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Five Nights at Freddy’s is just creepy enough [20]

Close to home With the only substance abuse treatment center that caters to veterans on the Central Coast shuttered, LA is the nearest option [6]

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

NEWS

Exxon pulls pipeline project [4]

ARTS

Nature and humanity collide in solo show [18]

EATS

Lompoc’s Barn at Hilt Estate [21]

Contents

NOVEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 9, 2023 VOL. 24 NO. 36

L

egacy Village in Nipomo has catered its residential substance abuse treatment center to veterans since 2020, relying on referrals from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s the only such spot on the Central Coast. But starting this year, those referrals slowed to almost nothing due to VA policy requiring that vets who need mental health care get referred first to the department’s treatment center in Los Angeles. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor writes about what this means for local veterans and what one congressman is trying to do about it [6].

In addition, you can read about Exxon’s decision to terminate its oil pipeline project [4]; Jennifer Gunlock’s solo show at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery [18]; and the Barn at The Hilt Estate in Lompoc [21].

Camillia Lanham editor

DreamHome

YOUR

Cover photo courtesy of Dennis Farmer > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

AWA I TS

WESTERN VILL AGE SHOPPING CENTER

805-347-1121

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

Carpet & Floor

LIC. 668152

ARTS

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

MOVIES

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

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

WAITING FOR REFERRALS: This 12-bed, veterans-only substance abuse treatment center in Nipomo was forced to close after referrals from the Department of Veterans Affairs slowed down to a trickle.

Web Poll ....................................................................................10 Modern World ........................................................................10 Canary .........................................................................................11

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

EVENTS CALENDAR

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

000 SINCE 2

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ATTENTION all former SMJUHSD Special Education Students born 1997 and 1998!

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District

Special Education Child Find

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

If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department. Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria

Educación Especial Búsqueda de Estudiantes

El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD.Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

Your Local Pharmacy and Medical Equipment Supply Source.

Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education Santa Maria Joint Union High School District 2560 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-922-4573 ext. 4311

ATENCION estudiantes anteriores de SMJUHSD nacidos en 1997 y 1998!

Todos los registros de cualquier estudiante de Educación Especial que haya nacido dentro de 1997 -1998 y asistió a una escuela del Distrito Escolar de las escuelas preparatorias de Santa Maria, sus registros físicos de educación especial están disponibles para recoger sin cargo en la Oficina del Distrito.

Todos los registros del 1997 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2022 y registros del 1998 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2023 serán destruidos.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, o para programar una fecha/hora de recogida, comuníquense con: Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. de Educacion Especial Santa Maria Joint Union High School District 2560 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-922-4573 ext. 4311

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All records for any Special Education student that was born within 1997-1998 and attended a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school, your physical special education records are available for pick up at no charge from the District Office. All 1997 Records not picked up by June 1, 2022 and 1998 Records not picked up by June 1, 2023 will be destroyed.

We know you’ve got an opinion.

Everybody’s got one!

What do you think about ExxonMobil withdrawing its application to replace pipelines 901 and 903? m It’s frustrating! Environmentalists’ efforts haven’t paid off and Exxon’s trying to operate its old pipeline. m It’s expected. The Board of Supervisors should have approved the safety valves when it had the chance. m It’s fine. ExxonMobil owns the pipeline and can operate its equipment within state and federal law. m It’s bad news. I’m concerned about the future of our environment.

Enter your choice online at: SantaMariaSun.com

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News POLITICAL WATCH • U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) called on the Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan government agency, to complete an independent assessment of the successes and potential improvements available for the nation’s 211 public information system and the services it provides to families across the U.S., according to an Oct. 26 statement from the congressman’s office. “In recent years, 211 systems have played an increasingly significant role in disaster response and recovery. Many 211 systems have formal agreements with local or state governments to serve as an official communication tool during times of disaster such as hurricanes, floods, and fires. In response to mass shootings, 211s have been relied on as a central point of information in communities,” Carbajal wrote in his request to Government Accountability Office. “Although the 211 system is a free and confidential service provided by nonprofit organizations that may help people find the local resources they need, there can be benefits to evaluating its effectiveness.” Carbajal asked the Government Accountability Office to share any data on 211’s current usages and services provided to callers across all 50 states, as well as what training and tools are provided to the nonprofits that operate the 211 call centers. The congressman’s letter to Government Accountability Office also asks for its help in identifying potential improvements, efficiencies, and public awareness actions that could be used to connect more families with the service and the valuable information it can offer.

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) introduced the Child Labor Accountability Act of 2023 to provide the Department of Labor (DOL) additional time to investigate child labor violations and build its cases to combat these abuses, according to an Oct. 26 statement from Padilla’s office. The legislation would also ensure Congress receives a detailed annual report from the DOL on its work to investigate and enforce against violations of federal child labor laws. Over the last several years, there has been a significant surge in child labor violations, including migrant child labor exploitation. According to data from the DOL, there has been a 76 percent increase in reported child labor violations, from 542 in fiscal year 2015 to 955 in fiscal year 2023, and the reported number of minors illegally employed has doubled in the past two fiscal years.

“We must do everything in our power to crack down on companies illegally profiting off the exploitation of child labor—including of unaccompanied migrant children,” said Sen. Padilla. “That’s why I’m proud to join Sens. Rubio, Hickenlooper, and Marshall, working across the aisle to expand the window in which the Department of Labor can hold companies accountable for these unacceptable abuses and require more comprehensive annual reports for Congress on federal child labor law violations.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California is set to distribute $40.5 million in federal funding to build 270 electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers at 26 sites along highways, according to an Oct. 26 statement from Newsom’s office. Funded by President Joe Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the state is expected to receive more than $380 million to create 6,600 miles of EV corridors, with at least four fast chargers every 50 miles. This complements the more than $10 billion in state funding for zero-emission cars, trucks, buses, and infrastructure through California’s Climate Commitment. It follows the governor’s announcement that California surpassed both its zeroemission truck and vehicle sales goals two years ahead of schedule. “This is a direct result of President Biden’s infrastructure law. We’re using this money to deliver for Californians, building EV chargers throughout the state as we continue getting more clean cars onto our roads,” Newsom said in the statement. m

➤ Saving critical care [6]

November 2 - November 9, 2023

➤ Spotlight [8]

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Act now!

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

APPLICATION WITHDRAWN: ExxonMobil subsidiary Pacific Pipeline Company withdrew its application to replace pipelines 901 and 903, which caused the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill, and plans to use the existing infrastructure to resume operations.

ExxonMobil withdraws pipeline replacement application

After finding that the potential impacts associated with constructing a new pipeline were “unnecessary,” Pacific Pipeline were Company, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, withdrew its application to replace lines 901 and 903, Julie King, an ExxonMobil Corporation spokesperson told the Sun in an email.

“The company is focused on safely restarting the pipeline and is working with federal and state agencies to progress that process,” King said.

Pipelines 901 and 903 caused the 2015 Refugio oil spill that released 123,000 gallons of crude oil in the Pacific Ocean along the Gaviota Coast.

In a letter to the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department, Exxon Venture Manager Andrew Craig said that existing federal and state environmental reviews indicated that restarting the existing pipeline is “likely the least environmentally damaging practical alternative” under the Federal Clean Water Act. “Lastly, there is also a high degree of local permitting and business uncertainty created by recent actions that has impacted investment commitment as well as timing assurances to customers,” Craig said in his letter.

The replacement project was first submitted by former line owners Plains Pipeline L.P. in 2017, according to the county Planning and Development website. In 2022, the county began the environmental impact report process and later approved the ownership change to ExxonMobil.

In the meantime, ExxonMobil submitted several proposals to the county—including one to truck oil from its offshore facilities to refineries in Santa Maria and Kern County and another to install 16 new safety valves on the existing pipeline. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors denied ExxonMobil’s trucking proposal and couldn’t take action on the safety valves due to a tie vote.

“The county was not able to come to a decision on the safety valves, so Exxon could reply and try to change that vote, but the valves don’t prevent an oil spill,” said Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center (EDC). “You could potentially lockdown the pipeline and you could reduce the amount of oil in a spill … but you still are going to have a large spill if you are running oil on a damaged pipeline.”

Krop represented Get Oil Out! and the Santa Barbara County Action Network in opposing Exxon’s projects and works to halt oil operations in the county.

4 • Sun • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

“We’re concerned about any action that would allow Exxon to restart its offshore platforms; particularly we’re concerned about restarting the existing pipeline because the federal report after the spill showed how corroded the pipeline is,” Krop said.

According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration report, lines 901 and 903 spilled because external corrosion thinned the pipe wall to a level where it ruptured.

“Usually there’s one point puncture or a weld that malfunctions so you have a spill from one problem, one place on the pipeline, but in this case the entire pipeline is corroded because of the design and technology,” Krop said. “Even though there have been some repairs where the leak occurred, it’s our understanding that other parts of the pipeline have not been repaired.”

Now, ExxonMobil will work with the state fire marshal, the agency in charge of regulating oil pipelines, to figure out required repairs to the existing pipeline to make it operable. Krop said the EDC will be shifting its efforts and directing concerns to the state fire marshal.

“The fact that they have withdrawn a new pipeline application before they knew it was safe to operate the existing pipeline was a surprise to us,” she said. “EDC and our clients do not want to see the platforms restarted because of potential oil spills and climate change impacts and a host of other impacts.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Buellton approves grant funding for Fall Fest’s free concerts

A local organizer’s request for city funding on a battle of the bands contest and other music festivities in Buellton was met with success, but not without some resistance in regard to the vendor’s desired amount.

En Fuego Events applied for a $20,000 grant from the Buellton Arts and Culture Committee to combat costs of the concert lineup at the upcoming Fall Fest, a free family event scheduled to be held on Avenue of Flags, Nov. 10, 11, and 12.

The committee recommended that the Buellton City Council, which considered the request during its Oct. 26 meeting, slash the ask in half and grant the applicant $10,000.

“I would like everyone to take into consideration that this is a private event where the funding is not going back to the city, the funding is not being laid out by the city, nor are we getting any of the funding back,” Mayor David

King said at the hearing. “So, this is like funding somebody’s business and they take all the profit.

But I do think that we should at least give some funding to this.”

During deliberations, Councilmember Elysia Lewis pointed out that admission to the festival is free and the desired funds would specifically go toward bringing live music acts to perform in the event’s concert lineup, while food trucks, carnival rides, and other attractions on-site are noncomplimentary.

Councilmember David Silva asked staff if there was a way to determine if last year’s Fall Fest increased tourism or resulted in an uptick in Transient Occupancy Tax. “I don’t know that we’ve looked at that at this point,” City Manager Scott Wolfe said. “We should certainly look into that next year.”

According to the staff report, one of the Buellton Arts and Culture Committee’s reasons for not recommending the full $20,000 is because the committee discourages awarding grants to the same project in consecutive years, as En Fuego Events was awarded the same amount last year to fund the 2022 Fall Fest, which drew in about 17,000 guests.

However, the committee “felt that the impact of this particular grant was significant and that funding could be recommended this year as well,” according to the report, but advised that it should be reduced to $10,000.

“I want it to be successful. I think it’s a great thing for the valley,” Councilmember Hudson Hornick said of the annual Fall Fest. “I want to make sure that it’s something that continues, but I also want to be cognizant of the fact that this is taxpayer money that we’re, as our mayor said, just giving to a private institution.

“But if the Arts and Culture Committee, that was formed to debate things like this, thinks $10,000 is a fair give, I’ll make a motion to give $10,000,” added Hornick, whose motion was passed with a 5-0 vote.

—Caleb Wiseblood

SBCAN calls for infill instead of annexation in Santa Maria

The Santa Maria Planning Commission is recommending the City Council approve a land-use alternative during its Nov. 7 meeting that would include annexing 1,000 acres of agricultural land to be used for development in the city’s general plan, said Ken Hough, executive director for the Santa

NEWS continued page 5

News NEWS from page 4 Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN).

The city’s general plan is meant to determine the path for city growth in the next two to three decades and consider elements like housing, transportation, environmental justice and land use, he said.

“They are at a step right now where they are wanting to adopt a land-use alternative that would guide the rest of the development of the general plan,” Hough said.

The city’s consultants and staff presented alternatives to the Santa Maria Planning Commission on Sept. 6: one that focused on infill development within the city limits, one that focused on expanding to agricultural lands to the east and west of city limits, and a hybrid option.

“There’s a fourth, which I call the hybrid-plus option because it included the acres of annexation and 200 more acres between Pioneer Valley High School and the landfill for a total of 1,000 acres of ag land, and for SBCAN, that’s a major concern,” Hough said.

The land-use development options, and the Planning Commission’s recommendation for the “hybrid-plus” option, are scheduled to go before the City Council on Nov. 7. SBCAN and other organizations are calling community members to attend the meeting and support the infill development alternative instead, Hough said.

“Ag land is super important here; there’s 50,000 acres of ag land. It’s only 1,000 acres in this case, but [they’re] important acres. It’s why the community exists, because it’s such a fertile valley and the biggest part of our economy,” Hough said. “If you chip away at it, then what’s next?”

For the last 20 years, SBCAN has been working to protect agricultural land and has been involved in advocating against annexation projects, particularly in Lompoc where the Santa

Barbara Local Agency Formation Commission recently denied the city’s efforts to annex 148 acres of agricultural land.

“The negative impacts of expanding into farmland, it impacts greenhouse gas emissions, which impacts global warming and air quality with more miles driven and less walkability,” Hough said. “The infill alternative rates the highest for walkability, and the surveys the city did have the most support [for infill development].”

According to the Santa Maria General Plan report, 41 percent of survey respondents supported the infill alternative, followed by the hybrid options.

“The most important outcome was better walkability to destinations, followed by reduced traffic congestion,” the report stated.

“Additionally, almost 60 percent of the survey respondents either strongly or somewhat supported allowing more high-density buildings along Broadway and Main Street.”

The report added that the infill option could be challenging for schools, parks, and public facilities since there are “not a lot of viable sites for new facilities in the center of the city, where growth is expected,” and city department heads also generally favor annexation.

During the Planning Commission meeting, residents came in to voice support for annexation because they were concerned about needing more space for housing and schools. Hough said, however, the infill alternative has the greatest excess capacity for housing units and it aligns with Santa Maria’s revitalization plan to create a more pedestrian friendly city.

“We’re hoping that the City Council will study the staff report, the consultant report’s analytics because the Planning Commission, by and large, did not,” Hough said. “We don’t need to annex in order to meet the market demand.” m —Taylor O’Connor

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www.santamariasun.com • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • Sun • 5

News

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNIS FARMER

Saving critical care

With the only local substance abuse treatment facility for veterans closed, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal advocates for a VA policy change

Act now!

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

HELPING RECOVERY: Legacy Village is a substance use disorder treatment facility that provides care for veterans on the Central Coast and inland into Kern County. Its 12-bed facility sits on a 26-acre ranch and has helped many veterans in their recovery journey, but it had to close due to of a lack of referrals.

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

A

lcohol slowly progressed into a necessity for Samantha Bloomer, she said.

“My sister died in June 2021 from the same disease, and that still—even in my head I didn’t want to drink—but that compulsion and the obsessive behavior continued with it, and I drank to avoid the pain,” Bloomer said.

The Orcutt native spent 10 years in the U.S. Army and is a combat veteran who was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I just felt like a robot. I felt numb, or I felt stressed and anxious and I wanted to feel numb, and it helped my drinking develop,” she said.

In 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) got her a spot in a treatment facility in Vista del Mar, where she was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Her sobriety didn’t last, and she went to another treatment center in Malibu twice with similar results. In August 2022, she went to Legacy Village—a 12-bed substance use disorder treatment facility in Nipomo that’s exclusively for veterans.

“The group therapy was intimate, counselors were attentive and always available to speak with,” Bloomer said. “I was always challenged with homework to write essays or write in a journal, and the main thing they did for me is they always told me I had potential.”

The private facility relies on VA referrals as one of its community care providers. The health care network was set up through the 2018 Mission Act to help veterans stay in their communities when they need health care. Because of how VA

policy is written, the VA prioritized care to its mental health and treatment facility in West Los Angeles, stopping referrals to Legacy Village, and ultimately forcing the provider to shut its doors in October.

Bloomer and Legacy Village employees are now concerned for the safety of veterans seeking care without nearby access and having to face long wait times at the West Los Angeles treatment center.

“It was just devastating to know that future individuals suffering from addiction aren’t going to have a place to go that’s local and provides excellent services,” Bloomer said. “The foundation I built there and crafted instilled this strength to continue this journey into sobriety.”

Bloomer spent 111 days at the ranch, where the Legacy Village Team provided her with “all the tools necessary to maintain and sustain my sobriety,” she said. Being with other veterans made it easier for Bloomer to talk about her time overseas because they had shared experiences, she added.

“With some of that stuff it’s tough to talk with our families about. I’ve been to Iraq and Afghanistan and I never talked about it,” Bloomer said. “There, when we had down time we would talk about it, and that was stuff I wouldn’t even tell my psychologist about.”

Bloomer is now nine months sober, and Legacy Village helped her apply for the VA financial aid program. At Allan Hancock College, she’s workng toward receiving her associate degree in human services, addiction studies, and an associate degree in psychology in 2025 with the

hopes of becoming an addiction counselor to help others.

“They motivated me to challenge myself to do that. I’m a 4.0 student; it’s just amazing to see where I came from,” Bloomer said.

Dennis Farmer opened Legacy Village in 2015 in Kern County, where it served as a drug and alcohol treatment center for the general public until 2019, when he narrowed his focus to just veterans, the founder of Legacy Village told the Sun. “We found it to be extremely effective by focusing on one demographic,” Farmer said. “Post 9/11 veterans are not going to break down or open up in a setting they are in with the general public.

They have that shared experience and it allows the barriers to come down where you can really start getting some work done.”

In 2020, Legacy Village moved to its 26-acre Nipomo Ranch and opened the 12-bed facility.

Ten to 12 people would come in for residential treatment for 45 days or more depending on the severity of the diagnosis, and the staff would use a curriculum developed by Legacy Village that was specific to veterans.

“Last year, 62 percent of our veterans stayed sober at the one year mark. The national average is two out of 10—20 percent,” he said.

In April 2023, Farmer noticed a decline in referrals while the Legacy Village team was still getting calls from people up and down the Central Coast. The VA later told him that it was prioritizing care at the West Los Angeles Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Program—also known as the Domiciliary—and if the VA wasn’t able to give care at that location

Wake Up with Make Up

within 30 days, the patient would be sent to a community care provider.

“Even if they tout this [30]-day wait time, what do [they] expect those veterans to do in the meantime? How many of these guys didn’t make the second appointment or didn’t complete the screening? Those numbers are not tracked, they are simply falling off the radar,” he said.

As referrals dropped, Farmer said he drained his personal savings to continue leasing the place and paying his employees, but the costs climbed rapidly, and Legacy was barely making enough to cover basic overhead with two clients.

“When our last graduate finished and we were empty, it was decision time, because not only did I not have enough to put back into it, but was it a good idea to put more into it—especially since we haven’t heard back from the VA,” Farmer said.

Part of the Mission Act requires the VA to create new access standards for the community care program every three years, according to a letter that U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) sent to VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

The current standards allow veterans to receive community care if their drive time or wait time at their regional VA medical center exceeds 30 minutes, the letter stated.

“Unfortunately, residential SUD [substance use disorder] treatment was excluded from the designated access standards. This has created a massive barrier to getting veterans treatment for SUD who do not live next door to a VA Domiciliary,” Carbajal said in his letter.

Carbajal requested that the VA use its “existing authority” to establish drive time standards for residential substance use disorder treatment and ensure that existing wait time standards are applied when veterans are referred to other community providers.

“It is critical we make it easier for veterans to access SUD treatment, including at residential centers,” he said.

In early November, officials from Carbajal’s office plan to meet with VA Greater Los Angeles’ leadership team in SLO to discuss the policy as well as other related issues, a spokesperson from Carbajal’s office told the Sun. “The congressman, while unable to be there in person now due to a change in House’s voting schedule, is hoping there can be a productive discussion about the steps necessary to preserve every possible care option in San Luis Obispo County for those suffering from substance abuse,” the spokesperson said via email.

Wallace Bonner, a VA Greater Los Angeles public affairs specialist, told the Sun in an email that the VA meets with stakeholders in all the communities it serves to discuss how “we can improve the delivery of the high quality, accessible care veterans have earned and deserve,” and they look forward to continuing the discussion with local leaders. m Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@ santamariasun.com.

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www.santamariasun.com • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • Sun • 7

News

SPOTLIGHT

Helping hand SKYVIEW ESTATES

Mitch Torina shares his priorities and goals as interim principal for Santa Ynez Valley Union High School PHOTO COURTESY OF MITCH TORINA

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SUPPORT SYSTEM: Mitch Torina stepped in to provide support for the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District during the search for a permanent replacement, after Principal Michael Niehoff resigned last spring.

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ive years after retiring from the Santa Barbara Unified School District, Mitch Torina got a call from the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District asking for a few extra hands on campus, he recalled.

During the turmoil the school district faced last spring semester, the district superintendent reached out to local administrators for administrative support, Torina said. He came to the Santa Ynez high school campus two days a week for four to five weeks to help support the administrators.

“After [Principal] Niehoff resigned, they hadn’t expected to need a new principal. They hired a search firm for the principal, and I happen to know some of the people in the search firm,” Torina said. “As they got closer to the school year and after a round or two of interviews, they hadn’t found anyone fitting the need at the time so they asked me to fill in as an interim.”

Because Torina was familiar with the administration, students, and staff, the district thought having him in an interim position until December would be a better transition than not having a principal at all, which Torina said was a “smart move.”

Highlight “I decided [to] support Santa Ynez and MUSIC students in the valley; I could do that without • Old Navy, a part of the Gap Inc. brands, will too much strain on me since I’m already be opening a new store in the Lompoc Center on FLAVOR/EATS retired,” he said. “The only structure limitation Oct. 28. According to press materials, Old Navy is because I receive a pension from CALSTRS believes in the “democracy of style,” and values [the California State Teachers’ Retirement inclusivity, opportunities for youth, and a future INFO System].” that’s sustainable for its customers, employees, Since he’s already retired, Torina said he and communities through its Imagine Mission. couldn’t make more than a certain amount, CALENDARgrowth strategy, Old Navy As part of the brand’s otherwise he’d get penalized, and if he stayed on is focused on opening new stores in smaller for the whole year he would have to come out of markets to reach new customers who have had retirement.

OPINION the opportunity to shop the brand online but “I am actually really enjoying retirement, and haven’t had access to a local store. Last year, Old I didn’t want to do that,” he added.

Navy opened 25 new company-owned store NEWS While he’s visited student organizations locations (mostly in smaller and engages with students markets), with 21 new stores occasionally, Torina said that STROKES planned in 2023. m it’s not his main focus as an interim principal. Instead, Send business and Reach Staff Writer Taylor with two new vice principals nonprofit information to ARTS O’Connor at toconnor@ at the school site, part of spotlight@santamariasun.com. santamariasun.com.

Torina’s focus to help the new

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8 • Sun • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

administrators shift into their roles and provide support and stabilization, he said.

“Principals coming in to do the work, they have a vision where they want to move a school.

I think the best administration comes in with, ‘Let’s see what’s here and then look at where we want to go,’” Torina said. “For me, there is no next step. … My job isn’t to make changes but exposing certain systems that are here and making them transparent.”

Although he was enjoying retirement, Torina said it wasn’t hard for him to come back to the education system. He’s been around high school students for his entire professional career, and the format and structures of the schools are similar.

“Because we are the only high school in the area, we have a lot of feeder schools, but they are separate districts. That’s different [from] Santa Barbara Unified where it’s all under one district, the schools can have vertical alignment K through 12,” he said. “Here, every district runs their district a little differently, and we get them all here as a high school and it really is trying to create our vision and mission statement of: What do we want a student to become with us in their four years with us?”

Community members and local organizations bringing their political views into the education setting makes it more difficult for the administrators, teachers, and staff to educate the students and prepare them for the next steps in their lives, he said.

“Obviously, we want to support and engage with the community, but any time it takes away from educating our students, for me it just becomes noise,” Torina said. “Of course there’s issues everywhere, but how do we solve them? I don’t mind people bringing up issues, but come up with some solutions.”

In the future for Santa Ynez and high schools in general, Torina said he hopes to see administrators take into account the technology that’s available and the different aspects of student mental health and wellness to improve the student experience.

Although Torina will be out of the position come December, he said he saved a few days from the fall semester so he could come back to help with leadership development, he added.

“It’s very important work, current work, and a shifting of education,” he said. “We have to be in partnership so all students are included, valued, and that they can be successful for whatever they want to go into and at high school we can prepare them for what the world has to offer.”

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Opinion ONLINE POLL

What do you think about the Santa Ynez high school district’s search for a new principal?

64% The school needs someone who will put the students’ interests first.

18% It’s worth the wait to find a qualified person for the position.

18% No opinion—I don’t have kids at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

0% It’s been too long—it must be tough for students who’ve had multiple principals.

11 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.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [11]

One cow pie at a time The climate keeps changing no matter how many billions of dollars we spend on stopping it

BY RON FINK

methane, the state offered incentives; but it appears that is about to change. As time went hanging “climate change” that’s been on, the state political/environmental elitists around for the last 4 billion years is a tough were convinced that wind/solar power was a job, but in California, which has only been better choice. around for 173 years, our politicians think they CalMatters now reports that “the California have the answer.

There have been many misfires along the road Air Resources Board is planning to overhaul its fuel standard, including consideration of a to saving the Earth. First it was to stop drilling 2040 phaseout of credits that put a premium for oil and convert to all renewable electric on using methane emitted by cows to produce production with total reliance on wind/solar natural gas. About half of the state’s methane power, and then there was an all-out reliance on emissions come from dairy and livestock, so cow pies as the end-all cure. We were told it was collecting the gases wafting off of manure the “cumulative impact of these programs” that keeps them out of the atmosphere and offers a would do the trick. renewable source of fuel.”

Well, as near as I can tell the climate is still When credits stop, the most likely result is changing after billions have been spent trying to that methane recovery operations will also stop alter a natural phenomenon. because they are very expensive to run. But never Lompocrecord.com recently published a mind; according to CalMatters one Redondo report by CalMatters that led off with, “As Beach Democrat has the answer—SB 709, which California seeks to lead the nation on battling is designed to allow more meetings to “discuss climate change, perhaps no debate is more the issue.” There, talking about it will fix it. fraught than the one over climate credits for Now, consider the difference between oil/ cow poop.” gas drilling and production versus solar and The theory was that collecting methane from wind power. The infrastructure to support oil/ the natural breakdown of cow pies at large dairy gas operations has existed for more than 100 and feed lot operations would offset the need years. Oil/gas can still be sucked out of the Earth for natural gas, which was derived from fossil without adding any new sites. And even if new fuels. Of course, both the cow pies and natural sites are needed, they won’t be those you see in gas come from the same source—naturally old videos withMUSIC surface ponds of gooey oil. processed vegetation.

Meanwhile the installation of solar/wind Natural gas from oil fields just takes production facilities requires the alteration thousands of years longer to produce. The U.S. FLAVOR/EATS of tens of thousands of acres of once pristine Energy Information Administration reports landscape to install windmills and solar panels, that “millions to hundreds of millions of years plus the addedINFO transformer and battery storage ago, the remains of plants and animals (such as sites to collect and store the energy produced. diatoms) built up in thick layers on the Earth’s surface and ocean floors, sometimes mixed with Add to that the damage to the environment caused by mining enough raw materials to sand, silt, and calcium carbonate. Pressure and CALENDAR create the panels, wiring, heat changed some of this transmission line towers, and carbon and hydrogen-rich OPINION battery banks. material into coal, some into When I talked recently to oil (petroleum), and some into Send us your someone very familiar with natural gas.” views and opinion to NEWS what it might take to upgrade To convince farmers to letters@santamariasun.com. local electrical distribution support the collection of

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STROKES

ARTS

systems to handle the electrification of personal, fleet, and government vehicles he said as an example: “Today we require one transformer for every eight houses; if everyone has an electric vehicle, it will take two transformers plus the additional supply of electricity to power the same number of homes.”

He hasn’t dug too deeply into what it would take to power fleet parking for the city yard, post offices, UPS, FedEx or freight truck terminals. I am guessing it will be in the billions of dollars for California electric utility rate payers—that’s you and me.

So, is it wise to try and change something that’s been around for the last 4 billion years? Only if you are a politician or someone who doesn’t think beyond a sound bite. m Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.

LETTERS A political party problem

The American people have a political party problem. We the people can still have a functioning government if we simply follow the advice of our first president. In his farewell address to the nation, President George Washington warned against becoming involved in foreign entanglements.

We have clearly failed as a nation to heed this sage advice, and as a consequence our standing in the world has reached an unseemly level of hypocrisy.

More to the point though, he also warned us against organizing the government through participation in political parties because there is a tendency to place loyalty to the party ahead of loyalty to the nation.

Now in the third decade of the 21st century, we see how this political party problem has paralyzed our government and prevented it from functioning in the manner that our founders intended. The American people can resolve this political party dilemma by simply having everyone reregister to vote as an Independent!

Guy McCullough Lompoc

War is not a solution

It’s time someone speaks out and puts the carnage happening in the Middle East in perspective. First, war is not a solution, never has been, never will be. It may end conflict, but it doesn’t resolve conflict. The “war to end all wars” didn’t do so. We stopped the carnage of the Jews but inflicted it upon the Japanese. Korea split a country, and now half is one of the biggest threats to our democracy. Vietnam was based on a lie, as was Iraq.

Millions of innocent people have died, have been slaughtered, because man can’t get along, is aggressive, and chooses violence over diplomacy—and when I say man, I do mean the gender. Not going back to Roman times, the male half of the species has perpetrated these wars, and the ones in Russia and the Middle East are no exceptions, nor were the ones during the western expansion. Manifest destiny was religion-based, and we wiped out the Indigenous people to such an extent they could no longer effectively object to our occupation. This is what Netanyahu appears to be doing.

Now before you get your knickers in a twist, the attack by Hamas was unconscionable, and they must be held accountable, but slaughtering the innocent Palestinians is not the answer.

This must be stopped. Man and politics are controlling the destiny of our world, and we’re losing. Where are the women when needed? Oh yeah, they’re being raped and murdered.

Patrick McGibney Los Osos

10 • Sun • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

Pipeline pickle

W

ho’s happy that ExxonMobil pulled the plug on plans to replace its aging oil pipelines?

I can tell you who!

The Environmental Defense Center (EDC), for one, and lots of other nonprofit organizations dedicated to Get Oil Out. Exxon, aka Pacific Pipeline, no longer has plans to put brand new oil pipelines in where lines 901 and 903 still lie. These are the infamous pipelines that helped spill thousands of gallons of crude oil along the Gaviota Coast in 2015.

However, pulling the plug on the plan doesn’t mean there won’t soon be oil swirling through those currently empty pipes.

The pipelines are so badly corroded from the outside that the they ruptured, and Exxon now plans to give them a facelift before asking for the OK to turn the oil back on!

“The company is focused on safely restarting the pipeline and is working with federal and state agencies to progress that process,” Exxon spokesperson Julie King told the Sun. What’s missing from that statement? The county. Santa Barbara County is missing from that statement. Will the county get to have a say in whether the faucet gets turned back on?

Probably not. Exxon is sick of this county’s shenanigans and moving on to more businessfriendly waters thanks to the pushback against its trucking proposal, which was designed to get the oil flowing again; the pushback against a proposal to put technologically advanced safety valves in the pipelines as required by state law, which the county was unable to come to consensus on; and the pushback against the proposal to completely replace the pipelines, which hadn’t really started

moving through the permitting process yet.

Whew! I got tired just writing that.

Exxon Venture Manager Andrew Craig wrote a letter to the county, informing it about pulling the pipeline replacement project, calling a simple restart “likely the least environmentally damaging practical alternative.” The word “practical” seems to be the vocabulary to pay attention to.

“There is also a high degree of local permitting and business uncertainty created by recent actions that has impacted investment commitment as well as timing assurances to customers,” Craig wrote.

As in, it’s not practical for Exxon to continue trying to work in good faith with the county. Better to go above it, to another level of government that might be more amenable to its goals. Slow clap for the oil resisters.

“You still are going to have a large spill if you are running oil on a damaged pipeline,” Linda Krop with the EDC said of the fancy valves Exxon wanted.

No kidding! But at least you could shut the pipeline down. Seems like that would have made the most sense, since the new route we seem to be running down doesn’t have new valves nor does it have a new pipeline.

As Exxon is working with the state fire marshal to figure out what it needs to do to flip the oil spigot back on, the EDC is shifting its laser-focused efforts and directing concerns to an agency that it arguably has less influence over than the elected members of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors—who now have zero land use authority or say over what happens next.

It seems as if we’ve gotten ourselves into quite the pickle. m The Canary likes briny pickles, not oily ones. Send some to canary@santamariasun.com.

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Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: NOVEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 12, 2023

IN A LAND PAR, PAR AWAY

Bianca Jeanette stars as avid golfer Trudy in the Great American Melodrama’s production of Trudy and the Beast, which runs through Saturday, Nov. 11. This musical parody, described as a spoof of Beauty and the Beast and Creature from the Black Lagoon, is set at the Black Lake Golf Course in Nipomo.

Visit americanmelodrama.com for more info. The Great American Melodrama is located at 1863 Front St., Oceano.

—Caleb Wiseblood

COURTESY PHOTO BY JENNIFER ZORNOW

ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

CASUAL CRAFTERNOON: FELT BIRD BOOKMARKS Never lose your place while reading again. Come and learn how to create adorable felt bird bookmarks. This workshop is free; registration is required.

Patrons 18 and older. Nov. 7, 12-2 p.m. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CRAFTWORKS: SEASONAL CENTERPIECES Spend the afternoon transforming mason jars into colorful centerpieces with bushels of forever (faux) foliage, handfuls of ribbon, and much more. This workshop is free; registration is required. Patrons 18 and older. Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-noon Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. 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/.

ELF: THE MUSICAL Based on the classic comedy film, adapted for the stage with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Nov. 9-Dec. 23 pcpa.org. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., 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.

RADIUM GIRLS: READERS THEATRE Based on the harrowing true story of female factory workers in the early 20th century, this ensemble piece explores their struggle for justice against a corporation that knowingly put their lives at risk. Nov. 10-18 my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB Group covers a different book each month.

Registration required. Second Saturday of every month, 2 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/city-government/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

WIT: READERS THEATRE Written by Margaret Edson, this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is a profound exploration of life, death, and the human condition. Nov. 11-19

my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., 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.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Presented by Coastal Youth Theater. 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.

SHREK THE MUSICAL St. Joseph High School presents this musical about everyone’s favorite ogre. Nov. 10 and Nov. 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $20. 805-4899444. clarkcenter.org/shows/shrek-themusical/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL An exciting

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 • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

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

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. 559-250-3081. 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.

INDEX Arts.......................................12 Culture & Lifestyle ...........14 Food & Drink ......................16 Music ...................................16

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.

DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE An incessantly ringing cell phone, dead man in a café, and bowl of lobster bisque send a lonely woman on a surreal journey. Sarah Ruhl’s comedy investigates isolation as Jean’s inner compulsions lead her toward love and connection in a technology-dependent society. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8-10 p.m. and Nov. 5, 2-4 p.m. through Nov. 11 $25 general admission. 805-756-4849. theatredance. calpoly.edu/dead-mans-cell-phone.

Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

DIVAS DE LOS MUERTOS DRAG PARTY Prepare to be mesmerized by host Angel D’Mon, who will guide you through an unforgettable evening of jaw-dropping performances by some Central Coastbased drag performers. Nov. 3, 8 p.m. my805tix.com/. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, 805 242-8372.

THE FACULTY SHOW ‘23 A testament to the diverse and collective brilliance of the Cuesta College Fine Arts faculty through a variety of media. A portion of all sales help fund the Fine Arts Access Scholarship, making an arts education more affordable for the next generation of artists. MondaysFridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 8 Free. 805-546-3202. cuesta.edu/student/ campuslife/artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours.

Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s

current exhibitions. ongoing, 11-11:30 a.m.

Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/visit/ tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRO TO OIL PAINTING WITH SPENCER COLLINS The perfect class for those wanting to try oil painting for the first time. Guests discuss color theory, layering paint, and how to use various media. For ages 16 and over. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30 per class or $100 for 4 classes. 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.

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.

LEARN TO RESIST: AUTUMN BIRCH TREES WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this three-hour watercolor workshop, you’ll receive step by step instruction for creating a fall landscape with birch trees.

Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. Nov. 5, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $40.

805-478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey 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.

ARTS continued page 13

Hot Stuff

NOVEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 12, 2023

ARTS from page 12 LESLIE SUTCLIFFE This installation consists of 96 panels, any number of which can be assembled and reassembled in a multitude of ways.

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

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

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.

PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. 805-541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS This series is a great intro to the pottery wheel. Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate, and glaze.

Clay and firing included with admission.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $180. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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. Nov. 10, 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 Thursday, 5-7 p.m. through Dec. 31 $20 per session; or $60 for a month pass. 805747-4200. instagram.com/slodrawz/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors.

To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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

FINE ART FELTING BY DEBBIE GEDAYLOO Debbie Gedayloo’s textured paper, fabric, and fiber art, from soft felted bowls to detailed landscapes and abstracts, brings a gentle hand-crafted essence to your home. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY LINDQUIST

GONG TILL NOVEMBER

The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club presents its next dance concert, Dancin’, with the Riptide Big Band at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Admission to the event is free thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of SLO County.

Visit riptidebb.com for more info. The Elwin Mussell Senior Center is located at 510 E. Park Ave., Santa Maria.

—C.W. FINE ART PAINTINGS BY SPANKY ANDERSON In Spanky Anderson’s own words: “My peripheral vision of the central coast sunrises and sunsets dictate the color palette and brushstrokes onto my canvas.” Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 29 Free.

805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP SHOW: WINDWARD TIDES Experience the beauty of the California coast through stunning landscape photography. Artists

Karen Peterson, Greg Siragusa, Cathy Russ, Dominic Hartman, and Grant Kreinberg capture the ever-changing moods and breathtaking vistas of this iconic coastal paradise. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer.

No experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805-772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. METAL ART BY TRUDI GILLIAM Gilliam creates her sculptures using copper, brass, nickel/silver, and found objects.

This new series of whales and birds uses copper and sea glass. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

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 beginner.

Everything is provided to complete the project. Preregistration required.

Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. Various. 805-286-5993. creativemetime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. MOSAIC TRIVET WORKSHOP During this workshop, you will learn how to design and create a mosaic trivet. You will learn how to select materials, lay out a pleasing pattern, and adhere the tiles to the trivet base. You will learn how to properly grout and seal your project. ongoing, 1-4 p.m. $60. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay. org/index.php/workshops/. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. SECOND SATURDAYS Come by and see the Featured Artists Shows, find gifts for your loved ones, surprises for yourself, and meet the artists featured in the incredible gallery. Second Saturday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. WINE GLASS PAINTING Instructor will guide you through the process of painting two wine glasses during this fun and easy event that’s perfect for all skill levels. Freehand your design or use wine or oceanthemed stencils for easy designs. Bake at home to cure. Preregistration required.

Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-noon $30. 805-286-5993. creativemetime.com. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

HOT STUFF continued page 14

cal poly mustangs MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL & WRESTLING

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www.santamariasun.com • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • Sun • 13

Hot Stuff

NOVEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 12, 2023

HOT STUFF from page 13

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

Santa Maria, Citywide, Santa Maria.

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

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

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

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free.

805-934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

FAMILY CRAFT TIME Families, get creative with an afternoon of arts and crafts. Try out a new medium, make something amazing together, and take home a piece of art.

All skillsets are welcome. Nov. 7, 4 p.m.

805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

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

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

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

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

LEGO CLUB Stop by the library for an afternoon of Lego madness. Meet with other Lego fans, build together, or build your own creation. Nov. 8, 4 p.m. 805-9250994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

LET’S BLOW OFF SOME STEAM Curious preschoolers, come to a special story time filled with exploration and discovery.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math themes will be explored through stories and discovered through hands-on activities. Come dressed for mess. For ages 3-5. Nov. 9, 4 p.m. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

LIBRARY 101: LIBRARY DATABASES AND RESOURCES This workshop is for anyone who wants to learn about the wealth of knowledge which can be accessed with a library card. Follow along as we explore a new Library Resource each session.

Patrons 18 and older. Nov. 8, 5-6 p.m. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

OPEN HOUSE AND WW2 EXHIBIT Join for the following activities: a WW2 Veterans Exhibit, fine porcelain place settings fundraiser, and light refreshments. Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805-922-3130. santamariahistory.com. Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum, 616 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

CHRIS PERONDI’S STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE Famed trainer and his cast of rescue dogs entertain audiences of with high-energy excitement from beginning

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUANITA IRIARTE

TRUNK ZONE

This year’s San Luis Obispo Arbor Day Celebration will be held at French Park in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. The free event will include a tree planting ceremony, vendor booths, art displays, and more. Visit slocity.org/trees to find out more about San Luis Obispo Arbor Day. French Park is located at 1040 Fuller Road, San Luis Obispo.

—C.W. to end. Nov. 11, 5-7 p.m. Prices vary. 805686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/showdetails/stunt-dog-experience. Theaterfest Solvang, 420 2nd St, Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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

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

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

ORCUTT

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological.

Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. 805-547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS Tours will give you a glimpse into the lives of Lighthouse Keepers and their families, while helping keep our jewel of the Central

Coast preserved and protected. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/.

Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ADOPT A KITTEN EVENT The Feline Network has many cats and kittens

Can I crash on your couch for awhile?

Ask us about our Foster Program

available for adoption Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. felinenetwork.org. PetSmart, 1530 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo.

ADULT AERIAL SILKS Adults can join for four weeks of climbs, wraps, stretches, drops, and flying fun in an instructed class that moves at your own pace. Perfect for all levels. For ages 18 and over. Thursdays, 6:15-7:15 p.m. through Nov. 30 $60. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/more.

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

AGILITY CLINIC Agility (aka parkour) offers a path to social confidence and physical fitness. No experience is necessary, so come transform from timid to triumphant and flip with flair at this Agility Clinic. For ages 5-17.

Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; $10 per additional sibling. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BECOME A SENIOR PEER COUNSELOR Are you a senior interested in helping other seniors? This group is in need of counselors to provide support for older adults who are experiencing a variety of issues like grief, loneliness, and caregiver issues. Free training is online and offered at your own pace. First Monday of every month. through Dec. 4 Free. 805-5477025. wilshirecommunityservices.org.

Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information.

Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. 559-905-9274. theartofsilence.net.

Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

Adoptable Pets of the Week

King Triton

FOSTER • SPONSOR • VOLUNTEER • DONATE

PROVIDING FUEL & SERVICE TO ORCUTT FOR OVER 60 YEARS

Age: 5 years,

Anyone can help!

8 months

Breed: Shepherd Sex: Male Weight: 101 lbs.

Campus: Santa

SMOG CHECKS PASS OR DON’T PAY

Barbara

Bear

Old & New Vehicles

Age: 7 years,

DRIVE-UPS WELCOME

CJ

OIL CHANGES ASK FOR DETAILS

1000 OFF

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49

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Regular Price $59.00 Appointments 805-937-5340

Plus $8.25 Certificate + $1.50 Transfer fee +$1.00 OPUS fee. ’95 & Older $99.00 / ’96-’99 $89.00.

Vans & Motorhomes $99.00 Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/23

805-937-5340 100 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt

WWW.ORCUTT76.COM 14 • Sun • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

6 months

Breed: Domestic

Longhair

I’m looking forward to my forever home One with a happy tone I am a senior to be sure But your loneliness I can cure.

We can be friends and live together My desires are few - light as a feather I would love to be your friend Wonderful times we will spend I am CJ and I am looking for YOU.

Sex: Male Weight: 20 lbs.

Campus: Santa Barbara

All animals are health checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

1687 West Stowell Road (Santa Maria)

(805) 964-4777 • sbhumane.org PO Box 2952, Orcutt, CA 93457

Email: centralcoastSPCA@yahoo.com

centralcoastspca.org

Adoption Center Hours are:

Monday-Thursday: by appointment only AD PROVIDED BY

(805) 937-1766

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Unity in the Community Concert Series: Sound Investment

SLO Brew Rock, Aerovista Place, SLO

South Bay Community Center, Los Osos

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Central Coast Comedy Theater: Improv Comedy Show

Central Coast Economic Forecast

Divas de los Muertos Drag Party

SLO Botanical Garden, El Chorro Park, SLO

Be Hoppy Tours: Friday Hoppy Hour • FRIDAYS 11/3–1/26 Sip of SLO SATURDAYS 11/4 –1/27

Christmas at the Ranch

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

11th Annual Ventura County Farm Day Presented by SEEAG

CQ Improv Comedy Workshop

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 9, 16, 30 SLO Wine & Beer Co., SLO

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Bang the Drum Brewery, SLO

Mo Betta Jazz at the Cafe

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

Symphony of the Vines: Fantaisie Française SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Cass Winery, Paso Robles

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 SeaVenture Hotel, Pismo Beach

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

Paso Robles Youth Arts Center: A Night in the Museum

Radium Girls - Readers Theatre

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Paso Robles Youth Arts Center

SLO Blues Society: The Nick Moss Band

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 SLO Veterans Memorial Building

ONLY 3 SHOWS! FRI, NOV. 10, SUN, NOV. 12 & SAT, NOV. 18 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

An Evening with Fleetwood Dreams

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Good Medicine Presents: Moonshiner Collective

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Club Car Bar, Templeton Mercantile

5th Annual Bash Cancer Fest

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 South Bay Community Center, Los Osos

Wit - Readers Theatre

One Night with Elvis (Elvis Impersonator)

SLO County Jazz Federation: The Marcus Shelby Quintet

Orchestra Novo: Co-Creation Project VI

Solo Aging - How to Cope and Help Others - Who to Trust

By the Sea Productions: A Rainbow Holiday

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Linnaea’s Cafe, SLO

ONLY 3 SHOWS! SAT, NOV. 11, FRI, NOV. 17 & SUN, NOV. 19 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 United Methodist Church, SLO

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

Tours begin & end at The Hub, SLO

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Multiple locations, Ventura County

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Central Coast Comedy Theater, SLO

Chakra Meditation on the Beach

Oceanfront Sunset Winemaker’s Dinner

Shamanic Morning Rituals for Vitality

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Harold J. Miossi CPAC, Cuesta College

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Hilton Garden Inn, Pismo Beach

SELL TICKETS WITH US! It’s free! Contact us for more info: Live Music, Trivia, Karaoke, and more!

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

FRI, SAT, SUN, NOV 17–DEC 3 545 Shast Avenue, Morro Bay

Scan QR code with camera to sign up for the weekly Ticket Wire newsletter and get all the latest events each Wednesday

ONGOING EVENTS

ONGOING EVENTS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Nature Nights

VARIOUS DATES & TIMES FRI, NOV. 17 THRU SUN, DEC. 31

&

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

15th Annual New Times Music Awards Presentation & Showcase

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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

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Hot Stuff

NOVEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 12, 2023 PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE GALE-HAZARD

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 14

virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime. website for full list of weekly Zoom groups toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental for Zoom ID. SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that Obispo, 805-270-3346. get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to CENTRAL COAST ECONOMIC FORECAST enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, Enjoy networking opportunities, coffee, and dignity, and independence of retirement. more. Details and tickets available online. Nov. 3, 7:30-11:30 a.m. my805tix.com/. Madonna Expo Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. through Nov. 25 $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

Inn, 100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST ROLLER DERBY: LAST SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA EVENT OF THE SEASON Proceeds benefit the SLO Noor Foundation. Kids under 13 and military GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship get in free. Nov. 4, 5-8:30 p.m. $10 in advance; of folks from all walks of life who together, $15 at the door. CentralCoastRollerDerby.com. attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for San Luis Obispo Skate Park, 1050 Oak St., membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email San Luis Obispo. aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access.

COFFEE CHAT SLO Join this chat about the Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. nonprofit Smart Share Housing Solutions’ three Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. programs: HomeShareSLO, ADU SLO, and CoLiving Collaborative. This coffee chat will be the TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP last chance to tour the cute tiny demo home for Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards the year. Nov. 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-215wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m.

5474. smartsharehousingsolutions.org/events/.

805-540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

ESTABLISHING A SMALL FAMILY FARM Come TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN to Rancho Monarca in Nipomo and learn how CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a to make your dream of owning a farm a reality. rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Students will learn to interpret zoning for a Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing piece of land and how to create a masterplan with visitors. Please RSVP. Second Sunday of for the property. Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $50. 628every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are 888-4012. cuesta.edu/communityprograms/ free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn ranch-education/index.html. Cuesta College Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, Ranch Education Program, 3535 Education (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

Drive, San Luis Obispo.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing FALL PLANT SALE The SLO Botanical Garden peer-to-peer support for trans, gender nonannounces its Fall Plant Sale 2023, featuring conforming, non-binary, and questioning sustainable plants from the five Mediterranean people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. climate zones, which are well suited for the Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more Central Coast climate. Members only from 9 details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and a.m. to 10 a.m. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis 4 p.m. Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805-541-1400.

Obispo, 805-541-4252. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, USYVL SAN LUIS OBISPO FALL 2023 Youth 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

Instructional Volleyball Program for boys and HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A girls ages 7 to 15 of all skill levels. Learn the safe place for anyone suffering from the pain “FUNdamentals” of volleyball in a positive of depression. We do not criticize but do share and encouraging environment. Teams are our journey, feelings, and what works for us. determined by age divisions, with 10-12 players We can meet in person or use Zoom if needed. each. Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. through Nov. 4 Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. 805-528-3194. Hope Contact for price. usyvl.org/locations/san-luisHouse Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., obispo-fall/. Johnson Park, 1020 Southwood, San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo, 213-204-1934.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental AXE THROWING Enjoy MUSICthe art of axe throwing Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis in a safe and fun environment. Kids ages Obispo, 805-270-3346.

10 and older are welcome with an adult. No PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks personal axes please.

Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

FLAVOR/EATS to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play and Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. 805-528-4880. style with other pups, acceptable manners baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial Arts, with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos.

INFO confidence with the CENTRAL COAST WOOD approach of friendly CARVERS Learn the strangers, and more.

CALENDAR art of wood carving Saturdays, 9 a.m. and or wood burning. Join Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Central Coast Wood $25. 805-543-9316.

Send event information to calendar@ OPINION Carvers in Morro Bay at woodshumanesociety. santamariasun.com.

St. Timothy’s. Open for org/training/. Woods beginners, intermediate, Humane Society, 875 NEWSor advance. Learn a Oklahoma Ave., wide range of techniques and skills. Mask San Luis Obispo.

Required. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.

STROKES Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ Morro Bay, 805-772-2840, sttimothymorrobay. and questioning youth between the ages of org/index.html.

ARTS 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, CONSCIOUS-FEST A unique event dedicated cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. to holistic well-being, spiritual growth, and Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, conscious living. Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. my805tix.

San Luis Obispo. com/e/conscious-fest. Noi’s Little Thai Village, QI GONG FITNESS ONLINE Hosted by the San 668 Santa Maria Avenue, Baywood-Los Osos, Luis Coastal Adult School. Gentle but powerful 805-235-4868. exercises for mind and body with instructor MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PLANS AND Gary West. Enhance your well being, improve CHANGES HICAP provides information and your balance, and practice mindfulness. 19 counseling about Medicare so you can make weeks. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through informed decisions. Come learn more about Dec. 13 $95. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org/. your open enrollment choices from a local Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

HICAP Registered Counselor. Nov. 4, 10-11 a.m.

SLO ARBOR DAY The City will be planting 805-528-1862. Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

40 trees to celebrate 40 years as a Tree City USA. Come to French Park for art, local vendor SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group booths, and tree planting. Tree giveaways while members present interesting and thought supplies last. Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-noon Free. slocity. provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are org/trees. French Park, 1040 Fuller Road, San selected in advance and moderated by Luis Obispo, 805-540-9484. volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB Enter through wooden gate to garden MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805-528-7111. leadership skills in a supportive and positive Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, environment? During COVID, we are meeting coalescebookstore.com/.

16 • Sun • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

Spread the word!

SHOW AND DWELL

Catch Architecture is hosting free crash courses on accessory dwelling units across SLO County. The next seminar will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., at the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in San Luis Obispo. Additional crash courses will be held at the Catch Studio in Paso Robles on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and at the Morro Bay Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Visit catcharchitecture.com for more info.

—C.W.

FOOD & DRINK SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty.

With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song.

Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.

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

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

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

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats.

Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free. 805-722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night.

Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-819-0723. coldcoastbrewing. com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

OCEANFRONT SUNSET WINEMAKER’S DINNER An exclusive and intimate evening featuring a six-course dinner and wine pairings.

Nov. 9, 5:30-9 p.m. my805tix.com/. Seaventure Restaurant, 100 Oceanview Ave., Pismo Beach, 805-779-1779.

TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo.

Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. 805295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

DANCIN’ The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club presents the Riptide Big Band with vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Free thanks to support from Community Foundation of SLO County. Nov. 12, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. 775813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805623-8866.

LINE DANCING FUN For adults ages 50 and older. Learn basic patterns and steps to some of your favorite music. This beginner-friendly class is for anyone that enjoys dancing. Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. through Dec. 27 Free. 805-9250951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Enjoy live music most Fridays and Saturdays. Call venue or check website to find out who’s performing.

Fridays, Saturdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night.

Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing 805-9250464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html.

Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS: WINE, MUSIC, AND MORE Enjoy a flight of six distinctively different age-worthy wines while listening to live entertainment presented by a local band, musician, or disc jockey. Features sweet treats from Santa Maria food vendors and local artisans. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. through Nov. Free. 805-937-8463. instagram.com/

MUSIC continued page 17

Hot Stuff MUSIC from page 16 cottonwoodcanyonwinery/. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes.

Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

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

ALWAYS AMAZING.

NEVER ROUTINE.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ABBAFAB A multimedia tribute to the music of ABBA. ABBAFAB will take you on a technicolor journey that is unmatched. Nov. 12, 7-10 p.m. $45-$65. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ abbafab/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke.

Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

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

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

ANDY SUMMERS LIVE See Summers, of the Police, live in concert. All ages welcome. Nov. 3, 8 p.m. Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

CAL POLY BANDFEST WITH BOSTON BRASS For this year’s Bandfest, the Cal Poly Bands will be joined by guest ensemble Boston Brass. Cal Poly’s Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Mustang Marching Band will also perform. The program will include selections honoring U.S. military veterans for Veterans Day. Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. $15 and $20 general; $10 students. 805756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/winds/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CANZONA WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE LIVE Concert: The Lyric Muse. Nov. 5 my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-242-6065.

CO-CREATION PROJECT VI Presented by Orchestra Novo.

Nov. 12, 4 p.m. my805tix.com. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

EASTON EVERETT SOLO Enjoy some indie-acoustic, live music.

Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Big Sky Cafe, 1121 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-545-5401.

JAZZ AT THE CAFE The first evening of jazz at Linnaea’s Cafe for the Mo Betta Jazz Band. Enjoy some music and a nice glass of wine with some friends. Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com/.

Linnaea’s Cafe, 1110 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, 805-541-5888.

LIVE MUSIC AT LIQUID GRAVITY Check social media and calendar for weekly updates. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO. Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle.

Thursdays-Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-439-0774, ragtagwineco.com.

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

NEW TIMES MUSIC AWARDS SHOWCASE 2023 An annual celebration to showcase music and songwriting from local musicians throughout the Central Coast in a wide variety of genres. Nov. 3, 7 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843.

RODNEY CROWELL: THE CHICAGO SESSIONS TOUR Nov. 5, 9 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

SLO BLUES SOCIETY: THE NICK MOSS BAND Visit site for tickets and more info on the concert. Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, (510) 285-6221.

SLO SYMPHONY: CALIFORNIA FESTIVAL Celebrating the California Festival across the state, the Symphony opens with the work “Kotuku” by New Zealand composer, Christopher Blake, in a West Coast premiere, including an appearance by Native American flutist and artisan, Tim Blueflint Ramel.

Nov. 4, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $12-$82. 805-756-4849. pacslo.org/ events/detail/californiafestival23. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO. Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle.

Sundays, 4-7 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-439-0774, ragtagwineco.com. m

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Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.

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Great Snacks · Cold Beer · Hwy 1 Oceano · 805-489-2499 · americanmelodrama.com www.santamariasun.com • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • Sun • 17

Arts

GALLERY COURTESY IMAGES BY JENNIFER GUNLOCK

ARTS BRIEFS Local high school students stage new production of Little Shop of Horrors

Collages collide on College Drive

Visit hancockcollege.edu/gallery for more info on collage artist Jennifer Gunlcok’s new solo exhibition at the Ann Foxworthy Gallery, located at 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

FLAVOR/EATS The show is scheduled to remain on display through Dec. 13.

An artist reception to celebrate the exhibit will be held on INFO Nov. 9, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

MUSIC

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

CALENDAR

OPINION

NEWS

STROKES

Showtime!

ARTS

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

Students from three high schools in the Santa Maria Valley have teamed up to bring a new production of Little Shop of Horrors to life at Pioneer Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center, where the show will run on Nov. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18.

Each performance starts at 7 p.m., while doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The cast of the musical includes students from Pioneer Valley High School, Santa Maria High School, and Ernest Righetti High School, who began rehearsals for the production in mid-August, according to the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District.

“Little Shop of Horrors has always been one of my favorite shows, and I am so excited to bring it to the city of Santa Maria,” Selyn Harwin, theater teacher at Pioneer Valley High School, said in press materials. “The students have worked extremely hard learning music, choreography, and blocking to create an exceptional show.”

The dark comedy features songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman—the duo behind Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast—and follows a floral shop worker named Seymour who discovers a strange, carnivorous plant that feeds on human blood.

“I’m excited for Little Shop of Horrors because of the talented actors, the amazing dance numbers, and the creative set design,” Jordan McCormick, a senior at Pioneer Valley High School, said in press materials. “We are also extremely excited to perform with Kerry Butler.”

During the 2002 Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, Butler portrayed Audrey, Seymour’s coworker at the flower shop and love interest who performs “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Suddenly, Seymour.”

Butler will join the cast of Pioneer Valley High School’s production for one night only, during the Nov. 16 performance.

Tickets to all six performances are available in advance at onthestage.tickets.

The Pioneer Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center is located at 675 Panther Drive, Santa Maria.

Lompoc Valley Art Association presents Critters: Real and Imagined

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF JOELLEN CHRONES

TOWER TO EMPOWER: Los Angeles-based artist Jennifer Gunlock created a new mixed media collage piece, Backcountry VIII, 7.5 by 12.5 feet, specifically for her new solo exhibit at Ann Foxworthy Gallery in Santa Maria.

Human nature Perennial plants cross-pollinate with man-made structures in Ann Foxworthy Gallery’s new showcase

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

A

bstract amalgamations of tree branches and industrial scaffolding and other similar abnormalities inhabit the otherworldly collages of Jennifer Gunlock.

The Los Angeles-based mixed media artist, whose work is currently on display in Ann Foxworthy Gallery’s latest solo exhibition, described her pursuit of drawing attention to Western civilization’s attempts to dominate and manipulate nature as stemming from “watching how the landscape around me has altered over these past decades.”

“Once pristine, wild hills of Southern California are now covered with houses and strip malls, and concrete has spread over the land like a virus,” Gunlock told the Sun. “An especially alarming example of this for me in just the last decade is witnessing downtown Los Angeles sprouting upward and growing denser like weeds after a wet winter, as well as the enormous swell of the local population.”

While incorporating photo-collage with decorative papers and other materials, Gunlock constructs landscapes that fuse elements of nature and man-made infrastructure, such as oil wells and cellphone towers, into eerie hybrid structures.

While commenting on humanity’s grip over the natural world, Gunlock doesn’t illustrate human figures in her collage works, to the surprise of some viewers, the artist explained.

“I’m gratified that people do generally see my intent when they interpret my work to me,” Gunlock said. “But one thing that happens often—and I think it’s generally the case when people look at abstract work—is people seeing faces in the picture. I think it’s just a common brain-matrixing thing.”

Gunlock’s new solo exhibit at Ann Foxworthy Gallery, located at Allan Hancock College, marks the artist’s first time showcasing her work in Santa Maria. The gallery’s curator, Laura-Susan Thomas, reached out to Gunlock via Instagram, according to the artist.

“We conducted a few Zoom meetings, and I visited the gallery space last spring to discuss content and visualize a general layout of the show,” said Gunlock, who was familiar with the Central Coast prior to committing to the local exhibit.

“Being a native of suburban LA County, I have taken many summer road trips up the coast over the years,” Gunlock said. “There’s always this sigh of happy relief when I pass through Santa Barbara, feeling the tensions of urban ‘real life’ melting away.”

Gunlock felt a similar release of emotional strain during a 2019 trip to the remote southwestern coast of Ireland, where she was an artist in residence at the time. Her stay there inspired her pieces Backcountry I, II, and III—on display in a triptych arrangement at Ann Foxworthy Gallery.

“My cohort and I collectively explored the local Neolithic, Bronze Age, and early Christian stone monuments,” Gunlock recalled of her residency.

“Upon my return and over the following two years I applied the photographic images I collected there, and internalized the old beliefs that surrounded these places.”

Gunlock described her Backcountry series as exemplifying her “new fascination with the folkloric concept of ephemeral beings inhabiting the landscape” and “how that belief translates into traditions and taboos affecting how one interacts with certain trees and ancient ruins.”

“The series presents a fusion of the old with the new, of ancestors and spirits butted up against modern soulless technology and infrastructure,” said Gunlock, who completed a new addition to the series, a large collage titled Backcountry VIII, specifically for the Ann Foxworthy Gallery exhibit.

Gunlock used 10 sheets of rag paper to create the towering piece, which measures 7.5 by 12.5 feet. It took the artist nine weeks to complete.

Other works included in the Foxworthy showcase took about four to six weeks, said the artist, who rarely has a definitive finish line in mind while working on a project.

“I never have a solid compositional plan when I begin a piece,” Gunlock said. “I may have a general concept to begin with, but it’s a process of addition and subtraction, allowing the composition to inform what I should do next.

“Sometimes I need to hide a piece away for a while and work on something else,” the artist added.

“There’s never a guarantee that a composition will even get resolved.” m Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood likes to hide from his inbox sometimes, but comments are always welcome at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

YOUNG HEARTS BE TREE TONIGHT: Sapling III is one of mixed media collage artist Jennifer Gunlock’s works on display in Ann Foxworthy Gallery’s fall exhibit, which will remain open through Dec. 13.

Cypress Gallery will open its latest duo exhibition, Critters: Real and Imagined, on Thursday, Nov. 2. The exhibit, presented by the Lompoc Valley Art Association, showcases a collection of fused glass works depicting animals by Joellen Chrones and wildlife photographs by Rick Skillin.

An artist reception will take place 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. m Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

TRIO OF LIFE: Jennifer Gunlock described her pieces Backcountry III, Backcountry I, and Backcountry II (from left to right) as hybrid tree collages set in a verdant landscape, inspired by the remote southwestern coast of Ireland.

18 • Sun • November 2 - November 9, 2023 • www.santamariasun.com

TICKETS ON SALE

Everybody Can Dance & the Santa Maria Civic Ballet Present

NOW!

Thanksgiving Weekend Sat & Sun November 25th & 26th TICKETS: ADULTS $25 · CHILDREN $20

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Film

SUN SCREEN

Pizza nightmare

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

childhood trauma and can’t seem to catch a break from it interfering with his life. This seemingly simple gig is just another Band-Aid on mma Tammi (Fair Chase, The Wind) directs this horror the gaping wound of his life, but hey—if mystery thriller about Mike Schmidt (Josh Hutcherson), a security guard hired to oversee Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a once it helps keep Abby away from menacing Aunt Jane, he’ll do it. Abby is always successful but now defunct kid-centric restaurant and arcade, lost in her drawings that prominently whose four animatronic mascots—Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, feature her big brother and her imaginary Chica, and Foxy—turn murderous after midnight. The film is friends, but she struggles to have a based on the 2014 point-and-click survival video game of the social life with anyone “real” her age. It’s same name. (110 min.) no coincidence that Abby’s imaginary play group resembles the animatronic Glen: If you’re looking for a Halloween fright flick that’s not too animals, and the mystery of how it’s all frightening for tweens, this may be the ticket. Imagine a Chuck connected is eventually revealed. This E. Cheese inhabited by Chucky of Child’s Play. Mike reluctantly is a perfect film for the family who is agrees to the night job after he lost his job as a mall cop for looking for some Halloween spooks beating up a customer he thought was abducting a child. Oops! with their tweens but doesn’t want the Seedy career counselor Steve Raglan suggests the Freddy’s job, consequence of the nightmares that true and because his Aunt Jane (Mary Stuart Masterson) is trying horror movies can bring. to wrest conservatorship of Mike’s younger sister, Abby (Piper Glen: Agreed, but to be fair, one victim Rubio), from him, out of desperation he begins his new duties. gets bitten in half. It’s not gory, but it’s The place is suitably creepy, and weirdness starts right away. shocking! I think what made the film Then beat cop Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) shows up to check on tolerable for me was Mike’s backstory Freddy’s new guard and offers Mike some backstory on the and the emotion it brings. For the most cursed business. Mike’s got a backstory of his own. Turns out part, this is a slight film, notable for its he’s hyper attuned to child abductions because as a 12-year-old, MURDER-ATRONIC: (Left to right) Bonnie (voiced by Jade Kindar-Martin), Freddy ’90s nostalgia. I’ve never played the video Fazbear (voiced by Kevin Foster), and Chica (voiced by Jessica Weiss) are three of four his younger brother, Garrett (Lucas Grant), was snatched right murderous animatronics at a haunted arcade, in the new horror mystery thriller Five game, but I imagine the from under his nose. Mike’s psychological Nights at Freddy’s, screening in local theaters and streaming on Peacock. filmmakers dropped in distress adds to the mystery and tension.

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S some references for players Anna: There is no denying the animatronic What’s it rated? PG-13 that didn’t register with me. It’s probably worth characters give off a creepy vibe with their slow were the ones I grew up around. I can see shelling out for a What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee a matinee with the kids, but I doubt it’s destined blinking, glowing eyes and weird teeth. Luckily matinee if you want the theater experience, or watching at home What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee to be a Halloween classic. the filmmakers decided that this may be a fun if you subscribe to Peacock. m Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards film for a younger crowd and kept it geared Anna: Oh yeah, I forgot about that guy!

Agreed, RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer toward spook and not gore. Mike is worn out there isn’t anything particularly magical about Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande, Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@ and feels the weight of raising his younger the film.

I definitely had some flashbacks to and streaming on Peacock sister. He’s clearly got some PTSD from his newtimesslo.com. arcades as a kid—a lot of the games in Freddy’s

E

COURTESY PHOTO BY SKIP BOLAN/PRIME VIDEO

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Film Reviews THE BURIAL

What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime Maggie Betts (The Carrier, Novitiate) directs this dramedy inspired by true events. Tommy Lee Jones stars as Jeremiah O’Keefe, who owns a string of financially struggling Mississippi mortuaries. To meet financial obligations, he agrees to sell a few to Raymond Loewen (Bill Camp) of corporate behemoth the Loewen Group. Despite an oral agreement, Loewen fails to live up to their bargain, and soon O’Keefe is at risk of losing it all and decides he must sue Loewen. He hires slick personal injury lawyer Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx), who’s Black, because he doesn’t think his white contracts lawyer, Mike Allred (Alan Ruck), can convince the presumably Black jury.

This remarkable David and Goliath story pits a small businessman against a ruthless corporation, and when Loewen discovers O’Keefe has hired a Black lawyer, he pulls a trick of his own, hiring high-powered Black female lawyer Mame Downes (Jurnee Smollett), which leads to some potent courtroom drama.

The real hero of the story turns out to be O’Keefe’s junior lawyer, Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie), who’s instrumental

BRINGING IN THE BIG GUNS: Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie, far left) and Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones, far right) try to convince a flashy, high-powered lawyer to join their fight against a corporation taking advantage of O’Keefe’s family mortuary business, in The Burial, streaming on Amazon Prime.

in discovering some ugly dirt about Loewen and how his businesses treat minority clients. Intense and funny, it’s a strange true story. (126 min.)

—Glen

Book Tee Times Online Today Tournaments / Bar & Grill

BLAST

What’s it rated? R When? 1979 Where’s it showing? The FROM THE Palm Theatre on Nov. 4 (1:30, 4:15, and 7 p.m.) and Nov. 6 (7 p.m.)

Carl Reiner (Oh, God!) directs the 1979 comedy classic The Jerk, about simpleton Navin Johnson (Steve Martin), who decides to leave home to experience the world. His naivete leads him on a series of rags-to-riches-to-rags misadventures. The film opens on a homeless, drunken Navin, who directly addresses the camera to offer his implausible story: “I was born a poor Black child.”

What follows are the chronicles of his early beginnings, his targeting by a crazed gunman (M. Emmet Walsh), creating his invention of the Opti-Grab marketed by Stan Fox (Bill Macy), joining a traveling carnival where he loses his virginity to motorcycle daredevil Patty Bernstein (Catlin Adams), meeting his dream girl Marie Kimble (Bernadette Peters), learning his invention is a success, living a life of excess, being sued and going broke, and losing it all.

“Well, I’m gonna go then,” he announces, leaving Marie.

“And I don’t need any of this. I don’t need this stuff, and I don’t need you! I don’t need anything. Except this.” Picks up an ashtray. You also get to witness underground cat juggling,

‘THE NEW PHONE BOOK’S HERE!’ Steve Martin stars as Navin Johnson, whose hilarious misadventures are chronicled in the 1979 comedy classic The Jerk, screening Nov. 4 and 6 at The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo

the “Tonight You Belong to Me” duet between Martin and Peters, and the Thermos song. So. Damn. Funny. (94 min.) m —Glen

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Eats

WINE PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HILT ESTATE

COZY QUARTERS: Nestled in the Lompoc Valley, The Barn at The Hilt Estate is a cozily elegant tasting space, which has been offering wines by both The Hilt Estate and Jonata since 2021.

Autumn yum

BOTTOMS UP: Under the leadership of winemaker Matt Dees, The Hilt Estate specializes in pinot noirs and chardonnays, available for purchase by the glass, bottle, or through the various tasting packages offered at the winery’s tasting space, The Barn at The Hilt Estate.

The Barn at The Hilt Estate launches fall tasting opportunities, happy hour program

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

A

local winery’s fan base had to wait nearly a decade to enjoy wines on-site at The Hilt Estate, established in 2014 at a 3,600-acre ranch in Lompoc, before a lavish tasting space debuted in 2021.

Over the past two years, the California farmhouse-style venue—simply known as The Barn at The Hilt Estate—has developed a reputation as a Central Coast gem, but even its most frequent regulars might feel like they’re stepping back in for the first time thanks to the launch of a new tasting series.

“While our core tasting experiences continue

A star is barn

Visit thehiltestatevineyard.com or call (805) 564-8581 for more info on The Barn at The Hilt Estate, located at 2240 Santa Rosa Road, Lompoc. The tasting room is hosting its limited time fall happy hour program on Nov. 3, 10, and 17, between 3:30 and 5 p.m. each day. Reservations are not required but highly recommended. Admission is $40 per person.

to evolve in small ways and will continue to do so, we have tried to keep those experiences relatively consistent and reliable,” Wayne Kelterer, director of private sales and hospitality at The Hilt, told the Sun. “However, because we are committed to the concept that great hospitality is not static, we will continue to try new concepts to push our boundaries.”

One of the tasting opportunities in the fall series is titled La Poesia, or The Poetry, which is described as weaving together aspects of the winery’s history and its vintners’ various endeavors over the years.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: The Hilt Estate acquired the 3,600-acre Rancho Salsipuedes in Lompoc in 2014 “On one hand, we are still a young and erected its first tasting room on the historic vineyard site less than a decade later. brand when compared to the estates around the world; infants really. On the this is the last opportunity to purchase them,” said “an untamed wildness.” While Jonata in Ballard other, we are just finishing our 20th harvest for Jonata,” Kelterer said of the Santa Ynez Kelterer, who explained that the tasting experience Canyon grows more than a dozen grape varieties highlights wines from both Jonata, which had its Valley-based winery, under the same ownership on its 600-acre property, The Hilt Estate is home first harvest in 2004, and The Hilt that vary in age. and winemaking team behind The Hilt. to three distinct vineyards—Radian, Bentrock, One consistency Kelterer believes both wineries’ “La Poesia features a wide range of library EATS continued page 22 selections, often rare bottles, and vintages where earliest wines and more recent vintages inhabit is

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Eats PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HILT ESTATE

“Late in the day, The Barn takes on a and Puerta del new kind of magic as Mar—that specialize the sun begins to fall in pinot noirs and behind the nearby chardonnays. hills, affording our While La Poesia guests a somewhat isn’t the only rare opportunity tasting package in to experience a the fall series to different side of The include wines from Barn,” said Kelterer, both brands, an who added that the experience titled The winery is currently Point solely focuses exploring ways to on wines from The host similar wine Hilt Estate. Inspired pairing programs in by the estate’s the future and will proximity to Point be incorporating Conception, The feedback from Point features six patrons of the fall wines that showcase happy hour series. ways in which the THREE’S COMPANY: Located in the Sta. Rita “We never Hills AVA, The Hilt Estate is home to three distinct Pacific Ocean and want the space or vineyards, Radian, Bentrock, and Puerta del Mar. coastal winds have a experience to be The Barn at The Hilt Estate, the winery’s tasting profound impact on static,” Kelterer said. space, is surrounded by the vines of the Puerta del the winery.

“Great hospitality Mar vineyard.

Reservations are is adaptive, moving required for The with the flow of Point, La Poesia, and other package experiences guests, responding to how they are reacting at The Hilt Estate, while advance notice is not to the environment. Even a casual comment required but highly recommended to take made by a guest may greatly inform how the advantage of the winery’s new, limited time host handles that individual or group and the happy hour series, held on three Fridays during experience theyMUSIC provide.

November.

“Wines constantly change,” Part of the charm of Kelterer added. “We should attending the happy hour change with them.” m FLAVOR/EATS program—which pairs a flight of four wines with cheese and Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood Send tidbits on everything INFOwon’t be changing his email charcuterie selections between food and drink to 3:30 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, 10, address anytime soon, so send cwiseblood@santamariasun.com. comments to cwiseblood@ and 17—is experiencing The CALENDAR santamariasun.com.

Barn near dusk, Kelterer said.

EATS from page 21

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