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Fair Play: dark workplace drama [43]

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Our first Pet Issue features cuddly and captivating photo contest winners [6], a heyday for reptiles [8], and foster friends [9]

BY SUN STAFF

NEWS

Downtown apartment complex moves forward [4]

ARTS

Artists portray mountaintop experiences [32]

EATS

Oysters and sparkling wine, together again [36]

Contents

OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 26, 2023 VOL. 24 NO. 34

O

ur first Pet Issue is chock-full of adorable furry friends who’ve won our inaugural pet photo contest, all for a good cause—each entry helped raise roughly $6,000 for local Humane Societies. Inside, get ready for some seriously cute close-ups, from golden labs and yellow ducks to dwarf rabbits and tabby cats [6]. Also in our Pet Issue, New Times’ Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal reports from the Central Coast reptile expo [8], and Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor talks with local shelters about fostering animals before adoption [9].

In addition, you can read about a Santa Maria development that includes a revamped firefighter memorial [4]; Surf to Summit landscapes at Gallery Los Olivos [32]; and why sparkling wine pairs particularly well with local oysters [36].

Andrea Rooks associate editor

DreamHome

YOUR

Cover photo courtesy of Jennifer Lawrence > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

AWA I TS

WESTERN VILL AGE SHOPPING CENTER

805-347-1121

News Briefs ...............................................................................4 Political Watch.........................................................................4 Spotlight....................................................................................16

Carpet & Floor

LIC. 668152

ARTS

Arts Briefs ............................................................................... 32

MOVIES

Reviews ....................................................................................34

OPINION

S A N T A M A R I A . A B B E Y C A R P E T.C O M

2 0 5 1 S . B R O A D WAY • S A N T A M A R I A

HI THERE: Tabby cat Ripley was named after Sigourney Weaver’s character in Alien.

As a kitten, she was an “act now, think later” badass, but she’s settled into a cozy life of blankets and snuggles.

Web Poll .....................................................................................17 Modern World .........................................................................17 Canary ........................................................................................18

CLASSIFIEDS, HOME, AND REAL ESTATE ....................................................39

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff ................................................................................... 23

000 SINCE 2

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www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 3

News

➤ Reptile rave [8]

➤ Fostered friendship [8]

➤ Spotlight [16] SCREENSHOT FROM SANTA MARIA CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION

POLITICAL WATCH • U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) announced that he helped secure up to $1.2 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub to produce and use renewable, clean hydrogen across California, according to an Oct. 13 statement from Padilla’s office. This investment is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides up to $7 billion to build six to 10 regional hydrogen hubs throughout the nation. ARCHES aims to establish a renewable, clean hydrogen market and ecosystem in California by 2030, creating a projected 220,000 jobs in the state and reducing harmful downstream emissions that disproportionately impact underserved communities and accelerate the climate crisis.

California recently published a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2045, which included a projected 1,700fold increase in the use of hydrogen across multiple industrial sectors. ARCHES will help meet this ambitious goal by bringing together nearly 300 organizations across California representing state, county, and city governments; industry; community groups; universities; labor unions; nongovernmental organizations; and national labs to accelerate clean hydrogen’s market viability and decarbonize California’s economy. “Clean, renewable hydrogen power is essential to foster clean energy job growth and meet California’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals. Today marks a significant and decisive investment in decarbonizing our economy, with California and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law paving the way toward a clean energy future,” Padilla said in the statement. “This project will bring together leaders from across government, industry, labor unions, national labs, and more to jumpstart the market for renewable hydrogen and establish a sustainable, clean hydrogen hub by 2030.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 590, authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), which will help improve and expand the practice of providing nonprofits with advanced payments when they receive state grants and contracts, according to an Oct. 9 statement from Hart’s office.

This legislation would help improve outcomes for nonprofits with limited resources serving vulnerable communities. “This legislation will remove a key funding barrier to bolster the nonprofit sector and outcomes for communities across California,” Hart said in the statement. “Providing nonprofits with upfront payments will ensure all nonprofits serving our communities have fair and equitable access to state funding.” Currently, nonprofits rely on a reimbursement model, according to the statement, and are often placed in the position of having to consider pursuing loans to cover costs associated with starting up state grants and contracts.

For example, one nonprofit paid more than $28,000 in interest last year while waiting for payments from the state, according to Hart’s office.

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) recently said that UC Santa Barbara will be one of the beneficiaries of the first major award from the CHIPS and Science Act, the manufacturing and research law that he helped pass in July 2022, according to an Oct. 4 statement from Carbajal’s office. A $27 million award funded by the 2022 law was announced by the U.S. Department of Defense for the California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub, which includes UC Santa Barbara along with 15 other institutions. This is the largest award to date from the CHIPS and Science Act, funding the establishment of eight Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hubs, two of which will be centered in California. The Microelectronics Commons program aims to accelerate domestic hardware prototyping and “lab-to-fab” transition of semiconductor technologies. This will help mitigate supply chain risks and ultimately expedite access in the United States to the most cutting-edge microchips, according to Carbajal’s office. “I am proud to have worked with my alma mater to ensure that UC Santa Barbara is part of this critical research—including passing this landmark law and working with them to secure this important investment,” Carbajal said in the statement. “The United States pioneered the microchip in the last century. Now, UCSB will be part of our efforts to once again put our nation on the cutting edge of semiconductor R and D— driving innovation in America and helping ensure critical components like these are immune to international supply chain shocks like we saw last year.” m

October 19 - October 26, 2023 around a year to achieve.

“There are now bachelor degrees [being offered] at community colleges in 25 states—including California,” Stearns said. “These degrees are designed to meet specific workforce needs of the local community and region.”

—Adrian Rosas

CASA serves more babies and infants in part to increased substance use

Act now!

Send any news or story tips to news@santamariasun.com.

REVITALIZED AND REFRESHED: Santa Maria is one step closer to a more pedestrian-friendly downtown after the City Council approved the Alvin Newton Apartments, a mixed use development that will include 82 new apartments and ground floor retail or commercial space.

Santa Maria City Council green-lights Alvin Newton Apartments

The Santa Maria City Council took another step toward bringing the city’s Downtown Specific Plan to fruition by approving 82 new apartments on Main Street and Broadway during its Oct. 3 meeting. The council voted 3-1, with Councilmember Carlos Escobedo dissenting and Gloria Soto absent.

“Over the years, the city entered in a [request for proposal] process for development of various city parcels in downtown, mostly underutilized buildings or parking lots as an effort to stimulate development in downtown,” said Santa Maria’s Community Development Director Chuen Wu, who legally changed his last name from Ng, told the City Council.

Known as the Alvin Newton Apartments, the mixed-use, infill development will have five studios, 67 one-bedroom apartments, and 10 two-bedroom apartments, with ground floor commercial or retail space, Wu said. The Spanish mission-style building will include plazas, an outdoor rooftop area for residents, and ground floor outdoor dining space.

“We’ve been talking about this for a long time.

As identified in the Downtown Specific Plan, there’s a vision for a pedestrian-friendly downtown with a mix of housing, retail, dining, and outdoor space, and this project does meet those goals and objectives,” he said.

After a series of meetings and public input, project developer the Vernon Group agreed to add a memorial for Alvin Newton, a Santa Maria firefighter who perished in the Bradley Hotel fire in 1970, Wu said. The memorial will include a bronze statue with plaques to educate people about what happened and a mosaic that highlights the work of firefighters.

“We call this project ‘larger than life’; it’s going to be a significant height and designed by an artist, and it will be prominent,” he said.

The renewal of the firefighter memorial could have been a contentious issue, since the project site housed the original memorial’s space and a replacement wasn’t in the original design, Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Morris said during public comment. But the Vernon Group’s willingness to work with the city and its residents kept the project alive.

“It’s a great example of different groups of people who are willing to sit down respectfully, have a dialogue, and ultimately produce a project that’s better,” Morris said.

Councilmember Escobedo wasn’t as confident about this project and said he ultimately couldn’t vote for it because of his constituents’ concerns for rent affordability and a lack of ownership opportunities.

“There’s the fact of having too many rentals, it’s something my constituents have not been fans of;

4 • Sun • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

they are looking to own,” Escobedo said. “I voted for Fallas and during that vote one of the reasons I voted for it—even though it was rentals—there was some affordability.”

Brad Vernon, a Vernon Group partner, told Escobedo that the apartments could not become properties people could own because of existing infrastructure, but there are future projects that could have ownership potential.

David Alpern, a Vernon Group partner, told the Sun in an email that the company will continue to conduct outreach with the local community to hear and address any concerns residents have about the project moving forward.

“While you cannot expect to make everyone happy, our goal is to listen to what people have to say and, where appropriate, try to incorporate those ideas into our designs, as was the case with Mr. Alvin Newton’s legacy,” Alpern said. “We could not have honored his memory in such a meaningful way without the input from those stakeholders.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Hancock and Cuesta colleges push for bachelor’s programs

A new era is close to becoming a reality for Allan Hancock and Cuesta community colleges. “[Traditionally] community colleges primarily serve to provide university transfer preparation, certificates, and degrees in career education programs,” said Dr. Jill Stearns, superintendent and president of Cuesta College.

But according to Stearns, the Central Coast community colleges are planning to head in a new direction, accomplished through a collaborative effort called UnitED Central Coast.

“Gov. Newsom set forth the roadmap for the future in 2022, which proposes the bold goal of 70 percent of adults having a college degree or certification by 2030,” Stearns said. “To achieve this, California must continue to expand workforce-focused baccalaureate degree programs in our community colleges.”

Launched on Oct. 5, UnitED Central Coast aims to share information that could help bring a four-year bachelor’s program to both Hancock and Cuesta that meets growing workforce needs.

The program also entails proposing the degrees to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors—a group of officials elected by community college administrations that regulates community college policy of those administrations. If the UnitED Central Coast plan is approved, Hancock and Cuesta could then begin to accommodate those new programs with increased staff and resources.

Stearns said it will take about a year to begin the process of implementation of these new programs once they’re approved by the Board of Governors—a process in itself that will also take

More than 90 children are waiting for an advocate to help them go through the court system due to reports of abuse or neglect, said Kim Davis, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Santa Barbara County.

“We have one of the longest waiting lists we’ve had, and we’re working really hard to recruit so all of these children have an advocate,” Davis said.

CASA becomes involved after the court and county social workers have decided that they need to intervene for the safety and well-being of the child, Davis said. CASA’s advocates will work with everyone involved in the child’s life—social workers, biological parents, teachers, and foster parents—to gather information and create a report for the judge so they can make the “best legal choice” for the child’s outcome.

Kelsey Buttitta, Santa Barbara County’s public information officer, told the Sun via email that the county is on track for about 180 entries into the foster care system for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a slight increase from 178 in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

“Although we haven’t seen a big increase in the number of children entering foster care over the past year, each child who enters care has unique needs and we work closely with CASA on a number of projects annually, including the foster care gift drive, to support the individual needs of children in foster care,” Buttitta said.

Davis said that once the school year started, there was a 20 percent increase in kids entering CASA’s care—which isn’t unusual for advocates to see since schools act as a safety net for children and teachers are legally obligated to report signs of abuse or neglect. However, there has been a shift in the demographics.

“We’re serving more babies and see more babies on our waitlist than we ever have. There’s definitely something going on there,” Davis said.

Of CASA’s 91 children on the waitlist, half of them are under 5 and a third are under 3 years old, due in part to substance use, specifically fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, Davis said.

Between 80 and 85 percent of CASA’s cases cite substance abuse as the reason the child is in the care of the court—a number that has increased since the end of 2019, Davis said.

“To say 80 to 85 percent of the cases have drug addiction as the reason why the child is in the care of the court, that to me is indicating that the county has a significant problem,” Davis said.

According to Santa Barbara County data, about 749 (35 percent) of the 2,138 adults admitted into county-funded treatment programs from April to June 2023 reported that opioids were their drug of choice. Countywide, emergency room visits for opioid overdoses are higher than statewide rates (79.5 versus 54.8), with Cottage Hospital treating someone for an overdose roughly every other day and diagnosing about 44 patients per month with opioid use disorder.

“Quite honestly I feel like if they had a way they could wave a wand and solve the problem, you would have the added bonus of much fewer children in the foster care system if you didn’t have drug addiction,” Davis said.

CASA needs about 40 more volunteers to become advocates in order to help children get off the waiting list. Becoming an advocate requires a 32 hour training, with half in-person and half online. Following the training program, advocates

NEWS continued page 5

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After Arroyo Grande Creek was deluged with debris during last winter’s rainstorms, contractors will have only 10 days to remove branches and other vegetation from the creek to prepare for this upcoming winter season.

“The city’s goal is to get as much creek work done as we can now in order to prepare for what is anticipated to be a significant rainy season,” said Shannon Sweeney, city engineer for Arroyo Grande.

However, Sweeney said, with the piles of paperwork that needs to be completed before construction, contractors won’t get very much time to complete debris removal.

“Administrative work began Oct. 2, and the contractor will begin actual creek work once all necessary paperwork is complete—including

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Contractors get 10 days to prepare Arroyo Grande Creek for winter

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are sworn in and made an officer of the court for the purpose of serving a child, and they will serve 10 to 12 volunteer hours per month, Davis said.

CASA also regularly needs donations of baby clothes and pajamas.

“CASA Santa Barbara County is part of a much larger network in California. There are 44 programs in California … and 950 programs nationwide,” Davis said. “We’re pretty strong and one of the largest programs in California, but that said we feel like all of that doesn’t matter if there’s one child waiting for an advocate, and right now there’s 91.

“We have work to do, and we owe it to these children and these babies to stick up for them and be that voice that advocates for them.”

Visit sbcasa.org/volunteer for more information on volunteering with CASA. —Taylor O’Connor

contracts, insurance, bonds, and right-of-entry agreements, which is scheduled to occur Oct. 23,” Sweeney said. “All work is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 1.”

Large amounts of vegetation and tree branch debris and whole fallen trees are clogging the creek, preventing it from flowing properly, while water flows exposed several tree root systems, leaving them vulnerable to future damage, according to an Oct. 10 staff report from the Arroyo Grande City Council meeting.

The staff report also states that on Aug. 4, 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order suspending certain statues, rules, and requirements for the purposes of debris removal, sediment removal, and vegetation management in certain water bodies, such as the Arroyo Grande Creek.

Sweeney said that the order is important because the 2023 winter storms led to the flooding along the Tally Ho area and Corbett Canyon, and city officials don’t want to see that happen again.

“City staff is concerned that if this material is left in place that it may restrict creek flows this winter and that the undermined trees will break free and potentially damage downstream infrastructure, such as bridges,” Sweeney said.

In addition to having only 10 days to complete debris removal, contractors have some restrictions to follow.

The staff report states that sediment or vegetation removal is limited to portions of the channel that are dry with no more than 30 percent of the total native vegetation within the stream channel and bank to be removed along each river mile.

“Some vegetative debris will be chipped and left in place,” Sweeney said. “Sediment will be moved away from the main creek flow, but not removed.” m —Samantha Herrera

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www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 5

Pets on deck

Check out some of the cutest faces on the Central Coast

I WINNERS

n the Sun’s first ever Pet Issue photo contest, readers submitted more than 1,000 entries of their dogs, cats, chickens, horses, bunnies, and more. A panel of five judges narrowed the slate of images down to seven winners, who each get a gift certificate from issue sponsor Lemos Feed and Pet Supply, and 11 others that were too sweet to not mention! It was tough, with so many cute faces to look through, but we’ve uploaded a flip-book of all the entries to our website, so you can take your time meandering through a very happy scroll.

This issue is about more than photos though! We have a few animal-oriented stories for you to read, too. Plus, our readers donated a total of $6,000—we distributed $3,000 each to the Woods Humane Society and Santa Barbara Humane.

—Camillia Lanham PHOTO BY ANGELA HENDERSON

ALL LIT UP: Adopted in 2017, this dwarf rabbit endured a parasite and permanent head tilt, neither of which broke Stormy’s beautiful spirit.

PHOTO BY GREGORY SMITH

TOP OF THE WORLD: Although Welsh terrier Ziggy had a few physical challenges as a pup, he overcame those and grew into a wonderful, healthy friend who’s always down for a good scratch and is game for any opportunity to hike and play.

6 • Sun • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

PHOTO BY KARINA BERNFELD

CUTE AND HAPPY: A border collie who’s energetic, loving, intelligent, and very loyal, Lady May’s favorite activities are playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee and going to the beach.

PHOTO BY HANNA GROSSMAN

FRIENDS FOREVER: Puppy the Pekin duck and Duck the yellow Labrador are content to share a happy spring afternoon together, because best friends come in different shapes and sizes.

PHOTO BY ERICA RAMIREZ

‘DO I HAVE TO?’ Puppy eyes couldn’t get Adonis the English bulldog pup out of bath time! He loves playing tug-of-war with his brother, Luke, and visiting his crew every week at Waller Park’s W.O.O.F. Pac Park.

PHOTO BY DANNA DYKSTRA-COY

LOUNGING PROFESSIONAL: Adopted with the help of the Homeless Animal Rescue Team, Ocean the Maine Coon has a sweet disposition and became the “cat whisperer” of Danna Dykstra-Coy’s family, leading her to their most timid cat whenever she hid. “Such a beautiful and good boy!” Dystra-Coy said of Ocean.

www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 7

Reptile rave

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

The annual Reptile Expo slithers through San Luis Obispo with exotic creatures, education, and enthusiasm

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

W

eaving through the Madonna Expo Center demanded a level of caution over the weekend of Oct. 14, especially with a roughly 4-foot-long blackthroated monitor lizard relaxing on the floor.

I had to watch my step—that’s the effect of the annual San Luis Obispo Reptile Expo.

Hatched in 2017 under the watchful eye and thorough networking of reptile aficionado Neil Blatner, the traveling expo gathers reptile businesses from across the country.

Blatner and his family run the expo, and they’re gearing up for its next iteration in Victorville on Nov. 11 and 12.

In SLO, 55 reptile vendors, captive breeders, and educators milled around the hall and showed off their critters and crawlers. They formed a labyrinth lined with geckos, ball pythons, boas, tortoises, river toads, and bearded dragons, and of course, the black-throated monitor lizard.

Statue-like, it rested at the center of the maze beside its owners, almost oblivious to the people clicking pictures with it for $5 a flash. Unaware of the lizard’s silent presence, one woman accidentally stepped on its tail with a yelp. It remained unperturbed—a testament to its upbringing because if it isn’t handled regularly by humans, black-throated monitors may emerge aggressive in captivity.

Elsewhere, throngs of reptile enthusiasts— from little kids and their parents to college students and older adults—scanned the rows of reptiles stocked in candy cases and plastic food storage containers.

“I would die for these creatures,” said one visitor as they walked away from a whitethroated monitor lizard tank.

Near that tank, Lindsey Chitty of Altitude Exotics oversaw a station of 40 boxes bearing tiny geckos. The West Coast representative of the Denver-based reptile company, Chitty told me on Oct. 15 that it’s her dream job, especially since she grew up in Texas catching lizards and frogs with her dad. Now, she owns 42 geckos of her own and most of them are named after food. They include Cookie, Baklava, Chicken, and Banana who also goes by Nana.

“My favorite thing about geckos is just being

around them,” she said with a laugh. “I love watching them, and I do have some that hang out on my shoulder and be my best friend.”

Chitty gently took out a “crestie,” or a crested gecko, to demonstrate. Its stunning blond and spiky eyelashes earned it a second name: the eyelash gecko. The miniature lizard slowly climbed into my cupped palm and was velvety soft to the touch. Its sticky paws gripped onto my fingers while it eagerly explored the length of my hands, ultimately finding its way into the fleece lining of my jacket. Soon after, Chitty placed the friendly New Caledonia native back into its box.

“People have this idea that reptiles aren’t good companions. They think dogs and cats are better,” she said. “I think it’s all about the personal experience. If everyone opened their minds a little bit, they could have an incredible experience with [reptiles].”

Michelle Holm of Dean’s Reptiles and Rodents has also heard some misconceptions about having a reptile for a pet. Flanked by glass cases containing thick ropes of snake, she told me that the texture of ball pythons and boa constrictors are often misunderstood. In fact, snakes are dry and leathery to the touch.

“Everybody thinks they’re too slimy,” Holm said. “They’re easy to take care of. You feed them once a week.”

Holm owns and runs the Santa Maria-based business with her husband, Dean Holm. She’s originally from Nipomo where she grew up riding horses. Meeting the reptile-loving Dean sparked a newfound appreciation within her.

Now, the couple specializes in breeding ball pythons and boas and operate as a rodent supplier. At home, the Holms look after a reticulated python, an albino Asian water monitor, a tortoise, and a cat and a dog.

Much like dogs and horses, Holm said snakes’ moods must be recognized and respected too.

Examining how their bodies are coiled in the enclosure is a big indicator.

“You wouldn’t just stick your hand in, like you wouldn’t stick your hand out to a strange dog,” she said with a laugh. “Their eyes gray over when they shed. At that point, they need more space.

My horses were the same way.”

Other vendors like ROG Reptiles leaned into the creep factor. Owner John West blared Thrice’s rock music by his station piled with snakes, bearded dragons, and a collector’s edition DVD of An American Werewolf in

8 • Sun • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

FEMALE GAZE: Dean’s Reptiles and Rodents bred these proven female ball pythons in captivity out of its Santa Maria-based property.

London among other horror movies. The Apple Valley company opened a reptile shop two years ago, and West said he decided to match “creepy stuff with creepy stuff” by also stocking horror movie paraphernalia.

And the music?

“It’s just to break up the noise,” West said.

“The lizards can hear but the snakes only feel the vibrations.”

He’s also heard the misinformation that snakes are slimy to the touch and added that some people also falsely assume all brightly colored snakes are venomous.

“But all animal lovers usually like and respect most animals,” he said. “In recent years, I’ve noticed a lot of women are more drawn to reptiles and the men kind of shy away.”

That may be true when it comes to a visiting mom-and-son duo.

Accompanied by his mother, 20-year-old Elias Lopez clutched a container bearing a chahoua gecko worth $150 from Santa Maria’s Nami Geckos stall. He’s a perennial reptile expo attendee, making it to all four iterations since it began in 2017 (barring the two-year pandemicinduced hiatus).

“I like all reptiles,” he said. “I just don’t want to get the same one all the time.”

Lopez already owns a snake named Smitty, two leopard geckos named Salma and Hayek, and a uromastyx or a spiny-tailed lizard named Madness.

“I don’t mind them, but his dad hates them!”

Lopez’s mother said.

His biggest advice for first-time reptile owners: Do your research. Lopez prefers to stay updated through Zoo Med Laboratories.

The 45-year-old SLO company comprises

reptile hobbyists who provide reptile supplies, accessories, habitats, and education. Zoo Med sponsors promotions and product support to the expo’s vendors, and even passed out hundreds of free tickets to the event, which usually sell for $15 each.

Education is one of the pillars of the expo.

Every vendor stressed its importance, taking special care to dispel fearful notions. Paul Schuldt and his wife, Lanor Messenger, of SLO’s Tropics make education a part of their daily mission.

“We pride ourselves on being well researched, and if we don’t know, we try to find out,” Schuldt said. “We teach people how to research and cross check on their own.”

Messenger, in turn, answered my burning question: Why are live reptiles stored in plastic bins with coconut chips? She sent me on my way with new knowledge as a parting gift: “Food storage containers work really well!” she said with a laugh. “Coconut holds moisture really well, is renewable, doesn’t splinter, and keeps them safe.” ❍ Reach New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal, from the Sun’s sister paper, at brajagopal@ newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

D

ori Villalon has fostered kittens, puppies, adult dogs, and other animals recovering from medical treatment or an injury to help get them ready for adoption while working with Santa Barbara Humane.

“For me I always went in knowing that I’d give them the temporary love and care they need in order to move on,” said Villalon, chief operating officer of the nonprofit.

“I’m just helping them get to the next stage in their life; it’s not forever—‘I’m going to raise you with love and let you go with love because I know there’s somebody else who will give you a forever home.’”

Villalon’s coworkers also fostered animals—or temporarily taking animals home to get them out of the shelter for enrichment time, training assistance, healing from injury or trauma, or raising animals from babies to be ready for adoptions. Villalon adopted her own two kittens after a co-worker fostered them as babies.

“You’re so proud of them, and you see these animals progress and you know that you’ve provided them with a stable environment to grow and heal,” she said.

“You’re proud of them and you’re proud of what you’ve done.”

Volunteering to foster not only helps the animal’s well-being, but it helps the shelters, specifically Santa Barbara County and other government-affiliated shelters that face overcrowding, Villalon said.

“If someone who’s doing animal care as part of their work and they are caring for a couple hundred animals a day, to take one of those animals and be personally involved in its pathway can be really satisfying,” she said.

“We’re all in this business because we want these animals to succeed and make a positive impact.”

Santa Barbara County Animal Services has 639 animals in its three county shelters and partner agencies, and an additional 350 animals are in foster care as of Oct. 12, said Sarah Aguilar, director of Animal Services.

“I have an entire shelter-and-a-half worth of animals living in homes right now,” Aguilar said. “If we didn’t have those foster caretakers, we would definitely be euthanizing for space because there’s zero capacity to be sheltering an additional 350 animals currently.”

High community engagement and being in an animal-friendly community have kept Animal Services from making tough decisions around euthanasia to respond to overcrowding, but “it constantly feels like we could tip in that direction,” Aguilar said.

“On any given day we’re walking this really fine line of being full. We get anywhere from five to 20 animals every day, and anywhere from five to 20 leaving. On days where 20 come in and five leave, it’s tight,” she said.

“That’s every day we’re seeing that.

“There are times when we have to house dogs in crates temporarily; there are times where we have to drop these sliding doors in our kennels and cut the amount of space dogs have in half.”

Fostering gets the animals out of high stress situations and into a home environment that they’re used to, she said.

“I don’t know that the community understands that even just a day trip or a couple hours away from the shelter has such

TEMPORARY HELP: Fostering animals not only helps lower the high shelter populations, but it decreases the animals’ stress, which is typically elevated after living in small shelter spaces.

a huge impact,” Aguilar said. “Think about if you were at work all day, 24 hours a day and something was always due, that is the sort of stress shelter pets experience.”

While humans get the weekend or an afternoon to get lunch, the pets in the shelter don’t get that break, she said. Studies have been done on shelter animals’ cortisol levels, which have indicated that when they leave a shelter their stress levels go down and when they in the spring the department needs kitten return it’s not any higher than it was before. fosters, she added. Once people receive their “That time off gives them some relief foster animal, Animal Services provides the without a worse experience upon return. For volunteer with the food, crates, medicine, us, we think about human emotions and we and toys they’ll need for the time of the feel anxiety about [what’s to come]. Animals animal’s stay. don’t feel that,” Aguilar said. “They are more “One of the things we hear from folks is, ‘I of an in-the-moment type, when they are in couldn’t take a pet to my house, my house is the shelters they are stressed, when they are too small.’ I guarantee your house is bigger out of the shelter they are not stressed.” than a kennel,” Aguilar said.

Through fostering, Animal Services can They will also hear from residents that also learn more about an animal’s behavior it’s too hard to give up an that they can’t learn in a animal after fostering, but shelter environment—like Aguilar said understanding Learn more if a dog knows how to use a Visit sbhumane.org/foster to learn that there’s an end date can dog door or if they get onto more about Santa Barbara Humane’s be very helpful for people furniture, or if a cat is more fostering opportunities, and countyofsb. interested in fostering. independent or if they like org/1416/foster for Santa Barbara “Going into it, you have to cuddle with their human, County’s fostering opportunities. this mindset that there’s an she said. end and understanding the “The more we learn about a pet’s personality at home, the more we can do benefits of that short break from the stress of the shelter makes that experience beneficial,” about matching the pet for a family,” Aguilar she said. said.

After filling out some paperwork, people The best way for people to start fostering can get matched and leave the shelter with is by going to an Animal Services facility a pet for a few hours, a weekend, or for a few and talking to an employee about their months and can continue increasing their interest. The employees can then learn commitment levels, she said. about the person’s lifestyle and what level of “We try to make it as easy as possible; commitment they want. we believe people are the solution to the “Fostering is a great option for folks who challenge of meeting pet needs,” Aguilar travel for work or they’re retired or only in one area for a couple of months because they said. “We welcome anybody and everybody to be a part of the solution in the way they can really help the shelter, help a pet out, have the capacity.” ❍ and not have this lifetime commitment of providing care,” Aguilar said.

In the fall, Animal Services typically looks Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@santamariasun.com. for help with puppies and large dogs, and

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News

SPOTLIGHT

Language learning

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA-BONITA SCHOOL DISTRICT

more teachers to get that authorization.”

Prior to Proposition 58, students learning English in the state were The Santa Barbara County Office of Education required to learn the language in English-only classrooms. After receives a grant to help develop dual language voters passed the proposition in 2018, schools were able to open doors to new immersion programs curriculums, including dual language immersion programs, Pagán said.

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR “It’s an additive program versus a subtractive ver the years, Santa Barbara County families have become program. In this case we’re adding a language more interested in enrolling their children into dual language for both groups of students [English-only and immersion programs—where students split their day learning English learners],” he said. “Dual language in two languages and eventually become bilingual, Dr. Carlos Pagán immersion brings students together, and [they] said. can be peer models for the language with the “It just opens the door for more jobs, for more communities, to goal of English-only students speaking Spanish explore, and to travel. Learning a second language, or more than two, and the English learner speaking English.” has always been something that has been seen as a big plus and a big Teachers have already indicated an interest opportunity for us to pursue,” said Pagán, the director of literacy and LANGUAGE IMMERSION: The Santa Barbara County Education Office, along with in getting their certification, and Pagán hopes Los Angeles and Ventura counties, received a state Educator Workforce Investment language support for the Santa Barbara County Education Office. that interest will grow once the Education Office Grant to help expand dual language immersion programs.

Santa Barbara County’s dual language immersion programs have gets word fromMUSIC the California Department of expanded from two to 14, with opportunities in Guadalupe, Santa Education that the county can offer certification plus, a big opportunity for us to pursue,” he said. “I think our families Maria, Solvang, Lompoc, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria— courses. Once the county’s expanded programs are approved, Pagán are recognizing that because they know the importance of being and the majority of those programs have waiting lists, he said.

FLAVOR/EATS said he expects the first cohort to start July 2024. bilingual and multilingual. It just opens more opportunities for a In order to meet the growing demand for dual language programs, “It’s going to be local and in person so our teachers won’t have to the Santa Barbara County Office of Education applied for a $10 travel very far,” he said. “We’re just very excited about doing this work variety of things.” million Educator Workforce Investment Grant (EWIG) for Effective and helping andINFO supporting our teachers in our [districts].”

Language Acquisition programs, Pagán said. Santa Barbara, Los Highlight By enrolling students into dual language programs, children have Angeles, and Ventura counties were grouped together in one zone • The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is now a better chanceCALENDAR of holding onto those skills and carrying them into for the award and will receive $2.5 million each year for a two-year accepting applications for those wishing to create a colorful altar to adulthood, he added. period. honor a passed loved one, or for businesses or nonprofits wishing “When you only study a second language in high school, I see Through this grant, the Santa Barbara County Education Office to become a vendor, in Santa Maria’s annual Día de Los Muertos people saying that they studied a language for four years and don’t OPINION wants to provide more professional development opportunities, hire Festival on Oct. 29. The festival will be located at the Veterans remember what they’ve learned,” Pagán said. three part-time program specialists to help implement programs in Along with the elementary programs, Pagán said there are feeder Memorial Center, 313 West Tunnel St., and will run from noon to NEWS different parts of the county, and eventually provide the certification programs into the middle and high school levels for students to 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music, youth activities, crafts, food, so more teachers can run dual immersion continue honing their skills. When they graduate vendors, and altar displays. Applications can be picked up Monday programs. The office should know by Oct. 26 if they can receive the state seal of biliteracy on through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Recreation and Park STROKES it can begin offering courses for certification and their diploma to demonstrate that they’ve met Department, 615 South McClelland Street. Visit cityofsantamaria.org authorization. the requirements for English and an additional Send business and for an altar, booth, or vendor application. Direct questions to “That is often what keeps districts from adding nonprofit information to (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260, or email rpinfo@cityofsantamaria.org. m ARTSlanguage.

“Learning a second language or more than one programs,” Pagán said. “The EWIG also supports spotlight@santamariasun.com. has always been something that has been a big the bilingual teacher pipeline and encourages Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@santamariasun.com.

O

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Opinion

COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [18]

Celebrate Central Was it necessary for Solvang to revise its homelessness response policy?

Coast farmers ONLINE POLL

55% No. Homeless encampments should never be allowed on public property.

33% Yes. Outlawing camping on city-owned property is essentially criminalizing homelessness.

12% Maybe. But a new policy will attract homeless people from other areas.

0% I didn’t know Solvang had a homelessness response policy.

9 Votes

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Our hardworking local growers and ranchers deserve accolades every day for the work they do to feed the nation

BY RON FINK

have to fix it, so they are very careful to maintain their equipment so breakdowns are less frequent. ct. 12 was National Farmer’s Day—a day set The “executives” of these operations drive dusty aside each year to honor the hardworking pickup trucks, wear blue jeans and can often be men and women who’ve dedicated their lives seen out in the field checking to feeding a nation. Did you even know about this event, or did it get lost in the clutter of “special days” on their crops and livestock.

Most are very active in the on our calendars each year. daily field activities and are North County has a very large farm/ranch “hands on” owners. Their footprint. Anywhere you travel on our roads out of the urban areas you’ll see how our food is grown. In wives often maintain the books and make sure that cities you’ll see large packaging houses and coolers that store and process the vegetables that are grown. the outflow of cash doesn’t exceed the income they Farmers are very creative; much of the earn. And their kids learn at equipment they use is either “farm built” or an early age that it takes hard manufactured from designs created by a farmer. work to survive.

These machines groom the fields, plant the crops, It takes thousands of harvest, wash, and field pack the crops. Field hardworking men and packing is a very efficient use of labor and has been women to make the food we in use for a couple of decades. grow. Unlike urban areas to Ranchers have a different challenge: how to the south of us, we have the feed their cattle. In the spring, the grass is usually privilege of seeing mounted high, but as the season changes to summer, it dries riders moving cattle, farm machinery preparing out and much of it has been grazed by the hungry the soil, and specially constructed harvesting livestock. By fall it’s gone. Real cowboys can be equipment carefully placing the crops into boxes seen herding the cattle the old-fashioned way on for shipment across the United States to grocery horseback; unseen are the same cowboys tending stores and restaurants. to the watering sources so their cattle have water It doesn’t matter if it’s cold or hot, rainy or to drink or inspecting and mending their fences so windy, crewsMUSIC are out there because crops don’t the cows won’t wander onto our highways. wait; when they are ready for harvest, it’s time to Farmers/ranchers are the original put vegetables or fruit in the boxes for shipment. environmentalists; they are excellent stewards of FLAVOR/EATS Many of the workers that tend the fields are their land and go the extra mile to protect the flora H-2A contract workers from Mexico. In Lompoc and fauna of the land. Water is a critical asset to INFO annually on comfortable buses, these folks arrive their livelihood so they are careful to maintain the and many are housed in otherwise empty hotels waterways and keep the water clean. in town. We CALENDAR see them frequently shopping in local These farms and ranches provide retail outlets as they look for goods jobs that many people don’t want they can’t find back home. to do. This is sometimes dirty but OPINION Rarely, well almost never, do you always hard work in all weather Send us your hear of any problems caused by that requires both skill and patience views and opinion to NEWSthese folks; they just want to work, as they tend to the animals and letters@santamariasun.com. rest at the end of the day, and be crops. If something breaks, they

O

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left alone and return home at the end of the season.

Another very large farm/ranch operation has been conducted at the federal Bureau of Prisons facility outside Lompoc for many decades.

Vandenberg Space Force Base has more than 90,000 acres, much of which is open space. The Bureau of Prisons does the same thing commercial farms/ ranches do every day using both prison employees and prisoners.

The Bureau of Prisons also has a large dairy operation off of Santa Lucia Canyon Road just north of the Santa Ynez River.

This farm/ranch operation not only provides food for the Lompoc prison site but also ships food to other prisons, thus saving taxpayer dollars.

In my opinion, every day should be “farmers day.” m

We have the privilege of seeing mounted riders moving cattle, farm machinery preparing the soil, and specially constructed harvesting equipment carefully placing the crops into boxes for shipment across the United States to grocery stores and restaurants.

Speak up!

STROKES

ARTS

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

LETTERS Israel’s orchestrated cycle of violence

It is quite remarkable witnessing the corporate media’s coverage of the latest orchestrated cycle of violence in Israel. Was this really a surprise or an intelligence failure? The same questions were raised after 9/11 and are yet to be addressed. I say orchestrated because the attack by Hamas upon Israel—which I must emphasize was in response to decades of illegal occupation of Palestinian territory in violation of international law and numerous United Nations Resolutions—is a blessing in disguise for Israel’s current government.

For most of the year, Western European nations and even Israeli sponsors in Washington, D.C., have been reluctant to be viewed as supporting present Israeli government policies meant to roll back democratic judicial checks upon Israeli government authority. These policies include the demolition of Palestinian homes to make way for more Israeli settlements and an end to any pretense for a two-state solution.

However, now these same Western powers are quick to endorse any measures that Israel might undertake to bring about a final solution to its Palestinian problem. The question now facing Washington’s policymakers is: how to provide additional advanced weaponry and support to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)—which is already being done to the tune of $3 billion annually, courtesy of the American taxpayer—and provide similar support to Ukraine for its resistance to Russian occupation of its territory. One approach would be to support those forces opposing occupation and not to support the occupiers.

What of those being occupied without the advanced weaponry to defend themselves? How do the more than 2 million Palestinian residents of Gaza—forced to endure an occupation that denies them life’s necessities like employment, education, and health care—petition the Israeli government to say that their situation is intolerable and inhumane?

Guy McCullough Lompoc

www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 17

Opinion

Progress and serve

W

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ho would have thought that it’d take nearly 20 years to get Santa Maria’s downtown vision on the runway? I’d say off the ground, but it’s still taxiing around the tarmac.

On Oct. 3, the city’s Downtown Specific Plan rolled a little closer to takeoff position, thanks to a 3-1 vote from the City Council on an apartment complex at Main Street and Broadway.

This development, dubbed the Alvin Newton Apartments, is a mixed-use complex with more than 80 apartments and ground floor commercial/retail space being brought to you by the Vernon Group.

Downtown is poised for its third major evolutionary phase. The first was the original downtown that established a city center and a grid layout more than 100 years ago. That remained until the Santa Maria mall opened in 1975, which Santa Maria’s Community Development Director Chuen Wu dubbed “Santa Maria 2.0,” according to our previous reporting in May. Now, nearly four decades after the mall dominated (or decimated, depending on who you talk to) downtown, version 3.0 is an attempt to bring everything together, including the monolithic monument to shopping habits of a bygone era. The current plan is built on public outreach the city did in 2004 and again in 2015 for its Downtown Specific Plan, which is designed to define a vision and create a roadmap to finally revamp the city center.

If all goes to plan, the Alvin Newton Apartments’ Spanish mission-style building will include plazas, an outdoor rooftop area for residents, and ground floor outdoor dining space.

“We’ve been talking about this for a long time. As identified in the Downtown Specific Plan, there’s a vision for a pedestrian-friendly downtown with a mix of housing, retail, dining, and outdoor space, and this project does meet those goals and objectives,” Wu said.

But this development was almost grounded because its early designs didn’t include the Alvin Newton memorial that currently sits at the site.

After a series of meetings and public input, the Vernon Group agreed to add a “larger than life” memorial for Newton, a Santa Maria police officer and reserve firefighter who perished in the Bradley Hotel fire in 1970. The memorial— currently a bronze plaque with an inscription honoring Newton’s ultimate sacrifice—will now include a bronze statue with plaques to educate people about the tragedy and a mosaic highlighting firefighters’ service.

During the Oct. 3 council meeting, Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Morris lauded the Vernon Group’s willingness to work with the city and its residents.

“It’s a great example of different groups of people who are willing to sit down respectfully, have a dialogue, and ultimately produce a project that’s better,” Morris said.

Councilmember Carlos Escobedo wasn’t so sure about this project and couldn’t vote for it because his constituents are clamoring for affordable rent and ownership opportunities.

“There’s the fact of having too many rentals, it’s something my constituents have not been fans of; they are looking to own,” Escobedo said.

I get it. Housing prices are cuckoo-bananas. But one apartment complex of 80 units is not going to solve all the city’s problems. Keeping this plan from taking off would have been a mistake—this is a case of best serving the greater community by voting for progress. Let’s finally breathe new life into a city core that desperately needs it. m The Canary is flying. Send a perch to canary@santamariasun.com.

Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation

Providing a Lifeline to Our County’s Most Vulnerable Shelter Animals

Dixie’s Story Dixie was discovered on the roadside, in agony, tears in her eyes, and a swollen front limb.

Concerned about the possibility of cancer, Animal Services arranged for PETS ER to conduct radiographs on her swollen limb and chest to rule out any cancer.

Regrettably, the radiographs revealed that the swelling in her limb was indeed cancer, specifically Osteosarcoma, an excruciatingly painful form of cancer. However, the chest radiographs provided a glimmer of hope, as there was no sign of cancer in her chest cavity.

Animal Services promptly scheduled an appointment with a surgeon to amputate her affected limb. She was then placed in a loving foster home to aid in her recovery.

Subsequent lab tests delivered unfortunate news, as the cancer had spread. The Canine Oncologist informed Animal Services that Dixie had only a few months left to live, so our priority became ensuring her comfort and well-being.

Dixie is currently in a hospice foster home where she is being tenderly cared for and loved until her time comes.

www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 19

Your Support Helps Fund Critical, Emergency and Diagnostic Medical Care Trike’s Story: This very handsome cat was hit by a car. Trike was non-weight bearing and no doubt in a tremendous amount of pain. Once at ER Trike was given pain medications and received radiographs where the staff discovered a significant femoral fracture. Their suggestion for Trike was to amputate his right femoral limb. (Hence the name Trike).

Once the limb was amputated, he was transferred to Santa Barbara County Animal Services, where he was cared for until his staples were removed. During that time, a devoted shelter volunteer grew very fond of him and wanted to foster him until he was adopted. Trike was eventually adopted by the shelter volunteer and is currently living his best life with his new family, including a German Shepherd, where Trike is the boss.

Draco’s Story: Draco, a long-term resident at the Shelter, had always been known for his cheerful demeanor.

However, one day, a concerned staff member noticed a change in his behavior. Immediately, the clinic staff conducted a thorough examination and, after receiving Draco’s blood work results, it was clear that he was facing numerous health issues that required immediate attention. There were worries of a potential pneumonia case, and it was evident that Draco needed intensive care.

In light of his condition, a decision was made to transfer Draco to PETS ER, where he received around-the-clock treatment for approximately three days. Chest radiographs revealed bronchial patterns consistent with pneumonia, likely stemming from a severe bout of kennel cough.

After his stay at PETS ER, Draco returned to the shelter, where he was provided with the necessary medications and time to recover.

Slowly but surely, Draco began to regain his vitality and personality. Today, when you see Draco, it’s hard to believe that he had endured so much. He has since bid farewell to the shelter, as Draco has finally found his forever home.

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Douglas’ Story Douglas was found in the middle of a Santa Maria street, unable to walk, by a compassionate Good Samaritan. The presence of a harness gave us hope that his family might be searching for him, but sadly, our optimism was unfounded.

Fortunately, the Good Samaritan promptly transported Douglas to PETS ER, where he received pain relief and a call was made to me following an initial examination. Douglas had sustained abrasions and road rash, but the most pressing concern was his inability to bear weight on his hind right limb, accompanied by significant swelling.

After stabilizing and ensuring Douglas’s comfort, the veterinary team conducted radiographs,

revealing a significant fracture. The ER promptly sent these images to their surgeon for treatment recommendations.

The surgeon recommended surgery for the best long-term prognosis and generously agreed to perform the procedure on the evening of the 4th of July.

Douglas faced an extended journey to recovery, with a minimum of 8 weeks of recovery and cage rest. Once the surgeon determined that the bone was healed, Douglas had another surgery to remove the external fixator. Douglass is now fully recovered living his best life with his forever family.

www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 21

Gunther’s Story Gunther’s Tale (In His Own Words) A Heartfelt Plea for a Forever Home as My Euthanasia Date Drew Near One fateful day, a compassionate soul witnessed my plight and promptly contacted Santa Barbara County Animal Services. The Animal Control Officer rushed me to PETS ER in Orcutt, where X-rays revealed the dire need for surgery to mend my shattered hind leg, sentencing me to a period of crate rest. Amidst my pain and fear, I remained non-aggressive towards the caring ER staff.

The Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation generously covered the staggering cost of over $8,300 for my medical care.

As the weeks passed, it became evident that my fractured leg wasn’t healing as expected. I faced a second surgery, involving an external device to stabilize my leg, as the break had started to worsen. This time, strict crate rest became my arduous reality, a tough ordeal for a young pup like me. I spent an extended duration at PETS ER before transitioning into a medical foster home.

Come March, the external device was finally removed, and my leg was declared healthier and less swollen– a victory! I began rehabilitation, residing in the shelter clinic. My daily exercise

Ways to Help Us Continue Providing Life Saving Care

routine consisted of 2 to 3 brief 10-minute walks, with another checkup scheduled in six weeks. Throughout this time, my heart yearned to play freely, as confinement had become a prolonged challenge. Unfortunately, adoption remained elusive, and I remained a stranger due to my extended isolation.

After enduring six long months in shelter life, I found myself overwhelmed and spiraling downward. I’m a young shepherd grappling with the effects of a protracted shelter stay, much of it spent in crate rest. While my body mended, my mental and emotional well-being suffered from isolation and limited social interaction. I am grateful to the shelter and the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation for their support in my physical recovery, but what I truly need is a family, a home, serenity, and someone to love me.

Thankfully, an empathetic man, whom I now proudly call “Dad,” heard my plea through social media. He came to my rescue, and we’ve since become inseparable best friends. I am now content in my forever home, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to my medical fund, granting me a second chance at finding my beloved companion and forever home.

With gratitude, Gunther

To donate, please visit our website https://www.sbcanimalcare.org/ scan the code below

Your donations are a lifeline to animals like Dixie, Trike, Douglas,Gunther,and others we have assisted. Your support will directly fund: Critical surgeries, medical treatments, medications, vaccinations, and ongoing healthcare.

Please, consider making a donation today. Your contribution, no matter the size, will have a profound impact on the lives of these vulnerable animals. They are depending on us, and together, we can be their saviors.

We urgently require your support at this critical time! So far this year we’ve covered approximately $73,000.00 for medical care and an additional $10,000.00 for behavioral intervention. Our budget was depleted in August, yet the shelters continue to be confronted with tens of thousands of dollars in medical care expenses.

or send a check to our mailing address payable to: Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation “Medical Fund” PO Box 307 Santa Maria, CA 93456

Thank you for considering our plea, and thank you for being a beacon of hope for those who cannot speak for themselves. Your support means the world to us and to the animals we serve.

Connect with us on facebook and instagram for stories and updates on latest animals assisted.

https://www.facebook.com/SBCACF

22 • Sun • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

https://www.instagram.com/sbcanimalcare

Federal Tax ID: 68-0498950

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 29, 2023

CANYON CANDID

Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard and Winery in Santa Maria hosts its annual Halloween Bash on Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at 5 p.m. The event will feature live music, a food truck, and a costume contest in which participants will compete for a gift basket of wine and other goodies. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Call (805) 937-8463 or visit cottonwoodcanyon.com for more info. The winery is located at 3940 Dominion Road, Santa Maria.

—Caleb Wiseblood PHOTO COURTESY OF COTTONWOOD CANYON VINEYARD AND WINERY

ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/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.

CASUAL CRAFTERNOON: SPOOKY BIRDHOUSES Use supplies to create a spooky birdhouse out of a nightmare.

Registration is required, for patrons 18 and up. All materials will be provided at this free workshop. Oct. 23, 4-5:30 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/.

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL A hilarious and spine-chilling rock musical adaptation of the beloved Evil Dead films. Through Oct. 29 my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL DANCE: WEST COAST SWING Learn west coast swing in a casual, friendly environment, taught by Texas state swing champion,

Gina Sigman. Free intro from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Beyond the Basics ($10) is 7 to 7:45 p.m. $10 entry includes social dance (7:45 to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m. 805-3441630. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT BIEN NACIDO VINEYARDS An intimate wine tasting and watercolor painting in the vineyard event at Bien Nacido Vineyard’s historical ‘Old Adobe’. Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $85. 805-990-2105. artspotonwheels. com. Bien Nacido Vineyard, 3503 Rancho Tepusquet Road, Santa Maria.

THIRD ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PET COSTUME CONTEST AND RAFFLE Pet photos will be taken from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contest judging begins at 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $10 entry fee. centralcoastspca.org. Spencer’s Fresh Markets, 3580 Orcutt Rd., Santa Maria.

WHICH WITCH Presented by Orcutt Community Theater. Oct. 21-29 my805tix.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

CHRISTINA WALSH: BOOK SIGNING Local artist and poet Christina Walsh will be signing her book Political Poetry at The Book Loft in Solvang. Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free. 805-688-6010. bookloftsolvang.com.

The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Dr., Solvang.

LAUGH THERAPY: STAND UP COMEDY 2023 Enjoy comedy from headliner comics from across the country. Oct. 25, 8-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-686-4785.

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.

SURF TO SUMMIT Three award winning pastel artists display their landscapes, ranging from expressive energy, serenity and grandeur to interpretative realism.

Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 31 805-688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos. com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

ANNUAL FALL ART SHOW Visitors to the gallery will vote for their favorite pieces throughout the month of October. Cash prizes will given for first, second, and third place. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 29 Free. 805-737-1129. lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

HARVEST HALLOWEEN CRAFT FAIR This craft fair features 29 vendors with wholly handmade crafts: leather, wood, crochet, jewelry, knitted and sewn articles, wood sculptures. Also includes a trick and treat for kids, costume contest, raffles, bake sale, and more. Oct. 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free entry. 805-291-6092. Valley of Flowers HalfCentury Club, 341 No. N St., Lompoc.

LOMPOC CHALKS Lompoc Airport will turn into an explosion of chalk art masterpieces, live music, public art, and community engagement. Oct. 20, 5-8 p.m., Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact for details. 805-4007145. lompoctheatre.org/chalks. Lompoc Airport, 1801 North H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Presented by Coastal Youth Theater. Oct. 27, 7-10 p.m., Oct. 28, 2-5 & 7-10 p.m. and Oct. 29, 3-6 p.m. $20-$25. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/cpaf-addams-family/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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 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.

THE EDWARDS BARN FALL MARKET Features artisan booths, local vendors, food, and live music. Oct. 20, 3-7 p.m. and Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Edwards Barn, 1095 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo, 805-929-1673.

EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its monthly meeting. For more information, follow on Facebook or visit the EGA website. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 18 Free. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, 805-773-4832.

PAULA POUNDSTONE Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and legendary spontaneous wit. Paula is the star of several HBO specials and a regular panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” Oct. 20, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $39-$62. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/paula-poundstone/.

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

SILENT SKY In this play by Lauren Gunderson, travel back in time to the early 20th century and meet Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. This inspiring and moving play celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in science, and more. Presented by AGHS Theater Company. Oct. 19, 7-10 p.m. and Oct. 21, 7-10 p.m. $10-$15. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/aghs-theatre-fall/.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AUTHORS IN DISCUSSION Book launch for Straight Jackets and Lunch Money.

A candid account of events related to mental illness, eating disorders, and “the flawed science used to treat her.” Cal Poly teacher Katya Cengel will discuss her new

INDEX Arts......................................23 Culture & Lifestyle ..........24 Food & Drink .....................28 Music ..................................28

memoir with author Mark Parsons. Oct. 21, 2-3 p.m. Free. 805-781-5184. slolibrary.org.

San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

LEARNING CALLIGRAPHY AND ITS HISTORY WITH CHERYL BARTON Over the course of four sessions, learn the basics of calligraphy, practice notable scripts, and take a look at the compelling history and evolution of the scripts we use today. Email Cheryl at cbchezza@gmail. com for more info and to register. Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-noon through Nov. 17 $28 per class, or $100 for all four. artcentralslo. com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

LESLIE SUTCLIFFE This installation consists of 96 panels, any number of which can be assembled and reassembled in a multitude of ways.

Initially, the individual panels were inspired by the rich visual imagery in Italo Calvino’s Six Memos for the Next Millennium. Through Jan. 29, 2024 Free.

805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ mementos-of-six-millennia/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LITTLE PUMPKINS AND PAINT: AN ART CENTRAL CHARITY EVENT Open to all children ages 6–12. Students will use paint markers to decorate their pumpkins in this guided lesson taught by local art teacher Spencer Collins. Proceeds of this event will be donated to CAPSLO. Oct. 28, 12-3 p.m. $15 per person. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

OPEN STUDIOS ART TOUR 2023 Fine artists and crafters open their studios to showcase their art and share their processes. Visitors create their own selfguided tours using the catalog (full catalog of participating artists available online). A program of the SLO County Arts Council.

Through Oct. 22 slocountyarts.org/osat.

SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

OUTSIDE THE BOX Craftmakers presents Outside the Box, an exhibition of fine craft, including clay masks, encaustics, collages, fabric, sculpture, and more. Craftmakers is an artist group of the Central Coast Artists

Collective. Through Nov. 27 Free. 805-7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINTING WITH PINOT: MONOCHROMATIC LANDSCAPE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this workshop, you’ll receive step by step instruction for creating a beautiful monochromatic landscape using only one-color Derwent Inktense Pencil activated with red wine.

Not a “paint and sip” class; you’ll actually be painting with red wine. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Oct. 22, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $40. 805-478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

REDEMPTIVELY GROTESQUE FILM SERIES This Fall, Cal Poly Professor Paul Marchbanks will usher participants through a series of “Redemptively Grotesque” films at the San Luis Obispo Library; stories that will juxtapose human suffering and the prospect of transcendent hope. See Library’s Event Calendar for more information about the films. Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m. Free. 805-781-5991. slolibrary.org. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

BRUSHSTROKES 2023 The Painters Group SLO presents its annual juried exhibition Brushstrokes, revived postpandemic, featuring a wide variety of painting mediums and styles. Through Nov. 6 Free. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-772-2504, artcentermorrobay.org.

FINE ART FELTING BY DEBBIE GEDAYLOO Debbie Gedayloo’s textured paper, fabric, and fiber art, from soft felted bowls to detailed landscapes and abstracts, brings a gentle hand-crafted essence to your home. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FINE ART PAINTINGS BY ATUL PANDE In Atul’s Own Words: “I am an intuitive, self-taught acrylic painter influenced by

ARTS continued page 24

www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 23

Hot Stuff

OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 29, 2023 PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY ELAINE REVELLE

POETIC LICENSE

The Book Loft in downtown Solvang will host a book signing event with local author, artist, and poet Christina Walsh on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walsh will be signing copies of her book, Political Poetry, during the free event. Call the Book Loft at (805) 688-6010 or visit bookloftsolvang.com for more info. The Book Loft is located at 1680 Mission Drive, Solvang.

—C.W.

ARTS from page 23 post-WWII expressionism who layers vivid colors and shapes, informed by my Indian upbringing and scientific, medical background, to create textured, engaging works that organically evolve through my processes.” Mondays, WednesdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FINE ART PAINTINGS BY SPANKY ANDERSON In Spanky Anderson’s own words: “My peripheral vision of the central coast sunrises and sunsets dictate the color palette and brushstrokes onto my canvas.” Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 29 Free.

805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP SHOW: WINDWARD TIDES Experience the beauty of the California coast through stunning landscape photography. Artists Karen Peterson, Greg Siragusa, Cathy Russ, Dominic Hartman, and Grant Kreinberg capture the ever-changing moods and breathtaking vistas of this iconic coastal paradise. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 29 Free. 805772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FINE ART WATERCOLOR GROUP SHOW: THE COLOR OF WATER Fall-weather countryscapes and seascapes, still-life settings, and birds and wildlife scenes are the focus for this show to highlight the beauty of artwork done in watercolors.

Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 30 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FINE ART WIRE WRAPPED JEWELRY

BY AMALIA THOMAS Thomas: “As a creative soul who drew, painted, and more before raising a family on the Central Coast, I discovered wire wrapping art.

I use nickel-free copper and sterling silver wire to handcraft wearable pieces that feature local stones, shells, glass, and more.” Gallery open daily. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 29 Free. 805-772-1068.

galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. THE REBOOT (STORYTELLING REIMAGINED): MIRROR, MIRROR The Reboot’s 2023 Season Finale. Enjoy live storytelling under the stars with seasoned and first-time tellers sharing true stories about vanity, new cracks, old scars, changing looks, and inner beauty. Not a comedy show but often hysterical. Oct. 27, 7-9:15 p.m. Free. 805-772-9225. facebook. com/the.reboot4u. Top Dog Coffee Bar, 857 Main St., Morro Bay. THE ROCK’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY “BFD” FUNDRAISER CONCERT Features live music from multiple acts, a silent auction, great Mexican and Mediterranean food, wine from local cellars, and freshly tapped beer from Firestone. Oct. 28, 12-9 p.m. Contact for details. 805-769-8458.

EsteroBayRadio.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay. SUCCULENT PUMPKINS Create a beautiful succulent pumpkin to usher in the fall season. You bring the pumpkin and the host supplies 10 medium and 10 small succulent cuttings, moss, glues, and instruction. Preregistration required.

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-noon $40. 805-286-5993. creativemetime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

BOUNCING BABY STORY TIME Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. For ages 0-12 months.

No story time on Nov. 22. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. through Dec. 6 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CAR SEAT SAFETY Nationally certified Car Seat Technicians will teach about safety features, California laws pertaining to car seats, when to move the child up to the next level, and correct installation.

No registration is required. This class is in English and Spanish. Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/city-government/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

D-AND-D AT THE LIBRARY Get ready to roll with Central Coast Games. Join an epic adventure with Dungeons and Dragons at the library. Everyone is welcome, regardless of previous experience. Space is limited and registration is required.

Oct. 22, 1 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

FAMILY YOGA STORY TIME Come for an afternoon of yoga with stories and breathing exercises. Children are introduced to mindfulness and will learn exercises to help regulate emotions. Yoga mats will be provided or bring one from home. Oct. 22, 2 p.m. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

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

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

HALLOWEEN CAVE PARTY Cottonwood’s legendary Halloween party is back.

Wear your best costume to compete in a contest. Features food, drinks, and a DJ. Oct. 28, 5 p.m. $15-$25. 805-937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

KIWANIS BINGOFEST 2023 Each ticket includes special BingoFest lunch for two, four Bingo cards, three Bingo games, and a chance to win a $500 Grand Prize. Oct. 22, noon my805tix.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

LIBRARY 101: LIBRARY DATABASES AND RESOURCES This workshop is for anyone who wants to learn about the wealth of knowledge which can be accessed with a library card. For patrons 18 and older. Oct. 25, 5-6 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PAWS TO READ Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading aloud. These dogs absolutely love books and are excellent listeners. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like a dog. First come, first served for 15-minute slots. Oct. 24, 3:30-5 p.m. and Oct. 31, 3:30-5 p.m.

805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org.

Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY HISTORY PRESENTS: THE GOLDEN DUKES Learn about a semi-pro basketball team, as told by Doug Sims, Randy Stanford, and Bobby White. Admission is free. Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 805-922-3130. Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum, 616 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

SMVGS MEETING Visitors welcome.

Contact smvgs.org for program and location info. Third Thursday of every month, 2:15-4 p.m. smvgs.org. Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society, 908 Sierra Madre, Santa Maria.

TECH HELP SUNDAY Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting-up

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24 • Sun • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

ADULTING 101: WORKPLACE KNOW-HOW Participants will learn valuable skills to support them in their adult and workforce preparedness through a set of five modules.

This event in the Learning Center will cover resumes, cover letters, job searching, preparing for interviews, and similar topics.

Oct. 24, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 26

Fall Concerts on the Green: Young Dubliners

Welcome to the 805: Boots & Booze Country Festival

15th Annual New Times Music Awards Presentation & Showcase

New Life Community Church, Pismo Beach

Sea Pines Golf Resort, Baywood/Los Osos

Alex Madonna Meadows, SLO

SLO Brew Rock, Aerovista Place, SLO

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Shamanic Morning Rituals for Vitality

Avila Beach Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Night FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Avila Beach Community Center

Greenspace Art & Adventure Auction 2023

Orcutt Community Theater: Which Witch 5 SHOWS SAT–SUN OCT. 21–29 Klein Dance Arts Studio, Orcutt

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Mussell Senior Center, Santa Maria

Full Moon, Cacao, & Day of the Dead Ceremony

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

Peaceful Plants: Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece Class

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 Penman Springs Vineyard, Atascadero

Murder at Deadwood Saloon Murder Mystery Dinner

City of Arroyo Grande presents: Marathon Monster Mash FRI, SAT, SUN, OCTOBER 27, 28, 29 Elm Street Park, Arroyo Grande

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Noi’s Little Thai Village, Baywood Park / Los Osos

Ynana Rose “Under A Cathedral Sky” Album Listening Party

Grrl Gore presents: Gorefest ‘23

Halloween Cave Party

46 West Harvest “Hallowine” Block Party

Halloween Costume Ball at The Benedict

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 Stolo Vineyards & Winery, Cambria

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 504 N 8th Street, Lompoc

Halloween Banda y Norteño

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

Evil Dead - The Musical

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

By the Sea Productions: War of the Worlds

FRI, SAT, SUN, OCT 20-22, & 27-29 545 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay

FRI, SAT, SUN, OCTOBER 20–22, & 27–29 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Chakra Meditation on the Beach

Kiwanis of Santa Maria Valley: BingoFest 2023

What to Look for in Senior & Assisted Living Communities

Laugh Therapy Stand-Up Comedy Show

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 Templeton Mercantile

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Santa Maria

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Barton Family Vineyards, Paso Robles

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 Hilton Garden Inn, Pismo Beach

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez

Conscious-Fest

The Rock’s 10th Birthday “B-F-D” Concert Fundraiser

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 The Benedict, Morro Bay

It’s free! Contact us for more info:

CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS Templeton Mercantile, Club Car Bar

Central Coast Aquarium

FRI: 12–3PM SAT & SUN: 10AM–4PM San Juan Street, Avila Beach

Point San Luis Lighthouse Tours IN-PERSON TOURS: SAT & WED VIRTUAL TOURS: ON DEMAND Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach

Dollar Beer Tuesdays

EVERY TUESDAY 4PM TO CLOSE Launch & Ladder Pub, San Luis Obispo

805-546-8208 info@My805Tix.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Morro Bay Community Center

SLOFunny Comedy Show with Kira Soltanovich

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Dairy Creek Golf Course, SLO

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Hot Stuff

UPCOMING SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS

new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. Registration is required. Call the library at 805-925-0994 Ext. 8562 to schedule an appointment.

Oct. 22, 2 p.m. Free. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

WHAT’S BEING DONE ABOUT HOMELESSNESS IN LOMPOC? Join Joan Hartmann for a discussion about homelessness in the Lompoc community.

Hartmann will discuss the current strategies, “who’s who” in tackling the issue, and hear from community members about areas of concern. Oct. 25, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. 805-259-4692. lompochomelessnessforum1025. eventbrite.com. Lompoc Veterans Memorial Hall, 100 E. Locust Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

The 15th annual New Times Music Awards

HOLIDAY GUIDE BOOK ADS BY: November 10 PUBLICATION DATE: November 16

Market your holiday offerings in the annual Holiday Guide

LAST-MINUTE GIFT GUIDE BOOK ADS BY: December 8 PUBLICATION DATE: December 14

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALICIA ROBERTS

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 24

NTMA AWARD PRESENTATION AND SHOWCASE: Friday, November 3 SLO Brew Rock, San Luis Obispo

OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 29, 2023

Get your last-minute gift ideas in front of our readers

YEAR-IN-REVIEW BOOK ADS BY: December 21 · PUBLISHED: December 28 VOLUNTEERS BOOK ADS BY: January 4 · PUBLISHED: January 11 GET OUTSIDE BOOK ADS BY: January 18 · PUBLISHED: February 2024 CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO TODAY NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY (805) 347-1968 · advertising@santamariasun.com 26 • Sun • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

35TH ANNUAL PUMPKINS IN THE PARK Enjoy pumpkin decorating, costume contests, games, crafts, bounce houses, and more. The first 500 children will have the opportunity to pick out their very own pumpkin to decorate. Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-773-7063. pismobeach.org/ recreation. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies.

Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.

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

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.

TRUNK OR TREAT AND CARVED PUMPKIN CONTEST Wear your costume, bring your already carved pumpkin for the Pumpkin Carving contest, and stroll along the many decorated vehicles in the Grover Beach Rotary Trunk or Treat lineup to fill your treat bags with Halloween goodies.

Oct. 27, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-473-4580. groverbeach.org. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SENIOR INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES Come hear local experts talk about what to look for when choosing a senior community. Oct. 25, 10-11:30 a.m.

Free. my805tix.com. Hilton Garden Inn, 601 James Way, Pismo Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BDSM 101 This monthly class from the Central Coast Kink Community provides a basic overview of kink, consent, rules, and information to help practitioners be successful and safe. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older. Fourth Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. 805541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

ALL BARK AND ALL PLAY

The El Chorro Dog Park is commemorating its 22nd anniversary with a celebration event on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission to attend the celebration is free. The event will include a raffle of dog goodies and other festivities.

Visit elchorrodogpark.org to find out more. The El Chorro Dog Park is located within El Chorro Regional Park, on Highway 1 between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. —C.W. BOO BASH Join SLO Parks & Recreation 6-7 p.m. Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House for a free family event. Come enjoy a Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., costume party, haunted house, food San Luis Obispo. trucks, music, and more. The event JIM HAYES SYMPOSIUM: A MATTER benefits the SLO Food Bank and healthy OF TRUST Panel discussion exploring shelf-stable food donations are welcome. the issue of trust in the news. Featuring Oct. 27, 5-9 p.m. Free admission; food San Francisco Chronicle editor Emilio for purchase available from food trucks.

Garcia Ruiz and Pew Research Center slorecactivities.org. Meadow Park, 2251 director Katerina Eva Matsa. Moderated Meadow St., San Luis Obispo. by former ABC News correspondent David BREAKING THE NEWS: FILM Kerley. Part of the Cal Poly Journalism SCREENING AND RECEPTION Department/CalMatters Festival Documentary about the founding of The Journalism. Oct. 27, 2:45-4:15 p.m. Free.

19th*, a news start-up that asks who sites.google.com/view/jourfest23/home. has been omitted from mainstream Advanced Technologies Lab (Engineering coverage and how they can be included. A Building 7), 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. reception/discussion will follow, featuring MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION LGBTQ+ reporter Kate Sosin. Part of the (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted Cal Poly Journalism/CalMatters Festival

by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon of Journalism. Oct. 26, 7 p.m. Free. sites.

Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, google.com/view/jourfest23/home. Palm 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.

270-3346.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION website for full list of weekly Zoom groups Get inspired by local action, connect with available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, others, and discover more ways to get Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions involved with the SLO Climate Coalition.

Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346. snacks and childcare will be provided.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

AND WALK FOR SURVIVORS Support sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick survivors and raise awareness of sexual Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, and intimate partner violence during San Luis Obispo.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: TRAIN Walk for Survivors through downtown THIS AUTUMN TO MEET CRUCIAL SLO, solo or with family and friends.

HOSPICE VOLUNTEER NEEDS Want to Register online. Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $25. pay it forward? Want to see good in the 805-781-6400. CelebrateCommunitySLO. world? Call Central Coast Hospice and ask org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 27 Free.

805-540-6020. centralcoasthomehealth.

EL CHORRO DOG PARK’S 22ND com. Central Coast Home Health and ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Bring Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo. your dogs and join the fun. Features food and drinks, dog treats for all dogs, a raffle PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks of dog goodies, hand knit scarves, and to 5 months old) will learn appropriate small blankets available by donation. play style with other pups, acceptable Also features a presentation by Sandy manners with people, tolerance for gentle Rakowitz from One Heart University on restraints, confidence with the approach “A better way to walk dogs.” Oct. 21, of friendly strangers, and more. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. 805-543-7213.

9 a.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $25. elchorrodogpark.org/. El Chorro Regional 805-543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ Park, California 1, San Luis Obispo. training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 HALLOWEEN AT THE DOWNTOWN Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SLO FARMERS’ MARKET Enjoy the Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Trick-or-Treat Trail at dozens of downtown This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ businesses, a Costume Contest in Mission and questioning youth between the ages Plaza, and “Scary-oke!” (a karaoke contest, of 11-18. Each week the group explores but with a spooky twist). Oct. 26, 5-8 p.m. personal, cultural, and social identity.

Free. downtownslo.com. San Luis Obispo Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. galacc.org/events/.

Farmers Market, Broad and Higuera, San Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

Luis Obispo, 805-541-0286.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT ZOOM) A good core group of friends who GROUP A safe place for anyone suffering gather to discuss topics we love/ care from the pain of depression. We do not about from movies, outings, music, or criticize but do share our journey, feelings, being new to the area. We come from all and what works for us. We can meet in person or use Zoom if needed. Mondays, CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 28

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Saturday Night Dead concert series featuring the darkest in rock, metal, and more

Welcome to the 805:

Boots & Booze Country Festival

Saturday, January 13 · 7pm

Saturday, October 28 · 12–8pm

Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Madonna Inn, Madonna Meadows, SLO

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOWNTOWN SLO ASSOCIATION

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 26 walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. sloqueer.groups.io/g/ lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m.

No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery.

Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 805-5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

ALL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 29, 2023

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.

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

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

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

LOS OLIVOS DAY IN THE COUNTRY Los Olivos’ most highly acclaimed festival of the year, the popular Day in the Country is back. A weekend of vendors, specials, small-town parade, food, wine, beer, and more. Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

NIGHTMARE ON HIGUERA

The Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market’s Halloween festivities will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Events in the program include a Halloween costume contest, the “Scary-oke” karaoke contest, and a trick-or-treat trail with dozens of participating businesses. Admission to attend the farmers market is free. Visit downtownslo.com for more details.

—C.W. 805-688-9049. losolivosca.com/day-inthe-country/. Downtown Los Olivos, Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

EMPTY BOWLS PICK-UP PARTY 2023 Pop in to pick out a beautiful hand-crafted bowl and grab a coupon for soup at local participating restaurants. You can make Empty Bowls last through the end of the year. Oct. 21, 9 a.m. my805tix.com. New Life Community Church, 990 James Way, Pismo Beach.

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND BINGO NIGHT Includes a delicious spaghetti dinner with salad, garlic bread, and dessert followed

by Bingo. Dinner tickets include first Bingo card. Prizes for Bingo winners. Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m. $10; additional Bingo cards are $1 each. 805-627-1997. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

MULTI-COURSE WINEMAKER DINNER CELEBRATING COSTA DE ORO WINERY Executive Chef Ryan Fancher will host a Winemaker Dinner celebrating Costa de Oro Winery, an award-winning, family-owned winery which is known for its exceptional quality, unique flavors and commitment to sustainable farming practice, at Hotel San Luis Obispo’s Michelin-recognized modern steakhouse, Ox + Anchor. Oct. 24, 6-9 a.m. $125. 805234-9968. oxandanchor.com/events/. Ox + Anchor, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food.

Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free.

805-292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

FOLK DANCE CLASS For adults ages 50 and up. Learn folk dances from around the world. No experience is necessary. Every third Thursday, 2-3 p.m. through Dec. 28

Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

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.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Enjoy live music most Fridays and Saturdays. Call venue or check website to find out who’s performing. Fridays, Saturdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

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.

805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. 805478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS: WINE, MUSIC, AND MORE Enjoy a flight of six distinctively different age-worthy wines while listening to live entertainment presented by a local band, musician, or disc jockey.

Features sweet treats from Santa Maria food vendors and local artisans.

Sundays, 1-4 p.m. through Nov. 26 Free. 805-937-8463. instagram.com/ cottonwoodcanyonwinery/. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion 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.

MUSIC continued page 30

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Hot Stuff MUSIC from page 28 SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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

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

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HALLOWEEN BANDA Y NORTENO Will keep you dancing from start to finish.

Oct. 20, 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

KD TRAIN/ KNEE DEEP An evening of R&B, pop, soul, funk, and jazz music.

Oct. 21, 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

RASTRELLI CELLO QUARTET The Rastrelli Cello Quartet opens the Lompoc Concert Association’s season with their thundering orchestral and virtuosity combined with humor to provide a wonderful concert experience. Tickets available at the door at 6:45 pm. Season tickets are available by calling 805-588-9271. Oct. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Adults $25; Students $5; Active Duty Military $15. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

JAMES GARNER’S TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH From special concert airings on PBS stations to shows at Folsom and San Quentin Prisons, it’s easy to see why this is the premier tribute to the “Man in Black.”

A fun, toe-tapping trip down memory lane

OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 29, 2023 honoring Johnny Cash’s life and music.

Oct. 22, 7-10 p.m. $29-$55. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/tribute-to-johnnycash/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SŌLEFFECT AT HARRYS Sōleffect is a sixpiece band described as a powerhouse of danceable rock and funk. Enjoy upbeat originals and covers. Oct. 21, 3-7:30 p.m.

Harry’s Night Club & Bar, 690 Cypress St., Pismo Beach, 805-773-1010.

TUNES FOR TATAS: KARAOKE FUNDRAISER Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Pink attire highly encouraged. All proceeds will support the cause, Real Men Wear Pink with Tom Becker, to benefit the American Cancer Society. Oct. 25, 5-10 p.m. $5. 805-2604766. eventbrite.com. Harry’s Night Club & Bar, 690 Cypress St., Pismo Beach.

VOLVER (“THE COMEBACK”) BY TANGO LOVERS The rhythmic allure of the tango comes to life on stage as world-class dancers gracefully glide, twirl, and embrace in a symphony of movement, backed by a live tango orchestra.

A celebration of Argentine culture showcasing the artistry, sensuality, and emotional depth of tango. Oct. 21, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $46-$75. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/tango-lovers/.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CAL POLY MUSIC DEPARTMENT FACULTY SHOWCASE The event is part of Cal Poly’s Mustang Family Weekend, and will feature several of the Music Department’s applied faculty who are recognized across the region for their expertise in solo and chamber ensemble performance. They will present intimate works that highlight their artistic achievements. Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. $10 public; $5 students. 805-756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT Join the Cuesta Wind Ensemble and conductor Jennifer Martin for an afternoon of wind band classics and newer repertoire. You’ll hear music of Grainger, Mackey, Sousa, and others. Oct. 22, 2 p.m. General Admission: $15; Student w/ID: $10. 805-546-3198. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, cuesta.edu.

FORBES ORGAN SERIES: PHANTOM OF THE ORGAN WITH RAUL PRIETO RAMIREZ Experience the electrifying talent of Raul Prieto Ramierz, an iconoclastic Spanish organist renowned for his sizzling, transcendent performances. Join him for a haunting Halloween concert featuring Phantom of the Opera arias alongside two opera singers, and be captivated by the organ’s mesmerizing, spooky side. Oct. 26, 7:309 p.m. $35. 805-756-2787. calpolyarts.org/20232024-events/ phantom. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

LUPITA INFANTE IN CONCERT Simultaneously honoring the past, celebrating the present, and creating the future of regional Mexican music, Lupita Infante is a Grammy-nominated singersongwriter whose elegant and graceful style captures the beauty of traditional mariachi, norteño, and ranchera music.

Oct. 22, 7:30-9 p.m. $32-$57. 805-756-2787. calpolyarts.org/20232024-events/lupita.

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

WARREN BALFOUR TRIBUTE WITH CUESTA JAZZ An incredible educator and driving force of great music, Warren has helped to create a vibrant music scene and enrich the lives of countless students. This special concert features both former students and the current Cuesta Jazz Ensemble. Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.

General Admission: $15; Student w/ID: $10.

805-546-3198. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, cuesta.edu. m

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www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 31

Arts

OPINION

COURTESY IMAGE BY MORGAN GREEN

STROKES

ARTS BRIEFS Great American Melodrama spoofs Beauty and the Beast with latest production

Showtime!

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

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA

Performances of Trudy and the Beast, a parody of Beauty and the Beast, run through Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano. Showtimes for the local theater group’s latest production are Wednesday through Friday at 7 p.m., every Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and every Sunday at 6 p.m.

The spoof is described as breathing “fresh life” into the “tale as old as time” with some sci-fi twists, according to press materials. The story’s plot begins with mysterious sightings of a strange half-man, half-fish creature, who is spotted near the lagoon on the 13th hole of the Black Lake Golf Course in Nipomo.

Trudy, described as an avid golfer in press materials, initially dismisses rumors of the creature, calling it an urban legend. Her stance changes when the creature “takes a particular interest” in Trudy, to the surprise and horror of the community. Plot absurdities aside, attendees of the show can look forward to a plethora of song parodies and pop culture references laced throughout the production.

Thirty minutes before each performance of Trudy and the Beast, the Great American Melodrama’s popular snack bar opens for attendees to enjoy, and it reopens during each of the show’s intermission breaks.

Visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets to Trudy and the Beast or more info on the Great American Melodrama and its rotating lineup of shows. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and every Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Other upcoming productions in the Great American Melodrama’s 2023 season include The Holiday Extravaganza, scheduled to open on Thursday, Nov. 17, and run through Sunday, Dec. 31.

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

Local chalk festival held to benefit the Lompoc Theatre Project

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC LONG

The Lompoc Theatre Project presents Lompoc Chalks at the Lompoc Airport on Oct. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m., and Oct. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The three-day fundraiser will feature chalk drawings, live music, food trucks, kids activities, and more.

Admission to attend Lompoc Chalks is free. Visit lompoctheatre.org/chalks to find out more. The Lompoc Airport is located at 1801 N. H St., Lompoc. m Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

GALLERY

NEWS

SURF’S UP: Windward Coast is one of artist Morgan Green’s featured landscapes in Surf to Summit, a trio exhibit currently on display at Gallery Los Olivos.

Such great heights

T

he goal behind Gallery Los Olivos’ latest group show is to visually teleport guests to tall mountaintops without the uphill hike and to the deep sea without a paddle board.

Central Coast-based artists Terri Taber, Carol Talley, and Morgan Green have captured a variety of hillside and shoreside settings through pastel in the pieces currently on display at the gallery, as part of Surf to Summit, a trio exhibit that opened in early October and will run through the end of the month.

“Just as my paintings transport me to places I have visited and painted, I hope that my paintings will elicit good feelings and memories for those who see them,” said Taber, who aims to reproduce the peace she feels while outdoors in her artworks.

Taber has multiple mountain landscapes in the show, including On the Way to Bishop, a wide vista she completed last year. Autumn isn’t one of the trio exhibit’s explicit themes, so the mix of green and orange trees present in Taber’s painting feels timely by coincidence.

“Several of my pieces were inspired from a painting trip I took with several local artists to Bishop in October of last year,” said Taber, who will occasionally start working on a landscape on location and finish the final product indoors at a later time.

“Though all of my paintings in this exhibit were not painted completely or at all on-site, they all bring back memories of this trip and the incredible scenery, the camaraderie, and the feelings that I had at the time,” Taber said.

Among Taber’s waterfront scenes in the show is Tidal Life, which she painted on-site at Devereux Slough, a coastal sanctuary in Goleta. Taber said the slough is one of her all-time favorite places to paint on location.

“All three of us live in Santa Barbara or Goleta, and painting at the beach, in the foothills, and in the mountains is what we do,” said Green, who explained that the trio decided to focus on those settings for the group show because they’re “our home stomping grounds.”

“All three of us also love the High Sierras, and we’ve all traveled to Bishop to experience the remarkable fall color there,” added Green, who has been close friends with both Taber and Talley for many years, and was among the local

32 • Sun • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

Wave hello

Gallery Los Olivos presents Surf to Summit, a new trio exhibition of pastel landscapes by Terri Taber, Carol Talley, and Morgan Green, through Tuesday, Oct. 31. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Thursday, Oct 19, Taber will be working on-site at the gallery to greet visitors of the exhibit during its regular hours.

There will be upcoming opportunities for guests to meet Green as well, as she’ll be working at the gallery on Sunday, Oct. 22, and Friday, Oct. 27.

For more info, call (805) 688-7517 or visit gallerylosolivos.com.

Gallery Los Olivos is located at 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

air painting in this area is a joyful experience,” said Talley, who especially enjoys capturing the region’s “majestic old oak trees.”

“I feel privileged to live near many stunning scenes,” she added.

While each of the three artists primarily uses pastels to create their landscapes, “we have distinctly different styles, and each of us has our own color palette,” said Green, who enjoyed teaming up with two of her longtime friends on Surf and Summit partly because it felt like a genuine collaboration rather than a competition.

“I was delighted. What’s better than doing a project together with good friends?” Green said.

“It’s hard to beat.”

Each of the three pastelists has their own wall at the gallery “to show our own work cohesively,” added Taber.

“The artwork of Carol and Morgan are both top notch, and I feel fortunate and happy to share the front walls at Gallery Los Olivos with them,” Taber said. “We have known each other for many years and as time passes, our artwork has individualized with each person’s own special focus and style.

“We have all grown as artists, and I am proud to show with both of them.” m

artists who joined Taber during her aforementioned trip to Bishop last year.

Like Taber, Green finished her Bishop landscapes in an indoor studio setting after the trip had ended.

“That was pleasant because it mentally took me back to where I love to be,” Green said. “I just love painting mountains. That’s where I feel very much Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wants to write plein air more often. Send sunscreen to cwiseblood@ at home.” santamariasun.com.

In line with the show’s theme, Green also has COURTESY IMAGE BY CAROL TALLEY pieces like Windward Coast and other beachside scenes in the Surf to Summit exhibit.

Some of Talley’s works in the show capture hillside and water settings with an emphasis on weather, including the cold but beautifully abstract Winter Storm and the sunny, serene Radiate.

One of Talley’s favorite areas to paint outdoors isn’t very far from the gallery.

COOL, CALM, REFLECTED: Local painter Carol Talley captures sky, “I love the golden land, and water with her piece Winter Storm, featured in Surf to Summit at hills in the Santa Gallery Los Olivos.

Ynez Valley. Plein

Surf to Summit showcases scenic escapes from three pastelists in Los Olivos

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

ARTS

COURTESY IMAGE BY TERRI TABER

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN: A mountain range in Bishop, California, is the subject of pastelist Terri Taber’s landscape, On the Way to Bishop.

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www.santamariasun.com • October 19 - October 26, 2023 • Sun • 33

Film

SUN SCREEN

Love and war

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

I

Luke may be up for a coveted portfolio manager position at One Crest Capital, but when things don’t work out for him professionally, he starts to take Emily’s successes personally. Late nights out with her colleagues, fat checks being floated her way, and being “in” with the boss all conspire to make him into a bitter, jealous man who soon accuses Emily of getting her status by sleeping with the boss. It’s messy and angry, and watching Luke Glen: If you’re a fan of director Adrian Lyne (9 especially is like a car wreck in slow-mo. That said, 1/2 Weeks, Fatal Attraction, Unfaithful) you’ll it is a delicious dive into how truly dark humans can probably dig this old-school erotic thriller. Emily get when that green-eyed monster comes to call. and Luke are hot for each other, and I mean “screw Glen: I’m impressed by Domont’s direction, in a bar bathroom” hot for each other. They plan especially considering this is her feature-length to get married, but dating a colleague is frowned debut. The film is filled with city street scenes that upon at One Crest Capital, and everyone walks on resonate with loneliness and alienation, and she eggshells around their empathy-free also makes use of a lot of mirror or boss, Campbell (Eddie Marsan), who window reflections, making literal FAIR PLAY takes glee in the attrition rate of his the duplicity of the two leads as they What’s it rated? R harried analysts. What we witness evolve from lovers to enemies. No What’s it worth, Glen? is the slow unraveling of Emily and one can hurt you like someone you’ve Full price Luke’s relationship as competitiveness, opened yourself to. Gender politics, the What’s it worth, Anna? jealousy, and ego drive an increasingly cutthroat world of finance, and toxic Full price ugly wedge between them. It’s an relationships—Domont has something Where’s it showing? unhappy, hard-to-watch ride but also to say about all of it. It’s a brilliant Netflix brilliantly directed and acted. debut, but it may be too uncomfortable Anna: “O beware, my lord, of jealousy; to watch for some viewers.

It is the green-eyed monster which Anna: The two fight for jobs that seem miserable doth mock the meat it feeds on.” Too true, Willy. with the hope of somehow, one day, advancing Too true. Jealousy has been used countless times into an orbit closer to the inner circle. They to turn the most devoted of allies into savage share a crappy apartment filled with hand-meenemies, and there’s a reason it’s used so often down furniture—yet they don crisp suits. The on-screen—there’s something fascinating about juxtaposition of one 12-hour chunk of their watching people unravel. Emily overhears that day in comparison to the other 12 hours sets a n her feature-length debut, writer-director Chloe Domont helms this erotic thriller starring Phoebe Dynevor as Emily Meyers and Alden Ehrenreich as Luke Edmunds, two analysts at One Crest Capital, a cutthroat Manhattan hedge fund who are in a secret romantic relationship. Their love affair begins to unravel when one of them is promoted at work. (113 min.)

LOVE HURTS: Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) find their steamy office romance in trouble when one receives a promotion over the other, in Fair Game, streaming on Netflix.

ripe breeding ground for the quiet chaos that follows. As long as what they present outwardly doesn’t crack, the two are happy for their secret interior world to be messy and silly and full of love. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to keep these worlds apart, especially once Luke feels he’s being overlooked while Emily is moving up. There’s definitely some trigger-heavy behavior on display; this relationship spirals into abuse quickly. The city is dark and moody and unforgiving, and the atmosphere of the film seems to follow this

couple’s descent, getting grittier and darker with each scene. I can’t call this a fun watch, and I would caution those who find both physical and emotional abuse to be triggering. If you can stomach the uncomfortableness, it’s definitely worth a watch, though. Domont did a great job weaving this ultimately tragic tale. m New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY KAILEY SCHWERMAN/PRIME UK

Television & Film Reviews WILDERNESS

What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime This six-part series from Amazon follows British newlyweds Liv (Jenna Coleman) and Will (Oliver JacksonCohen) as they start their new lives in New York. Things seem perfect: Will is busy at work, Liv is keeping house and trying to be a supportive partner. Things turn when Liv stumbles upon some text messages that more than suggest Will is up to no good with another woman.

After a confession, Will proposes a road trip across the USA to help mend their marital wounds, but Liv has more than just a journey to reunite in mind. When Will’s coworker, Cara (Ashley Benson), and her beau, Garth (Eric Balfour), show up in Yosemite while Liv and Will are there, Liv’s plan soon turns messy, and everything begins to unravel.

Will is wholly unlikeable while equally charming, a snake who continues to shed his skin and arise anew. Liv is sympathetic to a point but also becomes a monster in her own right. The series is a compelling ride that turns one trick after the next and makes the audience wonder who and

BETRAYED: Liv (Jenna Coleman, standing left) discovers her husband, Will (Oliver Jackson-Cohen, seated far right), is having an affair with his co-worker, Cara (Ashley Benson, standing left), unbeknownst to her boyfriend, Garth (Eric Balfour, squatting center), in the psychological thriller TV series Wilderness, streaming on Amazon Prime.

what they’re rooting for. (six 42- to 58-min. episodes)

—Anna

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What’s it rated? R When? 1973 Where’s it showing? The Palm FROM THE Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 21 (9:15 p.m.)

You’d be hard pressed to find a “Best Horror Films” list that didn’t include The Exorcist. Directed by William Friedkin (The French Connection, To Live and Die in L.A., Rules of Engagement) and adapted for the screen by William Peter Blatty from his 1971 novel of the same name, it was groundbreaking and launched its own horror subgenre of possession films, of which there subsequently have been dozens. The Exorcist remains the best, despite advancements in special effects.

The cast is stupendous, with a then 14-year-old Linda Blair starring as 12-year-old Regan MacNeil, who becomes possessed by an evil entity claiming to be the devil. Ellen Burstyn stars as Regan’s mother, Chris, who’s desperate for help. Eventually two priests, Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Karras (Jason Miller), begin to perform an exorcism. The story is rich with layers.

I read the book first, hiding it under my bed since I was too young to be reading it, and inducing psychosomatic

CUE THE PEA SOUP: Regan (Linda Blair) undergoes an exorcism by Catholic priests Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Karras (Jason Miller), in the 1973 horror classic, The Exorcist, screening at the Palm Theatre on Oct. 21.

terror in myself. It was absolutely frightening. When I first saw the film as a teenager, it was visceral. It no doubt helps to be raised Christian and believe in heaven and hell to experience the full terrifying effect. (122 min.) m —Glen

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Eats

FOOD & WINE PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLYING GOAT CELLARS MUSIC

Share tasty tips!

Send tidbits on everything food and drink to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

FLAVOR/EA

INFO

CALENDAR

OPINION

NEWS

STROKES

ARTS

RAISE A GLASS: The first Bubbles & Bivalves program was held in 2022 at Flying Goat Cellars. Like last year, the event will offer guests the opportunity to pair their wine flights with oysters from the Grassy Bar Oyster Co., based in Morro Bay.

Shell of a time Flying Goat Cellars teams up with Grassy Bar Oyster Co. for Lompoc luncheon

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

A

bout 70 miles north of their Lompoc winery, two vintners were out at sea when a unique form of netting caught their attention.

“We were kayaking on Morro Bay and discovered the farm for Grassy Bar Oyster Co. out in the middle of the water,” said Kate Griffith, co-proprietor of Flying Goat Cellars with her husband Norman Yost, the winemaker who launched the local brand in 2000.

Intrigued by the shellfish farm, the pair returned to shore with a mission to track down its facilitator, which led them to the Grassy Bar Oyster Co. retail shop on the Morro Bay Embarcadero, Griffith said.

The local vintner described the

Wine and dine

Bubbles & Bivalves will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. RSVP by Friday, Oct. 20, to reserve oyster orders. A flight of five sparkling wines will be $35 or a flight of five pinots is $30.

Plates of four fresh cocktail oysters are $10 each.

For more info on Flying Goat Cellars, call (805) 736-9032 or visit flyinggoatcellars.com. The winery’s tasting room is located at 1520 E. Chestnut Court, Lompoc.

To find out more about the Grassy Bar Oysters Co., call (805) 215-6140 or visit grassybaroyster. com. The company’s retail shop is located at 1215 Embarcadero Road, suite D, Morro Bay.

harborside company’s tasty offerings as showcasing “a unique flavor profile influenced by the salinity and ecology of the waters that flow in and out of Morro Bay.” “We were thrilled about the taste and beauty of the oysters at Grassy Bar,” said Griffith, whose tasting room in Lompoc periodically hosts events where the two businesses— nearly at opposite ends of the Central Coast—get to collaborate.

Shortly after their introduction to the Grassy Bar Oyster Co. during the pandemic, the husband-and-wife duo reached out to the company’s owner and founder George Trevelyan about organizing a wine and oyster pairing.

In 2022, Flying Goat Cellars hosted its first official Bubbles & Bivalves event, in which some of the winery’s libations were paired with shellfish supplied by the Grassy Bar Oyster Co.

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The next Bubbles & Bivalves will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Those who hope to attend the upcoming luncheon are asked to RSVP by Friday, Oct. 20, to reserve their oyster orders. Patrons of the event get to choose between two wine flight options to pair their shellfish with: a flight of five sparkling wines for $35 or five pinots for $30. Plates of four fresh cocktail oysters will sell for $10 each.

“We always recommend pairing oysters with our Goat Bubbles sparkling wine,” said Griffith, who would personally pick the sparkling wine flight over the pinot flight if push came to shove.

Griffith revealed that her personal favorite of Flying Goat Cellars’ sparkling wines to pair oysters with is the blanc de blancs, although it’s

EATS continued page 38

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MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE: Wines and oysters will share the spotlight at the upcoming Bubbles & Bivalves pairing event on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Flying Goat Cellars in Lompoc.

BETWEEN THE VINES: Flying Goat Cellars founder and winemaker Norm Yost (pictured, right) greeted guests of his winery’s first official Bubbles & Bivalves event in 2022.

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unfortunately sold out at the moment, she said.

“But all of our sparklers pair nicely with the bivalves,” Griffith added.

“I’d probably recommend the brut cuvée, which is a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, as the best alternative to blanc de blancs.”

Personal preferences aside, Griffith said that guests who take the sparkling wine flight route are encouraged “to try each sparkler with oysters to find the sweet spot for their palate.” Along with the flight options, additional wines from Flying Goat Cellars will be available for sale by the glass or bottle BAY BAE: To sum up the flavor profile of the Grassy Bar Oyster Co.’s throughout the Bubbles & oysters, Flying Goat Cellars co-proprietor Kate Griffith described it Bivalves event. as “influenced by the salinity and ecology of the waters that flow in The grapes behind Flying and out of Morro Bay.” Goat Cellars’ wines are sourced from vineyards in wines go well with the Grassy Bar Oyster Co.’s the Santa Maria Valley, including Bien Nacido oysters, Griffith also has a few pointers for Vineyard, Solomon Hills Vineyard, and Sierra any potential oyster first-timers who plan on Madre Vineyard, and the Santa Rita Hills, attending the upcoming Bubbles & Bivalves. including Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard, Rio “Grassy Bar oysters are so sweet and tasty Vista Vineyard, and Ampelos Vineyard. that I prefer them without anything but my With its tasting room in Lompoc and primary bubbles,” Griffith said. “However, mignonette use of Santa Barbara County-based fruit, Flying sauce or a squeeze of lemon are traditional Goat Cellars shining a spotlight on a seaside toppings for oysters.” m operation in San Luis Obispo County gives the Bubbles & Bivalves event an edge compared to Next time Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood needs an other festivities hosted by the winery. epiphany, he’ll go kayaking. Send comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

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