June 7 2-5 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. Templeton Park, 550 Crocker St., Templeton.

3RD THURSDAY GAME NIGHT SERIES & HAPPIER HOUR Join us every Third Thursday for Game Night and Happier Hour. There are many games to choose from., and $2 off glasses of wine and $1 off mocktails. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines. com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWNSLO

--Dave Congalton

Beaver brigade

ATASCADERO CITYWIDE YARD SALE

Head to the 9th Annual Atascadero Citywide Yard sale to shop for treasures or sell your stuff! More than 120 sales will be held all over town at homes and businesses. April 18, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and April 19 8 a.m.-noon Free. atascaderoyardsale.com. Atascadero Community Center, 5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero, (805) 470-3360.

BEATS AND BRASS Enjoy live music, dinner, and auction event benefiting SLOHS and Laguna Middle School bands, with the headliner, Brass Mash. April 11 4-8 p.m. $125. slotigerband.org. Riata Ranch Santa Margarita, 6180 West Pozo Road, Santa Margarita.

COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT

FEATURING HIDDEN FIGURES Enjoy this community movie night featuring Hidden Figures celebrating courage, unity, and perseverance. Freely offered gathering with refreshments, reflection, and meaningful connection. All are welcome. March 27, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. awakeningways. org. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero, (805) 391-4465.

EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICE AT AWAKENING WAYS CSL

Celebrate Easter with familyfriendly fun, including a kids’ Easter egg hunt and activities with Sonia, and festive Easter bonnets during our Sunday Gathering. April 5 , 10-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org. Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero.

FARMER’S MARKETPLACE “SIP & SHOP” Joining forces with FARMstead ED SLO County Farm Trail, we are celebrating Earth Day with a good ol’ fashioned farmer’s market featuring local growers. April 26 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Cass Winery, 7350 Linne Road, Paso Robles.

HARMONIOUS PAIRINGS Enjoy wines thoughtfully paired with seasonal bites by our Estate Chef Bryan Mathers, each crafted to complement pieces by talented musicians of the SLO Symphony. May 10 , 6-7:30 p.m. $125-$150. (805) 286-4028. exploretock.com. Parrish Family Vineyard, 3590 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles.

HOPS & VINES Sip ONX wines and BarrelHouse beers while sharing

three-cheese mac and cheese, roasted herb chicken, and blackened tri-tip. April 18 , 6 p.m. $140. (805) 4345607. onxwines. com. ONX Wines, 2910 Limestone Way, Paso Robles.

ARTS

McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

ROOTS TO WINGS

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

FEATURING JOE SCHWARTZ

Join us for a photography exhibit featuring Joe Schwartz’s compassionate images capturing everyday people, cultural diversity, and quiet human connection, inspiring reflection and empathy. March 21 , 1-3 p.m. and March 22 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 391-4465. awakeningways.org. Awakening Ways Center for Spiritual Living, 7350 El Camino Real, Ste. 101, Atascadero.

A PROGRESSIVE POUR PARTY

Join for a celebratory party showcasing the full breadth of our Spring Release, complete with live music by local favorites Five Parts Devil. March 29 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $40. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers.com.

Join the annual fundraiser that benefits Santa Lucia School in Templeton. There will be food, a raffle, and luxury auction items. March 29 11:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. $100. (805) 434-2217. santaluciaschool.org. McPhee’s Grill, 416 S. Main St., Templeton.

SOUND BATH AND WINE SOCIAL

Start your day surrounded by the beautiful sounds of chimes, crystal bowls, harps, and gongs from Anthony and Josh Allesmith. March 21, 10-11:30 a.m. $45. (805) 237-1245. mcpricemyers. com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

TRAFFIC JAM VINTAGE & HANDMADE POP UP MARKET There will be over 25 vendors, along with food, music, and vibes, located in the lot behind the shops on Traffic Way (behind Golden State Goods). Third Sunday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Dec. 20 Free. (805) 464-

2564. trafficjamvintagemarket.com. Golden State Goods, 5880 Traffic Way, Atascadero.

WILDFLOWER CENTURY The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club presents our annual Wildflower Century. We offer challenging 35, 50, 65, 80, and 100 mile routes. April 18, 7 a.m. $120. slobc. org. 2026 Wildflower Century, 5105 Odonovan Rd, Creston, (805) 457-5810.

ZINFEST WEEKEND GRAND

TASTING 2026 Your ticket includes wine tasting of the 46 West Member wineries and light bites during the event at the Castoro event hall. Tickets are for the grand tasting event on Friday only. March 20 , 4-7 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Castoro Cellars, 1315 N. Bethel Rd., Templeton, (805) 238-0725.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

40TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Immerse yourself in the most authentic festival, where an Elizabethan village comes to life with vibrant characters dressed in period attire. July 18 -19

$44.69. my805tix.com. Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

4TH ANNUAL SLO BEAVER FESTIVAL The Beaver Festival will feature live music, guest speakers, informational booths, food and beverage vendors, kids’ crafts and games, and more! April 11 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 464-1255. slobeaverbrigade.com. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

65TH ANNUAL FINE ARTS AWARDS – LIVE STUDENT COMPETITION Celebrate the creativity and talent of local high school students at the 65th Annual Fine Arts Awards, presented by The Monday Club. March 22 1-3 p.m. Free. themondayclubslo.org/ event-6402099. The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-0594.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT AND STARGAZING Experience guided stargazing with telescopes, exploring planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. This is a family-friendly event with a night sky tour and and telescope viewing. March 21 , 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San

3450

Luis Obispo Botanical Garden,

Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

The fourth annual Central Coast Beaver Festival will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo. Learn from keynote speakers and informational booths, and enjoy bites from Sichuan Kitchen, along with live music and kids’ crafts and games. Visit slobeaverbrigade.com for additional information about the free, family-friendly event. —A.S.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTANY APP

A perfect blend

THE BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT

INAUGURAL EVENT The Beautiful Movement is a celebration of liberalism and democracy, featuring speakers, games, live music and more! Come and let’s save this sinking ship!

March 21 , 12-4 p.m. Free. Gazebo Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos ST, San Luis obispo, (805) 781-7306, slocountyband.org.

CENTRAL COAST JEWISH

HERITAGE FESTIVAL A free, family-friendly cultural festival celebrating Jewish heritage with live music, cultural exhibits, food, vendors, and children’s activities at Mitchell Park in SLO. May 17 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. centralcoastjewishheritagefestival. com. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

CEREMONY SKATE SHOP

ANNIVERSARY SHOW March 28 , 3 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. Ceremony Skate Shop, 1235 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FUNCTION AT OCTAGON BARN

Enjoy community fun, dancing, a sound plunge, organic snacks &

BBQ appetizers, prizes, and more. April 4 , 6-9 p.m. $30. my805tix.com. Octagon Barn, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 459-9584.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: A SPRING BENEFIT FOR CASA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Your ticket includes drinks, appetizers, live music, inspirational speakers, and more. All proceeds will directly benefit CASA’s mission to advocate for children in foster care. April 18 4-5:30 p.m. $50. (805) 546-2404. slocasa.org/casaevents/. The Carrisa, 736 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

LIVE OAK 2026 The Live Oak Music Festival is returning to El Chorro Regional Park! Enjoy a weekend of music, art, camping, activities, and community. There will be three stages, featuring bluegrass, soul, Americana, world music, and more. June 19 -21 $58.37-$224.35. liveoakfest.org/. El Chorro Regional Park, California 1, San Luis Obispo.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardeners of SLO County extend an invitation to the public to visit our demonstration garden. See what’s in bloom and learn something new. First Wednesday of every

month, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. through Sept. 2 Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr. edu. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

MAGICANS CLUB This is a non-profit club where magicians from the local areas meet, exchange, share magic ideas, and showoff. Last Monday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 720-1164. SLO Elks Club, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

NO KINGS III RALLY AND SIDEWALK MARCH Join for the No Kings III rally and sidewalk march with speakers, music, booths, and fun for the whole family. March 28 10 a.m.-noon Free. San Luis Obispo County Courthouse, 1050 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (866) 249-9475, slocourts.net.

PROJECT SCIENTIST ON NASA PUNCH MISSION COMING TO CAL POLY TO UNVEIL IMAGES OF SOLAR STORMS Project Scientist Sarah Gibson will be showing images

from PUNCH’s four small satellites that are now making global, 3D observations of the sun’s outer atmosphere as it transitions into the solar wind that fills the solar system. Come see the spectacular photos from the mission and learn about the huge eruptions from the sun that drive the recent auroras. April 8 7-10 p.m. Free. centralcoastastronomy. org/calendar/why-auroras-areappearing-in-new-places-learnabout-new-discoveries-from-nasaspunch-mission-on-april-8th/. Cal Poly Advanced Technologies Lab (ATL), 1 Grand Ave., building 007, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-1111.

SEEDS OF THE FUTURE Join for an afternoon featuring small bites, a nohost bar, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a 50/50 opportunity drawing. May 17 2-5 p.m. $12.56$55.40. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-1400.

SESAME STREET LIVE: ELMO’S

GOT THE MOVES Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves—the all-new Sesame Street Live show right here in San Luis Obispo! April 8 , 6-7:30 p.m. $37-$77. (805) 756-4849. pacslo. org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SIP ‘N’ SAUNTER Attendees can “Sip & Saunter” their way through downtown’s beautiful tree-lined streets, sampling some of the Central Coast’s finest food and drinks. May 3 , 12-4 p.m. downtownslo.com/events/ sip-n-saunter. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

SLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EXPO The annual Expo brings together more than 100 local exhibitors and puts them in front of 2,000 attendees in what has become the largest business tradeshow on the Central Coast. May 20 , 4-7 p.m. (805) 786-2774. slochamber.org/ events/expo-at-the-expo/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

SLO EARTHFEST 2026 SLO EarthFest inspires and empowers our community to take bold climate action through education,

connection, and celebration. April 18 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. sloearthfest. org. Santa Rosa Park, Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

SPRING FLING Join the SLO Bunny for their annual egg hunt at Meadow Park this spring. Please bring your own basket! April 4 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. slorecactivities.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP Join for a week of robotics, science, engineering, physics, education, and more! The camp is taught by real aerospace and mechanical engineers. Aug. 3-8 $697. (805) 242-8257. roboticsmastery.com. San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo.

THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH AT LIBERTINE That’s So Drag Brunch returns bigger and better than ever before! “We’ve been told we have the best drag brunches in California, and we are going to prove it with this one!” April 19 10 a.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARRISH FAMILY VINEYARD

WINE 4 PAWS WEEKEND TO BENEFIT WOODS HUMANE

SOCIETY Sip wine and save lives. Enjoy Wine 4 Paws Weekend, where more than 75 SLO County wineries will donate 10% of sales to Woods Humane Society. April 25 and April 26 (805) 801-6589. wine4paws.com/. Participating wineries, County-wide, SLO County.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

37TH ANNUAL EGG HUNT AND FESTIVAL Join the 37th Annual Egg Hunt and Festival at Elm Street Park. April 4 , 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 4735472. arroyogrande.org. Elm Street Park, 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande.

CRYSTAL CLARITY SOUND “BATH”

JOURNEY / NIPOMO Step into the luminous sanctuary of crystal and gemstone energy at Mystic Nature and take a gentle, nourishing journey through sacred sounds while nestled among the crystals—an experience designed to support clarity, renewal, and intentional living. March 20 6-7:30 p.m. $23.97-$33.98. my805tix. com. Mystic Nature, 330 W. Tefft, Unit E, Nipomo.

EGG-STRAVAGANZA This family friendly event includes egg hunts, bounce houses, cames, crafts, and more! April 4 , 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 773-7063. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.

FATHER’S DAY DANCE Join the Annual Father’s Day dance with a disco theme, featuring a live DJ, dinner and dessert, crafts, photo ops, and more! June 20 6-8:30 p.m. $50. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/rec. Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande.

MEATLESS MEETUP! This is the first in a series of restaurant visits. March 23 6-8 p.m. $25. (805) 204-6821. facebook.com/ events/2399684067130760. Klondike Pizza (Arroyo Grande), 104 Bridge Street, Arroyo Grande.

MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTY This beautiful event includes tea and lemonade, tea sandwiches, scones, dessert, music, crafts, photo ops, painting class, and more! May 10 1-3:30 p.m. $50. (805) 473-5472. https:/arroyogrande.org/rec. Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande.

NO KINGS III RALLY GROVER

BEACH Join the peaceful No Kings sidewalk rally. Bring your creative signs and a voice to chant. March 28 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 260-4137. mobilize.us. No Kings Rally Grover Beach, Corner of Grande Ave and Oak Park Blvd, Grover Beach.

OCEANFRONT EASTER BRUNCH

BUFFET Gather with family and friends, unwind by the sea, and celebrate the season in true Cliffs

style. Get details about the buffet and tickets at the link. April 5 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $55.40-$130.39. my805tix.com.

Spring ARTS 2026

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5000.

PACIFIC POURS Join on our oceanfront lawn, for an open-air afternoon of wine, unlimited tacos, and live music by the ocean. March 21 12-4 p.m. $55. (805) 773-1011. event.marriott.com. Vespera Resort, 147 Stimson Ave., Pismo Beach.

PONY PICTURES Take a photo with a pony at the Discovery Center. March 21 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 473-1421. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT AN ORPHANGE All proceeds from this three-day silent auction support an orphanage in Kenya--buying school uniforms, paying tuitions, hiring tutors and purchasing computers. March 27 10 a.m.-8 p.m., March 28 , 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and March 29 , 10 a.m.8 p.m. Free. Natural Toolbox, Suite 127, Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, Pismo Beach.

WILD ABOUT HARLOE: HARLOE ELEMENTARY TALENT SHOW

Come and see all of the talent that

Harloe Elementary Roadrunners have on display this year. April 2 , 4:30 & 7 p.m. $8. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

4TH ANNUAL WALK AND ROLL FOR INCLUSION AWARENESS EVENT

Help celebrate the strength and resilience of people with disabilities throughout Santa Barbara County! Walk-and-Roll is open to people of all ages and abilities. March 28 9:30 a.m.-noon $10-$25. (805) 566-9000. momentum4work.org. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

POETRY READING AND COMMUNITY ZINE WORKSHOP WITH JUAN FELIPE HERRERA Join the first Mexican American poet laureate of the nation Juan Felipe Herrera for a poetry reading and community zine workshop at Allan Hancock College. April 24 4-6 p.m. Free. (805) 922-6966 ext. 3474. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

29TH ANNUAL NEAL TAYLOR

NATURE CENTER FISH DERBY Join for the annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby at Lake Cachuma! Fun for all ages featuring more than $5000 in prizes, raffles, and more! April 18 -19, 6 a.m.-noon $10-$50. (805) 693-8381. troutderby.org/. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2265 CA-154, Cachuma Lake.

VISUAL ART Exhibits

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CALL OF THE WILD EXHIBIT The Call of the Wild exhibt embraces of energy, passion and freedom of the world around us in vivid, dynamic, or whimsical ways. June 25 - Aug. 3 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE MARCH 2026 FEATURED

ARTISTS See the seven new featured artists on display until the end of March. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com/. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

IN THE SHADOW EXHIBIT Artists have woven together the visual and emotional richness of shadow, from intimate and introspective studies

to bold, dramatic compositions that captivate and unsettle. Aug. 6 - Sept. 14 , 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. ORANGE CRUSH EXHIBIT Come to the gallery and explore the emotion of orange: the energy, heat, joy—expect to see diverse artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. May 14 -June 22 , 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

MEET THE ARTIST JUAN FUENTES Juan Fuentes, a linocut artist, will be at the Pocket to share his work with you. March 28 2-5 p.m. (805) 440-7152. juanrfuentes.com. Pocket Gallery on Pine, 8491/2 13th Street, Paso Robles.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

THE CHAIR AUCTION The LVAA presents The Chair Auction, a creative exhibition and monthlong silent auction where artists transform everyday chairs into unique works of art. April 2 -26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 737-1129. lompocart.org/events. Lompoc Valley Art Association (Cypress Gallery), 119 E. Cypress, Lompoc, CA.

VISUAL ART continued page 26

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

“BESTIES” ARTIST DEBBI GREEN

AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS APRIL

1- 30 Debbi Green has painted local farm animals, along with not-so-wild animals and birds in her solo exhibit at Gallery Los Olivos. MondaysSundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through April 30 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos. com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

“WHEN THE EARTH WHISPERS

BACK: NATURE’S HOPE” Woman

Painters West, an organization of juried professional woman artists (100 + years old) were invited to exhibit at this museum creating paintings that answered their theme. See 48 paintings juried from 100 entries on view at the museum. Through Sept. 16 Canatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

STAGE

Musicals

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BENEFIT PREVIEW PERFORMANCE OF WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF SLO REP will host a preview performance of the Tony Awardwinning play to benefit AAUW

Atascadero scholarships and other programs. March 26 , 7-10 p.m. $50. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Pioneer Valley High School Center Stage Theatre and Dance Company presents Fiddler on the Roof. March 26 , 7-9 p.m., March 27, 7-9 p.m. and March 28 , 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. $25.50$30.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

JUDKINS AND MESA MIDDLE SCHOOLS PRESENT: LION KING JR.

Experience the magic of the savanna in this unforgettable production of The Lion King JR., proudly presented by Judkins and Mesa Theater. May 15 , 7 p.m. and May 16 , 2 & 7 p.m. $17. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

Drama

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

OTHER DESERT CITIES Set in Palm Springs in 2004, “Other Desert Cities” by Jon Robin Baitz centers on the wealthy, politically conservative Wyeth family. See in play out on stage at By The Sea Productions. March 20 7 p.m., March 21 7 p.m. and March 22 3 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

Orange Crush

Dive into the heat, emotion, and energy of orange during the Orange Crush exhibit on display at Art Center Morro Bay, from Thursday, May 14, through Monday, June 22. Browse the diverse range of media, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations on view daily from noon to 4p.m. Visit artcentermorrobay.org for additional information.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AS YOU LIKE IT AGHS Theatre Company presents As You Like It. March 27, 7-9:15 p.m., March 28 7-9

p.m., March 29 2-4 p.m., April 2 , 7-9

p.m., April 3 7-9 p.m. and April 4 , 7-9

p.m. $17. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

Comedy

NORTH SLO COUNTY

DON’T TELL COMEDY SHOW Secret comedians. No spoilers. Enjoy wine, dinner, and big laughs at the first tasting room comedy night with Don’t Tell Comedy. March 21 , 6:30-9:30 p.m. $30. (805) 237-1245.

mcpricemyers.com. McPrice Myers Wine Company, 3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ATSUKO

OKATSUKA: THE BIG BOWL TOUR Known for her viral videos and one-of-a-kind humor, Atsuko Okatsuka is an award winning comedian now on tour, following her hit stand-up special, FATHER. April 22 , 7:30 p.m. calpolyarts.org/20252026season/atsuko-okatsuka. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ROB SCHNEIDER LIVE Saturday

Night Live alumni

Rob Schneider continues his worldwide standup tour at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande! April 4 , 7:30-9 p.m. $49$129. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

ROB SCHNEIDER: RESCUE HUSBAND

A stand-up comic and veteran of the award-winning NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider continues his world-wide standup tour. April 4, 7:30 p.m. $49-$129. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

STAND UP COMEDY AT GIAVANNI’S MARCH 28TH Giafunni’s continues to bring the comedy featuring nationally touring comics! We have Mikey M, Catie Housman and Taylor Glomstad, all regulars from the World Famous Comedy Store! March 28 8 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Giavanni’s Pizza, 1108 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, (805) 934-8555.

Dance

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CAL POLY’S SOUNDINGS WITH SWITCH ENSEMBLE Music technology and composition students partner with contemporary repertory dancers to create an

evening of original music and choreography in collaboration with visiting artists. May 28 -29, 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY THE SLEEPING BEAUTY BY INTERNATIONAL BALLET STARS

Classical Arts Entertainment Presents: The Sleeping Beauty by International Ballet Stars. Believe in magic again! May 4 , 7:30-9:45 p.m. $49.50-$64.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

—A.S.

IMAGE COURTESY OF LARRY KAPPEN

Go “Beyond the Notes” with these informative presentations. Michael E. Ruhling

The Creation is sponsored by Mark and Stephanie Fugate, Marti Lindholm, and Alison Stuart. Beyond the Notes is sponsored by the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust and Carol Nelson-Selby.

On the big screen

for Thursday, April

to Tuesday,

at slofilmfest2026.eventive.org.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

SPRING FLING DANCE Santa Maria

Valley Senior Citizens presents a Spring Fling dance, with the Riptide Big Band and vocalists. April 12 , 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

MUSIC

Classical, Chambers, & Choirs

NORTH SLO COUNTY

CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS:

“PIANO PALOOZA!” The Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra present a concert featuring Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with pianists Susan Davies and Ryan Hartzell. May 3 , 3 p.m. $22. (805) 546-3198. Templeton Performing Arts Center, 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.

CAL POLY OPEN HOUSE RECITAL

Hear both instrumentalist and vocalists from a variety of majors, who all are involved in at least one of the Music Department’s large, premier ensembles. April 11 2 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY STUDENT OPERA THEATRE PRESENTS ‘VENUS AND ADONIS’ AND ‘IN THE MARKET FOR LOVE’ See this operatic double bill, fully staged and costumed with a small ensemble orchestra, showing that love can be found in the strangest of ways. April 11 7:30 p.m. $12- $22. (805) 756-4849. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/opera/. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST GILBERT & SULLIVAN PRESENTS: THE SORCERER Central Coast Gilbert & Sullivan proudly presents “The Sorcerer”. This light opera, directed by Marcy Irving, will be accompanied by a local live professional orchestra. June 6 3 p.m. and June 7 3 p.m.

$30-$30. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA CHOIRS

CONCERT: “THE ROAD HOME” Join for an unforgettable evening as the Cuesta Chamber Singers and Voce explore the powerful connection between music, memory, and the places we belong. May 1 7:30 p.m. $10-$18. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA JAZZ ENSEMBLES

CONCERT Join for an evening sophistication and swing in our end of the (school) year jazz show, featuring the Cuesta big band. May 16 7:30 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE & SLO WIND ORCHESTRA: “A TAPESTRY OF WINDS” Join us for Tapestry of Winds, as the Cuesta Wind Ensemble teams up with the SLO Wind Orchestra for a thrilling joint concert!

March 21 , 3 p.m. $12-$32. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE

CONCERT Join the Cuesta Wind Ensemble for an evening of wind music classics by great American and International composers, with conducter Jennifer Martin. May 13 7:30 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

FORBES ORGAN SERIES: PAUL JACOBS Grammy-winning organist Paul Jacobs, renowned for virtuosity and global performances with top orchestras, brings his artistry to the Forbes Pipe Organ for a one-nightonly performance. May 19 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

JOSEPH HAYDN’S THE CREATION

Enjoy this choral gem of the Age of Enlightenment that draws out the story of the Creation, depicting all the

wonders of the first six days. Hear soloists Amy Goymerac, Xavier Prado, and Colin Ramsey. The SLO Master Chorale and Orchestra is conducted by Thomas Davies. April 19 3 p.m. $12-$42. pacslo.org/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.

SLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS

MYSTIQUE & WONDER Pianist

Ilya Yakushev returns with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, along with Rimsky Korsakov Scheherazade and Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture. May 2 3 p.m. $12-$92. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/ calendar-2025-2026. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

W. TERRENCE SPILLER PIANO RECITAL: SUITES AND DANCES

Enjoy dance suites by Johann Sebastian Bach and Béla Bartók, dances by Frédéric Chopin and Maurice Ravel, and dance-inspired works by Isaac Albéniz. April 24 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AGHS BAND AND CHOIR SPRING CONCERT Listen to the Arroyo Grande High School Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Choir perform their Spring concert. March 19 , 7-8:30 p.m. $10. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

POSTCARDS FROM ARMENIA Music For Unity presents Postcards From Armenia, an evening of memory, longing, and musical homecoming. June 11 , 7-8 p.m. $39.50. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

Pop

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BRASS MASH AT SWEET SPRINGS: LOS OSOS Join Brass Mash for a special night in Los Osos. March 21 , 7-10 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Sweet Springs Saloon, 990 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos, (805) 439-0969.

The 32nd annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival is set

23,

April 28, at the Fremont Theater. The six-day event showcases independent films from around the world, and the festival schedule, film guide, and passes will be available

Shared stride

Momentum Work Inc.’s fourth annual Walk and Roll for Inclusion Awareness event returns on Saturday, March 28, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria. The community will come together to foster inclusion and uplift individuals with disabilities during an accessible 1-mile walk. Local food trucks will be available, along with music by a DJ. Tickets are $10 to $25, and funds raised will go toward advancing Momentum’s technology systems and increasing digital literacy training. Find more information at momentum4work.org.

—A.S.

Jazz & Blues

NORTH SLO COUNTY

PASO ROBLES JAZZ FEST LIBRETTO presents the inaugural Paso Robles Jazz Fest, offering world-class jazz, intimate limited-seating concerts, and a stunning Sensorio grand finale with an exclusive VIP opening. April 24

2-8 p.m., April 25 2-8 p.m. and April 26 2-8 p.m. $300. (805) 369-2144. pasoroblesjazzfest.com/. Libretto Jazz Club, 1242 Park Street, Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS:

AN EVENING OF JAZZ WITH THE GENESYS PROJECT AND SPECIAL GUESTS Hear The Genesys Project live at The Bunker SLO. Tickets can be found at the link. March 21, 6:30-10 p.m.

$12.56-$15.77. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

COMBOPALOOZA! Our final jazz concert of the semester features all nine combos in a fun concert that that feels like a mini-festival. May 19 , 7:30 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

TRUMPET ALLIANCE CONCERT:

“SWING INTO SPRING” Shake off winter as the San Luis Obispo County Trumpet Alliance brings smoky bebop, soulful ballads, explosive big band swing, and sultry Latin rhythms! April 12 2 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

STELLA HEATH AND THE BILLIE HOLIDAY PROJECT The Billie Holiday Project presents Stella Heath and The Billie Holiday Project, celebrating the life, legacy, and music of Lady Day. Sept. 4 7:30-9 p.m. $34-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

YOSEMITE JAZZ BAND JAZZ

DANCE CONCERT PRESENTED BY BASIN STREET REGULARS The Yosemite Jazz Band will be playing “Hot Swingin’ Jazz” at the Basin Street Regulars’ Sunday afternoon concert. March 29 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$15. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo.

More Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SEA SHANTIES AT THE DOCKSIDE

The Morro Bay Shanty Project will perform historical (and hysterical) songs of the sea. Enjoy lunch and sing along. Tips benefit the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. March 27, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m., June 5 , 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. and Aug. 2 , 3 p.m. Dockside Restaurant, 1245 Embarcadero bay front, Morro Bay, (805) 772-8100.

SOLEFFECT AT NIFFY’S

MERRIMAKER Join us at Niffy’s Merrimaker for a night of soulful grooves, funky rhythms, and feel-good vibes. There will be great music, cold drinks, and a dancefriendly atmosphere. April 17, 8-10 p.m., July 13 , 5-7 p.m. and Sept. 21 5-7 p.m. Free. soleffect.bandzoogle. com. Niffy’s Merrimaker, 1301 2nd St, Los Osos, (805) 534-1007.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BURLEY THISTLES Burley Thistles is an alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. March 28 , 7-10 p.m. Decades Hifi Lounge, 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, (805) 4606415, decadeslounge.com.

CALI COAST DUO LIVE AT

DRACAENA WINES

Cali Coast Duo will bring a warm, coastal charm to the tasting room as part of the 4th Thursday Live Music Series. March 26 5-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

JAZZ AT SENSORIO WITH PAT KELLEY, SUNNY WRIGHT, DAVID KEIF, AND DARYL VANDRUFF The Pat Kelley Trio will be joined by jazz vocalist Sunny Wright. Enjoy firepit tables, lawn games, lights, and music. March 27, 6-9 p.m. $65. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.

KISHI BASHI: LIVE AT SENSORIO

Amidst the stunning Sensorio backdrop, award-winning violinist and composer Kishi Bashi will perform live, blending classical, rock, electronic, and indie pop in English and Japanese. May 27 7:30 p.m. calpolyarts.org/20252026season/kishi-bashi-live-at-sensorio. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, (805) 226-4287.

KYLE SMITH BACKWOODS TOUR

LIVE AT THE POUR HOUSE WITH FAYUCA AND AMP MELO

Kyle

Smith returns to the Central Coast with one stop in Paso Robles on his Backwoods Tour. He will be joined by Fayuca and Amp Melo for this show! March 21 , 7 p.m. $20-$25. my805tix. com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.

REBEL HEART LIVE Enjoy great country music you love, with incredible vocals and harmonies. March 21 , 6-9 p.m. $12.56. my805tix. com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.

SOLEFFECT AT CALIFORNIA COAST

BEER Kick off your weekend with an afternoon of great beer and live music with Sōleffect at California Coast Beer Company. May 1 6-9 p.m. and Aug. 21 , 6-9 p.m. California Coast Beer Company, 1346 Railroad St., Paso Robles, calcoastbeer.com/.

SOLEFFECT AT THE POUR HOUSE

Hear Soleffect, the 7-piece Central Coast band, blend rock, funk, blues, reggae, and jazz-fusion into a feel-good sound at The Pour House showroom! May 31 , 2-5 p.m. Free. soleffect.bandzoogle.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE BRIAN HO B3 ORGAN TRIO

Brian Ho is a modern master of the Hammond B3 organ tradition. Hear him perform live with his trio. March 21 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $12.56-$39.34. my805tix.com. Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS: LIVE MUSIC WITH ASHER WHITE AND SPECIAL GUESTS Hear Asher White live, with special guests Tiny Plastic Everything and Slutboy. May 8 6-10 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA MUSIC CONSERVATORY AWARD AUDITION CONCERT Join for this special concert featuring students auditioning for the Cuesta Music Conservatory Award! April 10 , 7:30 p.m. $10-$25 suggested donation. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. HABIB KOITÉ, ALY KEÏTA, LAMINE CISSOKHO: MANDÉ SILA Three standard-bearers of West African musical traditions come together to celebrate Mandé Sila: the way of the Mandingo empire. April 14 , 7:30-9 p.m. $55. (805) 756-6556. calpolyarts. org. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOMENTUM WORK INC.

UPCOMING CPAC EVENTS

Saturday, March 21 | 3:00 p.m.

Cuesta Wind Ensemble & SLO Wind Orchestra: “A Tapestry of Winds”

Sunday, March 22 | 3:00 p.m.

Gilles Apap and the San Luis Chamber Orchestra

Friday, April 10 | 7:30 p.m.

Cuesta Music Conservatory Award Audition Concert

Sunday, April 12 | 2:00 p.m.

San Luis Obispo County Trumpet Alliance Concert: “Swing into Spring”

Saturday, April 18 | 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 19 | 2:00 p.m.

SLO Movement Arts Center presents Ballet Unbound: “Thumbelina”

Tuesday, April 28 | 5:00 p.m.

17th Annual Cuesta College Book of the Year: Susan Straight’s Sacrament

Friday, May 1 | 7:30 p.m.

Cuesta Choirs Concert: “The Road Home”

May 7 – May 17, 2026

Cuesta Drama presents: Spring Awakening

Wednesday, May 13 | 7:30 p.m.

Cuesta Wind Ensemble Concert

Saturday, May 16 | 7:30 p.m.

Cuesta Jazz Ensembles Concert

Tuesday, May 19 | 7:30 p.m.

Combopalooza! Cuesta Jazz Combos Concert

Saturday, June 6 | 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 7 | 3:00 p.m.

Central Coast Gilbert & Sullivan presents: The Sorcerer

A Season of Inspiration: Sponsored by Warren and Linda Balfour and New Times SLO

MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE WITH SPECIAL GUEST CARBON CITY

LIGHTS Hear local americana and rock favorites Moonshiner Collective, with special guests Carbon City Lights at SLO Brew Rock. March 20 6-11 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

SURE SURE LIVE AT LIBERTINE

Born of a songwriting partnership cultivated by lead singer and keyboardist Chris Beachy, and guitarist and singer Charlie Glick during their college years, Sure Sure officially formed when the pair moved to Los Angeles to join up with drummer Kevin Farzad and producer and mix engineer Michael Coleman in 2014. Hear them live! April 25 , 7 p.m. $17.91-$26.48. my805tix.com.

Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

SWING INTO SPRING! WITH THE SLO COUNTRY TRUMPET ALLIANCE

Come hear over 20 talented trumpets playing Jazz, Swing, and Latininspired ballads. Featuring the Cuesta faculty Rhythm Trio: George Stone, Ken Hustad & Jim Stromberg. April 12 , 2-4 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 5463198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

SŌLEFFECT AT THE MARK BAR & GRILL Get ready for a high-energy night with Sōleffect at The Mark Bar & Grill in San Luis Obispo. April 11 , 7-10 p.m. Free. soleffect.bandzoogle. com. The Mark Bar and Grill, 673 Higuera St., Sal Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4400.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AN EVENING WITH JIM MESSINA

An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades a three supergroups. May

7 7:30 p.m. $49-$79. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

LEGENDS OF THE CANYON ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS: PETTY PARTY: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS Petty Party is L.A.’s premier tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, featuring six of the top tribute musicians in the industry. May 30 7:30-9 p.m. $49.99$59.99. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE MAGICAL MUSIC OF MOTOWN Don’t miss this Superband tribute to The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, Four Tops, Jackson Five, and many more legends. July 18 7:30 p.m. $58.50-$68.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

MOON COIN PRODUCTIONS INC. PRESENTS: ABRA CADABRA, A TRIBUTE TO ABBA Attention all ABBA fans! ABRA Cadabra, Vancouver’s renowned ABBA Tribute band, is coming to Arroyo Grande for the first time! April 9 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $59-$69. (805) 489-9444.

Merlot masterpiece

With a glass of wine in hand and a brush in the other, enjoy the picturesque Painting in the Vineyard class on Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Vega Vineyard and Farm in Buellton. A trained artist will guide participants through a step-by-step process, with the vineyard’s sprawling hills as creative inspiration. Tickets are $89, and more details can be found at artspotonwheels.com.

clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SOLEFFECT AT BLACKLAKE GOLF COURSE Join Sōleffect for a sunny afternoon of live music at Blacklake Golf Resort. May 30 1-4 p.m. soleffect.bandzoogle.com. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo.

SOLEFFECT AT MULLIGANS BAR & GRILL Catch Sōleffect live at

Mulligan’s in Avila Beach for great music and coastal vibes. June 7 2-4 p.m. Free. soleffect. bandzoogle.com.

Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.

VENTURA HIGHWAY: #1 TRIBUTE TO AMERICA Celebrate the music

of America with Ventura Highway — The #1 Tribute to America! Sept. 12 , 7:30 p.m. $49.99-$69.99. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

WEST COAST PERFORMING ARTS

CONCERTS PRESENTS: MOTOWN MANIA! THE GOLDEN HITS OF THE TEMPTATIONS & THE SUPERSTARS OF MOTOWN Revisit the classic songs and stars of the Motown era complete with heart-stopping harmonies, dazzling choreography, and the memorable hits you love most from Motown’s golden age! March 21 , 7:30-9 p.m. $45-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC AT EL VINERO Celebrate the first Friday in April with live music from Savannah Creech! Enjoy wine tasting, by the glass or bottle. April 3 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 354-0260. elvinero. com. El Viñero, 130 N. Broadway Suite A, Orcutt.

PHOTO

LIVE MUSIC AT THE GATEHOUSE

Experience an afternoon of live music with Ruby Jane and Estategrown wines at The Gatehouse. March 21 , 12-2 p.m. (805) 688-0881. tockify.com. The Gatehouse at Bein Nacido, 3503 Rancho Tepusquet Road, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

ABRA CADABRA Attention all ABBA fans! Circle April 7 on your calendars because ABRA Cadabra, Vancouver’s renowned ABBA Tribute band, is coming to Solvang. April 7, 7:30-9 p.m. $72. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

THE BAND PERRY LIVE Hear Tennessee-based group The Band Perry perform live at Chumash Casino Resort. Get tickets and additional details at the link. March 27, 8 p.m. $40-$70. chumashcasino. com. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, (800) 248-6274.

EVERCLEAR Get ready to sing along to “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “Wonderful” when 90s alternative rock legends Everclear take the stage at Solvang. March 27, 7-9 p.m. $125. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. I AM KING: THE MICHAEL JACKSON

EXPERIENCE I AM KING: The Michael Jackson Experience offers an unparalleled experience, bringing you as close as possible to witnessing the King of Pop live. April 25 7-9 p.m. $55. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest. org/show-listing. Theaterfest Solvang, 420 2nd St, Solvang.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY WIND

ENSEMBLE SPRING CONCERT The Santa Ynez Valley Wind Ensemble welcomes you to join them for their free Spring Concert. April 12 3-4:15 p.m. Free. syvwindensemble.org. St Marks in the Valley, 2901 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos, (805) 688-4454.

FILM & TV

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2026 SLO FILM FEST! Join the 32nd annual 2026 SLO Film Festival, featuring more than 100 independent films, red carpets, Q&As, panels, workshops, free events, tickets, and passes available. April 23 , 12-9 p.m., April 24 , April 25 , April 26 , April 27 and April 28 $5-$350. (805) 5463456. slofilmfest.org. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

FILM SCREENING: OMOIYARI WITH KISHI BASHI Head to this special screening in partnership with SLO Film Center, featuring a Q&A with Composer and Director Kaoru Ishibashi (Kishi Bashi). May 28 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 541-5161. calpolyarts.org.

Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The SLO Film Festival is a six-day annual event, showcasing creative, diverse, and impactful works from filmmakers from around the world. April 23 April 24 , April 25 , April 26 , April 27 and April 28 $22. (805) 546-3456. slofilmfest2026.eventive.org. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WRITERS & LITERATURE

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO

NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:308 p.m. Free. slonightwriters.org. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS CREATIVITY HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE: LOCAL AUTHOR DEBORAH

BRASKET ON PUBLISHING LATE IN LIFE Local author Deborah Brasket and SBCAN Co-Executive Director Jeanne Sparks discuss how Brasket came to publish her debut novel, When Things Go Missing. March 22 , 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 739-1836. sbcan.org/ creativity. Shepard Hall Art Gallery (Santa Maria Public Library), 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CLASSES & LESSONS

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SUCCULENT MUSHROOM WORKSHOP Join us at Cambria Nursery for a hands-on Mosaic Pot Workshop. March 21 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $40. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery. com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

ART OF BLENDING This handson session will walk you through the blending process with our winemakers, offering an engaging and educational look into the wine! April 11 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $125$150. (805) 286-4028. Parrish Family

Vineyard, 3590 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, parrishfamilyvineyard.com.

CHAKRA BALANCING & FUSED

GLASS MOBILE WORKSHOP Join the Chakra Balancing and Fused Glass Mobile Workshop with Annette Jones, a local intuitive reader and healer.

Get a personal reading, custom blended oils and a glass mobile.

April 25 12-2:30 p.m. $250. (805) 464-2633. glassheadstudio.com.

Glasshead Studio, 8793 Plata Lane, Suite H, Atascadero.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BEGINNING JUNK JOURNALING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Part scrapbooking, part journaling, and a whole lot of fun, this workshop is sure to get you hooked on this popular craft, junk journaling. May

2 2-5:30 p.m. $135. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.

CREATIVE KIDS: AFTER SCHOOL

The Creative Kids series is designed to ignite your child’s imagination and inspire creativity with each workshop focusing on a different medium! Wednesdays. through June 3 $150 for all 8 classes; $25 drop in. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com.

Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CREATIVE KIDS: PRINTMAKING

Join us for a fun one-time printmaking class! March 25

4-5 p.m. $25. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRODUCTION TO METAL STAMPING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn the art of metal stamping with Melissa and create a bookmark, bracelet, wine charms, and keyring with aluminum! April 11 , 2-4:30 p.m. $125. (805) 4390123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.

INTRODUCTION TO MONOPRINTING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn monoprinting with Gelli plates using acrylic paint, botanicals, stencils, and found objects to create unique textured prints for collage, journaling, cards, or framed art. March 21 , 2-4:30 p.m. and May 16 2-4:30 p.m. $95. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.

KIPS AND FLIPS TUMBLING AND BARS CLINIC Build your skills at our Kips and Flips clinic! Even beginners can start working on the fundamentals of these intermediate skills. All levels welcome are, for ages 5 to 17 years. March 21 , 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo. com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

CLASSES & LESSONS continued page 36

MEMORY LANE COLLAGING CLASS

Let’s have some fun and take a walk down memory lane. Receive stepby-step instructions for creating a memorable vintage collage. March 21 , 12-4 p.m. $45. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINTING IN THE STYLE OF GEORGIA O’KEEFFE

Learn to paint in the style of Georgia O’Keeffe, an American artist best known for her paintings of flowers and desert landscapes. April 18 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PET PORTRAITS

Create a one-of-akind tribute to your furry friends, while enjoying a fun day with your human pals! April 11 , 12-4 p.m. $60. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: DIY

TOTE BAG Get creative with a DIY tote bag! This workshop is free, and all materials are provided. Registration is required, for patrons 18 and older.

March 21 , 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 9250994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SIP & PAINT: CENTRAL COAST

POPPIES Join for an evening of wine, creativity, and Central Coast Inspiration! Enjoy El Vinero wine by the glass or bottle. March 22 5-7 p.m. $38. (805) 354-0260. elvinero.com. El Viñero, 130 N. Broadway Suite A, Orcutt.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND PAINTING AT ROCK 12 DISTILLERY Celebrate Mother’s Day with a cocktail and a paintbrush at the picturesque Rock 12 Distillery! May 9 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Rock 12 Distillery, 6605 Highway 246, Lompoc.

STORY PAINTINGS WARMING HEARTS: AN INTERACTIVE READING

Michael Corob will lead an interactive reading from Story Paintings Warming Hearts, sharing joyful paintings, one-page stories, audience questions, and a creative drawing activity. April 4 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 737-1129. lompocart.org/events. Lompoc Valley Art Association (Cypress Gallery), 119 E. Cypress, Lompoc, CA.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

ART WORKSHOP: ORIGAMI GARLANDS Learn how to make a colorful garland of origami cranes

or butterflies with a variety of decorative accents. March 22 2-4 p.m. $30. calnatureart museum.org.

California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

MOTHER’S DAY PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT SUNSTONE WINERY

Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Join us at Sunstone Winery to grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush! May 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Sunstone Winery, 125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD Art Spot on Wheels painting in the vineyard classes provide a beautiful, stress-free environment. March 28 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $89. (805) 686-1208. brickbarnwineestate.com. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 West Highway 246, Buellton.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT BRICK BARN WINE ESTATE Are you looking for something unique to do in Santa Barbara County Wine Country? Why not join us at the picturesque Brick Barn Wine Estate. March 28

11 a.m.-2 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT GRIMM’S BLUFF WINERY

Join us at the exclusive Grimm’s Bluff Winery where you’ll post up next to the lake to grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush! June 6 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $92. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Grimm’s Bluff Winery, 5450 Kentucky Rd, Santa Ynez.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT KAENA Join us at Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang to spend the afternoon sipping delicious wine and capturing the beauty of the landscape on canvas! Aug. 1 , 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Kaena at the Ranch, 800 E. Hwy 246, Solvang.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT VEGA VINEYARD AND FARM Join at Vega Vineyard and Farm in Buellton to spend the afternoon sipping delicious wine and capturing the beauty of the landscape on canvas!

July 19 , 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Vega Vineyard and Farm, 9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton.

SUMMER CAMP 1, JULY 6-10: JUNGLE ADVENTURES Join us for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression! This summer, we will be creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, clay, and more! July 6 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 8 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 9 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 10 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $425. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SUMMER CAMP 2, JULY 13-17: UNDERWATER Join for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression! This summer, we will be creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, clay, and more! July 13 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 14 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 15 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 16 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $425. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SUMMER CAMP 3, JULY 20-24: OUT OF THIS WORLD Join for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic

expression! This summer, we will be creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, clay, and more! July 20 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 21 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 22 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 23 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 24 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $425. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SUMMER CAMP 4, JULY 27-31: MAGICAL WONDERS Join for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression! This summer, we will be creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, clay, and more! July 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 28 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 29 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 30 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 31 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $425. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

WATERCOLOR IN THE VINEYARD AT BUTTONWOOD FARM & VINEYARD Join us at the picturesque Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard to grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush! July 25 , 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard, 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, California, 93463, United States, Solvang. ❖

Underwhelming

n his directorial feature-length debut, writer-director Ian Tuason helms this psychological supernatural horror film about popular paranormal podcast host Evy (Nina Kiri), who is haunted by recordings anonymously send to her and her podcast partner, Justin (Adam DiMarco). (126 min.)

UNDERTONE

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Don’t bother

What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee

Where’s it showing? Colony, Downtown Centre, Park, Stadium 10

Glen Look out, Ringu (1995), there’s a new haunted recording in town, and this one is strictly sound based. Throw in a little The Blair Witch Project (1999) vibe, some Paranormal Activity (2007), and you’ve got the recipe for a derivative-low budget horror flick that’s long on atmosphere but short on substance. It all takes place in Evy’s childhood home, where she’s watching over Mama (Michèle Duquet), who’s in non-responsive in hospice care. Evy and Mama are the only two characters who appear on-screen. Everyone else—podcaster Justin, the two characters in the mysterious recordings (Keana Lyn Bastidas as Jessa and Jeff Young as Mike), and a few other characters on phone calls—are disembodied voices. As a debut, it has its merits, and we saw it in a theater with Dolby Atmos, which is amazing surround sound, but I doubt this film will translate to home viewing. The atmosphere won’t come through, and the handful of jump scares won’t be enough. Anna My exact words at the conclusion of this film were, “I’m so mad right now. This movie could have been an email.” Even with some sleep in between and a true crime docuseries to distract me since, I still feel the swell of dissatisfaction just thinking about spending more than an hour and a half of my time watching this. I should be the prime audience—I love spooky. I have scary-, mysterious-, or curiosity-driven podcasts playing through my earbuds at least six hours a day. I love a weird old house filled with an alarming collection of Catholic paraphernalia. If you can’t hook this fish with this film, good luck out there in the

THE TRAITORS

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023-present

Where’s it showing? Peacock

“ Come one, come all, come friend, come foe,” states the great Alan Cumming— whose Moira Rose-inspired accent and incredible wardrobe unite to create what may be the greatest reality show host ever. There are plenty of versions of The Traitors so if you (like me) absolutely binge through the four seasons of this one, you’ll have the bittersweet relief of knowing that there are still U.K., Australian, and celebrity versions to soothe you.

open water. What tried to play as clever by only having Evy and her mom appear onscreen seemed to me like an easy way out of paying people for on-screen time. This film was so obnoxiously boring.

Glen Oh boy. I hope writer-director Tuason doesn’t read your review. His feelers will be hurt. I think some audiences will enjoy the film. It creeped me out a little bit, and sound-wise, it was disturbing. I already hate the shrill, urgent sound of a whistling teakettle, and that sound effect was not used sparingly. I kept thinking, “Can’t you hear that? Run your ass downstairs and turn it off!” I don’t listen to podcasts much except when forced to on long drives with my favorite Murderino, but Evy and Justin’s podcast, titled The Undertone, seemed boring compared to the stuff you’ve forced me to listen to. If you’re horror obsessed, hit a matinee, but if I had missed this one, I wouldn’t be sad.

Anna The two hosts are also very willynilly about their recording time—Oh, Evy

In season 4, the ride is wild. We’ve got Housewives galore, Bachelors, Love Island legends, and even actor Michael Rapport— perhaps the most sticky and salty nut in the mix. These folks go through challenges to boost up the prize bucket and spend each night voting out who they think is a Traitor. The Traitors murder a Faithful (non-Traitor) each night, and soon everyone is so stressed out and sleep deprived you can’t look away.

This is the perfect way to play Mafia without any of the personal skin in the game—just watch sub-celebs spiral and enjoy every juicy outfit that Cumming wears. While it may be fun to play the Traitor, I am a forever Faithful to this show. Bring it on, season 5! (57 approximately 50-min. episodes)

—Anna

THE NIGHT AGENT

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023-present

is feeling weird, let’s pick up in a few days … and then again … but they release every Friday? And host a weekly live podcast on Mondays? OK, sure. Also, they somehow pack eight of the 10 recordings into one episode and leave just two for the finale? Who is planning this? This is chaotic mess at best, and I can’t stand it. There are motherhood ties and a vague yet easily forgotten reference to Evy having a past drinking problem. She’s got a boyfriend who we hear from exactly once, and weird guilt around her lack of prayer time. This nothing burger of a film is just getting me riled up again. I’m not here to tell anyone how to live their life, but I suggest a jaunty walk or spending some time with one of those 3D image books that were so popular in the ’90s—both will prove much more stimulating than Undertone. ∆

Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Split Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Now in its third season (and renewed for a fourth), The Night Agent is a bingeable, implausible espionage romp with a likeable protagonist. In the first season, FBI Special Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) saved a lot of lives thwarting a DC Metro bombing. A year later he’s working for White House Chief of Staff Diane Farr (Hong Chau), who has him manning a seldom used phone service—the secret Night Agent program. The phone rings, thrusting Peter

into the center of a vast conspiracy. It’s a great setup, and each subsequent season is better. There are too many characters and plot twists to make sense of in a short review, but Basso is a great lead—earnest, patriotic, but increasingly worldly enough to start seeing things in shades of gray instead of black and white. His Peter wants to do right, but as the story unravels, we see him beginning to shift to the importance of outcomes rather than strict ethics.

The third season’s main villain, Jacob Monroe (Louis Herthum), is a worthy opponent, and it’s fun to hate on U.S. President Richard Hagan (Ward Horton) and his even worse wife, Jenny (Jennifer Morrison). (30 45- to 56-min. episodes). ∆ —Glen

BACKSTABBERS’ DELIGHT Alan Cumming hosts the reality TV competition, The Traitors , streaming on

SAVE THE WORLD

Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso, center) works with his handler, Catherine Weaver (Amanda Warren), and FBI Deputy Director Aiden Mosley (Albert

THE SKEPTIC Evy (Nina Kiri), the non-believer of a pair of paranormal podcasters, starts experiencing strange phenomena as they listen to anonymously sent recordings, in Undertone, screening in local theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF A24

Jones), in The Night Agent, streaming on Netflix.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Peacock.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACOCK

Music

BY GLEN STARKEY

From hot to cool

Nick Lowe has survived the test of time

I’m pleased to report that Nick Lowe is still cool AF. I mean like the coolest cat that ever glided unannounced into a party and immediately charmed the pants off everyone in the place. When I connected with him on a Zoom call, he had a shock of white hair, chunky glasses, and a natty cravat. A cravat! He looked like Cary Grant.

Lowe rose to prominence in the late ’70s with a trio of pop and new wave albums— Jesus of Cool (1978), Labour of Love (1979, the source of arguably his biggest hit, “Cruel to be Kind”), and Nick the Knife (1982). In 1979, Elvis Costello covered his 1974 song “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” and made it a huge hit.

Early on, Lowe also was a notable producer working with Costello, Graham Parker, The Pretenders, and The Damned, among others. He was a big effing deal. He’s continued to put out well received records—15 in total now. While his career has evolved, it’s remained a curated affair designed for longevity.

Next week, Good Vibez presents British singer-songwriter Nick Lowe at on Saturday, March 28 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $40.14 to $94.73 at prekindle.com). The show was originally slated for the Fremont Theater, but was moved to Rod & Hammer Rock. He’s still touring for his newest album, Indoor Safari (2024), which he recorded with Los Straightjackets, but if you go, expect to hear his hits, too.

“There are certain songs I’ve just got to do, you know? People would be disappointed if I didn’t. And they’re the usual suspects. ‘Peace, Love, and Understanding,’ ‘Cruel to Be Kind’—that sort of thing. And I really enjoy doing them. You know, I don’t roll my eyes and think, ‘Oh, my God, I can’t play this ever again.’ They’re good tunes, and people really enjoy them. That gives me a lot of pleasure.”

Indoor Safari, for which Lowe penned 10 new tracks, proves he still knows his way around a pop song.

“I did do a record a little more than a year ago, Indoor Safari, and that was with Los Straitjackets, so I’m going to be doing a few of those, and a few covers as well. I like doing cover songs. I think it sort of demonstrates

Live Music

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE

A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229.

that you’re not obsessed with your own shtick.”

On Indoor Safari, he covered “A Quiet Place,” first recorded in 1964 by Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters, and “Raincoat in the River,” recorded by Sammy Turner (1961) and Ricky Nelson (1965)—songs he says find their way to him.

“I kind of run into these tunes. It’s very hard to find really good tunes that people haven’t heard before. And I try and do that. You know, I’m not a snob about it. I mean, I’ll do a really well-known pop song. I do a Bee Gees song sometimes. Which everybody knows. So, there’s fun in doing that. As long as it surprises people, you know?”

For his Fremont show, he’ll be backed by The Cactus Blossoms.

“It’s a bit like a review, really. We come on together. I’ve been with them longer than any other band I’ve been with, and I’ve written songs specifically for us as well—we’ve been together that long.”

leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos. OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos.

SEA SHANTIES AT THE DOCKSIDE The Morro Bay Shanty Project will perform historical (and hysterical) songs of the sea. Enjoy lunch and sing along. Tips benefit the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. March 27, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Dockside Restaurant, 1245 Embarcadero bay front, Morro Bay, (805) 772-8100.

NORTH SLO COUNTY

BRASS MASH AT SWEET SPRINGS: LOS OSOS Join Brass Mash for a special night

in Los Osos. March 21 , 7-10 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Sweet Springs Saloon, 990 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos, (805) 439-0969.

BURLEY THISTLES Burley Thistles is an alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. March 28 , 7-10 p.m. Decades Hifi Lounge, 5840 Traffic Way, Atascadero, (805) 460-6415, decadeslounge.com.

CALI COAST DUO LIVE AT DRACAENA WINES Cali Coast Duo will bring a warm, coastal charm to the tasting room as part of the 4th Thursday Live Music Series. March 26 5-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 270-3327. dracaenawines.com. Dracaena Wines, 1244 Pine Street, suite 101 B, Paso Robles.

FRIDAY NIGHT DJ Weekly DJ series, with a different DJ every Friday. Presented by friends at Traffic Record store in Atascadero. Come listen, dance, drink,

They arrive onstage together, but after about 40 minutes, Lowe steps off and lets them do a few instrumentals before returning.

“Seems to work very well, you know. It’s gotten very nimble, the show now. We can change it to suit all venues.”

In his early pub rocker days, Lowe was known as “the basher.” These days, he’s often described as the elder statesman of pop. It’s not a transition that many artists have made.

“It was sort of planned, yeah. It was quite a long time ago now, but I suppose sometime in the early ’80s, I sensed that my career as a pop star was on the way out. I had mixed feelings about that. I was quite relieved, in a way, because I got myself into a real rut. You know, the cliché. I was drinking, very heavily, taking lots of drugs and things, for very little return. And I thought, I’ve had enough of this, you know, and also, so has everybody else.”

He took some time out to clean himself up and “plan and plot.” He wanted to record himself in a new way and write songs in a new way.

“I’ve been able to use that as an actual advantage and actually make it work for me, so that people, younger acts, will say, ‘Oh, I wish I was as old as Nick Lowe,’” he laughed. “Well, that’s pushing it a bit.”

If you go, say happy birthday. Nick Lowe turns 77 two days before his March 28 show.

There’s more from Good Vibez planned for the Fremont Theater this week, but as of March 16, it seems like the theater is probably going to be closed until further

and unwind every Friday. All ages event; no cover charge. Fridays, 7-10 p.m. (805) 460-6042. ancientowlbeergarden.com. Ancient Owl Beer Garden, 6090 El Camino Real, suite C, Atascadero.

JAZZ AT SENSORIO WITH PAT KELLEY, SUNNY WRIGHT, DAVID KEIF, AND DARYL VANDRUFF The Pat Kelley Trio will be joined by jazz vocalist Sunny Wright. Enjoy firepit tables, lawn games, lights, and music. March 27, 6-9 p.m. $65. (805) 226-4287. sensoriopaso.com/. Sensorio, 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles.

KARAOKE NIGHT Food and drink available for purchase. Last Saturday of every month, 8 p.m. Free admission. my805tix.com. Club Car Bar, 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

KYLE SMITH BACKWOODS TOUR LIVE AT THE POUR HOUSE WITH FAYUCA AND AMP MELO Kyle Smith returns to

notice, so proceed with caution. If you bought tickets to any of the following shows, be sure to keep checking the Fremont’s website for updates.

Indie pop singer-songwriter Perfume Genius (née Michael Alden Hadreas) is scheduled to play on Wednesday, March 25 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $48.90 at prekindle.com). Thematically, his songs address sexuality, his struggles with Crohn’s disease, domestic abuse, and dangers faced by gay men in contemporary society. His new album, Glory, is set for release on March 28, but you can get a sneak peek at the first single, “It’s a Mirror,” available online. His voice has a real Michael Stipe vibe. Chamber pop artist Storefront Church (née Lukas Frank) opens. Get down to Reggaeton Rave planned for Friday, March 27 (8 p.m.; 18-andolder; $22.63 at ticketweb.com). Expect an “electrifying fusion of pulsating rhythms, vibrant energy, and an immersive sensory journey where Latinx and electronic music collide in an unforgettable dance celebration,” organizers said.

Indications say, soul! Numbskull and Good Medicine have a ton of shows this week, all worthy, but I’m most excited about contemporary R&B and soul act Durand Jones & The Indications at the Alex Madonna Expo Center on Sunday, March 22 (doors at 6 p.m.; all ages; $51.19 general and $172.73 VIP at goodmedicinepresents.com). Wicked good music. Theo Lawrence opens. Good Medicine and Numbskull join with KCBX to present Corb Lund at Club Car Bar on Friday, March 20 (8 p.m.; all ages; $35.74 at goodmedicinepresents.com). Expect outlaw country, Western, and indie-folk. Branson Anderson opens. See Trish Toledo with Los Tranquilos at Santa Maria’s Presqu’ile Winery on Friday, March 20 (8 p.m.; all ages; $41.92 at goodmedicinepresents. com). Toledo’s got a dynamite voice. From Carson—a community south of Los Angeles—she was born into an Ecuadorian

the Central Coast with one stop in Paso Robles on his Backwoods Tour. He will be joined by Fayuca and Amp Melo for this show! March 21 7 p.m. $20-$25. my805tix.com. The Pour House, 525 Pine St., Paso Robles.

REBEL HEART LIVE Enjoy great country music you love, with incredible vocals and harmonies. March 21 6-9 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. Blast and Brew, 7935 San Luis Ave., Atascadero.

SINGING HANDS CHILDREN’S CHOIR

A unique performing arts group that performs across the state for deaf festivals, service organizations, churches, fairs, and other outlets. New members always welcome. Registration open weekly. Mondays, 5-6:30 p.m. $45 tuition per month. singinghandschildrenschoir. com/. Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Performing Arts, 1413 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE BRIAN HO B3 ORGAN TRIO Brian Ho is a modern master of the Hammond B3 organ tradition. Hear him perform live with his trio. March 21 7:30-9:30 p.m.

$12.56-$39.34. my805tix.com. Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS: AN EVENING OF JAZZ WITH THE GENESYS PROJECT AND SPECIAL GUESTS Hear The Genesys Project live at The Bunker SLO. Tickets can be found at the link. March 21 6:30-10 p.m. $12.56-$15.77. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE & SLO WIND ORCHESTRA: “A TAPESTRY OF WINDS” Join us for Tapestry of Winds, as the Cuesta Wind Ensemble teams up with the

THE KING OF COOL Good Vibez presents British singer-songwriter Nick Lowe, shown here with Los Straightjackets who collaborated on his most recent album, at Rod & Hammer Rock, backed by The Cactus Blossoms, on March 28

COURTESY PHOTO BY BOBBY FISHER

Guatemalan family and embraces Chicano art and culture. Great match with Los Tranquilos!

Cat Clyde & Goodnight, Texas play The Siren on Saturday, March 21 (7 p.m.; 21-andolder; $25.96 at goodmedicinepresents. com). Expect vintage blues, roots rock, and American sounds from a potent voice. She reminds me a little of Sallie Ford.

Mother Hips member Greg Loiacono & Stingray are at Club Car Bar on Saturday, March 21 (7 p.m.; all ages; $21.32 at goodmedicinepresents.com). His latest group is a genre-blending band that merges elements of soul, rock, R&B, and funk.

Southern rock and hair metal act Jackyl plays BarrelHouse Brewing on Monday, March 23 (7 p.m.; all ages; $35.23 at goodmedicinepresents.com). The multiplatinum Georgia band is loud, proud, and unapologetically rock. Angels Roost opens.

The Siren calls

Morro Bay’s stellar night club hosts Mistress of Reality—the world’s first allfemale Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne tribute—on Friday, March 20 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; $23.77 at tixr.com). Formed in 2002, these self-described dark goddesses have been touring for decades.

Peach and The Jam plays on Saturday, March 21 (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older; free), featuring Leslie “Peach” Rogers, who local guitar shredder Burning James Scoolis calls “a dynamic newcomer vocalist” who’s “rocking out in some unique blues-adjacent territory—mining the vibe and talents of artists like Bonnie Raitt, Tedeschi Trucks, The Mavericks, the California Honeydrops, John Hiatt, Black Pumas, Shemekia Copeland, and Etta James.”

Finally, Sandollar brings its SoCalinspired surf, reggae, and rock to The Siren on Thursday, March 26 (7:30 p.m.; 21-andolder; free). The band’s album Under the Water won the 2023 Best World Music Album at the San Diego Music Awards.

Sweet sounds

Every time Dan Curcio of Moonshiner Collective releases new material, I’m always

SLO Wind Orchestra for a thrilling joint concert! March 21 3 p.m. $12-$32. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

FORBES ORGAN SERIES: AMELIE HELD

Organist Amelie Held, acclaimed for her red shoes and global performances, showcases a wide-ranging repertoire from early to contemporary music on the Forbes Pipe Organ. March 22 , 2 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ amelie-held. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE WITH SPECIAL GUEST CARBON CITY LIGHTS

Hear local americana and rock favorites Moonshiner Collective, with special guests Carbon City Lights at SLO Brew Rock. March 20, 6-11 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com.

Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

PEACE, BEAUTY, HARP Unwind into the weekend with the peace and beauty of the harp in the peace and beauty of SLO’s historic church. Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. through March 20 Free. (805) 543-7212. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

amazed by his hooky melodies and arresting voice. His new six-song EP, Power of Now, is pure bliss, even when he’s channeling a troubled character, like on the title track:

“Walking downtown in the rain I’ll probably catch a cold or something but it’s my mumbling that’s gotten more concerning. See I can’t find the words to think I’m holding onto memories that have gone and left me because I can’t focus on them now.”

Curcio’s syncopation and phrasing are always inventive, and the choruses are dependably earworms. Hear Moonshiner Collective with special guests Carbon City Lights at Rod & Hammer Rock on Friday, March 20 (doors at 6 p.m.; all ages; $23.27 at my805tix.com), and pick up a copy of this killer EP.

Numbskull presents North Carolina indie rock act The Nude Party touring in support of their new album, Look Who’s Back, just released in February. See them at Rod & Hammer on Saturday, March 21 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; $28.24 at ticketweb.com).

Legion of Groove, The Groove Collective, and Ezra Henderson play Rod & Hammer on Sunday, March 22 (doors at 7 p.m.; 18-and-older; free but you can

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AGHS BAND AND CHOIR SPRING CONCERT Listen to the Arroyo Grande High School Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Choir perform their Spring concert. March 19, 7-8:30 p.m. $10. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE, FEATURING EVIL WOMAN – THE AMERICAN ELO See this dynamic performance that will reimagine Jeff Lynne’s fusion of orchestral elegance and classic rock with vibrant visuals and masterful musicianship. Tickets and more info are available at the link. March 20

7:30-9:30 p.m. $49-$75, Platinum $85; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.

THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. WEST COAST PERFORMING ARTS

CONCERTS PRESENTS: MOTOWN MANIA! THE GOLDEN HITS OF THE TEMPTATIONS & THE SUPERSTARS OF MOTOWN

Revisit the classic songs and stars of the Motown era complete with heart-stopping harmonies, dazzling choreography, and the memorable hits you love most from Motown’s golden age! March 21, 7:30-9 p.m. $45-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

YOSEMITE JAZZ BAND JAZZ DANCE

CONCERT PRESENTED BY BASIN

STREET REGULARS The Yosemite Jazz Band will be playing “Hot Swingin’ Jazz” at the Basin Street Regulars’ Sunday afternoon concert. March 29, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$15. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy

songs

register for a ticket at ticketweb.com). Legion of Groove is a new band made up of veteran local players. Expect hip-hop with influences of R&B, soul, funk, pop, and more.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band is at Rod & Hammer on Wednesday, March 25 (doors at 7 p.m.; all ages; $27.21 at ticketweb.com). Expect “a time machine to a funky tea party in the ’90s—a boisterous era of tape trading, sing-alongs, and exploration into a new sonic landscape spearheaded by complex guitar riffs, soaring violin melodies, smooth sax lines, and explorative-explosive drumming,” the band’s bio explains.

Another new album

Local singer-songwriter Noah Colton is releasing Passion Out Of Fashion, a collection of songs he wrote with his now deceased former bandmate, Andrew Rubin, at Puffers of Pismo on Friday, March 20 (8 p.m.).

Rubin, a fantastic classical guitarist who collaborated with Jon Anderson of Yes on a concerto, played with Colton for years before his untimely death.

“The record is comprised of 10 songs engineered entirely on an iPhone10,” Colton explained. “These are the last songs I wrote

live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

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.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR

Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 6235129, stellerscellar.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE GATEHOUSE

Experience an afternoon of live music with Ruby Jane and Estate-grown wines at The Gatehouse. March 21 , 12-2 p.m. (805) 688-0881. tockify.com. The Gatehouse at Bein Nacido, 3503 Rancho Tepusquet Road, Santa Maria.

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.

with Andrew Rubin, my best friend and former bandmate from long-forgotten local band The Spaces Between, circa 2012-2016. The official release date for Passion Out Of Fashion is on what would’ve been Rubin’s 31st birthday, Sunday, March 15. It’ll be available on all music streaming sites.” These are quirky, charming, mostly lofi acoustic songs, and Colton and Rubin’s voices work so well together. The harmonies are inventive and are clearly nodding to the Beach Boys. The songs boast Daniel Johnston-level charm.

All that jazz

The SLO Jazz Federation presents The Brian Ho B3 Organ Trio on Saturday, March 21, at SLO’s Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (doors at 7, show at 7:30 p.m.; all ages; $35 general, $25 Jazz Fed members, and $10 students at my805tix.com). Ho, a modern master of the Hammond B3, has been a longtime member of the Mimi Fox Trio and has played with Richie Cole, Billy Hart, and Gary Bartz, among many others.

Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

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.

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.

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.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING

CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 8190723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

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. SANTA YNEZ VALLEY THE BAND PERRY LIVE Hear Tennesseebased group The Band Perry perform live at Chumash Casino Resort. Get tickets and additional details at the link. March 27 8 p.m. $40-$70. chumashcasino.com. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, (800) 248-6274. EVERCLEAR Get ready to sing along to “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “Wonderful” when 90s alternative rock legends Everclear take the stage at Solvang. March 27 7-9 p.m. $125. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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. ∆

RIGHT NOW Moonshiner Collective plays an album release party for their new EP Power of Now at Rod & Hammer Rock on March 20 .

REMEMBERING ANDREW Local singer-songwriter Noah Colton is releasing Passion Out Of Fashion, a collection of

he wrote with his now deceased former bandmate, Andrew Rubin, at Puffers of Pismo on March 20

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REVISITING CREEDENCE

FRIDAY,

Flavor

Paving her own path

Riley Roddick of Hubba Wines in Paso Robles celebrates a decade in business

When young Cal Poly graduate Riley Hubbard (now Roddick) told her mentor that she wanted to follow in his footsteps, he had no doubt she would fulfill her dream.

“I know how much persistence and personality it takes to build something in this industry,” winemaker Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery in Paso Robles said. “She had both.”

That was in 2008. Roddick spent the next several years working harvests worldwide, obtaining a master’s degree in Europe, and rising to the rank of assistant winemaker locally at Law Estate Wines and Desparada Wines before founding Paso’s Hubba Wines in 2016.

“From the beginning, she had a clear vision,” Asseo said. “She never tried to make wines to please journalists or follow trends. She always believed in making wines she personally enjoys, wines that reflect her personality and convictions. That takes courage.

“I believed in her so strongly that I even supported her financially in the early days. She paid me back, of course, but more importantly she proved that her instincts and determination were right.”

Asseo respects her approach, which works with the character of the fruit and terroir to adjust her winemaking rather than force a style.

“After 10 years of Hubba Wines, what makes me most proud is that she built something authentic, something that truly represents who she is,” he said.

In addition to Hubba’s anniversary bash—slated for this summer—Roddick also recently celebrated her 40th birthday and, best of all, she enthused, she and her husband Nolan are expecting their first child in April.

“Hubba was a nickname from my last name, Hubbard,” she said. “My family means the most to me in life, so I figured I should name my winery after them.”

But she didn’t stop there. She also named many of her wines after family, close friends, and even beloved pets.

“The classic Hubba labels—from Bay Area designer Sylvia Aranda—are all line drawings of different interpretations of my family members and what reminds me of them,” she said. “They are a little whimsical, fun, and not very traditional, kind of like me and my wines.”

Spoonman, for example, a chenin blanc named for her husband’s first word, is “lean, grounded, and full of quiet strength,” according to her website, while Mushroomhead, a red blend with “earthy, complex, and … unexpected layers,” pokes light-hearted fun at her sister Delaney’s unfortunate haircut mishap in childhood.

She also offers vineyard-specific and amphora-aged wines, as well as white and red vermouth, with a total annual case production of around 2,000.

Over the years she has racked up 90-plus-

Head to Hubba

Hubba Wines, located in Paso Robles’ Tin City at 2929 Limestone Way, unit B, is open by appointment from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows. Tastings are $30, waived with a two-bottle purchase. Contact hubbawines.com for more information and follow the company on Instagram @hubbawines.

Stay tuned for Hubba Wines’ 10-year anniversary celebration in August. It will be ticketed for the general public and free for club members.

For a more adventurous experience, Riley Roddick of Hubba Wines and Maggie Tillman, co-owner of Paso’s Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, are hosting a wine cruise through Portugal’s Douro River Valley next spring. Details, including an early-bird bonus for sign-ups by March 31, are on Hubba’s website.

point ratings from multiple industry publications, including 94-point scores from Wine Enthusiast for various vintages of Mushroomhead and Butch, a zinfandel named for her father, Jon, as well as 93 points for Mutha, a chardonnay dedicated to her mother, Bridget.

Born and raised in Encinitas and now residing in Templeton, Roddick’s professional journey began at Cal Poly, where she obtained a degree in agricultural business and viticulture.

Following her first industry job learning all facets of the business under the tutelage of Asseo from 2008 to 2011, she traveled the globe, working harvest at Torbreck Vintners in Australia’s Barossa Valley, then moving to Europe to complete the Vinifera EuroMaster, a two-year international master’s program in viticulture and enology.

She spent her first year of the program in Montpellier and Bordeaux, France, worked harvest at Domaine d’Aupilhac in Montpeyroux, then moved to Udine, Italy, to complete her thesis on organic viticulture.

Back in Paso, she further refined her skills as assistant winemaker to two other industry titans and personal mentors—Scott Hawley, former Law winemaker and owner and

founding winemaker at Torrin Wines, and Vailia From, owner and founding winemaker at Desparada.

Both Hawley and From say they are proud to have played a role in Roddick’s rising star.

“She is obviously talented, but it is her refreshingly consistent sense of self that carries through the branding, labeling convention, and the wines themselves that makes Hubba special,” Hawley said. “Riley and her wines share a charming self-awareness, a playful energy and verve that effortlessly draws you in. … I am incredibly happy for Riley and her growing family and look forward to her continued success.”

from small, family-owned vineyards along the Central Coast and keeping her portfolio focused on the energy of the terroir and the personalities of the growers rather than on the actual grape variety.

Her motto is simply to craft wine that she likes to drink in a style that is “as natural as possible without being dogmatic,” she said.

Send tidbits on everything food and drink to bites@newtimesslo.com.

“I love having my own winery where I get to make all the decisions,” she added, “[but] a long-term goal of mine is to own my own vineyard, where I can be more of a control freak.”

Roddick invites guests to explore her latest vintages at her Tin City location.

From, who provided space for Roddick to craft Hubba wines before opening her own spot in Tin City in 2021, echoed the sentiment: “Riley is an incredibly intelligent, skilled, and talented person and winemaker. I’ve always been so impressed at her drive and passion, and I’m so stoked for her success.”

As for what’s next from Roddick, she plans to continue sourcing organic grapes

“We have a great outdoor space and host concerts every Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. April through August,” she said. “We usually get a food vendor, and it’s a really great time and family-friendly.” Δ

Flavor writer Cherish Whyte can’t wait to taste Roddick’s viticultural homage to Baby Roddick. In the meantime, she’ll be sipping Spoonman at cwhyte@newtimesslo.com.

TASTY TRIBUTE Winemaker Riley Roddick’s eclectic portfolio of Hubba varietals and blends, such as Spoonman and Mushroomhead, reflect the nicknames and personalities of her loved ones.

NEW BEGINNINGS Hubba Wines proprietor Riley Roddick and her husband, Nolan, of Templeton, will soon be embarking on their latest, greatest adventure—parenthood.

PATIO POURS Enjoy a tasting, glass, or bottle on Hubba Wines’ patio, with seating for up to 250 guests. Stay tuned for the Paso Robles winery’s Friday night concert series, featuring live music and rotating food trucks.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0219

(01/28/2026)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as FIT HOUSE STUDIOS, 338 W Tefft St., Ste. C, Nipomo,

Unit H098, has the following items such as chairs and storage bins, miscellaneous items.

March 12 & 19, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0158 (01/21/2026)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as ELITE MOBILE DETAILING, 1480 24th St., Oceano, CA 93445. San Luis Obispo County. Aaron Alvarado (1480 24th St., Oceano, CA 93445). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Aaron Alvarado. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-23-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 01-232031. February 26, March 5, 12, & 19, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0169 (01/23/2026)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as HEMP WHOLESALE SUPPLY, 154 N 16th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433. San Luis Obispo County. Canyak Root Distribution LLC (154 N 16th Street, Grover Beach, CA 93433). This business is conducted by A CA Limited Liability Company /s/ Canyak Root Distribution LLC, Ernest R Martin, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-23-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, L. Maceri, Deputy. Exp. 01-23-2031. March 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0172 (N/A)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as PRIMAL PEST CONTROL, 1009 Canyon Ln., Pismo Beach, CA 93449. San Luis Obispo County. Edward PM Gill (1009 Canyon Ln., Pismo Beach, CA 93449). This business is conducted by An Individual /s/ Edward PM Gill. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-26-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Katz, Deputy. Exp. 0126-2031. February 26, March 5, 12, & 19, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0207 (01/28/2026)

New Filing

The following person is doing business as NAUTILUS CONSULTANTS, 3018 Arezzo Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. San Luis Obispo County. Tesoriero Engineering Consulting, PC (3018 Arezzo Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). This business is conducted by A CA Corporation /s/ Tesoriero Engineering Consulting, PC, Thomas Tesoriero, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-29-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, L. Maceri, Deputy. Exp. 01-292031. March 12, 19, 26, & April 2, 2026

Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 01-30-2026. hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, A. Trujillo, Deputy. Exp. 01-30-2031.

gel, Manager. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 02-09-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano, County Clerk, M. Maltby, Deputy. Exp. 02-09-2031. February 26, March 5, 12, & 19, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2026-0324 (N/A) New Filing

The following person is doing business as MENARD USA, 3025 Venture Rd., Placerville CA 95667. El Dorado County. Farrell Design-Build Companies, Inc. (3025 Venture Rd., Placerville CA 95667). This business is conducted by A CA Corporation /s/ Farrell Design-Build Companies, Inc., Richard Hammers, CFO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Luis Obispo on 02-11-2026. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the statement on file in my office. (Seal) Elaina Cano,

CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 16, 2026 for performing work as follows: 2025 WATER MASTER PLAN AND URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE

sidewalk and cross-gutters,

and restriping Riverside Avenue from 17th to 21st Street. Contractor to provide

plans, permits, and inspections necessary,

and/or as

as

on

herein. PROJECT IS

BE COMPLETED WITHIN SEVENTY (70) WORKING DAYS FROM THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE TO PROCEED. CONTRACTOR MAY COMPLETE THE WORK WITHIN THE 70 WORKING DAYS SPECIFIED OR WORK MUST BE PUT ON PAUSE AND CONSTRUCTION ZONE CLEANED UP TO CITY’S SATISFACTION FOR THE MID-STATE FAIR EVENT BY JULY 10, 2026, AT NO EXTRA COST TO THE CITY FOR DEMOBILIZATION OR REMOBILIZATION. WORK MAY RESUME ON AUGUST 3, 2026. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PAY TO THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES THE SUM OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00), FOR EACH AND EVERY CALENDAR DAY’S DELAY IN FINISHING THE WORK IN EXCESS OF THE CALENDAR DAY COMPLETION TIME.

The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) implemented amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulations (“Regulation”) which went into effect on January 1, 2024 and apply broadly to all self-propelled off road diesel vehicles 25 horsepower or greater and other forms of equipment used in California. A copy of the Regulation is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/regact/2022/ off-roaddiesel/appa-1.pdf Bidders are required to comply with all CARB and Regulation requirements, including, without limitation, all applicable sections of the Regulation, as codified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations section 2449 et seq. throughout the duration of the Project. Bidders must provide, with their Bid, copies of Bidder’s and all listed subcontractors’ most recent, valid Certificate of Reported Compliance (“CRC”) issued by CARB. Failure to provide valid CRCs as required herein may render the Bid non-responsive.

Bids must be submitted on the City’s Bid Forms. Bidders may obtain a copy of the Contract Documents from DemandStar Paso Robles, CA, or 1000 Spring Street, El Paso de Robles, California (805) 237-3861. To the extent required by section 20103.7 of the Public Contract Code, upon request from a contractor plan room service, the City shall provide an electronic copy of the Contract Documents at no charge to the contractor plan room.

It is the responsibility of each prospective bidder to check DemandStar Paso Robles, CA on a daily basis through the close of bids for any applicable addenda or updates. DemandStar Paso Robles, CA sends email notifications to ONLY those registered on their website. The City does not assume any liability or responsibility based on any defective or incomplete copying, excerpting, scanning, faxing, downloading or printing of the Bid Documents. Information on DemandStar Paso Robles, CA may change without notice to prospective bidders. The Contract Documents shall supersede any information posted or transmitted by any other vendor besides the City.

Each Bid shall be accompanied by cash, a certified or cashier’s check, or Bid Bond secured from a surety company satisfactory to the City Council, the amount of which shall not be less than ten percent (10%) of the submitted Total Bid Price, made payable to City of El Paso de Robles as bid security. The bid security shall be provided as a guarantee that within fifteen (15) calendar days after the City provides the successful bidder the Notice of Award, the successful Bidder will enter into a contract and provide the necessary bonds and certificates of insurance. The bid security will be declared forfeited if the successful Bidder fails to comply within said time. No interest will be paid on funds deposited with City. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Faithful Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Payment Bond each in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price. Each bond shall be in the forms set forth herein, shall be secured from a surety company that meets all State of California bonding requirements, as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120,

the prevailing

of

diem wages and the prevailing

in

Luis Obispo

and

of the Department of Industrial Relations for

craft,

from

for

or type of worker needed to execute this contract. A copy of these prevailing wage rates may be obtained via the internet at: www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/ It shall be mandatory upon the Bidder to whom the Contract is awarded, and upon any subcontractors, to comply with all Labor Code provisions, which include but are not limited to the payment of not less than the said specified prevailing wage rates to all workers employed by them in the execution of the Contract, employment of apprentices, hours of labor and debarment of contractors and subcontractors.

Pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or enter into a contract to perform public work must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. No Bid will be accepted nor any contract entered into without proof of the contractor’s and subcontractors’ current registration with the Department of Industrial Relations to perform public work. If awarded a contract, the Bidder and its subcontractors, of any tier, shall maintain active registration with the Department of Industrial Relations for the duration of the Project. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the contractor registration requirements mandated by Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1.

This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. In bidding on this Project, it shall be the Bidder’s sole responsibility to evaluate and include the cost of complying with all labor compliance requirements under this contract and applicable law in its Bid.

Bidders shall comply with all requirements regarding Section 3 requirements of the Housing Urban Development, as noted in Appendix E. Unless otherwise provided in the Instructions for Bidders, each Bidder shall be a licensed contractor pursuant to sections 7000 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code in the following classification(s) throughout the time it submits its Bid and for the duration of the contract: Class A, General Engineering.

Substitution requests shall be made within 35 calendar days after the award of the contract. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(b), the City may make findings designating that certain additional materials, methods or services by specific brand or trade name other than those listed in the Standard Specifications be used for the Project. Such findings, if any, as well as the materials, methods or services and their specific brand or trade names that must be used for the Project may be found in the Special Conditions.

The City shall award the contract for the Project to the lowest responsive, responsible Bidder as determined by the City from the Base Bid alone. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any irregularities or informalities in any bids or in the bidding process.

Date: March 19, 2026 By: Ditas Esperanza P.E. Capital Projects Engineer

Publication Dates: - March 19, 2026 - April 9, 2026

end of notice inviting bids

The City is seeking a highly qualified consulting civil engineering firm to prepare an updated Water Master Plan for the City’s water distribution system, as well as to prepare the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Update for the City. The City views these two documents as inter-related and expects the successful consultant to leverage the related work between the two reports to provide efficiency to the City.

All proposals will be compared based on understanding of the scope of work, methods and procedures to be used, management, personnel and experience, and consultation and coordination with the City of Pismo Beach. Only those proposals submitted per the requirements herein and certified by an authorized company officer will be considered. Proposals received by fax, email or hardcopy will be rejected.

All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.

Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.

ERICA INDERLIED

CITY CLERK

March 19 & 26, 2026

CITY OF PISMO BEACH STATE OF CALIFORNIA

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

PROPOSALS will be received electronically by the City of Pismo Beach via the City’s e-Procurement Portal PlanetBids, until 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 16, 2026 for performing work as follows: 2027 ROADWAY MAINTENANCE & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

The City of Pismo Beach is interested in acquiring the services of a qualified firm to provide design services for the 2027 Roadway Maintenance & Drainage Improvements Project. The project scope includes design services for roadway maintenance and drainage improvements intended to improve groundwater conditions. Roadway maintenance improvements will include crack fill, localized digouts, slurry seal, overlays, mill & overlays, survey monument research, and preparation of striping plans. Drainage improvements will include surface concrete and flowline improvements, drain inlets, longitudinal perforated or slotted underdrains, and new solid wall trunkline storm drains.

All proposals will be compared on the understanding of the scope of work to be performed, methods and procedures to be used, management, personnel and experience, and the Consultant’s ability to identify and mitigate key project risks. Only those proposals submitted per the requirements herein and certified by an authorized company officer will be considered. Proposals received by fax, email or hardcopy will be rejected.

All questions must be submitted in writing through the PlanetBids Procurement Question/Answer Tab via the City’s e-Procurement portal, on or before the Question & Answer Submission Date and Time. All questions submitted and answers provided shall be electronically distributed to all proposers who have selected to “follow” this RFP on the City’s e-Procurement Portal.

Proposals must be submitted online using the City’s electronic bidding platform which can be accessed at www.pismobeach.org/bids.

ERICA INDERLIED CITY CLERK

March 19 & 26, 2026

NOTICE OF RETRACTION City of Atascadero

A legal advertisement published on March 12, 2026 titled “Notice of Completion and Availability of Draft EIR” incorrectly stated the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the proposed General Plan 2045 and Zoning Code Update would be available for public review during from March 16, 2026 through April 30, 2026 online and in print at Atascadero City Hall and the Atascadero Library.

This information was published in error. The Draft EIR for the proposed General Plan 2045 and Zoning Code Update is not yet available for public review.

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the City will notify the public when the Draft EIR for the proposed General Plan 2045 and Zoning Code Update is available for public review. Such future notice will indicate the dates of the public review period for the EIR.

We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience caused by this error.

DATED: Mar 16, 2026

S/ P Dunsmore, Community Development Director

PUBLISH: Mar. 19, 2026

The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Meetings may be viewed on Government Access Channel 20 or streamed live from the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ CityofSanLuisObispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail delivered to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@ slocity.org.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:

• Review of amendments to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) and Title 16 (Subdivision Regulations) of the Municipal Code, associated with state legislative updates on accessory and junior accessory dwelling units and urban lot splits, as well as other clarifications and changes to regulations for housing development, with a categorical exemption from environmental review; Project Address: Citywide; Case #: CODE-0149-2026

Contact: Ethan Estrada – (805) 781-7576 – ejestrad@slocity.org

The Planning Commission may also discuss other hearing or business items before or after the item(s) listed above. If you challenge the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Report(s) are typically available six days in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https:// www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/ agendas-and-minutes. Please call The Community Development Department at (805) 781-7170 for more information, or to request an agenda report. The Planning Commission meeting will be televised live on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live streaming on the City’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. March 19, 2026

2026

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

The San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Public comment, prior to the start of the meeting, may be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail to the City Clerk’s Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to advisorybodies@slocity. org.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEM:

• 2026-27 Human Services Grant Program Funding Recommendation: This is a public hearing to solicit comments on the Human Relations Commission Review Subcommittee grant funding recommendations for the 2026-27 Human Services Grant Program. Staff will provide a brief description of the grant, including details of the grant process, funding areas, and requirements, and then review the subcommittee recommendations. Contact Information: Matt Pennon – (805) 781-7073 – mpennon@slocity.org

Report(s) are typically available one week in advance of the meeting and can be viewed on the City’s website, under the Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/ mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at (805) 781-7073 for more information, or to request an agenda report. March 19, 2026

AN ORDINANCE

THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE

This Ordinance Summary is published in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 36933. On March 10, 2026, the City Council voted 5-0 to introduce an Ordinance amending Section 1.01.010 of Title 1 and various Sections of Title 13 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC) related to administrative cleanups. The City Council must vote again to adopt the Ordinance. That action is scheduled to take place at a Regular Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the City Council Chamber, 215 E Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA. A certified copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available for review by contacting the City Clerk at 805-473-5400. Jessica Matson, City Clerk Publish one

PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, April 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT A request by James Nelson for a Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit (C-DRC2023-00054) to remedy the as-built conversion of an existing approximately 456 square foot garage by authorizing the conversion into a non-habitable workshop, demolition of a portion of the driveway, construction of a new 180 square-foot carport and retaining wall, and reduction to the size of an as-built permeable deck from 340 square feet to 136 square feet. The project will not result in a change to the existing approximately 720 square foot single-family residence on site. Gross Structural Area will be increased from 1,176 square feet to 1,356 square-feet with the addition of the 180 square-foot carport. Two parking spaces will be provided on-site (one covered carport space and one uncovered space). The project will result in the disturbance of approximately 824 squarefeet on a 5,347 square-foot parcel. The proposed project is within the Residential Single-Family land use category and is located at 2115 Spencer Street in the community of Cambria. The site is in the North Coast Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA. County File Number: C-DRC2023-00054

Supervisorial District: District 2

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 024-063-077

Date Accepted: 12/11/2025

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Andy Knighton, Project Manager in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-4142.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 3/27/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on C-DRC2023-00054.”

If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.

COASTAL APPEALABLE

If the County approves this project, that action may be eligible for appeal to the California Coastal Commission. An applicant or aggrieved party may appeal to the Coastal Commission only after all possible local appeals have been exhausted pursuant to Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.043(b). Local appeals must be filed using the required Planning Department form as provided by Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance Section 23.01.042(a)(1).

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary Planning Department Hearing

March 19, 2026

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, April 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM. To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT

A request by Valente Morales for a Minor Use Permit (N-DRC2025-00007) to allow for the construction for a new 3,668 square foot residence with an 823 square foot attached garage, and 1,006 square feet of covered porches. The project will result in a ground disturbance of 10,018 square feet of the 1.18-acre parcel. The project is located at 9995 Flyrod Drive in the Village of Heritage Ranch. The project is located in the Nacimiento Sub Area of the North County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code section 21080.66 -housing development projects. County File Number: N-DRC2025-00007 Supervisorial District: District 1

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 012-374-011

Date Accepted: 3/4/2026

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at: Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Elizabeth Moreno, Project Manager in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781- 5600.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 3/27/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2025-00007.”

If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.

Ysabel Eighmy Secretary Planning

COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & BUILDING

NOTICE OF TENTATIVE ACTION / PUBLIC HEARING

WHO County of San Luis Obispo Planning Department Hearing

WHEN Friday, April 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM: All items are advertised for 9:00 AM.

To verify agenda placement, please call the Department of Planning & Building at (805) 781-5600.

WHAT A request by George Ghazaly for a Minor Use Permit (N-DRC2024-00044)

to allow four (4) additional fuel kiosks with eight (8) total additional vehicular fuel pumps, overhead canopy, 2,000 SF underground fuel storage tank, and other site improvements to the existing Stop N’ Buy gas and convenience store. The site shares access, parking, and signage with recently approved drive-thru restaurant (N-DRC2023-00023) on a 26,139 square foot site. The proposed project is within the Commercial Retail land use category and is located at 459 West Tefft Street at the corner of West Tefft Street and the northbound Tefft Street exit ramp of Highway 101 in Nipomo. The site is in the South

County Inland Sub-Area of the South County Planning Area.

Also to be considered is the determination that this project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA based on the common sense exemption, CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3).

County File Number: N-DRC2024-00044

Supervisorial District: District 4

Assessor Parcel Number(s): 092-251-025

Date Accepted: 10/22/2025

WHERE Virtual meeting via Zoom platform. Instructions on how to view and participate in the meeting remotely and provide public comment will be included in the published meeting Agenda and are posted on the Department’s webpage at:

Planning Department Hearing - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A copy of the staff report will be made available on the Planning Department website at www.sloplanning.org. You may also contact Eric Tolle, Project Manager in the Department of Planning and Building at the address below or by telephone at 805-781-5600.

TO REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING

This matter is tentatively scheduled to appear on the consent agenda, which means that it and any other items on the consent agenda can be acted upon by the hearing officer with a single motion. An applicant or interested party may request a public hearing on this matter. To do so, send a letter to this office at the address below or send an email to pdh@co.slo.ca.us by 3/27/2026 at 4:30 PM. The letter or email must include the language “I would like to request a hearing on N-DRC2024-00044.”

If you challenge this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this public notice or in written correspondence delivered to the appropriate authority at or before the public hearing.

Ysabel Eighmy

Secretary

Planning Department Hearing March 19, 2026

SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the San Luis Coastal Unified School District acting by and through its Board of Education will receive bids up to, but not later than 10:00:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2026 for Bid #336 C.L. Smith Elementary School Phase 2 Modernization Project.

A mandatory pre-bid informational meeting will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 8:00:00 a.m. The meeting will begin in front of the office at the C.L. Smith Elementary School, 1375 Balboa Street, San Luis Obispo, California. Failure to attend will render the bid non-responsive and subject to rejection by the District.

Proposals shall be received in the Facilities Office, San Luis Coastal Unified, 937 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Questions regarding Bid #336 may be directed in writing only to the Facilities Analyst II, Kelly Lee, at klee@slcusd.org, and must be submitted no later than 10:00 a.m. on Friday April 3, 2026.

Project documents are available at the San Luis Coastal Online Planroom at www.asapreprographics.com. Bidder must obtain a set of Bid and Contract Documents prior to bid opening or their bid will be rejected by the District as non-responsive.

Owner, or its designee, has determined that certain materials, services, products or things designated by specific brand or trade name shall not be subject to Public Contract Code section 3400(a) in order to match other materials, services, products or things in use on a particular Owner public improvement either completed or in the course of completion and in order to obtain a necessary item that is only available from one source. These specific materials, services, products or things are identified in San Luis Coastal Unified School District Standard Products list that was board approved on October 10, 2024

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or accept or reject any one or more items of a proposal, or to waive any irregularities or informalities in the proposals.

Kelly Lee

Facilities Analyst II

San Luis Coastal Unified School District March 19 & 26, 2026

Free Will Astrology by Rob Brezsny

Homework: What message will you send the person you’ll be in three years? Newsletter.freewillastrology.com

ARIES

(March 21-April 19): In 1960, Aries primatologist Jane Goodall arrived in Tanzania to study the social and family lives of chimpanzees. Her intention was to engage in patient, long-term observation. In subsequent months, she saw the creatures using tools, a skill that scientists had previously believed only humans could do. She also found that “it isn’t only human beings who have personality, who are capable of rational thought and emotions like joy and sorrow.” Her discoveries revolutionized our understanding of animal intelligence. I recommend her approach to you in the coming weeks, Aries. Your diligent, tenacious attention can supplant outmoded assumptions. Let the details and rhythms of what you’re studying reveal their deeper truths. Your affectionate watchfulness will change the story.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20): Ancient Romans had a household deity called Cardea, goddess of hinges and thresholds. She protected the pivot points, like the places where the inside meets the outside and where one state transforms into another. In the coming weeks, you Tauruses will benefit from befriending a similar deity. I hope you will pay eager attention to the metaphorical hinges in your world: the thresholds, portals, transitions, and in-between times. They may sometimes feel awkward because they lack the certainty you crave. But I guarantee that they are where the best magic congregates.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20): You are fluent in the art of fruitful contradiction. While others pursue one-dimensional consistency, you thrive on the fact that the truth is too wild and multifaceted to be captured in a single, simple story. You make spirited use of paradox and enjoy being enchanted by riddles. You can be both serious and playful, committed and curious, strong and receptive. In the coming weeks, Gemini, I hope you will express these superpowers to the max. The world doesn’t need another person who separates everything into neat little categories. Your nimble intelligence and charming multiplicity are the gifts your allies need most.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the soulfulness that comes with age. A weathered wooden gate may be considered more beautiful than a new one. Its surface has a silvery grain from years of exposure to rain and sun. Its hinges creak from long use by countless passersby. Let’s invoke this lovely concept as we ruminate on your life, Cancerian. In my astrological estimation, it’s important that in the coming months you don’t treat your incompleteness as a deficit requiring correction. Consider the possibility that your supposed blemishes may be among your most interesting features. The idiosyncratic aspects of your character are precisely what make you a source of vitality.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22): In medieval Japan, swordsmiths would undertake spiritual purifications before beginning work on a new blade: abstinence, ritual bathing, prayer, and fasting. They believed that the quality of their consciousness influenced the quality of their creation—that the blade would absorb the maker’s mental and spiritual state. I bring this to your attention because you’re in a phase when your inner condition will have extra potent effects on everything you build, develop, or initiate. My advice: Prepare yourself with impeccable care before launching new projects. Purify your motivations. Clarify your vision. The creations you will be generating could serve you well for a long time.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Master chess players don’t necessarily calculate more moves ahead than amateurs. Their years of study enable them to perceive the developing trends in a single glance, bypassing complex analysis. What appears to be stellar intuition is actually compressed expertise. You’re in a phase when you can make abundant use of this capacity, Virgo.

Again and again, your accumulated experience will crystallize into immediate knowing. So don’t second-guess your first assessments, OK? Trust the pattern recognition that you have cultivated through the years.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The cosmic powers have granted you a triple-strength, extra-long, time-release dose of sweet, fresh certainty. During the grace period that’s beginning, you will be less tempted to indulge in doubt and indecision. A fountain of resolve will rise up in you whenever you need it. Though at first the lucid serenity you feel may seem odd, you could grow accustomed to it—so much so that you could permanently lose up to 20 percent of your chronic tendency to vacillate.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Crows can hold grudges against individual humans for years. But they also remember acts of kindness and bring gifts like shiny objects and buttons to those who’ve helped them. They’re capable of both revenge and gratitude, and they never forget either. I suspect you’re entering a period when you’ll need to decide which of your crow-like qualities to emphasize, Scorpio. You have legitimate grievances worth remembering. You have also received gifts worth honoring. My counsel: Spend 20 percent of your emotional energy on remembering wrongs (enough to protect yourself) and 80 percent on remembering what has helped you thrive. Make gratitude your primary teacher, even as you stay wisely wary.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): More than any other zodiac sign, you Sagittarians can be both a discontented rebel and a sunny celebrant of life. You can see clearly what’s out of alignment and needs adjustment without surrendering your wry, amused tolerance. This double capacity will be especially useful to you in the coming days. You may not find many allies who share this aptitude, though, so you should lean on your own instincts and heed the following suggestions: Be joyfully defiant. Be a generous agitator and an open-hearted critic. Blessings will find their way to you as you subvert the stale status quo with creativity and kindness.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your persistence and endurance are among your greatest gifts to the world. You’re committed to building useful structures that outlast transitory moods and trends. On behalf of all the other signs, I say, Thank you! dear Capricorn. You understand that real power comes from showing up consistently and doing unglamorous work, refraining from the temptation to score quick and superficial victories. May you always recognize that your pragmatism is a form of loving faith. Your cautionary care is rooted in generosity. Now here’s my plea: More than ever before, the rest of us need you to express these talents with full vigor.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): One of your power symbols right now is the place where two tributaries blend into a single river. A second is where your favorite tree enters the earth. Here are other images to excite your imagination and stimulate your creativity: the boundary between cloud and sky; the darkness where your friend’s shadow overlaps yours; and the time between when the sun sets and night falls. To sum up, Aquarius, I hope you will access extra inspiration in liminal areas. Seek the vibrant revelations that arise where one mystery coalesces with another.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20): Poet Mark Doty wrote, “The sea doesn’t reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. We should lie as empty, open, and choiceless as a beach— waiting for gifts from the sea.” This quote captures your Piscean genius when it’s working at its best. Others may exhaust themselves trying to force results, but you know that the best gifts often come to those who are patient, open, and relaxed. This is true right now more than ever before. I hope you will practice intense receptivity. Protect your permeability like the superpower it is. Be as supple and responsive as you dare. ∆