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Shortcomings: Race and relationships [28]

Health & Wellness Music therapy as medicine [8] and the benefits of being around horses [10]

BY SUN STAFF

NEWS

Santa Barbara County declares emergency [4]

ARTS

Santa Ynez author pens graphic novel [26]

EATS

Casa Dumetz founder talks women in wine [29]

Contents

FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 VOL. 24 NO. 50

F

or this year’s issue of Health and Wellness, we decided to focus on therapy—not traditional therapy, though. We explored a couple of outside-the-box approaches. Staff Writer Adrian Vincent Rosas from the Sun’s sister paper, New Times, chatted with a certified music practitioner about how she uses her tunes to help individuals going through difficult medical procedures [8]. Staff Writer Taylor O’Conner spoke with two equine therapy groups on the Central Coast and a veteran who went through one of the programs [10].

This week, you can also read about how Santa Barbara County weathered the latest series of storms [4], a graphic novelist inspired by Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray [26], and Casa Dumtez and the Garagiste Festival [29].

Camillia Lanham editor

DreamHome

YOUR

Cover photo courtesy of Rashun Drayton > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

AWA I TS

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News Briefs ...............................................................................4 Political Watch.........................................................................4 Spotlight.................................................................................... 13

LIC. 668152

ARTS

Arts Briefs ...............................................................................26

MOVIES

Reviews ....................................................................................28

OPINION

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

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

QUALITY TIME: Healing Heroes co-founder Justin Trammell connects with retired racehorses in the round pen at the Nipomo-based ranch.

Commentary ...........................................................................14 Web Poll ....................................................................................14 Mayfield.....................................................................................14 Canary ........................................................................................15

CLASSIFIEDS, HOME, AND REAL ESTATE .....................................................31

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff ....................................................................................16

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News

➤ Health & Wellness [8]

February 8 - February 15, 2024

➤ Spotlight [13] PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK VAN DE KAMP

POLITICAL WATCH • U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) joined an “overwhelming majority” of the U.S. House of Representatives to advance a bipartisan tax package that includes an expanded Child Tax Credit and housing affordability tax credits and would provide additional support for small businesses and families affected by recent natural disasters, according to a Jan. 31 statement from Carbajal’s office. The tax package also expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to allow states to support the creation of more affordable housing projects. Under the tax agreement, the refundable child tax credit available to low-income families would rise from $1,600 this year to a projected $2,100 by 2025, and the income cap on the credit will expand to account for the number of children in a family. “With partisan gridlock at an all-time high, I’m pleased to see that Congress can still come together to reach a compromise on critical measures that will help Central Coast families by lowering their cost of living, promoting affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and helping those impacted by recent natural disasters. It is also worth noting that these investments are paid for through offsets to avoid adding to our national debt,” Carbajal said in the statement. “While this deal isn’t everything my Democratic colleagues and I would have hoped for, it is a down payment on the kinds of investments we want to make in American communities, and I am confident it will make a difference in the lives of Central Coast families.”

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Jon Tester (D-Montana), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) introduced the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Act to provide tax relief for wildfire survivors who have received compensation for losses and damages suffered during a wildfire, according to a Feb. 1 statement from Padilla’s office.

The bill aims to ensure that payments made from funds like the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Fire Victim Trust will not be taxed. The trust, established in 2020, is a multi-billion-dollar wildfire settlement for the nearly 70,000 victims of the three major fires in 2015, 2017, and 2018 found to be caused by PG&E equipment.

Currently, the taxability of funds received from the trust varies based on what type of loss is being claimed, making it difficult for recipients to determine what amount of their claims can be used to rebuild their lives or replace their losses. With utility-caused fires on the rise, more and more states have qualifying settlements or active litigation, according to Padilla’s office. This bill would provide future wildfire survivors with the certainty that their settlement money will not be taxed.

“Wildfire victims should not be taxed on payments that don’t cover their full losses and damages to begin with, but over 70,000 Californians impacted by the Butte, North Bay, and Camp wildfires currently face uncertainty over whether this assistance is taxable,” Padilla said in the statement. “These payments are not income, and our bipartisan bill will ensure families that have suffered devastating loss receive full and proper compensation to help rebuild their lives.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted historic climate investments that the Biden administration recently announced for California. The funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in clean energy and climate action, according to a statement from Newsom’s office. The amount is anticipated to increase as the Biden administration announces additional awards in the coming years. “The $15.5plus billion from the Biden-Harris administration is helping California build our clean energy future, transform our transportation, clean our air, save our communities from wildfire and floods, and protect our state’s natural beauty,” Newsom said in the statement.

In the last month, California has received more than $425 million to build offshore wind infrastructure and create manufacturing jobs at the Port of Humboldt Bay, $88 million to help eight California school districts purchase clean school buses, $168 million to add more than 2,600 electric vehicle charging stations in rural and disadvantaged areas across the state, and $63 million to upgrade existing electric vehicle charging stations. m

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STORM DAMAGE: While damages during this year’s atmospheric river was minor in comparison to the 2023 winter storms, several cities, including Santa Maria, experienced downed trees, road closures, and other damages due to the heavy rain and high winds.

Northern Santa Barbara County receives minimal damage in storms

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Santa Barbara, SLO, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, among others, after an atmospheric river slowly made its way through the California.

Storms began on Jan. 31. As of Feb. 6, parts of Santa Barbara County had received between 1 and 15 inches of rain total in the last seven days, according to Santa Barbara County Public Works Department’s real-time rainfall, river-stream, and reservoir data.

“The storm underperformed in the North County according to what was forecast,” Public Works Public Information Officer Lael Wageneck told the Sun via email on Feb. 6. “In the past 48 hours, we had 2.2 inches of rain in Guadalupe and 1.3 inches in Santa Maria. Most of the rain was focused in the South County, and Ventura and Los Angeles counties.”

Cachuma, Jameson, and Gibraltar reservoirs’ capacities were at 98.2 percent, 100.9 percent, and 101.6 percent, respectively, as of Feb. 6, according to county Public Works Rainfall and Reservoir Summary.

John Dumas, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, told the Sun that rain was expected to continue through Feb. 7, and county residents could expect an additional half-inch to an inch of rain during that time.

“It should be pretty much out of the area by tomorrow,” Dumas said on Feb. 6. “Starting tomorrow afternoon in Santa Barbara County, we will get one more little impulse coming through, but by Friday [Feb. 9] we should be out of the rain at least through the weekend.”

During the storms, high wind gusts and rain in Santa Maria caused power outages and more than 75 reports of downed trees or large branches—with some falling onto roads, vehicles, or other structures, Santa Maria Public Information Officer Mark van de Kamp said in a statement.

“On the city’s west side, Black Road remains closed between Main Street (Highway 166) and Betteravia Road, due to flooding. Stowell Road from Hanson to Black Road is still closed, but trucks can still go to the agricultural coolers there,” van de Kamp said on Feb. 6.

Preisker Park was closed but was predicted to reopen on Feb. 7 following the removal of a large eucalyptus tree that fell onto the park roadway and a safety inspection by the Recreation and Parks Department.

4 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

“Trees and limbs went down across the community,” van de Kamp said. “City crews from multiple departments (along with the city’s tree maintenance contractor) worked in unison to prioritize safety by ensuring all reported tree issues were inspected as soon as practicable so that any necessary removals could be accomplished to ensure roadway and sidewalk access.”

Lompoc experienced no major damage or flooding from the storms, Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne told the Sun. “Our Urban Forestry and Streets divisions spent Monday [Feb. 5] working to clear all the downed trees and branches,” Osborne said. “[The] city electric division restored power quickly over the weekend during several outages inside the city limits.”

In Guadalupe, the $8 million debris and sediment removal project and sand berm held the Santa Maria River in its channel, keeping Pioneer Street residents—who experienced flooding, damages, and relocation during last year’s storms—safe, Guadalupe Mayor Ariston Julian told the Sun. Throughout the previous couple of weeks, Guadalupe created community emergency response teams in order to deploy individuals who are able to mobilize locally in the events of extreme weather or other emergencies. The city also received state funding to purchase disaster resource supplies, including cots, sandbags, and other items to help with potential flooding, he added “There was a lot of water, so again we were concerned about the river, but it stayed in its banks.

We’re lucky the county put together some money to be able to do that,” Julian said. “It alleviated some of the worry; nobody was displaced. We’re happy about that.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Solvang accepts applications for new advisory committee

Out of commission for nearly a year, Solvang’s Tourism Advisory Committee is undergoing a reboot, and currently recruiting new members.

The group’s resurfacing also comes with rebranding, as it’s now called the Tourism and Marketing Advisory Committee (TMAC).

The purpose of the board is to “advise city staff on matters relating to promoting Solvang as a tourist destination and to enhance the quality of life for the Solvang community,” according to a recruitment notice.

Solvang posted the notice on its website in early February and will be accepting applications

for TMAC appointment through Feb. 16. The last iteration of the board was disbanded by the Solvang City Council in April 2023.

City Manager Randy Murphy told the Sun that the steps to reform the committee began falling into place after the city added new staffers to its marketing efforts, including Candice Libera, who took on the role of marketing and events coordinator in January, after holding an interim marketing position for about a year.

One of the reasons the City Council unanimously decided to halt the former committee from holding future meetings in April was due to the departure of the city’s former marketing agency, The Abbi Agency, according to Councilmember Robert Clarke.

“We don’t have a marketing agency, we don’t have a marketing manager, and I think we should stop and disband the TAC [Tourism Advisory Committee] and start this whole thing from scratch,” Clarke said during the council’s April 10, 2023, meeting. “I think there’s enough qualified people in this town to get together, that care enough about this town to really make the TAC something a step, two steps, three steps above where it has been. I want to wipe the entire slate clean.”

Murphy expects to appoint the five members of the new committee before the end of February, with input from Libera and other staff members.

One of the biggest differences between the former committee and the upcoming relaunch is that the TMAC won’t be a Brown Act committee, Murphy said.

“The committee had a value. It was just kind of cumbersome the way it was organized,” Murphy said. “The decision was made to bring something back. … It’s not going to be a Brown Act committee, so it’s not subjected to all the rules associated with holding a [Brown Act] meeting.”

While future meetings of the TMAC won’t be required to adhere to the public noticing protocols of a Brown Act committee, a public notice was posted on Solvang’s website on Feb. 5 to encourage the city’s residents and business owners to apply for membership before the Feb. 16 deadline.

Murphy plans to remind the public about TMAC recruitment at the Solvang City Council’s Feb. 12 meeting. While TAC membership was solely open to residents of Solvang, non-residents who own businesses within the city of Solvang are welcome to apply to join the TMAC. The city plans to appoint one community member and one member each to represent the four following industries: hotel, wine, restaurant, and retail.

“The TRC [Tourist Related Commercial District] and what that comprises of—our hotels and businesses—definitely have a key play in our tourism and marketing. It greatly affects them,” Libera told the Sun. “We want to take their expertise and their opinions into consideration when we make these decisions.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

County Planning Commission approves Cuyama oil well testing project

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission voted 4-1 (with 3rd District Commissioner John Parke dissenting) during its Jan. 31 meeting to approve a proposal to drill a single oil and gas “exploration well” in the Cuyama Valley.

Michigan-based oil and gas company West Bay Exploration Company proposed the Hidden Canyon Test Well, which would be drilled 11,000 feet deep on Brodiaea Inc.’s North Fork Vineyard and tested for up to 24 days to see if it’s viable for production, county Energy, Minerals, and Compliance Division Planner Katie Nall told the commissioners during the meeting.

NEWS continued page 6

2024

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(Examples: pictures of oceans, lakes, watersheds, etc.).

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Welcoming Dr. Ryan Leachman DO, MBA

A Central Coast Native, Dr. Ryan Leachman DO, MBA, Graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 2004. Dr. Leachman attended California Polytechnic State University where he earned dual degrees in Biology and Psychology and graduated Cum Lade.

Dr. Leachman continued his education at Cal Poly where he earned a Masters in Business Administration. Dr. Leachman further continued his education at Midwestern University school of Medicine where he earned his medical degree. Dr. Leachman attended residency at OSU Pediatrics. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics.

News NEWS from page 4 “No oil and gas production is proposed as part of this project and no permanent facilities are proposed besides the single wellhead,” Nall said, adding that West Bay will return to the commission with a more detailed production plan if production is feasible. Any waste produced will be trucked to McKittrick Waste Treatment Landfill near Bakersfield, and water needed for the project will be pulled from an on-site well, she said. West Bay is leasing the mineral rights from parties separate from Brodiaea Inc.—part of Harvard University’s endowment fund—but the mineral rights owners are not specified.

“Geologic reservoirs vary and the fluid captured varies as well from place to place. Our geoscientists have conducted detailed studies; the only way to truly answer the question as to whether it’s productive or not is to drill a well and analyze the information gleaned from the well,” said Tim Baker, the project manager for the Hidden Canyon Test Well Production Plan.

While the company is concerned with greenhouse gas emissions and is “embracing all forms of energy,” West Bay thinks the best approach is to consider existing energy sources in order to provide a sustainable transition to clean energy, Baker said.

Cuyama residents approached the Planning Commission during public comment with groundwater and environmental impact concerns over drilling a test well this deep and the potential for increased oil production in the Cuyama Valley and asked the commission to deny the project or require a full environmental impact report.

“I ask you to consider this permit in the same context you consider other Cuyama issues that come before you that prioritize groundwater supply and prioritize safety on Highway 166,” said Roberta Jaffe, a Cuyama resident and owner of Condor’s Hope vineyard.

The Cuyama Valley Groundwater Basin is one of California’s 21 critically overdrafted basins, and residents have no other water source to rely on, Jaffe said during public comment.

“The impacts of this 11,000-foot well on our groundwater supply are important to examine in detail. A lot of water is required to drill a deep oil well, yet there is no discussion in the [mitigated negative declaration] as to how much water will be needed to drill this well,” she said.

Drilling mud from a well this deep could also contain toxic heavy metals like arsenic, and there’s no specifics of what will be done to protect the groundwater supply of nearby ag fields or runoff prevention for the Cuyama River, Jaffe said.

Project manager Baker said he was sympathetic with the concerns expressed by Jaffe and fellow residents, and added that there’s been “a tremendous evolution” in drilling techniques and California law to protect the environment. If West Bay is successful and moves forward with a facility, they will install groundwater monitoring wells to keep track of the water quality.

Third District Commissioner Parke voted against the project, saying he’d like to see a full environmental impact report conducted. While several commissioners echoed the concerns, they said they had to evaluate this project as a testing site, not an entire oil production facility, and approve the project.

“It really goes against my grain having gone through the frost ponds project and seeing the effects of oil drilling and production in the Cuyama Valley,” said 1st District Planning Commissioner C. Michael Cooney—who represents the Cuyama Valley. “Like several of my fellow commissioners, I feel bound by the rules we are assigned to look at and staff’s recommendation is based on those rules, so this will be a rare vote for me in approving staff’s recommendation.” m —Taylor O’Connor

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Local violinist Brynn Albanese brings healing, hope, and more as a certified music practitioner

BY ADRIAN VINCENT ROSAS

talent’s use in medicine before the COVID-19 he calming sound of a violin string being played echoes in the room as an elderly patient pandemic.

“During the has an IV drip put into her arm. pandemic years, I put It’s not an unfamiliar sight, Brynn Albanese myself through school, which took four years playing the song “What A Wonderful World” of studying and two years of internships after

by Louis Armstrong on her violin while a nurse realizing that I could take my skills as a performer administers treatment. and make them a service,” she said.

“I play a lot of simple songs—things like ‘Moon That training process is what she said is the River Waltz,’ ‘Over the Rainbow,’ ‘Imagine,’ and difference between being a certified music of course ‘What a Wonderful World,’” Albanese practitioner and being a medical hospice said. “It’s my job to meet the patient where they musician. are at and provide that complementary comfort “Hospice is companion-based, so they pick to them.” someone based on the individual rather than For Albanese, being a certified music anything else,” she said. “I would not consider practitioner means sequences like this are an myself to be a performer almost everyday experience either, since the music I play throughout hospitals and goes hand in hand with doctors’ offices across the Want to help? administering medicine and Central Coast when she is Visit ecologistics.org to help support other treatment.” around. the nonprofit that funds Brynn Albanese’s efforts to bring the healing power of music According to Albanese, a “I see myself playing a to the Central Coast. For more information certified music practitioner similar role to that of a sweeper on future events or to contact Albanese can be called in by hospitals defender in soccer,” she said. for her services, visit brynnalbanese.com. and medical facilities to serve “I come in and sweep when several different roles. the hospital requires musical The first is to be a peaceful distraction, usually treatment to be administered to help the patient during distressing procedures like injections or in whatever they are experiencing.”

The semi-retired traveling musician has worked chemotherapy.

“Some people have physical ailments that like this since 2021, lending her services to groups also require some distraction while it is being while spreading the word about the impact and treated,” Albanese said. “I have a versatile enough healing power of music. list of songs that I can play in the event they “I spent years as a traveling violinist, going all over the place to do what I am doing right now,” need something to take their mind off of things, she said. “But now I can bring it into a whole new whether it’s that or simply waiting for test results way of impacting people past it just being another or to be discharged.” performance.”

Vital signs stabilization, which often involves Albanese became interested in her musical softer, mellower pieces, is part of her efforts to help

T

8 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Health & Wellness

calm patients down who may need to begin the process of dying.

“I’ve found that the beat and tempo help give patients something to ground themselves in—a sort of pulse or auto-response to keep things steady,” Albanese said. “That goes hand in hand with my other role as a certified music practitioner.”

As an end-of-life transition support or doula, Albanese works to help patients into their final phase of life. The process takes place alongside the patient’s family or loved ones. She offers literal and figurative support during what can sometimes be up to a two-week process before someone passes away.

“For these, I do not use a violin, as the strings vibrate at such a high frequency that it does not allow the body to do what it needs to do in the final days of life,” she said. “Instead, I use these native American flutes made from wood that provide a softer sound that helps the body into its next stage.”

Outside of her role as a doula and support for end-of-life transitions, Albanese said the most common group she works with are those suffering from severe cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Nurses, for as valiant as they are, are often not trained for full-scale dementia care,” Albanese said. “So the fact that nurses have been able to get Alzheimer’s patients to cooperate easier when I am playing is certainly something that’s a win-win for all parties involved.”

Recently, Dignity Health’s Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria brought Albanese on as an independent contractor to work alongside medical staff to help administer her style of musical medicine.

Dr. Chuck Merrill, the chief medical officer at Marian, said Albanese is a welcome sight for hospital attendees and staff.

“It works in conjunction with a lot of the standard care that we see here at the center,” Merrill said. “We have found that anecdotally— both from patients and staff—that it has a big impact on everyone involved.”

Both Merrill and Albanese said medical studies conducted over the years have shown that music had some impact on patients.

A 2021 study conducted by the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group based out of the Netherlands found that musicbased treatments for people with dementia helped reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall behavioral problems. The study also found that music-related treatment may help emotional well-being, quality of life, and anxiety reduction in those with dementia.

An analysis conducted by the Health Psychology Review, most recently updated in 2022, found that music therapy was rising in popularity and showed there was a distinguished impact on psychological responses to treatment related to medical care.

“It’s part of that complementary care most hospitals are already providing, and like those, it’s backed by science and research on top of requiring almost four years of independent training to be certified,” Albanese said. “It’s not required, it’s often not paid, but it is synonymous with giving people—especially those in the late stages of life—a complementary care.”

Albanese explained that complementary care is any type of treatment done in a medical setting outside of a standard medical procedure meant to ease the patient-staff experience.

Thanks to her new partnership with Marian hospital, she said more people will be able to see her work in action and understand just how valuable musical medicine can be on the Central Coast.

“These vibrations from these songs have an amazing impact on you,” Albanese said. “My end goal is to make music a part of the natural environment of our health facilities, bringing about more encompassing humanitarian care on top of what is currently being done.” m Reach New Times Staff Writer Adrian Vincent Rosas, from the Sun’s sister paper, at arosas@ newtimesslo.com.

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10 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Monday – Friday

Healing through horsemanship Central Coast nonprofits offer equine therapy as a way to work through trauma and mental illness and to manage disabilities

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

K

Health & Wellness equine-assisted behavioral wellness

eenan Hartig struggled with substance abuse program and a retired racehorse care program. and lost his employment a month and a half “The horses are really the therapist; they do before finding Healing Heroes Through their magic. The thought behind that is they have Horsemanship, a Nipomo-based nonprofit that this wonderful ability to mirror us and show us helps veterans and first responders on the Central what’s going on inside,” d’Unienville said.

Coast with equine-assisted programs.

Working with horses has a similar bodily effect Hartig—a Los Osos native and veteran—rode as yoga or meditation does on people, she said, horses a handful of times in his life and never but a lot of people aren’t able to get to a meditative felt fully comfortable around the animals until state by themselves. enrolling in Elite Vocations, a 10-week vocational “There’s a lot of chatter in their heads, they have horsemanship program designed to work with anxiety—when they spend time with the horses veterans seeking to make a career change. In in the pen, grooming, that connection with the the Healing Heroes program, Hartig and fellow horse makes all that noise go away and really helps veterans learned comprehensive equine care, first connect their mind and body,” d’Unienville said. aid, daily management, physical conditioning and The two-day program is set up like a retreat exercise, and ground manners training—working on the ground with the horse as opposed to riding it. where people spend a weekend at the ranch with the animals, she said. The retreat is catered to “They teach us how horses can sense our first responders, veterans, and law enforcement, emotions and heart rates and adrenaline. I am a and people are grouped based on profession and person who will ruminate and stress about things experience. and think about the traumatic [events] in my life,” “What we found working with people, without Hartig said. “I feel totally better than when I went them thinking about it, is it helps with depression, in; I was having a rough time emotionally and anxiety, post-traumatic psychologically. It helped me stress disorder symptoms, calm down, relax, and find or any of those associated myself and believe in my More than a ride mental health challenges,” capabilities.”

Visit heroeshorses.org, call (805) 868-7634 or d’Unienville said. “We email info@heroeshorses.org for more information Healing Heroes about Healing Horses Through Horsemanship. found that people who don’t Through Horsemanship Visit syvtherapeuticriding.org, call (805) want to pursue or aren’t is one of several equine 350-2280, or email info@syvtherapeuticriding. ready to pursue traditional therapy opportunities on org for more information about the Santa Ynez therapy, it opens that the Central Coast that Therapeutic Riding Program. door to connecting [with] helps people who are themselves and finding working through trauma, extra help.” managing disabilities, or finding new careers. After Elite Vocations takes a different approach to graduating from the 10-week program, Hartig is traditional equine therapy where it offers training now working on a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley for veterans to enter into the equine industry, feeding, handling, and grooming and has been giving veterans new skills while still getting the looking at different barn management positions at therapeutic benefit. ranches throughout the state.

“Behavioral wellness is about being your best, “Coming to a field with horses was so different just like going to the gym every day to improve to me, but now feeling comfortable with it, it just our bodies, behavioral wellness programs help us opened my eyes that there’s so many possibilities reset communication skills and self-regulation out there,” Hartig said. “I could apply myself skills,” d’Unienville said. and do that, but also the fact that it’s just a very Less than 50 miles south, the Santa Ynez Valley peaceful type of work. … It’s something I could do Therapeutic Riding Program has been offering anywhere in the world.”

Elite Vocations is one of three programs offered equine therapy opportunities for those facing behavioral, cognitive, or physical disabilities every at the Nipomo-based ranch, Healing Heroes cofounder and program director Yvette d’Unienville week since 1990, said Morgan Kastenek, director of community engagement. told the Sun. The nonprofit also hosts a two-day

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MORGAN KASTENEK

“What we really “I would say pride ourselves on most commonly is being extremely it’s an openwelcoming, very ended service. I inclusive, an openthink there are door policy— individuals who anyone can come have been a part and just enjoy their of the program experiences with for years on horses, whether end; not only is they are riding it a recreational or not riding,” activity, it’s Kastenek said. something you Along with are constantly weekly lessons for working on—you individuals, the are constantly program partners maintaining with the Santa your strength Maria-Bonita and wellness,” School District to Kastenek said. allow students to The evaluation spend time with process and QUALITY TIME: The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic horses, while being assigning the right Riding Program served almost 300 individuals in overseen by the horse both play a 2023, connecting people with physical, cognitive, or district’s mental behavioral disabilities to horses. role in goal setting health specialist; and helping an works with local individual reach senior homes; and brings their miniature horse, their goals, she said, adding that there’s noticeable Teacup, for visits to communities or organizations differences in people each time they spend time throughout Santa Barbara County, she said. near or on horses.

“Horses force us to check in on ourselves; “I think that there are some teeny-tiny things that horses prefer that we slow ourselves down,” we notice, maybe a smile, sometimes on horseback Kastenek said. “There’s a lot of benefits. There’s the rider just lights up. It’s hard to explain,” Kastenek common misconceptions that it’s just a pony ride, said. “I’ve been in therapeutic riding [for] seven that you move in a circle and hop off, but there’s so years, and I still remember the first lesson I saw. much more to it.”

It’s not a normal lesson—it’s impactful seeing the The program works with all ages and abilities connection of these horses to these participants and and caters lessons to each individual’s skills and what a beneficial program it is for everyone.” m comfort level with horses, she said. Trained staff Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@ will evaluate a person’s abilities before pairing santamariasun.com. them with a horse and creating a lesson plan.

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News

SPOTLIGHT

Ecosystem builders

PHOTO COURTESY OF AUDREY TAUB

Central Coast organization helps restore beaver habitat, spread awareness about the semiaquatic rodents’ benefits

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

B

eavers were once one of the most widely distributed mammals in North America, but unregulated trapping, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict changed all of that.

A growing recognition of the beavers’ role in ecosystem restoration and conservation efforts led California to start the beaver restoration project in 2023. Acknowledging the benefits beavers have on California’s ecosystem is a new movement, said SLO Beaver Brigade Executive Director Audrey Taub. Prior to last year, when Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the beaver project, it was legal to exterminate beavers.

In December, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reintroduced a family of beavers into the wild for the first time in 75 years as part of the project.

Since the spotlight on beavers is new, Peter Tira from California Fish and Wildlife said that the state doesn’t actually know how many beavers there are. As part of the project, California is encouraging submissions of observation data from the public. Beavers were reported in Zaca Creek, Alamo Pintada Creek, and Redrock Canyon in Santa Barbara County.

“We actually don’t have population numbers for beavers or most other species in California,” he said. “But beavers are very prolific and very widespread throughout the state. They’re healthy and overall doing a great job.”

Now the state will be using beavers to help restore rivers across California, Taub said. From the most northern part of the state to the most southern, beavers will be released into the wild to

help create healthy ecosystems.

As part of its work restoring beaver habitat along the Salinas River, the SLO Beaver Brigade will unveil interpretive panels along the Juan Bautista De Anza Trail in Atascadero on Feb. 10.

“One panel will focus on the habitat that beavers create. They build dams and they create wetlands that store a lot of water on the landscape and create very biodiverse habitats,” she said. “Lots of birds, frogs, and turtles find their homes there. The other panel focuses on fire and groundwater storage and how beaver dams are known to store 10 times more water in the ground than on the surface.”

Taub said the wetlands are a great refuge for the local animals and serve as firebreaks for the cities near them.

The brigade received a Whale Tail Grant of a little more than $40,000 from the California Coastal Commission for the panels, a mural at the Charles Paddock Zoo, and educational tours. Field trips are also offered for a variety of local schools, and Taub said so far, schools in Oceano and Atascadero are on the calendar.

Coming out and hearing about beavers is a great way to learn about California’s natural ecosystems, especially if you live along the coast, Taub said.

“Beavers are rodents, and they eat woody materials, tree bark, and herbaceous plants,” she said. “Beavers create habitat for fish, and there’s been this long saying that beavers actually taught salmon to jump because they had to learn to jump over beaver dams and make their way into the ocean.”

Taub that said on the Central Coast beavers and steelhead trout have evolved together for many years because steelhead trout can safely mature

DAM IT: Beaver dams store more water in the ground than on the surface creating wetland homes for birds, frogs, and other animals. On Feb. 10 a Central Coast organization, the SLO Beaver Brigade, is celebrating the semiaquatic rodent at the Atascadero wastewater treatment facility.

behind a beaver pond and swim out to the ocean in spring to continue their life cycle.

“They build a dam that slows down the water and gives it time to sink into the groundwater,” she said. “The Salinas River will run dry on the surface and continue flowing under[ground] except where the beavers are.”

Over the past three years, researchers studying beavers in the Salinas River found that in periods of drought, beaver habitat maintained wetness and actually got greener, showing zero signs of drought, Taub said.

Because of these benefits, the state changed its thinking on the rodent and so have those who may have once considered the species to be a nuisance.

“There is a rapidly expanding desire among landowners, land managers, restoration practitioners, and other stakeholders in California to utilize beavers for habitat and water management, ecosystem restoration, and increased resiliencey to climate change and wildfire,” Fish and Wildlife said on its beaver web page.

Highlights

• The Santa Maria Public Library—421 South McClelland St.—will host free craft workshops for adults during February in the Library’s Learning Loft. There will be an embroidery workshop on Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m., jewelry and magnet-making on Feb. 24 at 11 a.m., and origami photo framemaking on Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. Craft programs are free and all materials will be provided, but space is limited and registration is required. These programs are designed for people 18 and older.

The library continually reimagines its services to offer a wide array of programs and resources that move beyond traditional library services to welcome everyone for improved quality of life through lifelong learning, increased activities, and positive community connections. Direct questions about the workshops to (805) 925-0994, Ext. 8562. m Reach Staff Writer Samantha Herrera from the Sun’s sister paper at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.

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www.santamariasun.com • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • Sun • 13

Opinion ONLINE POLL

Will you attend the Allan Hancock College rodeo at the Elks?

47% I’m not a big fan of rodeo.

27% I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

19% I have to check my calendar, but I want to be there.

7% Not this time, but catch me there next year.

15 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [15]

Big Brother is tracking Do you know the extent to which our every move is being watched?

BY RON FINK

The Replica website says that “Replica provides customers with detailed information on who irst let me be clear, searches authorized by owns EVs, where they are driving, and why.” So a local, state, or federal courts are essential if the “data is not trackable to individuals,” how to capturing crooks. This commentary come they collect the data on who is driving the addresses data mining for commercial purposes EVs and why? and government searches without benefit of a And if Replica only collects data on EVs, how search warrant from the court. could this provide travel information on how With today’s electronic technology, folks many people are traveling long distances to work can “spy” on you anywhere you go without you in fossil fuel-powered vehicles? “The cellphone data knowing about it. Cameras are everywhere, you are combined with credit card data and Caltrans can be recorded and not even know it, and now data, such as those strips on the road you drive when you are using your cellphone, credit card, over that count cars,” the Newshawk article says. and car GPS map system, the “government” If I am reading the above statement correctly, knows where you’re going every day. it looks like the data from all these sources is Not only that, but they don’t even have to ask combined to get a total; that means that there for permission to snoop on your daily activities. could be numerous duplications because a person How do we know this? Because as Noozhawk traveling in an EV, with a cellphone with tracing recently reported, “In a first for Santa Barbara capability could trip a Caltrans counter, thus the County, smartphone, GPS, and credit card data total would register three trips for one vehicle. are being used to learn how people travel, where And if they use a credit card to charge the EV or they travel, and why they travel,” (“Santa Barbara purchase fuel, they could be counted again.

County Agency Using Electronic Smartphone “Total vehicle miles traveled are down Data for Transportation, Housing Plans,” Jan. 21). everywhere in the county except Lompoc The article claims that “the data is not trackable and Guadalupe, which [Director of Planning to individuals and only used to determine overall for the Santa Barbara County Association of trends.” If that’s the case, how did they acquire Governments Michael] Becker said is likely because this information; well, they used tracking data of the population that works in the farm fields.” from individual devices, and if that’s the case, While it’s true that many local farmworkers then they could certainly identify who owned the travel to and from work in their cars, it’s also true equipment. that many locals carpool, and seasonal workers Give this some thought. When you use a search travel in labor contractor-provided buses from the engine on your browser to find a product or your contractor-provided group housing to the worksite credit card to buy it, you are suddenly bombarded each day. Many other workers travel to and from MUSIC with sales pitches for similar items. And how Lompoc to service industry jobs to support the about all those robo calls we keep getting from Santa Barbara tourist industry.

FLAVOR/EATS political candidates, surveys, or sales pitches for One of the charts provided by the association warranty extensions for out-of-date appliances? of governments is titled “where workers come The article says, “The Santa Barbara County INFOin Santa Barbara. While the city from” to work Association of Governments, a powerful, yet lowof Santa Maria is listed, the cities of Lompoc, key regional agency driven by staff members who Buellton, and Solvang are lumped into the CALENDAR make decisions about housing, heading “North County.” transportation, and overall longUIC John Marshall Journal of OPINION Speak up! term planning, spent $92,000 on a Information Technology & Privacy Send us your contract with Lakewood, KansasLaw says, “The U.S. Constitution views and opinion to NEWSand Supreme Court recognize based Replica to learn about travel letters@santamariasun.com. trends throughout the county.” and protect the right to interstate

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travel. The travel right entails privacy and free domestic movement without governmental abridgement.”

The most troubling part of this revelation is that local government and private data mining companies are aggressively snooping on our everyday travel activities. In this era of political conflict, it’s entirely possible that this intrusion could result in misinterpreted, abused, or misused data to produce poor public policy.

It’s bad enough that the government seems to feel it’s necessary to track ordinary citizens’ daily movements, but what’s worse is what they can do with the information once they get it. And, if our own government has access to this information, who else does and what do they do with it? m Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc.

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

LETTERS County rooster rules will do more harm than good Not all animal advocates are cheering for Santa Barbara County’s newest rooster restrictions (“Rooster rules,” Jan. 25). In fact, a good number of us—particularly those of us who run hands-on rescues and animal sanctuaries—vehemently oppose rooster bans and restrictions.

These sweeping rooster restrictions—touted as an anti-cockfighting measure—promise to hurt more animals than they could ever help. By failing to distinguish between the game fowl used in cockfighting and the hundreds of different rooster breeds kept as pets, they condemn scores of backyard roosters to death and shift an undue burden onto the handful of rescue organizations in the state that accept roosters.

Another faulty assumption of rooster-ban proponents is thinking that most backyard roosters are intentional acquisitions and thus easily avoided by sensible citizens. But the scores of unwanted, backyard-breed roosters looking for homes are, for the most part, entirely unintentional—an artifact of the backyard-egg trend. Because of the high error rate (minus 20 percent) in sexing chicks, it’s almost inevitable that people purchasing a brood of future egglayers will discover a mislabeled male in the mix.

These “oops” roosters are the source of virtually all those vying for sanctuary spaces.

This situation happens with such predictability that most hapless rooster rehomers must soon confront the realization that a suitable home at a “farm in the country” is simply a fable. The fact is, the number of farmsteads willing to take in a rooster as a pet is basically nil, and all farmed animal sanctuaries are beyond full, easily receiving more relinquishment requests for roosters than for any other animal.

So where do these unwanted roosters wind up? Many are euthanized in overcrowded shelters that are too preoccupied with the endless stream of needy dogs and cats to suss out a safe spot for a rooster. Many others are dumped on the roadside, where they quickly fall victim to predators, starvation, or exposure to the elements. Untold others may meet an equally grim farm-animal fate of being “dispatched” behind the shed.

Meanwhile, there are no statistics showing that banning roosters is effective in reducing cockfighting activity. Even if there were, so what?

Just as we would not seek bans and restrictions on all dogs because some people like to use some breeds for dogfighting, neither should we punish all roosters because some people may be abusing some breeds for cockfighting.

With the already pressing need for safe, no-kill rooster homes, the last thing these beleaguered birds need is yet more restrictions. The fight to end cockfighting should not leave the rest of the state’s roosters fighting for their lives.

Ariana Huemer director, Hen Harbor Felton

14 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

Projection rejection

W

ater’s a hot commodity in the Cuyama Valley. So when someone says the word “drill,” people’s ears perk up.

This time around, it’s not water they’re looking to store in “frost ponds” on Harvard University’s North Fork Vineyard property in Cuyama. They’re looking for oil. West Bay Exploration Co. wants to drill a probing solitary “test” well on the property: 11,000 feet deep.

But that well still needs water to be drilled. And drilling for oil also produces some not so drinking-water-friendly substances—which West Bay plans to truck away along Highway 166, the safest highway in California … not. As one concerned area resident asked the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission on Jan. 31: What if the groundwater supply gets contaminated?

Never fear! Tim Baker, the Hidden Canyon Test Well project manager, said they’re going to test water quality. That way, they’ll be able to tell you if the water gets contaminated, you know?

The same resident—Roberta Jaffe—also said she was worried about the project’s potential to become something big.

“The only way to truly answer the question as to whether it’s productive or not is to drill a well and analyze the information gleaned from the well,” Baker said.

So, West Bay is admitting that a future project could come if this little test well produces oil that’s worth a damn. While residents asked commissioners to take that into consideration when voting on the project, that wasn’t their task.

The rules say to vote on each project individually.

“No oil and gas production is proposed as part

of this project and no permanent facilities are proposed besides the single wellhead,” county Energy, Minerals, and Compliance Division Planner Katie Nall said, adding that West Bay will return to the commission with a more detailed production plan if production is feasible.

Speculating on the potential for future projects isn’t part of the equation, county staff told commissioners. It’s a “hard stop” at the well testing project.

“I think we’re missing the boat here,” said 1st District Planning Commisioner C. Michael Cooney, who represents Cuyama.

“Everyone in this room knows that no one is proposing test drilling simply for the sake of doing test drilling,” Benjamin Pitterle from Los Padres ForestWatch said at the meeting. “It’s not a discrete project.”

He’s right. It’s not. But a test well is a test well and an oil production project is something else entirely—something that would need to be thoroughly vetted by all the appropriate agencies before moving forward, including by Santa Barbara County. And speculation on the future may possibly have already gotten the county in trouble when it comes to oil: Remember the pipeline issues from last year and ExxonMobil’s letter saying that it was just going to go around the county since going through it was so hard?

I get it; it sucks. But just like you can’t convict someone of a crime before they’ve committed it, you can’t convict a company of a project it hasn’t even proposed yet.

“It really goes against my grain,” Cooney added before voting to approve the project. “Like several of my fellow commissioners, I feel bound by the rules we are assigned … so this will be a rare vote for me in approving staff’s recommendation.” m

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www.santamariasun.com • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • Sun • 15

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 18, 2024

BEYOND THE GRAVE

Performances of the Great American Melodrama’s latest production, Grave Mistakes, are slated to run through mid-March. The new show opened in late January, and its cast includes Toby Tropper (right), who plays a ghost expert hired to evaluate the supposedly haunted residence of Ray (Jeff Salsbury, left) and Molly (Casiena Raether, middle).

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

—Caleb Wiseblood COURTESY PHOTO BY JENNIFER “Z” ZORNOW

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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.

BED AND BREAKFAST AND MURDER Two actors that regularly play cops on a television series decide to become real police officers. The duo is employed in a small town with a low crime rate, but the plot thickens when someone’s murdered at a local bed and breakfast. Presented by OCT. Feb. 9-25 my805tix.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria.

CRAFTWORKS: EMBROIDERY TOWELS In need of some Valentine’s Day decor?

Come personalize a hand/dish towel with embroidery thread and needle, sequins, and fabric markers. All supplies will be provided. This craft is for adults ages 18 and over. Registration is required. Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

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.

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults featuring coffee, snacks, and lively discussion. Feb. 10, 2 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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 California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, calnatureartmuseum.org.

EN MI CORAZÕN: DEBBI GREEN AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Artist Debbie Green has solo show exhibiting a collection of farm animals: cows, chickens, horses, donkeys, and their spirited personalities reflected in paint with love and affection. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 29 Free. 805 688-7517.

GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

SPLIFFS AND GIGGLES: LIVE COMEDY SHOW Starring Ezra. Enjoy live comedy and more. Feb. 9, 7 p.m. my805tix.com.

Bleu Consumption Lounge, 1129 N. H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

GRAVE MISTAKES Book editor Ray’s chances of courting writer and housemate Molly get pushed to the backburner when

the duo’s landlord teams up with a ghost hunter and plots to kick his two tenants out in order to transform their home into a horror-themed tourist destination.

Through March 16 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

MEET AND GREET WITH THE ARTIST Celebrate Linda Nelson and Steve Andrews’ artwork at The Clark Center in Arroyo Grande. Feb. 10, 2-4 p.m. 805-4899444. clarkcenter.org/about/visual-artsexhibit/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

NEW WORKS BY STEVE ANDREWS Andrews’ artwork will be on display during January and February at The Clark Center. Through Feb. 29 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/about/visual-arts-exhibit/.

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

SEX N’ THE CITY: A (SUPER UNAUTHORIZED) MUSICAL PARODY Tackles serious topics like “Will I ever find the one?,” “Can you ever really be over your ex?,” etc. Join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the ‘90s. Feb. 10, 8-10 p.m. $45-$65. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/sex-n-the-city-24/.

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

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, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/alisa-sikelianoscarter/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad 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.

16 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design.

Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com.

Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey 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.

ART AND WINE STROLL THROUGH THE GARDEN Enjoy a lovely afternoon in the garden as you sip and stroll through art and wine stations, featuring four local artists and live music. Feb. 10, 12-5 p.m. 805-5444066. claibornechurchill.com/events/.

Claiborne and Churchill, 2649 Carpenter Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo.

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

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

BARRY GOYETTE: MULBERRY For his exhibition at SLOMA, San Luis Obispobased artist Barry Goyette shows a series of portraits taken by a very specific mulberry tree as a site for portrait photography guided by the models, of varying stages of life. Through June 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/barry-goyette-mulberry/.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

INDEX Arts.......................................16 Culture & Lifestyle ...........18 Food & Drink .....................22 Music ..................................22

BEEHIVE: THE ‘60S MUSICAL Take a trip down memory lane with this musical celebration featuring iconic female voices of the 1960s. Told from the perspective of six young women who came of age in this enigmatic decade and unforgettable time, this new show will have you “dancing in the aisles.” Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through March 10 $40-$60. 805-786-2440. slorep.org/shows/beehive-the-60smusical/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro 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.

COBI MOULES: SHOWERING OF SPARKLY BITS Cobi Moules’ paintings feature queer bodies at play, exuding agency and abandon. Symbolizing queer joy, they transcend boundaries, obscuring the landscape as a backdrop to their pleasures. Moules reimagines 19th century Hudson River School landscape painting as queer spaces of desire and belonging. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 15 Free. 805-5463202. cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/ artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE: KING FOR A DAY Hop aboard the trolley for this whimsical, familyfriendly adventure featuring your favorite characters from the Emmy-winning PBS Kids series. Journey to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, enjoying stories of friendship and kindness, with catchy tunes like “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”

Feb. 8, 7:30-9 p.m. $29-$75. 805-756-2787. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVITY WITH JASON MAYR Give your creativity the gift of a jump start in the New Year. You’ll be led through exercises and examples to gain insight and inspiration that will fuel you forward in 2024. All levels are welcome.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Feb. 22 $185 for 5 sessions. 805-234-6940.

Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, artcentralslo.wordpress.com.

FLORAL IMPRESSIONS WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Art enthusiasts and aspiring artists welcome. Find more info on website. Feb. 11, 1-3 p.m. my805tix.com/.

Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

HEARTS IN BLOOM: MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this workshop you’ll receive step by step instruction for creating a beautiful floral heart paper collage using multiple media.

Feb. 17, 1-4:30 p.m. $40 per person. 805478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JIG: A TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY PRODUCTION Experience the captivating Trinity Irish Dance Company, “a pioneer of progressive Irish dance that combines traditional vibrancy with American innovation.” Feb. 9, 7:30-9 p.m. $36-$60.

805-756-2787. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., 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. Through April 1 Free.

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

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

ARTS continued page 18

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CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO TODAY NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY (805) 347-1968 · advertising@santamariasun.com www.santamariasun.com • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • Sun • 17

Hot Stuff ARTS from page 16 PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS This series is a great intro to the pottery wheel.

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

SCULPTURE SERIES WITH ROD PEREZ Rod will guide guests through creating a bust sculpture throughout the month of February.

Meeting twice a week offers ample time to craft and fine tune your piece. Beginners more than welcome. Clay sold separately at $35 per bag. Please book in advance online. Mondays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon through Feb. 26 $250. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

805-703-3132. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, 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.

WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY FOR FEBRUARY EXHIBITS Come meet this month’s featured artists, be inspired, and enjoy food, refreshments, a tree-filled atrium, and all the businesses in Marina Square. Feb. 10, 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. CANDLE “SEENCE” CRANSTON: FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS Cranston is a self-taught acrylic painter specializing in brightly colored landscapes, abstracts, and space paintings.

Since 2010, she has completed over 400 acrylic paintings, with inspiration drawn from studying astronomy, exploring music, and an ardent love of colors. Gallery open daily from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. 805-3945560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559-799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

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 650-888-2168. artbypiazza.com. Morro Made, 490 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. JEWELRY, SMALL WORKS, AND ART BY STEVIE CHUN Chun lives in a small town between Santa Clarita and Palmdale. She is a self-taught artist working in several mediums and many types of formats. Stevie 18 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 18, 2024 FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GUADALUPE SOCIAL CLUB

is passionate about shape and color in per paintings and crafts and uses minimal outlined forms. Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. METAL ART BY TRUDI GILLIAM Gilliam creates her sculptures using copper, brass, nickel/silver, and found objects. This new series of whales and birds uses copper and sea glass. 805-7729955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

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. 805-7729955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

SACRED PLACES: A GROUP PAINTING SHOW Features various media from painters Hema Sukumar, Joan L. Brown, Hope Myers, Sandra Sanders, Craig Harrill, Nancy Jensen, Patricia Newton, Virginia Mack. Includes paintings of special sacred places “we all may have visited.” Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 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

BOUNCING BABY STORY TIME Explore preliteracy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and their caregivers.

For ages 0-12 months. This program runs approximately 30 minutes. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. through Feb. 14 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons. org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

Participants of Dine Out Santa Maria Style are offering various $20.24 deals through Sunday, Feb. 11. One of the program’s featured FAMILY YOGA STORY TIME Families, relax together at this yoga story time. Children and venues this year is the Guadalupe Social Club, which is offering a caregivers will be introduced to mindfulness flatbread, salad, and chocolate brownie trio as part of the annual and learn exercises to help regulate emotions. promotion. Visit santamariavalley.com for more info. The Guadalupe Space and supplies are limited. Borrow a yoga Social Club is located at 945 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. mat or bring one from home. Feb. 11, 2 p.m.

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

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second 9:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@ Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805-904-6615.

Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. gmail for details and reservations. ongoing Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Grover Beach.

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. the remainder of this year’s group hike dates SAN LUIS OBISPO Grand Ave., Grover Beach. and private hike offerings. ongoing 805-3432455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Learn aerial skills EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA The Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. that build memory, strength, coordination, Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s confidence, and endurance. Plus, silks is a great Guild of America invites you to attend its LET’S BLOW OFF SOME STEAM Enjoy a way to learn flipping safely. For ages 7-17. All meeting on the third Saturday of each month. special story time that encourages curiosity levels welcome. Feb. 17, 1-3 p.m. $25 for first For more information, follow on Facebook at and exploration. Science, Technology, child; plus $10 per additional sibling. 805-547Bishop’s Peak EGA or visit the EGA website.

Engineering, Art, and Math themes will be 1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/events.

Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. explored through stories and discovered MUSIC through Nov. 16 Free. egausa.com. Grover Beach Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad through hands-on activities. Come dressed Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover St., San Luis Obispo. for mess. For ages 3 and up. Feb. 8, 4 p.m.

Beach, 805-773-4832.

805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC A sneaky way to FLAVOR/EATS Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. MINDFULNESS AND NEUROSCIENCE get fit. Build whole-body strength swinging McClelland St., Santa Maria.

WORKSHOP Enjoy exploring the fascinating on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No world of science and spirituality, as the experience is necessary. For ages 5-17.

ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY Second Tuesday INFO group discusses how Feb. 17, 1 p.m.-3 a.m. $25 for first child; plus of every month Oasis reintegrating our $10 per additional sibling. 805-547-1496.

Center, 420 Soares Ave., mind, body, and soul Orcutt, 805-937-9750. performanceathleticsslo.com/events.

CALENDAR through the practice of Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad SMV SHRED FEST yoga alters our neural St., San Luis Obispo.

Clear personal files, pathways and can purge tax records, BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential Send event information to calendar@ OPINION help us live a healthier and get rid of other through individualized meditation instruction happier life. Feb. 11, 3-5 santamariasun.com. documents at this p.m. $45. 805-619-0989. with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This shredding event. Feb. class is for those who wish to begin a practice NEWSempoweryoga805.com/ 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $6 or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days events. Empower Yoga Studio and Community per banker’s box. santamariarotarysouth.org. and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

Rotary Club of Santa Maria (South), 550 W. information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION STROKESOF WATCH AND Betteravia Road, Santa Maria.

Sliding scale. 559-905-9274. theartofsilence.net.

CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y BOOK LECTURE: TEACHING “INCIDENTS Members bring watches and clocks to show, COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION WITH ARTS IN THE LIFE OF A SLAVE GIRL” IN THE 21ST plus there are discussions of all things SHERRI SORRO DELAPLANE When was the CENTURY American Association of University horological.

Second Sunday of every month, last time you experienced being seen and Women presents Dr. Maya Hislop of Cal Poly, 1:30-3 p.m.

805-547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. understood? Every day around the world, the who will talk about how she first came into php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Center for Compassionate Communication contact with the landmark book, Incidents in Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano. supports the transformation of how we the Life of a Slave Girl, and the impact that it has speak to ourselves and one another, one POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS A had on her as a teacher. Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-noon empathic conversation at a time, speaking the docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds Free event. 805-781-5184. slolibary.org. San Luis of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. “language of life.” Feb. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $100 Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Check website for more details. Wednesdays, for 3 weeks; $175 for couples. 805-956-1424.

Street, San Luis Obispo.

Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San energeticpathways.net/. Energetic Pathways, CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20 Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

200 South 13th St., suite 214, Grover Beach.

CLUB CONFECTIONS

Spread the word!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT MY805TIX.COM

SLO Comedy Festival: 20 Comedy Shows

THURS-SAT, FEBRUARY 22-24

Bishop Peak Sunset Painting with Drew Davis

SLO Craft Beer Festival

Robert Fripp & David Singleton: Englishmen Abroad

Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Harold J. Miossi CPAC, Cuesta College

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zginKcYwuuqLOi7Z_YrvuaG4Zknjzbpz

At Her Table

FRI-SUN MARCH 1-10

1/1

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 SLO General Store, SLO

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO

Improv Comedy Show: with Brian O’Connell

10th Annual Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival FRI & SAT, FEBRUARY 9 & 10 Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Bleu Consumption Lounge, Lompoc

Mardi Gras Mambo feat. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more!

Orcutt Community Theater: Bed and Breakfast and Murder

Brian O’Connell Improv Workshop

Miss Leo and the Handsome Fellers

SweetHART Dance with Zongo All-Stars!

Lorenzo Mendez with Banda BG

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 SLO Public Market, SLO

PAKT- An Evening of Electric Jazz

Various Locations in SLO County

Improv Comedy Show: Ensemble Team

Spliffs & Giggles: Live Comedy Show

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Clark Center, Arroyo Grande

FRI, SAT, & SUN, FEBRUARY 9-25 Klein Dance Arts Studio, Santa Maria

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 The Center Yoga Studio, SLO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Cambria

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Cambria Vets Hall

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Floral Impressions Workshop with Drew Davis

“Murder In The Juice Joint”: A Valentines Day Murder Mystery Dinner

The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Clark Center, Arroyo Grande

Michael Nowak and Friends Featuring Maria Jette

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Trinity United Methodist Church, Los Osos

Fierce Fingerings with special guest Jack Cimo SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Cass Winery, Paso Robles

Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Clark Center, Arroyo Grande

Bootleg Comedy Presents: Leah Bonnema

Bears, Asylum of Ashes, Slaughterhouse Effect, & No Warning Shots

By The Sea Productions: It Takes Two, An Original Musical Revue

Shameless: Sex and Body Positivity Workshops

Songwriters at Play presents Kiki Ebsen House Concert

Yoga & Wine Blending Class with Saunter Yoga

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Drew Davis Fine Art, SLO

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Templeton Mercantile, Templeton

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Templeton Mercantile, Templeton

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Raconteur Room, Atascadero

FRI, SAT, & SUN, FEB 23-25 & MAR 1-3 545 Shasta Ave, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 The Benedict, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Intimate House Concert, Avila Beach

SELL TICKETS WITH US! It’s free! Contact us for more info: Central Coast Aquarium

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

SLOFunny Comedy Show

2024 SEASON PASS TEN SHOWS MARCH–DECEMBER Paso Robles & San Luis Obispo

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

Live Music, Trivia, Karaoke, and more!

CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS Club Car Bar, Templeton Mercantile

805-546-8208 info@My805Tix.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Timshel Vineyards, Paso Robles

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Performances: February 9 - 25 Fri & Sat at 7:30pm • Sun at 1:30pm Buy Tickets online at My805Tix or Tickets available at the door

Directed by Laura Gonzalez

Tickets $20

Visit Us at orcuttcommunitytheater.org • 3558 Skyway Drive, Bldg 1, Studio 1, Orcutt CA

Book Tee Times Online Today Tournaments / Bar & Grill

Rancho Maria Golf Club 805-937-2019 • 1950 CA-1, Santa Maria www.ranchomariagolf.com 20 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 18 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.

FREE FAMILY DAY The day of the month when admission to the Garden is waived all day for all guests. Come enjoy Valentine’s Day-themed crafts and activities in both English and Spanish. Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place to share life experiences with those who have depression or have had and recovered from the devastating effects of depression.

Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Dec. 30 Free.

805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

INTERACTIVE NEWS TECH AT THE NEW YORK TIMES NYT journalists and web developers Tiff Fehr and Annie Daniel are coming to Cal Poly to talk about how they tell interactive data stories (including the Pulitzer-winning COVID-19 dashboard).

Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-noon Free. 805-7562508. calpoly.edu. Cal Poly Advanced Technologies Lab (ATL), 1 Grand Ave., building 007, San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO SOLDER WORKSHOP Learn how to use a soldering iron and the materials used in soldering, including types of solder, flux, and soldering iron tips. You will put together and take home two small refrigerator magnet kits with LEDs that blink. Adults only. Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-noon $5-$20. alpenglowindustries. com/pages/workshops. Alpenglow Industries, 3485 Sacramento Drive, Ste. F, San Luis Obispo, 805-242-8158.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted

by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

MISSION PLAZA MARKET At the Mission Plaza Market, you’ll have the chance to explore a wide variety of stalls offering unique products. Discover hidden gems and support local businesses while enjoying the company of fellow enthusiasts. The market will also feature live music. Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. No entry fee. 805-540-1768. eventbrite.com. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

MUSHROOM DISCOVERY TWODAY WORKSHOP: MUSHROOM EXPLORATION AND IDENTIFICATION BASICS Learn the basics of mushrooms and mushroom identification. Participants will gather specimens and discuss identification techniques. Please dress for outdoor exploration and bring a lunch and water. Space limited. Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $235 members; $275 non-members. 805-541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

MUSHROOM DISCOVERY: TALES FROM THE CRYPTOGRAMS (ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES IN KINGDOM FUNGI) Explore the vast range of bizarre lifestyles found in Kingdom Fungi in this two-hour lecture.

Feb. 16, 6-8 p.m. $25 non-members; $15 members. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

PARTY FOR GOOD The Central Coast Friendship Bridge invites you to Party For Good at the House of Bread. Live Music

by Tax Band. 25 percent of the proceeds go to Friendship Bridge empowering impoverished Guatemalan women.

Handmade Guatemalan gift items for sale.

Feb. 16, 4-6 p.m. House of Bread, 1025 Farmhouse Lane, San Luis Obispo, 805801-4853, houseofbread.com.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition.

Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided.

Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 18, 2024 Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and coping skills to help you through your and questioning youth between the ages journey towards wellness and recovery. of 11-18. Each week the group explores Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 805-540personal, cultural, and social identity.

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. 6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN QI GONG FITNESS ONLINE Qi Gong is a CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in gentle but powerful way to strengthen 1906, has a rich history that The Land body, mind, and spirit. Great for balance.

Instructor: Gary West, through Adult School, Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors.

San Luis Coastal Unified School District.

Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every An online class. Wednesdays, 9:35-10:35 month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are a.m. through May 22 $90. 805-549-1222. free; donations are appreciated. Octagon ae.slcusd.org/. Online, See website, Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis San Luis Obispo.

Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

SIERRA CLUB SLO HISTORIC WALK: TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space THE MISSION, THE CHUMASH, AND providing peer-to-peer support for trans, GOLD RUSH RENEGADES Easy, guided gender non-conforming, non-binary, stroll past the Mission courtyard, three and questioning people. In-person adobes, the old stagecoach stop, and and Zoom meetings held. Contact other landmarks of young and wild San tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more Luis Obispo. Meet under the clock at the details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA corner of Monterey and Osos Streets.

Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Rain cancels. Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.-noon Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

Free. 805-549-0355. Under the clock at Monterey and Osos Street, Corner of TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP Monterey and Osos St, San Luis Obispo.

This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA as those questioning, from ages of 11 to ZOOM) A good core group of friends who 18. A facilitated emotional support group gather to discuss topics we love/ care to be heard, share your story, and hear about from movies, outings, music, or stories that may sound surprisingly like being new to the area. We come from all your own. Second Tuesday of every month, walks of life and most importantly support 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups.io/g/ lezbfriends. Online. San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB BRAIN EDUCATION SERIES FOR MEETINGS Want to improve speaking ADULTS: PROMOTING YOUR BRAIN and leadership skills in a supportive and HEALTH Growing evidence suggests positive environment? During COVID, we that you can keep your brain healthy by are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a adopting key lifestyle habits. Learn how meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. you can take care of your brain through Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. diet, exercise, social engagement, and Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. cognitive activities. Feb. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY 805-528-1862. Los Osos Library, 2075 COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or Palisades Ave., Los Osos. retirees that get together just for the fun, CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn fellowship, and to enjoy programs which the art of wood carving or wood burning. enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro independence of retirement. Thursdays, Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 range of techniques and skills. Mask Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo.

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

SLOCA SNEAK PEEK Interested in what Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 goes on at SLOCA? SLOCA welcomes Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805-772-2840, curious prospective parents and their sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html. preschool-grade 8 students to meet CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS teachers and staff, tour the campus, MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous and learn more about the school. Feb. (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. 805-548-8700. for anyone who desires to have healthy sloclassical.org/event/sneak-peek-2023/. and loving relationships with themselves SLO Classical Academy, 165 Grand Ave., and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in San Luis Obispo. person and on Zoom). For information, SLOCAHS SNEAK PEEK Headed to call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 high school? Tour the school, meet our p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. teachers and staff, and learn more about Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., our unique style of education. Feb. Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

12, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. 805-548-8700.

ENJOY AXE THROWING Enjoy the sloclassical.org. SLOCA High School, 1111 art of axe throwing in a safe and fun Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. environment. Kids ages 10 and older STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong are welcome with an adult. No personal boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, axes please. Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and improves balance and flexibility, and, best Saturdays, 12-6 p.m. $20. 805-528-4880. of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace baysidemartialarts.com. Bayside Martial for this outdoor class which is held in Arts, 1200 2nd St., Los Osos. a beautiful setting. Call or email before FREE OUTRIGGER CANOE DEMO DAYS attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805Athletes wanted. Pale Kai Outrigger 709-2227. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire is a nonprofit outrigger canoe club.

Ct., San Luis Obispo.

The club offers competitive HawaiianSUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ style outrigger canoe racing for men AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) and women and are opening up club Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, registration for 2024. All levels and abilities worldwide fellowship of folks from all welcome. Space is limited. Signup online walks of life who together, attain and now. Every other Saturday, 8-10 & 10 maintain sobriety. Requirement for a.m.-noon through Feb. 25 Free. palekai. membership is a desire to stop drinking. org/joinus/. Coleman Park, Morro Bay, 101 Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for Coleman Drive, Morro Bay, (805) 772-6278. password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Learn No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See all about the Lunar New Year while making website, San Luis Obispo. fun holiday crafts. Wear your finest red TECH BREW MEETUP Tech Brew is a free outfit for good luck. Welcome to the year networking event where people interested of the dragon. Feb. 9, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 805in technology can hang out in an informal 528-1862. Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades environment with a small TEDtalk-like Ave., Los Osos. presentation from an interesting speaker.

PLANTING BULBS FOR SUMMER COLOR Learn more online. Second Monday of Linda Hicks, of California Garden Clubs, every month, 5-7 p.m. 805-323-6706.

Inc., will show examples of bulbs, corms, meetup.com/softec/. StoryLabs, 102 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 22 Cross St, Suite 220, San Luis Obispo.

GO TO OUR WEBSITE & CLICK ON

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ALWAYS AMAZING.

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BED AND BREAKFAST AND MURDER February 9th thru February 25th Klein Dance Arts Studio, Santa Maria

HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS

GERARDO CORONEL

TYLER HENRY

TOWER OF POWER

FEBRUARY 23 | FRIDAY | 7PM

MARCH 1 | FRIDAY | 8PM

IT TAKES TWO Satrday, February 23 at 7pm & Sunday, March 3 at 3 pm

By The Sea Productions, Morro Bay

MARCH 15 + 16 | 8PM

MARCH 29 | FRIDAY | 8PM

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

Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER. ©2024 Chumash Casino Resort.

SLO SYMPHONY: CLASSIC IV BARTOK AND BEETHOVEN Saturday, March 2 • 7:30pm

Welcome to Freedom

Performing Arts Center, SLO

ON SALE NOW

RUMOURS A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE Thursday, March 21 • 7:30pm

ONE FREE

Clark Center, Arroyo Grande

JANUARY 26 - MARCH 16

NewTimesSLO.com

SMALL POPCORN! Expires 3/16/24

Great Snacks · Cold Beer · Hwy 1 Oceano · 805-489-2499 · americanmelodrama.com www.santamariasun.com • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • Sun • 21

Hot Stuff

FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 18, 2024 FILE COURTESY PHOTO BY BARRY GOYETTE

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 20

CANNABIS ODOR SOLUTIONS MEAN:

CLEAN AIR

rhizomes, and tubers and explain how to successfully grow them. Feb. 18, 2-4 p.m.

Free. lovgardenclub.com. First Baptist Church of Los Osos, 1900 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos, 805-528-3066.

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

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

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

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

CANNABIS: AFTER 6 YEARS IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE! AFTER SIX YEARS, THE REVENUE PROMISED BY CANNABIS HAS NOT MATERIALIZED. OUR COUNTY SPENDS ALMOST $6M+ TO COLLECT APPROXIMATELY $6M IN TAXES WHILE RESIDENTS, SCHOOLS, AND BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO SUFFER. IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE! URGE OUR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO CHANGE OUR TAX SCHEME AND ORDINANCE: PROPERTY LINE ODOR TESTING FOR OUTDOOR GROWS & GREENHOUSE GROWS PROVEN BEST CARBON SCRUBBER TECHNOLOGY FOR GREENHOUSE GROWS EFFECTIVE ODOR ENFORCEMENT, BECAUSE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ARE TOO MANY SQUARE FOOT CULTIVATION TAX THAT IS EASILY ENFORCED AND DISCOURAGES OVERGROWTH. READ OUR LETTER TO THE BOARD TO LEARN ABOUT OUR SOLUTIONS: WWW.SBCOUNTYCOALITION.COM

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more.

Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays 805-922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

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

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

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

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free.

805-937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com.

Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

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

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

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

A brief story, fifty-five words or less, with a headline no longer than seven words.

We accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long.

Entries submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2024 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 25, 2024.

For more details:

bit.ly/55Fiction 22 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

10TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN EXPOSURE GARAGISTE WINE FESTIVAL Find out why this annual event was named Best Wine Festival in the country by USA Today. Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 my805tix.com/.

Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang.

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805-722-4338.

Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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

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

TREE, MYSELF, AND I

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) presents Barry Goyette: Mulberry, a new photography exhibition, which opened in early February and is scheduled to remain on display through early June. All of the portraits featured in the solo show were taken by Goyette in front of the same mulberry tree in San Luis Obispo. Visit sloma.org for more info. SLOMA is located at 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

—C.W. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email.

Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. 805-801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

MLK SCHOLARSHIP FUND: 55TH ANNUAL CHICKEN BARBECUE Since 1969, 622 scholarships have been awarded to deserving students. All proceeds of event go to the Scholarship Fund. The menu: chicken, beans, potato salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Feb. 11, 12-3 p.m. $15. 805595-2526. mlkfund.org. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

ONX CHEF’S HOME TABLE: CACIO E PEPE, A LOVE STORY First ONX at Home event of the new year. Chef’s Home Table, an at-home cooking series, continues for Valentine’s Day 2024. Pour some ONX wine in the comfort of your own home. Learn more on website. Feb. 10, 4-5:30 p.m. $219.

805-434-5607. onxwines.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

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

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

THE WOOD DRAGON’S FEAST: A SPECIAL CHINESE NEW YEAR FOOD AND TEA PAIRING EVENT Come welcome in the Lunar New Year with this beautiful and intimate culinary and cultural celebration, infusing together Chinese food, tea, art, music, and Qi Gong, Chef Garrett of Sichuan Kitchen and Tea Sommelier Jennifer de Treglode are excited to present this five-course meal event. Feb. 11, 1:30-4 p.m. $88 per person.

619-807-7006. inariteaart.com/bookonline. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

MUSIC SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

CELEBRATE WITH RIPTIDE: MAKING MUSIC FOR 10 YEARS The Santa Maria Mussell Senior Club presents Celebrate with Riptide: 10 Years of Making Music, a dance at the Elwin Mussell Center. Grant funded by the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County. Feb. 11, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. 775-813-5186. RiptideBB.com.

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

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

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

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing 805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html.

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

RON MILLER LIVE Enjoy live music from Ron Miller. Visit site or call for more details.

Feb. 9, 6-9 p.m. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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

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

MUSIC continued page 24

THE CENTRAL COAST GUIDE TO EVERYTHING OUTSIDE

The latest issue of Get Outside magazine will be on stands soon!

Get an early peek at the digital edition online now at NewTimesSLO.com

The next issue will be Summer/Fall 2024.

Reserve your ad space by June.

Published July 2024.

Contact your sales rep for more info.

New Times – San Luis Obispo County

805-546-8208

110 Mary Ave #1 Nipomo 805.929.2915 560 Betteravia Rd Ste B Santa Maria 805.925.7992

Sun – Northern Santa Barbara County

805-347-1986

750 Price St Pismo Beach 805.556.3636

www.santamariasun.com • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • Sun • 23

Hot Stuff

FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 18, 2024

MUSIC from page 22

SAN LUIS OBISPO

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

Southern Exposure / Feb 9 & 10, 2024

LORENZO MENDEZ IN CONCERT Enjoy an evening with this acclaimed two-time Grammy Award winner. Feb. 10, 8 p.m. my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

PAKT: AN EVENING OF ELECTRIC JAZZ All ages welcome to this performance of progressive music in various genres. Feb. 9, 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

/ SOLVANG, CA

A unique tasting opportunity not to be duplicated!

Join us in Solvang and explore over 150 hand-crafted wines made from over 20 different grape varietals.

EVIL WOMAN: THE AMERICAN ELO A captivating tribute band dedicated to honoring the legendary music of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). With exceptional musicianship and a meticulous attention to detail, they bring ELO’s iconic sound to life on stage. Feb. 14, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $45-$69. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/evil-woman/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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

MARDI GRAS MAMBO Featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Cha’s. Together, the two groups will deliver a non-stop Mardi Gras celebration that will have everyone on their feet. Blues, cajun, New Orleans soul, zydeco, and R&B from two Louisiana legends. Feb. 9, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $45-$65.

805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ mardi-gras-mambo/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SENIOR SWEET HEART DANCE Come join the fun. Active seniors will enjoy dancing, snacks, music, and great company. Feb. 10, 6-9 p.m. $25. Woman’s Club Community Center, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, 805-473-5477.

A CELEBRATION OF HARP A Sunday afternoon one-hour performance of Medieval songs, Spanish dances, and European salon music played and sung with replicas of historic harps.

A rare chance to hear exceptional performers and unique instruments.

Reception following. Free parking in the church lot on Pismo Street. Feb. 11, 2-3 p.m. Free will donations accepted. historicalharpsociety.org. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

ELECTRONIC MUSIC CONCERT WITH ANNE HEGE AND JULIE HERNDON Guest artist Anne Hege will weave together works for her analog livelooping recorder with compositions for live voice, electronics, and video, and Music Department faculty member Julie Herndon will perform a selection from new works for extended keyboard instruments augmented with electronics.

Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. Free. 805-756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

THAT’S AMORÉ! FUNDRAISER Indulge in a unique fundraiser celebration. This romantic-themed fundraiser recital offers hits from beloved musicals and a special sneak preview of an upcoming show. Join a Princess Dessert Auction, and enjoy complimentary wine and light refreshments. Ticket supports OperaSLO’s culture. Feb. 11, 1-3 p.m. $100 ticket; $700 table of 8. 805-541-5369. operaslo.org.

The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

VALENTINE GREETINGS THROUGH SONG Central Coast Harmony acappella chorus invites you to remember your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a special phone call greeting or in-person quartet performance. Call for more information about reserving your unique special greeting today. Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and

Early Access & Weekend Pass tickets available!

www.garagistefestival.com

ON SALE NOW! Entertainment Menu Feb 9th – Feb 17th Appetizer Friday, Feb 9th

Noche de Baile Karoke – 7pm Second Course Saturday, Feb 10th

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NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION The marvelous Cal Poly Lion Dance Team and Band will be out front of Volumes of Pleasure bookshop to enthusiastically perform the centuries-old Lion Dance ritual which will delight attendees and bless our community. Feb. 10, 3-3:30 p.m. Free. 805528-5565. Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop, 1016 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos.

COUNTRY DANCE PARTY WITH BITTERWATER ROAD: FREE MATINEE SHOW Bitterwater Road is a country party band, with roots in Nashville honky tonks and their boots on the Central Coast. Grab your cowboy hat and get ready to boogie.

Feb. 10, 2-5 p.m. thesirenmorrobay.com/ events/list/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-225-1312.

EASTON EVERETT: LIVE AT KICKERS Everett plays guitar-woven music with an indie attitude through songs in distinctive stylistic shapes outside the pop mainstream. Feb. 9, 5-8 p.m. eastoneverett.com/. Kickers, 885 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, 805-225-1769.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of 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.

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. m

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Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. $10 to $40. 805441-1405. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

Lorenzo Mendez with Banda Sinaloense 8pm

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Arts

BOOKS PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SOLVANG LIBRARY

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SOLVANG LIBRARY

ARTS BRIEFS Pacific Conservatory Theatre presents new take on William Shakespeare’s Henry V COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR/ REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Tickets are currently available to the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) next production, Henry V, which is scheduled to open at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria on Friday, Feb. 15, and run through Sunday, March 3.

Director Mark Booher is at the helm of PCPA’s new iteration of the iconic play by William Shakespeare, written “at the height of his poetically expressive and rhetorically persuasive powers,” Booher said in press materials.

“The play famously valorizes the nobility of warfare, while it also critically dissects the virtues and violence of war,” Booher said. “We cannot leave the play without being inspired by the vigor and integrity of Henry’s quest, or without a deep sense of the waste and fatuousness of war and territorial acquisition.”

Booher also described the play as “a kind of living treatise to the art of playmaking itself, and particularly the collaborative creative force through which player and audience co-create the story.”

“This production is going to be both intimate and epic in scale,” Booher said. “Our audiences are going to be invited and immersed into the play in ways that, I think, are going to be very exciting.”

PCPA’s associate artistic director Emily Trask will portray Henry in the upcoming production. The show’s cast also features Andrew Philpot, Erik Stein, Don Stewart, Peter Hadres, Michael Tremblay, George Walker, Molly Dobbs, Kitty Balay, and Alexander Pimentel.

Michael Wilkins composed original music for the production. The show’s creative team includes costume designer Klara Wilson, lighting designer Cody Soper, scenic designer Kevin Dudley, sound designer Tony Angelini, stage manager Rebekah Carriere, and others.

Visit pcpa.org or call the PCPA box office at (805) 922-8313 for tickets to the show or additional details. The Marian Theatre is located at 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

Santa Maria Philharmonic Society performs at Grace Baptist Church

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY

Under the direction of maestro Michael Nowak, the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society will present its next concert, titled In the Classical Style, at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Maria on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The show’s song selection will highlight works by Mozart, Stravinsky, and Beethoven. Call (805) 925-0412 or visit santamariaphilharmonic.org to find out more about the upcoming concert. Admission to attend is $45. Grace Baptist Church is located at 605 E. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria. m Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

SYV STORYTELLER: Prolific film, television, and theater producer and graphic novelist Arvind Ethan David moved from Los Angeles to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2020. Story of Soil Wine in Los Olivos will host David during a local author talk on Feb. 15.

It’s a Wilde world Local graphic novelist Arvind Ethan David reimagines Dorian Gray with a twist

SHADES OF GRAY: Local graphic novelist Arvind Ethan David recently released Gray: Vol. 2, his second book in the Gray series, described as a modern, gender-swapping reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.

what they can do—I know their style, they know my style. I’ll tell

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD them, ‘You know that thing you do? Do that.’” ith a background in film and television, David uses Final Draft, the same writing Arvind Ethan David scripts his comic software he uses for screenwriting purposes, to books as if he’s working on a screenplay, script his graphic novels, but his screenplays have with a few key differences. much less descriptive text than his comics.

While a single page of a traditional screenplay “I write [comics] in a way I wouldn’t write film usually translates to one minute of screen time, scripts because if you overdo it in film scripts, the David is used to drafting multiple pages that often director thinks you’re trying to tell them what to correspond to a single comic book page once the do,” David said. “When I’ve shared my scripts with project’s artist becomes involved.

“If it’s a very dialogue-heavy page, it might take me my partners in the film and TV world, they say this is a director’s draft, with the level of detail that one four pages of script to write it,” said David, a prolific would expect to see from a director.” producer and author who moved to the Santa Ynez In other words, David writes his comics with Valley from Los Angeles about four years ago. the elbow room of an auteur, rather than someone Conversely, sometimes less than a dozen lines of writing for a director who’s expected to take the comic book script—taking up a quarter of a page reins later. or less—equates to a full page spread illustration, “I guess the metaphor I would use is: In comics, David added.

I am the writer and director,” David said, “and “In terms of how much direction I give, it does the artist is cinematographer, actor, costume and depend on the artist, and it does depend on how production designer.” complicated the action is,” David said. “When I’m The graphic novelist’s latest opus is Gray: Vol. 2, working with somebody who I collaborate with the second entry in his Gray series, a genderoften, I often leave more to them because I know swapped reimagining of Oscar IMAGE COURTESY OF ARVIND ETHAN DAVID Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray set in modern day.

“I became an Oscar Wilde fan, like so many people, with a production of The Importance of Being Earnest. It was my first year of high school and the seniors put it on as the school play,” said David, who was born in Malaysia and spent his teen years in Singapore. “My specific introduction to Dorian Gray was maybe 10 years later.”

David moved to the U.S. in his 30s, which is also when he started writing comics.

It was an artform he had been passionate about since childhood.

“I pretty much learned to read with comics,” said David, who remembers eagerly FROM PAGE TO PANELS: “Before 5 p.m. Champagne is a choice.

After 5 p.m., it’s a necessity,” Ms. Dorian Gray, as written by waiting for his father to come Arvind Ethan David, states in one panel of Gray: Vol. 2. In true Gray home from work every day fashion, David is hosting an upcoming author talk at a local wine with the promise of a new venue in mid-February. comic from the local shop.

W

26 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Story time

To celebrate the launch of his latest graphic novel, local author Arvind Ethan David will host a talk at Story of Soil Wine in Los Olivos on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 5:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Donations to benefit the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley will be accepted.

Email friendssyvlibrary@gmail.com for more info. Story of Soil Wines is located at 2928 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos.

“From age 5, or maybe even a bit younger, comics were the thing I read,” David said. “I loved everything—obviously superheroes, but also Archie, Veronica, Betty, and also the British comics. … I read thousands and thousands of comics.”

David got the opportunity to write his first comic while producing the 2016-17 TV series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. After writing some issues of the series’ tie-in monthly comic book, David was hooked.

“I just loved it … I loved the discipline. I loved the deadlines,” said David, who later envisioned adapting a new version of Dorian Gray to comics specifically because of the novel’s take on perceptions.

“Core to it [The Picture of Dorian Gray] is the idea of what people look like and what they are are two very different things,” David said.

“This is a story about the visual image and its implementation of who we are, who we say we are, so it felt natural for comics.”

David’s Gray series has received praise from critics and notable writers, including Diablo Cody, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter behind Juno, who called the first entry “an inventive, empowered, and thoroughly entertaining twist on a classic,” and “damn hard to put down.”

To celebrate the release of Gray: Vol. 2, David will host a talk and book signing at Story of Soil Wine in Los Olivos on Thursday, Feb. 15. There will also be a live reading, organized by local theater students, of one of the graphic novel’s scenes during the event.

David said it’s fitting to host the celebration in a tasting room, as Dorian Gray, “the most decadent of individuals,” would endorse the idea. He also described Story of Soil proprietor Jessica Gasca as “a brilliant winemaker and a suitably debauched individual.”

“I’m sure she’ll do Dorian proud,” David said. m Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood feels like a bushytailed fanboy. Send thought bubbles to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

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Film

SUN SCREEN

Cool jerk

Voilà! The backdrop of a disintegrating relationship and a man in the midst of a personal crisis. It’s funny, entertaining, and sad. andall Park directs this dramedy about Anna: It turns out that Ben’s life needs more a young Asian couple whose relationship than just a tweak to get in order. He’s got a is on the rocks. Ben (Justin H. Min) is an perpetual case of “the grass is always greener,” insufferable, judgmental, and aggrieved hipster and he really is going to have to lose it all to and aspiring filmmaker. His partner, Miko (Ally recognize that his failures come from within.

Maki), is an upbeat, ambitious organizer at Life isn’t happening to you, Ben! It’s happening an Asian American film festival who’s deeply because of you! Yet even though he’s got some interested in politics and the Asian American pretty insufferable traits, there still was a part community. He’s dismissive of her passion; she’s tired of his constant faultfinding. His best friend of me rooting for Ben to find his way. It can’t be Miko giving in to keep him comfortable, and is Alice (Sherry Cola), a promiscuous queer it can’t be Alice to keep bailing him out again grad student. When Miko leaves for a threeand again: Ben has to learn to face his crappy month internship in New York, Ben’s newfound demons all on his own. Min plays it well here— freedom forces him to examine his life and not apologetic for his character’s flaws but choices. (92 min.) vulnerable and letting the rough edges show. We see a lot of films Glen: Ben is a real dickhead. The SHORTCOMINGS about women having to find film opens with a scene from an What’s it rated? PG-13 their way out of the continuous Asian-centric film screening at What’s it worth, Glen? Full price cycle of poor decisions meeting Miko’s film fest, and its feel-good What’s it worth, Anna? Full price lackluster resolve, but it is nice ending disgusts Ben, who doesn’t Where’s it showing? Netflix to watch a dude trip and fall his bother to hide his disdain for the way through self-improvement film around Miko’s coworkers. for a change.

Yes, Ben is witty and “cool,” but Glen: I was rooting for him too. Deep down, it’s clear right from the start that his attitude is Ben’s a good person, but somewhere along the undermining his relationship. He’s also got an way he became jaded. Everyone’s a poser to him unexplored fetish for white women, so when because he knows he’s a failed filmmaker and Miko leaves for New York, he begins hanging poser himself. After Alice is kicked out of her out with his new employee, Autumn (Tavi grad program, she too moves to NYC, and when Gevinson), who he hired to sell tickets at the his theater goes out of business, in a bid to win Berkeley arthouse theater he manages. She’s Miko back, he travels to New York and stays a “performance artist,” but more importantly, she’s cute and blond and nothing like Miko. with Alice and her new girlfriend, Meredith

COURTESY PHOTO BY JON PACK/SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

R

HIYA! Ben (Justin H. Min, left) confronts his ex-girlfriend, Miko (Ally Maki), and her new boyfriend, Leon (Timothy Simons), in the dramedy Shortcomings, streaming on Netflix.

(Sonoya Mizuno), a Barnard professor. After stalking Miko, he discovers she’s taken up with a fashion designer named Leon (a very funny Timothy Simons), who Ben dismisses as an Asiaphile who’s only interested in Miko for her ancestry. Yes, white-girl-fetishist Ben is that hypocritical. It’s an entertaining look at race relations and self-sabotage. Will Ben grow up?

The film leaves it up to the viewer.

Anna: I think that Ben’s ability to see his own flaws is what makes him endearing. After doing

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOCUS FEATURES

New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO OF AMAZON STUDIOS

REACHER (SEASON 2)

Film & Television Reviews ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND

What’s it rated? R When? 2004 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre in SLO on Feb. 11 (1:30 FROM THE and 7 p.m.) and 12 (7 p.m.)

Existential crisis, here we come! Joel (Jim Carrey) can’t get Clementine (Kate Winslet) out of his head. Yet it seems that Clementine has decided to treat him like a total stranger.

What’s going on? This film is written by Charlie Kaufman and hosts an amazing cast. Carrey gives us a great glimpse into his serious chops as an actor, but we also get truly beautiful performances from Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, and especially Kate Winslet as Clementine.

The film toys with what memory looks like in comparison to reality, the rose-colored glasses we all sometimes wear when thinking about past loves, and the utter heartbreak of tortured love. Storylines bash together and fall apart, humans peel back their layers until they are simply bleeding hearts still desperate for one true thing. It’s a fascinating film, one that won’t leave your mind for days.

This film came out 20 years ago and has sat very firmly

his best to blow up Alice and Meredith’s life, he tells Meredith, “I’m sorry that you met me now.”

Even he recognizes the lunacy of his current path. The film manages to be tender and funny.

Props to Sherry Cola for her brand of sarcastic comedy. This film’s about the one-step-forwardtwo-steps-back reality of self-improvement. m

BLAST

DE JA VU DOO: Clementine (Kate Winslet) and Joel (Jim Carrey) have a weird connection they can’t seem to shake, in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) screening at the Palm Theatre in SLO on Feb. 11 and 12.

on my list of favorites ever since. Beautiful cinematography by director Michel Gondry paired with Kaufman’s incredible writing and a dedicated cast have made this film more than enduring. Don’t miss this chance to see this narrative magic on the big screen. (108 min.)

—Anna

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What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2022—present Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime I thought the first season of Reacher was good, but wowza, this second is even better. Based on the book series by Lee Child, the TV series follows retired military police officer Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson), a mountain of a man who lives the life of a vagabond, moving from place to place and righting wrongs. In the first season, he was arrested for a murder he didn’t commit in a corrupt small town, where he rooted out a conspiracy and meted out his violent brand of street justice.

In season 2, an old military teammate, Neagley (Maria Sten), reaches out to him with news of about the apparent murder of another member of their special investigation team.

What follows is a mystery involving international arms dealing and corrupt military personnel and politicians. Unlike the two Reacher films starring Tom Cruise, this series is truer to the books’ protagonist—and unlike 5-foot-7 Cruise, the book’s Reacher is an unbeatable giant, and Ritchson is 6-foot-3 and swole AF. What makes the series fun is Reacher is a true anti-hero who doesn’t care about rules, laws, or decorum. He’s walking justice with a mordant sense of humor and an unassailable

TESTOSTERONE TANGO: (Left to right) Cop Gaitano “Guy” Russo (Domenick Lombardozzi), David O’Donnell (Shaun Sipos), and Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) are thrown into an international arms dealing conspiracy in Reacher, season 2, streaming on Amazon Prime.

moral code. He’s fearless. (eight approximately 50-min. episodes) m

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—Glen

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BLENDS THAT BLEND: Located in Los Alamos, the Casa Dumetz Wines tasting room is the home of winemaker Sonja Magdevski’s three wine brands: Casa Dumetz, Clementine Carter, and The Feminist Party.

Save the dates Casa Dumetz founder discusses early ties with two local, long-standing wine traditions

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

F

or up-and-coming winemakers and small-production vintners without a brick-and-mortar to call home, the Garagiste Wine Festival provides a temporary setting to hold tastings and interact with patrons face-to-face.

The Solvang-based iteration of the two-day event, scheduled for Feb. 9 and 10, is set to be a homecoming of sorts for Casa Dumetz Wines founder Sonja Magdevski, whose own winemaking journey began in her garage. And she was among the

pourers at the inaugural Garagiste Wine Festival, held in Paso Robles in 2011.

“Imagine if you’re making wine in your garage or you’re making 500 cases—it’s hard to get your brand out there,” Magdevski said. “Wine is extraordinarily challenging. There’s so much competition, from every level.”

Upon its first occurrence, the Garagiste Wine Festival offered Magdevski and some of her peers in the micro-winery scene a unique outlet to network with one

Wine wonderlands

Call (805) 344-1900 or visit casadumetzwines.com for more info on Casa Dumetz Wines, located at 388 Bell St., Los Alamos.

Tickets to Solvang’s 2024 Garagiste Wine Festival—Feb. 9 and 10—are available in advance at my805tix.com.

To find out more about this year’s Santa Barbara County Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration, which includes events between March 7 and 10, visit sbwomenwinemakers.com.

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another under the same roof, while promoting, and usually introducing, their respective brands to wine lovers from both near and far.

“They had organized it extraordinarily well. There were a ton of people pouring, and probably three- to four-hundred people who attended,” Magdevski said, recalling her first experience at the festival.

“It’s a really beautiful outlet for people who want to discover new wines and learn about what people are doing.”

Magdevski has fond memories of participating in Garagiste during the festival’s premiere event and returned a few more times over the years, but she deliberately hasn’t been back in a while.

“I stopped going because I felt like it was disrespectful to take space from others who needed the space,” Magdevski said. “I no longer make wine on such a small scale, so I just wanted to open up the door for other people to sort of have an opportunity to pour their wines for all the awesome Garagiste attendees.”

Although Magdevski’s winemaking operation still fits

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SELECT SIPS: Prolific winemaker Sonja Magdevski will be pouring two mourvèdre selections during the Feb. 9 tasting of Solvang’s 2024 Garagiste Wine Festival at Solvang Veterans Memorial Building.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GARAGISTE WINE FESTIVAL

GARGANTUAN GATHERING: In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Solvang’s 2024 Garagiste Wine Festival is bringing back a few vintners, including Casa Dumetz winemaker Sonja Magdevski, who poured at the multi-city festival’s inaugural event in Paso Robles.

under the umbrella of boutique winery, producing about 2,500 cases annually, the primary goal of Garagiste is to highlight relatively hard-to-find or undiscovered smalllot wineries and artisan winemakers.

But a momentous occasion is

bringing Magdevski back to the fest once again.

While Garagiste originated in Paso Robles in 2011, 2014 marked the festival’s debut in Solvang. As

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with Garagiste, as she has been part of both events since they started.

The local vintner not only participated in the inaugural Women Winemakers event, held in 2015, she was also its host, as the event took place at her Casa Dumetz Wines tasting room in Los Alamos.

“At that time, it was maybe 10 or 20 of us,” Magdevski said, recalling RAISING GLASSES, HANDS: The Santa Barbara County Women that first celebration, Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration is a multi-day event with developed to highlight happenings in various venues in the Santa Ynez Valley. Proceeds from women in the local wine the event’s grand tasting fundraiser on March 9 will benefit She Raised Her Hand, an initiative that supports women veterans. industry and recognize International Women’s EATS from page 29 Day. The annual event has grown to showcase part of the Solvang event’s 10th anniversary more than 30 women winemakers on average, celebration, Garagiste is hosting Magdevski as well as a lineup of culinary offerings from and other fest veterans, including vintners women working in the local restaurant and from Kaena Wine and Kessler-Haak Vineyards, bakery scene. who will pour during a special rare and reserve Magdevski said she appreciates that both tasting on Feb. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. the Women Winemakers and Culinarians Guests of the tasting will have a Santa MariaCelebration and the Garagiste Wine Festival style barbecue buffet dinner—prepared by allow the public to interact with vintners they Plemmons Catering and The Swiss—followed by might not have come across previously—and desserts from Solvang Bakery.

Garagiste isn’t the only event this winter they open doors for emerging talent. where Magdevski’s wines will be showcased—her “There’s always new people, thankfully, wares will be featured alongside offerings from who are bringing fresh ideas, because there’s her peers in the wine industry and culinary always new people entering the wine industry,” experts as well at the upcoming Santa Barbara Magdevski said. “There’s always new people to County Women Winemakers and Culinarians discover.” m Celebration, a multi-day event held at various Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood loves discovering venues in Santa Ynez March 7 through 10. new wine and food happenings. Send tips to Magdevski’s relationship with the annual program is comparable to her connection cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

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VALENTINE’S DAY

Wednesday, February 14 Experience fine dining with a Million Dollar View from outdoor dining or privacy of your own room!

2 ways 2 der!

BelloForno.com or 805-623-7111

Ragged Point restaurant now offers room service or pickup for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This year spend your Valentine’s Day overlooking the dramatic Pacific coastline of the gateway to Big Sur. Call for Reservations today.

This week’s online poll 2/8 – 2/15

How did you fare during the recent round of storms?

Enter your choice online at:

m No issues for me this year!

SantaMariaSun.com

m A little soggy, but I’m glad the rain will be passing this m It was a bit scary driving around, but other than that it wasn’t too bad. m I had significant damage to my property and/or belongings.

30 • Sun • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

Steakhouse Burger

14.95

Tri Tip Cobb

14.95

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

14.95

BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewer

14.95

Served with a scratch made side Served with a scratch made side with your choice of dressing

Served with a scratch made side

Add a soup or salad to any Early Dinner Entrée for 2.95 Menu may vary on holidays, Dine in only At participating locations only

WWW.RAGGEDPOINTINN.COM We know you’ve got an opinion.

Everybody’s got one!

16.95 14.95

Served with cheese toast

Call for Dinner Reservations (805) 927-5708

What’s Your Take?

Steak and Bake Throwdown Ribs

DINE AL FRESCO, INDOOR, OR TO-GO Great family meals too!

119 E. Clark Ave, Old Town Orcutt

1321 South Nicholson Ave Santa Maria

belloforno.com

CoolHandLukes.com

805-623-7111

805.928.6196

CLASSIES

Marketplace Autos & Boats

JT’s Hauling

MARKETPLACE

Trees, Debris, Garage Clean Up, Moving and Recycling. Call Jon 805440-4207

2017 Alpine 5th Wheel 36 feet 3 slides, dual air, washer-dryer, no pets, very clean $49k. F350 - 4WD also available.

Ask for Jim, 805-544-0223

Private parties may run FREE classified ads in the FOR SALE (items under $200) and GARAGE SALE sections for two weeks

Contact us today! (805) 546-8208 or classifieds@santamariasun.com

Real Estate

MARKETPLACE

HAULING & CLEAN-UP

Reach over 150,000 readers weekly from Santa Ynez to San Miguel

Get your classified ad—for Free!

Home & Garden

Elevate your surroundings with our meticulous craftsmanship and personalized care – where your landscape dreams

152315

SantaMariaSun

Call Today!

Kincaid’s Landscape Care

805-268-5380

NOW ACCEPTING NEW LISTINGS

SELL YOUR

VEHICLE

IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS

ALL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

ON SALE NOW!

Just $35/week Submit one image and 25 words of description 824 Crilene Ct, SM, CA 93455

Knocking with Opportunity!!! This 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home has a great cul de sac location.

Tastefully updated kitchen with white cabinets and solid surface counter tops. A warm and inviting den or dining room with a fireplace for you to enjoy on these cold winter nights. The beautiful mature landscaping shows pride of ownership with the added bonus of flourishing fruit trees.

Highly desired south facing back yard, RV parking on the left side of the house as well as a shed.

Call your agent today for a private showing.

(805) 922-0660 BRE #01275631 5400 Telephone Road, Santa Maria

The cutoff to list your ad in Thursday’s paper is Monday at 2pm

At Her Table

Email classifieds@ newtimesslo.com

Celebrating women through the art of culinary connection

Or call (805) 546-8208

Many events at multiple venues across SLO County

www.WhyUSAProperties.net

Tues., Feb. 27 + March 1–10

Presented by:

PROMOTION CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL

We Buy Houses • NO ~ Real Estate Commissions • NO ~ Long Term Real Estate Listings!

• NO ~ Closing Cost • NO ~ Repairs • YES ~ Fast Offers & Quick Closings

Any Price • Any Condition • Any Reasons

Rose Investments LLC

www.roseinvestmentsgroup.com (805) 448-6431

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

MY805TIX.COM Does your organization sell tickets?

Get more exposure and sell more tickets with a local media partner. Call 805-546-8208 for more info.

Follow us on Instagram

@SantaMariaSun

ADVERTISE HERE

805-347-1968

www.santamariasun.com • February 8 - February 15, 2024 • Sun • 31

MELENA ROOFING PARTNERSHIP

No Job Too Small • Free Estimates

Say I Love You

STRAIGHTEN YOUR SMILE

LIVE MUSIC! 6 to 9pm

RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL

Dr. Specht’s

All Phases of roofing including HOT ASPHALT, TPO, PVC, and ALL Metal roofs!

Family owned and operated Call Jimmy, Billy Melena or Victor Sedillos

FEBRUARY 16:

With Flowers

4850 S. Bradley Rd. #D1, Orcutt

805.937.6200 JCMELENA@VERIZON.NET LIC. NO#937929

SOLAR ELECTRIC BATTERY BACKUP SOLAR POOL HEATING $0 DOWN FINANCING SERVICE & UPGRADES

E•E P E OP L

N E R GY

• P L AN

FEBRUARY 9:

Ron Miller Ron Miller

LIABILITY & WORKMANS COMP INSURED Over 30 Years in Business Proudly Serving the Santa Maria Valley

WINE BAR � BUBBLES BREWS � BITES

(805) 938-1965

www.backporchflowers.net

FEBRUARY 23:

• Digital Orthodontic Experts • 3D-Printed Brackets • Central Coast’s Most Experienced Invisalign Doctor!

Voted BEST ORTHODONTIST in Northern Santa Barbara County 7 years in a row! *Diamond Plus Provider

Visit us on Facebook & Instagram

Central Coast Orthodontics

1311 South Miller St, Ste. 201, Santa Maria (805) 347-4444

Out of the Blue MARCH 8:

Russ Douglas

400 E Clark Ave. Orcutt 805.623.5129

Find Your Support Locally

ET

SAKE

(805) 922-3774 • CSLB# 391670 • SINCE 1975

SUSHI #1

194 Town Center East, Santa Maria (805)922-9900

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE - AT ALL LOCATIONS!

SUSHI 805 A L L Y O U C A N E AT SUSHI & BBQ

460 W. Grand Ave. Grover Beach (805)489-3839

EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL

Sake

2015 S Broadway B, Santa Maria

1325 N. “H” St. #C, Lompoc (805)736-8899

805-348-1888

wvhealthclub23@gmail.com

Sushi#2

KOREAN BBQ & SUSHI

STELLER HOME Sun’s Best of Winner, 13 years!

1140 E. Clark Avenue · Suite 190 Santa Maria, CA 93455 (805) 925-1678 Our Store Hours Tues - Fri: 9:30-5:30 Saturday: 10-3 www.melbys.com Mention this ad for a Military discount

Shop Local reserve your space today

Furniture • Home Decor Gifts • Women’s Clothing ESTA 2020 Baby Section 255 Union Avenue, Orcutt ~ 805-287-9599 WendyASteller@gmail.com

805.347.1968 www.santamariasun.com