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AT THE MOVIES

Killers of the Flower Moon is gripping [20]

Waiting for change Santa Ynez Valley High School still hasn’t found a new principal since controversies caused its last to resign [6] BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

NEWS

Calls to ban books in Santa Maria schools [4]

ARTS

Trudy and the Beast at the Melodrama [18]

EATS

Firefighters, beer, and Humdinger [21]

Contents

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 VOL. 24 NO. 35

ith an interim principal at the helm through December, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School is still in limbo following its previous principal’s departure last spring. The district has yet to hire a replacement after political issues wove their way into the school, impacting students, teachers, district officials, and school administrators. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with a student, teacher, and new administrator about the impact on school culture and what they want to see moving forward [6]. In addition, you can read about other political issues being injected into local school district meetings [4]; the Melodrama’s Trudy and the Beast [18]; and why Humdinger Brewing Company teamed up with Five Cities firefighters [21]. Camillia Lanham editor

DreamHome

YOUR

LOOKING FOR SUPPORT: After some parents and community members protested rainbow-painted crosswalks at Santa Ynez Valley High School last year, the principal resigned and the district has yet to hire a replacement.

Cover photo courtesy of Charley Hrehor > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

AWA I TS

News Briefs ...............................................................................4 Political Watch.........................................................................4 Spotlight......................................................................................8

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

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Web Poll ....................................................................................10 Mayfield.....................................................................................10 Canary .........................................................................................11

ARTS

Arts Briefs ................................................................................18

MOVIES

Reviews ....................................................................................20

CLASSIFIEDS, HOME, AND REAL ESTATE .................................................... 23

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff .................................................................................... 12

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News

➤ ‘In limbo’ [6]

➤ Spotlight [8] PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA-BONITA SCHOOL DISTRICT

POLITICAL WATCH • U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) expressed concerns directly to the head of U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) about the closure this week of a veterans substance abuse treatment facility in San Luis Obispo and its potential impact on Central Coast veterans, according to an Oct. 19 statement from Carbajal’s office. In two meetings and through a letter sent to his office, Rep. Carbajal explained to VA Secretary Denis McDonough the impact that the closure on Monday of Legacy Village would have on Central Coast veterans. The congressman also pressed the secretary on changes the VA could make that would prevent veterans from needing to travel to the Los Angeles area to receive substance abuse treatment. McDonough pledged that the VA would travel to the Central Coast in the coming weeks to meet with Carbajal’s team and Central Coast veterans advocates to discuss their policies on referrals to Central Coast facilities and how the VA will continue to support veterans in the region following the closure. “For most types of care, if the drive time exceeds 30 minutes, then the veteran can receive community care. Unfortunately, residential SUD [substance use disorder] treatment was excluded from the designated access standards,” Carbajal wrote in his follow-up letter to Secretary McDonough. “At the most northern part of the district the drive time to the Domiciliary in Los Angeles is nearly four hours, and from the most southern part the drive time still exceeds an hour. My district is not unique. … We owe it to our veterans to provide accessible and quality care.” • U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) joined several of his Senate colleagues to introduce the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act to establish 18-year term limits and regularized appointments for Supreme Court justices. Under the legislation, the president would appoint a new justice every two years and each justice would spend 18 years participating in all Supreme Court cases, after which they would be limited to hearing the small number of constitutionally required cases. The United States is one of just five countries with life tenure for its highest court. According to the senator’s office, the American people strongly favor making the Supreme Court more representative of and accountable to the public, with polls conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst showing that two-thirds of Americans support term limits for Supreme Court justices. There is also widespread support for depoliticizing the Supreme Court confirmation process, which is worsened when some presidents can appoint multiple justices while others appoint none, Padilla said in the statement. “It shouldn’t be controversial to say that the American people deserve a Supreme Court insulated from politics. But when every confirmation turns into an allout partisan battle, or when one administration alone can overturn a lifetime of precedent, it’s clear: The court has lost its way,” Padilla said in the statement. “By imposing common-sense term limits, we can lower the temperature on political brinkmanship and start to restore trust in the highest court in our land.” • Amid heightened fears and concerns among California’s faith communities stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Gov. Gavin Newsom authorized the immediate expansion of funds to bolster safety and security at religious institutions, places of worship, and faith-based institutions across the state, according to an Oct. 18 statement from Newsom’s office. The announcement authorized $10 million in state funding to immediately increase police presence at places of worship and authorized an additional $20 million investment to the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program to provide physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations— including synagogues and mosques—that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes. “Amid the horror unfolding in the Middle East following the unconscionable terrorist attacks in Israel, California is authorizing the immediate deployment of funds to increase security and police presence at places of worship across the state. No matter how and where one prays, every Californian deserves to be safe,” Newsom said in the statement. m

KEEPING BOOK ACCESS: After calls to support book bans in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, local residents planned to show up for the Oct. 25 board meeting to support diverse book access for students in classrooms and libraries.

Conservative group requests book bans in Santa Maria-Bonita School District

Calls to support banning and censoring books in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District were sent out to local residents for a second time in the past month, prompting community members to plan to stand against book bans at the Oct. 25 school board meeting. We the People of The Santa Maria Valley—a conservative group affiliated with Common Sense Santa Ynez Valley—sent an email requesting people to speak at the board meeting “to oppose the constant indoctrination of children within the Californian public school system and district libraries.” “If we want to address this concern before more of our children’s minds are violated, let’s find some parents who are willing to speak,” the email stated. “Parents have more power and influence than district employees. It’s very important they speak up! Having a community member who isn’t a parent and doesn’t work for the district would also be valuable.” The Oct. 17 email stated the group was in the process of accumulating book titles it believes should be banned that are in the district’s library system, and members were preparing for a presentation to give to the school board during the Oct. 25 meeting, which happened after the Sun went to press. “In addition, we have a letter drafted by an attorney to district leaderships, which is amazing and which we will be referring to!!” the email stated. “The law is on our side to protect the children from sexually explicit reading material even though it seems it isn’t, based on Newsom’s latest announcement and the Sept. 27 board meeting presenters. Our message is the most aligned to the law, and we will share specifically how.” The Sun inquired about the specifics We The People of the Santa Maria Valley intended to share during the board meeting, and the group responded by saying they needed more time to prepare and planned to postpone their presentation until January. Prior to the Sept. 27 school district board meeting, residents received an announcement from the group—mainly made up of Santa Ynez residents—stating that its members planned to attend that meeting to discuss parents’ rights to limit their children’s access to certain books available in schools, Maggie White, the district’s public information officer, told the Sun via email. That email caused more than a dozen Santa Maria residents to speak in favor of “freedom of speech and in support of books that include accurate history, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community,” White said. “The majority of the public comments

4 • Sun • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

supported students’ ability and right to choose ageappropriate books on a variety of subjects they are interested in,” White said. As of Oct. 24, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District hadn’t received any requests for books in the library collection to be reconsidered, and the school board is not considering any action regarding book collections or textbooks at this time. Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt, president of the Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP, told the Sun that she planned to attend the Oct. 25 board meeting to speak out against book banning and book censorship in a district that sits in Santa Maria—a city with more than 77 percent persons of color, she said. “We oppose all forms of book banning. We don’t even know what books they want to ban, but that’s besides the point. Who’s in a better position to select what books our kids read besides the district, the teachers, the librarians, and so forth?” LyonsPruitt asked. “They always have a right to opt out and say, ‘I don’t want to do that for my kid.’ That’s fine, but you should not impose it on everyone.” She added that she believes that this group plans to go to other districts across the Santa Maria Valley, and that the local NAACP chapter plans to go wherever they plan to speak. “We’re going to fight against policies, procedures, and practices that harm communities of color and all students,” Lyons-Pruitt said. “Our kids deserve better than that.” —Taylor O’Connor

Oceano board member’s property received recent code violation notices

Oceano Community Services District (OCSD) board member Beverly Joyce-Suneson received a notice of violation from the county on Sept. 20 claiming that she had broken multiple SLO County codes. Although she had already fixed the violations, a community member brought the issue up at the Oct. 11 OCSD meeting. “You have to follow the law,” he said during public comment after indicating that he was going to leave a pack of adult diapers for her so she didn’t need to use her trailer as a restroom anymore. “She can use these instead of being illegally connected.” The San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building notice stated that the department had received complaints and verified violations of county code on a property she either owns or is responsible for due to an RV hooked up to the sewer. Joyce-Suneson, who also faced administrative action from the Community Services District for the alleged violations, told the Sun that the issue had been resolved before she received the county notice. According to the notice of violation, JoyceSuneson was in violation of three county codes and had to resolve all three by Oct. 6 or face the

October 26 - November 2, 2023 possibility of an administrative fine or abatement hearing. The notice stated that she “must cease the use of the RV for habitation, remove sewer and water connections, and return the RV to a state of storage, and obtain a demolition permit for the unpermitted sewer connection used by the RV.” Joyce-Suneson said she “received a notice of violation apparently [in the mail] but [General Manager Will] Clemens got information before I did.” Clemens told the Sun that he didn’t receive the notice until Sept. 27 because he was away on vacation. “Our utility manager was contacted via phone and email by County Code Enforcement on Sept. 20, 2023,” Clemens said. “When I returned from vacation on Sept. 27, 2023, I requested a copy of the attached notice of violation from the county and after receiving it, began to prepare the attached letter to the property owner.” Clemens sent Joyce-Suneson an email on Oct. 5 informing her that the district received the notice of violation, and in addition to the violation of county code, she also was in violation of district ordinances for connecting her RV to district water and sewer systems. The email also stated that she needed to disconnect from the water and sewer system “to avoid further district action.” Joyce-Suneson said that by the time she was made aware of the notice, everything was already resolved. “The hookups were already unhooked and they were temporarily hooked up by a plumber to flush out [the pipes],” Joyce-Suneson said. “I have other family members that use it, camp in it, take it places, and it was parked in an area on my property and hooked up in the process of getting it prepared to go out on another trip.” Joyce-Suneson also said that she wasn’t in violation of district ordinances while being connected to the water and sewer lines. “There was no stealing involved, and the plumber himself said that it was legal and that he frequently sets these types of situations up for people around the county,” she said. “They’re set up all the time, and it was not an uncommon thing that he did.” Joyce-Suneson also said there was no illegal habitation of the RV, as family members used it only as a place of privacy. “They would go out there when needed like to talk on the phone or something and they didn’t want to be in the living room or the backyard,” she said. Joyce-Suneson said she made sure to clear up her violations by contacting the county. “The county person [Brad Farr] said that he had come out and saw things and that he wanted a letter and further follow-up from the plumber, which the plumber provided him with,” she said. “Then Brad said, as far as I know, that the whole thing is done. He said, ‘OK, well, that sounds like that’s that.’” —Samantha Herrera

Lack of referrals cause local veterans health care provider to close

After operating as the only substance use treatment facility exclusively for veterans on the Central Coast since 2019, Legacy Village shut its doors on Oct. 17. “It’s terrible that we’ve had to close the doors, but the worst part about it is the veterans that are out there still struggling. When they finally say, ‘I want help,’ the window can be hours long, but the wait time for a VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] bed is 60 to 90 days,” said Dennis Farmer, the founder and chief executive officer of Legacy Village. “There are fundamental problems in the VA system for getting these guys help, not the least of them is timely access to care.” To help improve access to care, then-President Donald Trump signed the Mission Act into law in

NEWS continued page 5

News the Sun via email that timely access to treatment for substance abuse and mental health concerns 2018 to set up a community care network system “remains a top priority for VA.” so veterans didn’t have to travel far to get needed “Veterans determined appropriate for health care. For Central Coast veterans, the closest residential treatment level of care are referred VA health care clinic is in West Los Angeles. for admission to the … Domiciliary,” she said in “The network was designed to fill in the gaps her email. “If veterans cannot be accommodated where the VA couldn’t reach people or if the VA at the Domiciliary within 30 days, they are had a shortage of specialty services,” Farmer said. referred to community care, where VA clinical Legacy Village first opened in Kern County in recommendations in addition to veteran 2015 and served as a drug and alcohol treatment preference are considered when selecting a center for the general public. In 2019, the team Community Care Network facility.” switched to serving veterans only and moved Farmer said that including the referral and to its Nipomo location in 2020. As one of the additional screening that requires veterans to community health care network members for the travel to LA extends wait times to six or eight VA Greater Los Angeles—which encompasses weeks, and people typically don’t have that long to SLO, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern wait for treatment. counties—Legacy Village relied on referrals to fill “When you leave these guys out there for its 12 bed capacity. In April 2023, the team began weeks and months, the risk of overdose, family to notice a decline in referrals until they stopped problems, death, and suicide increases,” Farmer in September, he said. said. “This diagnosis is just as urgent as a broken “We weren’t sure why we were getting this arm, but we don’t treat it that way.” decline, and we were still getting calls up and Reopening Legacy Village will not require down the Central Coast,” Farmer said. “We were legislative change but simply a procedural change told that the demand for addiction treatment has in the VA system, he said. gone down, but that doesn’t make sense because Recently, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa it hasn’t gone down anywhere—let alone the Barbara) wrote a letter and spoke with VA veteran population.” Secretary Denis McDonough about the closure Farmer said that the current VA administration and the potential impact this could have on told him that the VA prioritizes care at the local residents. Farmer said that he’s “cautiously West Los Angeles Mental Health Residential optimistic” that Legacy Village could reopen with Rehabilitation and Treatment Program—also the help of local representatives. referred as the Domiciliary—and if they aren’t able “It needs to have teeth. There needs to be to give care at that location within 30 days, they continued pressure on the VA that [Carbajal] is will be sent to a community serious about this,” he said. care provider. But none of that “Seeing others get on board aligns with the Mission Act’s with supporting this would be purpose to keep veterans in important. … I’m personally Send any news their communities, he added. not stopping my efforts to get or story tips to Lauren Bolanos, the the word out and keep the news@santamariasun.com. public affairs specialist for pressure on.” m —Taylor O’Connor VA Greater Los Angeles, told

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News

‘In limbo’ Santa Ynez Valley High School students and faculty continue to wait for a new principal

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

harley Hrehor has had three principals in her four years at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. “I can hardly believe it either,” the high school senior said about the changing leadership. “I don’t know the exact reasons why our former principals have chosen not to come back, but from what I’ve witnessed, it would be really hard to be a principal where there’s a lot of division in the community and people use the school to push their own views and that division.” Last year’s principal, Michael Niehoff, said he left after a year in the position because certain members of the community asserted their political views onto the school, making it difficult for him to do his work. He told the Sun in a previous interview that he was putting out fires on a weekly basis. He ultimately decided to resign after receiving pushback from adults for allowing students to paint a crosswalk with a rainbow pattern for an anti-bullying and inclusion week at school. Parents and adults in the community claimed that the rainbow-painted crosswalk brought political ideologies that had no place on campus. While most students supported the crosswalks, the school painted the crosswalks back to white earlier than planned because of the pushback. Hrehor, a co-president of the school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), said it was hard to see Niehoff leave because he supported the students in a way that she hadn’t seen before. “Having Mr. Niehoff last year, he made personal connections with the students and he really tried to develop relationships,” Hrehor said. “After having that, that’s our set expectations for someone new. Not having that in a person [will not] be the same.” The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District—which includes Santa Ynez Valley Union and Refugio High School—is still searching for someone to fill the position permanently. The district has filled two permanent vice principal positions and brought on Mitch Torina as an interim principal—who will be on board until December. While the school environment has improved and things have quieted down since last year’s uproar, Hrehor added, students feel like things are up in the air while they wait for new leadership. “With it being my last year on the GSA, I wanted to push for bigger projects, which makes it tough when we don’t have a solid administration we can go through,” Hrehor said.

“It’s difficult when the person in charge is changing all the time. It’s hard to develop a relationship with a person who’s ultimately in charge of the students when it’s a different person every year.” Hrehor said she was nervous going back to the GSA and to school after everything that unfolded last year, but at the same time she said she felt more motivation to continue her work and efforts to make a more inclusive space at school. Despite the high school being in an inbetween stage, Hrehor, faculty, and parents hope that the district can find someone who will meet the needs of students and take the school in a positive direction. “I think the biggest thing I’m looking for is someone putting the students first,” Hrehor said. “I’m just hoping that the school begins to really listen to what the students have to say because I think the students have great ideas, and if they were listened to … it would be better overall.” Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District Superintendent Andrew Schwab told the Sun via email that the district is working closely with a search firm to identify and interview candidates and looks forward to communicating with the school community “as soon as we have news to share,” he said. “We extend our gratitude to Mitch Torina for stepping in as interim principal to provide leadership at Santa Ynez High School as we continue to search for our next principal,” Schwab said in his email. Torina worked in education for 25 years before retiring in 2018 as assistant superintendent of human resources for Santa Barbara Unified School District, Schwab said. Before that, he worked as an assistant superintendent for student services, assistant principal, and counselor at various sites across Santa Barbara Unified. Torina was out of the office and unavailable for further comment before the Sun’s deadline. The district also hired Jasmine Day as vice principal after she worked as dean of student engagement at the Los Berros Visual and Performing Arts Academy in Lompoc. She holds one of the two permanent vice principal positions at Santa Ynez High that the district filled, and she’s been helping oversee the day-today operations at the school, Day told the Sun in an email. “It’s a challenging and rewarding position, and no single day is ever the same. In some ways I feel like I’ve come full circle in the valley, having taught students I see now at the high school back when they were in elementary and middle school,” Day said in her email. “The students and staff at Santa Ynez High School are wonderful, and I am excited to be part of the team.” Hrehor said that Day has put in a consistent effort to make connections with the students

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COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLEY HREHOR

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STILL HEALING: The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District has been searching for a new principal since Michael Niehoff’s departure last spring, which came shortly after community backlash against crosswalks that were painted in rainbow colors during an anti-bullying week at the school.

and student organizations, including the GSA. “It makes me feel relieved, honestly. Even though the position of principal is up in the air, we know that we have Ms. Day in that position and we will have her continued support in the years to come,” Hrehor said. Social Sciences teacher Greg Wolf told the Sun that efforts—like Day’s—to rebuild relationships will ultimately help the students gain trust in their administrators again and fully heal after what they experienced last year. “Relationships seem good now because we don’t have the drama, but the enthusiasm is not there, and I think that has a lot to do with a tumultuous spring semester and coming back with a lot of uncertainty,” Wolf said. “I still sense some apathy amongst some of the kids, and I think that has to do a lot with what happened last year. “With that said, I commend our interim principal for stepping in and keeping the school afloat, and that’s not easy, especially since it’s temporary,” he said. While Torina has made it clear that he’s “students first,” Wolf added that the school will need permanent leadership to help move everyone forward, heal, and reestablish a positive school culture where there’s a sense of unity in social circles and the learning environment. “It’s not that the culture is negative now, it just doesn’t feel like much is happening. We’re just in

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limbo; there’s not a lot of enthusiasm,” Wolf said. “The school won’t be fully healed until we find someone to take over and bring what’s needed to make that happen.” Teachers and faculty have been focused on their classrooms and curriculums while waiting for a long-term plan, he said. “I and other colleagues have spoken that there’s not a lot of concern for instability as far as our classrooms go. Again, there’s only so much we can do when there’s that uncertainty in the air,” Wolf said. “The school has so much potential because the kids are great and the teachers are great. Until we have a long-term direction, we can’t reach that potential, and I would like to see that sooner rather than later so we can reach that potential with the kids.” The district needs to find someone who makes the effort to connect with students, support them, and advocate for them, similar to Niehoff’s approach, he said. “The kids were using their voices more than I’ve seen in my whole career, and Niehoff opened that door for them,” Wolf said. “That’s them taking ownership of their own learning, advocating for themselves and what they want in their educational experience. I hope we continue down that path of welcoming their input on their own educational experience.” m

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SPOTLIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEILA GIBILISCO

ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING: Orcutt salon and spa InSPArations offers a variety of services including skin care, hair styling, eyelash extensions, waxing, and permanent makeup. The business is celebrating 20 years in the community with a raffle and prizes.

Relaxed and rejuvenated

she tattoos areolas on to cancer survivors who’ve had their areolas removed during mastectomies. She provides this as a pro bono service, she added. “I wanted to give back to the community for those patients Orcutt salon and spa celebrates 20 years going through that surgery. It makes them feel more whole,” she in the community said. “I’m passionate about this industry and business, and so are the staff that BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR work here. They are all knowledgeable and caring, heila Gibilisco grew up in the San Fernando and we’re happy to provide the services we do for Valley and was a massage therapist for the movie industry. She would work on movie sets the community.” While operating the salon, Gibilisco said she to help the actors and crew members rejuvenate also works as a massage therapist and esthetician. and recover after long days of filming. “I like doing teen cleans for kids to improve When her son was in first grade, Gibilisco and their skin, especially kids with acne problems,” her family moved up to Orcutt, and Gibilisco she said. “Massages make people feel better, make decided to go to aesthetics school so she could them heal, promote health, help their bodies work both in skin care and massage therapy, she recover from various different things our bodies said. Now, Gibilisco and her family have remained go through.” in Orcutt for about 30 years, and she has been running her own full-service salon, InSPArations, Working at the salon for 20 years, she’s seen for 20 years. clients in their teens for acne treatment and has “I always wanted to have my own full-services later seen them before they get married and after salon because not too many businesses had all of they have children, she said. the services we do,” Gibilisco said. “I liked the idea Like salons across the country, the COVID-19 of having a one-stop shop and a more upscale but pandemic hit InSPArations hard, Gibilisco said. comfortable salon that offered everything from The full staff couldn’t all be in the building at hair, nails, massage, skin waxing, [to] new things once, and there were points when the salon had that have come on board, for instance eyelash to be completely shut down, but the community extensions and permanent makeup.” continued its support and helped keep the salon InSPArations now has six hairstylists, one afloat by buying gift certificates and returning for nail technician, three massage therapists, four services when it was able to open its doors. estheticians, one permanent-makeup artist, “It’s very rewarding to help other people feel and one eyelash extensionist who all work as better and look better,” Gibilisco said. independent contractors, setting their own Raffle entries are $20 per ticket, and the raffle schedules and fees for their services but pay rent will be held Nov. 1. Pick up tickets in person at 130 for their studio space, she said. E. Clark Ave. Direct questions to (805) 934-8682. “I’ve been able to have people here who have been here for 15 to 17 years; they have children and family Highlight now. It’s a very family feeling here; a lot of us have MUSIC • The state announced this week that it will fund worked together for many years,” Gibilisco said. seven projects in Santa Barbara County designed With October as InSPArations’ anniversary FLAVOR/EATS to increase housing production, implement month, Gibilisco and her staff will be celebrating sustainable land-use strategies, and promote the salon’s two decades in business with a raffle alternative modes of transportation, such as where people can buy a ticket and be entered to INFO walking, biking, rolling, and transit. The Santa win one of four gift baskets with gift certificates Barbara County Association of Governments to local restaurants and shops as well as spa/salon (SBCAG) received nearly $5.3 million in funds from CALENDAR services, she said. All proceeds will benefit Marian the state’s Regional Early Action Planning Grants Regional’s breast cancer center, and Gibilisco said Program of 2021, and that money will be directed she hopes they can raise $2,000—matching what toward projectsOPINION including Santa Maria’s downtown they’ve raised the past two years. “We lost one of our hair stylists to breast cancer, revitalization infrastructure improvements, a permit-ready accessory dwelling unit program so we always donate in her name to the hospital. NEWS in Lompoc, and developing a It’s just a horrible cancer that we need to have a cure for sooner Santa Barbara County Active STROKES rather than later,” she said. Transportation Dashboard. m Promote! Wanting to give back to other Send business and Reach Staff Writer Taylor breast cancer survivors, Gibilisco nonprofit information to ARTS O’Connor at toconnor@ got trained and certified to do spotlight@santamariasun.com. santamariasun.com. areola pigmentation, where

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Opinion ONLINE POLL

COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [11]

Redo the Dana Reserve, again

What’s the best part of the Pet Issue? SLO County Planning Commission should deny the project as is 60% Everything is great! I’m submitting so supervisors can see a better alternative

photos for next year’s contest. 20% Seeing everyone’s fur babies on a full-page spread. 20% Learning more about animal care and some unique animal businesses. 0% I don’t like animals, but even this was pretty cute.

SCREENSHOT FROM DANA RESERVE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

5 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly 2646 Industrial Parkway, #200 Santa Maria, CA 93455 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING | 805-347-1968 E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com WEB | www.santamariasun.com FOUNDER | Steve Moss 1948-2005 EDITORIAL EDITOR | Camillia Lanham ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Andrea Rooks STAFF WRITERS | Taylor O’Connor ARTS EDITOR | Caleb Wiseblood STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | Jayson Mellom ART DIRECTOR | Alex Zuniga EDITORIAL DESIGNERS | Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad CONTRIBUTORS | Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | Kimberly Rosa ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES | Katy Gray, Lee Ann Vermeulen, Andrea McVay PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Eva Lipson GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Eva Lipson, Ellen Fukumoto, Mary Grace Flaus Business Cindy Rucker CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga OFFICE ASSISTANT / ACCOUNT MANAGER | Kristen LaGrange MARKETING & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR | Michael Gould SUBMITTING LETTERS WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 2646 Industrial Parkway #200, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include your name, address, and phone number. FAX | (805) 546-8641 E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com, letters@santamariasun.com

MAPPED OUT: The Dana Reserve development in Nipomo, as proposed in the final environmental impact report, could be improved if the two best alternatives are incorporated.

BY ANDREW CHRISTIE

project into compliance with dozens of land use policies in the county’s general plan and he Dana Reserve development in Nipomo is one of the largest proposed developments avoided multiple violations of the land use ordinance—all significant improvements on in the history of San Luis Obispo County. the project as proposed. Last January, we noted the local media’s failure The good news: to accurately report on the massive project and MUSIC Since then, a draft its equally massive impacts on the environment environmental impact (“Local journalists overlooked an important report (EIR) has been document for Nipomo’s Dana Reserve FLAVOR/EATS issued containing development,” Jan. 19). two other project An alternative project design had recently alternatives—Alternative been dismissed, one that would have avoided INFO 2 and Alternative 4—that the destruction of a large coastal oak would make those same woodland and rare native chaparral; reduce beneficial changes in slightly different ways. the project’s greenhouse gas emissions and CALENDAR The bad news: When those other air pollutants, along alternatives come before with excessive vehicle miles OPINION the SLO County Planning traveled and unplanned Commission for deliberation, population growth; and Send us your planned for Oct. 23 and 24, avoid adding to the local views and opinion to NEWS the commission may decide to jobs/housing imbalance. It letters@santamariasun.com. reject them because they fail also would have brought the

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to meet “project goals” such as “provide a mix of housing types.” All the project alternatives provide a mix of housing types, just in different proportions. That objection is a thinly veiled pitch for fewer multifamily units and more high-dollar single family residences—a housing type, can we all agree, that is not scarce in San Luis Obispo County. The notion has been floated that recent amendments to the state’s housing laws virtually compel the county to approve the project as proposed, with no modifications or conditions, due to Sacramento’s interest in alleviating the affordable housing crisis and overriding all other considerations to get such housing built. The state of California defines “affordable housing” as affordable to people with very low-, low-, and moderate incomes. Projects claiming to do so must ensure either that at least 20 percent of the total units of a project will be sold or rented to lower income households, or 100 percent of the units will be sold or rented to persons and families of moderate/middle income. Out of the 1,318 residential units in the Dana Reserve project as proposed, 8 percent— not 20 percent—can be classified as affordable to low- and very lowincome households. Moderate income and middle units equate to 37 percent—not 100 percent—of the project’s units. The Dana Reserve does not meet the definition of affordability for very low-, low-, or moderateincome households. Even if it did, the state’s requirements for approval of such projects apply only to “a housing development project that complies with the objective standards of the general plan and zoning ordinance.” As is abundantly clear in the EIR, this project does not meet that standard. Only an alternative project that largely eliminates the project’s general plan conflicts would meet the requirements of the state’s Housing Crisis Act, Permit Streamlining Act, and Housing Accountability Act. Bad news, part 2: The two best project alternatives are long on general statements of avoided environmental impacts and short on specifics. None of the project alternatives in the final EIR include site plans or concept maps to illustrate the changes proposed and locations of the various mixes of housing, open space, and quantities of avoided destruction of oaks. That means the SLO County Planning Commission will be flying blind as it deliberates on the project and project alternatives. Which means it would need to ask staff to work on producing such specifics and bring them back to a future meeting for a vote. The Planning Commission is more likely to issue a permit for the project as proposed. Denying the permit, thereby triggering an inevitable appeal to the Board of Supervisors, would allow the applicant and the groups working on this project to take that time to create an alternative combining the best of the two EIR alternatives and make the sure the supervisors have a visual of exactly what that would look like. m

The two best project alternatives are long on general statements of avoided environmental impacts and short on specifics.

Speak up!

STROKES

ARTS

MAYFIELD

Andrew Christie is the executive director of the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Write a response for publication by emailing it to letters@santamariasun.com. 10 • Sun • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

Common sense

eople in the Santa Ynez Valley really just need to mind their own business. But they’re too entitled for that, aren’t they? After burning through several principals in a short period of time, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School still hasn’t replaced the most recent resignation, Michael Niehoff. Niehoff resigned last spring after dealing with too much community interference— meaning parents and not-parents from Solvang and Santa Ynez who just couldn’t help but insert themselves into the business of running a school and the culture of unity and inclusion that Niehoff was attempting to build in his short time at the school. His last straw? The ridiculous conniption fit thrown over rainbow-painted crosswalks, a temporary nod to the schools’ LGBTQ-plus community during a week that was supposed to bring awareness about bullying and its adverse impacts. Instead of celebrating diversity, the school was thrown into the political culture wars, again. Students, their well-being, and the quality of their high school experience and education were not at the forefront of that conversation. It’s no wonder the district has yet to hire his replacement. I wouldn’t want to be an administrator at that school. It’s a lose-lose situation. And it isn’t enough for SYV residents to blow up their own school system. They are now attempting to wiggle into decisions being made in Santa Maria, a more diverse school system (read: less white) serving a larger population of low-income residents (read: not like the Santa Ynez Valley). Common Sense Santa Ynez Valley is nicknaming its Santa Maria efforts We the People of the Santa Maria Valley—weird if most of its members aren’t from Santa Maria at all. But I

digress! This group is stirring up shit. It wants “we the people” to speak out against the Santa Maria-Bonita School District “before more of our children’s minds are violated” by whatever books it deems unacceptable for school libraries to keep in stock. They referenced “sexually explicit” reading material. You think the libraries stock soft-core porn? Or is the group referring to materials that mention LGBTQ-plus issues? I’ll let you guess, since the group isn’t ready with its list yet. I’m not sure how violated those minds are getting when only 24 percent of the student population met or exceeded English language arts standards on the state’s Smarter Balance Assessment in 2022-23. Perhaps we should be more concerned about student reading comprehension than banning books. The group’s initial appeal to local residents inspired some to show up to the district’s Sept. 27 meeting in support of “freedom of speech” and “books that include accurate history, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community,” according to district spokesperson Maggie White. Thank goodness for people who pay attention!! And thank goodness for the Santa MariaLompoc chapter of the NAACP. “We’re going to fight against policies, procedures, and practices that harm communities of color and all students,” chapter President Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt said. “Our kids deserve better than that.” She believes that the group has plans to hit other districts in the area with its disruptive ask and said the local NAACP chapter plans to be there to counter its narrative. I’ll be there, too. m The canary supports freedom of speech, not book bans. Send intel to canary@santamariasun.com.

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Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 5, 2023

WAVE REVUE

Surf to Summit, Gallery Los Olivos’ current trio exhibition, will remain on display through Tuesday, Oct. 31. Local painter Morgan Green (whose piece Surf is pictured), one of the exhibit’s three featured artists, will be working on-site at the gallery on Friday, Oct. 27, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more details on the show, call (805) 688-7517 or visit gallerylosolivos.com. The gallery is located at 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. —Caleb Wiseblood COURTESY IMAGE BY MORGAN GREEN

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. COOKIES AND CHAPTERS BOOK CLUB Each month will feature a new chapter book. Free copies of the book will be provided on a first come, first served basis. For ages 9-14. Oct. 28, 11 a.m. 805925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. CRAFTWORKS: CORK PUMPKINS Repurpose vintage corks to create a unique decorative pumpkin. All materials will be provided at this free workshop. Registration is required. For patrons 18 and older. Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m. Free. 805925-0994. 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. 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. 805-344-1630. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt. MURDER, THEY READ: COZY MYSTERY BOOK CLUB Every month, a different cozy mystery author is selected. The author for November is Susan Wittig Albert. Nov. 2, 12-6 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. 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. VELLEY READS BOOK CLUB The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults featuring coffee, snacks, and lively discussion. Oct. 28, 2-3 p.m. Free. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

WHICH WITCH Presented by Orcutt Community Theater. Through Oct. 29 my805tix.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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. POINTS OF VIEW Britt Friedman and Gerry Winant display their landscape paintings. Gerry will also exhibit abstract paintings along with his realistic landscapes. Closed on Thanksgiving Day. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Nov. 30 805 688 -7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. 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. 805-737-1129. lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc. CRITTERS: REAL AND IMAGINED Photographer Rick Skillin and glass artist Joellen Chrones, will showcase wildlife photos and fused glass critters. A reception will be on Nov. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805 -737 -1129. lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

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. 12 • Sun • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

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 Half-Century Club, 341 No. N 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., Oct. 29, 3-6 p.m., Nov. 3, 7-10 p.m., Nov. 4, 2-5 & 7-10 p.m. and Nov. 5, 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. THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL An exciting new musical featuring irresistible characters and magical music, this deepsea pearl of a show is set to make a splash with audiences young and old. Nov. 2, 7-10 p.m., Nov. 3, 7-10 p.m. and Nov. 4, 2-5 & 7-10 p.m. $10-$20. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/the-spongebobmusical/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present

INDEX Arts.......................................12 Culture & Lifestyle ...........15 Food & Drink ......................16 Music ...................................16

for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com. ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. BEGINNING DRAWING WITH SPENCER COLLINS This class is designed to teach young students the important basic building blocks of drawing. Students learn about various drawing techniques and materials such as graphite, charcoal, and paint pens. Students will learn to draw things from life, including animals, places, and people. Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. through Dec. 18 $28 per student; refer a second student for $5 off one class. 559250-3081. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CENART AFTER DARK: CENTURY 21 HOMETOWN REALTY An exhibit of pastel paintings by Bobbye West Thompson, member of the Central Coast Pastel Society (3CPS). Meet the artist during a free reception on July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-235-4877. slocountyarts.org. Century 21 Hometown Realty, 599 Higuera St, Ste A, San Luis Obispo. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. EMBODYING THE CREATIVE PROCESS PLAYSHOP WITH MARGOT SCHAAL Keep your inspiration flowing. This class is an inter-play of Slow-Cool Movement lessons and marking/painting on paper. Oct. 29, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $45. 805-7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. ongoing, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING: ADULT ART CLASS This class is for students who may have tried oil painting in the past but are looking to advance their skill levels. Color theory and proportion study will be a focus in the class. Mondays, 2-5 p.m. $30 per student or $75 for 3 classes. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. 702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

ARTS continued page 14

15th Annual New Times Music Awards Presentation & Showcase

Unity in the Community Concert Series: Sound Investment

Elm Street Park, Arroyo Grande

SLO Brew Rock, Aerovista Place, SLO

South Bay Community Center, Los Osos

FRI, SAT, SUN, OCTOBER 27, 28, 29

Full Moon, Cacao, & Day of the Dead Ceremony

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 Penman Springs Vineyard, Atascadero

Murder at Deadwood Saloon Murder Mystery Dinner

Evil Dead - The Musical

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

Peaceful Plants: Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece Class

Conscious-Fest

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

Ynana Rose “Under A Cathedral Sky” Album Listening Party

Halloween Cave Party

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

SLOFunny Comedy Show with Kira Soltanovich

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 Templeton Mercantile

FRI, SAT, SUN, OCTOBER 27, 28, 29 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

Christmas at the Ranch

VARIOUS DATES & TIMES FRI, NOV. 24 THRU SUN, DEC. 17 Santa Margarita Ranch

By the Sea Productions: War of the Worlds

FRI, SAT, SUN, OCTOBER 27, 28, 29 545 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay

FRI, SAT, SUN, OCTOBER 27, 28, 29 Klein Dance Arts Studio, Orcutt

46 West Harvest “Hallowine” Block Party

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Barton Family Vineyards, Paso Robles

Halloween Costume Ball at The Benedict

Drag Me to Hell: Halloween Dance Party

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Morro Bay Community Center

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Laurel Lane Studios, San Luis Obispo

Dead Hombre’s Halloween Ball

Grrl Gore presents: Gorefest ‘23

Chakra Meditation on the Beach

Basin Street Regulars: The Yosemite Jazz Band SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 Benny’s Pizza Palace & Social Club, SLO

Canzona Women’s Ensemble 15th Anniv. - The Lyric Muse

Symphony of the Vines: Fantaisie Française

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

SAT & SUN, OCTOBER 28 & 29 504 N 8th Street, Lompoc

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

Central Coast Comedy Theater: Improve Comedy Show

Central Coast Economic Forecast

Divas de los Muertos Drag Party

Be Hoppy Tours: Friday Hoppy Hour • FRIDAYS 11/3–1/26 Sip of SLO SATURDAYS 10/28–1/27

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Bang the Drum Brewery, SLO

Tours begin & end at The Hub, SLO

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 United Methodist Church, SLO

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 The Benedict, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Cass Winery, Paso Robles

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ONGOING EVENTS

SELL TICKETS WITH US! Live Music, Trivia, Karaoke, and more!

Orcutt Community Theater: Which Witch

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Santa Maria

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Dairy Creek Golf Course, SLO

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 SLO Wine & Beer Co., SLO

ONGOING EVENTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

City of Arroyo Grande presents: Marathon Monster Mash

FEATURED EVENTS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT MY805TIX.COM

www.santamariasun.com • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • Sun • 13

Hot Stuff

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 5, 2023

ARTS from page 12 JOHN BARRETT John Barrett was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1952 and grew up in Manhattan Beach, California. He began pursuing his career as an artist in the late 1960s influenced by his great-grandfather, a painter. Through Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/john-barrett/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. 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-sixmillennia/. 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 MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-540-8300. saintsbarrel.com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., 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. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo. com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. 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. SLO DRAWZ: OPEN FIGURE DRAWING GROUP Improve your drawing skills while also building a community of supportive creatives with live models. This is not a guided class, please bring your own materials. To sign up, email

chantellegoldthwaite@gmail.com. Every other Monday, 5-7 p.m. & every other Thursday, 5-7 p.m. through Dec. $20 per session; or $60 for a month pass. 805-747-4200. instagram.com/ slodrawz/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., 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, 805-7722504, artcentermorrobay.org. COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559-799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos. 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, WednesdaysSundays, 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 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, 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. 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, WednesdaysSundays, 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. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

ARTS continued page 15

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOELLEN CHRONES

CREATURE FEATURE

Cypress Gallery in Lompoc presents Critters: Real and Imagined, a new duo exhibition scheduled to open on Thursday, Nov. 2. The showcase highlights a collection of fused glass works depicting animals by Joellen Chrones and wildlife photographs by Rick Skillin. An artist reception will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. Visit lompocart.org for more info. Cypress Gallery is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. —C.W.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY VETERANS FOUNDATION PROUDLY PRESENTS

3RD ANNUAL SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

to the

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4th • 11 am to 5 pm PARADE STARTS AT 11 A.M.

PARATROOPERS START AT NOON 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, CA 93468

QUESTIONS: www.SaluteToTheVets.org • www.SBCVF.org • 805-350-2006 14 • Sun • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

Hot Stuff ARTS from page 14 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. GIFTY UNDER FIFTY ALL YEAR ROUND Costa Gallery is gearing up for the holiday season. Check out a seasonal collection of art. Thursdays-Sundays. through Dec. 31 Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos, 559-799-9632. LEARN BEGINNING FUSED GLASS WITH LARRY LE BRANE No previous art skills needed to make home-garden décor, holiday gifts, dishware, and jewelry. $165 fee includes all materials. Class size is 4-6 students. Register at larron4@charter.net. VAX required, please. Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $165 for 3 weeks. 805-528-8791. Central Coast Glass Blowing and Fusing, 1279 2nd Street, Los Osos, RodBakerGlass.com. MOSAIC GIFTS Create a unique, one-ofa-kind gift for that special someone on your gift list. You will have many colors, baubles, and beads to choose from to make your creation very personal. You’ll learn everything to make a mosaic from cutting to gluing to grouting to cleaning. Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Various. 805-2865993. creativemetime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. MOSAIC NECKLACES AND WINE STOPPERS Make super easy mosaic necklaces or wine stoppers. You’ll choose from the teacher’s array of colors of beads, glass, and baubles. The process is super simple and perfect for a

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 5, 2023 beginner. Everything is provided to complete the project. Preregistration required. Nov. Dallidet Adobe and 4, 1-3 p.m. Various. 805-286Gardens in San Luis Obispo 5993. creativemetime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., hosts its Mumtober event, in Morro Bay. celebration of more than 20 THE ROCK’S 10TH different varieties of mums ANNIVERSARY “BFD” growing at the venue, on FUNDRAISER CONCERT Saturday, Oct. 28, from 11:30 Features live music from a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will multiple acts, a silent include a harvest luncheon auction, great Mexican and Mediterranean food, wine from with soups, salad, wine, and local cellars, and freshly tapped more, along with live music, beer from Firestone. Oct. 28, a silent auction, and other 12-9 p.m. Contact for details. 805festivities. Admission is 769-8458. EsteroBayRadio.org. $75. Visit historycenterslo. Morro Bay Community Center, org/mumtober for more 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay. info. Dallidet Adobe and WINE GLASS PAINTING Gardens is located at 1185 Instructor will guide you through the process of painting Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. two wine glasses during this fun —C.W. and easy event that’s perfect for all skill levels. Free-hand your design or use wine or oceanBLAST HALLOWEEN BASH A costume themed stencils for easy designs. Bake party and contest. Join if you dare. Oct. 27, at home to cure. Preregistration required. 10 p.m. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-noon $30. 805-286-5993. St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777, creativemetime.com. Art Center Morro rooneysirishpub.net. 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. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. 30 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN SANTA CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open MARIA/ORCUTT Community Partners to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First in Caring is seeking volunteers to help Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. support dependent older adults and 805-934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main seniors. ongoing partnersincaring.org. St., Santa Maria. Santa Maria, Citywide, Santa Maria. ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares 8:30-9:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt. Ave., Orcutt, 805-937-9750. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HISTORY CENTER OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

GARDEN GALA

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. Registration is required. Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

DEAD HOMBRE’S HALLOWEEN BALL An event of intermixed genres of music. Costumes not required but there will be cash prizes for best costume and best couple costumes. Oct. 28, 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt. FOURTH ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT Features carnival games, food trucks, and more. Oct. 31, 3:30-8 p.m. toyotasm.com. Toyota of Santa Maria, 1643 S. Bradley, Santa Maria. FRIGHTMARE FOREST A three-acre haunted forest maze. Proceeds support basketball program at AHC. Oct. 26-28 and Oct. 31 Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. 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. 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 time slots. Oct. 31, 3:30-5 p.m. 805-9250994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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. 805773-7063. pismobeach.org/recreation. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach. MARATHON MONSTER MASH A threeday family fun Halloween event with raffle prizes, a costume contest, and more. More info on site. Oct. 27-29 my805tix. com. Elm Street Park, 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande, 805-473-5474. PISMO BEACH PREMIUM OUTLETS LAUNCHES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: SHOP WITH A PURPOSE CAMPAIGN Through October 31, shoppers who donate at least $10 will receive a Digital Discount Pass to use at participating retailers, while supplies last. 100 percent of every donation directly supports Susan G. Komen’s mission to save lives. Through Oct. 31 408-823-2920.

TECH HELP SATURDAY Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting-up new CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

525 East Plaza Dr #203a, Santa Maria (805) 928-1000 • www.moatslaser.com www.santamariasun.com • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • Sun • 15

GO TO OUR WEBSITE & CLICK ON

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Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 15 premiumoutlets.com. Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, 333 Five Cities Dr., Pismo 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. 805473-4580. groverbeach.org. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach. SAN LUIS OBISPO

WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE 2023 NEW TIMES MUSIC AWARDS SHOWCASE Friday, November 3 • 7pm SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Place, SLO

25TH ANNUAL CUESTA VOCAL JAZZ FESTIVAL CONCERT Friday, November 3 • 8pm CPAC, Cuesta College, SLO

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO A CAL POLY FOOTBALL HOME GAME! November 12 and 19 • 5pm Spanos Stadium, San Luis Obispo

WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE LIFE & MUSIC OF GEORGE MICHAEL Wednesday, January 31 • 7:30pm Clark Center, Arroyo Grande

NewTimesSLO.com

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. MondaysSundays, 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. BOO BASH Join SLO Parks & Recreation for a free family event. Come enjoy a costume party, haunted house, food trucks, music, and more. The event benefits the SLO Food Bank and healthy shelf-stable food donations are welcome. Oct. 27, 5-9 p.m. Free admission; food for purchase available from food trucks. slorecactivities.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346. CELEBRATE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL AND WALK FOR SURVIVORS Support survivors and raise awareness of sexual and intimate partner violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Walk for Survivors through downtown SLO, solo or with family and friends. Register online. Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $25. 805-7816400. CelebrateCommunitySLO.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. DRAG ME TO HELL: HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY Hosted by Gala Pride and Diversity Center in collaboration with Benny’s Pizza Palace and Social Club and Cal Poly Drag Club. Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Benny’s Pizza Palace and Social Club, 1601 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-439-3838. GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. HALLOWEEN AT THE DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS’ MARKET Enjoy the Trick-or-Treat Trail at dozens of downtown businesses, a Costume Contest in Mission Plaza, and “Scaryoke!” (a karaoke contest, but with a spooky twist). Oct. 26, 5-8 p.m. Free. downtownslo. com. San Luis Obispo Farmers Market, Broad and Higuera, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-0286. HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place for anyone suffering from the pain of depression. We do not criticize but do share our journey, feelings, and what works for us. We can meet in person or use Zoom if needed. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. JIM HAYES SYMPOSIUM: A MATTER OF TRUST Panel discussion exploring the issue of trust in the news. Featuring San Francisco Chronicle editor Emilio Garcia Ruiz and Pew Research Center director Katerina Eva Matsa. Moderated by former ABC News correspondent David Kerley. Part of the Cal Poly Journalism Department/CalMatters Festival Journalism. Oct. 27, 2:45-4:15 p.m.

16 • Sun • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 5, 2023 PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA BISKADUROS

Free. sites.google.com/view/jourfest23/home. Advanced Technologies Lab (Engineering Building 7), 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346. MUMTOBER AT THE DALLIDET With more than 20 different varieties of mums growing in the Dallidet Gardens, along with live music, the art of Arne Nybak, and much more. Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $75. 805-543-0638. historycenterslo.org/mumtober. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. PLANT PROPAGATION FOR FUN AND PROFIT Learn how to grow plants with highly-branch, non-circling root structures from seeds and cuttings that will do in one year what a typical commercial nursery plant will do in three. Get hands-on experience with simple, low-cost, and scale able systems. Oct. 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $100. 628-888-4012. cuesta.edu. Cuesta College Ranch Education Program, 3535 Education Drive, San Luis Obispo. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: TRAIN THIS AUTUMN TO MEET CRUCIAL HOSPICE VOLUNTEER NEEDS Want to pay it forward? Want to see good in the world? Call Central Coast Hospice and ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator. Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 27 Free. 805-540-6020. centralcoasthomehealth.com. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo. QI GONG FITNESS ONLINE Hosted by the San Luis Coastal Adult School. Gentle but powerful exercises for mind and body with instructor Gary West. Enhance your well being, improve your balance, and practice mindfulness. 19 Sea + Green in Cambria will host its Dried Floral and Crystal Wreath weeks. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through Making Fall Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13 $95. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org/. Participants will use a rustic twig frame, dried flowers, crystals, ribbons, Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. and other materials during the class. All supplies are included in the SAN LUIS CEMETERY TOUR WITH DR. DAN $65 admission fee. Light refreshments will also be available for guests. KRIEGER A walking tour, led by Dr. Dan Krieger, Visit sea-n-green.com for more info. Sea + Green is located at 2380 Cal Poly History Professor Emeritus, and Main St., unit F, Cambria. sponsored by the SLO Co. Genealogical Society. Hear interesting histories about those buried in —C.W. the local cemetery. Parking on Elks Lane. Oct. 28, 2:30-4:30 p.m. $5 donation. 805-4781951. San Luis Cemetery, 2890 S. Higuera St., late. Come out and sing your favorite song. play. 805-295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. San Luis Obispo. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Pismo Beach. Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866. SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go leadership skills in a supportive and positive online to make a reservation to taste at the environment? During COVID, we are meeting winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/ SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime. club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire Santa Maria, 805-937-8110. FOLK DANCE CLASS For adults ages 50 for Zoom ID. and up. Learn folk dances from around the SIMPLY SOURDOUGH First Thursday of every SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, world. No experience is necessary. Every third MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that Thursday, 2-3 p.m. through Dec. 28 Free. 805805-937-9750. get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to 925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Ave., Santa Maria. enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, MUSIC Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, dignity, and independence of retirement. LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious winestoneinn.com/. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. through Nov. 25 $10 and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s FLAVOR/EATS Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo. Call venue or visit website to find out about Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers 805-623-8866. E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. is a non-profit sports and social club for adults Steller’s Cellar, 405INFO LINE DANCING FUN For adults ages 50 and ages 21 and older. WINE AND DESIGN older. Learn basic patterns and steps to some First Wednesday of CLASSES Check of your favorite music. This beginner-friendly every month, 6:30-8 Wine and Design’s class is for anyone that enjoys dancing. CALENDAR p.m. through Dec. 6 Orcutt website for Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. through Dec. 27 Meetings free; yearly the complete list of Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior membership $65. 805classes, for various Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. Send event information to calendar@ OPINION 528-3194. sloskiers.org. ages. wineanddesign. LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Enjoy live santamariasun.com. Dairy Creek Golf Course, com/orcutt. Wine and music most Fridays and Saturdays. Call venue 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., Design, 3420 Orcutt or check website to find out who’s performing. NEWSRoad, suite 105, Orcutt. San Luis Obispo. Fridays, Saturdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG STROKES MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 Teams can be up toARTS 6 members. Earn prizes p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866. delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-819-0723. coldcoastbrewing. MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Featured vendors in the series include Cali com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Ocean Ave, Lompoc. ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for ongoing 805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ monthly schedules. Fridays 805-922-1468. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria. TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark first and second place teams. Kitchen is open every month, 5-6 p.m. 805-478-6198. Roscoe’s Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria. and non-alcoholic options available. First FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. MUSIC continued page 17 With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to

BRANCH OUT

MUSIC

Spread the word!

FOOD & DRINK

Hot Stuff MUSIC from page 16 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. SPOOKY SWING N’ SALSA HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY Come in costume for a special night as swing and salsa instructors Gina Sigman and Adan Pulido team up for a night of west coast swing and salsa. Event includes swing/salsa lessons, social dancing, and costume contest. Prizes and treats available; 25 percent off food and drinks. Oct. 31, 6:308:30 p.m. $10. 805-344-1630. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt. SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866. 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.

ALWAYS AMAZING.

NEVER ROUTINE. SOLD OUT

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. SYMPHONY OF THE VINES PRESENTS OFF THE VINES CONCERT: FANTAISIE FRANÇAISE Enjoy French selections from composers Poulenc, Franck, and Chausson. Featuring: Tony Navarro, violin; Hilary Clark, cello; and Jacopo Giacopuzzi, piano. Student Spotlight: Suri Kim, award-winning pianist. Nov. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $35 Adult; $30 Senior; $15 Student; $250 Table for four. 805-235-0687. symphonyofthevines.org. Casa Cassera Winery & Vineyard, 1607 Mission Dr., Ste. 112, Solvang. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

KENNY G

NOVEMBER 3 | FRIDAY | 8PM

LOS INQUIETOS DEL NORTE

NOVEMBER 17 | FRIDAY | 8PM

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

GOREFEST ‘23 With 11 bands, performing over two nights of terror. Oct. 28-29 my805tix.com/. Gorefest, 504 N. 8th 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

HARRY’S BEACH BAR: DEJA-VU Enjoy some live rock, pop, and country. Oct. 28, 3-7 p.m. 805-423-7632. Harry’s Night Club And Beach Bar, 690 Cypress St., Pismo Beach, harryspismobeach.com. KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo. THE YOSEMITE JAZZ BAND Presented by the Basin Street Regulars. Oct. 29, 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER

DECEMBER 1 | FRIDAY | 8PM

LA ORIGINAL BANDA EL LIMON DECEMBER 22 | FRIDAY | 8PM

Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BOOTS N BOOZE COUNTRY FESTIVAL An all ages event. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 and under free with paid adult admission (one child per adult). Oct. 28, 12-8 p.m. 805concerts.com. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo. 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, 7:30-9 p.m. $35. 805-756-2787. calpolyarts.org/20232024events/phantom. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. JOHN NOVACEK & INTERSECTION John Novacek joins his versatile trio Intersection for an evening of great music. Soulful expression, instrumental virtuosity, playful banter; these are “the hallmarks of an Intersection event, in which the realms of concert and popular music are seamlessly dovetailed.” Oct. 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $32. 805-781-3009. festivalmozaic.org. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW WITH KIRA SOLTANOVICH Visit site for more info on this stand-up event, as well as tickets. Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-782-8060. YNANA ROSE: UNDER A CATHEDRAL SKY (ALBUM LISTENING PARTY) Visit site for more info on this album listening party. Oct. 28, 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com. Laurel Lane Studios, 1103 Laurel Lane, San Luis Obispo. m

Welcome to Freedom

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ONE FREE

SEPTEMBER 15 - NOVEMBER 11

SMALL POPCORN! Expires 11/11/23

Great Snacks · Cold Beer · Hwy 1 Oceano · 805-489-2499 · americanmelodrama.com www.santamariasun.com • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • Sun • 17

Arts

STAGE COURTESY PHOTOS BY JENNIFER ZORNOW

ARTS BRIEFS Local students, teachers get free access to SLO’s Performing Arts Center through School Matinee Program

MUSIC

FLAVOR/EATS

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN HOOVER

INFO

CALENDAR

OPINION

NEWS

STROKES

Showtime!

ARTS

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

SWAMP ROMP: A lagoon creature (Cameron Parker) heeds dating advice from Mrs. Putts (Meggie Siegrist), a personified golf bag; and Cartsworth (Toby Tropper), a half-man, half-golf cart, in the Great American Melodrama’s Beauty and the Beast spoof, Trudy and the Beast.

Thanks to recent grant funding, about 12,000 Central Coast-based students will get to attend multiple upcoming events at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) in San Luis Obispo free of charge. In mid-October, the Foundation for the PAC announced that it received its first-ever grant from the Western States Arts Federation in support of the 2023-24 School Matinee Program. The multi-month season includes a handful of upcoming performances, which thousands of students grades K-12 and their teachers will be able to attend at no cost. Students and teachers based in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties are eligible to benefit from the School Matinee Program. Additional sponsors of the program include Bank of America San Luis Obispo Region, the California Arts Council, the Hoag Family Foundation, Mechanics Bank, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and other individual donors and business partners, according to press materials. “Live performances give children the opportunity to see professional artistry as they tap into their own creativity,” Greg Bland, president of Bank of America San Luis Obispo Region, said in press materials. “When children experience live arts events, they see the benefit of communities coming together to share in enjoyment. This is true for children and adults alike.” Info on the full list of event offerings to be held in conjunction with the School Matinee Program is available at pacslo.org. Upcoming shows in the lineup include North: The Musical, slated to run at the PAC in January 2024 as part of the production’s spring 2024 West Coast Tour. Created by musician, writer, and arts educator Ashli St. Armant, North: The Musical is set during the antebellum period and follows the journey of a Black teenager and his young mother who escape the Deep South by traveling north through the Underground Railroad. “This is such an important and impactful story, and we are looking forward to sharing it with the SLO community,” Andrea Castillo, the PAC’s outreach coordinator, said in press materials.

The ha in haunt

rumored to be his home. A plucky golf enthusiast named Trudy (Bianca Jeanette), however, isn’t afraid of playing the course in its entirety, despite warnings from others—including the play’s Gaston equivalent, Gerard (Samuel Quinzon), a vain villain who claims to have more golf trophies than Tiger Woods. Mirroring the dynamic between Gaston and Belle in Beauty in the Beast, Gerard lusts after Trudy without reciprocation, but her best friend, Minnie (Carley Herlihy), has the hots for him. I don’t remember Belle having a friend that Minnie could be parodying, but Gerard’s sidekick caddy, Felix (Kelly Brown), seems to be channeling LeFou. According to the show’s program, Trudy and the Beast marks the Melodrama debut for Jeanette, Herlihy, Brown, and Quinzon, who each offer eagle performances during both the main two-act event and the Monster Mash vaudeville program that follows. Parker, who inhabits his lagoon creature role swimmingly and delivers most of the show’s laughs, is among the Melodrama regulars who grace the stage as well, along with Meggie Siegrist and Toby Tropper. In the place of Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth, Siegrist and Tropper give us Mrs. Putts, an anthropomorphized golf bag, and Cartsworth, who has the upper torso of a man and the bottom torso of a

Great American Melodrama presents a double creature feature with Trudy and the Beast, Monster Mash BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

pooky season is in full swing at the Great American Melodrama, which has been transformed into a haunted golf course for its Halloween production. Unlike the classic fairy tale it’s clearly spoofing, Trudy and the Beast—onstage at the Melodrama through Nov. 11—opens with a prologue about a pro golfer (played by Cameron Parker), rather than a prince, who crosses paths with a supernatural entity. The PGA tour golfer is transformed into a halfman, half-fish monster, akin to Creature From the Black Lagoon, during the strange encounter, cleverly set at the Black Lake Golf Course in Nipomo. Part of the joy of seeing any show at the Melodrama is the virtual guarantee that you’ll hear some inside jokes poking fun at the Central Coast. They’re often intentionally cringey, but it’s hard not to giggle when the localized jabs make one or more audience member guffaw uncontrollably. Sometimes the most satisfying laughs are the contagious ones. Although sightings of the amphibious humanoid at the Black Lake Golf Course are dismissed as myth by locals, the urban legend still leads some golfers to skip the 13th hole, as it’s near the lagoon

GO BATTY: Toby Tropper plays a vampire who loves to count, not unlike Count von Count from Sesame Street, during the Melodrama’s Monster Mash vaudeville revue.

To beast or not to beast

The Great American Melodrama presents its production of Trudy and the Beast through Saturday, Nov. 11. The two-act show is followed by the Melodrama’s Monster Mash vaudeville revue. The theater is located at 1863 Front St., Oceano. Call (805) 4892499 or visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets and more info.

golf cart. These two stole the show every chance they got and left me wanting a spin-off solely centered on their misadventures. Like most shows at the Melodrama, Trudy and the Beast is full of song parodies, including spoofs of tracks from Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop of Horrors, The Sound of Music, and Grease. The Monster Mash vaudeville revue lampoons the lyrics of several songs as well, personalizing each to the perspectives of vampires, zombies, mummies, werewolves, and other creatures of the night. Speaking of werewolves, the Melodrama already has plans for its next Halloween production: Werewolf of Arroyo Grande, set to premiere in September 2024. Village locals and roosters alike, please beware the full moon. m Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood has bats in his belfry. Send tricks and treats to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN HOOVER

As of mid-October, about 2,000 local students already registered to attend the School Matinee Program performance of North: The Musical, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. According to the PAC’s website, student matinee reservation requests for all events included in the 2023-24 School Matinee Season have closed, but there is a waiting list available for those who would like to be notified if additional seats become available. For more details, call (805) 756-4849. The PAC is located at 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. m Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

ARE YOU MY MUMMY? Each performance of Trudy and the Beast is followed by the Great American Melodrama’s latest vaudeville production, the Monster Mash vaudeville revue, which includes hilarious antics from mummies and other Halloween staple characters.

18 • Sun • October 26 - November 2, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

GOLF GANG: The cast of Trudy and the Beast includes Samuel Quinzon, Carley Herlihy, Bianca Jeanette, and Kelly Brown (from left to right). Trudy and the Beast marks the debut Melodrama production for all four actors.

TICKETS ON SALE

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DIRECTED BY LAURA GONZALEZ AND DAN BULLARD

BOOK BY

Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin

MUSIC BY

Matthew Sklar

LYRICS BY

Chad Beguelin

Based on the New Line Cinema Film by David Berenbaum

TICKETS 805-922-8313 | PCPA.ORG GROUPS* 805-928-7731 x.4150

*12 OR MORE

Performances October 21st – 29th Fri & Sat 7:30pm · Sun 2pm