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Rewind, remind

2023

A review of 2023’s extremely wet beginning and the political fights that defined the year [6] BY SUN STAFF

Contents

DECEMBER 28, 2023 - JANUARY 4, 2024 VOL. 24 NO. 44

I

t’s the time of year where we look back on the past 12 months to decide what defined the year. The flooding Santa Barbara County experienced in early 2023 is still weighing heavy on areas that felt the worst of the January and March storms.

But that was only the beginning. This past year also spawned culture war issues in the Santa Ynez Valley, a political battle over oil, and ongoing sparring over the county’s ambulance services contracts. But wait, there’s more! Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor and I write about some of the issues we felt had the most impact on the county in 2023 [6].

But we’ve got more than hard news to review. Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood remembers his favorite arts [18] and Eats [20] stories for the year while New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey from the Sun’s sister paper and contributor Anna Starkey share what some of their favorite films were [19].

Camillia Lanham editor

Cover photos from Sun file photos > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

DreamHome

YOUR

BACK IN TIME: Checking out some of the biggest moments of 2023, it’s hard to forget the historic rainfall Santa Barbara County received early in the year and the lasting impact of the resulting damages.

NEWS

AWA I TS

News Briefs ...............................................................................4 Political Watch.........................................................................4 Year in News .............................................................................6 Spotlight......................................................................................8

OPINION

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

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Commentary ...........................................................................10 Letter ..........................................................................................10 Web Poll ....................................................................................10 This Modern World ..............................................................10 Canary .........................................................................................11

EVENTS CALENDAR

ARTS

Year in Arts ..............................................................................18

MOVIES

Year in Film ..............................................................................19

EATS

Year in Eats .............................................................................20

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

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

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News

➤ Year in News [6]

➤ Spotlight [8]

December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

POLITICAL WATCH • U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) highlighted new authority spelled out in this year’s annual defense policy bill that allows the Space Force to share more of the upkeep costs for their bases and launch ranges with the commercial space companies using military-owned ranges, according to a Dec. 21 statement. As a senior member of the U.S. Armed Services Committee and the representative for the United States Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Carbajal said he successfully pushed to update current law, permitting up to $5 million in reimbursements from any space launch company for indirect costs associated with launches contracted with a U.S. military department. Previously, U.S. statute only allowed a contract between a commercial space company and the U.S. military to require reimbursements for direct costs associated with the launch. Direct costs include manpower and equipment usage directly required to execute a successful launch, like weather monitoring. Carbajal’s updated language permits launch contracts to include reimbursements for indirect costs, including but not limited to utility payments and repair and upkeep costs from the increased use of the launch facilities and base. “With dozens of launches already a year, and continued exponential growth projected for the next decade, we need to ensure that ranges like Vandenberg are able to share the cost burden of operating these ranges with the private companies that are utilizing our bases,” Carbajal said in the statement. “This is a critical update to our nation’s laws, one that will keep the commercial space industry working cooperatively with our Space Force and the Central Coast on the cutting edge of the world’s space industry.”

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) joined more than 40 lawmakers in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to abortion medication, according to a Dec. 19 statement from Padilla’s office. Their resolution follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s announcement that it will hear a challenge to medication abortion access. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have been increasingly under attack, with more than a dozen states banning or restricting access to abortion care and “anti-abortion extremists” attempting to ban medication abortion nationwide. Medication abortion is currently used for more than half of all abortions. “Reproductive freedom is a fundamental right, and we must stand resolute in affirming access to lifesaving abortion care,” Padilla said in the statement.

“With the Supreme Court and MAGA Republicans constantly threatening long standing, essential reproductive freedoms, it’s imperative that safe, sciencebased drugs like mifepristone are equitably accessible and protected to the fullest extent under the rule of law.”

Specifically, the resolution expresses that the Food and Drug Administration’s scientific judgment that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and that law and policy governing access to life-saving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable and based on science. The resolution also acknowledges the significant harm that would be posed to both health care providers and patients across the nation if mifepristone were sharply curtailed.

• In a Dec. 22 statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted funding to expand access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved communities and boost the resilience of food and farm businesses throughout the state. The California Department of Food and Agriculture awarded $9 million in grants for 103 projects through the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, which helps address food deserts by funding energy-efficient refrigeration and freezer equipment for corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-food access areas.

Grantees use the new equipment to stock Californiagrown fresh produce, nuts, eggs, meat and dairy products, as well as minimally processed foods and foods that are common in cultural dishes but are not often available in mainstream markets. “These projects will help more families put healthy, California-grown food on the table, and support the hardworking food and farm businesses at the center of our food supply chain,” Newsom said in the statement. m

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ON HOLD: The Santa Barbara County Fire Department will have to pause its expansion into ambulance services after a superior court judge granted AMR’s request for a preliminary injunction. The current ambulance provider, which has been serving the county for four decades, will continue to serve Santa Barbara County until July 2024.

Judge rules in AMR’s favor in ambulance services lawsuit against the county

Santa Barbara County’s current ambulance provider, American Medical Response (AMR), can continue serving the community until July 2024 after a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge ruled in the company’s favor.

Earlier this year, AMR sued Santa Barbara County for its decision to make the County Fire Department the new ambulance provider starting in March 2024. Known as a preliminary injunction, the judge’s decision requires Santa Barbara County to maintain its current contract with AMR and pause (a “stay” in legal terms) building its capacity for emergency medical services until a final ruling is issued. The trial is scheduled to begin on July 24, 2024.

“American Medical Response Santa Barbara is pleased with the findings of the court’s issuance of a preliminary injunction and stay of County Fire implementing ambulance services in Santa Barbara,” AMR Regional Director Mike Sanders told the Sun in a statement. “Although the litigation is not over, AMR’s top priority remains serving the Santa Barbara County community with the same high quality prehospital care it has provided for decades.”

AMR filed the lawsuit in September after the Board of Supervisors voted to deny AMR’s proposal and grant Santa Barbara County Fire as its new ambulance service provider. The suit claims that the decision violated the state’s EMS Act by awarding contracts solely to County Fire in its new nonexclusive agreement—which was designed to allow for more than one provider.

The Board of Supervisors launched a request for proposal (RFP) in 2019 to see what could be changed in the current system. County Fire and AMR responded in May 2022, and the county’s Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA)— an independent agency that oversees ambulance services—awarded the contract to AMR. In April 2023, the county switched to a nonexclusive ambulance services agreement where there could be more than one ambulance provider.

The nonexclusive agreement set up a tiered system and a new permitting process where multiple applicants could apply for emergency medical calls, interfacility and special events transport, and/or critical care transport—all of which were awarded to County Fire.

According to the ruling, the county’s permit ordinance should not have had the potential to result in a single provider being granted a permit

4 • Sun • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

and this nonexclusive agreement does not “excuse its noncompliance” with the exclusive operating area granted for County Fire through this decision.

LEMSA approval and oversight is a necessary “prerequisite” and “condition,” the judge wrote, in order for County Fire to operate as the sole provider.

“For purposes of the motion for preliminary injunction, the court finds that county’s ordinance unduly precludes LEMSA input, contrary to the terms and intent of the EMS Act,” according to the ruling. “Rather than limiting the board to oversight or final approval decisions made on LEMSA’s professional recommendations, the ordinance reserves EMS policy-making and provider decisions to the board, based upon criteria which appear to have been so vaguely drafted that providers such as AMR are unable to challenge or refute the denial of their permits in any meaningful manner.”

The judge added that the injunction would not harm the public because AMR has a proven record of providing emergency medical services in Santa Barbara County and scored 317 points higher than County Fire in the RFP process.

Santa Barbara County Public Information Officer Kelsey Buttitta told the Sun that the county will continue to work with AMR while the case awaits trial and a final decision.

“The county’s goal continues to be the provision of timely and responsive ambulance transport with the highest quality emergency medical care to meet the needs and expectations of our community,” Buttitta said in a statement. “At this time AMR remains the contracted ambulance provider for the county of Santa Barbara and the community can feel confident that the legal challenge does not impact the delivery of 911 emergency medical services the community receives.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Solvang committee re-evaluates juice bar signage after improper analysis

A local smoothie shop’s six-month journey toward displaying a new wall sign didn’t go as smoothly as its owner hoped, thanks to initial backlash from the Solvang Design Review Committee (DRC).

Miguel Limon, owner of Sano Pecado in downtown Solvang, requested permission from the DRC in May to put up new signage at the juice bar. The proposal was denied on subjective grounds, but re-examined by the DRC during its

final meeting of 2023 on Dec. 21.

According to the staff report, Limon was not given a proper notice on appealing the DRC’s decision in May after the denial. City Planning Manager Rafael Castillo also questioned the committee’s justification for denying the sign and blamed staff for leading the DRC astray.

“Previous city staff did not advise, in my professional opinion, this DRC board properly, based on previous court cases of content-based signage and being content-neutral,” said Castillo, who described the proposed sign as meeting the objective standards required by Solvang’s municipal code.

One of the reasons the DRC originally denied the sign proposal was because the business’s name was absent. Sano Pecado has a separate sign in place that indicates its name, while the requested sign would list some of the juice bar’s offerings, such as smoothies and fruit cups.

Castillo said that staff should have informed the DRC that it’s “not allowed to enforce contentbased regulation,” and can recommend that a business displays its name on a sign but cannot require it.

“Why is it only approved if I have my name on it?” Limon asked the DRC at its Dec. 21 meeting.

“With all due respect, around town there’s a bunch of signs that don’t have their business names on it, and they list the exact same things that I do.

“At the end of the day, I would just like a fair playing ground,” Limon added.

Committee Member Esther Jacobsen Bates motioned to approve Limon’s sign request and addressed the applicant directly.

“I understand your concerns and certainly there is an inequity that’s present in the community, in its signage, which goes back decades,” said Bates, whose motion passed 3-1.

Without commenting on the sign proposal, Committee Member Cristopher Lapp dissented, while Committee Member Jennifer Dryden Hess was absent.

After the vote, Committee Member Patrick Cavanaugh expressed concern about similar cases of ill-advised project denials and approvals coming back before the DRC in the future.

Assistant City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan weighed in on the issue.

“Just because we are adapting to new case law, to evolving case law, does not automatically invalidate all our prior decisions under our prior regulations,” O’Sullivan said. m —Caleb Wiseblood

www.santamariasun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • Sun • 5

News

NEWS IN REVIEW 2023

What a year!

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Floods and historic rainfall ushered us into a chaotic 2023

BY SUN STAFF

J

anuary kicked us off with a rush of floodwater, and the rain didn’t stop until April. Certain areas of Santa Barbara County are still dealing with the ramifications from all that water and concerned about what the rainy season ahead has in store. The tension that started the year continued throughout the year, with fights over housing development, LGBTQ-plus issues, county ambulance contracts, carrots, and oil. While we don’t have the space to cover everything that happened in 2023, here are some of the highlights!

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

FIGHTING FOR REPRESENTATION: After months of back and forth with Solvang City Council and facing backlash from community members, The Rainbow House Inc.’s proposal (founders Matt and Kiel Cavalli pictured) to hang Pride-themed banners was approved.

Santa Ynez Valley discrimination

A proposal to hang Pride-themed banners in the city of Solvang during Pride Month in June launched a months-long, widespread debate that received international attention, and highlighted historic discrimination against the LGBTQ-plus community in the Danish-themed town. After the tumultuous months, the Solvang City Council approved LGBTQ-plus nonprofit The Rainbow House Inc.’s reapplication to hang redesigned Pride-themed banners for two weeks in June. However, the uproar continued in Santa Ynez Valley schools.

Parents requested a parent’s rights policy from the Ballard Elementary School board after a fourth grader came out to her classmates as transgender. Parents were upset they weren’t notified ahead of the announcement, but according to the principal and superintendent of the school, the district protected the child in accordance with the law. Parents and other community members rallied against a student-led project painting Santa Ynez Valley High School crosswalks with a rainbow pattern for an anti-bullying week at school. It ultimately caused Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Principal Michael Niehoff to resign from his position after serving the school for a year—the fourth principal to leave in five years. The school district is still searching for a permanent replacement.

—Taylor FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

WET WINTER: January storms drenched Santa Barbara County and wreaked havoc on communities like Guadalupe.

Oil wells, pipelines, and politics

In early 2023, the California Department of Conservation (DOC) began cleaning up the messy legacy that Greka Oil Company—now known as HVI Cat Canyon Inc.—left behind in Cat Canyon. As part of the largest plugging and abandonment project in state history, the DOC’s Geologic Energy Management Division received $34 million from the state to plug 171 abandoned HVI oil wells. It’s an example of what many environmentalists see as the state’s failure to hold oil companies accountable for their infrastructure and the environmental disasters their operations can cause.

Those disasters include the Refugio Beach oil spill in 2015, which leaked thousands of gallons of crude onto the beach and into the ocean after a Plains All-American Pipeline ruptured. The pipeline is still shut-off as are ExxonMobil’s offshore operations. After an attempt to truck oil failed in 2022, the oil giant sued the county over the decision.

A federal judge ruled against Exxon in 2023. The oil giant also purchased the pipeline from Plains this year and was attempting to upgrade the pipeline’s valve technology, both of which received community backlash. The county denied the valve proposal. Exxon also withdrew its existing application to replace the pipeline in November, saying that existing federal and state environmental reviews indicate that restarting the existing pipeline is the “least likely environmentally damaging practical alternative.”

—Camillia Lanham

Overdoses at Pioneer Valley High School

An estimated nine drug-related incidents occurred at Pioneer Valley High School in the second half of the 2022-23 school year, with four related to pills, two in which opioid reversal medication Narcan was administered, and three from unknown drugs, according to the Santa Maria Police Department. Parents wanted better communication from the high school and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District about the situation and its plans to mitigate overdose risks. Countywide, school districts implemented overdose mitigation strategies after a state bill passed allowing school sites to administer Narcan without a prescription, enabling school personnel to act immediately rather than waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. The change comes at a time where overdoses are the third leading cause of death in children in the United States, according to 2020 Centers for Disease Control data, and Santa Barbara County’s population impacted by opioids is shifting to a younger demographic.

—Taylor

Santa Maria, county plan to build

After years (decades, really) of stalled out planning, Santa Maria’s downtown is moving toward redevelopment. In 2023, Santa Maria City Council approved converting the old Fallas Department Store building into apartments and approved a six-story apartment building on Main Street and Broadway with space for restaurants and shops on the bottom story. The Vernon Group and others have plans with the city to bring almost 600 multifamily apartments (including affordable housing), ground floor retail spaces and restaurants, and outdoor gathering and recreational spaces to downtown, making it a walkable, lively place to live, work, and play. In addition to making moves on the city’s Downtown Specific Plan, Santa Maria is updating its general plan to make room for expansion. The city is looking at 985 acres east of the city to potentially annex in the future, as well as identifying areas for infill development within city limits where the city can accommodate for future growth. The city and its surrounding areas are ahead of South County when it comes to building and making room for housing. As part of California’s requirement to update Santa Barbara County’s Housing Element every eight years to comply with the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation, the county needs to make the space to build 5,664 units in unincorporated areas by 2031—10 times more than what it needed in the past cycle. North County needs space for 1,522 new units, while South County needs space for 4,142 new units. The county spent much of 2023 debating the Housing Element, ultimately passing it in mid-December with plans to start work on rezoning unincorporated areas to make room for housing development in 2024.

—Camillia

6 • Sun • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

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Severe winter storms drenched and flooded communities across Santa Barbara County in January. Jameson, Gibraltar, and Cachuma reservoirs reached capacity; a sinkhole formed in Orcutt; water wiped away Colson Canyon Road in Tepusquet; and the Santa Maria River veered off its natural path, flooding Guadalupe’s Pioneer Street. President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties—among several others— allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with state and local response efforts to the storms.

However, many projects remain ongoing or didn’t receive federal relief dollars. Guadalupe applied for a new water levee to prevent future flooding events but couldn’t receive federal or state relief because the project cost too much compared to what the levee would protect. As a result, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors invested in an $8 million sediment removal project and built a 16-foot sand berm to temporarily protect Guadalupe from future flooding and is still working on getting a more permanent fix. In Tepusquet and beyond, the Los Padres Forest Service is working on repairing more than $100 million in storm damages to the nation’s third largest forest. Many access roads, like Colson Canyon Road, remain closed.

—Taylor O’Connor

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Historic storms, emergency cleanups

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

2023

County ambulance services

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the Santa Barbara County Fire Department as the county’s next emergency medical services provider starting in March 2024. After the decision, current county emergency services provider American Medical Response (AMR) filed a lawsuit against Santa Barbara County— claiming that it violated state emergency medical services laws.

Prior to the switch, Santa Barbara County had an exclusive contract agreement with AMR where the company acted as the sole provider for county residents. In 2019, the county issued a request for proposal to see what changes could be made.

AMR and County Fire responded.

An independent review panel scored AMR higher, but the county decided to switch to a nonexclusive services agreement in April 2023. This move set up a tiered system that allowed applicants to apply for specific ambulance services. County Fire won all three contracts. AMR officials are claiming that the county set up an exclusive system after moving to the nonexclusive agreement.

—Taylor

Cuyama groundwater adjudication, carrot boycott

A judge has yet to hear an adjudication lawsuit for groundwater rights two years after corporate carrot growers Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms filed a lawsuit against more than 500 landowners in the Cuyama Valley. State law requires the community to bring the Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin, one of the state’s 21 critically overdrafted groundwater basins, into sustainability through a groundwater sustainability plan and corresponding agency to monitor progress. With a state-approved groundwater sustainability plan—which calls for a 60 percent reduction in water use in 20 years—and an adjudication lawsuit, many Cuyama Valley residents are confused about how the two will impact one another. Landowners are worried about affording attorney fees as adjudication lawsuits typically drag on for decades. If they drop out of the lawsuit, they risk losing their groundwater rights altogether. As a result, several landowners launched a boycott against Big Carrot and a petition to drop the lawsuit. As of Dec. 21, 2023, 8,982 people had signed the petition. ❍ —Taylor

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Improving outcomes Santa Barbara-based tutoring center expands services into Lompoc PHOTO FROM ADOBE STOCK

students have advanced to the next grade missing some of the skills they should have had in person, we are trying to catch them up as soon as possible so they aren’t struggling later.”

Within the Lompoc center, Gateway added a wellness component by partnering with a local pediatrician to provide health and wellness services in the same building, Alexander added.

“She has three rooms in the learning center [where] kids will be having checkups and pediatric services; we are under one roof in that way,” she said. “The other component of wellness is mental health services.

EXPANDING REACH: After serving Goleta for 14 years, We have one person so far that is Gateway Educational Services will open a Lompoc providing mental health services for location in January to tutor students in the Lompoc Unified children, and we’re looking for more School District. who want to come and be in the space to be able to provide their services.”

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR The intention behind this is to make it easier ith more than 64 percent of Lompoc for parents to connect their children to the Unified School District’s population resources they need in order to be successful in considered socioeconomically academics, Alexander said. disadvantaged and students in historically “It fits the model of the whole child and the marginalized communities scoring below whole ecosystem of that child. You’re following state learning standards in test scores, Connie what other needs exist; I believe all of the state of Alexander and Audrey Gamble saw a need for California, we’re figuring this out,” she said. “We additional educational support and services. need to approach communities that have been Alexander and Gamble own and operate historically underserved by providing them with Gateway Educational Services, a tutoring center founded in Goleta in 2009 that offers one-on-one full services.”

She added that she hopes this facility will tutoring for students in kindergarten through fill a need in the community, improve student eighth grade.

“I think when you’re in an area where there are academic achievement and outcomes, and that this will be a good example and model for serving high resources, you can see the high resources’ families in Lompoc moving forward. impact in the community. In Santa Barbara, we “The situations are so intricate, there’s so many are not the only ones providing tutoring, it’s all pieces that go into what is happening for a child, over,” Alexander said. “There are franchises and other people that provide support, but you go into what happens at school, [if] they need medical services, the family system, the social emotional another community and see there’s not many wellbeing—all those components make up a providing that.” child’s ecosystem,” Alexander said. “We’re excited In order to fill a need in Lompoc, Gateway [about] what we’re going to learn because we’re Educational Services expanded into the going to learn a lot by doing this.” community and will host a ribbon cutting The Jan. 23 ribbon cutting begins at noon at 218 ceremony for its new tutoring and wellness center North I Street, next to the Anderson Recreation on Jan. 23. The tutoring and wellness center will provide one-on-one tutoring to Lompoc students Center. Services are provided on a sliding scale in kindergarten through fourth grade for 14 to 18 depending on the family’s financial need. As of Dec. 21, Gateway Educational Services was months. Students will get an initial assessment looking for more tutors, pediatricians, and mental so Gateway can understand their strengths and health professionals to join the team. Email info@ what needs improvement. gatewayeducationalservices.org to RSVP for the Gateway will track student success through event or ask questions about Gateway. assessments, and tutors will also look at a student’s yearly testing to see how the sessions Highlight: have impacted them.

“On average, what we know is our students in • The city of Lompoc Solid Waste Division that 14 to 18 months will see a 25 to 30 percent contracted with West Coast Arborists to collect gain,” Alexander said. “That equates to over a and recycle Christmas trees from city residences MUSIC year-and-a-half’s work, for some students, it’s from Jan. 8 to 12. The service is free of charge even more.” to residents. Prior to recycling the trees, all FLAVOR/EATS Gateway tutors undergo many hours of decorations and tree stands must be removed. training and shadow Alexander or Gamble before Once they are collected, West Coast Arborists beginning one-on-one sessions with students. will grind the trees into mulch. The mulch will INFO They need at least an associate’s degree to get the then be used as landscape material throughout job. Many of Gateway’s Goleta students became the city. Solid waste collection customers should tutors themselves and later went on to become place their trees three feet away from their CALENDAR teachers, Alexander said. refuse containers by 7 a.m. on their scheduled Gamble said that they are starting with trash collection day during the week of Jan. 8. kindergarten through fourth grade at the Lompoc Residents whoOPINION miss the home tree collection are location because it’s a crucial age for children invited to drop their trees off free of charge at the to gain the skills they need to succeed in the Lompoc City Landfill, 700 Avalon St. Flocked proceeding grade levels. trees cannot beNEWS recycled, and must be cut up “For example, with COVID and placed in the trash bin there was a bubble of students or brought to the landfill and STROKES that just began school online, disposed of, for a fee. m they were missing a lot of Send business and Reach Staff Writer Taylor instruction because of the nonprofit information to ARTS O’Connor at toconnor@ platform we had to use,” spotlight@santamariasun.com.

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Opinion ONLINE POLL

COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [11]

A new New Year’s resolution

How do you feel about Santa Barbara Elections matter—new political leadership is greatly needed County implementing SB 43? quantities of gooey oil, but it also failed to get

40% I worry about the lack of mental health facilities in our county with this new requirement.

20% I don’t think we’ll do a good job, and a lot of people will be left without services.

20% I’m glad the supervisors gave Behavioral Wellness a 24-month extension to implement the law.

0% I have faith that our behavioral wellness team will make this possible.

5 Votes

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BY RON FINK

E

the proper permits needed to operate the facility. very year many of us make New Year’s These are the same county-issued permits all resolutions that we sometimes keep; this oil/gas extraction facility owners are required to year will be no different. obtain.

Instead of sharing my personal resolutions, Was anyone in the Water Resources Division I will talk about those that voters should make held accountable for this and keep in the coming year. We need new costly mistake? Not that leadership in our county, state, and country. The we know of. current crop of appointed and elected folks isn’t Next is the ambulance doing that good of a job. services contract. For the On the national and state levels, both last several decades the California and the nation have lost the luster awarding of this contract they once had. The national borders are open, has been the purview and there are no policies in place to figure out just who is coming in to “occupy” our country; at of the Santa Barbara County Local Emergency the state level the homeless live in squalor while Medical Services Agency the state spends hundreds of millions of dollars (EMSA), a division of the of taxpayer money annually with no noticeable County Public Health reduction in the homeless population.

But it’s the county of Santa Barbara that needs Department. Why? Because that’s what the health and safety code specifically says, that’s the most help. In the last few years, the county what they are supposed to do; they are the health administrator and Board of Supervisors, who experts charged with providing medical care. are supposed to oversee government operations, American Medical Response (AMR) was have committed some expensive blunders; some originally declared the winner of the ambulance we know about, others we don’t. service contract by the EMSA. The Board of Under the current leadership: Noozhawk Supervisors voted to withdraw the contract reported that “Santa Barbara County’s Water award and awarded Resources Division a new contract to the pleaded guilty to County Fire Department. criminal charges and AMR then filed a lawsuit agreed to pay $750,000 MUSIC against the county. in civil penalties [Nov. Somehow the staff 29] related to oil spills concluded that the from the troubled Toro FLAVOR/EATSvehicle code would Canyon oil-waterallow them to invalidate separator system,” the EMSA choice and (“Santa Barbara County INFO develop new criterion Water Resources, that would favor the District Attorney Settle Toro Canyon Oil Spill CALENDAR County Fire Department.

It’s important to note Case,” Nov. 29). This was that the Board of in addition to a $15,000 OPINION Supervisors had previously fine and a huge tab for legal authorized the purchase of services to represent the Send us your 35 ambulances for the Fire county in court. views and opinion to NEWS Department in anticipation Not only did the county letters@santamariasun.com. that it would win the contract. allow the oil well to leak large

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I checked the vehicle code, and all the sections including the word “ambulance” refer to the licensing of drivers and inspection of the vehicles after consultation “pursuant to the recommendations of, the Emergency Medical Service Authority.”

This error is so egregious that the state attorney general thinks “AMR is likely to prevail on the merits because state law prohibits counties from creating back doors around their [local] EMSAs and selecting preferred providers through discretionary permits.”

These types of lawsuits could take many months to resolve in court and the result of this error in judgment by the Board of Supervisors could result in the loss of ambulance service after the current AMR contract expires in March. At a minimum it will cost taxpayers several hundred thousand and perhaps well over a million dollars of taxpayer money hiring a law firm to defend its decision in court.

And if—as the attorney general thinks— AMR prevails in court, the award of monetary damages would be substantial.

So, what should our New Year’s resolutions be concerning these political blunders?

New leadership is needed in the county to begin the process of improving the delivery of services. First, no district supervisor should be reelected; they have failed to properly execute their oversight responsibilities. New voices are needed to reestablish some level of trust in government.

Following the election, a new county administrator should be found who will dramatically overhaul county government so that the staff is providing the Board of Supervisors with sound advice and perform their functions based on established public law.

Most importantly, they must serve the public in a manner that doesn’t allow serious errors that cause taxpayers substantial funds to resolve.

The old saying is that “elections matter”; new political leadership is needed. But if you want to keep throwing your tax money away while the Board of Supervisors battles to justify the major mistakes of county government, then keep electing the same people.

If not, choose someone else. m

No district supervisor should be reelected; they have failed to properly execute their oversight responsibilities. New voices are needed to reestablish some level of trust in government.

In the last few years, the county administrator and Board of Supervisors, who are supposed to oversee government operations, have committed some expensive blunders; some we know about, others we don’t.

Speak up!

STROKES

ARTS

Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc.

Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

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LETTERS The Dana Reserve development is too big

In response to Michael Massey (“We need housing,” Dec. 21). I notice you have not addressed the traffic problem on the 101 freeway that has gotten exponentially worse in the past few years. I have realized we need more responsible housing projects, but this one is far too large!

Alyx Michell Nipomo

10 • Sun • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

For the birds!

W

e sure did a lot of fighting this year!

Maybe it was all that rain in January and March, filling up Northern Santa Barbara County’s streets with mud and debris, causing our reservoirs to spill over, and leaving us with repair needs—some of which have yet to be fixed.

It made us grumpy for the year ahead, maybe?

Ripe for a continued fight over the Plains All-American pipeline that still hasn’t had oil gurgling through it since the 2015 Refugio Beach oil spill. The pipeline now belongs to ExxonMobil, even after some county residents attempted to prevent the company from officially changing the pipeline’s ownership with the county this year—even though the oil giant had already purchased the pipeline. I’m not 100 percent sure what the purpose of that “resistance” was other than to be difficult, to make Santa Barbara County a hard place for Big Oil to do business.

A superior court judge ruled against ExxonMobil in its lawsuit against the county’s decision denying its plan to truck oil on Highways 101 and 166, but I think the oil company is still battling to win the war.

Environmentalists successfully lobbied the county to vote against the company’s proposal to update the valves on the pipeline it now owns over concerns that it was trying to restart the pipeline—which, duh!

After all that, ExxonMobil took its battleship out of Santa Barbara County’s jurisdiction.

But the company isn’t going home. Instead, it’s decided to take a chance on the state and federal systems. The county’s planning process has been one bomb after another thanks to environmentalists, so the company believes it might have better success non-locally.

Nice work, everyone! After all that, Santa Barbara County might not get a say in whether the pipeline starts pumping oil and what the pipeline needs to do to get back up to snuff. Fighting is for the birds—birds that still need to go to the hospital in an ambulance during a medical emergency.

Who will be providing that transportation throughout the county next year? Good question! American Medical Response (AMR)? Santa Barbara County Fire Department? Both?

After at least a year of fighting off AMR from renewing its contract with the county, the Board of Supervisors finally found a way to award three ambulance services contracts to County Fire. Why? I’m honestly still not sure, but the county got sued over the decision.

In a big middle finger to the county’s topsyturvy decision-making process, AMR sued the county in September, saying it had violated state law. And a judge recently agreed with the ambulance company.

Although AMR was set to step back from serving the county in March 2024 after four decades of providing medical transport to local residents, a judge granted AMR a stay through July. I guess County Fire will have to wait until after the lawsuit’s trial to see if it will get the opportunity to light up its ambulance sirens.

Will the Santa Ynez Valley light up its anti-LGBTQ torches once again in 2024?

We’ll have to wait a few months to find out.

But if 2023 is any indication of what will come in 2024, the bigots will be out in full force as Pride month approaches. m The Canary is beak-sharpening in anticipation.

Send tips to canary@santamarisun.com.

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www.santamariasun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • Sun • 11

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: DECEMBER 28, 2023 - JANUARY 7, 2024

TWISTED TWISTER

The Blast 825 Orcutt Stockyard will host its New Year’s Weekend Kick-off Party on Friday, Dec. 29, at 4 p.m. The event will feature live music from the Tepusquet Tornadoes, cocktails and beer, and mini donuts from the Crave food truck on site. General admission to the party is $10. Tickets are available in advance at my805tix.com. The Blast 825 Orcutt Stockyard is located at 241 S. Broadway, Orcutt.

—Caleb Wiseblood PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TEPUSQUET TORNADOES

ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. 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.

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

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

832-884-8114. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

CALIFORNIA’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE: THE WAY OF WATER Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, this timely exhibition showcases George Rose’s recent expansive documentation of California’s dramatic water story. Through July 8, 2024 Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805688-1082, wildlingmuseum.org.

THE MAGICAL WORLD OF EYVIND EARLE Eyvind Earle (1916-2000), an internationally acclaimed artist who helped revolutionize film animation with his work on Disney classics, is being

honored with this exhibition. Through Jan. 15, 2024 Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805-6861211, elverhoj.org.

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.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

THE COMEDY COUPLE: TOM AND STEPH CLARK Flower City Ballroom is hosting Tom and Steph Clark (along with a surprise friend). For ages 18 and over. Dec. 30, 7 p.m. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

CRITTERS: REAL AND IMAGINED Photographer Rick Skillin and glass artist Joellen Chrones, will showcase wildlife photos and fused glass critters. A reception will be on Nov. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

805 -737 -1129. lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

FIRST THURSDAY ART WALK Mark your calendars for December 7 for Art Walk.

Cypress Gallery will be open, and its Holiday Show will be up for shopping.

Features a “Holiday Make and Take.”

Visitors will create their own work of art and take it home. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. Lompoc Valley Art Association (Cypress Gallery), 119 E. Cypress, Lompoc, CA, 805-737-1129, lompocart.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ART EXHIBIT BY HILDA FREYRE Features oil paintings by Hilda Freyre, and watercolors by Shirley Horaceck.

Reception on Sunday, Dec. 17, 3 to 5 p.m.

Pieces available for sale (great for holiday shopping). Through Dec. 31 clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, 805-489-9444.

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA See Scrooge find his Christmas spirit and enjoy other tales during the Melodrama’s annual holiday production. Through Dec. 31 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ALISA SIKELIANOS-CARTER The Alisa Sikelianos-Carter exhibition at SLOMA will promote an emerging female artist of color whose works are inspired by the stories of her Black ancestors and traditionally Black hairstyles, centered on ancestral power and mythology.

Through March 10, 2024, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters.

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free.

805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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 • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com.

Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options.

Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING: ADULT ART CLASS This class is for students who may have tried oil painting in the past but are looking to advance their skill levels.

Color theory and proportion study will be a focus in the class. Mondays, 2-5 p.m. $30 per student or $75 for 3 classes. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRO TO OIL PAINTING WITH SPENCER COLLINS The perfect class for those wanting to try oil painting for the first time. Guests discuss color theory, layering paint, and how to use various media. For ages 16 and over. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30 per class or $100 for 4 classes. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INDEX Arts.......................................12 Culture & Lifestyle ...........13 Food & Drink ......................14 Music ...................................14

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.

LEAH ROSENBERG Rosenberg works across artistic media to spark new experiences of color. Using painting, installation, printmaking, sculpture, performance, and video, she invites viewers to consider how color can be perceived both multi-sensorially and multi-dimensionally. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. 805-441-8257.

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

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.

PARENT-CHILD POTTERY CLASS Make lasting memories with clay together as a family. For ages 6 and over.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon $70. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., S an Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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

Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide.

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.

RICE PAPER COLLAGE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM Receive step-by-step instruction for creating a beautiful Purple Iris-themed rice paper collage with hand painted rice papers, acrylic paints, and gel plates. Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. Jan. 6, 1-4:30 p.m. $40. 805-478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ This weekly sculpture drop-in class gives an opportunity for potters to take on new projects and learn new techniques relating to sculptural work. Additionally, every first Friday of the month, a new project will be taught by Rod Perez for beginners. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

ARTS continued page 13

Hot Stuff

DECEMBER 28, 2023 - JANUARY 7, 2024 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUNBURST RETREAT CENTER

REINVIGORATING RETREAT

The New Year’s Kriya Yoga Meditation Retreat at the Sunburst Retreat Center in Lompoc begins on Thursday, Jan. 4, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 7. The event is described as an opportunity for attendees to learn how to heal and re-energize themselves while using meditation practices.

Admission to the retreat ranges between $300 and $380. Call (805) 736-6528 or visit sunburst.org for more info. The Sunburst Retreat Center is located at 7200 S. Highway 1, Lompoc.

—C.W.

ARTS from page 12 DEBRA PIAZZA: ACRYLIC, MIXED MEDIA ARTIST Piazza began her painting career during the pandemic, and uses handmade collage papers, and/or anything she can find to enhance the texture of a flat canvas.

Exhibiting at Morro Made, Rustic Diamond, Morro Bay Art Association, Cayucos Makers, and Mea Winery. ongoing 650888-2168. artbypiazza.com. Morro Made, 490 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. DISCOVER GIFTS OF WHIMSY AND WONDER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Explore drawings, paintings, sculpture and functional fused glass, along with work by 20 West Coast artists. They wrap and ship gifts, too. Stop by for seasonal treats and surprises. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 30 Free admission.

559-799-9632. facebook.com/costagallery.

Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FEATHERS IN FLIGHT: A GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW This exhibit showcases the Morro Bay Bird Festival month with photographs of birds, and bird habitats in countrysides and oceansides (all the places where our wildlife friends live and thrive; hunt and sing). Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FINE ART PAINTINGS AND GIFTS BY CAROLE MCDONALD California native Carole McDonald creates textured felted bags and pursues her passion for color as a self-taught acrylic and oil painter since moving to the Central Coast. View her vibrant, precise and textural works.

Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805-772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. GIFTY UNDER FIFTY ALL YEAR ROUND Costa Gallery is gearing up for the holiday season. Check out a seasonal collection of art. Thursdays-Sundays. through Dec. 31 Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos, 559-799-9632.

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.

NEW YEAR COMEDY KICK OFF SPECTACULAR There will be improv comedy, dancing, music, drinks, games, and so much more. Jan. 6, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/.

The Benedict, 1401 Quintana Road, Morro Bay. OIL PAINTINGS BY RON DIEB “My oil paintings explore possibilities through thickly applied, vibrant color utilized freely with both knives and brushes. Hopefully, my art will attract and engage others to appreciate the glimpses of beauty that surrounds us all,” the artist stated.

Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

SMALL WORKS AND BOOKS BY GEORGE ASDEL George Asdel is an accomplished painter, poet, and craftsman. Over his long career as an artist, he has won awards for his acrylic paintings, pen and ink drawings, illustrated books, greeting cards, and poetry. Reception on Jan. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 30-Jan. 29 Free.

805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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.

READING WITH MY SNOWMIES Adult Winter Reading Program 2024: Reading with my Snowmies. Visit the Information Desk at the Main Library to sign up for the Winter Reading Program and pick up a reading log. Complete the program and win a prize. Through Jan. 13, 2024 Free. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

Wake Up with Make Up UPPER & LOWER EYELINE • BROW ENHANCEMENT • LIP ENHANCEMENT

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

SOLVANG JULEFEST 2023 Solvang’s Danish-style holiday celebration features some new facets and fun-filled events, and runs throughout the festive season.

Through Jan. 6, 2024 solvangusa.com.

Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

SOLVANG TREE BURN A powerful fire safety demonstration at the start of the New Year, heralding the end of the Solvang Julefest celebration. Supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. With live entertainment, plus refreshments for purchase. Jan. 5, 5-7 p.m. visitsyv.com. Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang.

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NEW YEAR’S KRIYA YOGA Through the 30 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN SANTA ancient practice of Kriya Yoga meditation, MARIA/ORCUTT Community Partners “experience your true Self and become in Caring is seeking volunteers to help a true caretaker of this world.” Learn support dependent older adults and to heal and re-energize yourself using seniors. ongoing partnersincaring.org. scientific meditation practices. Jan. Santa Maria, Citywide, Santa Maria.

4-7 $300. 805-736-6528. sunburst.org/ ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday newyear/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares CA-1, Lompoc.

Ave., Orcutt, 805-937-9750.

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free.

FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND 805-934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main CARETAKERS Class schedule varies.

St., Santa Maria.

Contact empoweryoga805@gmail FAMILY AND FRIENDS BUILD AND PLAY for details and reservations. ongoing Lego master builders, friends, and family, 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. stop by for a creative afternoon to build.

Empower Yoga Studio and Community Bring your imagination, and blueprints Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. to build together. This program runs NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT THE approximately two hours. Dec. 28, 2 p.m.

CLIFFS HOTEL AND SPA Ring in 2024 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa at this exclusive party. Experience Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 14 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

The Central Coast Guide to Everything Outside Summer/Fall 2023 issue out now!

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www.santamariasun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • Sun • 13

Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 13 live performances by DJ and electric violinist Razzvio. Enjoy NYE favors and top it off with a midnight champagne toast for everyone. Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.midnight $45 per ticket. 805-556-3316. cliffshotelandspa.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

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

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

GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place for anyone suffering from the pain of depression. We do not criticize but do share our journey, feelings, and what works for us. We can meet in person or use Zoom if needed.

Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. 805-528-3194.

Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

NATURE NIGHTS The SLO Botanical Garden announces its second season of Nature Nights. Visit site for more info on the event as well as tickets. Fridays, Saturdays, 5-8 p.m. through Dec. 31 $27 Adults; $17 Youth (ages 6-17); free for ages 5 and under. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $25.

805-543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

DECEMBER 28, 2023 - JANUARY 7, 2024 Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org.

Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING Future monthly meetings of SLO Skiers will be on the first Tuesdays of each month. A sports and social club for adults. Social hour with food and drinks from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Meeting free; annual membership $65. sloskiers.org. The Siren at El Chorro, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-541-1149.

SLOCO’S GIFTING TREE For every gift certificate purchased at SLOCO through end of December, the venue will donate to WeForest and plant a tree in your name, a gift that keeps on giving. Help the host reach its goal of planting 300 trees by the end of the year. Mondays-Sundays. through Dec. 31 Donations support WeForest. 805-439-2515. slocohealth. com. SLOCO Health + Wellness, 1957 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning.

Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Mask Required. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805-772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.

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

Cambria Connection, (805) 927-1654.

NEARLY NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY Want to ring in the New Year, but your bedtime is way before midnight? Come to this Nearly Noon Year’s Eve Party instead.

Celebrate the start of 2024 with music, activities, and a countdown at noon. For kids and families. Dec. 30, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 805-528-1862. Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

NEO NOIR NEW YEAR’S EVE Gala Pride and Diversity Center presents this upcoming NYE party at the Benedict in Morro Bay. Visit site for more details and tickets. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. my805tix.com. The Benedict, 1401 Quintana Road, Morro Bay.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SEVEN SISTERS FOLKLORE SOCIETY

MUSIC SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

STRING THEORY

The Seven Sisters Folklore Society presents the Foghorn Stringband, live in concert, at the Octagon Barn Center in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Jan. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. This roots group has performed in various cities over the past 15 years and produced eight albums. Tickets to the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit the concert’s Eventbrite page for more info.

The Octagon Barn Center is located at 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.

—C.W. SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary.

Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805-528-7111.

Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

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

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

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

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

FOOD & DRINK

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head ORO Featured vendors in the series Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Company every Tuesday night. Teams Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more.

Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving 805-922-1468. costadeorowines.com. their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages.

Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-819-0723.

Ave., Santa Maria. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave, INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, Lompoc.

255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH Begin the Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen year with a feast for the senses, stays open late. Come out and sing featuring breathtaking views, delicious your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. food, and the soothing sounds of the Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Pacific waves. Savor the first moments Santa Maria, 805-623-8866. of 2024 with a lavish brunch spread that HAPPY NEW YEAR AT COTTONWOOD reflects the coastal bounty of Pismo CAVES Celebrate big in the venue’s wine Beach at SeaVenture. Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-1:30 caves. Features DJ sets, wine, and more.

MUSIC p.m. Prices vary. 805-773-4994.

Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $30. 805-937-8463. seaventure.com/weekend-brunch. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood SeaVenture Restaurant, 100 Oceanview Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Ave., Pismo Beach.FLAVOR/EATS Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AND PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or PARTY AT THE CLIFFS HOTEL AND go online to make a reservation to taste at SPA Celebrate the end INFOof 2023 with a delectable fourthe winery or find course dinner. more info on the winery’s Wine Club For reservations CALENDAR offerings. ongoing after 7 p.m., all presquilewine. dinner guests com/club/. also receive an Send event information to calendar@ OPINION Presqu’ile Winery, all access pass santamariasun.com.

5391 Presqu’ile to the New Years Dr., Santa Maria, Eve Party. Prices NEWSvary; see website 805-937-8110. for details. Dec. 31-6:30 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS: HOLIDAY STYLE 805-556-3316. cliffshotelandspa.com. The WITH CLASSIC HOLIDAY MOVIES Cliffs Hotel and Spa,STROKES 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Every Sunday, come cozy up inside Pismo Beach. the tasting room and listen to great artists. Every December Sunday, classic NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT Christmas movies will be shown as well.

SEAVENTURE As the year comes to ARTS Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. 805-937-8463. a close, celebrate in grandeur with cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood an unforgettable evening filled with Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 delectable cuisine, live music, and Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. spectacular views at SeaVenture

14 • Sun • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Spread the word!

Restaurant. Indulge in a specially crafted three-course dinner menu. Must call to reserve. Two seating times (at 5 and 7:30 p.m.). Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m. $70 per person. 805-773-3463. seaventure.com.

SeaVenture Restaurant, 100 Oceanview Ave., Pismo Beach.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT THE GARDENS OF AVILA Welcome in 2024 with a culinary journey featuring a carefully curated menu at The Gardens of Avila. Enjoy an exquisite dining experience that will delight your senses and create lasting memories as you bid farewell to the year. Dec. 31, 4-9 p.m. $80 per person. 805-595-7302. sycamoresprings.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.

TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available.

First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. 805-295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA NIGHT Live multi-media trivia every Wednesday.

Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to six players. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. headgamestrivia.com. Antigua Brewing, 1009 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-242-1167.

HOPPY HOUR (SELECT FRIDAYS) Visit some of the best craft beverage locations in San Luis Obispo. Tours start at The Hub on selected Fridays. Check site for full schedule and tickets. Fridays, 3-7 p.m. through Jan. 26 behoppytours.com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 805439-2529. Oak & Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

FOLK DANCE CLASS For adults ages 50 and up. Learn folk dances from around the world. No experience is necessary.

Every third Thursday, 2-3 p.m. through Dec. 28 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

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

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more.

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons.

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

NOON YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION DANCE The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club presents a Noon Year’s celebration featuring Riptide Big Band with vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Free thanks to grant funding from Community Foundation of SLO County.

Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 775-813-5186.

RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

THE SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC’S 10TH ANNUAL YOUTH SHOWCASE A recital by audition for classical musicians ages 8 to 18, at Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library. Jan. 7, 3-4 p.m. Free.

805-925 0412. smphilharmonic.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., 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.

TEPUSQUET TORNADOES: NEW YEARS WEEKEND KICK OFF PARTY Start your new year’s weekend in the Blast 825 Orcutt Stockyard with live music from Tepusquet Tornadoes, beer, and more.

Dec. 29, 4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777.

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.

NEW SONGS FOR THE NEW YEAR IN SOLVANG Steve Key of Songwriters at Play challenged musicians to work up three new original songs for the show.

Lineup includes Ruben Lee Dalton, Mary J. Madden, Joe DeWitt, Kielo Smith, Jacie Lynn Jones, Jonathan Firey, and Bonnie Nelson-Key. Steve Key opens and closes the show. Dec. 29, 7-10 p.m. Free. 805204-6821. songwritersatplay.com/events.

High Roller Tiki Lounge, 433 Alisal Road, Solvang.

SOLVANG PARK LIGHT AND MUSIC SHOW Every evening during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park will come alive with all that sparkles and shines. Enjoy a 10-minute light and music display on the hour each night. Through Jan. 6, 2024 solvangusa.com. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

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

MUSIC continued page 16

ALWAYS AMAZING.

NEVER ROUTINE.

GRUPO LABERINTO JANUARY 19 | FRIDAY | 8PM

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK

FEBRUARY 9 | FRIDAY | 8PM

KENNY METCALF AS ELTON JANUARY 26 | FRIDAY | 8PM

HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS

FEBRUARY 23 | FRIDAY | 7PM

Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older.

Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER.

Welcome to Freedom

ON SALE NOW

ONE FREE

JANUARY 26 - MARCH 16

SMALL POPCORN! Expires 3/16/24

Great Snacks · Cold Beer · Hwy 1 Oceano · 805-489-2499 · americanmelodrama.com www.santamariasun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • Sun • 15

Hot Stuff MUSIC from page 14 LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

FCB’S ROCKING NYE PARTY Features live music from three featured rock bands. For ages 18 and over. Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. $45-$50. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

RAY JAURIQUE BAND WITH THE BIG DADDY HORN SECTION Visit site for tickets and more details on the concert. Dec. 29, 7-11 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

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

e h M t t a e l c o i d g rama a M

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

EASTON EVERETT LIVE Everett plays guitar-woven music with an indie attitude. Jan. 7, 12-3 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/.

Cape Cod Eatery and Taphouse, 1127 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, 805-295-6919.

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BOOGIE WONDERLAND With Orgone, The Charities, and Soul Dust Productions. For ages 21 and older. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-1843, slobrew.com.

FUNCTUS WITH ZONGO ALL-STARS For ages 18 and over.

Formed in the mid-90s out of the popular San Luis Obispo band, Mozaic, Functus was inspired by the genre-bending sounds of the ‘90s San Francisco jazz-funk scene and more. Dec. 29, 7 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, 805543-1843, slobrew.com.

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 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.

OPERASLO: NEW YEAR’S EVE ON BROADWAY Ring in the New Year with a citywide arts celebration gala featuring some of the best Broadway, opera, and dance selections with a special tribute to Stephen Sondheim. Dec. 31, 7-9 p.m. $52.

805-756-4849. pacslo.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

PETTY THEFT: SAN FRANCISCO TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS Doors open at 8 p.m. All ages welcome. Jan. 6, 9 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

805.489.2499 info@americanmelodrama.com 1863 Front Street, Oceano, CA

3546 SKYWAY DR 3546 SKYWAY STUDIO 3 DR STUDIO 3 SANTA MARIA SANTA MARIA 805-295-4155 805-295-4155

SEVEN SISTERS FOLKLORE SOCIETY PRESENTS THE FOGHORN STRINGBAND The Foghorn Stringband is the present day gold standard for genuine old-time American string band music, with eight albums, thousands of shows, and more than 15 years of touring under their belts, and a new generation of roots musicians following their lead. Jan. 5, 7-9 p.m. $20 advance; $25 at the door. 805-235-2874. eventbrite.com. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.

A gift so valuable, we keep it in…

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3546 Skyway Dr., Studio 3, Santa Maria From our Family to Yours, (805) 295-4155 Christmas gives us the opportunity to strengthen that bond.

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peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation.

805-305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos. m

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Christmas Tree Collection CITY OF SANTA MARIA RESIDENTS n Discarded Christmas trees will be collected at no charge from the curb on your scheduled trash collection day during the week of JANUARY 9, 2023–JANUARY 13, 2023, on residential trash collection routes. (Charges apply after January 13.) n Place your Christmas tree on the curb, at least three feet away from your trash container, on your scheduled collection day.

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Arts

YEAR IN ARTS 2023

In a galaxy nearby Out-of-town artists flock to the Central Coast for local showcases in 2023

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

T

hroughout 2023, galleries and other art venues across Northern Santa Barbara County proved to be not only familiar outposts for paint brush-happy locals, but hubs for traveling artisans as well.

Some of my favorite exhibits in the Sun’s coverage area this year showcased artists hailing from settings far from the Central Coast, such as London, England, and the equally majestic realm of Sacramento, California.

Here’s a roundup of my favorite art happenings that highlighted both local and visiting artists over the past 12 months. m

FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

FILE COURTESY PHOTO BY CATHERINE MIJS

COCOON RUNE: In January, Santa Maria-based artist Luis Linares completed his butterfly mural, La Mari.Posa, at the Santa Maria Town Center. The project took about five days, Linares told the Sun, and mall-visiting passersby were able to watch the painter in action during the process. “I hope this mural gives mall visitors and the community hope, and that everybody feels welcome to take pictures by it,” said Linares, an independent, self-taught artist who often collaborates with nonprofits on public art projects. More info about Linares’ artwork can be found on most social media platforms—including Facebook and Instagram—under the local artist’s brand name, Drawing805.

FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY ANNIE HOFFMAN

CANDID CANVAS: Born and raised in London, Annie Hoffman was the featured artist at Gallery Los Olivos during the month of February. Dance Poetry was one of the Santa Barbara-based painter’s oil pieces on display during the solo exhibit, titled Seeing Ourselves in Color, which included more than 20 oil paintings. Hoffman said that Dance Poetry is based on a young dancer she photographed during a Cinco de Mayo festival in downtown Los Angeles. “I typically ask people permission to take their picture,” the painter told the Sun. “But I rarely ask anyone to pose—as I want to capture spontaneous gestures or emotion.”

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Send arts story tips to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY ELINOR PLUMER

CRAB BATTLE: Watercolor and acrylic artwork by Orcutt resident Elinor Plumer were on display during a two-month exhibition at the Santa Maria Airport. Sponsored by Valley Art Gallery, the showcase opened in early February and ran through the end of March. One of Plumer’s featured paintings in the show was Boilers Vs. Old Bay, a whimsical depiction of personified crabs playing volleyball. A longtime artist and art instructor, Plumer appreciates the act of painting as a form of relaxation.

“Art is a wonderful thing,” Plumer told the Sun. “It’s therapeutic, it’s meditative, it’s healing, and if you’re worried or concerned or fearful about something, you start painting and everything goes away.”

QUACK TACT: In late March, the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature premiered a unique group show, Bird’s Eye View: Four Perspectives, which showcased a variety of bird-themed media by four participating artists and remained on display through the end of August. In conjunction with the exhibit, one of the show’s featured artists, Chester Wilcox, hosted a public woodcarving demo. The Sacramento-based woodcarver specializes in crafting lifelike bird pieces, including duck decoys. “He’s had folks argue with him and say there’s no way that’s wood, because they’re just so real,” Lauren Sharp, the Wildling Museum’s former assistant director, said about Wilcox. “The whole goal of his art form is to strive for that perfection.”

FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY JENNIFER GUNLOCK

2023 FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY NAT FAST

FIELDWORK: To support a local nonprofit, the family of Nat Fast (1924-2013) decided to donate a rare collection of the late artist’s sketches to sell as part of a fundraiser auction in Santa Maria. “A few of us have quite a few of dad’s works, so a couple pieces came right off the walls to contribute,” one of Nat’s daughters, Marti Fast, told the Sun. Auction proceeds benefited St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and its various community services, including an ongoing partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to distribute food weekly to more than 200 local families in need. Some of Nat’s felt pen drawings featured in the auction were the preliminary sketches that spawned his larger watercolor paintings, such as Strawberry Pickers.

18 • Sun • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

DRAWING ATTENTION, INTENTIONALLY: The opening reception for Los Angeles-based artist Jennifer Gunlock’s mixed media showcase at Santa Maria’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery was held in early November. Sapling III was one of several collage pieces included in the exhibit, which remained on display at the gallery—located at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus—through midDecember. Gunlock described her collage work as an aim to draw viewers’ attention to Western civilization’s attempts to dominate and manipulate nature. “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,” Gunlock told the Sun.

Film

COURTESY PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER RAPHAEL/METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.

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BROTHERS IN ARMS: After recruiting Ahmed (Dar Salim, below) as his interpreter, U.S. Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and he form an unbreakable bond, in Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant.

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Celluloid dreams Team Starkey picks their favorite films of 2023

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YEAR IN FILM 2023

BY GLEN & ANNA STARKEY

N

either of us are typically a “my favorite (fill in the blank) is” kinds of people. We might have current favorites of the moment, but how can we pick an overall favorite band, writer, visual artist, or even a favorite color for that matter? We can obviously tell you if we like something or not, and we do it every week, writing about newly released films or shows on streaming services, but as a change of pace, instead of reviewing new media this week, we decided to look back on this year’s films and try to make a list of our favorites, despite our inherent resistance to such endeavors.

That said, we didn’t seen every film that came out in 2023. We still want to see Ferrari and Poor Things, which are out locally this week, and we missed some critically acclaimed films such as Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest, and Pricilla. What we have this week—in no particular order—is a list of impossibly brief reviews of some of our favorite films we saw in 2023.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

DESTROYER OF WORLDS: Cillian Murphy stars as American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who helped create the atomic bomb, in Oppenheimer.

Oppenheimer (Rated R; 180-min.)

Christopher Nolan brilliantly directs this biopic about American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and his role in developing the atomic bomb. Both proud and disturbed by his achievements, we meet a man who changed the course of human history. Incredible storytelling and superb acting by an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr.

Barbie (Rated PG-13; 114 min.)

Greta Gerwig directs this seemingly lightweight all-surface story but injects it with surprising depth, as the classic but controversial doll, Barbie (Margot Robbie), experiences an existential crisis leading to explorations of patriarchy, misogyny, feminism, and sexism. Likewise, Ken (Ryan Gosling) begins to understand emasculation, jealousy, and equality.

COURTESY PHOTO BY JAAP BUITENDIJK/WARNER BROS. PICTURES

2023 The Covenant (Rated R; 123 min.)

Macho director Guy Ritchie examines male bonding in wartime in the relationship between a platoon sergeant (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his Afghan interpreter (Dar Salim), who risks his life to carry his injured comrade across enemy terrain, forming an obligation for reciprocation when the sergeant learns his interpreter is at risk. A most intense piece of cinema.

Wes Anderson delivers another highly stylized world within a world following a writer (Edward Norton) and his fictional play about a grieving father (Jason Schwartzman) on vacation with his family in a small rural town for a junior stargazing event that happens to coincide with an alien visitation. Deeply charming with a terrific cast and first-rate use of miniatures.

The Holdovers (Rated R; 133 min.)

Director Alexander Payne reteams with Paul Giamatti (Sideways) for this story about outsiders forming connections. Giamatti is a cranky and unliked history teacher at a remote prep school tasked with looking after a troubled student with nowhere to go over the holidays. Despite their dislike of each other, they discover they have more in common than they thought.

Directed by former stuntman Chad Stahelski, this guilty pleasure is an absolute bloodbath, a highly choreographed ballet of death and destruction, as assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) must find a way to defeat The High Table before its assassins kill him. Incredible stunts, a relentless storyline, and gorgeous cinematography for the win.

ALONE TOGETHER: After his newly remarried mother informs him their holiday is cancelled, boarding school student Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa, left) is forced to spend Christmas with his history teacher, Mr. Hunham (Paul Giamatti), in The Holdovers.

A Thousand and One (Rated R; 117 min.)

Auteur Martin Scorsese offers an epic, sweeping examination of a dark passage in American history and an exploration of a complicated love between an Osage woman (Lily Gladstone) and her white husband (Leonardo DiCaprio), who under the guidance of his uncle (Robert De Niro) is swept up in a scheme to defraud the oil-rich Osage people.

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John Wick: Chapter 4 (Rated R; 169 min.)

Killers of the Flower Moon (Rated R; 206 min.)

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PLAY WITHIN A PLAY: Scarlett Johansson stars as a movie star who’s dealing with personal misfortune and rehearsing for a new role, in Asteroid City.

Asteroid City (Rated PG-13; 105 min)

A.V. Rockwell helms this gritty drama about a mother’s love. Teyana Taylor stars as Inez de la Paz, who after being released from prison spots her son Terry (played by Aaron Kingsley Adetola at 6, Aven Courtney at 13, and Josiah Cross at 17) living in foster care and kidnaps him, hoping to give him the love and stability he deserves. A gut-punch ending.

YOU CAN BE ANYTHING?: Margot Robbie stars as Barbie, a doll who’s transported from Barbie Land to the real world, forcing her to question everything she knows, in Barbie.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POP. 87 PRODUCTIONS AND FOCUS FEATURES

Maestro (Rated R; 129 min.)

Bradley Cooper directs himself as conductorcomposer Leonard Bernstein in a biopic that chronicles his lifelong relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (Carey Mulligan). Their relationship is complicated by his homosexuality and utter immersion in his art, but their marriage was more than a sham, which we discover when Felicia contracts cancer.

Bottoms (Rated R; 91 min.)

Emma Seligman helms this ribald comedy about two unpopular queer high school students— PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri)—who concoct a misguided plan to start an all-girl selfdefense club to have sex before they graduate.

Hilarious, poignant, and at times cringe-inducing, this queer comedy turns out to have a lot of heart and a lot to say about inverting gender politics.

Honorable mentions include Beau is Afraid (Rated R; 179 min.), May December (Rated R; 117 min.), Dream Scenario (Rated R; 102 min.), and The Killer (Rated R; 118 min.). m

Contact Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey from the Sun’s sister paper at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

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Eats

YEAR IN EATS 2023

Forks and knives out

FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

New local outlets for lunch, dinner, dessert, and wine dominate 2023

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

R

ibbon cuttings for new eateries along the Central Coast weren’t in short supply over the past 12 months.

When I looked back on the Sun’s food and wine stories of 2023, I was reminded of the contagious enthusiasm some of my interviewees exuded while gushing about their dreams of owning their own restaurant or tasting room finally coming true.

The year was also full of fun collaborations between several businesses within the food and wine industry.

Here’s a rundown of some unique accomplishments and collabs from local restaurateurs and winemakers I had the privilege of writing about this year. m

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Send foodie tidbits to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

2023

HOME, SWEET—AND SAVORY—HOME: A popular Orcutt-based food truck celebrated the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar space in January. When the operators behind Nena’s Kitchen came across a vacant spot—the former location of The Hang Out—on South Bradley Road, they envisioned using the space to bring a new Mexican restaurant to town. “We just pulled the trigger and said, ‘Let’s do it,’” co-owner Octavio Lopez (pictured, left) told the Sun. “‘Let’s go ahead and get it,’ and here we are now.” The restaurant’s menu includes familiar favorites that originated with the food truck and newer offerings that the family-run business debuted in early 2023. One of Lopez’s recommendations for newcomers at Nena’s Kitchen is pozole verde, a Mexican stew with chicken and several toppings. “A lot of people don’t know about it, and they’re a little scared to try it,” Lopez said. “But once they try it, they come back for more.”

FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

FROSTING FRENZY: A Santa Maria staple since 2004, Gina’s Piece of Cake celebrated the grand opening of its second location in April. The company’s satellite bakery is located on East Clark Avenue in Old Town Orcutt, while its original storefront remains open at the Santa Maria Town Center.

Both shops feature a wide variety of cakes, brownies, cookies, fresh bread, and other baked goods for patrons to enjoy. Before owning her own bakery, Gina’s Piece of Cake founder Gina Martin had aspirations of becoming a physician someday, she told the Sun. “I never intended to be a cake decorator,” Martin said. “I wanted to be a doctor.

But now they call me the cake doctor.”

LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE: In February, local vintner James Sparks acquired a space in Solvang to open the first tasting room for his independent wine brand, Kings Carey. Sparks started the company as a passion project in 2014. He produced about 50 cases during Kings Carey’s first year. Since then, the boutique winery has grown to produce, on average, about 600 to 800 cases annually. To create his wines, Sparks uses organically grown grapes sourced from vineyards throughout both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Visitors of the Kings Carey tasting room can choose between two appointment-based flights.

Featured wines include grenache, chardonnay, syrah, pinot noir, and more.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF FLYING GOAT CELLARS

CLASSY AND GRASSY: Flying Goat Cellars in Lompoc teamed up with a Morro Bay-based shellfish farm to host a unique wine pairing event in October. Bubbles & Bivalves attendees were treated to various wine selections paired with oysters from Grassy Bar Oyster Co., located on the Morro Bay Embarcadero. Husband and wife Norman Yost and Kate Griffith, the owners of Flying Goat Cellars, discovered Grassy Bar during a kayaking trip. “We were thrilled about the taste and beauty of the oysters at Grassy Bar,” said Griffith, who described the company’s shellfish offerings as showcasing “a unique flavor profile influenced by the salinity and ecology of the waters that flow in and out of Morro Bay.” FILE COURTESY PHOTO BY KRISTEN JOHANSSEN

FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

DRINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: In July, the Margerum Wine Company opened a new tasting room in downtown Los Olivos. Guests of the intimate space on Alamo Pintado Avenue have the unique option of pairing their wine tasting flights with a sushi bento box, thanks to the winery’s collaboration with BB Sushi, based in Santa Ynez. Margerum Wine Company founder Doug Margerum told the Sun about his recommendations on which wines to pair with specific bento box items. The 2021 Margerum M5 red Rhone blend, for example, pairs best with the bluefin tuna, while the 2019 Barden blanc de blancs— from the Margerum Wine Company’s sister company, Barden—goes great with Dungeness crab.

20 • Sun • December 28, 2023 - January 4, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

CHOCOLATE FACTORY: In December, 10 local wineries—each located along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail—teamed up for a two-day festival, titled Christmas on the Trail, that combined wine tastings with unique food pairings and holiday festivities. Two of the festival’s participating wineries, Riverbench Vineyard and Andrew Murray Vineyards, paired their wine offerings with chocolate truffles from Santa Barbara-based chocolatier Jessica Foster, who often uses unconventional recipes to craft her unique confections. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard paired their wines with gingerbread cookies but also had festival attendees decorate the cookies themselves.

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Misfits Comedy Presents: New Year’s Eve Comedy Night

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Paso Lounge, Paso Robles

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Casa Grande Mobile Estates a 55+ community. This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom plus bonus room is in a desirable location of the park towards the back by a green. This home features tile in the living room, dining area and down the hallway. The kitchen offers granite counter tops and newer flooring. The bedrooms are carpeted. The roof is newer, it was replaced less then 5 years ago. This home also offers an attached 2 car garage.. The park offers wonderful amenities including a swimming pool, spa, clubhouse, billiard room, 9 hole pitch and putt golf course. RV parking available at additional cost to resident. (TA519) $202,990 Listing Agent - Regina Cosma 805-310-8180

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Great location. Property located in the Northeast side of Santa Maria. Rare M-2 industrial/manufacturing zoning.

1.6 acre parcel. Easy access to Hwy 101.

(Do not enter property without an appointment.)

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(805) 922-0660 BRE #01275631

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5400 Telephone Road, Santa Maria

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