Sun, August 31, 2023

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

In an effort to reduce recidivism and create better outcomes for both the victim and the criminal, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is partnering with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley on a restorative justice program for low-level offenders. Rather than focusing on convictions as punishments, the program aims to facilitate conversations between victims, criminals, and the community about the best way to move forward. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with the DA’s Office, Fighting Back, and a psychology professor who aims to study the program [6]

In addition, you can read about the house explosion in Santa Maria [4]; Gold Fever at the Rough and Ready [18]; and the best ways to spread the love at 805 Charcuterie [21].

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and several Senate and House colleagues applauded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s release of the draft designation for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the Central Coast, according to an Aug. 23 statement from Carbajal’s office. In 2020, Carbajal, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and then Sen. Kamala Harris successfully secured an extension of the proposed sanctuary from the Trump administration, keeping the process alive long enough for the Biden-Harris administration to move forward with the designation process in 2021 without needing to review a new proposal. The Commerce Department moved the proposed sanctuary into the designation phase in November 2021. The public scoping process was completed more than a year ago. In May, Carbajal and several other California lawmakers urged the Biden-Harris administration to prioritize completing the designation phase. In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized the potential benefits of the proposed sanctuary, including ecological and biological protections for California marine life, the values of recognizing Native American stewardship of the coastal waters, and the $1.7 trillion coastal economy that supports a wide range of industries in California. “The Central Coast has pursued this sanctuary designation for decades, and as our oceans and our communities are facing unprecedented challenges from a changing marine environment, this draft comes at a critical time for our region. I am glad that we finally have a draft that puts this sanctuary’s final approval within reach,” Carbajal said in the statement.

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and several U.S. Senate and House members wrote a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to swiftly act on his promise to deliver student debt forgiveness to working-class families by early 2024, according to an Aug. 24 statement from Padilla’s office. “We are extremely disappointed and concerned that the Supreme Court substituted politics for the rule of law to deny as many as 43 million hard-working Americans life-changing relief from crushing student loan debt. In the wake of this outrageous decision, we appreciate your announcement initiating a rule-making under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to deliver on debt relief and write to urge you to swiftly carry out your commitment to workingand middle-class families, and cancel student debt by early 2024,” wrote the lawmakers. Biden announced a student debt relief plan to cancel up to $20,000 to borrowers earning less than $75,000 a year—which accounts for an estimated 90 percent of relief dollars. An estimated 20 million people would have seen their student debt balances eliminated entirely and Black and Latino communities are particularly impacted. Black families are more likely to borrow to go to school, take on higher levels of debt, and disproportionately struggle with repayment compared to their white peers. Black and Latino borrowers are also more likely than their white peers to default on their loans. If enacted, almost half of Latino borrowers and 1 in 4 Black borrowers would have had their entire debt balance forgiven under President Biden’s student debt cancellation plan. The Supreme Court blocked the plan in June 2023.

• In the wake of the Aug. 23 Trabuco Canyon shooting in Orange County, which left at least three victims dead and six individuals wounded, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement regarding the incident and urged all Californians to use the state’s “red flag” laws, according to an Aug. 24 statement from Newsom’s office. Red flag laws allow victims of domestic violence, family members, co-workers, and others to seek protective orders to prohibit potentially dangerous individuals and abusers from possessing guns. “Once again, a siege of bullets has shaken a community and torn families apart,” Newsom said in the statement.

“California mourns for the victims of last night’s horrific shooting at Cook’s Corner. As we continue to learn more details about this act of violence, there are early reports that this horror was related to a domestic dispute.” Two-thirds of mass shooters in America have a history of domestic violence, Newsom continued. Earlier this summer, Gov. Newsom announced the launch of gunsafety. ca.gov, a new website that provides critical information and multilingual, culturally competent materials on how Californians can use red flag laws—including gun violence restraining orders—to help protect their loved ones when someone poses a threat to themself or others. The website is part of an $11 million statewide campaign, launched by the governor and administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, to raise awareness, educate the public, and explain the steps required to obtain a gun violence restraining order. m

Santa Maria home explodes, injuring four and destroying the building

Santa Maria Fire Chief Brad Dandridge has never seen anything like the Aug. 23 house explosion before.

“I’ve been a firefighter for 17 years and the majority of the time was in Fresno. At Fresno, we’ve run into quite a bit of calls and I’ve seen quite a bit of incidents,” Dandridge said. “I’ve seen this on TV, I’ve never seen this live—the devastation from a home exploding.”

Although the investigation in ongoing, the incident was tentatively classified as an accident. As of Aug. 28, the Fire Department believed natural gas caused the house at 1219 Jackie Lane in Santa Maria to explode, destroying the home, injuring four people, and damaging 23 adjacent homes—with the home next door sustaining heavy damage and other nearby homes sustaining minor damage, like broken windows.

According to an Aug. 27 update from the city, the woman who was inside the home at the time is 83 years old and in critical condition with burn injuries. The adjacent neighbor was trapped in rubble and extricated, but is in stable condition. Two others were transferred to the hospital for medical care, but there is no updated information at this time.

The home at 1219 Jackie Lane experienced about $440,000 in structural damage and $100,000 for its contents; 1223 Jackie Lane experienced $425,000 in structural damage and $75,000 for its contents. Estimates for the remaining 22 residences impacted by the incident are still accumulating, the city said in its update.

The Santa Maria Fire Department’s preliminary investigation points to a possible gas leak, but the department is working to identify where the gas leak occurred and whether there were multiple sources of ignition, Dandrige said.

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)—the utility provider for this area— responded quickly and arrived on scene to shut off gas service and conduct inspections on its infrastructure for potential leaks, SoCalGas Media Relations Northwest Team Lead Olga Quiñones told the Sun via email.

“Our inspection shows no indications that our infrastructure caused the incident,” Quiñones said. “While SoCalGas is responsible for maintaining the natural gas lines that deliver natural gas to customer meters, customers are responsible for the lines behind their meter.”

Santa Maria city officials red-tagged eight homes as uninhabitable, meaning the structure

was compromised or the gas was still turned off, Dandridge said. The Red Cross was called out to support the displaced families, and 15 other homes were green-tagged, meaning they sustained minimal damage but were deemed safe to enter.

“I appreciated the quick response and their actions that gave the best possible outcomes for the people involved. It’s an unfortunate situation, but I’m proud of the way my fire department performed,” Dandridge added.

Through the universal dispatch center that deploys the closest engine to an emergency, SLO and Santa Barbara County fire departments responded to other incidents in the city while Santa Maria responded to the explosion, he said. Santa Barbara County Fire also provided a search dog to help clear the incident and allowed Santa Maria officials to move forward in their investigation process.

“The quick response and quick action that my firefighters did when they did arrive on scene made a chaotic scene as best as it possibly could be,” Dandridge said. “Two people were rescued from rubble and we gave them the best opportunities, and that’s all we can do as a fire department.”

SoCalGas offers no-cost services to customers who suspect natural gas leaks on their property, including their appliances, Quiñones added, and customers should call (800) 427-2200 if they suspect a natural gas leak.

“I hope it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. The home was in rubble, there were no more walls, no more ceiling. In the initial explosion, the fire was limited but the home was in rubble, all that was left was the frame,” Dandridge said.

—Taylor O’Connor

Guadalupe considers enforcing first formal restrictions on food trucks

Mobile food vendors operating in Guadalupe will face new regulations if the city decides to approve a newly proposed law.

Members of the Guadalupe City Council recently directed staff to draft a formal food truck ordinance, which will mark the first ordinance of its kind for the city, according to contracted Planning Director Larry Appel.

“As you know, the city has no food truck ordinance,” Appel said at the Guadalupe City Council’s Aug. 22 meeting. “We currently approve all business licenses for food trucks and food carts to come through.”

According to the staff report, food trucks and carts are allowed to operate within city limits

through business licenses processed by staff, while there are no formal laws in the Guadalupe Municipal Code that regulate trucks and carts specifically.

During the meeting, Appel asked the City Council for direction on whether staff should look into adopting new legislation on mobile food vendors, and named some reasons why a new ordinance could be beneficial to brick-and-mortar businesses in downtown Guadalupe, based on a memo from the Guadalupe Business Association. The memo summarized a list of complaints from local business owners with regard to food trucks that park downtown. They accused the trucks of “stealing business” from brick-andmortar restaurants while taking advantage of those restaurants’ restroom facilities and trash cans. Mayor Ariston Julian acknowledged the memo during the Aug. 22 meeting and said he wouldn’t support an ordinance that banned food trucks from parking downtown.

“We don’t need a major ordinance where it’s overkill, but there needs to be something,” Julian said. “We need some standard.”

Local business owner George Alvarez spoke during public comment and echoed issues raised in the memo, while describing food trucks as having an unfair advantage over brick-and-mortar businesses.

“[Restaurants] have to pay mortgage or rent, a truck doesn’t,” said Alvarez, who described Guadalupe as “a bare-bones community” that needs to “save our existing businesses we have in the restaurant trade.”

From a list of potential ordinance models Appel discussed at the meeting, Councilmember Megan Lizalde spoke in favor of a model similar to Santa Maria’s, which identifies an amount of time a vehicle can stay parked in one location, depending on various factors.

“We don’t have unlimited parking downtown. I don’t see us having a way to limit that without some sort of ordinance,” Lizalde said. “I do think there’s some sort of mechanism that we need to develop, just with clear guidelines.

“I don’t want to deter our businesses from partnering with food trucks because we do have restaurants who may want to partner up, like a coffee shop with a crepe cart,” Lizdale added. “I don’t want to deter that, but I do think time should be limited.”

City staff will return to the Guadalupe City Council with a draft of a potential food truck ordinance at a date to be announced.

—Caleb Wiseblood

NOTHING LEFT: A possible gas leak caused a Santa Maria home to explode, destroying the entire structure and leaving the 83-year-old resident in critical condition. The Santa Maria Fire Department is still investigating where the leak came from and what ignited the explosion.

Escalante Meadows to bring more affordable housing to Guadalupe

After five to six years of work and gathering funding, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara will start construction on an 80unit affordable housing project in Guadalupe.

The project will also include a community services hub and a child development center, Executive Director John Polanskey told the Sun.

“Escalante Meadows was a site of former public housing that was built in the 1950s. We had what was then called Guadalupe Ranch Acres, a traditional public housing site,” Polanskey said. “It was coming to the end of its useful life so we were able to use a [Housing and Urban Development] program called the Rental Assistance Demonstration to transition out of public housing and build new housing with these funds.”

On Aug. 24, the housing authority hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for Escalante Meadows with Guadalupe Mayor Ariston Julian, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), and others to acknowledge the state and federal funding contributions making this project possible.

“It probably took three years to get all of the funding in place. In addition to it being a former public housing site, we owned the site already so we didn’t have to pay for the land; it was ours,” Polanskey said.

The Housing Authority worked through the Rental Assistance Demonstration program’s approval process, demolished the previous 52 cinder-block units, and framing is already underway on new construction, he said. Previous tenants were temporarily relocated and will get first right of refusal for a home at Escalante Meadows when it’s finished.

“Even if everybody chose to come back, we would still have 28 additional units. There have been a number of folks living here who really enjoy living in the city of Guadalupe,” Polanskey said. “When the cinder block was reducing, we wanted to retain and increase the number of affordable housing units.”

The 20,000-square-foot community resource hub will provide additional support services to residents and the community. There will be early childhood education and development services, medical screenings, counseling, computer labs, and English as a Second Language courses. Residents will be given preference to these services and then it will open up other locals, he said.

“The housing authority oversees the resource center and everything is done through partnership,” Polanskey said. “Because we are opening the community resource center to the public, not just the residents, we couldn’t use tax credits so we had a little more difficulty funding the community center than we did the housing.”

Carbajal secured $2.5 million in federal funding to help build the community center as one of his nine Central Coast community projects, and Limón snagged $3 million in state funding for the community center, Polanskey said.

Carbajal said in a statement that he was proud to contribute to this project and that this funding helped secure the resource center.

“Thanks to a combination of local, state, and federal funds, we are showing that we are walking the walk when it comes to heeding our community’s need for affordable housing, affordable child care, and vibrant communities,” Carbajal said in the statement. “I was proud to help secure direct support for this project in the 2022 federal budget, and I’m happy to see this project get underway to bring more affordable housing, child care, and community development resources to Guadalupe and its residents.” m

—Taylor O’Connor

A Central Coast Native, Dr. Ryan Leachman DO, MBA, Graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 2004. Dr. Leachman attended California Polytechnic State University where he earned dual degrees in Biology and Psychology and graduated Cum Lade. Dr. Leachman continued his education at Cal Poly where he earned a Masters in Business Administration. Dr. Leachman further continued his education at Midwestern University school of Medicine where he earned his medical degree. Dr. Leachman attended residency at OSU Pediatrics. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics.

Ikola, M.D. Shane Rostermundt, D.O. Joseph Nunez, M.D. Dr. Michele Kielty, D.O.

WIN

A healing approach

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

When people get convicted of a crime, it follows them throughout their life, but that conviction rarely invokes change.

“As time has gone on in the criminal justice system and attitudes have changed, there’s been a shift for penal consequences for lower-level offenses,” Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch said. “Instead of getting them a criminal conviction, let’s try to make them a part of the community.”

The DA’s Office hopes to do this through the new Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program—an approach that takes people who have committed low-level misdemeanors out of the court system and puts them into a facilitated conversation to address the crime and the person’s motivations, hear from victims, and discuss ways to move forward, Savrnoch said.

“Community service is a big part of it. Basically, throughout the process we try to connect them to people, places, community organizations,” he said. “Rather than to stick them with a conviction, stick them with some more consequences that are designed to change their actions in the future.”

The program first launched for adults in 2021 in Goleta as a project between then DA Joyce Dudley and former 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart, Savrnoch said. Funded by the Community Corrections Partnership in partnership with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, Savrnoch said he wants to expand the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program countywide, with a path now available to South County, and hopes to have it up and running in North County by September.

“Individuals don’t get saddled with conviction, but they get a sense of belonging they never had,” he said. “They have an opportunity to do some introspection to the harm their actions caused.”

Act now!

approach can offer “significant advantages” over the traditional court system, she added.

“[Neighborhood Restorative Justice Project] provides a platform for victims to express their needs, ask questions, and receive direct answers from the offender,” Karapetian said. “This process can lead to emotional healing, closure, and a sense of justice that may not always be achieved in the adversarial setting of a courtroom.”

Santa Barbara County looked to Yolo County as an example when starting its program. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Resig launched Neighborhood Courts—now known as the Restorative Justice Partnership—in 2013 to provide an alternative to traditional prosecution, according to a March 2022 report by the Urban Institute.

Yolo County’s program started in Davis and was initially used for minor alcohol offenses, but as time passed the program expanded throughout the rest of the county as recidivism rates dropped, according to the report.

Both misdemeanors and felonies are now eligible for its restorative justice program on a case-by-case basis and “major felonies” are excluded, according to the study.

“Approximately 10 to 15 percent of felonies and 20 percent of misdemeanors are diverted to the program. Three-quarters of all referred cases successfully complete the program,” the report read. “With the aid of volunteers from the community, one interviewee said the program has also resulted in a 37 percent reduction in recidivism.”

“It’s really hard in the criminal justice system when our main indicator of success is recidivism,” Sharkey said. “We have things we haven’t measured: How is this person feeling after this? If they are feeling better off, that’s amazing. We’re able to have a healing process after this harm, connect them to social support—these are things the criminal justice system hasn’t done a good job of measuring.”

While this is the first adult restorative justice program in Santa Barbara County, schools and the juvenile system have been using this model for years, said Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Executive Director Edwin Weaver.

“In 2015, 2016, there was a meeting [about] conflict in the schools and what we could do to help high school students to learn to resolve conflict in a way that’s healthy, where they learn community, and it reduces violence on campus,” Weaver said. “We suggested we try something other districts have tried, which is a restorative approach.”

Through this approach, students learn that relationships have been broken and they may have caused harm for a classmate or a teacher, and it brings the two parties together with a trained mediator.

“Instead of young people only getting suspended with no chance to have dialogue, this allows the young person to examine their role in the situation and what harm they did and know that it wasn’t OK, and repair the harm,” Weaver said.

THE CAL POLY

Restorative justice is not a “one-size-fits-all solution” and may not be suitable for all crimes or offenders, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Karapetian told the Sun via email. The office will focus on diverting low-level misdemeanor offenses—petty theft, underage possession of alcohol, or public intoxication—from entering the criminal justice system.

“The purpose of the program is to reduce recidivism by understanding why offenders offend, address the harm the offense had on the victim (if applicable) and the community, and, using restorative principles rather than punitive principles, effectively and efficiently restore the local community, victim, and the offender back into the community,” Karapetian wrote.

When a crime involves a victim who wants to participate in the program, the restorative

For Santa Barbara County’s program, the DA’s Office contracted with UC Santa Barbara psychology professor Jill Sharkey to conduct an external evaluation of the program to gain a better understanding of its effectiveness. Sharkey has worked on research projects in the past that looked at how systems can better support vulnerable youth and has crossed the restorative justice topic over the last 20 years.

Through an optional survey with open-ended questions, Sharkey and the DA’s Office want to see if people enjoyed the process, if they come back to the system, and if people found closure because they got resources and referrals through this healing process, she added.

“We’ll be tracking all of the numbers, and then we want to know if people complete their agreements and their assessments, if it’s equally beneficial for a man and a woman, and if it’s better than past [recidivism] rates when we didn’t do restorative practices,” Sharkey said.

Recidivism rates take three years to analyze, so the evaluation won’t have that information until later but can use the feedback forms to identify patterns in the responses, she said.

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley partners with the schools to oversee the restorative approach, and trains mediators to run the meetings in order to reduce student conflicts on campus with their peers, teachers, or faculty, he said. He said the program has been beneficial for students and that it could transfer over into the adult criminal justice system.

“Schools are a microcosm. They are a community, and we’re a community. Most crime is a person hurting another person in some way, and part of the solution needs to be, if possible, a reconciliation and repair of that relationship,” Weaver said.

Fighting Back will provide training for volunteers to work on the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Project where they can become panelists or a facilitator for the conversations. After one day of training, volunteers can observe other panels taking place and then, once they are ready, they can join a panel with the potential to become a facilitator.

“In the end we all want a safe community; we are willing to try things in order to create that safe community,” Weaver said. “I think there’s a lot of eyes on this idea of the criminal justice system: Are we spending money the right way? Are we doing right by the victims and holding offenders accountable?” m

Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@

santamariasun.com.

TRAINING SESSIONS: Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley trains volunteers on how to facilitate conversations in the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program—a new countywide initiative designed for those who’ve committed low-level offenses to help prevent them from committing more crimes.

or email edwin@fbsmv.org for more information about training and volunteering on a restorative justice panel. There are no specific qualifications or requirements for people to participate.

WHEN DEEP CALLS TO DEEP JOURNEYS OF THE SOUL FOR A CULTURE IN CRISIS

The challenges of our times are demanding more than just political reforms. They are compelling us towards journeys of the soul that will ask not only for great courage, but new understandings of power and inclusive leadership, new mythologies of collective heroism, more diverse communities and organizational models that are more sustainable ecosystems than hierarchical power pyramids. We invite you to engage with contemporary issues and the latest in depth psychological thinking and practices, join interactive learning sessions on the cutting edge of practice and theory, and explore all that Pacifica Graduate Institute has to offer for your personal and professional journey.

More than music

Retired music teacher launches Young Voices of Santa Maria, a new children’s choir program

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Eileen Boyd considered herself a singer from an early age and always dreamt of a professional career. The Sacramento native ended up studying music in college and then decided to get a teaching credential to support herself while chasing her dreams.

“I ended up teaching for 40 years, and I kept my hand in the music world. I acted in a lot of shows in LA and Sacramento,” Boyd said. “I taught both regular grades kindergarten through sixth grade and elementary music for several years, but then they started cutting [the music program] in our district, and then I went back into the classroom.”

Boyd said that she’s a “great believer” in children taking part in the arts and seeing live performances to connect younger generations to music. Now retired, she kept her teaching credential so she could continue educating students after she moved to Santa Maria to be closer to her family.

“I really missed conducting kids’ choirs. I decided to see if there was one in town I could help with, and I couldn’t really find anything,” Boyd said. “I went to the school district office and I asked for their music department because I came from a district that had one. I asked if the individual schools had a music program and they shook their heads and said, ‘Most of them don’t.’”

With this information, Boyd decided to launch Young Voices of Santa Maria, a children’s choir program for 8- to 18-year-olds where they can learn how to read music, sing with other kids their age, and perform at local events, she said. The program launched on Aug. 21 with its first choir practice at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and Boyd is hoping to recruit more children to join.

“It’s a no-audition choir; once I let people in I will listen to them individually before placing them into the right sections, no one is turned away. There is no audition; any child in those age ranges who wants to be in the choir can join,” she said. “I’m hoping to get a minimum of 30 kids and there will be no max. Right now only a handful of kids have registered.”

Eventually, Boyd said she wants enough children to join so she can divide the students into two groups by age, with 8-year-olds to 12-year-olds in one group and 13- to 18-yearolds in the other, and register Young Voices as an official nonprofit organization to get more funding for the choir.

Promote!

“A $10 per month fee is asked for the help of purchasing sheet music to start with and then eventually if we get enough money I want to hire an accompanist, but for now I will direct from the piano,” she said. “I’m going to be buying all of the sheet music to start with, and if we get enough money or get some grants I will reimburse myself, but I will not be taking a salary as the director.”

While Boyd said that she’s been overwhelmed with recruitment, she’s happy to be starting a children’s choir in Santa Maria.

“I’ve been kind of professionally starved for doing music and making music, so I’m excited about it,” she said.

Young Voices of Santa Maria’s debut performance will be with Coastal Voices, the adult choir, for a Thank You Soldiers Veterans Day Concert. If enough children sign up, Boyd said she wants to do a holiday concert in December, a concert in the spring, and she’s hoping they’ll be asked to sing at other local events.

“I think it’s important for people to know that it will be bilingual, multicultural music whenever possible because I know we have a Spanishspeaking population here. I used to teach Spanish many years ago too,” Boyd said. “I wanted everyone in town to feel welcome; I don’t want it to feel like it’s just for certain kids.”

Choir rehearsals will take place on Mondays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Gloria Dei Church—4380 Orcutt Road. Visit youngvoicesofsantamaria.com or email youngvoicesofsantamaria@gmail.com for more information.

Highlight

• The annual Shoes for Students Golf Tournament and Dinner fundraiser event will be held Sept. 10, with all proceeds going to support children in the Santa Maria Valley who need new clothes and shoes. Shoes for Students, a local nonprofit organization, has hosted an annual golf tournament for nearly 25 years. The tournament is held at the Santa Maria Country Club and is open to all levels of golfers. Teams or individuals can register. Registration is $175 per golfer or $700 per team and includes a cart, range balls, lunch, goodie bag, logo hat, logo golf balls, snacks and beverages, and dinner after the tournament. Register for the tournament or purchase dinner tickets at shoesforstudents.com. m

Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor can be reached at toconnor@ santamariasun.com.

Dr. Susan Rowland PGI Core Faculty C.G. Jung Award Recipiant

Dr. Leonie H. Mattison PGI President/CEO

Dr. Thema Bryant APA President

Roland Palencia Documentarian, Filmmaker

Dr. Emily Lord-Kambitsch PGI Myth Co-Chair

Dick Russel, Author James Hillman, Soul in the World Jemma Elliot PGI Counseling Co-Chair

Dr. Bayome Akomolafe Psychologist, Philosopher, Author

Dr. Dylan Hoffman PGI Core Faculty Jungian & Archetypal Studies

NEW CHOIR: After moving from Sacramento to Santa Maria to be closer to her family, music teacher Eileen Boyd launched the Young Voices of Santa Maria, a new children’s choir.

What are you going to try after seeing Best Of NSBC?

60% The best burrito stop.

30% All of the above and many more!

10% The best thrift store.

0% The best brewery.

Open letter to the secretary of state

10 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly

2646 Industrial Parkway, #200 Santa Maria, CA 93455

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING | 805-347-1968

E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com

WEB | www.santamariasun.com

FOUNDER Steve Moss 1948-2005

EDITORIAL EDITOR | Camillia Lanham

ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Andrea Rooks

STAFF WRITERS | Taylor O’Connor

ARTS EDITOR | Caleb Wiseblood

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | Jayson Mellom

ART DIRECTOR Alex Zuniga

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS | Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad

CONTRIBUTORS | Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield

ADVERTISING

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | Kimberly Rosa

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES | Katy Gray, Lee Ann Vermeulen, Andrea McVay, Kamren Brown

PRODUCTION

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Eva Lipson

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Eva Lipson, Ellen Fukumoto, Ikey Ipekjian, Mary Grace Flaus

Business Cindy Rucker

CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez

PUBLISHERS Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga

OFFICE ASSISTANT / ACCOUNT MANAGER | Kristen LaGrange

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR | Michael Gould

SUBMITTING LETTERS

WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 2646 Industrial Parkway #200, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include your name, address, and phone number.

FAX (805) 546-8641

E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com, letters@santamariasun.com

TO ADVERTISE

DISPLAY ADS | Rates and special discounts are available. Call our ad department at (805) 347-1968.

CLASSIFIEDS | Call (805) 546-8208, Ext. 211. Visa and MasterCard accepted.

ONLINE

Visit the Sun web site at www.santamariasun.com. Our site was developed and designed by Foundation, a website development company (www.publishwithfoundation.com).

The Sun is published every Thursday for your enjoyment. One copy of each issue is available free to Northern Santa Barbara County residents and visitors. Subscriptions to the Sun are $156 per year. The entire contents of the Sun are copyrighted by the Sun and cannot be reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

Because a product or service is advertised in the Sun does not mean that we endorse its use. We hope readers will use their own good judgement in choosing products most beneficial to their well-being.

We welcome submissions. Please accompany them with a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. All letters to the editor become the property of the Sun.

© 2023 Sun

STEPHEN H. SIEMSEN

The following appears on the California secretary of state’s website:

Summary of qualifications and requirements for the office of United States president Republican Party, March 5, 2024, presidential primary election:

I. Qualifications: Every candidate shall be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least 35 years of age, and a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. U.S. Constitution, Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5.

The California secretary of state’s “summary” includes the U.S. Constitution’s qualifications to be placed on the ballot for president of the United States (Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5), but fails to include the U.S. Constitution’s disqualifications to be placed on the ballot (Article 14, Section 3), to wit:

No person shall be a senator or representative in Congress, or elector of president and vice president, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having

One topic is missing from the Oceano Dunes off-roading debate

I would like to comment on Adam Verdin’s letter (“Is it time we all shift our thinking on Oceano?” Aug. 10). He seems desirous of compromise about driving on local beaches and Oceano Dunes. Of his many points, I will address one and an unmentioned other.

As a former economist, the economic study Verdin refers to is a rehash of an older flawed State Parks study using invalid methodologies. Both conflate

previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of twothirds of each House, remove such disability. U.S. Constitution, Article 14, Section 3.

There is at least one candidate aspiring to become president of the United States who is not qualified to hold that office due to his participation in an insurrection against the United States Constitution in violation of his sworn oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” By his own admission, he has not read and does not support the Constitution of the United States: “I haven’t read the Constitution, but, from what I’ve been told, most of it is a waste of paper, quite frankly,” Donald John Trump, 45th president of the United States, after leaving office.

This individual continues to support insurrection by his unfounded, unsubstantiated, and unproven claims of “election fraud” following the certification of the 2020 election by all 50 secretaries of state of the various states, and after a

various activities across coastal multiple use areas to inflate the total.

The sum is not greater but less than the actual parts. An accurate economic study analyzes impacts of each activity within its defined area and its population to understand accurate economic impacts. Also necessary would be analysis of the impact of populations not wanting to visit because of vehicle beach use and off-road dune activities; that is to say, included in the study would be a contrasting element for the impact of green tourism. Such a study requires diligent survey

full and accurate counting of the Electoral College results, certified by the Congress of the United States. This confirmation of the American people’s rejection of this individual’s reelection followed an attack by insurgents on the Capitol of the United States during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, an attack in which this individual was an active participant through his words prior to the attack and his failure to take action during and after the attack. Through his words and deeds this individual continues “to give aid and comfort” to supporters and participants of the insurrection and the conspiracy to submit a false slate of electors to the Congress of the United States. Article 14, Section 3, is a self-executing disqualification, and as such does not require a trial or verdict of “guilt” or “innocence,” just as the U.S. Army does not have to prove in a court of law that a blind, armless man does not meet the qualifications for enlistment.

In light of the above and in defense of the Constitution of the United States, I petition you, by authority of your office as secretary of state of the state of California, to disqualify Donald John Trump as a candidate for any local, state, or federal office, or to appear on any ballot anywhere within the state of California.

Still sworn to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” I remain, Stephen H. Siemsen. m

Stephen H. Siemsen, CW3, U.S. Army (retired), writes to the Sun from Orcutt. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.

work and thus significant monetary investment. Peer review is a requirement.

The glaring missing topic is compromised respiratory systems. It is well known that areas of the Nipomo Mesa are subject to serious particulate matter pollution too often violating state standards. This is caused by off-road activities in the dunes. The symptoms range from discomfort to runny noses, itchy eyes, constant coughing, need of an inhaler during serious impact hours, and in tragic cases, death.

The numbers are hidden; the public no longer has access to health statistics by ZIP code. That children must remain in home or school during high risk hours goes unmentioned. Those denying this may share the view that cigarettes do not cause various illnesses, even death.

Also, rarely mentioned are compromised respiratory systems of pets and wildlife, endangered and not.

Karl Kempton Oceano

A word to the unwise about California’s clean energy

The California Energy Commission recently released its data on California in-state capacity and generation for 2022. According to its figures, clean energy (non-carbon-emitting) sources amounted to 50 percent of in-state power generation. But clean energy production has the potential to improve greatly because large hydro is currently producing far below its capacity and Diablo Canyon Power Plant production has been suppressed since 2019 and can also increase. The remaining 50 percent of generation was from carbon-emitting sources, mostly natural gas.

However, the data also makes it abundantly clear that if Diablo Canyon were to close, the balance would shift to almost 40 percent clean energy and 60 percent carbon-emitting. Only a fraction of Diablo Canyon production will be absorbed by renewables resulting in a large increase in natural gas production, which would be very harmful to the environment and the climate, not to mention our local economy.

Mark Henry San Luis Obispo

Madame Secretary,

There is at least one candidate aspiring to become the U.S. president who is not qualified

Free Event!

¡Entrada gratuita!

PERLA BATALLA

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8 | 7 PM

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9 | 7 PM

Do food trucks have an unfair advantage over restaurants?

I’m guessing that food truck owners would say no. After all, it’s not like a thief can just steal a brick-and-mortar restaurant. They can and do steal food trucks. It’s happening all over the U.S.

Can you imagine waking up one morning and your entire business is just missing? Poof.

Food trucks are super limited in what they can do, how much food they can make, and what they can serve. It’s a graband-go thing—one that’s hopefully cheap and easy—and they can’t sell liquor or alcohol. Most have to broadcast their hours and location out to customers, because both are subject to change. You know, it’s on wheels!

So why are business owners in Guadalupe up in arms?

In a letter the Guadalupe Business Association sent to the city, it accused food trucks of “stealing business” from brick-and-mortar restaurants by parking downtown.

Wah! Wah! Call the wahmbulance!

I’m not sure where else the food trucks would park. Guadalupe really isn’t that big. The business district is basically one street.

“[Restaurants] have to pay mortgage or rent, a truck doesn’t,” business owner George Alvarez told the Guadalupe City Council on Aug. 22.

Well, it’s not like they’re running around in free trucks. They did have to pay for the truck and all the equipment inside of it, right? Most also have to pay rent to use a commissary kitchen before heading out on the road to “steal” business from the local restaurants they’re trying to compete with because that’s how capitalism

works, last I checked. Alvarez described the city as a “bare-bones community” that needed to “save our existing businesses we have in the restaurant trade.”

How many restaurants are in Guadalupe? More than 10. I wouldn’t call that bare bones. That’s a lot for a small community. And food trucks are just a different kind of food purveyor, usually started by folks who can’t afford to pay rent or are just starting out in the local food industry. That’s the beauty of it. Plus, none of them can serve alcohol and no one is sitting down to dinner at a food truck.

This whole argument about food trucks “stealing” business from restaurants has been around since food trucks became trendy and popular. It sucks to be off trend, but that’s life in America, baby! Capitalism! Competition! They breed excellence, right?! Well. In America, established businesses are also threatened by new-fangled ones. So threatened, in fact, that it’s led to physical altercations and name-calling in places like Long Beach, which is considering regulating food trucks due to the same issues raised in Guadalupe. If the capitalist system is no longer working to their advantage, bring on the regulations! And force the new businesses to get in line!

Get in line, food trucks! Get in a circle, actually. That’s what they did in Grover Beach. Food truck owners got together and created a space where they could park and people could enjoy the fruits of their cooking. The city, of course, regulated it, because that’s what cities do.

At least in Guadalupe, elected officials aren’t looking to place too many restrictions on food trucks. Maybe just limiting the time they can park in one spot.

Sounds like a disadvantage to me. m

The Canary is all about that food truck life. Send locations to canary@santamariasun.com.

ISLA VISTA SCHOOL, 6875 EL COLEGIO RD, GOLETA, DOORS OPEN 6:30 PM

GUADALUPE CITY HALL, 918 OBISPO ST, GUADALUPE, DOORS OPEN 6:30 PM

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10 | 6 PM

VIERNES DE SEPTIEMBRE 8 | 7 PM

SABADO DE SEPTIEMBRE 9 | 7 PM

MARJORIE LUKE THEATRE, 721 E COTA ST, SANTA BARBARA, DOORS OPEN 5:30 PM

ISLA VISTA SCHOOL, 6875 EL COLEGIO RD, GOLETA, LAS PUERTAS SE ABRIRAN 6:30 PM

GUADALUPE CITY HALL, 918 OBISPO ST, GUADALUPE, LAS PUERTAS SE ABRIRAN 6:30 PM

DOMINGO DE SEPTIEMBRE 10 | 6 PM

MARJORIE LUKE THEATRE, 721 E COTA ST, SANTA BARBARA, LAS PUERTAS SE ABRIRAN 5:30 PM

Reception follows the performance. / Habrá recepción después del espectáculo.

@vivaelartesantabarbara @vivaelartesb

Mestiza, Mexican and Latin American songs from a world-class vocalist and Grammy nominee

Hot Stuff

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARIE

Zaca Mesa Winery presents musician Lindsey Marie, live in concert in the venue’s tasting room courtyard, on Sunday, Sept. 3, from noon to 3 p.m. Admission to the outdoor show is free. Wine tasting flights and wine by the glass or bottle will be available for purchase during the performance. For more info on the afternoon concert, call (805) 6889339 or visit zacamesa.com. Zaca Mesa Winery is located at 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

—Caleb Wiseblood

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.

CLEVER CRAFTERNOON: LITERARY

PICTURE FRAMES Create a unique place to display a favorite photo. Makes a great decoration or a gift for someone special. All materials will be provided at this free workshop. Registration is required. For patrons 18 and older. Sept. 5, 12-2 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL

DANCE: WEST COAST SWING Learn west coast swing in a casual, friendly environment, taught by Texas state swing champion, Gina Sigman. Free intro from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Beyond the Basics ($10) is 7 to 7:45 p.m. $10 entry includes social dance (7:45 to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:308:15 p.m. 805-344-1630. Cubanissimo

Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

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

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.

SEDGWICK RESERVE: A CONSERVATION STORY Through Oct.

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

WOODLANDS Award-winning artists Deborah Breedon, Kris Buck, and Chuck Klein present their fall exhibition. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30 Free. gallerylosolivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7517.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam

Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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.

CCCT HOUSE TEAM: CENTRAL TOAST

(IMPROV COMEDY SHOW) Team will use your audience suggestions to curate an insanely funny show, all on the spot. Sept. 7, 6-8 p.m. $10. SLO Wine and Beer Company, 3536 S. Higuera St., suite 250, San Luis Obispo, 805-544-9463, slowineandbeerco.com.

CENART AFTER DARK: CENTURY 21 HOMETOWN REALTY An exhibit of pastel 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

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter (X) account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo. com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.

21 Hometown Realty, 599 Higuera St, Ste A, San Luis Obispo.

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

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

CLAY: SMOKE WORKSHOP Beginners welcome. Create a clay incense burner on the wheel or a handbuilt pipe, with teachers Katie and Jason. This single day workshop allows you to come create. We will fire/glaze your pieces for you after the class date. Book online in advance. Sept. 3 5-7 p.m. $60. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME After completely selling out two previous runs of this production, and winning 11 national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), Cuesta Drama returns for one final remount. Directed by bree valle. Sept. 1 , 7:30-9 p.m., Sept. 2 2-4 & 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 3 2-4 & 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 8 , 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 9 2-4 & 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sept. 10 2-4 & 7:30-9:30 p.m. $25. 805-546-3198. cuesta. universitytickets.com/. Cuesta College

Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by

INDEX

Arts

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.

GO FIGURE: ARTIST RECEPTION

Celebrating the human form and all things figurative. This open show features work from local artists around the county. Sept. 1 , 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING: ADULT

ART CLASS This class is for students who may have tried oil painting in the past but are looking to advance their skill levels. Color theory and proportion study will be a focus in the class. Mondays, 2-5 p.m. $30 per student or $75 for 3 classes. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRO TO OIL PAINTING WITH SPENCER

COLLINS The perfect class for those wanting to try oil painting for the first time. Guests discuss color theory, layering paint, and how to use various media. For ages 16 and over. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30 per class or $100 for 4 classes. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART

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

JOHN BARRETT John Barrett was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1952 and grew up in Manhattan Beach, California. He began pursuing his career as an artist in the late 1960s influenced by his great-grandfather, a painter. Sept. 1 - Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ john-barrett/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips

and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. 805-441-8257.

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

ODDFELLOWS COMEDY NIGHT The SLO Oddfellows present an evening of hilarious live comedy the first Saturday of every month. Enjoy professional comedians seen on Comedy Central, Hulu, Netflix, and in clubs like The Punchline, Comedy Store, The Improv, and The Ice House. Food and drink available for purchase. First Saturday of every month, 7-9 p.m. $15. 805-878-2038. my805tix.com. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. 805-541-1400. slobg. org. 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.

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS

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

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ

This weekly sculpture drop-in class gives an opportunity for potters to take on new projects and learn new techniques relating to sculptural work. Additionally, every first Friday of the month, a new project will be taught by Rod Perez for beginners. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40.

anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SENIOR CLAY CLASS Offered to the senior community as an outlet to explore the beauty of clay. For ages 60 and over. Caretakers welcome for an additional $20. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO DRAWZ: OPEN FIGURE DRAWING GROUP

Improve your drawing skills while also building a community of supportive creatives with live models. This is not a guided class, please bring your own materials. To sign up, email chantellegoldthwaite@gmail.com. Every other Monday, 5-7 p.m. and Every other Thursday, 5-7 p.m. through Dec. 31 $20 per session; or $60 for a month pass. 805-747-4200. instagram.com/ slodrawz/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

STAND-UP COMEDY CLASS This class covers the basics of crafting jokes, putting a set together, and includes performance training.

Sept. 5 6-8 p.m. $225. Central Coast Comedy Theater Training Center, 2078 Parker Street, Suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-858-8255, centralcoastcomedytheater.com.

TINY POTTERS: WISE ONES AND WEE ONES

PAINT For ages 4 to 6. Kids have the option to paint animals and other subjects. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $30. anamcre.com/booking.

Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/vanessawallace-gonzales/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR

This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WEEKEND TEAPOT WORKSHOP Come make a teapot and teacup set with teacher, Jenn Hope, who will be guiding students over the course of three sessions. Sept. 2 3:30-5:30 p.m. $225. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

FINE ART FUSED GLASS BY LINDA HILL Linda Hill is a fused glass artist living and working in Los Osos. Linda has been working at her craft for more than 20 years and she loves color, patterns, shapes, and creating fused glass art. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY NANCY JENSEN Nancy Jensen celebrates the simple joys of living on the central coast of California. In her watercolor paintings, she honors the fruits of the harvest in local vineyards, the springtime surprises of bright wildflowers, and blooming gardens and the Central Coast as a whole. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805-772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP SHOW: WILD AUTUMN A group photography show with Alice Cahill, Michael Johnston, Jessica Weiss, Lynda Roeller, and Liz Linzmeier. These wonderful photograpers will be showcasing their amazing photographs of the wild animals, horses, seals, otters, whales, birds, and autumn mood scenes that our visitors love. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

LUNCH AT FIRST SIGHT

The Santa Maria Masonic Lodge will host a tri-tip sandwich lunch fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the lunch will benefit Paws for Purple Hearts and Nomad Pet Rescue. Meals are $15 each and must be reserved in advance of the event. Visit the fundraiser’s Eventbrite page for more info. The Santa Maria Masonic Lodge is located at 700 Lakeview Road, Santa Maria. —C.W.

LIFESPAN OF A FACT Presented by By the Sea Productions. A staged reading. Sept. 1-3 my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., 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. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

MORRO BAY ART IN THE PARK Morro Bay

Art in the Park is the second oldest art show in the state of California. This event was established in 1955 and is in its 68th annual year. 100 fine artists from all over California attend this event Sept. 2 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 3 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 4 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. morrobayartinthepark.com. Morro Bay City Park, Corner of Morro Bay Blvd. and Harbor St., Morro Bay.

MOSAIC DRIFTWOOD Choose from Joan’s vast selection of beautiful, local driftwood. Add your colorful choice of baubles, beads, shells, and other glass pieces. Preregistration required. Sept. 3 , 10 a.m.-noon $50. 805-286-5993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

MOSAIC TRIVET WORKSHOP During this workshop, you will learn how to design and create a mosaic trivet. You will learn how to select materials, lay out a pleasing pattern, and adhere the tiles to the trivet base. You will learn how to properly grout and seal your project. ongoing, 1-4 p.m. $60. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/index.php/workshops/. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. PAINT ON WINE GLASSES Joan will guide you through the process of painting two wine glasses during this fun and easy event that’s perfect for all skill levels. Sept. 2 , 1-2:30 p.m. $35. 805-286-5993. CreativeMeTime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM

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

SEA GLASS HAMMERED METAL JEWELRY

Great for all skill levels. Create a gorgeous sea glass necklace and two pierced earrings. Everything is provided to complete the projects including metal, local sea glass, jewelry findings, and use of tools. Preregistration required. Sept. 2 10 a.m.-noon $50. 805-2865993. CreativeMeTime.com. 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

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 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. 805-904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. MondaysFridays $160-$190. 805-481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BECOME A SENIOR PEER COUNSELOR

Saturday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805772-1068. 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. ongoing partnersincaring.org. Santa Maria, Citywide, Santa Maria.

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

BOUNCING BABY STORY TIME Explore preliteracy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and caregivers. For 0-12 months. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. through Oct. 4 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. 805934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:309:30 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 805343-2455. dunescenter. org. GuadalupeNipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing 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.

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. 559-905-9274. 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.

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.

INTRODUCTION TO LEATHERWORK Make a stamped leather belt during this one-hour online class and full seven-hour day at the shop. Sept. 6, 6-7 p.m. and Sept. 9 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $50; plus $48 materials fee. 628-888-4012. cuesta.edu/communityprograms/rancheducation/index.html. Cuesta College Ranch Education Program, 3535 Education Drive, San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A prorecovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgmentfree support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, 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.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardener Program of SLO County extends an invitation to the public. Bring your lunch, tour the garden, ask questions, or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the venue’s Demonstration Garden. First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 6 Free. 805-781-5939. ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 14

Flannel 101 - Get Your Flannel On (90s Tribute Band)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

International Champions of Musical Whistling and Musical Saw

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Old Santa Rosa Chapel, Cambria

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree @ Tooth & Nail FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Tooth & Nail Winery, Paso Robles

Women Making Waves: Community Hike at the Pismo Preserve

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Pismo Preserve, Pismo Beach

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree with Headliner Chris Bennett

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Rib Line by the Beach, Grover Beach

Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce: Shop, Sip & Stroll

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 & 28 Embarcadero & Downtown, Morro Bay

10th Annual Brew at the ZooTake Two SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Charles Paddock Zoo, Atascadero

FOR

Templeton Mercantile, Club Car Bar

Colonel Angus (AC/DC & Rock Cover Band)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

SLOFunny Comedy Jamboree with Headliner Chris Bennett

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Central Coast Pizza, Los Osos

Women Making Waves: Shake It Off Dance Party

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

SLO Wine & Beer, San Luis Obispo

Banda Toro with DJs Kazanova & Excalibur

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Symphony of the Vines: Arctic Chill

SEPTEMBER 7 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

THURSDAY,

SLO County Jazz Federation: The Pat Kelley Trio SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

New Moon Sunset Show: Two Dog Night w/ DJ B. Tru

Mo Betta Summer Jazz Series Concert SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Bliss Cafe, San Luis Obispo Laugh Therapy Stand Up Comedy WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez 2023 New Times Music Awards Presentation and Showcase FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 SLO Brew Rock, San Luis Obispo SLO Symphony: Pops By The Sea SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Avila Beach Golf Resort Mid-State Wedding and Event Expo SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Hunter Ranch, Paso Robles San Luis Obispo Oktoberfest SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO PET

New Times Media Group: Pet Photo Contest ENTRIES ACCEPTED NOW UNTIL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 AT 5PM www.santamariasun.com • August 31 - September 7, 2023 • Sun • 13

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 A Satellite of Love, San Luis Obispo

Hot Stuff

PUMPKIN SMASHING! PUMPKIN SMASHING!

Smash it, don’t trash it!

Don’t send your tired old pumpkins and gourds to the landfill—bring them to our Pumpkin Smashing event for a fun new way to recycle. It’s free, and all ages are welcome. Come on down for a smashing good time!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023

1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Town Center West Downtown Santa Maria

For more information, call (805) 925-0951 ext. 7270

RAYS THE ROOF

Sunwork Central Coast will host a volunteer solar installer training webinar on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants who complete the free webinar will be eligible to be a part of installing residential solar systems in their community. For more info on the volunteer training program, call (805) 229-1250 or visit sunwork.org.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 12

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, 805270-3346.

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. Free. 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.

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 OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY A free event for our community to come together to learn more about overdose, how to prevent it, and to remember the lives who have been lost to overdose. Aug. 31 , 5-7 p.m. Free. sloendoverdose.org/. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

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.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

Sunday, September 3 · 2–6pm

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.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

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.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY 30TH ANNUAL AFS 5K FUN RUN A family-friendly fun run. Proceeds provide scholarships for Coast Union High School students planning to study in another country through AFS, a foreign exchange student program. Event at high school in Cambria. Sept. 2 7-9:30 a.m. $25. 805801-1132. davidlbisso.com/5kfunrun.html. Coast Union High School, 2950 Santa Rosa Creek Rd., Cambria.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Mask Required. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805-772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.

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

SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary. Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805-528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays 805-922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

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

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

TRI-TIP SANDWICH LUNCH

FUNDRAISER Don’t miss this special presale tri-tip sandwich lunch, conveniently available for pick-up at the Santa Maria Masonic Lodge, during this heartwarming fundraiser supporting Paws for Purple Hearts and Nomad Pet Rescue. Pre-sold meals only. Sept. 9 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $15. 310-606-1324. Masonic Family Center, 700 Lakeview Rd., Santa Maria.

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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

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.

FOOD & DRINK continued page 16

—C.W.

SPONSORED

Hot Stuff

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

NAACP SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

FIFTH ANNUAL BARBECUE AND POTLUCK Join NAACP SLO County for their fifth annual barbecue and potluck. Sept. 2 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. 805-6195354. naacpslocty.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., 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.

WILD WEST FEST Features line dancing, a mechanical bull, and amazing food and drinks. Sept. 2 12-6 p.m. Free. 805-2153669. slopublicmarket.com/events/wildwest-fest. San Luis Obispo Public Market, 3845 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

CELTIC CABARET This open mic will celebrate the season of Mabon. Bring your instrument. Sept. 10, 12-5 p.m. Free. 805710-3309. Celtic Cabaret, 1311 Smallwood Ct., Santa Maria.

THE HOMESTEAD: LIVE MUSIC ON THE PATIO 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.

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.

IN MEMORY

SLO Overdose Awareness Day will be commemorated at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event and learn more about overdose and how to prevent it and remember those whose lives have been lost to overdose. Visit sloendoverdose.org for more info. Mitchell Park is located at 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

WEAR THAT HAT DANCE With Riptide

Big Band and vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Wear a hat and join the fun.

Funding: Community Foundation of SLO County. Sept. 10 1:30-4 p.m. Free. 775 8135186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY AT ZACA MESA

WINERY: LINDSEY MARIE Enjoy live music by Lindsey Marie with delicious wines. Sept. 3 12-3 p.m. Free. 805-6889339. zacamesa.com. Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m.

Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, 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

FLANNEL 101 LIVE Tribute to the 1990s.

Sept. 8 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City

Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

KINGS OF QUEEN Queen tribute band.

Sept. 7, 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT LIVE

Described as the ultimate ‘80s tribute band. Sept. 2 , 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

THE RETURN OF COLONEL ANGUS Visit site for tickets and more info on the show.

Sept. 9 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ANAM CARA AT BIG VARIETY NIGHT The Anam Cara Quartet (Angela Wood, Tracy Morgan, Bruce Willard, David Foster Evans) will bring the “Celtic Soul and Rock n’ Roll” to Ted Waterhouse’s Big Variety Night at Puffer’s of Pismo. Sept. 3 5-8 p.m. $5. 805710-3309. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach, puffersofpismo.com.

B & THE HIVE LIVE Part of the Lighthouse’s live music series. Sept. 9 2-5:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPY HOURS: LIVE MUSIC Enjoy Friday Night Happy Hour at Avila Bay Athletic Club. Sept. 1 , 6-8 p.m. Free. avilabayclub.com. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, 805-595-7600.

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

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more.

Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, 805-925-3500.

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

POPS BY THE SEA The San Luis Obispo Symphony announces the return of Popsby-the-Sea at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Featuring guest artists The Damon Castillo Band. Sept. 2 , 2-7 p.m. $15-$80. 805-3561438. slosymphony.org. Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach.

TALENT DREAMS INAUGURAL

JAMBOREE Visit site for more info on the program. Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m. my805tix. com. Camp Arroyo Grande, 250 Wesley St., Arroyo Grande, 805-249-9517.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and is easy to listen to. Sept. 10 4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Edna Valley Vineyard, 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd, San Luis Obispo, 805-544-5855.

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.

KABAKA PYRAMID AND THE BEBBLE ROCKERS Doors open at 7 p.m. With special guest Jemere Morgan. For ages 21 and over. Sept. 7 7:45 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843, slobrew.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT LIQUID GRAVITY Check social media and calendar for weekly updates. Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

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.

SONGWRITERS AT PLAY FEATURES

TAYLOR C. LEWIS, HOLLY ANN LEWIS

Songwriters at Play host Steve Key will share the stage with Oklahoma native Taylor C. Lewis, and California resident Holly Ann Lewis. The three singersongwriters will swap songs and stories Nashville-style. Breanna Rosas joins us for a guest set. Sept. 6 6-8 p.m. Free. 805-204-6821. songwritersatplay.com/ events. SLO Wine and Beer Company, 3536 S. Higuera St., suite 250, 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

ARTS BRIEFS

New Times Media Group holds inaugural Pet Photo Contest

The entry period for New Times Media Group’s inagural Pet Photo Contest opened in late August and will close on Monday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. Photos from the contest will be included in the pet-centric issues of both New Times and the Sun on Thursday, Oct. 19.

The Pet Photo Contest is sponsored by Lemos Feed and Pet Supply, an Arroyo Grande-based supplier with multiple locations in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The entry fee is $5 per photo with a $1 processing fee, and all proceeds from the contest will benefit Woods Humane Society and the Santa Barbara Humane Society.

To enter the contest, find the photo submission tab on newtimesslo.com.

Gallery Los Olivos showcases three artists in new group exhibition, Woodlands

A collection of artworks from three artists working in various media will be on display in Gallery Los Olivos’ latest group exhibition titled Woodlands, which is set to open on Friday, Sept. 1, and be on display through the end of the month.

The exhibit will highlight artists Chuck Klein (whose work is pictured), Deborah Breedon, and Kris Buck. Klein is an avid outdoorsman who uses natural dead wood that he finds while exploring local areas for his woodworking projects. Breedon is a prolific pastelist, and Buck enjoys painting plein air with pastel and oil.

Admission to view the show is free. The exhibit will be open to the public during the gallery’s regular hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

To find out more about Woodlands and other upcoming exhibits slated for display at Gallery Los Olivos, call (805) 6887517 or visit gallerylosolivos.com. The gallery is located at 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club hosts upcoming dance concert

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY LINDQUIST

Great American Melodrama’s Gold Fever is a gold mine of laughter

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

To describe the Great American Melodrama’s latest offering as based on a true story would be an overstatement. But a quick Google search on the show’s time and place—between 1849 and 1850 in Rough and Ready, California—reveals that much of its hilarity is historically accurate.

Founded by a flock of hopeful prospectors from Wisconsin during the California Gold Rush, the town of Rough and Ready was briefly known as the Great Republic of Rough and Ready, after seceding from the union in order to avoid mining taxes.

The concept of a town with a total area of less than 4 miles becoming its own country for the span of less than four months feels stranger than fiction, and the Great American Melodrama dials that absurdity up to 11 in Gold Fever at the Rough and Ready, which runs through Sept. 9 at the Oceano venue.

Written by Neal LaVine and directed by Natasha Harris, the two-act show follows an ensemble cast of characters who become entangled in a zany McGuffin plot. The McGuffin: a large gold nugget, proudly displayed in the town’s saloon under the protection of Bartley Townsend (played by Cameron Parker), a clumsy but wellmeaning sheriff.

detached facial hair—are never recovered.

Not long after Scabby’s death, a blind woman wanders into the town of Rough and Ready and identifies herself as the late miner’s daughter, Eugenia Jones (Elizabeth Martinie). Townsend quickly becomes smitten with Eugenia, although his affections prior to her arrival were reserved strictly for saloon owner and entertainer Lotta Crabtree (Meggie Siegrist).

While the sheriff becomes the center of an inevitable love triangle, another new face in town, Phileas Cramner (Esquivel) aims to exploit the mining area’s resources and trick residents into paying him a 50 percent cut of their earnings.

Regulars at the Great American Melodrama won’t be surprised by the way in which Cramner’s attire and appearance complement his dastardly demeanor. The top hat and handlebar mustache amp up the crowd when it’s time to boo or hiss at the villain.

Michael Wells is the actor regularly billed as both Cramner and Scabby. While I can’t comment on his performance, having only seen Esquivel in the two roles, what I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed Esquivel’s takes on both characters, who couldn’t be more different than one another, except in terms of height. I could have

used even more of Scabby, to be honest. He’s a lovable lug with a heart of—dare I say it—gold. Other standouts in the cast include Toby Tropper as E.F. Brundage, the colonel who was elected as the first and only president of the short-lived Republic of Rough and Ready. Tropper plays Brundage with plenty of stupor and is also memorable as a silly park ranger during the Melodrama’s latest vaudeville review, The Great Outdoors, which follows every performance of Gold Fever

The camp-themed vaudeville segment is full of dance numbers and musical parodies. I won’t spoil all the songs that get spoofed, but fans of La La Land are in for a treat. m

The only prescription for Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood’s gold fever is more cowbell. Send some more cowbell to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

MUSIC FLAVOR/EATS INFO CALENDAR OPINION NEWS STROKES ARTS

The Riptide Big Band will perform at the upcoming Wear That Hat dance concert at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center in Santa Maria on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The band will be accompanied by vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting during the event, hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club.

Admission to the concert is free, thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County. For more info on the event, call (775) 813-5186 or visit riptidebb.com. The Elwin Mussell Senior Center is located at 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. m

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

Before becoming property of the town, the nugget belonged to a burly, bearded miner by the name of Scabby Jones (played by understudy Noah Esquivel in the show I attended). During an earthquake, Scabby’s mine caves in on him. His remains—minus his hat and seamlessly

18 • Sun • August 31 - September 7, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

AT FIRST SIGHT: The cast of Gold Fever at the Rough and Ready includes Meggie Siegrist (left) as Lotta Crabtree and Cameron Parker (right) as Bartley Townsend.

PHOTOS COURTESY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK KLEIN

Eureka!

POWER RANGER: Toby Tropper plays a plucky park ranger during the Great American Melodrama’s new vaudeville review, titled The Great Outdoors

Ready or not

Honorees: (from left) Linda Cordero Mike Cordero, Deborah Adam and George Adam

Tween trouble

Sammi Cohen directs this coming-of-age comedy about besties Stacy Friedman (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia Rodriguez Katz (Samantha Lorraine), who have a falling out over a boy right before their upcoming bat mitzvahs, unraveling their friendship and threatening their parties. (103 min.)

Glen: This is a true family affair. Adam Sandler is starring alongside his real-life daughters Sunny and Sadie, and his wife, Jackie Sandler. There’s an easy chemistry there. And what a warm, funny, uplifting story. I couldn’t help but be brought back to the trials and travails of the tween year, the cusp of teenagerhood, when your body is changing, and every emotion seems amplified to the nth degree. Stacy and Lydia have been friends since they were wee ones, and they know everything about each other. Nobody can cut you as deep as a friend, which puts the girls in the perfect position to take their feud from mean to downright nasty and cruel. What’s most confounding—but also on-point for a misguided early crush—is the boy in question, Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman), who isn’t worthy of either of these two young ladies. Laughs abound as they navigate one awkward moment after another.

I AM SO NOT INVITING YOU TO MY BAT MITZVAH

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Anna: The Sandler family working together could go two very different ways, but luckily they seem to genuinely enjoy being on set together. No tween can roll her eyes more sincerely than at her own parents! Both Sunny and Samantha are great here, and while the storyline focuses on the younger sister, her older counterpart has great deadpan delivery that works well to break up the tween drama moments. The film absolutely took me back to a time in life when every problem was the worst thing that ever happened, and even a slight betrayal felt monumental. I can’t get over how sweet and charming and downright funny this film is. What a great reminder of Adam Sandler’s true talent and knack for creating great ensemble

Film & Television Reviews

HEART OF STONE

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Tom Harper (Wild Rose, The Aeronauts) directs this by-thenumbers spy thriller that’s sadly short on thrills. As I understand it, the idea was that it would begin a Mission: Impossiblestyle franchise with Gal Gadot in the lead, but after this rote, lackluster effort, this may be a one-off.

Gadot is intelligence operator Rachel Stone, a computer expert working with MI6 … or is she something more? The plot also involved a super-secret organization called The Charter, dedicated to keeping world peace and outside the control of any single government. The Charter’s most powerful tool is The Heart, an artificial intelligence quantum computer network with a global reach, which in the wrong hands would lead to world domination.

The locations are exotic, from the Italian Alps to London to Lisbon to Iceland to the Senegal desert, and Gadot remains a likable and charismatic lead, but we’ve seen these characters and situations before, and there’s not much to recommend this film other than it’s free with your Netflix subscription. Though

dynamics. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you’d be hard pressed not to fall for his sweet family. This should be in theaters! Glen: I agree. Buying a full-price ticket would have been money well spent, but I’m happy to have a first-run film of this caliber included in our Netflix subscription. Part of what made the film so rich was its bevy of supporting characters. My favorite was Rabbi Rebecca (a hilarious Sarah Sherman), a deeply dorky but incredibly sincere, upbeat, and frank spiritual guide to these young people. The regular bat mitzvah go-to entertainer is DJ Schmuley (Ido Mosseri), who’s also a great source of comedy. And let’s not forget Luis Guzmán as Eli Katz, Lydia’s dad who’s divorcing Lydia’s mom, Gabi (played by Adam’s real-life wife, Jackie). I was also charmed by exchange student Mateo (Dean Scott Vazquez), a real kidgentleman, unlike showoff Andy Goldfarb. I would 100 percent watch this film again, and if you have kids around 12 to 15, watch it with them. It’s got lessons and laughs to impart.

DEPP V. HEARD

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Anna: This is definitely a film I’ll be recommending to parents with kids anywhere around that age, and you’re right, the characters both in and around the Friedman family take this film to the next level. There’re the usual school cliques—the “cool” (aka mean) girls, the dorky but lovable crew, and the jocks, and both Stacy and Lydia are just trying to figure out where they fit in now that they’re “adults.” It’s not overly saccharine, and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud bits that deal with all things tween, or even just being in the orbit of one. It truly is such a relatable, sweet, funny film. I’m a fan of Sandler, but even if you aren’t, there are plenty of people in this cast to love. I will definitely watch this one again! m

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

From April to June 2022, the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was in its heyday. With a bit of shame, I admit I followed along, watching hour upon hour of trial footage as the two and their respective witnesses worked to tear each other apart. Now Netflix gives us a three-part summation, showing a sped-up version of the trial as well as the mind-boggling media coverage around it.

STONED: Gal Gadot stars as secret agent Rachel Stone, who must stop hackers from stealing a powerful AI quantum computer network capable of frightening manipulation, in Heart of Stone, streaming on Netflix.

it’s garnered 33 million viewers, its Rotten Tomatoes audience score is a dismal 53 percent. And the critics? They trashed it with 29 percent. I had to make two attempts before I could get through it. (122 min.)

—Glen

Thanks to YouTube, TikTok, and countless other social media sites, the trial quickly divided its followers into two camps. Favor was heavily weighted toward Depp, who had legions of fans camped outside of the courtroom hoping to gain a coveted spot inside. Heard was seen as a villain, not a victim, and was met daily with jeers and insults. Watching the testimony clipped together side by side paints the picture of a very dysfunctional relationship and a difficult dissolution of a marriage. While Depp wins the trial, neither party comes out of Depp v. Heard looking like a winner.

If you’re craving a bit of popcorn courtroom theater, this three-part series will feed your need to indulge in

IMPLOSION: The ugly, sordid saga of Johnny Depp and Amanda Heard’s defamation trial gets the documentary miniseries treatment, in Depp v. Heard, streaming on Netflix.

other people’s problems for a while. (three approx. 50-min. episodes) m

SANDLER-RAMA: (Left to right) Idina Menzel, Samantha Lorraine, Adam Sandler, Sunny Sandler, and Sadie Sandler (Adam Sandler’s real-life daughters), star in the coming-of-age comedy You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, streaming on Netflix.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Outside the box

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Don’t be fooled by the BYOB disclaimer at 805 Charcuterie. The new brick-and-mortar eatery in Santa Maria dedicated to meat and cheese has beer and wine too. The BYOB stands for build your own board.

Central Coast local Lindsee Jackson started 805 Charcuterie as a charcuterie box wholesaler to wineries during the pandemic, after she was furloughed from her former job as an event planner. The company eventually evolved into a catering business for weddings, private parties, and corporate gatherings once events started back up.

Now with a storefront of its own, complete with a bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and live music every weekend, the company caters to an even wider clientele.

“We’ve been open for about two months now, but signed our lease about two years ago,” said Jackson, who described the shop’s opening on Skyway Drive in Santa Maria as “a long time coming.”

The company’s success as a wholesaler during the pandemic “presented us the opportunity to open a brick-and-mortar and share our love of food and wine and beer with our community,” Jackson said.

The plaza on Skyway where 805 Charcuterie is located is also home

to Viet Kitchen, the Salty Brigade Kitchen, Fire and Vice, and other businesses. Longtime residents of Santa Maria will probably recall the site’s former purpose as a car dealership.

“People that are like my parents’ age—late 50s, early 60s—will come in and say they remember when this was an auto park,” Jackson said.

Some aspects of the former auto park’s architecture remain, including a large roll-up garage door that opens the shop up to its cozy outdoor patio. On most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 805 Charcuterie will host a live musician or band in the afternoon or evening to perform near the garage entryway, for patio guests as well as those seated indoors or at the bar to enjoy.

As for food options, the shop’s charcuterie box and board selections

are not limited to cold cuts. Roasted chicken wings, for example, have become one of the shop’s most popular features, Jackson said.

Guests can pick wings as part of a BYOB or find them in the company’s best selling prearranged assortment nicknamed Not Your Housewife’s

Charcuterie. The arrangement includes wings, linguiça, and a choice of cured meat, plus sharp cheddar, blue cheese, celery, carrots, ranch, and wing sauce.

Jackson said she wanted to include wings and other nontraditional

EATS continued page 22

The Brunch So Hard spread at 805 Charcuterie in Santa Maria includes applewood smoked bacon, a Belgium pearl waffle, assorted pastries, seasonal parfait, cheese, and house-made whip.

PB AND YAY: The kids menu at 805 Charcuterie features a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The combo also includes chips, a juice box, and choice of either sliced apple or grapes.

charcuterie items on the menu to make 805 Charcuterie feel approachable, casual, and unpretentious.

“We’re just trying to broaden the horizon of what people think about charcuterie,” said Jackson, who strives to offer “something for everybody” at the new eatery.

Among the company’s diverse box and board selection is the Green Thumb, arranged with a mix of seasonal vegetables, fresh and dried fruit, hummus, and ranch. As a brunch option, the venue offers the Brunch So Hard, which includes a Belgium pearl waffle, assorted pastries, seasonal parfait, cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and house-made whip.

There’s even a kids menu, which includes the CharKIDerie Board, a combination of sliced turkey breast, cheese, and either grapes or sliced apple, with chips and a juice box. Other kids entrees include chicken nuggets, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and hot dogs.

Speaking of dogs, four-legged, furry friends are welcome at 805 Charcuterie as long as

they’re leashed.

Canine guests are encouraged to beg their owners to order the BARKuterie Box, which includes four dog-friendly cookies and one tennis ball.

“We are huge animal lovers,” said Jackson, who added that 805 Charcuterie plans to host a special wine fundraiser in the future through Bar Dog, a wine supplier that donates a portion of all wine sales to an animal shelter of the event holder’s choosing.

Over the past two months, Jackson said that her brand’s new location has been steadily busy, and she’s noticed an increase in catering requests for events as well.

“We didn’t expect this to grow the catering business, but it has,” Jackson said. “I think having a place where people can associate the name to and feel comfortable coming in has really helped.” m

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is getting the BARKuterie Box for his chihuahua. Send tennis balls to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

GRAB A GLASS: A selection of both local and imported beers on tap at 805 Charcuterie rotates on a regular basis, as does the venue’s shifting wine list.