Sun, August 3, 2023

Two proposed bills aim to help residents of low-income communities deal with lawsuits over water rights, also known as adjudication lawsuits. They could potentially help Cuyama Valley residents who are facing such a lawsuit from two large carrot growers. The first phase of the adjudication process begins on Aug. 7. Residents have cobbled together their money to pay attorneys to represent them in the lawsuit, which was filed after the area came up with a groundwater sustainability plan that called for reduced groundwater pumping. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with residents about the suit and an elected official about the legislation [6]

This week, you can also read about Santa Barbara County’s crop report for 2022 [4]; the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s latest production [20]; and a place to stop for ostrich burgers [24]

Cover file photo by Dylan Honea-Baumann > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

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to using power for good. Rather than pocket the profits, we use it to fund new ways to source renewable energy–like building a binary geothermal power plant. And you’re helping. Just by making toast.

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) joined members of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and other state and local officials to highlight more than $70 million in federal funding that his work in Congress helped deliver for improvements to U.S. Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County, boosting the more than 17-year effort to improve safety and reduce congestion, according to a July 24 statement from Carbajal’s office. “The 101 is truly the backbone of our community. It is what gets our working families to their jobs, it moves the Central Coast’s products out into the world, it takes us to our gorgeous beaches and incredible public lands,” Carbajal said in the statement. “In Washington, I have worked to secure funding for this project in any way that I can. I was successful in securing $7 million in direct funding from the 2023 federal budget … and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supplied $67 million. We’re basking in the glow of a ‘summer of infrastructure’ that is happening across our region.” Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding delivered more than $67 million for the project, more than half of the $132.4 million award announced earlier this month by the California Transportation Commission.

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) announced the Asunción Valdivia Heat, Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act to protect the safety and health of workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace, according to a statement from Padilla’s office. The legislation is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia, who died in 2004 after picking grapes for 10 hours straight in 105-degree temperatures. Valdivia fell unconscious, and instead of calling an ambulance, his employer told Valdivia’s son to drive his father home. On his way home, he died of heat stroke at the age of 53. The legislation will protect workers against occupational exposure to excessive heat by requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an enforceable standard to protect workers in high-heat environments, with measures like paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, limitations on time exposed to heat, and emergency response for workers with heat-related illness. The bill also directs employers to provide training for their employees on the risk factors that can lead to heat illness and guidance on the proper procedures for responding to symptoms. The bill requires an interim final rule be in place within one year of the bill’s passage. “Asunción Valdivia tragically lost his life to heatstroke picking grapes in 105-degree heat under the Central Valley sun. Nearly 20 years later, millions of Americans are facing recordbreaking extreme heat conditions that put the health and safety of our workers at risk,” Padilla said in the statement. “This critical legislation will hold employers accountable and ensure enforceable workplace protections.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced new investments that will “ramp up” defenses around homes, reduce overgrown vegetation, and improve evacuation routes for rural communities, according to a July 27 statement from the governor’s office. The $113 million in new funding, made possible by the $52 billion California Climate Commitment budget, will support 96 wildfire prevention projects across the state—with more than 8 in 10 grants directed toward vulnerable or underserved communities. “These kinds of projects save lives and livelihoods, and we’re scaling it up. It was work like this that helped communities like South Lake Tahoe and Pollock Pines avert unknowable destruction,” Newsom said in the statement. “Our goal is to stop devastation before it happens—to keep Californians safe and preserve our communities and shared history.” Cal Fire’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program funds programs to protect people, structures, and communities. This year’s investment adds to the 144 ongoing projects funded last year and includes hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention planning and education. These projects support the goals and objectives of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, as well as the Strategic Fire Plan for California. m

County looks to future ag industry challenges after releasing 2022 crop report

Agriculture remains Santa Barbara County’s largest producing industry with a gross production value of more than $1.93 billion, according to the 2022 county Agricultural Crop Report—a 5 percent increase from the 2021’s numbers.

“We are certainly seeing an increase as we are getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more and more people are going to restaurants to eat and schools are going back in-person, many farmers are providing vegetables and fruits to the schools and restaurants,” Santa Barbara County Agriculture Commissioner Jose Chang said. “That’s why during the pandemic we saw a significant decrease because a lot of those markets were shut down.”

Strawberries remained the top crop, bringing in a gross value of $810 million—an increase from $10.3 million in 2021, according to the 2022 county crop report. Cauliflower moved to the second spot at $96.6 million because of a higher demand for gluten-free products, cauliflower pizza crust, rice, and other byproducts, while wine grapes came in third with $96.3 million value, Chang said.

This year’s crop report was not impacted by the severe winter storms, but Chang said he expects the numbers will be reflected in next year’s report. The county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office conducted an assessment of the storms’ damage to the agricultural industry and reported $160 million worth of damage between late December and January, Chang said.

“As the storms were happening at the end of last year, at that time most of the harvest season for all the vegetables and fruits was pretty much over,” he said.

Other consequences surrounding the significant rainfall and changes in weather—with a relatively cool season until about June—also remain to be seen until the 2023 report.

Claire Wineman, president of the GrowerShipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, said that many people in the agricultural industry are glad for the rainfall due to potential groundwater recharge and the Twitchell reservoir refilling, but many farmers still experienced tremendous impacts and worry about the cool weather.

“I think all of these factors have impacted the cultivation of some of the crops, and we will see some of those direct and indirect impacts to the growing season as well,” she said. “It really wasn’t everywhere; the spectrum was complete losses to minimal impact. There really was a huge range

across us geographically and with different crop types.”

The storms emphasized how important it is for the county to continue producing a wide range of crops because the economic impact to one or more crops can be balanced out, Wineman said.

“That’s the other thing that our county crop report highlights is the diversity of agriculture as a whole in Santa Barbara County and the importance [of having] policies that promote vitality because that economic diversity is really important,” she said. “It’s important we remain mindful of the policies and economic conditions that keep agriculture economically viable because it provides so many jobs and economic impacts, directly and indirectly.”

She added that it’s important to note that the crop report’s $1.93 billion value doesn’t take land rent, increased labor costs and energy bills, and inflation into consideration.

“It’s important to recognize the limitations of what the information is that’s being collected and recognize that it doesn’t mean that’s profit,” Wineman said. “Remembering back in the year, the cumulative impact to everything was challenging.”

The agriculture industry continued to face labor shortages, lingering supply chain issues, and changes in international markets, all reflecting an increased cost of production, Wineman said.

“I think we’re not seeing the impact of economic changes and crops that aren’t always reflected in pricing,” she said. “Buyers aren’t always paying more; there’s increased minimum wage, increased land rent that’s not always reflected in buyers willing to pay those increased costs.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Project developer defends Dana Reserve ahead of final impact report

Titan Drama Hall of Fame photos presided over the more than 300 people seated in metal folding chairs at Nipomo High School’s cafeteria/ performing arts center on July 24.

Green Nipomo Action Committee shirts competed for attention with heather blue Home For All tees as South County Advisory Council chair Kevin Beauchamp attempted to call attention to the meeting above the din. Almost everyone who attended was there for one reason: the controversial Dana Reserve—a 1,200-plus unit housing development proposed in Nipomo and the largest project planned in a quarter century.

“Let’s keep it civil,” 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding told the crowd. “Be respectful of everybody’s comments.”

The council heard from the developer and area residents that evening but held off on making a decision until its next meeting, after the project’s final draft environmental impact report is released on Aug. 4.

Dana Reserve developer Nick Tompkins touted the project as an answer to the region’s jobs/ housing imbalance, infrastructure deficit, and housing affordability issue. After 79 public outreach meetings to gain county and community input, Tompkins said that what became clear to him was that most of the people who live in Nipomo believe that the basic infrastructure is lacking—water, fire, health care, sewer, sheriff, schools, roads.

He said that neither more housing nor better infrastructure could exist “without solving for both.”

However, project opponents point to some of the impacts of the project as reasons to either downsize it or kill it. These include an influx of thousands of new residents that would strain infrastructure and increase traffic, as well as the environmental cost of the project, which includes cutting down more than 3,000 oak trees on a 288-acre parcel near Willow Road.

“Some people would prefer for us to scrap the project entirely and leave the trees,” Tompkins said, to raucous applause. “However, we are in the middle of a housing and affordability crisis. … Current and future generations have a need for both housing and infrastructure.”

The project includes plans for a village shopping center, a California Fresh Market grocery store, a South County Cuesta College campus, neighborhood parks and walking trails, a 55-and-older age-restricted neighborhood, 104 inclusionary housing units donated to People’s Self-Help Housing, completing the N. Frontage Road up to Willow Road, and a promise to preserve and/or plant more than five oak trees for every oak tree removed.

Alison Martinez, a Nipomo Action Committee member and area resident, spoke during public comment, saying that three years into the public’s knowing about the project, they’ve spoken with thousands of local residents who are opposed to the Dana Reserve.

“We’ve collected nearly 4,000 signatures against the project, which is 25 percent of Nipomo’s population,” she said, adding that a better project would find “a balance between housing and protecting the oak trees.”

Others who spoke against the project were concerned about the dust that project construction would create, water issues, traffic, a lack of primary and secondary schools to go along with the development, and the reality of whether the homes would actually be as affordable to the “missing middle” as Tompkins touted.

“Houses for rich people are already overbuilt. If you build more houses like that, people are just going to come in from LA and San Francisco,” one resident said.

However, many of the proponents who spoke said that more housing was needed in an area where the majority of people who grew up there couldn’t afford to purchase a home. One teacher said that both he and his wife have taught in Nipomo area schools for more than five years, but they live in Guadalupe due to housing costs.

“It’s important for educators like ourselves to be able to live in the communities in which we teach,” he said. “The Dana Reserve project offers us a unique and wonderful opportunity to be able to find homes within our budget.”

The project will go back before the South County Advisory Council on Aug. 28 and is scheduled to be heard by the SLO County Planning Commission on Aug. 30 and 31.

—Camillia Lanham

Newsom’s senior advisor on homelessness visits Santa Barbara County

Hafsa Kaka, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s senior advisor on homelessness, was scheduled to visit

TOP INDUSTRY: The 2022 Santa Barbara County Agriculture Crop Report showed that agriculture remains the county’s top industry with a gross production value of more than $1.93 billion; however the county is concerned about how the January storms could impact 2023’s growing and harvest season.

Hedges House of Hope in Isla Vista, Buena Tierra in Goleta, DignityMoves in Santa Barbara, and a future housing project, La Posada, in unincorporated Santa Barbara on Aug. 2, after the Sun went to press.

Lucille Boss, Santa Barbara County’s encampment response coordinator, told the Sun that Newsom appointed Kaka in May after she led San Diego’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department since 2021. During her orientation into the role, Boss said state housing representatives recommended she connect with Santa Barbara County to see what it’s been doing with state funding.

“The state secretary of business, consumer services, and housing agency recommended she visit south Santa Barbara to learn more about encampment resolution and encampment response protocol … and it became a bit more broad. She wanted to learn about everything we’re doing,” Boss said.

All of the South County sites the group is scheduled to visit have been developed in part by state funding sources, she said. While this visit primarily focuses on South County services, Boss said they are planning to do future visits to look at Hope Village, a DignityMoves interim housing facility in Santa Maria, and highlight the $6 million in state funding to address encampments in riverbeds—with 50 percent of funding going toward the Santa Maria Riverbed and 30 percent to the Lompoc Riverbed.

“I think it’s really cool, we’ve heard loud and clear that we need more behavioral health and medical care out in the field. … This funding will provide case managers, substance use disorder specialists out in the field every day, providing care,” Boss said. “That’s a huge shift, it’s a huge undertaking so people don’t have to leave their encampment, spend their day on the bus, and

worry about their belongings while they are gone.”

Sylvia Barnard, Good Samaritan’s executive director, said that this waterways grant will be important because it helps get more state funding and services to North County unsheltered residents.

“The county coordinated the visit to focus on South County, but I think it’s important to know the county is diverse and very large. Santa Maria is completely different from Santa Barbara. When we’re looking at providing more beds, the next project is Hope Village,” Barnard said.

She added that she thinks it’s a matter of having new projects in North County and hopefully with Hope Village on board, North County will get more attention from the state.

“We have been in a homeless crisis for a long time and we have a serious housing crisis, but we are making a dent in the issue with creative solutions. Our Point In Time Count was down for the first time in years, which was shocking, but interventions and funding opportunities helped,” Barnard said.

Santa Barbara County’s Boss said that the county housed 1,050 people during the calendar year, and 889 people have exited into permanent solutions—whether that’s housing, reuniting with a family member, or entering a treatment program—so far in 2023, according to the county’s community data dashboard on homelessness.

“We have a collective community action plan to address homelessness that the cities adopted, they’ve all adopted this community action plan together so we are all working together on a daily basis to move people into housing,” Boss said.

“That’s from encampment resolutions, to interim and permanent housing. We’re working together every single day and that’s something.” m

—Taylor O’Connor

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Water rights fight

with corrections, she said. During the plan’s development, residents could access the documents, attend meetings, and provide insight. However, the adjudication process closed off public access—with the exception of court hearings—and is causing confusion about groundwater use, she said.

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

As the Cuyama Unified School District stepped out of a financial crisis after years of budget struggles, Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms sued the district over groundwater rights. And if the district didn’t join in the adjudication case, it risked losing water rights altogether, Superintendent Alfonso Gamino said.

“We have it in our budget for unforeseen expenses. We have more than 5 percent [in reserves], but this was an expense we weren’t counting on and how much more we’re going to have to spend is unknown,” he said. “We have to defend our water rights, but my frustration is that we can finally breathe a little bit and it’s like, ‘Here we go again.’”

The district had to hire a water attorney in late 2022 and has spent about $5,000 to $6,000 on attorney fees. Gamino said he expects the bills to be closer to $25,000 this year after hiring an expert to help the district determine its historical water usage as part of adjudication requirements.

“We don’t want to lose our water rights. Without water, we don’t have a school,” Gamino said.

The corporations first filed the groundwater rights lawsuit in August 2021 and have continued serving every Cuyama Valley resident who relies on the Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin. Residents told the Sun that about 150 basin users are now involved in the lawsuit and are facing the first phase of the adjudication process, which is scheduled to start on Aug. 7.

Two proposed state bills could help support them through the adjudication process. If the bills pass, the judge would have to take the legislation into consideration before issuing a ruling.

“The two bills, they want to make sure they take into account the small farmers and users, like schools … and I think that’s a good thing,” Gamino said.

Two-year anniversary

The state Department of Water Resources (DWR) wants Cuyama Valley residents to reduce groundwater pumping by 60 percent, a “drastic” reduction in water use, Cuyama resident and Condor’s Hope Vineyard co-owner Roberta Jaffe said.

The state’s recommendations came after looking at the Cuyama Groundwater Basin’s groundwater sustainability plan—a 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requirement. Cuyama’s is one of the 21 critically overdrafted basins in the state, and the sustainability plan is meant to maintain the basin’s health, Jaffe said. “We are completely dependent on groundwater; we don’t have any surface rivers or water being imported,” Jaffe said. “Maintaining it and being able to retain the quality of lives we’re striving for out in the valley is really key to having our groundwater supply.”

Cuyama’s Groundwater Sustainability Agency submitted its first plan to DWR in 2020 and received approval in March 2023

“It creates this parallel track where, in a way, what the groundwater sustainability agency is doing and what the courts are doing is deciding how much water can be pumped out of the basin, what can be allocated, and who will get how much to pump,” Jaffe said.

Everyone will have to reduce how much water they pump, Jaffe said, adding that she thinks Grimmway and Bolthouse are trying to get around the DWR requirement with the adjudication.

“Very often, the courts will allocate based on historical use,” Jaffe said. “Those who pump the most will be allocated the most; those who caused the overdraft have the most to gain in an adjudication. Historically, the winners in the adjudication process are the big pumpers.”

Small farms and residents often end up dropping out of the adjudication because they can’t afford attorney fees for extended periods of time, and thus risk losing their water rights altogether. Jaffe said she’s spent thousands of dollars on attorney fees in the past two years even though she’s a part of a coalition of small farmers who all use one attorney to mitigate cost.

“It’s affecting us financially; it’s affecting us in that we all thought we were on this process with the groundwater sustainability plan, and now there’s so much uncertainty,” Jaffe said.

The Aug. 7 adjudication hearing will focus on the basin boundaries that were drawn by the DWR to determine how much water can be pumped in each area. Bolthouse and Grimmway filed to exclude the western end of the basin from any pumping restrictions, Jaffe said.

“They can’t just go in and say, ‘We want to be out of this.’ They have to go in with expert witnesses for why their region should not be a part of the basin or should be identified differently,” she said. “It could mean the extractions [would be] different if they are creating a different basin where they can pump as much as they want to pump.”

If the judge decides the boundaries are different, then the DWR would have to approve the changes in a separate process, which would further extend the adjudication, she said. If the DWR doesn’t agree, then it would go back to the courts.

“I’m angry. I’ve been very actively involved in the development of the groundwater sustainability plan since the beginning,” Jaffe said. “I wasn’t always happy with the outcome of some of the decisions being made, but I definitely felt a part of the process and that it was one where the community could have a voice and that we could all try to really work toward the goals of SGMA, of bringing our basin to sustainability.”

The adjudication “will render this groundwater sustainability plan powerless,” and it’s become very “convoluted” and “destructive” for the Cuyama basin, she said.

Grimmway Farms did not comment on the adjudication.

Bolthouse Farms told the Sun in an emailed statement that it

recognizes its responsibility to assist in achieving basin sustainability.

“The purpose of the adjudication is not to utilize more water, but rather to set fixed guidelines for all overlying landowners’ water usage going forward, as required by law,” the statement read. “Bolthouse has not sought to reduce the amount of water available to the Cuyama Community Services District nor its customers who are residents of the Cuyama Basin.”

Further protections

Assembly Bills 779 and 560 could help support disadvantaged communities like Cuyama during adjudications, Santa Barbara County 1st District Supervisor Das Williams—who represents Cuyama—told the Sun

“The adjudications are supposed to be within the confines of the law concerning sustainability, but that’s never been fleshed out,” Williams said. “These bills are really important because they can help to clarify the roles of the agencies overseeing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.”

AB 779 would require the DWR to hold public meetings to explain the adjudication process to all basin users and encourage the court to have a DWR representative to provide technical assistance during the hearings, Williams said.

“It’s better for DWR to present these issues to the public so they could have an avenue for their grievances, for their concerns, for their fears,” Williams said.

AB 560 asks DWR for a nonbinding advisory determination on how an adjudication ruling could fit within a groundwater sustainability plan, he said.

“This is already supposed to be the case ... but there’s a lot of concern out there whether the judges will follow that process,” Williams said. “There’s no other reason for these large corporations to ask for adjudication unless they think they can get something bigger and sidestep the groundwater sustainability plan process.”

On July 18, the county Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 (with 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson and 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino dissenting) to write a letter of support for the two bills.

The North County supervisors agreed with the California State Association of Counties and didn’t support the bills because they believe the legislation would further complicate and lengthen adjudications.

“We are very concerned that the bill [AB 560] as currently drafted is either duplicative of existing law or may serve as a means to provide a veto power over a judicial proceeding by the executive,” Association of Counties wrote in a public comment letter. “We request that the bill be clarified to ensure that the separation of powers is honored and to ensure that provisions are not duplicative.”

The Association of Counties did not respond to the Sun’s request for comment. Bolthouse and Grimmway told the Sun in separate emails that they do not have comment regarding AB 779 and AB 560.

Both bills were amended by committees in the Senate and Assembly but weren’t yet voted on as of July 31, according to the California Legislature website.

Williams said that these two bills are important for the county to support because Cuyama residents need someone in their corner as they face “some of the richest, most powerful corporations in the state.”

“I think that the additional steps that this might take, where the divvying up of water is more clear cut, is worth having in order to avoid a gross injustice to communities like Cuyama,” Williams said. m Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@santamariasun.com.

SCHOOLS NEED WATER: The Cuyama Unified School District has two wells on its property that provide water to the elementary school with a third pumping water for the high school. Now the district faces a water adjudication lawsuit, and either has to join the case or risk losing its groundwater rights.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALFONSO GAMINO

MAINTAIN THE BASIN: Small farms, like Roberta Jaffe’s Condor’s Hope Vineyard, face losing groundwater rights as Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms filed an adjudication against Cuyama residents in 2021.

Cuyama residents advocate for two state bills as they face the first phase of groundwater adjudication

ATTENTION all former SMJUHSD Special Education Students born 1999!

All records for any Special Education student that was born within 1999 and attended a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school, your physical special education records are available for pick up at no charge from the District Office. All 1999 not picked up by June 1, 2024 will be destroyed.

If you have any questions, or to arrange a pickup date/time, contact:

Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District

2560 Skyway Dr.

Santa Maria, CA 93455

805-922-457 ext. 4311

ATENCION estudiantes anteriores de SMJUHSD nacidos en 1999!

Todos los registros de cualquier estudiante de Educación Especial que haya nacido dentro de 1999 y asistió a una escuela del Distrito Escolar de las escuelas preparatorias de Santa Maria, sus registros físicos de educación especial están disponibles para recoger sin cargo en la Oficina del Distrito. Todos los registros del 1999 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2024 serán destruidos.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, o para programar una fecha/hora de recogida, comuníquense con:

Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education

Santa Maria Joint Union High School District

2560 Skyway Dr.

Santa Maria, CA 93455

805-922-457 ext. 4311

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Special Education - Child Find

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate high school age students suspected of having a disability who may be eligible for special education services designed to meet their educational needs at no cost to families. This includes students that are highly mobile, migrant, experiencing homelessness, students that are wards of the state, and students attending private schools located within SMJUHSD boundaries. If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department.

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes

El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD.

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

Scholastic care

don’t have those tools,” Cappelletty said.

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If you are unable to attend and would like to schedule a one-on-one appointment, please call Ben Pirkl (805) 925-2753 or email bpirkl@magnermaloney.com.

Local Boys and Girls Clubs, Planet Fitness organize school supply drive in Santa Maria and Atascadero

Planet Fitness and Boys and Girls Clubs of America have a national partnership through a corporate sponsorship. Kelly White O’Neill, the marketing director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, told the Sun that the unique aspect was the local Planet Fitness chapter reaching out to create the school supply drive.

“They really are taking their corporate sponsorship very seriously, and being very proactive to reach out to their local Boys and Girls Club to put the corporate sponsorship in place, which almost never happens,” White O’Neill said.

She added that both groups hope the school supply donations can drive home their anti-bullying messaging.

“We serve any child that needs us but historically the kids that we serve come from families with great need,” White O’Neill said. “School supplies are, of course, an issue and not every family has the resources to provide school supplies.”

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

DECEASED JUNE 4, 2023

• LOS OSOS, CALIFORNIA

Joan Elizabeth Fox

Joan (Joanie) passed peacefully on June 4, 2023, at her home in Los Osos, CA where she had resided for many years. She was attended to by her sons during the last few days of her life.   She was born in North Hollywood, CA on July 22,1939 to Robert and Fern Fox.  She had an older sister, Barbara, who passed away at an early age. She attended High School at North Hollywood High.

She began College in 1957, at the University of California in Berkeley, CA. There she majored in Political Science, she joined the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, just prior to her 2nd year, and she graduated in 1961. Then she went on to get her teaching diploma, and taught school for several years in Richmond, CA.

In 1963, She married to Willis Silverthorne IV, whom she met in her first week at Berkeley.  They had 3 boys and lived in San Francisco and Tiburon.  She worked for Sen. Robert Kennedy’s 1968 campaign, and ironically her 2nd husband (1979) was Robert Kennedy (no relation). They lived in Marinwood, CA. She spent her final 32 years with her friend, mate and travel partner, Bruce Legernes.

Her passions were sailing, skiing, traveling and politics (progressive, of course). Her last written words to her

friends were “I was born during Fascism, and I guess I’ll die during Fascism.”

She worked for several notable insurance companies, and legendary law firms including the firm of Moran, Urich and Evans, and then Ropers, Majeski, Wagner, Bentley, Cohen and Kane in San Francisco (She was the one writing the senior partner’s briefs).

She is survived by her sons, Willis Silverthorne, Robert Silverthorne and Daniel Silverthorne and her grandchildren, Alyssa, Aiden, Lucas, and Enna.

She was especially known for her brilliant sense of humor and will be missed by so many. It was impossible to be with her and not laugh.

The Planet has lost a true superhero. •

Students from lower-income families are poised to receive much-needed school supplies through a debut partnership between the Central Coast chapters of Planet Fitness and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast.

Theresa Cappelletty, Planet Fitness’ regional manager, told the Sun that the two groups came together to promote a judgment-free environment for kids.

“These students come from different walks of life,” she said. “One person might need everything whereas another student might need pencils and a backpack. There’s no judgment, just donate what you can. By supplying that to students who can’t get that on their own, they aren’t going to be judged or bullied.”

Nationally, families are cutting back on spending in other arenas to make room for school supplies, which have become more costly because of inflation, according to CBS News reporting in 2022. Data from the National Retail Federation show that total spending on back-to-school products rose from $36.9 billion last year to $41.5 billion in 2023. Per American household, that amounts to roughly $864 in 2022 and $890 in 2023.

On the Central Coast, the Planet Fitness and Boys and Girls Club partnership aims to address the growing need for school supplies through local collection drives. From July 24 through Aug. 8, community members in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties can donate essential items like backpacks, lined notebooks, No. 2 pencils, pens, crayons, glue sticks, calculators, erasers, and rulers at the Planet Fitness locations in Atascadero and Santa Maria. Drop off supplies at 1505 Stowell Center Plaza in Santa Maria or at 8210 El Camino Real in Atascadero.

“A lot of the teachers that are [Planet Fitness] members are so happy to hear that we are partnering in that way because they see firsthand how that impacts students in their learning if they

The donations will help hundreds of kids across both counties. Once collected, the supplies will be delivered on Aug. 11 to schools in Santa Maria like Robert Bruce Elementary and Arellanes Elementary and Junior High schools and the Atascadero and Paso Robles school districts.

More school supply drives are in the works on the Central Coast, according to White O’Neill.

“The United Way in Northern Santa Barbara is doing the Cram the Van drive, and I believe some of our kids will benefit from that as well,” she said.

Highlights

• Applications for participation in the inaugural Viking Charities Classic Car Show are now being accepted. The event serves as the successor to the popular 20-year Wheels and Windmills Car Show—which concluded last year. Three days of vehicle-oriented special events will take place Oct. 6 through Oct. 8 in Solvang as well as neighboring Buellton and Santa Ynez, highlighted by the Oct. 7 car show. Downtown Solvang will be transformed into a classic car (and motorcycle) mecca as more than 200 pre-1990 impeccably restored, stock, and customized vehicles—including hot rods, sports cars, muscle cars, vans, pickups, trucks, motorcycles, and other special interest vehicles— will be on display on the streets, competing for coveted prizes. For more information and car show participant applications, visit vikingcharitiesinc.com/carshow.

• A colorful, large-scale painted mural depicting the past, present, and future of Santa Maria now graces the former library at the City Civic Center, facing Broadway. The mural, 16 by 32 feet, was painted on 16 4-by-8-foot panels by local teens, under the direction of artists Kym Cochran and Jonathan Smith, of The Environment Makers Inc. This is part of the city’s public arts program and its Smart City, Safe City vision to enrich the community’s quality of life with a sense of its arts, culture, and heritage. For more information, call (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260. m

Promote!

Send business and nonprofit information to spotlight@santamariasun.com.

Reach New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal, from the Sun’s sister paper, at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.

STATIONERY STATION: Large boxes in the Atascadero and Santa Maria Planet Fitness locations await donations in the form of backpacks, lined notebooks, No. 2 pencils, pens, and crayons, among other school supplies to help kids in need.

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© 2023 Sun

BY ANDREW CHRISTIE

Sammy Roth, the reporter who covers energy issues for the LA Times, recently had occasion to express the received wisdom on how energy must be generated and consumed in California.

Roth recited the accepted wisdom in the July 13 edition of his newsletter (“Boiling Point: Peek inside Diablo Canyon”). Roth, like many of his colleagues, subscribes to TINA (There Is No Alternative) for both nuclear power specifically and the utilities’ centralized energy model. Replacing Diablo Canyon with renewable energy sources, he cautioned, “would require the U.S. to build even more solar farms, wind turbines, and batteries.” But “the more nuclear we’ve got on the grid, the fewer solar and wind farms we’ll need.”

Nowhere in his article does Roth mention a third option. Neither did Gov. Gavin Newsom when he announced that “California will build an unprecedented amount of new utility-scale clean energy resources” by 2045 and spend an unprecedented $7.3 billion on transmission line construction.

A growing number of dissenters have something to say about the received wisdom that the path to our energy future is paved with centralized power and long-distance transmission lines.

As The New York Times recently put it: “Most electric utilities view distributed energy— technologies owned by customers that generate electricity in smaller amounts—as a threat to their business. They have tried for years to stop their customers in many states from investing in rooftop solar by rigging rates to make it less economically attractive. They’ve also funded opposition to policies that would speed clean energy.”

Hence the persistent legislative failure to reform the century-old investor-owned utility (IOU) model.

But Kenneth Sahm White, a consultant in energy policy

and development, says that “building shorter transmission lines within California to make use of in-state resources instead of spending much more to build much longer transmission lines reliant upon more distant resources is certainly sensible. Even more sensible is making full use of even more local resources that do not require any transmission lines at all.”

“Newsom’s plan neither acknowledges nor provides investments or programs for communities to develop local renewable resources to address their energy and economic development needs” says Al Weinrub, coordinator of the California Alliance for Community Energy and author of Energy Democracy: Advancing Equity in Clean Energy Solutions

Energy consultant Robert Freehling notes that “today’s solar panels average 20 percent efficiency, which increases the potential to over 80 percent of California’s electricity consumption. Parking lots could add about another 15 percent.”

Chuck Rosselle, an energy industry veteran and former federal energy regulator, says any city in California “with a municipal utility could immediately begin building microgrids and VPPs [virtual power plants].” And take note: “Any CCA [community choice aggregation], which already has the bulk of the skills necessary to support municipalization, could cost effectively support the development of and eventually partner with infrastructurefocused local municipal utilities. Together, they could begin to develop stand-alone, isolable community microgrids or VPPs on a regional basis.”

And if they did, they would “beat the cost of IOU power hands down. The small city of Gonzales has created a municipal utility with a well thought through plan to create a resilient community microgrid that pencils out at $0.21 [per kilowatt/hour].”

Gonzales, population 9,000,

MAYFIELD

is located halfway between Soledad and Salinas on the 101. In October 2020, the California Energy Markets website reported that Gonzales had signed a 30-year energy services agreement “to develop a microgrid that will serve the Gonzales Agricultural Industrial Business Park and assist the city in meeting its climate action plan targets.”

Former Gonzales City Manager Ray Mendez said that most CCAs have “not even scratched the surface in the potential for making community investments—whether in microgrid development, job creation, or other economic development projects.”

Mendez advises other communities that grasp the benefits of microgrids to “look to tangible, manageable areas that can be ‘carved out,’ whether it’s a light industrial development, an airport, or some other definable geographic area.” A local CCA could manage an aggregated package of microgrids.

On July 7, San Diego joined the microgrid movement. Other projects are sprouting up across California, courtesy of the Clean Coalition’s Community Microgrid Initiative, dedicated to providing communities with “an unparalleled trifecta of economic, environmental, and resilience benefits.”

Robert Freehling is succinct on the question of whether distributed solar and microgrids will finally get their day in the sun: “Whether or not this happens is just a matter of policy preference, rather than technical limitations on the amount of local solar that could be developed.”

The question for [the Central Coast]: Are you willing to keep pouring money into a 100-yearold, environmentally detrimental, frequently bankrupt, blackout-prone, wildfire-triggering monopoly utility business model, or would you prefer something that actually could address community energy needs? Perhaps you’d like some energy independence and energy resilience, at a lower cost? If so, President Joe Biden is waiting for you to suggest ways to spend the millions of dollars available to you via the Inflation Reduction Act to cut carbon emissions and transition to a renewable energy economy. Gonzales and San Diego are securing their energy future. Where are you at? m

Andrew Christie is the executive director of the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Send a response by emailing it to letters@ santamariasun.com.

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We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 2646 Industrial Parkway #200, Santa Maria, CA 93455. You can also fax it (1-805-546-8641) or e-mail it (letters@ santamariasun.com). All letters must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes; may be edited for space or clarity; and will be posted to santamariasun.com.

LETTERS

The public has been shut out of the Dana Reserve process

Excellent opinion on the Dana Reserve development (“The Dana Reserve development project in Nipomo must have constructive community input,” July 20). Yes, the public has been shut out of this process. There are still many people who do not know about it. We use to have the paper, Adobe Press; it provided much of our local news. It was about presenting facts not sides. I miss it.

There are too many problems with this project, and I’m hoping that the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will do what is best for Nipomo.

Susie Shaleen Nipomo

Where are all the microgrids?

Community choice aggregation has so much more potential for supplying and managing resilient local energy

Stephen Styles

Dead Magic

Who wants to reduce their groundwater pumping by 60 percent?

I guess that question only works if you rely on a well pumping water out of the Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin. And I’m sure absolutely nobody really wants to pump 60 percent less water out of the ground every year, because that’s a lot!

But Big Carrot—yeah, BIG Carrot really really really doesn’t want to. In fact, they don’t want to so badly that they filed an adjudication lawsuit against “all persons claiming a right to extract or store groundwater” in the basin.

Everyone includes the Cuyama Unified School District, a district that was in financial straights until last year. The district expects to spend upward of $20,000 this year to defend its right to use the only water source available to its students against Big Carrot.

The self-aggrandizing “world’s largest producer of carrots,” Grimmway Farms, and a company that rather ironically believes that “making one better choice each day is something we can all do,” Bolthouse Farms, conjoined their corporate powers into the worst choice two years ago by filing that lawsuit. Now at 150 defendants—aka Cuyama Valley residents—strong, the lawyers’ fees are probably not a problem for the carrot industry giants, but they aren’t easy for everyone else.

And what about this groundwater sustainability plan that local residents spent five years developing in good faith with their carrot kingpin neighbors? Who knows. There really isn’t good precedent in the courts for complying with this kind of thing. This is new territory.

Locals are rightly concerned about their future and emptying their pockets to try to protect themselves from losing out.

In defense of itself and its actions, bummer basin-user Bolthouse said that it hadn’t sought to “reduce the amount of water available” to Cuyama basin residents and it recognizes its responsibility to help achieve basin sustainability.

However, bummer Bolthouse and grubby Grimmway sought to separate the area where they’re pumping water into a different basin. Meaning? Well, they didn’t really get into that, but my best guess is that the two biggest pumpers in the basin are aiming for the water that their overhead sprinklers pull out of the ground to not have to be part of a basin labeled as one of the most overdrafted in the state. Therefore, the Department of Water Resources’ required 60 percent pumping reduction wouldn’t apply and the conniving carrot carousel can continue to pillage the groundwater supply until there’s nothing left.

Everyone else’s water will be fine. It’s like magic! We’re just trying to “set fixed guidelines for all overlying landowners’ water usage going forward,” Bolthouse said. Yeah. Nothing to see here!

This isn’t Bolthouse’s first adjudication rodeo. In 2000, the carrot peddler filed an adjudication—aka a quiet title lawsuit—against the city of Lancaster, a handful of water districts, and some community services districts that rely on the Antelope Valley water basin. The case involved thousands of parties and stretched into 2021.

Sounds fun, amirite?

In an area where the average household income is below $33,000 and everyone relies on groundwater, paying attorney fees for decades to protect the right to a life source sounds like a penance that only commercial interests can weather. The first phase of the process starts Aug. 7. m

The Canary stands against Big Carrot and never liked the orange veggie anyway. Send alternative eats to canary@santamariasun.com.

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

ARTISTIC SELF ART STUDIO For adults ages 50 and over. Bring your art projects and supplies and work on them in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with other artists. This is a drop-in program. Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. through Dec. 27 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. 805-928-7799. Kleindancesarts. com. KleinDance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

CRAFTWORKS: DECO MESH WREATHS

Make a wreath for any season in this free workshop for adults 18 and older. Using colorful deco mesh, create a homemade wreath to take home. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. Aug. 12 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. cityofsantamaria. org/city-government/departments/ library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL DANCE:

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

to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m. 805-344-1630. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

TEEN ART TIME Teens, create artwork, learn about artists, and experiment with new media in an inspiring environment with other teen artists. All skillsets are welcome. Aug. 3 4 p.m. 805-925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB Group covers a different book each month. Registration required. Second Saturday of every month, 2 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/city-government/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

AMERICAN MARIACHI: SOLVANG

An uplifting comedy about family, the freedom to go after your dreams, and the music that unites us. WednesdaysSundays, 8 p.m. through Aug. 27 Starting at $25. 805-922-8313. pcpa.org/events/ american-mariachi. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

INSPIRED BY LIGHT A captivating exhibit by Carrie Givens and Karen McGaw. These artists unite their distinct styles in works that depict California’s Central Coast landscapes and fauna. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 31 Free. 805688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE An installation by Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss. Through Feb. 1, 2024 wildlingmuseum.org. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-1082.

MUSIC IS LOVE: PHOTOGRAPHS BY HENRY DILTZ Highlights a collection of the prolific music industry photographer’s work. Through Aug. 13 elverhoj.org.

Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805-686-1211.

SEDGWICK RESERVE: A CONSERVATION

STORY Through Oct. 16 Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-1082, wildlingmuseum. org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

C10 SLO DOWN Described as the West Coast Classic Truck Show that cannot be missed. Features more than 1,000 classic GM trucks from 1908-1998 of all varieties. Free for walk-in spectators; $10 cash onsite event parking. Aug. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $50. 805-709-1657. c10slodown.com. Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach.

GOLD FEVER AT THE ROUGH AND READY Boo the villain and cheer the hero at this show full of colorful characters. Through Sept. 9 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY JAMBOREE

GROVER BEACH Enjoy sets from the event’s featured comedians. Visit site for more info on the show’s lineup and tickets. Aug. 9 8-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Ribline by the Beach, 395 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART

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

CENART AFTER DARK: CENTURY 21

HOMETOWN REALTY An exhibit of pastel

RHYMES OF YESTERDAY

The Chumash Casino Resort presents Three Dog Night, live in concert, on Friday, Aug. 4, at 8 p.m. The classic rock group will perform in the resort’s Samala Showroom. Tickets to the concert range between $49 and $79. For more info on the event, visit chumashcasino.com. The Chumash Casino Resort is located at 3400 Highway 246, Santa Ynez. —Caleb Wiseblood

paintings by Bobbye West Thompson, member of the Central Coast Pastel Society (3CPS). Meet the artist during a free reception on July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.

First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-235-4877. slocountyarts.org. Century 21 Hometown Realty, 599 Higuera St, Ste A, 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/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad 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. ongoing, 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. LISA SOLOMON Solomon’s mixed media works revolve thematically around discovering her heritage, the notion of domesticity, craft, feminism, and the pursuit of art as science/research.

Through Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/lisasolomon/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

MEET WONIYA THIBEAULT: BOOK

READING AND SIGNING Woniya will

read from her debut memoir about her experience on the History Channel’s survival show, Alone and answer questions about what it took to survive in the arctic and win the competition. Books sold and signed after Woniya’s presentation. Aug. 6, 2-4 p.m. Free. 805-541-9900. woniyathibeault.com/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations, San Luis Obispo.

SECOND SATURDAYS AT SLOMA

Intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using our unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by our exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/ second-saturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., 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, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. 805-703-3132. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

STONES IN HIS POCKETS Presented by the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre.

Aug. 11-27 SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-786-2440, slorep.org/.

VANESSA WALLACE-GONZALES

Wallace-Gonzales is a Black-Latinx and Santa Barbara-based artist who uses elements of mythology to explore her identity and personal experiences. Through Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 805-5438562. sloma.org/exhibition/vanessawallace-gonzales/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ASSEMBLAGES OF STEVE DAYTON

Steve divides his time between creating assemblages and abstract painting on wood panels. The assemblages are made by taking small hand built familiar objects and motifs and placing them in box frames to create absurd scenes that include absurd and humorous titles. Through Aug., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FIBER ART BY GAY MCNEAL McNeal possesses an appreciation of the multifaceted role that fiber has played in the art and material cultures of many ethnic societies, and her creative high comes from the actual process of trying out the multitude of techniques, both old and new. Through Aug., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY VIRGINIA MACK Virginia, along with her late husband John, also an artist, have spent endless hours exploring the back roads of San Luis Obispo County seeking those bits of landscape and the birds that are visually stimulating or interesting. Virginia works primarily in watercolors. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

METAL ART BY TRUDI GILLIAM

Gilliam creates her sculptures using copper, brass, nickel/silver, and found objects. This new series of whales and birds uses copper and sea glass. 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

CDPH-10004016

Hot Stuff

DANCE DESTINATION

The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club hosts its Summer Dance Party at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The event will feature live music by the Riptide Big Band. Admission to the party is free, thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County. Visit riptidebb.com for more info. The Elwin Mussell Senior Center is located at 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

ARTS from page 13

OPENING RECEPTION FOR GAY MCNEAL, VIRGINIA MACK, AND STEVE DAYTON Come meet the artists, have a snack, and bring some beautiful art home. Aug. 12 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

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

ROCK, PAPER, PRINT AND ABSTRACTION Art Center Morro Bay is proud to present two exhibits: Rock, Paper, Print and Abstraction. Through Aug. 7 Free. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

SECOND SATURDAYS Come by and see the Featured Artists Shows, find gifts for your loved ones, surprises for yourself, and meet the artists featured in the incredible gallery. Second Saturday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

30 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN SANTA MARIA/ORCUTT Community Partners in Caring is seeking volunteers to help support dependent older adults and seniors. partnersincaring.org, Santa Maria.

ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, 805-937-9750.

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. 805-934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

CLEVER CRAFTERNOON: MANDALA

ROCK PAINTING Participate in mindful rock painting. All materials will be provided; registration is required. Patrons 18 and older. Aug. 8 Free. 805-9250994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

DO YOU LOVE PIZZA AND TACOS TOO?

FAMILY STORY TIME Bring the family for some fun with Adam Rubin books.

Featuring pizza and taco stories, crafts, and activities. Learn about and start an edible garden. For families of all ages. Aug. 3 2 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/.

Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing 805-343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY Second Tuesday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, 805-937-9750.

TECH HELP SATURDAYS Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting-up new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. Registration is required. Every other Saturday, 11 a.m. through Aug. 5 Free. 805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

TECH HELP SUNDAY Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting-up new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. Registration is required. Aug. 6, 2-4 p.m. Free. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

TEEN BOLT Teens, have a chance to help shape the future of the Library. Discussions during BOLT will help determine teen program themes, and BOLT members will have the opportunity to help plan and run teen programs. Light snacks will be provided. Aug. 4 4 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults featuring coffee, snacks, and lively discussion. The book selection for August is Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. For more information, please call. Aug. 5 2 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994 ext. 8562. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

TEEN WORKSHOP: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (SEX ED FOR YOUNG ADULTS) A three-hour interactive workshop hosted by Open Door Support. Offers information for teens to help empower informed decision-making. Aug. 10 12-3 p.m. $75. 805-688-4921. opendoorsupport.com/events. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

GARDEN CARE DAY IN LOMPOC Join the Lompoc Valley Botanic and Horticultural Society and help care for Lompoc’s demonstration garden. Bring your gloves and weeding tools; wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Snacks will be provided. Aug. 5, 9 a.m.-noon 805-450-3668. lvbhs.org. City of Lompoc Drought Tolerant Garden, 1801 W. Central Ave., Lompoc.

SUMMER STAR PARTY SPECTACULAR

At this annual event, explore astronomy through interactive presentations and activities, and then watch the Perseid meteor shower after dark. Aug. 12 , 7-10 p.m. 805-736-6528. sunburst.org/stars/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AQUATIC BIRDS OF OSO FLACO LAKE

Join The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County for a short hike as we explore dune ecosystem and the aquatic birds of our lakes. Aug. 12 , 9 a.m.-noon Free. 805724-9709. sblandtrust.org. Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area, Oso Flaco Lake Rd., Nipomo.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS

AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. Starts at $70. 805-835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School

Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR

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

Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

p.m. 805-547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

Tours will give you a glimpse into the lives of Lighthouse Keepers and their families, while helping keep our jewel of the Central Coast preserved and protected. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805-9046615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

STRIDE WITH THE TIDE PISMO BEACH

5K RUN City of Pismo Beach and San Luis Distance Club (SLDC) present Stride with the Tide 5K. Start and finish your race on the sand at the Pismo Pier. Aug. 5 8:30 a.m.-noon $20 race; $35 race and T-shirt. 805-773-7063. pismobeach.org/recreation. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS

Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. 805-4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BANG MUAY THAI EXPERIENCE WITH DUANE Sleeping Tiger Fitness and Martial Arts is thrilled to announce a not-to-be-missed opportunity for martial arts enthusiasts. Aug. 12 , 12-2 p.m. $100 members; $150 non-members. 805-7489182. Sleeping Tiger Fitness, 3595 Sueldo St., San Luis Obispo.

BECOME A SENIOR PEER COUNSELOR

Are you a senior interested in helping other seniors? This group is in need of counselors to provide support for older adults who are experiencing a variety of issues like grief, loneliness, and caregiver issues. Free training is online and offered at your own pace. First Monday of every month. through Dec. 4 Free. 805-547-7025. wilshirecommunityservices.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. 559-9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

COFFEE CHAT AT THE TINY HOUSE DEMO COTTAGE Join for coffee. Come learn about the non-profit Smart Share Housing Solutions’ three programs: HomeShareSLO, ADU-SLO, and Co-Living Collaborative (Waterman Project). Attendees will also have a chance to network with housing providers and home seekers through our HomeShareSLO program. Second Wednesday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-215-5474. smartsharehousingsolutions.org. SLO

Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. COFFEE CHAT SLO HomeShareSLO, a program of non-profit Smart Share Housing, facilitates matches between Providers (those with extra rooms) with home Seekers (those looking for affordable housing). Second Tuesday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free and open to the public; No RSVP required.. 805-215-5474. smartsharehousingsolutions.org. SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. DM PRO TENNIS ACADEMY Classes offered for all ages. Training and assistance are provided to support any goal, from the development of basic skills to top competition. Consultation with instructors

is available. Multilingual instruction in English, Spanish, and Italian are available. Mondays, Wednesdays, 9-10, 10-11 & 11 a.m.-noon through Aug. 16 Ranges from $55–$105. slocity.org. Islay Hill Park, 1151 Tank Farm Rd., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FUN DAY Features live music from local artists, Silk Ocean and Speaking of Roses, a bounce slide from SLO Bounce Co, and tons of family-friendly activities.

Aug. 5 -noon Free. 805-215-3669. slopublicmarket.com/events/family-funday. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT

GROUP A safe place for anyone suffering from the pain of depression. We do not criticize but do share our journey, feelings, and what works for us. We can meet in person or use Zoom if needed. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRO TO TIG WELDING WITH SHAUNA

JELLISON AND BRIAN HAMM Learn the fundamentals of tig welding in a hands-on class and make your own custom rustic hat rack. With Brian Hamm and featuring local welder Shauna Jellison who specializes in vintage car restoration. All materials included. $50 deposit required. Aug. 6 12-4 p.m. $300. 805-286-6147. Brian Hamm Welding, 2250 Cabrillo Highway, San Luis Obispo.

INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL

For ages 18 and over. Come see what pickleball is all about. Participants will learn the basics of the game including the rules, basic skills and strategy, types of equipment, and game safety. Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. through Aug. 26 $35. slocity.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

LOTERÍA NIGHTS Enjoy a game of La Lotería Mexicana, a bingo-style game with colorful and beautifully-drawn cards. With drink specials and prizes for the winners.

RSVP encouraged. Thursdays, 6 p.m. Free. drinkramblingspirits.com. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

(ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: TRAIN THIS SUMMER TO MEET CRUCIAL HOSPICE VOLUNTEER NEEDS Put your extra time to beneficial use by completing this three-day, in-person, hospice volunteer training program. Community volunteers are critically needed to provide in-home companionship or respite care to hospice patients, near you. Aug. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805-540-6020. centralcoasthomehealth.com/index.php/ hospice/. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $25. 805-543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

QI GONG FITNESS ONLINE Hosted by the San Luis Coastal Adult School. Gentle but powerful exercises for mind and body with instructor Gary West. Enhance your well being, improve your balance, and practice mindfulness. 19 weeks. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through Dec. 13 $95. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

QI GONG FOR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

Learn and practice qi gong, a Chinese system for physical, mental and spiritual development. This class is conducted outdoors in a beautiful setting, which is the best place to do qi gong, as its

inspiration is drawn from nature. Certified instructor: Devin Wallace. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805-709-2227. Crows End Retreat Center, 6340 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo. REGISTER FOR QI-GONG FITNESS

ONLINE

Gentle but powerful movement for balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. Hosted by San Luis Coastal Adult School, with instructor Gary West. Over Zoom. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through Aug. 18 $95. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org. Online, See website, 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. through Nov. 25 $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, 877-468-3861.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805709-2227. Crows End Retreat Center, 6340 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ATHLETES (GRADES 2-4) In this program, your child will learn the foundation of becoming a well-rounded athlete as we focus on skill development, movement, teamwork, and increasing confidence in each workout session. Mondays, Wednesdays, 3:30-4:20 p.m. through Sept. 20 $399 for a 12-Week Session (24 Classes). slocity.org. MZR Fitness, 3536 S. Higuera St. suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4616.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

(GRADES 5-7) In this program, your child will learn the foundation of becoming a well-rounded athlete as we focus on skill development, movement, teamwork, and increasing confidence in each workout session. Mondays, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:20 p.m. through Sept. 20 $399 for a 12-Week Session (24 Classes). slocity.org. MZR Fitness, 3536 S. Higuera St. suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4616.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ATHLETES (GRADES 8-12) In this program, your child will learn the foundation of becoming a well-rounded athlete as we focus on skill development, movement, teamwork, and increasing confidence in each workout session. Mondays, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:20 p.m. through Sept. 20 $399 for a 12-Week Session (24 Classes). slocity.org. MZR Fitness, 3536 S. Higuera St. suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4616.

SUMMER SPORTS CAMP Community youth are invited to start and end their summer participating in a full day sports camp with Parks and Recreation. Participants will learn and play a variety of different traditional and non–traditional sports throughout the three–week camp. Limited registration available. Through Aug. 11, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $120 (Week 1 and 2), $70 (Week 3). slocity.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SUPER REC SATURDAYS Offers the public a full day of recreational swim on Super Saturdays, with an obstacle course,

diving boards, activities, and music. All ages are welcome to enjoy. Every other Saturday, 12-6 p.m. through Aug. 13 Adults: $4.75; Youth/Seniors: $4.25. 805-7817288. slocity.org. SLO Swim Center, 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo.

SUPERHEROES IN SLO VACATION BIBLE

CAMP For ages 5-12. Enjoy a full week of camp with a superhero theme. Cooking classes, theater, art, music, sports, and lots of other fun activities await. Through Aug. 4 my805tix.com. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.

SIMPLY SOURDOUGH

First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, 805-937-9750.

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

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check

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

my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. GRUPO DILIGENCIA AND DJ KAZANOVA Aug. 12 , 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

DANTE MARSH AND THE VIBESETTERS

A high energy pop/soul band based out of San Luis Obispo. Aug. 12 2-5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPY HOURS: LIVE

CENTER

The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors.

Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE

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

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

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

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

FREE BARBECUE: CEREMONY TO HONOR PURPLE HEART AND GOLD STAR

COMMUNITY Sponsored by the Cloverlane Foundation and Santa Ynez Community Outreach. Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, Buellton.

HIGH TEA Come and enjoy some classic English cakes, cream tea scones, and savory treats with either a hot drink for $40 or glass of English sparkling wine from Chapel Down for $50. This will be a white tablecloth affair with classical music to relax to. First Saturday of every month, 1-3 p.m. through Oct. 7 $40-$50. 805-6869126. arrowsmithwine.com. Arrowsmith’s, 1539 Mission Drive, Solvang.

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET:

LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805-722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages.

Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

GROVER STATION GRILL COMMUNITY

OUTREACH A portion of sales benefits

Fashions for a Purpose. Aug. 3 8 a.m.-3 p.m. my805tix.com. Grover Station Grill, 170 W. Grand Ave., suite 101, Grover Beach. TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. 805-295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

FIT CLUB

Sleeping Tiger Fitness in San Luis Obispo hosts a special training seminar with Duane “Bang” Ludwig, the founder of the Bang Muay Thai System, on Saturday, Aug. 12, from noon to 2 p.m. Martial arts enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. Admission to the event ranges between $100 and $150. Call (805) 748-9182 for more details. Sleeping Tiger Fitness is located at 3595 Sueldo St., San Luis Obispo. —C.W.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET

Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo, drinkramblingspirits.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.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOLK DANCE CLASS For adults ages 50 and up. Learn folk dances from around the world. No experience is necessary. Every third Thursday, 2-3 p.m. through Dec. 28 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

THE HOMESTEAD: LIVE MUSIC ON THE Check the Homestead’s Facebook page for details on live music events.

Fridays, Saturdays The Homestead, 105 W. Clark Ave, Old Orcutt, 805-287-9891, thehomesteadoldorcutt.com.

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.

LINE DANCING FUN For adults ages 50 and older. Learn basic patterns and steps to some of your favorite music. This beginner-friendly class is for anyone that enjoys dancing. Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. through Dec. 27 Free. 805-925-0951.

Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., 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.

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.

SUMMER DANCE PARTY The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club presents “Summer Dance Party”, with Riptide Big Band, and vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Grant funded by Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County. Aug. 13 1:30-4 p.m. Free. 775-813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., 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.

UKULELE JAM SESSIONS This is a drop-in program. Play melodies and many songs with other musicians. Baritone ukuleles are available to use or bring your own. Music and music strands provided. Mondays, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. through Dec. 27 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

FIESTA WEEKEND AT SUNSTONE

WINERY Join for another fun-filled Fiesta Weekend at Sunstone. Enjoy live music, Mexican and Spanish-inspired food, plus the release of seven new wines. Reservations strongly encouraged. Aug.

4 , 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Aug. 6 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-688-9463. sunstonewinery.com. Sunstone Winery, 125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez.

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

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

COME DANCE WITH US Will keep you dancing from start to finish. Chef Zack will be serving delicious tacos etc from FCB’s Bistro also from start to closing. Aug. 4 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

EL TAMBORAZO DEL 7 OF JALISCO

For ages 21 and over. Aug. 5, 8 p.m. $25.

MUSIC Enjoy Friday Night Happy Hour at Avila Bay Athletic Club. Aug. 4 , 6-8 p.m. Free. avilabayclub.com. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, 805-595-7600.

KARAOKE SATURDAYS Take advantage of karaoke every Saturday. Saturdays, 3-7 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS Take advantage of karaoke every Wednesday evening. Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, 805-925-3500.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and an indie attitude. Aug. 3 , 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. San Luis Obispo Golf and Country Club, 255 Country Club, San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-3400.

EASTON EVERETT SOLO Enjoy some indie-acoustic, live music. Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Big Sky Cafe, 1121 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (805)545-5401.

AN EVENING WITH PATTI SMITH TRIO

All ages welcome. Aug. 10, 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO.

Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle. Thursdays-Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-439-0774, ragtagwineco.com.

LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 805-544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com/ index.htm.

POPS ON! ORCHESTRA NOVO GOES

HOLLYWOOD: THE SEQUEL Picnics and non-alcoholic beverages welcome. Wine, beer, and spirits available for purchase from Madonna Inn. Aug. 6 4-6 p.m. $40 individual; $400 table of 10. 805-458-2080. orchestranovo.com/concerts/. Madonna Inn Expo Center, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO. Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle. Sundays, 4-7 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-4390774, ragtagwineco.com. m

2023 New Times Music AwardsMusic Entry Period NOW THROUGH AUGUST 14 SLO & N. Santa Barbara Counties

Fashions for a Purpose Fundraiser

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 Grover Station Grill, Nipomo

All-You-Can-Eat Southern Seafood Boil

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 CaliPaso Winery & Villa, Paso Robles

La Chaparrita de Oro y Banda La Reyna Azteca de Santa Maria

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Zongo Yachting Cup Parties

FRI & SAT, AUGUST 4 & 5

Friday: Morro Bay Yacht Club,

Saturday: San Luis Yacht Club

By the Sea Productions: Barefoot in the Park FRI, SAT, SUN AUGUST 4, 5, 6 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay

Zongo Yachting Cup - 2023

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Morro Bay Yacht Club, Morro Bay

Comedy Night at the Odd Fellows featuring Curtis Cook

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Odd Fellows Hall, San Luis Obispo

El Tamborazo del 7 of Jalisco

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Peaceful Plants: Macrame Plant Holder Class SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 Pianetta Winery, Paso Robles

The Coffis Brothers with John Surge & The Haymakers

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 Peter Strauss Ranch, Agoura Hills

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree Grover Beach

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 Rib Line by the Beach, Grover Beach

Making Waves: Community

Hike at the Pismo Preserve

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Pismo Preserve, Pismo Beach

Grupo Diligencia & DJ Kazanova

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Resonance Presents: BEYOND

SAT & SUN, AUGUST 12 & 13 Mission San Luis Obispo and Community Church of Atascadero

The Boys of Summer: The Music of the Eagles

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 Blast 825, The Stockyard, Orcutt

ARTS BRIEFS

Entry period for New Times Music Awards closes Aug. 14

Local musicians are invited to compete in the 2023 New Times Music Awards before the contest’s entry period closes on Monday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m. Participants can enter their songs online at newtimesslo.com. All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or northern Santa Barbara County.

2023 marks the 15th year for the annual competition, organized by the New Times Media Group. The competition’s awards showcase, which will feature performances from the contest’s finalists, will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, at SLO Brew Rock, located at 855 Aerovista Lane, San Luis Obispo.

Contest participants may enter a maximum of 13 songs and one album. There is a $20 fee per entry. Online entries are preferred, except for album entries, which must be mailed or entered in person. Album submissions must be released between July 1, 2022, and Aug. 14, 2023, to be eligible and will be judged based on quality of songs, sound, and packaging.

Album entrants or those who wish to pay with cash or check can drop their submissions off at either the Sun office, located at 2646 Industrial Parkway, suite 200, Santa Maria, or the New Times office, located at 1010 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

Participants under 18 years of age may compete in the contest’s youth category and must have a parent or guardian sign their entry form. All contest submissions will be scored by a panel of judges.

Music selections from finalists will be posted online prior to the awards showcase to determine which act will win the Readers’ Choice award. The voting period for readers is scheduled to occur between September and October.

For more info on the 2023 New Times Music Awards, call (805) 546-8208 or email ntma@newtimesslo. com. See the full list of entry rules and guidelines at newtimesslo.com.

Solvang Veterans Memorial Building holds Summer Swing 2023

Music and memory

PCPA’s American Mariachi celebrates the everlasting power of music at Solvang Festival Theater

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Four string instruments and one brass are the keys to unlocking a woman’s fading memories in the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) latest production, American Mariachi

Suffering from Alzheimer’s, Amalia (played by Blanca Araceli) doesn’t remember her daughter, Lucha (Christen Celaya), or husband, Federico (Orlando Arriaga), but a mysterious song on an untitled vinyl record awakens something in her. She sings along to the mariachi tune one day in the family’s living room, reciting the lyrics by heart, to the surprise of Lucha and a family friend, Boli (Stephanie Roman).

Even more surprising though is Federico’s reaction to the incident. He angrily grabs the record hot off the spindle and tells Lucha not to play it again, but without explaining why. Lucha tries to grab the record back from her father and a game of tug of war between the two ensues. The record does not survive the scuffle, unfortunately. Boli—an ample source of levity throughout the show, thanks to Roman’s comic timing and playwright José Cruz González’s genuine, down-toearth storytelling that masterfully balances playful humor and pensive drama—suggests gluing the fragmented pieces of the splintered record back

together before Lucha calls Mino (Hugo Carbajal), the owner of a local music shop and an old friend of her parents.

Mino isn’t able to repair the record with glue of course, but his phone call with Lucha sets off a chain of events that helps her uncover the truth about the mysterious mariachi song and why her mother and father had polar opposite reactions to the track.

Lucha also discovers that the record was one of a kind, without any copies in existence. Determined to re-create the song for her mother, Lucha proposes a bold solution: start a mariachi band of her own. Mino volunteers to teach the song to Lucha, who gathers an ensemble of musicians to join her.

Boli, armed with a guitar, agrees to join and helps Lucha, who takes up violin, to recruit three more members: Isabel (Natalie Mara), a Catholic church choir dropout; Gabby (Gisela Feied), a contemporary worship band reject, and Soyla (Marilet Martinez); the

August rush

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents its production of American Mariachi at the Solvang Festival Theater, starting on Friday, Aug. 4, and through Sunday, Aug. 27. Tickets start at $25. Visit pcpa.org or facebook.com/ pacificconservatorytheatre for tickets and show times. For additional info, call the PCPA box office at (805) 922-8313. The Solvang Festival Theater is located at 420 2nd St., Solvang.

big hair-sporting owner of a local beauty salon.

“The higher the hair, the closer to God,” one of Soyla’s patrons says at one point during a perm. Soyla, Gabby, and Isabel take up vihuela, guitarron, and trumpet, respectively, in Lucha’s new all-girl mariachi group—a concept unheard of during the 1970s, the decade in which American Mariachi is set. PCPA’s production of the show opened at the Marian Theater in Santa Maria in July and will begin showing at the Solvang Festival on Aug. 4.

Robert Ramirez, the director behind PCPA’s iteration, described American Mariachi as a story of female empowerment.

“There is a distinctly feminist message in the play,” Ramirez wrote in the show’s program. “The young women in this play, Lucha and Boli, ignore the constraints of a male-dominated world and take charge of their lives and fates.

“It is also, at its core, a very Chicano story; a story of defiance and of claiming a place in society where no is the standard response,” Ramirez added. “American Mariachi is a story about so many important things, including family, memory, and belonging.”

With energetic performances (from the cast during dialogue-driven scenes as well as the song segments, impressively played live on stage by the actors themselves), a spirited score, and magnetic set designs, American Mariachi is proof that PCPA continues to set the standard for live theater on the Central Coast. m

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wants to start a polka band. Send your audition tape to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

Local dance instructor Gina Sigman (pictured, center) presents Summer Swing 2023, a special West Coast Swing dance and workshop event, at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 6:30 to 11 p.m.

The event kicks off with a half-hour intro to West Coast Swing course for beginners. Basics and Beyond starts at 7 p.m., followed by a social dance at 8 p.m. Admission is $15.

Call (805) 344-1630 for more info. The Solvang Veterans Memorial Building is located at 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. m

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

BAND PRACTICE: The cast of American Mariachi includes (from left to right) Christen Celaya, Natalie Mara, Gisela Feied, Marilet Martinez, Stephanie Roman, and Blanca Araceli.

THE FANTASTIC FIVE: American Mariachi, the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) new show at the Solvang Festival Theater, follows an all-girl mariachi group during the 1970s.

COURTESY PHOTOS BY LUIS ESCOBAR, REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

COURTESY PHOTO BY BARRY SIGMAN

Showtime!

Send gallery, stage, and cultural festivities to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

HUSBAND AND WIFE: Federico (Orlando Arriaga, left) sits beside his wife, Amalia (Blanca Araceli), who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, in PCPA’s production of American Mariachi

The show must go on

Theater nerds, unite! Co-writers, co-directors, and co-stars Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman (with two more co-writing credits from co-stars Noah Galvin and Ben Platt) have the mockumentary for you. Amy Sedaris stars as Joan Rubinsky, who with Rita Cohen (Caroline Aaron) operates a financially struggling theater camp in upstate New York called … wait for it … AdirondACTS. Just before their summer session is about to begin, Joan falls into a strobe lightinduced coma, leaving her earnest but clueless son, Troy (Jimmy Tatro), to try to make it through the season. Troy must juggle the many quirky personalities of both the instructors and students and keep the camp from falling into foreclosure. (114 min.)

Glen: If you’re a fan of the work of Christopher Guest—This Is Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, Waiting for Guffman—you’ll love Theater Camp. Its ensemble cast is filled with loveable oddball characters such as stage manager Glenn Winthrob (Galvin), who’s a wildly talented performer whose skills are wasted running errands for the less talented but far more pompous theater directors like Amos Klobuchar (Platt) and Rebecca-Diane (Gordon). The campers—Mackenzie Thomas (Bailee Bonick), Devon Miller (Donovan Colan), Lainy Fischer (Vivienne Sachs), Alan Park (Alan Kim), and others—are adorable. This camp is like a second home for kids who aren’t stereotypical. The

THEATER CAMP

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo

cast turns in terrific performances, the musical numbers are a lot of fun, and even for those who never caught the acting bug themselves, I bet you’ll be entertained by this feel-good film. Anna: I would have killed for a camp like this as a kid. I felt every second of these kids’ experience, from the nervousness of auditions to the agony and ecstasy that comes when the cast list is posted, to what it means to have found your crew. Amos and Rebecca-Diane are ex-campers who fall into the familiar clichés of drama teachers and musical coaches—this is their life! But something doesn’t feel right between the two from the beginning, and it seems Rebecca-Diane may be maturing out of their long-standing codependent relationship to move on to bigger things than summer camp. While Troy comes off as a typical bro (think of someone who describes themselves as a club promoter/ DJ/finance guy, and you’ve got it), he actually proves to be a bit endearing in the end. Still not great, but at least his heart ends up in the right place. I personally love this style of film and love to see filmmakers take it on. Guest is a genius at it, but Gordon and Leiberman hold their own with Theater Camp. It’s quirky and funny and a perfect peek behind the curtain of every K-12 production I was a part of. Joan says that theater people can turn cardboard into gold, and that holds true with Theater Camp.

Glen: One of the film’s joys is watching “crypto bro” Troy realize how much this safe space

means to the campers and how much the teachers care not only about the kids but about the magic of live theater. The film captures the camaraderie and the trust needed to mount a show, as well as the guts it takes to get up on stage and put yourself out there, risking your ego. Maybe Theater Camp doesn’t rise to the brilliance of Waiting for Guffman, but comparison is the thief of joy, and this film is pure joy.

Anna: Putting together a collaborative project like a theater production is all about trusting

THEY CLONED TYRONE

What’s it rated? R

THE BEAR (SEASON 2)

What’s it rated? TV-14

When? 2022-present

Where’s it showing? Hulu

The Bear is back for season 2, and things for Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), his crew, and the new high-end restaurant they’re building are more high stakes than ever.

Chef Sydney (Ayo Edibiri) is in a pressure cooker to come up with a life-changing menu and can’t help but feel she’s been left stranded by Carmy in many ways. His frenetic energy leaves chaos in his wake, and he’s distracted by a new relationship with Claire (Molly Gordon), who somehow has a way of calming his crushing anxiety—at least some of the time.

Season 2 also follows Ritchie (Ebon Moss Bachrach) as he spends a week working in the finest restaurant in Chicago, something he thinks is Carmy’s form of punishment but instead imparts important lessons about pride and work ethic. We watch his character grow through subtle shifts, as he rediscovers passion and importance and works on reconnecting with his daughter.

The show writers were smart to not reinvent the wheel when it comes to storyline. Season 1 was a massive success, and season 2 continues to serve up meaty characters who keep us glued to the small screen. (10 35- to 40-min. episodes) —Anna

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Netflix Director and co-writer Juel helms this sci-fi comedy that acts as an homage to ’70s Blaxploitation films and spoofs real-life horrifying historical events such as the CIA-Contracrack cocaine epidemic and the Tuskegee Study (the U.S. Public Health Service’s 40-year experiment of infecting African American men with syphilis). OK, I admit that neither of those events seems like comedy gold, but this social satire brilliantly skewers the exploitative treatment Black Americans have endured.

Fontaine (John Boyega) deals drugs in a neighborhood called the Glen. Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) is a pimp and one of Fontaine’s customer/dealers, and he owes Fontaine money. As he’s trying to collect, Fontaine is fatally shot by a rival drug dealer, a murder both Slick Charles and one of his sex workers, Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), witness. Weirdly, the next day, Fontaine returns to demand his money with no memory of being shot, setting up the central mystery that the trio will set off to unravel.

The film succeeds in large part due to its excellent

your troupe and throwing a whole lot of faith and hard work into every exhausting moment of it. This film is essentially about that dynamic— that the kids are counting on the teachers who are counting on Troy to hold it all together. It’s so sweet. I hope this film gets the audience it deserves! m

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

BLAXPLOITATION HOMAGE: (Left to right) Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx), and Fontaine (John Boyega) join forces to unravel a neighborhood mystery, in They Cloned Tyrone, streaming on Netflix.

cast, which also includes Kiefer Sutherland as Nixon, the government villain, and David Alan Grier as The Preacher. For his part, Boyega must inhabit four characters: Fontaine, Old Fontaine, Chester, and Tyrone. (122

m —Glen

DRAMA-RAMA: Drama teachers Amos Klobuchar (Ben Platt, foreground right) and RebeccaDiane (Molly Gordon, foreground left) struggle to maintain their working relationship and put on a show, in the hilarious mockumentary Theater Camp, screening exclusively at the Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo.

min.)

PRESSURE COOKER: Chef and restaurateur Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, left) and chef Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) try to hold their crew together as they struggle to open a high-end restaurant, in The Bear, streaming on Hulu.

Eats

Order it rare

Cuyama Buckhorn honors food critic Jonathan Gold with reboot of its signature ostrich burger

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Once touted in the Los Angeles Times as the closest thing New Cuyama has to an Eiffel Tower or Taj Mahal, the Cuyama Buckhorn’s ostrich burger is making a comeback. On what would have been late food critic Jonathan Gold’s 63rd birthday, July 28 marked the return of the unique item to the Buckhorn’s menu after a two-decade absence. In 1993, Gold documented his experience visiting the Buckhorn just to try its ostrich burger in a piece for the Los Angeles Times

“We have always been huge

admirers of Jonathan Gold’s work, like so many other people who care about where they eat and go,” marketing representative Trisha Cole said, on behalf of the Buckhorn. “Launching the burger on his birthday at the 30year mark of the article felt like a way to pay tribute to him.

“It’s also a way to pay tribute to and thank him for being a pioneer in terms of coming to Cuyama Buckhorn from LA at the time,” Cole added, referring to Gold’s 130-mile trek from Los Angeles County to the Cuyama Valley.

“We hope by shedding light on him coming in will encourage others who haven’t been here yet to do the same.”

In his article on the Buckhorn, Gold described the restaurant as “a big, goodlooking roadhouse, radiant and friendly

in the dark, with an attached motel.”

As the roadside motel evolved into its current state, a trendy desert resort with amenities galore, the current Buckhorn staff decided to update the ostrich burger with some elevated comfort food twists.

The original ostrich burger cost $9.95 and included onion, pickle, and lettuce. Priced at $28 and served on toasted rye bread, the new ostrich burger—also known as the ostrich smash—is decked out with sheep’s milk Gouda from the Santa Barbara Cheese Company and molasses onions. Each smash includes a side order of pickled vegetables as well.

Daniel Horn, the executive chef at the Buckhorn, told the Sun that the choice to go smash burger-style for this new iteration was made after experimenting with a few approaches.

“Trying out different burgers using ostrich meat, we discovered that even as a smash burger, it was still

Buck stops here

To find out more about the Cuyama Buckhorn, located at 4923 Primero St., New Cuyama, call (661) 766-2825 or visit cuyamabuckhorn.com.

extremely tasty and moist, so that’s why we went with this version,” Horn said in an email.

In Gold’s review of the 1990s ostrich burger, the food critic recommended that patrons order it rare, otherwise “it will come out gray and stiff, a little bit chewy with the slightly liverish under-taste of a McDonald’s hamburger patty.”

Horn’s verdict on ordering the new ostrich smash—made with sustainably sourced ostrich meat from American Ostrich Farms in Idaho—is similar to Gold’s suggestion.

“We generally recommend cooking it medium rare to rare,” Horn said. “Ostrich meat doesn’t have much fat and can be dry if not cooked properly.”

In celebration of the recent ostrich burger reboot, the Buckhorn is currently selling a souvenir T-shirt to pair with the promotion. The front of the shirt simply reads “I ate the Ostrich Burger at Cuyama Buckhorn,” and the backside includes a fun excerpt from Gold’s article.

For visitors of the Buckhorn who prefer something a bit less exotic than ostrich, the restaurant’s menu has four beef burgers as well as other meaty options, including tacos, beef chili, and tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches. There’s also a vegetarian bean burger, vegetable pasta, a vegan heritage grain bowl, and multiple salad options, along with an expansive cocktail selection.

By resurrecting the ostrich burger, the Buckhorn staff hopes the offering will rekindle some fond memories for those who recall its original iteration. Cole said that anyone with a fun story about trying out the ’90s ostrich burger or who happened to be visiting the Buckhorn the same day as Gold back in 1993 is encouraged to reach out to the venue.

“We’ve asked around but [are] yet to find anyone who was there that day,” Cole said. “We are hoping that by shedding some light on that time and the original burger that someone will step up with their own personal story and then we can share that, too.” m

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wants fries and an ostrich-sized pitcher of soda with his burger. Send comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

OSTRICH AWESTRUCK: The ostrich burger, once a staple at the Cuyama Buckhorn during the 1990s, has returned to the restaurant’s menu in a newly updated smash burger form.

DINING DESTINATION: The Cuyama Buckhorn’s restaurant and bar live up to their slogan of “farm-to-table comfort food that everyone can rejoice in” while enjoying both indoor and outdoor seating.

LET IT BEEF: Alongside the venue’s burger selection, other meaty staples on the Cuyama Buckhorn’s menu include the house beef chili, made with seasoned beef, beans, and tomato, topped with shredded cheddar and sour cream. Side options include cornbread or tortilla chips.

TOURIST TENTPOLE: The Cuyama Buckhorn is known as a roadside staple of the Cuyama Valley, with a modern resort and attached restaurant that frequently attract out-of-towners to the area.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CUYAMA BUCKHORN

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Pets

ATTN: MR. MIGUEL ANGEL CEJA - ADJ17009844

ORDER DISMISSING & ORDER THAT DISMISSAL REMAINS STAYED PENDING PUBLICATION

Attention Mr. Ceja:

Please take notice that your case was set for a Mandatory Status Conference on May 2, 2023 at 8:30 A.M., before Honorable Judge Lee at the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board located at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4078 Fresno, CA 93721. At this hearing, the Judge ordered you to appear at the next hearing set for June 27, 2023 at 8:30 A.M., before Honorable Judge Lee at the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board located at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4078 Fresno, CA 93721. However, you failed to appear and your attorney was unable to contact you.

Sapra & Navarra LLP filed a Petition for Dismissal of your case on June 8, 2023. Later, Honorable Judge Hatakeyama issued a Notice of Intention to Dismiss your case without prejudice on June 12, 2023, giving you 10 days to show good cause to the contrary, before an Order Dismissing your case would be issued.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Order Dismissing Case without prejudice was issued in the above-entitled matter on June 27, 2023. The order shall remain stayed pending publication of the Notice of Intention to Dismiss and Order Dismissing Case, for four consecutive weeks.

ATENCIÓN: SR. MIGUEL ÁNGEL CEJA - ADJ17009844

ORDEN DE DESPIDO Y ORDEN DE DESPIDO PERMANECE EN PENDIENTE DE PUBLICACIÓN

Atención Sr. Ceja:

Tenga en cuenta que su caso se programó para una Conferencia de estado obligatoria el 2 de mayo de 2023 a las 8:30 a.m., ante el Honorable Juez Lee en la Junta de Apelaciones de Compensación para Trabajadores ubicada en 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4078 Fresno, CA 93721. En este audiencia, el juez le ordenó que compareciera en la próxima audiencia programada para el 27 de junio de 2023 a las 8:30 a.m., ante el Honorable Juez Lee en la Junta de Apelaciones de Compensación para Trabajadores ubicada en 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 4078 Fresno, CA 93721. Sin embargo, usted no se presentó y su abogado no pudo comunicarse con usted.

Sapra & Navarra LLP presentó una Petición de Desestimación de su caso el 8 de junio de 2023. Posteriormente, el Honorable Juez Hatakeyama emitió una Notificación de Intención de Desestimar su caso sin perjuicio el 12 de junio de 2023, otorgándole 10 días para demostrar buena causa a la contrario, antes de que se dicte una Orden de Desestimación de su caso.

SE NOTIFICA que se dictó Auto de Sobreseimiento sin perjuicio en el asunto antes mencionado el 27 de junio de 2023. Dicho auto quedará paralizado a la espera de la publicación del Aviso de Intención de Sobreseimiento y Auto de Sobreseimiento, por cuatro semanas consecutivas.

NEW TIMES AND SUN ANNOUNCE: THE FIRST ANNUAL

PET PHOTO CONTEST

ENTRY PERIOD:

AUG. 24 -

SEPT. 18, 2023

PUBLISHED:

OCTOBER 19, 2023

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