Sun, May 16, 2024

Planet of the Apes: a reboot worth watching [24]

Free to flow

FDA changes guidelines for LGBTQ-plus men who want to donate blood [6]

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

DreamHome

Last May, the Food and Drug Administration eliminated certain screening questions and certain time restrictions imposed on men who have sex with other men.

Under the new guidelines, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships don’t have to abstain from sex for three months prior to donating blood. With a more gender-inclusive questionnaire that treats all prospective donors similarly, the number of eligible donors increased with the rule change, according to Vitalant. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the Sun’s sister paper, New Times, chats with blood donation organizations and an HIV prevention organization about the issue [6]

You can also read about zeroing in on the final plans for downtown Santa Maria development [4]; an LA musician who frequents local wineries [22]; and the wine tasting train traversing Santa Barbara County [25]

Camillia Lanham editor

Your Dream Home Awaits

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal joined several of his colleagues in introducing the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act, a bipartisan bill to allow service members to opt in to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) patient enrollment, according to a May 9 statement from Carbajal’s office. Currently, members of the armed forces cannot apply for VA health care after they are discharged from the military until they receive their official separation documents. “We should be making the transition from service member to civilian as smooth as possible for our veterans, and part of that is ensuring they get access to the high quality health care their service has earned them as soon as they separate,” Carbajal said in the statement. “Reducing this limbo period and eliminating any lapse in medical coverage will prevent veterans with service injuries from falling through the cracks.” Specifically, the bill would create a three-year pilot program allowing eligible members to opt in to VA health care during the 180-day period before their date of separation and require the VA to report to Congress annually on the program and pre-enrolled members.

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and several colleagues called on President Joe Biden to protect long-term undocumented immigrants in the United States, according to a May 8 statement from Padilla’s office. The members and advocates urged the Biden administration to take urgent action, reportedly under consideration, to provide protections and relief for long-term undocumented individuals, including people who have been in the United States for decades, contributing in countless ways to their communities. Specifically, they called on Biden to expand Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and to streamline pathways to lawful status for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, family caregivers, and other long-term residents. Padilla previously worked with his Senate colleagues on providing recommendations to the administration for executive actions to streamline immigration relief for the undocumented population and DACA recipients in the United States. “As the Biden Administration considers executive actions on immigration, we must not return to failed Trump-era policies aimed at banning asylum and moving us backwards,” Padilla said. “I urge President Biden to embrace our values as a nation of immigrants and use this opportunity to instead provide relief for the longterm immigrants of this nation.”

• As California continues to support the legal and regulated cannabis market, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that state law enforcement operations seized more than $61 million in illegal cannabis in the first four months of this calendar year, including 62,135 unlicensed cannabis plants and 36,619 pounds of unlicensed cannabis products. “While we watch California’s legal cannabis market grow to become the largest worldwide, we are taking down those who operate outside the law,” Newsom said in a statement. “Putting a stop to illegal cannabis operations also means stopping organized crime, human trafficking, and the spread of illegal products that harm the health of Californians and our environment.” Since its inception in 2022, the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce—which includes the Department of Cannabis Control, Department of Fish and Wildlife, California National Guard, Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and State Water Resources Control Board, Water Rights division—has seized $406 million in unlicensed cannabis through 256 search warrants, eradicated 406,656 plants, and seized 139 firearms. m

Santa Maria, Vernon Group negotiate development agreement for downtown

Santa Maria city staff is working on an agreement with the Vernon Group to move forward with developing four city-owned parcels, a big step toward realizing the city’s Downtown Revitalization Plan.

“This is the hardest part. This is moving beyond the planning efforts into implementation and getting stuff built,” Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu told the Sun. “This part of the effort requires a lot of attention to detail and working out the kinks, but we’re motivated, we’re excited and I think we’re eager for this next phase of downtown.”

Wu and representatives from the Vernon Group—a Santa Barbara-based real estate development company—presented an update to the Santa Maria City Council on May 7 for the parcels along the Main and Broadway corridor, which includes the old Fallas/Mervyn’s building (Lot 1), the northeast and southeast corners of Main and Broadway (Lots 2 and 3), and the parking lot east of the Ruffoni building adjacent to Lincoln (Lot 4), according to the staff report. During the meeting, the City Council brought up concerns about parking, impacts to local businesses, and safety and security, but Wu said that the city is working with the Vernon Group to mitigate any impacts.

“This is a public-private partnership. The Vernon Group’s proposals are for land owned by the city. For the city to transfer the land to the Vernon Group, the city wants to ensure that the city gets a project that benefits the overall community,” Wu said.

A development agreement for all four parcels is needed in order to move forward with mixed residential and commercial developments on the 4 acres in Santa Maria’s downtown so the developer is including features the city wants to see and meets state-required affordable housing numbers, Wu said.

“There was some preference for separate development agreements for each parcel because we want to make sure that our development partner meets certain timelines and schedules and other expectations one by one for each parcel,” Wu said.

The two parties decided against that so Santa Maria could meet the state Surplus Lands Act, which requires at least 25 percent of the units developed on that land be income-restricted, affordable housing, Wu said. The Vernon Group wanted to develop all of its affordable housing on Lot 2 in order to provide additional services and amenities needed—like afterschool programs, and career training—all in one site, said Scott Martin, a principal architect with RRM Design Group who works with the developer.

“We’re excited about some of these projects going through. They’re really about being rooted in place … yet being accommodating for a need that’s out there,” Martin said.

While residents and several council members shared concerns about increased traffic and parking challenges with more housing downtown, Martin said that the real challenge is there’s a bunch of empty parking downtown with no housing.

“The goal was to bring people to the parking, to the services, there’s a great synergy of mixed-use parking,” Martin said. “The people who park during the day aren’t the same who park at night. If you live where you work and eat and dine, you use the car less and less. We don’t have a lot of examples of that here yet.”

With new buildings meeting certain architectural standards, Councilmember Gloria Soto asked if there would be incentives or assistance programs for existing local businesses to get a “facelift.”

“Part of the concerns I’ve heard from residents have been the potential of some of the current businesses getting pushed out because of the type of new development going in,” Soto said. “I’d be interested also to have more of a dialogue with city staff and the dais to protect current businesses on West Main Street, and they are also able to thrive as these new developments are taking place downtown.”

Wu told the Sun that the city will be exploring a facade improvement program where funding could be available for existing businesses to get fresh paint, new signage, or new landscaping, and to establish a downtown business improvement district that would create another future funding mechanism.

“We absolutely want to provide our best efforts in enhancing what’s existing; we know there are many existing businesses along Main and Broadway corridors, some have been there a long time,” Wu said. “We want to address all of their concerns, whether it’s access, parking, loading. The intention is to enhance the area and help existing businesses be more successful.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Solvang gas station seeks ABC approval in area ‘oversaturated’ with beer licenses

Canned and bottled beer sales are commonplace at many convenience stores, but Jim’s Service Center in Solvang isn’t one of them. In business for nearly 50 years, the local gas station recently asked the Solvang City Council to endorse its application for an off-sale beer and wine license.

In order to move forward, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) needs a letter of public convenience or necessity from Solvang, city Planning Manager Rafael Castillo explained at the City Council’s May 13 meeting.

“The [ABC] considers this area to be oversaturated with a certain amount of licenses,” Castillo said. “It’s tied to the census.”

Located at 2015 Mission Drive, Jim’s Service Center is part of census tract 19.1, which includes a population of 2,719, according to ABC’s website. A tract is allowed one offsale beer and wine (to be consumed off the premises) license for every 1,033 residents. This grants tract 19.1 a maximum total of two, yet seven active licenses exist in the area.

According to Solvang’s staff report, the ABC is required to deny a license application in any tract with an excess of approved licenses, “unless the local governing body determines that public convenience or necessity would be served by the issuance of a license.”

At its May 13 meeting, the City Council was asked to vote on whether to make that determination for Jim’s Service Center.

During the hearing, city officials were given copies of owner Jim Enderle’s ABC application, which outlined some reasons he’s seeking to sell beer and wine at the gas station, which hasn’t carried either before throughout its 48year history.

“Two years ago, we made some changes. The most prominent of which was turning our auto shop into a mini mart because our mechanic of 41 years retired,” Enderle wrote in the application, dated April 15, 2024. “Since opening the store, many of our customers have requested that we also sell beer and wine.”

Before motioning to approve Enderle’s request, Councilmember Robert Clarke asked Castillo if Jim’s Service Center is the only convenience store in the Santa Ynez Valley that doesn’t carry sealed beers or wines.

“I don’t have those raw numbers, or data, but typically when I’ve walked in [most convenience stores], I’ve seen coolers,” Castillo said.

“That’s what I’m thinking too, from what I’ve seen,” Clarke said. “From Buellton to Santa Ynez, etc., you can buy this. The only place it’s not being sold is Jim’s Service [Center].” Councilmember Elizabeth Orona seconded Clarke’s motion, before it passed 5-0.

“I’m worried about [local] businesses perceiving us as being … sort of onerous on our codes, and our ordinances and rules of doing business in the city, but it applies in the inverse too,” Orona said. “We should not be making corner case exceptions either.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Santa Barbara County supervisors move forward with hybrid cannabis tax

A new cannabis tax ordinance cleared another hurdle to make the November ballot after the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1, with 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino dissenting, to move forward with proposing a hybrid tax that considers gross receipts and a base square footage tax.

Currently the county uses a gross receipts model that takes 4 percent of an operator’s earnings and has generated $50 million in revenue for the county since its inception five years ago, according to previous Sun reporting. Square footage sets a dollar amount per operating square foot with prices varying between indoor and outdoor cultivation. The supervisors brought the ordinance back to the dais because of tax compliance issues, lack of forecasted revenue, and transparency concerns with a product’s value.

DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT: The Vernon Group and city staff will return to the Santa Maria City Council in the next few months with a development agreement for the four city-owned parcels in the Main and Broadway corridor.

The proposed hybrid option creates a square footage base tax—with 25 cents for outdoor cultivation and 75 cents for nonoutdoor cultivation per square foot, with a 4 percent gross receipts sales tax, County Deputy Executive Officer Brittany Odermann told supervisors during the May 14 meeting. The board will have its first reading of the ordinance on June 14 to leave room for any adjustments. It must be ready by July 9 if the county wants to include it on the general election ballot.

“If it’s determined that the base tax is greater than the gross receipts on the last day of the quarter, they would pay the base tax,” Odermann said, adding that if the base tax is less than the gross receipts reporting, cultivators would pay the gross receipts tax.

“The benefit is the county and operators share in the good times when the market is up. It does guarantee a floor minimum tax, but there is limited transparency,” Odermann said. “We can look at square footage for base tax, but still rely on reporting and doing audits and reviewing what operators are telling us. It does not reduce administrative burden in verifying gross receipts.”

By bringing the ordinance back to the ballot, the board would have the opportunity to include more flexibility in the tax measure this time around so supervisors wouldn’t have to return to the voters every time they want to make adjustments to the tax rates, she said.

“It was clear that building that flexibility in the ordinance to change the rates was important to handle market volatility,” Odermann said.

While 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps wanted to see greater flexibility in adjusting the rates, 1st District Supervisor Das Williams was adamant about keeping the tax measures in the voters’ hands.

“I view flexibility as a negative in taxation. I just can’t imagine what kind of governance we would have if we were voting on the tax rate for the general populace every year,” Williams said. “I don’t understand why it’s so important if we have a hybrid where most people [would] pay gross receipts because they are going to make more than the minimum.”

Santa Barbara County staff proposed to create limits for when the board could make adjustments to the ordinance, such as a fourfifths vote instead of the state required threefifths vote and a maximum amount.

Fifth District Supervisor Lavagnino said he couldn’t get behind the new ordinance because the new tax would go to all county voters, not just the unincorporated communities, and it would sit alongside school bond measures in Santa Maria, and transient occupancy tax increases in the 3rd District and possibly the county.

“You can’t put two taxes, plus two school bonds in Santa Maria—they are going to cannibalize themselves, and you’re going to get to a point where none of them pass,” Lavagnino said.

He added that several public commenters from the cannabis industry requested that the county leave the ordinance as is in order for them to stay in businesses.

“What we’ve heard every time we change the ordinance is how difficult it is to continue to respond business-wise on an ever-changing target we keep moving,” Lavagnino said. m

—Taylor O’Connor

Vital draw

A historic FDA guideline change lets monogamous men who are sexually active with other men donate blood for the first time

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

n update to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidelines on blood donation allows a whole new cross-section of people to roll up their sleeves and help those in need.

Sex: Male

Weight: 17 lbs.

Campus: Santa Barbara

In May 2023, the FDA eliminated time-based postponements and screening questions posed to men who have sex with other men (MSM population). Previous instruction deemed ineligible prospective donors from the MSM population who reported having had sex within three months before presenting to donate blood.

Under the new FDA guidelines, gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships are allowed to donate blood without having to abstain from sex for three months.

“We expect that some MSM who were previously deferred will be eligible to donate under the 2023 policy, and that anyone at risk of HIV infection will be deferred under this individual risk assessment,” the FDA told the Sun in a prepared statement sent by spokesperson Carly Kempler. “The FDA believes this policy may potentially expand the number of people eligible to donate blood, while also maintaining the appropriate safeguards to protect the safety of the blood supply.”

The FDA’s deferral on blood donations for men who have sex with other men dates to 1983 when it instituted a lifetime postponement. The regulation aimed to reduce the risk of HIV in blood supply at a time when HIV testing was limited or didn’t exist. In 2015, the FDA relaxed the lifetime deferral to a 12-month period. Then, it shortened the deferral period following the most recent sexual activity with another man to three months, citing a public health emergency stemming from COVID-19.

“The updated policy [of 2023] … is in line with policies in place in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, both of which have similar HIV epidemiology to the U.S. and have already instituted this approach,” according to the FDA’s statement to the Sun

Every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs blood. But fewer donors are providing blood on a regular basis, and the number of first-time donors is decreasing.

“This past January [2024] while facing a

national blood shortage, we shared we’ve [experienced] a 40 percent decrease in blood donations over the past 20 years,” said Taylor Poisall, the American Red Cross spokesperson for the Central Coast region. But the FDA’s recommendation to remove questions based on sexual orientation could change that. While it’s hard to quantify the response from the LGBTQplus community because the American Red Cross doesn’t ask blood donors to identify their sexual orientation, Poisall said, several people across the country shared with the blood donation group that they were newly eligible to give blood.

Vitalant, a blood bank that hosts blood drives across the Central Coast, couldn’t pinpoint the exact number of people eligible by county due to privacy constraints, but the organization assumes that more people are donating now since Vitalant implemented the FDA changes, Vitalant Communications Manager Kevin Adler told the Sun.

“That’s the goal and what we hope. We hope it does bring in additional donors, but there’s no way for us to put a quantifiable number on those coming in because of the FDA changes. All we can assume is that it is making an impact,” Adler said

Vitalant hosts 12 blood drives a week across Ventura, Santa Barbara, SLO and Monterey counties, with 15 scheduled in May for Santa Barbara County, he said.

In September 2023, after Vitalant implemented the changes, the company saw 348 first-time donors, followed by 573 in October—an increase from 259 donors in August. However, the rates often change, Adler said. In November 2023, the rate dropped to 478, and then to 392 in December.

“As you can see, the numbers fluctuate greatly and while it is consistently higher after the changes, there were very strong months prior to the changes,” he said. “It’s impossible to credit any change in numbers to the FDA changes. That might have played a part, and we definitely believe there are now donors who have given who could not have done so before, but we cannot put a number on those individuals.”

The changed questionnaire now asks all prospective donors about their sexual activity, not just men who have sex with men. Adler said that the individual donor assessment that impacted gay and bisexual men was one of two changes from 2023 that drastically increased local eligibility.

“The other one was the

permanent deferral of those who lived or were in certain European countries for an extended period of time, due to mad cow disease,” he said. “Now the FDA thinks they can donate right away. Before those two changes by the FDA, it was down to 40 percent of the population that was eligible to donate.”

About 2,900 regular donors have given blood through Vitalant in the last 12 months across the Central Coast. The pre-pandemic average for a rolling 12-month period used to be 3,600 active donors. Before the pandemic, Vitalant witnessed nearly 10,000 new donors a year. In 2021 and 2022, that number dropped to below 7,000 along the Central Coast—inching up to 7,186 first-time donors in 2023.

“We’ve seen a 25 percent drop in businessrelated blood drives,” Adler said. “On top of that, we’re still seeing lower levels of school-related blood drives. While many schools have returned to host blood drives, it’s still not to the numbers of pre-pandemic levels.”

The region’s aging donor population also plays a part in stagnating donor numbers. The next generation isn’t encouraged or educated about blood donation as robustly as they once were, Adler added.

Vitalant was at the forefront of advocating for more research into donor eligibility. It teamed up with the American Red Cross and OneBlood to conduct a pilot study funded by the FDA called the ADVANCED Study, which stands for “Assessing Donor Variability And New Concepts in Eligibility.” The study, which is yet to be peer reviewed, sought to determine if a blood donor history questionnaire based on individual risk would be as effective as a time-based postponement in reducing the likelihood of HIV among gay and bisexual men who volunteer to donate blood. It became the first stepping stone of data that informed the FDA’s decision to update its guidelines.

Adler added that all donated blood in the country undergoes a series of tests to make sure the donation is safe to give and receive. Vials undergo testing in Arizona. Once cleared, Vitalant releases the lion’s share of the blood donated on the Central Coast to local patients for transfusion.

The new FDA guidelines stress monogamy for gay and bisexual men who are potential blood donors. The Vitalant questionnaire also asks possible donors questions about needle use and sexual contact with anyone who received “money, drugs, or other payment for sex” in the past three months.

“While there are tests, the tests are not 100 percent foolproof,” Adler said. “They are tested to great accuracy, but there is a percentage of risk still involved.”

Blood banks aren’t alone in their advocacy for more scientific evidence to support blood donor policies. For the past 40 years, Access Support Network—a SLO-based nonprofit with an expanded network in Monterey County—has offered resources to people living with HIV and AIDS. The Sun inquired about advocacy efforts from Santa Barbara County’s Pacific Pride Foundation—which oversees the county’s syringe exchange program and advocates for LGBTQ-plus rights—but officials said they did not have the capacity to speak about blood donor policies at this time.

Access Support Network Executive Director David Kilburn said the blood donation eligibility restriction on the MSM population has been a long-contested issue in the HIV-advocacy world.

“We’re always looking to try to reduce stigma,” he said. “It was a tough point to sell to people who didn’t believe or were, for any reason, against the gay community thinking it was immoral or whatever. It was a challenge, always, to educate people but we’ve been doing that for many years.” m

Reach New Times SLO Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@ newtimesslo.com. Sun Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor contributed to this article.

REVITALIZED RULES: The FDA’s 2023 guideline update eliminated time-based postponements and screening questions posed specifically to men who have sex with other men. The questionnaire now asks all individuals about their sexual activity for the three-month period prior to presenting for blood donation.

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.

Returning home

Central Coast native joins the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast as new CEO

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

After being away for more than 10 years, Maria Fabula made her way back home to the Central Coast by joining the local Boys and Girls Club team as its new chief executive officer.

“There’s nowhere quite similar in the world to San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. We’ve always been drawn to this area,” Fabula told the Sun. “As I was reflecting on my career path and my journey, I’ve been very proud of the work I’ve done in building up the nonprofit sector, but I really wanted to spend my career on a particular issue.”

Founded in 1966, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast have been helping kids from kindergarten through high school prepare for their futures with after-school tutoring, mentorship programs, and sports leagues. The branch has sites scattered across the Central Coast, from Santa Maria all the way to Shandon.

“I was the recipient of many resources when I was young that were very meaningful, and I think they changed the trajectory of my life—whether that was through teachers, coaches, or parents,” Fabula said. “And so I really wanted to focus this next phase of my career on building that, leveraging my experiences to ensure that other young people have the same support.”

Fabula grew up in San Luis Obispo, attended local schools, and moved to San Diego to receive a degree in political science from UC San Diego. She returned to the Central Coast to work for the Nonprofit Support Center, an organization that provided resources to nonprofits in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

She and her husband raised their three children in Nipomo, where Fabula said she was heavily involved in their schooling and activities and volunteered as a Nipomo Recreation Association board member for several years to make sure young people had access to resources, sports, and other after-school programming.

“My husband and I had a really great opportunity to relocate in 2010 to Colorado where we lived from 2010 to just this past year,” she said. “During that time, I was at an organization called the Community Resource Center where I started as the director of programs and moved to the president and CEO role in 2013, and that’s where I remained up until December this past year.”

Similar to her previous role, the Community Resource Center helps build the capacity of the nonprofit sector by offering training, resources, and connections to philanthropic or other organizations, Fabula said.

“I’ve had a long history of working and building up the nonprofit sector. I very much believe passionately that the nonprofit sector is what makes our communities thrive, whether it’s organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, health clinics, museums, schools, nonprofits are really the lifeblood of any community,” she said.

In her third day on the job when she spoke to the Sun, Fabula said that she hopes to make her first two months in the role all about listening and learning from fellow employees and residents to understand what communities, sites, and students need.

“These young people are our future, and we want to make sure they have what they need to be successful, thriving adults who will be the

leaders in the future. Investing in them is really my goal,” she said. “I am really looking to, as a leader, leverage those opportunities and continue to build community partnerships … not only organizations that provide youth services and empower youth, but other organizations as well that really see the value that we have a strong youth community.”

She’s also looking to secure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability—something that isn’t always easy for any nonprofit, Fabula added.

“I’m really looking forward to reengaging after being gone for almost 15 years with other nonprofit leaders, community members, the business community, and government partners to hear what [the needs are] and how the Boys and Girls Club can meet those needs,” she said.

Highlights

• Santa Barbara County’s Sustainability Division released a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Plan for public comment. The ZEV Plan aims to accelerate zero emissions vehicle adoption and utilization and reduce transportation-related emissions through a mix of policy, infrastructure, and program and outreach actions. The ZEV Plan goes beyond passenger vehicles and considers the needs of commercial and transit vehicles, and mobility programs and devices, like carshare and electric bikes. Santa Barbara County will host two virtual workshops on May 22 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. Register or provide public comment at ca-santabarbaracounty. civicplus.pro/3218/transportation.

• The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) of Santa Barbara to host a free financial empowerment class on June 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center—1120 W. Ocean Ave. The financial empowerment class aims to help individuals take control of their personal finances, understand their “money mindset,” and create new financial habits to increase thier financial confidence and resilience. Attendees will have the opportunity to establish meaningful financial goals and learn how to create a budget, pay down debt, manage money effectively, and achieve long-term financial objectives. Visit lompoc.com’s events calendar to complete the free event’s registration, or call (805) 736-4567. m

SLOCAL: Maria Fabula recently became the CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, where she hopes to continue meeting youth needs throughout the Central Coast and ensure its financial sustainability.

David Ikola, M.D. Shane Rostermundt, D.O. Joseph Nunez, M.D.

Dr. Michele Kielty, D.O.

Leonards,

Peltier,

Prather,

What do you think of the rezoning for the county’s housing element?

41% I don’t want to see my community changed into a big city!

27% It’s great! We desperately need housing.

23% It’s tough to lose open space, but it will be worth it in the long run.

9% The state-mandated process is lame and gives the county no choice. 22 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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BY RON FINK

As Santa Barbara County and the state of California continue with their efforts to save the Earth, the metrics for measuring success of the effort continue to change like the weather.

For example, in 2021 the Board of Supervisors set a goal of reducing so-called greenhouse gasses (GHG) by 50 percent of the 2007 levels by 2030. But in 2023, they changed it to 50 percent of the 2018 levels by 2030.

In the introduction to their plan, the authors say, “This Climate Action Plan (CAP) is the county’s roadmap to achieving that goal. The measures laid out in the CAP provide a foundation that aligns with the state of California’s goals to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.”

That is a significantly different metric than the one adopted by the Board of Supervisors; just how much different is anyone’s guess.

One commenter to the draft plan summed it up this way, “Even if Santa Barbara stopped 100 percent of emissions, it would have zero impact. We locked down the world with almost nobody traveling or driving to school/work for 1.5 years, and it had zero impact on weather or global CO2. Think about that for a minute. Zero impact. All you were going to do is drive up costs for poor people with these inefficient plans. Wind, solar, and especially electric vehicle batteries require intense manufacturing and mining and landfill dumping. Cancel this dumb plan.”

I can’t argue with this person’s conclusions. I am guessing that he has as much “scientific data” to back up his observation as those who used and/or manipulated computer modeling for the predictions in the county’s Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.

Another commenter noted, “I think it necessary to

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report on the success/failure of the 2015 Energy and Climate Action Plan. As I understand it, the result was not only did we fail to meet the 15 percent reduction by 2020, we actually increased the GHG. Each time I asked staff to provide a rationale for the realism of a 50 percent goal, the summary answer was: (1) there are three new staff positions to help implement the plan, and (2) there is more money available from multiple sources.”

That’s it: create new staff positions, spend more taxpayer money, and still not explain why your previous plan failed to deliver. That gives me little confidence that this plan will succeed either.

But as is common in most discussions about the environment, these comments were ignored by the decision-makers because they didn’t conform to the climate alarmists’ agenda.

Some of this plan will be very expensive. One example is to develop a “new strategy to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support inter-regional travelers, freight, and transit throughout the Central Coast.”

This one idea will cost electric ratepayers millions of dollars just for the construction phase, and relying on unreliable wind and solar projects to provide increased energy needs is a fool’s folly.

But we must ask ourselves: Are greenhouse gases a good or a bad thing?

Send us your views and opinion to letters@santamariasun.com.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology asked themselves that, and they explained that “the greenhouse effect is not a bad thing. Without it, our planet would be too cold for life as we know it. But if the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere changes, the strength of the greenhouse effect changes too. This is the cause of human-made climate change: by adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, we are trapping more heat, and the entire planet gets warmer.”

Is the Earth warmer

than in 1800? The New Scientist says, “It is worth bearing in mind that any data on global temperatures before about 150 years ago is an estimate, a reconstruction based on secondhand evidence such as ice cores and isotopic ratios. The evidence becomes sparser the further back we look, and its interpretation often involves a set of assumptions. In other words, a fair amount of guesswork.”

Since humans are supposedly responsible for killing the Earth with GHG, why is the Board of Supervisors ignoring this by increasing the population density in the new Housing Element? As the Canary recently observed, “Seven years from now, when the state’s got even more people to find housing for, any of those undeveloped spaces might be forced to hold even more units. Sixty units per acre? Eighty?” (“Elemental, my dear,” May 9).

Meanwhile the state welcomes undocumented aliens from all over the world. It seems that any policies that add people makes the GHG policy goals harder to accomplish. So, why devote billions in taxpayer money and time to implement unachievable and/or irrelevant goals? m

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

Don’t knock EV ownership till you try it—at least learn more now

If I was going to write an editorial in the opinion section, I would make sure I knew the topic that I was talking about. If I was an editor, I wouldn’t print an editorial from someone who knows nothing about the topic.

Ron Fink just wrote an article about the electric vehicle mandate (“Who will pay?” May 2). I agree, the state should not tell us what we must buy. Another issue that he mentions is fire safety. When is the last time you heard of an EV causing a fire and the fire department not being able to put it out?

I’ve heard of a lot of gasoline car fires but no local EV fire that I’ve heard of. I don’t think I’ve heard of an accident with an EV that caused a short circuit and an out-of-control fire or explosion.

The other thing he mentions is who replaces the vehicle or anything that’s damaged due to an EV fire. Well, we have insurance and we pay for insurance. The insurance pays for the vehicle and anything that’s damaged.

If you don’t have an electric vehicle, don’t write an article on electric vehicles. He uses anecdotal stories from “people who told him.” This is called gossip.

Who pays for the recharging stations? Electrify America, EVGo, ChargePoint, or Tesla pays for them. The price that we pay per KwH is clearly noted on the charging station. I know exactly how much I’m going to pay when I recharge my truck. I very rarely go to a charging station, because I have charging in my garage.

I have solar panels that supply the electricity to charge my truck, and I only plug in after 9 p.m. I don’t buy gas anymore, and I only go to a public charging station once a month, or if I’m on a road trip. My electric truck (Ford Lightning Pro) was less than $40,000 after rebate, and my last PG&E bill was 12 bucks. I do pay for my solar installation, but I am saving huge amounts of money. My old F-250 got 9 mpg! I’m a pretty conservative guy, and I know Ron Fink is too. I just wish he would write about what he knows.

Come on by, I’ll show you the setup!

Ron Lovell

Orcutt

Risky donation Opinion

Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion? Did you also know that until recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had rules regarding collecting “gay” blood? As if homosexuality isn’t stigmatized enough, amirite?

Well, presto-chango, because now, like magic, the FDA has decided that gay and bisexual blood is better than no blood, and that practicing homosexuals shouldn’t automatically be assumed to have tainted blood. So. Much. Progress. First, it’s important to note that anyone, not just gay and bisexual men, can have HIV/AIDS or other bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C, West Nile virus, or syphilis, so shouldn’t all blood be tested before pumping it into ill or injured people? I understand that asking screening questions makes sense: Are you an intravenous drug user?

Have you shared a needle or had sex with an intravenous drug user? Have you had multiple sexual partners in the recent past? Do you bathe in West Nile River? Do you keep pet mosquitos? But shouldn’t those questions apply to everyone donating blood and not just gay and bisexual men? Well, now they are, sort of.

“Now, the questionnaire asks all prospective donors, gender-inclusive, individual-based questions that assesses blood donor eligibility,” Kevin Adler, communications manager of donation center Vitalant, said. “Even if any person has had sex with multiple sexual partners within the three-month period, they’ll be asked specific questions about their sexual activity. It’s not specific to a gay or bisexual man anymore.” That’s good! Of course, there’s always a caveat.

The old guidelines required gay men to abstain from sex for at least three months prior to donating, but now if you’re in a monogamous relationship, abstention is no longer required—gay, straight, or whatever. Despite no longer asking sexuality-specific questions, the new guidelines still stress monogamy for gay and bisexual blood donors because ... why? Is it because culturally we’re still homophobic? The Vitalant questionnaire also asks donors if they had sexual contact with anyone who received “money, drugs, or other payment for sex” in the past three months. Do dinner and drinks count?

These screening questions also assume that people tell the truth, which is a little risky. But, just to reassure you, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says “each unit of blood donated in the United States is routinely screened for various infectious disease pathogens using FDAapproved assays.” But just to un-reassure you, Adler also admits that “the tests are not 100 percent foolproof. They’re tested to great accuracy, but there’s a percentage of risk still involved.”

Hey, blood is a risky business.

On one hand, it kind of makes you wonder what all the fuss is about regarding homosexual donors. On the other, 100 percent certainty is better, right? Well, according to the Red Cross, “The risk of catching a virus or any other bloodborne infection from a blood transfusion is very low. All donated blood is thoroughly tested for HIV. There’s a 1 in 2 million chance that donated blood will not only carry HIV but also infect a transfusion recipient.”

Abracadabra and alakazam, don’t let me be that 1 in 2 million, man! m

The Canary only needs canary blood. Send vials to canary@santamariasun.com.

WIN TWO TICKETS TO A CAL POLY

BASKETBALL HOME GAME

BLUES BASEBALL

BASKETBALL HOME GAME

Various Dates & Times

Various Dates & Times

Various Dates and Times Sinsheimer Park, SLO

Baggett Stadium, Cal Poly, SLO

Baggett Stadium, Cal Poly, SLO

ANTHONY JESELNIK:

MARCI JEAN AND THE FEVER Sunday, May 26 • 1-4pm

BONES AND ALL Saturday, May 18 - 8:00pm

Pismo Beach Vets Memorial Hall

Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles

ANTHONY JESELNIK: BONES AND ALL Saturday, May 18 - 8:00pm Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles

FESTIVAL MOSAIC

CHAMBER 1: OPENING NIGHT

FESTIVAL MOSAIC CHAMBER 1: OPENING NIGHT Friday, July 19 • 7:30pm

Friday, July 19 • 7:30pm CPAC, Cuesta College, SLO

FESTIVAL MOSAIC CHAMBER 1: OPENING NIGHT Friday, July 19 • 7:30pm CPAC, Cuesta College, SLO

Harold Miossi CPAC, Cuesta College, SLO

PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO

PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO

Thursday, August 8 • 8:00pm Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles

Thursday, August 8 • 8:00pm

Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

FEATURED ARTIST: LINDA NELSON

Showcasing artwork by featured artist Linda Nelson. Through May 31. Free. Santa Maria Airport, 3249 Terminal Dr., Santa Maria.

LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL DANCE: WEST COAST SWING Learn west coast swing in a casual, friendly environment, taught by Texas state swing champion, Gina Sigman. Free intro from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Beyond the Basics ($10) is 7 to 7:45 p.m. $10 entry includes social dance (7:45 to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m. 832-884-8114. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt. THE PROM: THE MUSICAL Presented by SMCT. Through May 19 my805tix. com/. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

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

TODDLER TIME ART PLAY GROUP Calling all walkers to four-year-olds. join Art Spot Wednesday mornings for some discovery play in the art studio. Each week you and your toddler(s) will be met with water play, painting, and more sensory discovery stations of fun. Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. through May 29 $35. 805-325-8092. artspotonwheels.com/events/toddler-timeart-play-group-2/. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

UNITY: DUO SHOW A duo exhibition showcasing abstract paintings by Christine Marie and mixed media mosaics by Wendy Brewer. Through May 31 gallerylosolivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7517.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

POURING MY HEART OUT Featured Artist Christine Jeszeck shares her art in a variety of mediums and genres at the Cypress Gallery. Artist Reception will be held Thursday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 26 805-737-1129. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, lompocart.org.

SILK PAINTING WITH RESIST Create a one of a kind decorative scarf for a gift, or yourself. No experience is necessary. You’ll be guided step-by-step while exploring this fun art form. All materials are provided. Bring a 17″ square design. May 19 1-3 p.m. 805-736-6528. sunburst.org/art/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

NEWSIES JR. Presented by Coastal Christian School. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-

century New York City, Newsies Jr. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein. May 18, 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 p.m. $10-$18. 805-4899444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ccs-newsiesjr/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover. org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

HELLO, DOLLY! Step into a world of glamour, romance, and toe-tapping tunes as AGHS Theatre Company proudly presents this timeless Broadway classic set in the bustling streets of New York City at the turn of the 20th century. This beloved musical follows matchmaker Dolly Levi. May 23 , 7-9 p.m. and May 25 2-4 p.m. $14-$20. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/ahgs-theatre-hello-dolly/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

PAINT NIGHT Paint at your own pace. Join our Paint Party benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of South SLO County. All skill levels welcome for this fun night. For ages 21 and over; identification will be checked at the door. Limited space available, sign up today. 100 percent of donations support the Clubs’ mission. May 16 6-8 p.m. $25. 805-481-7339. bgcslo.org/events. Boys and Girls Clubs of South San Luis Obispo County Clubhouse, 1830 19th St., Oceano.

SCULPTURAL LAMP STACK WORKSHOP

Build your own beautiful piece of garden art. Your sculptural lamp stack may include lamps, ceramic pots, found

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.

objects, driftwood, and ready-to-mosaic polystyrene/concrete forms. You’ll also have time to add mosaic to your stack. Each lamp stack will be completely portable for re-assembling at home. May 16 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 18 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and May 19 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $695. 805-440-3054. passifloramosaics.com. Passiflora Mosaics, 330 N. 10th St., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2024 STUDENT ANNUAL ART

EXHIBITION Juried by Cal Poly instructor Makia Sharp, this exhibit showcases the work of Cuesta students, featuring drawings, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and digital art. Proceeds of sales go directly to students, less 10 percent which goes to Fine Arts Access scholarships. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 17 Free. 805-546-3201. cuesta.edu/student/ campuslife/artgallery/2023-24exhibitions/2024StudentAnnual.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

ADAM PARKER SMITH: FOR THE TIME BEING This exhibition will feature several works made throughout the artist’s career as sort of a mid-career retrospective. Adam Parker Smith has a unique ability to address complex themes in a whimsical, light-hearted way that makes his work incredibly accessible. Through July 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/adam-parker-smith/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ALFRED ROBLES LIVE AT THE FREMONT THEATER All ages. Doors open at 7 p.m. May 18 8 p.m. $24.50-$49.50. fremontslo. com/events/alfred-robles/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600.

TAKE FLIGHT

Valley Art Gallery is showcasing artworks by featured artist Linda Nelson (pictured) through the end of May at the Santa Maria Airport. Nelson’s paintings and drawings are often inspired by nature, according to Valley Art Gallery’s website. Visit valleygallery.org for more details on the exhibit. The Santa Maria Airport is located at 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria. —Caleb Wiseblood

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.

APRIL BANKS: OUTLANDISH Los Angeles-based artist April Banks is a creative strategist working across visual art, social engagement, and exhibition design. Her practice sits intentionally between image, space, and experience. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/aprilbanks/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., 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.

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45.

702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo. LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. 805-441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

LIBERTINE AND BOOTLEG STANDUP PRESENT: AIKO TANAKA Enjoy live stand-up comedy from featured act Aiko Tanaka. Visit site for more info and tickets. May 21 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-2337.

MR. BURNS A group of strangers come together and reconstruct a storyline of an episode from The Simpsons entirely from memory. Over 75 years, this simple act evolves into new traditions of storytelling and performance that attempt to preserve the things we remember. ThursdaysSaturdays, 8-10 p.m. through May 18 $15 students; $25 general admission. 805-756-1465. theatredance.calpoly.edu/ mr-burns-post-electric-play. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. PARENT-CHILD POTTERY CLASS Make lasting memories with clay together as a family. For ages 6 and over. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon $70. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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

COURTESY PHOTO BY GENE NELSON

AirMedCare Network/Calstar

All Dry Services of SLO &

Santa Barbara County

Alzheimer’s Association

Ancient Peaks Winery

Astound Business Solutions powered by Digital West

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

Avila Senior Living at Downtown SLO

Better Business Bureau of the Tri-Counties

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast

Butlerz Event Rentals

Caribbean Love LLC

Central Coast Brewing

Central Coast Veteran’s

Memorial Museum

CIO Solutions

City of San Luis Obispo

City Wide Facility Solutions

Coast Electronics

Coastal Communities

Physician Network

CoastHills Federal Credit Union

Community Action Partnership

Community Home Health

Costco

County of San Luis Obispo

Cuesta College

Damsel in Defense

Dignity Memorial

Diversity Coalition SLO County

Downtown SLO

Drop Water

ECHO sponsored by Photon Brothers

Eckerd Connects

Educational Employees Credit Union

Eighty20 Group

Elite Virtual Assistant

Epic Entertainment

Foundation for the Performing Arts Center

Genoa Visual Group

Glenn Burdette

Goodwill Central Coast

Greenpoint Psychotherapy

Hellahot

Home Matters Caregiving

Hospice of San Luis Obispo County

HOTWORX SLO

House of Bread at Farmhouse

Housing Authority San Luis Obispo (HASLO)

Insperity

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

Launch and Ladder Pub

Left Coast T-Shirt Company

Libertine Brewing Company

Lumina Alliance (formerly RISE & Stand Strong)

Luttrell Staffing Group

KSBY-TV

KSL Resorts

Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates

Margarita Adventures

Mechanics Bank - Broad Street

Med Training & Consulting Services

Mercedes-Benz of San Luis Obispo

Mesa Design Group/Wick-It Candle Co.

MGP Coatings

Miller Event Management

Monarch Primary Care

Monde Public Relations

Murphy Bank

NAACP San Luis Obispo County

New Life K9s

New Times

Nexus Ballroom Dance Community

Obispo Hyperbarics

Orangetheory Fitness San Luis Obispo

Pacifica Hotels

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Party Scene

Paso Robles Safe & Lock

PathPoint

Photon Brothers

Poor Richard’s Press

Popolo Catering

Promotional Concepts

Hot Stuff

362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@ gmail for details and reservations. ongoing 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its meeting on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, follow on Facebook at Bishop’s Peak EGA or visit the EGA website. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 16 Free. egausa.com. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, 805-773-4832.

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS AND BE HEARD AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

Do you want to see change in your community?

Do you want to have a voice in the decisions being made but don’t know how to go about it? Join the League of Women Voters Civil Discourse Committee for this in-person forum. May 21 , 6:30-8 p.m. lwvslo.org. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo, 929-3994.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS

Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.”

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

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

A SPECIAL TWIST GOLF AND GIVE

TOURNAMENT A golf tournament that will truly make a difference. A Special Twist Gymnastics provides a place for kids, with and without special needs, to come and build friendships and learn gymnastics in a safe environment.

A place where everyone is welcome and everyone thrives. May 18 7 a.m.-1 p.m. $60. 805-234-0758. Pismo Golf Course, 9 Le Sage Drive, Grover Beach.

SPRING FEST: AN AANHPI HERITAGE MONTH

CELEBRATION Features a local makers market, food vendors, free prize drawings, face painting, and more. May 19 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 805-4817339. bgcslo.org/springfest. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a fun and educational opportunity this summer? Join the aquarium’s Volunteer Team. No marine science experience is necessary. There are lots of ways to get involved. Check out website for more details. Tuesdays. through Sept. 30 centralcoastaquarium.org. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280.

WE HEART OCEANO Please join We Heart Oceano for its first (and hopefully annual) volunteering event. Meet at Oceano Park at 9 a.m. If you have any questions, please email weheartoceano@gmail.com. May 18 , 9 a.m.noon Free. Oceano Memorial Park, 1330 Dewey Drive, Oceano, 805-781-5930, slocountyparks. com/day-use-parks/oceano-memorial-park/. WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. MondaysFridays $160-$190. 805-481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2024 SPRING FOLK-N-SOAK Features live music, yoga, hot springs, camping opportunities, and more. Visit site for full details. May 17-19 my805tix.com. Franklin Hot Springs, 3015 Creston Rd., Paso Robles.

AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Learn aerial skills that build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance. Plus, silks is a great way to learn flipping safely. Ages 7-17; all levels welcome. May 18 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; $10 per additional sibling. 805-47-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturday-eventclinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. AGING GRACEFULLY WITH PREVENTATIVE

SEND IN THE CLOUDS

The opening reception for World of Whimsy: The Art of John Whittaker at the Patrick Gallery in Cambria will be held on Saturday, May 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. This solo exhibition of Whittaker’s picturesque paintings will remain on display through Saturday, June 8. Call (805) 203-5950 or visit patrickgallery.com for more info. Patrick Gallery is located at 815 Main St., Cambria.

CARE “We can’t stop getting older, but we can shift our thinking about it.” Moving from “I can’t do anything about it” to “I have some control over how my mind and body ages.” Series sponsored by Unity Five Cities. Details from chris@peacefulpoint.com. Over Zoom. Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. through Nov. 20 Love offering. (805) 489-7359. unity5cities.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. 559-905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. 805541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

CAR, BIKE, AND TRUCK SHOW Multiple categories for vehicle display. Applications available on website. Call for more information. May 18 , 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free to attend. 805-4594015. post66slo.org. American Legion Post 66, 1661 Mill St., San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher.

Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/ month. 646-280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/ events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, 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.

MILESTONE AFTER DARK PRESENTS: A DRAG

SPECTACULAR Hosted by the incomprable Pandora Mystere, this event will be “an insane night” of drag performances, cocktails, and some tasty nibbles, all for the purpose of raising money for an incredible local organization, the GALA Pride and Diversity Center. May 17, 9 p.m.-midnight $40. eventbrite.com. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4316.

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.

MOON GROOVE WOMEN’S CIRCLE Visit site for tickets and more info. May 20, 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, 672 Higuera Street Suite 100, San Luis Obispo, 806-471-8055.

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

PORTRAIT PLAY Brush up on your creativity. Hosted by Women Making Waves. May 17, 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $25. 805-543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/ training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

QI GONG FITNESS ONLINE Qi Gong is a gentle but powerful way to strengthen body, mind, and spirit. Great for balance. Instructor: Gary West, through Adult School, San Luis Coastal Unified School District. An online class. Wednesdays, 9:35-10:35 a.m. through May 22

$90. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups. io/g/lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime. toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. 805-540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, 805-927-1654.

LAWN ALTERNATIVES AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN Learn what to plant to replace your lawn, and why you should (it’s about more than water). A Master Gardener and landscape architect will explain how to imagine a new garden space. Presentation will follow “Plant Propagation” talk. May 19, 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/. HOT STUFF continued page 19

—C.W.

Hot Stuff

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

ETHNIC FOOD FAIRE Semi-annual Ethnic Food Faire. Tours of the church will be featured. Foods include baklava, stuffed cabbage, homemade baked items, and much more. May 18 10 a.m.-2 p.m. No admission fee. 805-264-2128. odox.org. Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 877 Francine Lane, Santa Maria.

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.

FRIENDS OF THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY RAILROAD: NINTH

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER GALA A buffet dinner of tri-tip, chicken and ribs will be catered by Cool Hand Luke’s. The gala will feature both a live auction and a silent auction. May 18 5:30 p.m. $125. 805-614-7093. smvrr.com. U-Pick Blueberries, Dominion Road, Santa Maria.

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, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

WINE SCHOOL: LEARN TO TASTE LIKE A WINE CRITIC An interactive event where sommelier and wine educator Sam Schmitt presents a curated selection of wines, whilst you relax and taste them and vote for your favorite. A single ticket is $45 and a ticket for two people is $75. May 19 7-8:30 p.m. $45-$75. 805-686-9126. arrowsmithwine.com. Arrowsmith’s, 1539 Mission Drive, Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

STRAWBERRIES THROUGH GROVER BEACH With all-day music and entertainment, local food and drink and craft vendors, chalk art, bounce houses, six bands, DJs, yoga, dance, and more. May 18 , 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free. Ramona Garden Park, 933 W. Ramona Ave., Grover Beach, 805-489-7510.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AMERICAN LEGION POST 66 ANNUAL PANCAKE

BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER Join us for a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausages in support of the programs of American Legion Post 66. Tour the Veterans Memorial History Museum and visit the Spring Art and Craft Fair. May 19, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $5. 805-441-1405. post66slo.org. American Legion Post 66, 1661 Mill St., San Luis Obispo.

BOOZY BOOK FAIR A nostalgic fusion of books, funky erasers, scented stickers, a pizza trolley, the finest brews, and iconic ‘80s and ‘90s music. Relive the magic of school book fairs while enjoying the perks of adulthood. May 19, 12-5 p.m. Free entry. 805-668-6300. monarchbooks805.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo.

COFFEE AND PAINT Grab your paintbrush and a cup of Joe while diving into a caffeinated painting workshop with Drew Davis. May 19 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Ascendo Coffee, 311 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-345-2155.

SUNSET WINE/RAIL EXCURSION: SANTA BARBARA These fully-hosted, docent-led excursions will depart from the SLO Railroad Museum at 11 a.m. taking a motor coach to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective May 18 my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-1894.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

GARDEN PARTY Featuring the Dave Becker Quartet. Benefits the Santa Maria Philharmonic. May 19 2-5 p.m. $100. 805-925 0412. givebutter. com/2024GardenParty. Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES With Kenny Taylor on May 10, Bear Erickson on May 17, and Jineanne Coderre on May 31. May 17 Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110, presquilewine.com.

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.

THE MIGHTY CASH CATS JOHNNY

CASH SHOW AND LINDA RONSTADT

EXPERIENCE Enjoy live music from this lineup of prolific tribute acts. May 18 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. 805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

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

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, 805623-8866.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CELTIC WOMAN: LIVE IN CONCERT See the iconic group live in concert, held in the resort’s Samala Showroom May 18 , 8 p.m. $59-$89. 805-6860855. chumashcasino.com.

Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez.

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, 805-6861208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

ROLL OUT THE PURPLE CARPET

In collaboration with Saunter Yoga and Wellness, California Lavender Honey Farm in San Miguel is hosting a yoga session and lavender honey tea tasting on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tickets to the event are available in advance at my805tix.com. California Lavender Honey Farm is located at 6380 Hawk Ridge Place, San Miguel. —C.W.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

BANDA TIERRA NUEVA AND CDR Visit site for tickets and more info. May 17, 9 p.m. my805tix.com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

LAZAR RAMIREZ LIVE Visit site for tickets and more info. May 18 , 1 p.m. my805tix. com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

A NIGHT OF FLAMENCO Visit site for tickets and more info. May 18 7-10 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CENTRAL COAST UKULELE FESTIVAL

Ukulele groups from San Luis Obispo County will perform. May 18 , 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 805-489-5148. Heritage Square Park, 205 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

THE CLIFFNOTES Make Merry at Mulligans in May when the Cliffnotes spring their New Orleans style boogie blues (with a little reggae and classic rock) to Avila for a leisurely Sunday afternoon by the Bay. May 19, 2-4 p.m. Free. 805-595-4000. avilabeachresort. com/mulligans. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music with an indie attitude with songs in distinctive stylistic shapes outside the pop mainstream. May 19 1-4 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo, 805-343-1214.

FOREVER GREEN: LOUNGE AND LISTEN MUSIC SERIES AT TALLEY VINEYARDS

This series brings local musicians Forever Green to the vineyard. The music has been paired with Talley’s world-class wines

and a food truck with delectable meals for purchase. Reservations are recommended for the best seating. May 19, 1-4 p.m. Free. talleyvineyards.com. Talley Vineyards, 3031 Lopez Dr., Arroyo Grande.

HYPERION: A CYBERPUNK RAVE Visit site for tickets and more info. May 18 , 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Fuego in Grover Beach, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 710-6477.

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

SKATE SAFARI AND MORE Features various musical acts. Address info in Arroyo Grande granted to ticket buyers. Visit site for more info and tickets. May 17, 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30 YEARS OF FRIENDS AND SONG Presented by the Central Coast Youth Chorus. May 18 and May 19 my805tix.com. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, 805-543-5451.

CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT

RECITAL Cal Poly Music Department student pianists present this free recital. May 21 7:30 p.m. Free. 805-756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY POLYRHYTHMICS

PERCUSSION RECITAL The Cal Poly Percussion Ensemble will provide an evening of fun and exciting music from the world of percussion, including Paul Elwood’s quietly enigmatic “Bowl of Light,” Ivan Trevino’s “Catching Shadows,” and SvenDavid Sandstrom’s juggernaut quintet “Drums.” May 16 7:30 p.m. Free. 805-756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY SPRING JAZZ CONCERT

Performances by Cal Poly’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Inga Swearingen, director; Jazz Combos, Dylan Johnson, director; and University Jazz Band, Dave Becker, director. May 17 7:30 p.m. $15 and $20 general; $10 students and Jazz Federation members. 805-756-4849. music.calpoly. edu/calendar. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

EMO ORCHESTRA FEATURING ESCAPE

THE FATE Doors open at 7 p.m. All ages welcome. May 19, 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

JAZZ WEDNESDAYS Spinning jazz records all night. Bebop, jazz funk,

acid jazz, hard bop, nu jazz, jazz house, crossover, Latin jazz, and more. Featuring guest selectors. Music at a polite volume in an acoustically treated space. Vintage sound system, big warm speakers. Plenty of free parking. Wednesdays, 3-8 p.m. through Oct. 30 Free. 805-439-1544. jansplaceslo.com. Jan’s Place, 1817 Osos St., San Luis Obispo.

A MUSICAL SPRING Featuring classical and contemporary works for violin and piano presented by Rhapsody Duo. May 19 2 p.m. my805tix.com. Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.

SARAH SAVIET: CHAMBER MUSIC MASTER CLASS Violinist Sarah Saviet will coach students active in the Music Department’s string chamber music program. She is based in Berlin and is dedicated to the performance of contemporary music. She is a member of the Saviet/Houston Duo and Ensemble Mosaik. May 16 11:10 a.m. Free. 805-7562406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. 805-235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos. EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music with an indie attitude with songs in distinctive stylistic shapes outside the pop mainstream. His singing delivers the strengths of his lyrics. It is music that is easy to listen to but also surprises. May 18 5-7 p.m. eastoneverett. com. Sea Pines Golf Resort, 1945 Solano St., Los Osos. m

SANTA MARIA“CITY CRUISE”

MAY 18

Ancient Owl Beer Garden, Atascadero

Yoga and Foraging Beach Day Retreat

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Estero Bluffs, Cayucos

Brynn Albanese & Ian Scarfe-Recital

SATURDAY, MAY 18

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cambria

Jungle, Arroyo Grande

Spring Folk-n-Soak Music, Hot Springs, & More!

MAY 17-19

Hot Springs, Paso Robles

By The Sea Productions Presents: Lunenburg

MAY

ARTS BRIEFS

Great American Melodrama presents Pirates of Pismo A-Go-Go

Set in Pismo Beach during the 1960s, Pirates of Pismo A-Go-Go is the Great American Melodrama’s latest production, slated to run Friday, May 17, through Saturday, July 6. The show is described as an adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance with a 20th century Central Coast setting.

The plot follows Frederic, a young “junior pirate” who plans to celebrate his 21st birthday by breaking away from the grip of his master, the Pirate King. Comical complications arise because of Frederic’s Feb. 29 birthday, as it only comes around every four years.

Thirty minutes prior to each performance of Pirates of Pismo A-Go-Go the Great American Melodrama’s popular snack bar—with popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, soda, beer, and more available for purchase—opens for attendees to enjoy, and reopens during each of the show’s intermission breaks. Visit americanmelodrama.com for tickets to Pirates of Pismo A-Go-Go or more info on the Great American Melodrama and its rotating lineup of shows. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the theater’s box office, which is open Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 5:30 p.m., and every Sunday, from noon to 4:30 p.m.

General admission to Pirates of Pismo A-Go-Go ranges between $32 and $38, with discounts available for children (ages 12 and under), students (ages 13 to 18), seniors (ages 62 and older), and active and retired military.

Call (805) 489-2499 for additional details. The Great American Melodrama is located at 1863 Front St., Oceano. Other upcoming shows in the company’s lineup include Gunsmokin’ (Friday, July 12, through Saturday, Sept. 7), Werewolf of Arroyo Grande (Friday, Sept. 13, through Saturday, Nov. 9), and The Holiday Extravaganza (Friday, Nov. 15, through Tuesday, Dec. 31).

Five novelists participate in local dramatic reading program

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

Tunes and tastings

Prolific musician Erinn Alissa will perform at Firestone Vineyard in Los Olivos on Sunday, May 26, from noon to 4 p.m., and Brick Barn Wine Estate in Buellton on Wednesday, May 29, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Based in LA, the singer-songwriter and cover artist has additional shows lined up at venues in the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys during the summer. Visit erinnalissa.com for more info.

song. … A 10-year-old girl requested it. I hate disappointing her, and all the kids that are into [Swift],” said the singer and guitarist, who can now play Swift’s “Anti-Hero” with ease.

If someone in the audience asks Erinn Alissa to cover a song that she’s familiar with but hasn’t tried playing herself, she’ll quickly look up the chords on her phone if there’s enough downtime and try to play it on the spot, she said.

Now that her career revolves around a guitar and mic, Erinn Alissa said it’s surreal to think about her earliest childhood memories of makebelieve. She’d carry around a hairbrush and pretend it was a microphone.

“I always wanted to sing, ever since I was a tiny tot,” she said. “It was just always something I loved to do.”

She loved dancing as a kid too, and embraced musical theater as an outlet to both sing and dance during her teen years.

Melodic mileage

LA singer-guitarist Erinn Alissa travels up the coast with stops in SYV

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

With about 200 gigs across California’s coast lined up per year, full-time musician Erinn Alissa rarely describes her work routine as monotonous.

“Of course there are shows that feel like work sometimes. Every job, no matter how much you love it, can feel like work,” she said. “But mostly I just love connecting with the audience and being able to share my gift. … I just feel grateful for what I get to do.”

It’s not unusual to find the LA-based singersongwriter playing at wineries and tasting rooms in Santa Barbara County. Her next stint in Los Olivos is on Sunday, May 26, at Firestone Vineyard.

That’s one of several Central Coast venues she’ll be performing at during the remainder of this spring and upcoming summer. Other spots she’s set to play at include Buellton’s Brick Barn Wine Estate and Santa Maria’s Rancho Sisquoc Winery.

“Weekending in wine country used to be like a getaway, and now I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s just a commute now,’” Erinn Alissa said with a laugh. “I do drive a

ton, and it’s so I can do this full-time and make a career out of it.”

She often performs solo at gigs outside of LA County, but many of her LA-based shows are team efforts. She’s the frontwoman behind Erinn Alissa and the Low Volume Band.

While the set lists during her full band concerts showcase a lot of her original music, she usually sticks to covers when it comes to winery appearances.

“I take cover songs, and I really try to make them my own,” said Erinn Alissa, whose favorite artists to cover include Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. “I really take a lot of joy in doing that—twisting the song and making it mine.”

She described the songs she chooses to cover as a diverse mix, ranging “anywhere from the ’60s until present day, although I don’t do a ton of present day,” the performer clarified.

“I just learned a Taylor Swift

California-based authors Mara Purl and Chrysteen Braun will join Piazza, Allen, and Ahern in performing selected scenes taken from each of their latest novels. Guests will have the chance to meet the authors, who will be available to sign copies of their books after the readings.

For more info, call (805) 772-2880 or visit coalescebookstore.com. The Coalesce Bookstore is located at 845 Main St., Morro Bay. m

Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

Her acting chops came in handy later as an adult, when she took on a few film and TV roles shortly before committing to her music career. One of her favorite experiences was working with Will Ferrell in the basketball comedy Semi-Pro She played one of the ball girls.

“He was awesome. He was so gracious and kind,” said Erinn Alissa, who also played a small part in another Ferrell feature, Step Brothers When Semi-Pro was released in theaters in 2008, the singer said Ferrell advocated for her and other cast members who would have missed the film’s red carpet event had he not intervened.

“They weren’t going to invite us [the ball girls] to the premiere. … Will was like, ‘I’m not going if they’re not going,’” she recalled with a laugh. “He’s the nicest man.” m

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood still sings into his hairbrush. Send comments for him to comb through to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

The Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay will hold a book signing and dramatic reading event with five novelists, including Santa Maria local Tony Piazza and Los Osos locals Anne R. Allen and Christine Ahern, on Sunday, June 2, from 1 to 3 p.m.

FILE PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

HOME TEAM: LA-based artist Erinn Alissa’s full band is known as Erinn Alissa and the Low Volume Band, but she mostly performs as a solo act when traveling to Santa Barbara County and other areas outside of LA.

SOLO ROUND: Solo act Erinn Alissa—a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and cover artist based in Los Angeles—is slated to perform shows on May 26 and 29 at venues in the Santa Ynez Valley.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERINN ALISSA

FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

GUITAR HERO: Erinn Alissa is no stranger to packing her guitar and heading up the coast from LA to perform at various wineries and tasting rooms, including some in Los Olivos, Buellton, and Santa Maria.

Kingdom come

Wes Ball (The Maze Runner) directs this sequel to the rebooted series that includes Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). Taking place 300 years after the events of War, it follows a young male chimp named Noa (Owen Teague) who with a young human woman named Mae (Freya Allan) and a wise orangutan named Raka (Peter Macon) embarks on a mission to save his clan. (145 min.)

Glen: Turns out apes are just as bad at building an equitable society as humans. Noa’s Eagle Clan is minding their own business stealing eagle eggs and raising the raptors in towers made of sticks when a neighboring clan of asshole apes led by Sylva (Eka Darville) raids his village, kills his father, Koro (Neil Sandilands), abducts his clan members, and forces them to join Proximus Caesar’s (Kevin Durand) clan that’s trying to break into an ancient human vault that Proximus believes holds important human technology. Proximus also believes Mae, one of the few humans with the ability to speak, knows a secret way into the vault. What follows is a CGI-rich Exodus story with Noa standing in for Moses working to set his people free. The film’s not

THEM: THE SCARE

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime

reinventing the wheel, but if you like the rebooted series, it delivers.

What’s

What’s

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande

Anna: I’m not sure what films I’ve seen and haven’t seen in this franchise, but luckily it doesn’t seem like you need more than a vague knowledge of what is going on in this world to jump in with Kingdom. The film starts as Noa and two of his friends—Laika (Frances Berry) and Anaya (Travis Jefferey)—are on what seems to be their clan’s coming of age journey to find the eggs they will raise to be their eagle kin. It’s a highflying adventure, and Noa feels the pressure to prove himself—he stands in his father’s shadow, who’s the eagle keeper of their clan. At first, I wasn’t loving the somewhat halting and broken language the apes spoke. I got what the filmmakers were doing and trying to convey, but it was distracting at first. Luckily, as the story picks up and the action sequences took over, it lessened. I’m impressed with the CGI here, in particular the close-ups. These apes have faces that show true expression. This type of film franchise isn’t something I’ll stand in line for, but this one at least worked at having some heart.

Glen: CGI has advanced considerably over the years, but you’re right that the close-ups offer the most realism. I still find the long shots of, for instance, the apes scrambling up trees, less than realistic, but if you don’t let that pull you

out of the narrative, it’s an immersive experience and we care about Noa and his clan. The film’s central question is can apes and humans live in harmony, and the answer is left for the next sequel to answer. But since neither humans nor apes seem to be able to live in harmony with their own species, I’m guessing it’s doubtful. I can say this: The two verbal humans—Mae and Trevathan (William H. Macy)—are both problematic in their own ways. I mustered scant sympathy for either. Go, good apes!

Anna: We have a hero to root for in Noa, and

while he may seem a timid underdog to begin with, his bravery and cleverness very well might be the key to the survival of his clan. Noa finding his own bravery was the heart of the film. I’m not writing the next film in this franchise’s premiere date down on my calendar or anything, but Kingdom proved to be a satisfying enough adventure. m

New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

Created by Little Marvin, this second season of the anthology horror series Them continues with Deborah Ayorinde in the lead, this time as LAPD police detective Dawn Reeve. It’s 1991, the year Rodney King was savagely beaten by police, and the vibe in Reeve’s squad is decidedly hostile thanks to her racist, corrupt co-detective Ronald McKinney (Jeremy Bobb). She’s investigating gruesome murders in which the victims’ bones were viciously broken and their corpses shoved into small spaces.

Meanwhile, she’s got her mother, Athena (the great Pam Grier), and troubled son, Kel (Joshua J. Williams), at home with their own sets of problems. Not to mention an unusually intense man, Edmund Gaines (Luke James), who has a strange interest in her and her family. Their shared history is one of the story’s central mysteries.

The series is dripping with dread and atmosphere, and in this new season, James as Edmund is positively mesmerizing, playing a mercurial range of emotions. His character garners sympathy yet elicits abject menace—a neat trick. Edmund’s

PALM ROYALE

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Apple TV Plus

Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin—need I say more? Palm Royale is a comedy and casting feast! Wiig stars as Maxine, ex-pageant queen and society-obsessed newcomer to Palm Beach, Florida. She knows she wants to get featured in the Palm Beach Daily News aka the Shiny Sheet, which to her looks to be the elite of the elite, but no one around her seems very open to acceptance. Her husband is a Delacorte, which Maxine hopes would boost her to primo status in Palm Beach society, but alas—the women around here have no intention of letting a newbie come to town and make nice.

clearly troubled, and the series explores the psychological effects of child abuse, abandonment, racism, and supernatural forces. It’s delightfully disturbing and demented. (eight approximately 45-min. episodes) —Glen

Dern plays feminist Linda who can’t quite shake her rich upbringing, and Allison Janey plays Evelyn, Linda’s vicious socialite stepmother who seems to want everyone around her to be miserable.

The comedy is real here, folks. Wiig makes sure that all of Maxine’s errant errands are thought-provoking and silly. Ricky Martin as Norma’s (Carol Burnett) caretaker is brilliant, and Burnett

SET HIS PEOPLE FREE: Noa (Owen Teague) must save his Eagle Clan from a warring neighboring clan, in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, screening in local theaters.

herself as the invalid turned villain deserves fireworks. This series hits it out of the park and into space, quite literally. Watch it or risk losing a chance at cultural relevance! (10 50-min. episodes) m

SPLIT: Luke James stars as Edmund Gaines, a wannabe actor with a dark past that’s haunting his present, in Them: The Scare, streaming on Amazon Prime.

VIDA LOCA: Kristen Wiig stars as Maxine Simmons, a social striver desperate to be accepted at a posh club, and Ricky Martin is Robert, a worker at the club who reluctantly befriends her, in Palm Royale, streaming on Apple TV Plus.

Rail excursions through Central Coast wine country spotlight local wine tastings and terroir

BY CHERISH WHYTE

Inspired by a love of locomotives and the Central Coast’s viticultural bounty, the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is kicking off a special rail journey highlighting Santa Barbara County wines.

The museum’s 2024 Sunset Wine Rail Excursions, offered in collaboration with Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, will run on May 18, June 22, July 20, Aug. 17, and Sept. 21.

“A big highlight is the sunset ride along the Pacific and a chance to view unspoiled stretches of coastline that are only visible from the train,” said museum docent and Morro Bay local David Weisman, who will accompany guests.

For the May and June bookings, he added, “the hillsides … should be vibrantly green after all the winter rains, possibly with some wildflowers also.”

Priced at $129 and limited to only 24 guests, the tours depart SLO via motorcoach at 11 a.m. and arrive at the

Santa Barbara Wine Collective at 1 p.m.

Light snacks will be served aboard the motorcoach and at the collective.

Showcasing the county’s seven American Viticultural Areas and 60 grape varieties, the collective is dedicated to educating customers about its wines via tastings, maps, and displays of soil samples, Weisman explained.

“Our guests can sample the regions without having to do all that driving,” he added. “The menu calls for three reds, two whites, and a rosé.

“Wines purchased can be stored at the collective for pickup when guests return to board the train, and it is only about a five-minute walk from the tasting room to the station.”

Following the tasting, guests have approximately three hours to explore the Funk Zone, Stearns Wharf, or lower State Street, and enjoy a late lunch or grab takeout food for the return train trip. Weisman will provide a handout of suggested options.

The Pacific Surfliner will depart Santa Barbara Train Station at 5:45 p.m. and arrive in SLO at around 8:45 p.m.

“The return trip north is narrated by myself, highlighting historic spots, like the rocky cliff off which the tragic naval shipwreck took place off Honda Point in 1923 and also the western spaceport where the SpaceX rockets are launched today,” Weisman said.

“The train’s conductor, whose grandfather worked for the railroad in the last century, may have time to add some family reminiscences and history.”

During the three-hour journey, guests will be treated to a small dessert and can also purchase wine, beer, and cocktails.

“I will serve as the host in taking orders and delivering those items from the café car to the seated passengers,” Weisman said.

Then sit back and enjoy the sunset.

“The 60 miles the train travels along the coastal bluffs is considered one of the [country’s] top three most scenic rail routes,” he added.

However, if you’re more partial to wines of northern San Luis Obispo County, specifically Paso Robles, it’s worth the drive to tour Halter Ranch’s oak-studded hills via vintage trains.

SIPS AND SCENERY:

Views en route aboard

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo include Surf Beach at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

COURTESY PHOTO BY ROBIN OSGOOD

Best Best Spring Drink Specials

The winery’s railroad whisks guests back in time as it meanders through 280 acres of the 2,700-acre property, with sights ranging from art installations and historic landmarks dating back to 1880 to a herd of 120 sheep.

The railroad was created by Halter Ranch proprietor Hansjörg Wyss, born in Bern, Switzerland, in 1935. Wyss turned his dream of experiencing some of Switzerland’s most prestigious locomotives, which traversed the Swiss Alps, into reality, hiring Balson AG in Switzerland to create trains at Halter Ranch that are a 45 percent scale model of their real-life counterparts.

Offered twice a day at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 until Nov. 3, the winery’s Swiss train tour takes place in the Krokodil No. 414. The replica is inspired by the 1929 original that was nicknamed the “Crocodile” due to its resemblance to a crocodile snout.

For a more luxurious experience, the Yellow Caboose transports up to four passengers for an intimate terroir tour.

“Guests of our Swiss train tour are welcomed with a glass of our 2023 Estate Rosé, crafted from 100 percent organic grapes,” said Halter Ranch winemaker Kevin Sass of Templeton. “Onboard, they’ll explore our organic practices, including year-round sheep grazing in our 256-acre vineyard, and the terroir that defines our timeless wines.”

The pairing of libations and locomotives is compelling—for both wine enthusiasts and train buffs.

“The Swiss train tour gives people a sense of place when they taste the wine,” Sass explained. “They better understand the soils, the climate, the landscape, the habitat surrounding the vineyard—a true farm-to-glass experience.” m

Contributor Writer Cherish Whyte is planning her grape train escape. Reach her through the editor at clanham@newtimesslo.com.

SANTA BARBARABOUND: The San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum’s seasonal wine trips whisk guests via motorcoach to Santa

lifestyle. Starting June 1, 2024. Thank you very much! Gregg 310-606-0802.

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