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The Idea of You is weird but good [24]

Out and about Our Pride issue highlights a social group for older members of the LGBTQ-plus community [6] and the need for the Pride in Mental Health Act [8]

BY SUN STAFF

NEWS

County talks bed tax increase [4]

ARTS

A Lompoc exhibit about clowns [22]

EATS

Ramen in Solvang [25]

Contents JUNE 6 - JUNE 13, 2024

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DreamHome

YOUR

AWA I TS

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VOL. 25 NO. 15

ith this year’s annual Pride issue, we’re taking a little time to focus on support systems for the LGBTQ-plus community—what exists and what needs to exist.

Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor talks to the Pacific Pride Foundation about a program it’s expanding into North County intended specifically to provide a sense of community that may be lacking for those who are a little older. The Lavender Elders program aims to be a space for connection and social opportunities for LGBTQ-plus individuals who may not have received it in their youth [6]. New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the Sun’s sister paper looks at the Pride in Mental Health Act, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate by California Sen. Laphonza Butler, and the service gaps it could help bridge [8].

This week, you can also read about Santa Barbara County’s discussion about increasing transient occupancy tax [4]; a Lompoc artist who isn’t clowning around [22]; and five years of ramen in Solvang [25].

Camillia Lanham editor

GLITTER FOR ALL: The Pacific Pride Foundation is expanding its Lavender Elders program into North County to give elder LGBTQ-plus folks more access to a supportive community.

Cover photo courtesy of Pacific Pride Foundation > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

News Briefs ...............................................................................4 Political Watch.........................................................................4 Spotlight......................................................................................9

OPINION

Commentary ...........................................................................10 Letters ........................................................................................10 Web Poll ....................................................................................10 Modern World ........................................................................10 Canary ........................................................................................ 12

LIC. 668152

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff ....................................................................................14

ARTS

Arts Briefs ............................................................................... 22

MOVIES

Reviews .................................................................................... 24

CLASSIFIEDS, HOME, AND REAL ESTATE .....................................................27

000 SINCE 2

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News POLITICAL WATCH • U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and the Biden administration announced new funding for two Central Coast school districts to support their purchase of 35 zero- and low-emission school buses for students, according to a May 29 statement from Carbajal’s office. Ventura Unified School District and Santa Barbara Unified School District are receiving $7 million total—with $5 million to Santa Barbara Unified and $2 million to Ventura Unified—in rebates through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, which was created and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping cut carbon pollution through support for zero-emission and low-emission alternatives across our society— from transportation to schools,” Carbajal said in the statement. “I’m proud to see the landmark law I helped write and pass delivering investments to the Central Coast that will help replace school buses in our districts and ensure we are continuing to take a holistic approach to combating the climate crisis.” The rebates will help California accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older, dieselfueled buses—which have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities. To date, the office of Rep. Carbajal has tracked more than $800 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support transit and highway improvements, rail and water infrastructure upgrades, and expansion of highspeed internet connectivity.

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and several of his colleagues joined the Bureau of Reclamation to announce $159 million in transformational investments for three large-scale water recycling projects in Southern California, according to a May 28 statement from Padilla’s office. Leadership from the three recipients of this Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding—Metropolitan Water District, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and the city of Ventura—joined the lawmakers and administration officials for the announcement. The funding was delivered by a new federal program Padilla secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help invest in large-scale water recycling programs and innovative water reuse projects that strengthen drought resilience across the West. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Bureau of Reclamation is investing a total of $8.3 billion over five years for water infrastructure projects, including rural water, water storage, conservation and conveyance, naturebased solutions, dam safety, water purification and reuse, and desalination. “We know that it’s only a matter of time until the next devastating drought, which is why we need every tool at our disposal to protect our region’s precious water supplies,” Padilla said in the statement. “Today’s announcement, made possible by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments in large-scale water recycling projects, will help us build a more reliable, more resilient water supply in Southern California.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom and leaders representing technology, government, academia, and labor, along with civic organizations, recently gathered at the Joint California Summit on Generative AI to collaborate on and examine the technology, according to a May 29 statement from Newsom’s office. The summit was developed and hosted by the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development; the California Government Operations Agency; the UC Berkeley College of Computing, Data Science, and Society; and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. Newsom directed his agencies to pursue a partnership with the higher education institutions as part of his executive order on GenAI last year. The state is home to 35 of the world’s 50 leading AI companies, high-impact research and education institutions, and a quarter of the technology’s patents and conference papers, according to the governor’s office. “California is the globe’s artificial intelligence leader, and today’s summit continues to showcase the state’s commitment to innovation,” Newsom said in the statement. “GenAI is here and developing quickly—our innovation hubs and state leaders are quickly evolving to use it equitably and responsibly so it benefits all Californians.” m

➤ Connection, socialization [6] ➤ Overdue breakthrough [8]

➤ Spotlight [9] FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

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

TWO PERCENT: Hotels, motels and short-term rentals in the unincorporated parts of Santa Barbara County, like the Skyview Los Alamos hotel, may see an increase in transient occupancy tax if voters approve the 2 percent increase during the November 2024 general election.

Board of Supervisors approve Transient Occupancy Tax increase ballot measure

Despite some residents’ concerns about increased taxes, impacts to the tourism industry, and multiple tax measures going before voters, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 (with 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson Dissenting) to put a Transient Occupancy Tax increase on the November 2024 general election ballot.

“I really want to continue to invest in this community to make it the place people are drawn to, and unfortunately that does cost money,” 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino said. “I apologize for the timing, but we are on a path where sales tax would provide the necessary funding.”

Transient occupancy tax (TOT) is a tax generated by visitors who pay the rate when staying at hotels, motels, or short-term rental properties for 30 days or less within the unincorporated areas of the county—which have 24 hotels and 520 short-term rentals, according to the staff report. Voters approved the county’s current 12 percent TOT during the November 2016 general election—a 2 percent increase from the previous 10 percent rate, which had been held since 1990.

Now the county is proposing an additional 2 percent increase (14 percent)—which would bring Santa Barbara County to the same rates as Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco—in order to help the county generate more discretionary revenue, according to the staff report. Solvang and Buellton will also be proposing a 2 percent TOT increase to bring their rates to 14 percent, and Carpinteria is proposing an increase to bring its TOT to 15 percent.

After the board’s approval, staff will come back with ballot language on July 9.

While the TOT only applies to hotels in the unincorporated areas, the measure will need a simple majority of all county voters, according to the staff report.

“Because it’s on a TOT, it’s general, discretionary revenue, it could be spent anywhere in the county, not just the unincorporated area,” CEO Mona Miyasato told the supervisors.

During the April budget workshops, staff reported that the county is facing budget revenue growth outpaced by increased salaries, employee

4 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

benefits, and internal services along with continued storm recovery costs; new legislative changes for public safety, health, and behavioral health services; and ongoing litigation, according to the staff report. The 2 percent increase to TOT presents an estimated $2.9 million increase in revenue, totaling $20.6 million.

While the additional funds would help, Supervisor Nelson voted against adding the measure because he believes that there are other avenues the county could go down in order to generate revenue, he said.

“Looking at … all of the services we have to offer and limited discretionary funds the county has, it is daunting, and I don’t disagree that there’s a problem where there are more needs and wants than there are resources, I just disagree with the solution,” Nelson said. “More taxes doesn’t necessarily mean more revenue.”

According to a letter signed by 109 regional business leaders, this increase would make the county’s TOT the most expensive on the Central Coast, with Ventura County at 8 percent, SLO County at 9 percent, and Monterey County at 10.5 percent, putting Santa Barbara County at a competitive disadvantage.

“I know there’s some that think 2 percent is not that bad, … but the message I’ve gotten from the business community is they are concerned, especially as the economy has gotten a little weaker,” Nelson added. “The tourism industry, hotels that struggle to pay employees a living wage—at some point the cost, and total costs, there’s only so much the consumer can tolerate.”

Nelson said he wanted to see the county reform its planning and approval process to move projects more efficiently and quickly through the county’s system—including projects that have the potential to create TOT like the agricultural enterprise ordinance, the recreation master plan, and the Biltmore Hotel renovation project in Montecito.

Second District Supervisor Laura Capps said that she was also invested in seeing these projects come to fruition, but the additional funding was needed to continue momentum on programs that address other county issues like homelessness and maintaining county employee salaries and services.

“We’re good this year, but we are looking at a really tough outlook,” she said. “It’s a challenge to balance priorities, to keep momentum on homelessness and cleaning things up and also doing right by the businesses.”

—Taylor O’Connor

June 6 - June 13, 2024

Solvang’s new utility ordinance enforces against delinquent accounts

Looking to crack down on tenants who leave unpaid water bills behind after unceremoniously vacating their rentals, the city of Solvang is adjusting some of its utility protocols.

In February, the Solvang City Council directed staff to research new ways to approach the enforcement of delinquent water and sewer utility accounts. Staff returned with a proposal at the City Council’s May 28 meeting.

At any given time, there are a handful of residential accounts that are delinquent on their city-owned utility bills, according to the staff report. Most of these accounts carry a balance “in the hundreds of dollars, but current staff is aware of at least one account with a much higher balance.”

To ease Solvang’s difficulty in recovering delinquent bills, City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan and staff proposed that the city require all residential accounts going forward be in the property owner’s name rather than the tenant’s name.

“The city is better able to keep track of and enforce against property owners and make sure that they’re paying the bills and fine them if they don’t rather than tenants—who we’ve noticed, when they don’t pay the bill, often leave town,” O’Sullivan said at the May 28 meeting, “and then the city’s stuck [with the bill].”

O’Sullivan explained that staff doesn’t often have the ability to locate a delinquent account holder after they’re no longer a tenant at the property with unpaid water bills, which makes it difficult to “continue to go after them or pursue them in small claims court.”

“The tenant’s still going to pay the utility, but it will just be a matter … decided through their lease terms rather than the tenant having the utility account with the city in their name,” O’Sullivan said. “You could still get the water shut off if the owner’s not paying.”

O’Sullivan clarified that the strict noticing procedures required to turn a property’s water off would remain consistent with state law regardless of whether staff’s policy revisions get approved.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona expressed one concern shortly before the proposal was adopted unanimously on a first reading.

“Well, hopefully, landlords aren’t making profit on the transfer of the water costs,” Elizabeth Orona said. “It should be net zero—the same rent or the same outflow for a combined rent and water cost.”

O’Sullivan said that staff added “a little bit of flexibility” in the ordinance, which allows the property owner to designate someone “such as a tenant or whoever they want to get the bill in the mail.”

“So, it [the bill] could still be sent to the tenant, but ultimately, legally, the account is in the owner’s name,” O’Sullivan explained. “So, they’re responsible.”

“I have no problem with a tenant and a landlord making whatever arrangements they want to make,” said Councilmember Robert Clarke.

—Caleb Wiseblood

Guadalupe increases cannabis licensing renewal, inspection fees

Like many other jurisdictions, Guadalupe is working out kinks within its cannabis ordinance.

The Guadalupe City Council unanimously voted during its May 28 meeting to increase prelicense, inspection, and annual regulatory fees for commercial cannabis businesses, and pushed staff to enforce a $3,000 community benefit fee

NEWS continued page 5

News NEWS from page 4 that operators have yet to pay nearly a year after receiving City Council approval.

Guadalupe adopted its cannabis ordinance in 2021 as a way to increase revenue coming into its general fund. During the ordinance’s development, the city included a community development agreement in its language—which required each retailer to outline how it would help the community—and required a $3,013 fee. Between 2022 and 2023, the City Council approved two new cannabis dispensaries—Root One and Element 7—to join shops in downtown Guadalupe and approved a cannabis processing facility.

As part of its ordinance, the city established a $10,500 application fee that was intended to cover the cost of time spent by city staff and consultants evaluating the legalization of commercial cannabis uses, enacting the ordinance, creating the application procedures, and administering the process, according to the staff report.

“However, once the conditional use permits were approved, the ongoing costs the city expected to incur related to the creation, negotiations, and execution of the required community benefit agreements for the selected cannabis businesses—as well as certain regulatory and pre-license fees—did not have adopted fees approved by the council to cover these additional costs,” according to the staff report.

To address the financial gaps, the city worked with consultant HdL Companies in 2023 to calculate fees that would be necessary to ensure full cost recovery—including a $3,013 community benefit fee, $1,600 pre-license inspections fee, and a $19,904 annual renewal fee.

“The council adopted the fees last year but hadn’t had the opportunity to impose it because [cannabis retail businesses] haven’t

even exercised their permits … and this doesn’t kick in until then. It’s a renewal fee essentially,” City Attorney Philip Sinco told the council. “We don’t have somebody supervising the program yet. We’re working on that with the grant coordinator to have somebody follow through and monitor these things.”

In a follow-up fee study, HdL found that the pre-license and annual regulatory fees should be increased—with the pre-license inspections jumping to $2,500 from $1,600 and the annual regulatory fees to $20,904 from $19,904, according to the staff report. HdL didn’t recommend any increase for the community benefit agreement fee since these expenses have been incurred.

“We also want some direction as to the essentially $3,000 fees that we have not imposed on them, and some time has passed,” Sinco said.

“At staff level, we’re fine telling them they should have been imposed, pay them now, it was on the books; or basically as a show of good faith we could waive those costs.”

According to the staff report, it’s been nearly a year since the City Council approved the first cannabis permit, and more than eight months since it approved the last.

“Once there’s a forgivable absence of being on top of it, we felt awkward asking for it.

We wanted to make sure we were acting appropriately,” Sinco said.

City Council agreed that staff should enforce the $3,000 community benefit fee since businesses have received their permits.

Councilmember Eugene Costa Jr. asked about the status of the two dispensaries in town.

“That’s beyond the scope of the report,” Sinco responded. “We do know one is going to open in July, and we have no information on the other one.” m —Taylor O’Connor

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Connection, socialization

COURTESY PHOTO BY LILY CHUBB

Pacific Pride Foundation’s Lavender Elders program is designed to bring older LGBTQ-plus folks together

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

aspect for folks since most hile there are many options for the LGBTQ- of our group is older. These are folks who are already plus community to get together during retired who need a bit of social Pride Month in June and throughout the [activity] in life.” year, it can be challenging for older community By 2030, it’s estimated there members to have that experience. will be 7 million LGBTQ-plus “Things like going to a Pride festival might people living in the U.S. who not be accessible to someone who is older,” said are 50 and older, according to Jenise Trinidad Coates, Pacific Pride Foundation LGBTQ-plus media advocacy programs manager. “The Lavender Elders organization GLAAD, but program works to fill those gaps.” they face unique challenges Pacific Pride Foundation’s Lavender Elders compared to their non program is meant to help bring Santa Barbara LGBTQ-plus peers.

County LGBTQ-plus folks ages 50 and older According to GLAAD, older together. On the first and third Thursday of LGBTQ-plus people are twice every month, Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF) as likely to be single and live hosts Zoom meetings where people can be with alone, and four times less likely other members of the community, said Trinidad to have children, making social Coates, who uses they/them pronouns. The program offers in-person events in Santa Barbara, isolation a significant challenge.

“Fear of, and experience and PPF is currently trying to expand in-person with, discrimination and a events to Santa Maria, Lompoc, and other North lack of cultural competency in County communities. health care, housing, and other “The way it works in Santa Barbara for vital services make LGBTQ in-person is that everyone is able to meet for people less likely to seek out lunch and that is kind of just an opportunity to critical care and services really socialize and network and get out and be as they age,” according to with other people,” they said. “The Santa Maria GLAAD. portion that I’m hoping to get off the ground and up and running is that in-person portion.”

In 2018, AARP (formerly Through outreach efforts and attending the American Association of LAVENDER ELDERS: Pacific Pride Foundation is expanding its in-person Lavender Elders program, for LGBTQ-plus folks ages 50 and older, into North Santa Barbara County communities. community events, PPF has been working on Retired Persons) found that letting North County residents know that the 34 percent of LGBTQ-plus through ride shares and partnerships to get organization offers its services countywide, about the Lavender Elders program, “and that’s older people—and 54 percent of transgender including the Lavender Elders program. people to in-person events, they said. why this program is super important and near older people—reported being worried about “Because we’re coming in kind of newer, most and dear to my heart.”

Alongside getting North County in-person having to hide their identity to access housing folks assume that we’re Santa Barbara-based only, for older people, according to GLAAD. In The program not only offers a social outlet, but events off the ground, Trinidad-Coates added when really we’re countywide,” Trinidad Coates a support network for those who are coming out addition, limited available research on older that PPF would like to expand to take Lavender said. “As of right now, folks are very surprised to later in life and learning about their identity, they adults with HIV show that the AIDs epidemic Elders program members on different outings, hear we have a presence and has disproportionately affected added. like going to museums, and including more social programs in Santa Maria and “When someone goes through the process of older LGBTQ-plus people. activities.

Get together Lompoc.” coming out ... if it happens at a young age, you According to the National “I would love for this to be the program people Visit pacificpridefoundation.org The Lavender Elders have the support of your peers, you might have Institutes of Health, having talk about when they find out mom came out of to learn more about Lavender Elders program works in two facets: family support and access to a lot of events you pride in one’s identity the closet 20 years after their divorce, to meet and other programs that Pacific to provide social opportunities can attend to really … foster that relationship and connection to one’s other people, go out, be social, and hang out with Pride Foundation offers. for older folks and to connect with yourself and that you’ve had with the queer community is associated with their community,” Trinidad Coates said. “Some LGBTQ-plus individuals to community,” Trinidad Coates said. “If someone more positive outcomes for folks don’t come out until much later in life, their community, they said. older LGBTQ-plus folks, including higher quality is coming out as an older adult, some of those and they really missed out on the experience of “Folks who are older tend to not have as much opportunities may not be accessible.” of life and lower internalized homophobia. having that queer fellowship, and that’s what the social activities to participate in,” Trinidad The online portion of the Lavender Elders “Community is the most important thing, and Lavender Elders program is able to provide.” m Coates said. “As we get older, we are missing the program works to make sure that those with that’s what this group is able to foster for people component of seeing people at school or work.

Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@ health or transportation setbacks can still tap who may not have any other way of connecting Part of the program is that social and fellowship santamariasun.com. into a community, and PPF offers transportation with their community,” Trinidad Coates said

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Overdue breakthrough

Act would prohibit grant recipients from providing conversion therapy of any kind, advertising the practice, helping others provide it, and/ or referring young The Pride in Mental Health Act hopes to people to conversion make accessible mental health care services resources.

According to the for LGBTQ-plus youth the law most recent data from 2022-23 in the California School, Climate,

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL Health, and Learning Surveys, 44 percent of host of Democrats across the United States are trying to bolster access to mental health queer-identifying ninth graders and 50 percent of 11th graders in the Santa Maria Joint Union care and support for LGBTQ-plus youth.

High School District responded they’ve been U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-California), the harassed one or two times on school property for first Black and openly gay senator to serve in the their sexual orientation in the past 12 months.

Senate, introduced the Pride in Mental Health Forty-three percent and 59 percent of LGBTQAct on March 14—a day after the Oklahoma medical examiner ruled teenager Nex Benedict’s plus ninth graders and 11th graders, respectively, responded “very much true” or “pretty much death a suicide. Benedict, a nonbinary 16-yeartrue” for social emotional distress caused by the old, died a day after a fight in an Oklahoma high reaction to their sexual orientation. school restroom, which was allegedly prompted Cuesta College graduate Raven Hardesty, who by bullying over gender identity. uses nonbinary pronouns, told the Sun that it “In the aftermath of discovering nonbinary was easier accessing a therapist in high school teen Nex Benedict’s death was ruled a suicide, because their mother advocated for them. Now, I think this legislation is really important to their mother follows a hands-off approach, even highlight how crucial it is that we do more for though Hardesty still lives with her. young LGBTQ-plus kids who maybe don’t “She is very insistent that I’m an adult, so I have the resources, community, or support to have to do everything myself now even though navigate that experience,” Butler spokesperson I don’t know how,” Hardesty said. “I dealt with Christopher Lee told the Sun via email. quite a bit of hostility, especially in high school …

If signed into law, the Pride in Mental and in high school, I kind of realized I had to get Health Act would open up grants through the thicker skin to deal with it.”

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Twenty-year-old Hardesty’s lived in San Luis Administration. “Eligible entities” like schools Obispo County almost all their life. At 12, they and colleges could apply for these grant funds came out as pansexual. Around their first two to provide cultural competency training to years of high school in Paso Robles, Hardesty caregivers; develop behavioral health and crisis came out as gender fluid. By 2021, they realized intervention resources; collect data on the they were nonbinary. behavioral health of LGBTQ-plus youth; and In Hardesty’s senior year of high school, they issue school bullying prevention guidelines for said, an adult woman stalked them because LGBTQ-plus students. of their queer identity and her own alleged A statement from Butler’s office pointed to a mental health issues. Those troubles leaked into 2023 national Trevor Project survey that found Hardesty’s college years when finding an LGBTQ54 percent of participating LGBTQ-plus youth plus-supportive therapist proved to be hard for experienced symptoms of depression. Fifteen them. Having something like the Pride in Mental percent of queer youth reported being threatened Health Act would have helped, they said. with or subjected to conversion therapy.

To combat that, the Pride in Mental Health “I’d have someone to talk to about all that

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PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO Thursday, August 9 • 8:00pm Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles

NewTimesSLO.com

8 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

and be able to find proper resources and get the help that I needed,” Hardesty said. “I tried to get a therapist or DSPS [Disabled Students Programs and Services] for physical health issues and mental health issues, and I was only ever officially diagnosed with depression.

They decided that that wasn’t enough, so they wouldn’t help me, which really, really sucks when you’re trying really hard to get any form of help.”

They’re still struggling to find an LGBTQplus-supportive therapist in the county, and they said there are limited options because of insurance hurdles.

For new Cuesta College graduate Maryelizabeth White, who uses nonbinary pronouns, SLO County became a safe queeraffirming space when they moved with their father from Victorville in San Bernadino County.

“I lived in a commuter town in the desert, and everything was about a 30-minute drive away,” White said. “In SLO County, I didn’t have any friends, … and my first introduction into the community itself was going to the Pride fest in 2021. It was crazy, seeing people who are so comfortable with each other, and I felt like a fish out of water, but it was nice.”

Participating in the Pride festival and interacting with Cuesta’s community helped White finally come out to their friends in 2022.

But they had trouble finding mental health care in SLO County. It wasn’t until White enrolled in Cuesta that they found an in-person campus therapist who helped them in their journey to figure out who they are.

White switched to a private, insurance-based therapist in their second year at Cuesta.

“I mostly chose it because I couldn’t continue Cuesta therapy during the summer or the winter, only during school, when school is in session,” they said. I found that especially during the winter and the summer, I needed therapy the most.”

The downside: White pays for the new service unlike the sessions at Cuesta, which were free.

As the former president of the Cuesta Pride club, White advocated for the community college’s mental health program to LGBTQ-plus students.

“The most vocal complaint, I would say, just the lack of knowing what resources were available to everyone,” they said. “People didn’t really realize how many sessions they had. They didn’t know that it was free. They didn’t know that there was an LGBTQ-trained therapist on campus.”

Director of Student Health Services Nicole Johnson told the Sun that one of Cuesta’s licensed therapists was the first in the cohort for the SLO ACCEPTance Project, which aims to provide academically informed, in-depth LGBTQ-plus mental health training for mental health professionals.

She added that the college provides yearround stigma-reducing events, outreach, and training. But serving the growing needs of LGBTQ-plus students out of a small clinic is a challenge, with students sometimes landing on the waitlist for in-person services.

“It is especially challenging, and a barrier to care, if you are seeking a provider with specific training like LGBTQ-plus affirming care,” Johnson said. “Couple these barriers with living in a more rural area like SLO County. We know that we have a difficult time recruiting and retaining trained medical professionals in our area.”

She said she hopes that the Pride in Mental Health Act will consider that local organizations and communities need infrastructure to support legislative change.

“The greatest impact for the students is that it sends a message that acknowledges the barriers they face by the inadequacies of the system,” Johnson said, “and prioritizes their health and safety with legislation that promotes change by identifying the barriers and specific strategies to overcome them in an effort to improve outcomes for LGBTQ-plus students.” m Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal, from the Sun’s sister paper New Times, at brajagopal@ newtimesslo.com.

News

SPOTLIGHT FILE COURTESY PHOTO BY BILL MARR

DISCOVER OUTSIDE: Through the second annual Discover Outside programming, the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County hopes to educate community members about its work, including conserving local land like the Dangermond Preserve (pictured).

Countywide connection Land Trust for Santa Barbara County offers Discover Outside—highlighting ecosystems, conservation, and local recreation opportunities

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

the Land Trust they will give you a discount or give proceeds back to the Land Trust.” longside conserving local lands, the Land As a Santa Maria native, Stowers said she’s Trust for Santa Barbara County wants to happy to see more efforts to expand events teach people about the area they call home, into North County and ensure that there are Vanessa Stowers told the Sun. opportunities for everyone.

“We are very lucky to live in this unique space, “It’s a great way to learn something new or and it’s something that I don’t ever want to take maybe see a part of the county you haven’t seen for granted, so really appreciating why Santa Barbara County is so special—one of those things before. I know up until I worked at the Land Trust I never went to the Arroyo Hondo preserve,” is the landscape,” said Stowers, the Land Trust Stowers said. “It doesn’t always have to be doing development and communications director. “If something that is maybe not accessible to different you can do things that can educate yourself on it ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors, and the … it just makes our community have a little bit Discover Outside series reflects that because you more pride.” can appreciate all the county has to offer no matter The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County what your age is, what your ability is.” works to conserve open space, agricultural All events are free, but some require an RSVP lands, and biodiversity hotspots throughout ahead of time. See the full list of events and the county. It works with willing landowners to register at sblandtrust.org/news-events. pursue options like easements to protect land in perpetuity, and to monitor and restore lands, and purchase land if the trust has the ability, Highlights Stowers said.

• Lompoc Parks and Recreation offers teens “Within the last 40 years, we have conserved the opportunity to become involved in their [more than] 57,000 acres of land in the county, and community while receiving work experience one of our big efforts, because we are countywide, and leadership training during the summer is to really make sure the entire county feels like through its Volunteen Program. The program we are a land trust for everyone,” she said. “We are is meant for students ages 13 to 15 and will pushing more efforts in our programming.” provide hands-on training for teens to acquire These efforts include the Land Trust’s new skills, learn responsibility, and provide them Discover Outside program—a series of free, with volunteer hours—which may help a teen family-friendly events, public talks, guided treks, acquire scholarships and/or employment in the shopping days, and a Family Day at Arroyo future. Those interested must submit a volunteer Hondo Preserve that runs from June 13 to 16 and application and pass an oral interview. Call (805) again from June 20 to 23.

875-8100 or email recreation@ci.lompoc.ca.us for “Discover Outside was established last year an application or additional information. just to get people excited about being outdoors • Laura Branch, MUSIC an Ernest Righetti High School and different things happening within the series science teacher, received the 2023 Santa Barbara that catered to everyone—talks for education County Teacher of the Year award from the Santa FLAVOR/EATS purposes, led hikes or guided hikes throughout Barbara County Office of Education. Branch the county,” Stowers said. teaches a variety of science courses, including INFO One of last year’s highlights returning this concurrent physical geology through Allan year is Family Day at the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, Hancock College, career technical education where families can participate in docent-led or (CTE) AP environmental science, and chemistry CALENDAR self-guided tours and visit education stations to of the Earth system. She created and developed learn more about the creek environment and its the curriculum for Santa Maria Joint Union OPINION inhabitants, she said.

High School District’s first CTE environmental “In addition, we have talks happening resources pathway. Earlier in her career, she was NEWS throughout the county aimed at educating the one of the first teachers in California to develop a public on what we do and why it’s stand-alone geology course at the valuable. We are trying to cater high school level. m STROKES Promote! to everyone in the community,” Send business and Reach Staff Writer Taylor Stowers said. “We have some nonprofit information to ARTS O’Connor at toconnor@ shopping days there where we spotlight@santamariasun.com. santamariasun.com. have partners—if you mention

A

BORN AUGUST 2, 1986 - DECEASED APRIL 30, 2024

Nicholas Patrick O’Connor Nicholas Patrick O’Connor lived most of his life in the Santa Barbara area and the past few years in Kingman, Arizona. He was a talented musician, had a brilliant mind, and was an independent thinker. He was someone who can be described as unique, authentic, creative, intelligent, intuitive, honest, observant, and excelled far beyond what was average in any topic of his interest. Nick did not believe in conforming to a system based on materialism and ego, but instead believed that wisdom and understanding are the keys that unlock truth and a relationship with God.

Rick Starnes, Kathy and Dave Gash, Christina and Cory Lund, Michael O’Connor, Bob and Jeannine Schalla, Merril Lynn and Ken Shamordola, and Carol Schalla. Cousins: Jacqueline and Michael Starnes, Nathan and Lauren Gash, Connor and Heather Lund, Denise, Talon and Chayton Ramirez.

Nick was predeceased by his mother’s father and mother, Milo and Helen Schalla, his father’s father and mother, Dan and Irene O’Connor, and his cousin Brayv O’Connor.

There was a private service for family May 25 in Santa Barbara. Cards may be mailed to: 1607 Mission Dr. #212 Solvang, California 93463.

Nicholas is loved by his parents, Nancy and Kevin O’Connor, his sister Kelly, her husband Ryan Coffey, their two children Skyla and Zachary, his sister Colleen, her husband Jason Schwartz, his Aunts and Uncles: Sheila and

“You were the light of my life always, and now that you’re with Jesus I know we will be together again soon.”

Love, Mom and Dad

www.santamariasun.com • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • Sun • 9

Opinion ONLINE POLL

What do you think of reproductive health care options in Lompoc?

67% 33% 0% 0%

I don’t live in Lompoc.

It’s really difficult to find a provider and frustrating to get care.

It’s OK. There are challenges, but providers and officials are making changes.

Much more needs to be done to bridge the gaps.

3 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [12]

Overlooked for too long Santa Maria High teacher and coach Bill Yanez deserves to be inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame

BY CAROLYN SHERRY

I

recently came across the list of second year inductees to the Santa Maria High School Athletics Hall of Fame and was, once again, disappointed to find that longtime Saints’ baseball and basketball coach Bill Yanez was not included.

When he was left out last year, I assumed he was simply overlooked by the committee, which has otherwise done an outstanding job establishing and organizing the hall of fame, but to be left out again is a travesty when he was easily one of the best coaches and educators in the school’s history.

Because of that, it appears the hall’s committee should be reminded of coach Yanez’s credentials.

Yanez, who died in 2022, came to SMHS in the early 1960s. He had been a great athlete in both high school and college as a baseball pitcher.

When he came to Santa Maria High, he first coached basketball under legendary coach Bob McCutcheon. In a story in the Santa Maria Times in 1966, McCutcheon lauded Yanez, saying, “He is an excellent student of basketball, has great desire, and is more than eager to work hard at the game.”

Yanez was even considered as the next varsity basketball coach when McCutcheon left to coach at Allan Hancock College.

Instead, because of his baseball background, Yanez, only 29 at the time, was chosen to take over the Saints’ baseball program. It was a great choice.

In his very first year, his team was co-champion of the old Santa Barbara County League, compiling a record of 17-6. A 1967 article in the Santa Maria Times noted the co-championship represented “one of the most successful [baseball] seasons in the school’s history.” He repeated the feat the very next year.

The best was yet come, however. His 1973 Saints, featuring future big-leaguers Bryn Smith and Pat Kelly, won the Northern League with a 20-5 record and advanced to the semifinals of the CIF playoffs before falling to a powerful Edgewood (West Covina) team that also boasted future MLB players, brothers Ron and Gary Roenicke. During his tenure, Yanez’s baseball teams compiled an overall record of 190-105 in 11 years. Not only did three of his players go on to the major leagues, but several others went

on to play minor league, college, and semi-pro.

In 1978, he moved from the diamond to the hardwood to coach a struggling basketball program, which was far removed from the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s. Within a few years, his winning ways were again on display as his 1985 team went 20-6, won the Northern League, and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. For his efforts, Yanez was named the league’s coach of the year. That was the end of his varsity career.

During his second tenure as a Saints’ varsity coach, he compiled a record of 72-69. For the next six years he coached the freshman team and had three undefeated squads while winning nearly 100 games.

He retired permanently from coaching in 1991 but was still an influential force at the school, teaching English, establishing the philanthropic Saints Varsity Club for athletes, and winning the 1999 Crystal Apple Award, the most prestigious award given to Santa Barbara County educators.

In conclusion, I sincerely hope the Hall of Fame Committee will take another look at Coach Yanez as being more than worthy for next year’s induction. m Carolyn Sherry is a recently retired teacher who taught at Santa Maria High School for 28 years and had the pleasure of working with William Yanez. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

LETTERS Arguments against wind help fossil fuel

Yes, it is semantics and spin, and the fossil fuel industry and groups like the Charles Koch Foundation must be delighted to have people like Mandy Davis and the REACT Alliance parroting the propaganda they have been feeding them (“Semantics and spin,” May 30).

A recent piece in [the Sun’s sister paper] New Times (“Environmental justice,” April 11) also described how two local fishermen groups sued over offshore wind projects on the baseless claim that a connection exists between sonar surveys and whale morbidity. There is zero evidence that offshore wind activity is harming whales as do ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements. A similar claim used by fishermen’s groups on the East Coast has undermined wind projects in New York.

Mandy makes the claim that “the wind industry is heavily funded by oil companies” as does the REACT Alliance, which claims, “Oil keeps wind afloat.” This is ludicrous. Although public opinion shows that renewable energy remains popular with a majority of Americans, local NIMBY anti-wind groups like REACT are sowing misinformation about wind power, which is becoming an effective tactic in stalling or derailing renewable energy projects.

And for fossil fuel idealogues and the climate denial machine assembled from the likes of ExxonMobil, twisting public opinion against renewable energy in would-be host communities is part of their larger mission.

Bill Collins Grover Beach

‘Donald Trump has shown us who he is’

Trump’s conviction in New York reaffirms the principle that no one—not even a former president—is above the law in the United States of America.

The evidence presented to the jury was damning, including numerous falsified documents with Trump’s signature on them. Falsification of business records is a serious crime, and Trump is finally being held accountable just as any other American would.

Trump has often been called a fraudster—and now he has been convicted of just that: fraud and trying to illegally pull one over on the American people.

Trump’s felony conviction is not merely about illegal hush money payments made 11 days before an election; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our elections. Trump has a clear pattern of lying to

10 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

the American people and trying to undermine our elections in order to cling to power. This trial was the first of several—he still faces three additional indictments and 54 criminal charges, including federal charges for inciting a deadly insurrection to overturn the 2020 election.

Donald Trump has shown us who he is: a fraudster who will lie and break the law in order to cling to power. We must remember that when we go to the ballot box and cast our vote for the next president.

Anne Toller Santa Maria

Trump still poses a danger to our democracy It’s official: After making secret hush money payments to an adult film star 11 days before the 2016 election and falsifying official filings to hide the truth from the public, Donald Trump has been found guilty by a New York jury.

Trump’s conviction in New York should remind us all that no one—including a former president— is above the law. It should also remind us of the danger that Trump still poses to our democracy.

In the final weeks of the 2016 election, Trump covered up his affair with Stormy Daniels to dupe voters and improve his chances of winning the election. As it turns out, this would only be his first foray into undermining our elections. The New York trial may be over, but Donald Trump still faces three additional indictments and 54 criminal charges for a litany of crimes, including federal charges for his efforts to incite violence and overturn the will of voters after he knew he’d lost the 2020 election.

This is a pattern. The jury has done its job to hold Trump accountable. Now, it’s time for the American people to do our part and hold him accountable at the ballot box.

Sharon Allbright Lompoc

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Opinion

UPCOMING SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS

J.J. Baker, 2023

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The Central Coast guide to everything outside

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FAIR

I

s there a limit to how high we can raise taxes, even on tourists?

Every four years, it seems like local municipalities devise a way to increase sales tax or transient occupancy tax (TOT). Boy, public safety sure could use a boost, or the roads sure could use an influx of funding, or it’s not really coming out of residents’ wallets so what’s the big deal?

It sounds like a good idea, right?

Charge the tourists. They’ll pay it.

Four Santa Barbara County supervisors don’t think it’s a bad idea to raise the county’s bed tax by another 2 percent, which would bring it to 14 percent! That’s a lot. Carpinteria wants its TOT to weigh in at 15 percent, so why stop at 2 percent?

Just raise it by 4! Set the bar high so others can reach for it too, as they inevitably will.

It’s already $80 for a weeknight stay at a Motel 6 in Santa Maria and double or more to stay at Motel 6 in Santa Barbara—what’s another $15 to $25 on top of that (and in addition to sales tax) for those people who can barely afford to spend the night at a place that promises to leave the light on for you?

They won’t even notice.

Other municipalities look at what Santa Barbara County is doing and think, “Hey, they’re doing it! We should too!” And then they raise their TOT, which Santa Barbara County residents get to pay when they visit somewhere else. Not be a downer, but WTF is that? I don’t want to pay 15 percent extra on an already ridiculously high hotel price when I visit somewhere—I don’t care if the municipality

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needs “discretionary revenue” that it can spend on whatever. And I’m not crazy about TOT money not being earmarked for something specific—like roads or public safety.

But “it could be spent anywhere in the county, not just the unincorporated areas,” CEO Mona Miyasato told supervisors.

Oh goody! I bet the 24 hotels and 530 or so short-term rentals are simply thrilled that their customers are paying extra taxes so the money can be spent in incorporated cities that pay their own TOT. But, hey, at least supervisors need to send the tax increase to the ballot first. Voters will get to weigh in!

All it needs is a simple majority to pass and voters are sooo well-educated and smart when looking at everything on the ballot.

Someday, maybe TOT could be 30 percent. Just think of the revenue that would bring in! If an extra 2 percent generates almost $3 million, just imagine …

Santa Barbara County would be rich!

But as 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson pointed out, just because the tax is higher doesn’t mean it will generate more funding—a lesson the county should have already learned with its cannabis tax debacle.

“The message I’ve gotten from the business community is they are concerned, especially as the economy has gotten a little weaker,” he said.

“The tourism industry, hotels that struggle to pay employees a living wage—at some point the cost, and total costs, there’s only so much the consumer can tolerate.”

He’s not wrong. m

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www.santamariasun.com • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • Sun • 13

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: JUNE 6 - JUNE 16, 2024

HER MAJESTY

For its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration, Juneteenth SYV hosts its Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball and Art Show at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum on Friday, June 7, at 6 p.m. Attendees can expect to enjoy drinks, dinner, dessert, and a variety of entertainment, including a special appearance from Princess Tiana (pictured). Visit juneteenthsyv. com to find out more. The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum is located at 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez.

—Caleb Wiseblood

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUNETEENTH SYV

ARTS

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BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. 805-928-7799.

Kleindancesarts.com. KleinDance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

CAVE COMEDY NIGHT A night of laughter and celebration as Jessica B. Tovar marks their first year of producing comedy shows at the venue. Don’t miss out on this special night of laughter and camaraderie. June 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10. 805-937-8463. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

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

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

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

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults featuring coffee, snacks, and lively discussion. June 8, 2 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

FAR FROM HOME A solo exhibit of watercolors by artist Martha Inman Lorch that showcase her travels across the globe.

She chooses international subjects that catch her eye and imagination. Her unique perspective and watercolor skills make each painting visually enchanting. Reception on June 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through June. 805 -688-7517.

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

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE BALL AND ART SHOW A night filled with live music, dance, and mesmerizing aerial performances reminiscent of the lively streets of New Orleans. For guests aged 21 and over. June 7, 6 p.m. juneteenthsyv.com. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-688-7889.

UNDER THE SAME SUN: FROM LOWRIDERS TO FARMWORKERS The exhibition features works by five visual artists based in Central and Southern California with their own unique approach as seen in the diversity of the work on display and the variety of styles. Through July 7 elverhoj.org.

Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805-686-1211.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

COLLAGE JOURNALING: CRAFTING INTENTIONS WITH MINDFULNESS Join Sandra Dotson’s Mindful Collage

Journaling class, and enjoy blending art and mindfulness. Discover self-expression through collage techniques, creating a serene space to calm thoughts and set intentions. June 6, 1:30-3 p.m. $35. entangledco.com. Melville Estate Winery, 5185 E. Hwy 246, Lompoc, 805-735-7030.

THE MAGIC OF MY WORLD The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring The Magic of My World, an artist show by Kristine Kelly. Through June 30 805-737-1129. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, lompocart.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER ART IN THE PARK Features dozens of local vendors selling homemade items, free bounce house, music, food trucks, and more. June 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $0-$15. 805-473-5472. arroyogrande.org/catalog. Elm St. Park, 380 S Elm St., 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.

THE FIREBIRD AND THE PIRATE Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet present this production. June 8, 7-9 p.m. and June 9, 3-5 p.m. $20-$30. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ebcd-firebird-pirate/.

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

OCEANO SEABREEZE MARKET Discover Oceano is proud to present the Oceano Seabreeze Market featuring handcrafted artisanal goods and exclusive collections from local makers, artisans, and curators.

Enjoy shopping, food, drinks, music, and

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL Set in the late 1970s, this story of friendship and revenge is “outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.” Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their egotistical, lying boss. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through June 30 $20-$40. 805-786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/9-to-5-the-musical/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

ACT SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS Visit site for details on this summer camp series.

June 10-Aug. 5 slorep.org/education/acttheatre-camps/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-786-2440.

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents.

All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

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.

14 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

an afternoon of fun at the historic Oceano Depot. June 8, 12-5 p.m. Free. 805-779-1414. discoveroceanoca.com/. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St., Oceano.

PIRATES OF PISMO A-GO-GO The plot follows 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 his Feb. 29 birthday, as it only comes around every four years. Through July 6 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

INDEX Arts.......................................14 Culture & Lifestyle ...........16 Food & Drink ......................18 Music ..................................20

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.

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.

ART AFTER DARK: ART IS US An unforgettable evening where art, rhythm, and grace converge under one roof. June 7, 5 p.m. my805tix.com/. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

ART AFTER DARK: ABSTRACT STACKS An exploration of the the intersection of the analog and the digital space.

Artificial intelligence was asked to answer questions relating to the human experience. Featuring the graffiti script of Sam Lopata and the abstract sand stacks of Zoya Lopata Dixon. June 7, 5-8 p.m.

Free. 805-439-1611. mylrgallery.com. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ART AFTER DARK: CENTURY 21 HOMETOWN REALTY Century 21 Hometown Realty is pleased to host amazing local artists, rotating their art work each month for the ‘Art After Dark’ calendar year. Reception of food and wine. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through Nov. 1 Century 21 Hometown Realty, 1103 Toro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-235-4877.

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

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

BEGINNING WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH Learn the ways watercolor is apt

to flow (or not), and how you and those colors can “start a tango that will unleash a new relationship with your artistic visions.” For beginners or watercolor artists who would like to “loosen up.”

Thursdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. through June 27 $120 plus materials. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

IMPROV COMEDY SHOW Hosted by Central Coast Comedy Theater. June 8, 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. Presented

by Central Coast Comedy Theater. June 14, 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

THE LARAMIE PROJECT A breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable. June 13-15 my805tix.com.

CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

SECOND SATURDAYS SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages.

Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions.

Second Saturday of every month, 11-1 a.m. through Dec. 14 Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/second-saturdays/.

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

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events.

Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. 805-703-3132. slonightwriters. org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ARTS continued page 16

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ALAN PARSONS

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

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SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FEATURING Central Coast bands, BBQ, and beer on our outdoor patio from 12-4pm JULY

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SADIE JASPER ALBUM RELEASE PARTY Friday, July 19 • 7:00pm Humdinger Brewing, SLO Presented by:

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Hot Stuff ARTS from page 14

Does your organization sell tickets?

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

CENTRAL COAST ARTISTS COLLECTIVE Three artist groups of the Central Coast Artists Collective (photographers, sculptors, and craftmakers) show selected works by members in this annual exhibition. Through June 24, 12-4 p.m. Free. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/.

Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. FIBER AND TEXTILES BY DEBBIE GEDAYLOO A self-taught artist who uses observations of the natural world as inspiration. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. JUNE ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY Featuring Cathy Russ, Debbie Gedayloo, and Kristina Albion with their photography, textiles, and bags, respectively. June 8, 3-5 p.m.

Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. PHOTOGRAPHER CATHY RUSS Russ is a photographer living in Morro Bay whose photography has taken her around the world for decades. Her work features rural and urban scenes, landscapes, wild animals, and much more. Her work is printed on paper, metal, and canvas. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. 805-934-3948.

Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:309:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

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

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

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing 805-3432455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

HOPE AFTER DARK: MORE THAN A DRAG SHOW Hosted by the incredible Grace Towers, with the following queens scheduled to perform: Vivian Storm, Angel D’mon, Melina Poinsettia, Samara Sin, Daphne J, and more. June 8, 7-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.

ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY Second Tuesday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, 805-937-9750.

SANTA MARIA PRIDE RESOURCE FAIR AND MAKERS MARKET Features nonprofits, crafters, and local businesses. June 9, 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria.

TABLETOP GAMING WITH SANTA MARIA ADVENTURER’S LEAGUE Be prepared for epic excitement with tabletop gaming presented by the Santa Maria Adventurer’s League. Everyone is welcome regardless of previous experience.

All children under the ages of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and registration is required. June 9, 1-4:30 p.m. Free.

805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

MY805TIX.COM

JUNE 6 - JUNE 16, 2024 PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTINE KELLY

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: GRAND DUNES TRAIL Join California State Park Docent Sally to explore the habitat of the dunes. Learn about the diverse plants, animals, and habitats that can be found in this unique ecosystem. RSVP at 805-474-2664 June 7, 10 a.m.-noon Free.

16 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

IT’S A WILD WORLD

The Lompoc Valley Art Association presents The Magic of My World, a new solo art exhibit, which debuted in late May and will remain on display through the end of June at Cypress Gallery in Lompoc.

This exhibition highlights a collection of artworks by featured artist Kristine Kelly. Visit lompocart.org for more info. Cypress Gallery is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

—C.W. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the 805-474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/.

West Grand Avenue Plaza and Parking Lot, 25 W context and history of cultures of the world.”

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for Grand Avenue, Grover Beach. four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org. Grover ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: HEALTH AND Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., WELLNESS WALK Join State Park Docent Grover Beach.

Peggy for a presentation on the health benefits NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND of being out in nature by taking a stroll around CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a the Oceano Lagoon. Group will slow down and friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. experience nature and its positive effects it can Members bring watches and clocks to show, have on your health and wellbeing. June 13, 9-11 plus there are discussions of all things a.m. Free. 805-474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/ awn/. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. 805-547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index.

Oceano.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong $70. 805-835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar through simple standing movements promoting Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased Beach. energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean.

Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for $40 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org.

5-class card with no expiration. 805-440-4561.

Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Ave., Grover Beach.

Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

CENTRAL COAST AQUARIUM SUMMER SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS CAMPS The Central Coast Aquarium is excited Call for details. Second Saturday of every month, to announce that summer camp registrations 10 a.m. 805-904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, are now open. Each week-long camp session 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach. will include: interactive lessons and activities, THE TRUTH ABOUTMUSIC STAYING INDEPENDENT outdoor field trips, animal encounters, and Ask local professionals about how you can stay more. Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 5 independent while you age. June 12, 10 a.m. centralcoastaquarium.org/camps-programs/ my805tix.com. Oxford Suites, 651 Five Cities Drive, seasonal-camps/summer-camps/. Central FLAVOR/EATS Pismo Beach.

Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a fun and educational DIVE AND BEACH CLEANUP Celebrate World INFO opportunity this summer? Join the Oceans Day with us aquarium’s Volunteer during this cleanup Team. No marine event with lunch, music, CALENDAR science experience and activities to follow. is necessary. There June 8, 8 a.m. my805tix. are lots of ways to com/. Central Coast Send event information to calendar@ OPINION get involved. Check Aquarium, 50 San Juan santamariasun.com. out website for more St., Avila Beach, 805details. Tuesdays.

595-7280.

NEWSthrough Sept. 30 DONATION-BASED centralcoastaquarium.org. Central Coast YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact 595-7280. empoweryoga805@gmail for details and STROKES reservations. 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805. THE WAVE: COMMUNITY GATHERING AND com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community DANCE PARTY Features a disco dance with Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. live DJs, dinner, yoga, and more. June 9, 4-7 p.m.

ARTS my805tix.com/. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild St, Pismo Beach.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility of America invites you to attend its meeting advertised as open and safe. Give the office on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, follow on Facebook at Bishop’s Peak a call to register over the phone. MondaysFridays $160-$190. 805-481-6399. 5 Cities EGA or visit the EGA website. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 16 Free. Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com. egausa.com. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, 805-773-4832.

WMW HIGH VIBE HIKE Visit site for tickets MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS and more info on this hike hosted by Women Making Waves. June 8, 9 a.m. my805tix.com/.

Experience dance from continents around the Pismo Preserve, Mattie Road, Pismo Beach. earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more.

Spread the word!

AGING GRACEFULLY WITH PREVENTATIVE 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.

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.

COFFEE CHAT HOMESHARESLO Have an extra room you’d like to rent out? Or looking for affordable room to rent? Are you interested in adding an ADU to your backyard?

Hearing the buzz about Waterman Tiny Homes Village? Special opportunity: come take a tour of the Demonstration Cottage.

June 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-215-5474. smartsharehousingsolutions.org/events/.

Waterman Village at the Rosa Butron de Canet Adobe, 466 Dana Street, 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.

GUIDED ENERGETIC MEDITATION Are you energetically sensitive? This reoccurring weekly class will be a guided Introduction to Energetic Meditation Techniques that will assist you to: clear your energy field, improve energy flow and energy boundaries, quiet and focus your mind, and be clearer about “Who You Really Are.” Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. through Nov. 30 $22.

503-929-6416. elohiacupuncture.com/classes/.

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.

METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK CLUB A weekly book discussion, on a wide variety of titles from the general subject of metaphysics, spirituality, and comparative religion. By invitation. For more information, contact David Higgins, email: davidhiggins67@gmail.com.

Location revealed to those invited. Wednesdays Free. rationalmetaphysics.com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.

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.

PICKLES FOR A PURPOSE: SLO A pickleball tournament to benefit Meals that Connect: Senior Nutrition program. Annually, Meals that Connect provides more than 200,000 meals to seniors. Admission includes free event t-shirt, access to online auction, and refreshments.

All skill levels are welcome. June 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $60. 805-541-3312. mealsthatconnect.org.

French Park, 1040 Fuller Road, San Luis Obispo.

PRIDE PROM (GRADES 6-12) For students in grades 6-12 to enjoy live DJs, dancing, youth crafts and games, photography areas, and hang out areas. June 8, 7-10:30 p.m. $12. slopride.com/ events. Laguna Middle School, 11050 Los Osos Valley Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-596-4055.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18

Alternative Tastes Wine Fest: Celebrating Paso’s Unique Varieties

Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria

Broken Earth Winery, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Brass Mash First Friday

Remember When Rock Was Young: The Elton John Experience

Cancer Christ with Viscerate, Aseptic, & No Warning Shots

Improv Comedy Show

Shamanic Yoga & Rituals for Vitality

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, SLO

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 Clark Center, Arroyo Grande

Live Oak Music Festival 2024

Smoke & Song: A Country BBQ featuring Michael Ray

El Chorro Regional Park, SLO

Tooth & Nail House of Wine, Paso Robles

FRI-SUN, JUNE 14-16

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Coastal Wine & Paint Party

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 Dark Nectar Coffee, Atascadero

Houseplant Arrangement Class

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 Golden State Goods, Atascadero

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, Cambria

Art and Sip at the SLO Public Market

The Wave: Community Gathering & Dance Party

Manda Mosher and Dead Rock West, A Tiny Porch Concert

June 2024 Central Coast Cooking Show TUESDAY, JUNE 11 Idlers Home, Paso Robles

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO

The Killer Dueling Pianos

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 SLO Public Market

Trivia Wednesday Night with Brain Stew Trivia

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 The Bunker SLO

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Aurora Meditations & Rituals, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Peter Strauss Ranch, Agoura Hills

The Laramie Project

Improv Comedy Show: Ensemble Team

Do You Compute, Four Day Beard, Silvatici, & Shadow Construct 47

Coastal Wine & Paint Party

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Beer Yoga at Ancient Owl SLO

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Ancient Owl Beer Garden SLO

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, Cambria

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Blast 825 Brewery, Orcutt

Shawn Clark with Archer Mozé

Grads & Dads at The Cliffs 2024

The Boys Of Summer Music of The Eagles

Mismiths, Bunker Club, Suburban Dropout, & More!

Carson Aday and Hardcastle with Seth Roberts

Bootleg Standup Presents Ramsey Badawi

THURS-SAT, JUNE 13-15 Congregation House, SLO

SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Templeton Mercantile

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 SLO Public Market

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 Blast 825 Brewery, Orcutt

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

TUESDAY, JUNE 18 Templeton Mercantile

SELL TICKETS WITH US! It’s free! Contact us for more info: Lavender U-Pick Experience SUN-SAT, MAY 12-AUG 31 CLOSED ON TUES-THURS Hambly Lavender Farm, San Miguel

SLO Blues Baseball Games

FRI-SAT, JUNE 7-JULY 27 Sinsheimer Park, SLO

Improv Comedy Shows at Bang the Drum Brewery

FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO

Central Coast Aquarium

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

805-546-8208 info@My805Tix.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 18 Libertine Brewing Company, SLO

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Summer Solstice Full Moon Ceremony

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 The Barn at Fog’s End, Cambria

Full Moon Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Bath

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, SLO

Open Farm Days: SLO CO Farm Trail

FRI-SUN, JUNE 21-23 Paso Robles & SLO

Hot Stuff

JUNE 6 - JUNE 16, 2024 PHOTO COURTESY OF TALLEY VINEYARDS

will introduce embodiment practices for women to identify and access safety, love, and belonging in their body as it relates to their sensuality.

Women will learn how to rewire their nervous system to bridge resiliency and pleasure together. June 8, 2-4 p.m. $98.

805-305-5609. christianamarie. com/pleasure-pulse-playshops.

Bare Heart Boudoir, 1333 Van Beurden, Los Osos.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome Talley Vineyards and Tasting Room in Arroyo Grande is celebrating to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 the release of its vibrant new white blend, 2023 PRIDE, made in p.m. Suggested donation of celebration of Pride Month, with a special reception on Tuesday, $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, June 11, at 5 p.m. The profits from wine sales and event ticket sales 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/. will benefit the Gala Pride and Diversity Center. Admission to the reception is $30, which includes wine flights and food pairings. Visit SHAMANIC YOGA AND RITUALS FOR VITALITY talleyvineyards.com for more info. The tasting room is located at 3031 Hosted by Aurora Meditations Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande. and Rituals. June 9, 8:30 a.m.

—C.W. my805tix.com/. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay. CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 16 and coping skills to help you through your WORLD OCEAN DAY BEACH CLEANUP journey towards wellness and recovery.

SLO BLUES BASEBALL 33 summer home Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 805-540AT MORRO ROCK Join the Morro Bay games held. Go to bluesbaseball.com National Estuary Program for a beach 6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness for full schedule. Tickets available from cleanup in honor of World Ocean Day. Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

My805Tix. Through July 27 $10 adults; 12 Participants will be picking up trash on TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space and under free. 805-512-9996. my805tix. the beaches, roads, and trails around providing peer-to-peer support for trans, com. SLO Blues Summer Collegiate Morro Rock. June 8, 10 a.m.-noon Free. gender non-conforming, non-binary, Baseball, Sinsheimer Stadium at 900 mbnep.org. Morro Rock, Coleman Drive, and questioning people.

In-person Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispso.

Morro Bay. and Zoom meetings held. Contact SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more MEETINGS Want to improve speaking details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA and leadership skills in a supportive and Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm positive environment? During COVID, we Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252. are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

This group is a safe place for trans* and Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org.

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS gender non-conforming people, as well Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. as those questioning, from ages of 11 to FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE SLO PUBLIC MARKET’S THIRD ANNUAL 18. A facilitated emotional support group ORO Featured vendors in the series SUMMER CELEBRATION With fabulous to be heard, share your story, and hear include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, live dance music from Riff Tide, food and stories that may sound surprisingly like Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. drinks, talented local vendors, and family your own. Second Tuesday of every month, Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays and doggie-friendly fun for all ages. June 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity 805-922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

8, 1:30-4 p.m. Free show. 805-210-9698.

Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson San Luis Obispo Public Market, 3845 S. 805-541-4252.

Ave., Santa Maria.

Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.

VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY Hospice volunteers find working INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or with patients to be very gratifying 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, retirees that get together just for the fun, and emotionally meaningful. This is winestoneinn.com/. fellowship, and to enjoy programs which an excellent use of time for retirees, FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and students, or anyone who feels called Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen independence of retirement. Thursdays, to give back to your community. Give stays open late. Come out and sing 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. the gift of time that only CCHH Hospice your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 fills. Train free in mid-June for three Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

Fridays only. Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

SUMMER SOIREE AND SALE Honoring through June 28 Free. 805-305-7980.

NICK THE GREEK CELEBRATES SANTA and celebrating our customers at our new centralcoasthomehealth.com/index.php/ MARIA GRAND OPENING Authentic Greek showroom located at 1227 Archer Street hospice-volunteer/. Central Coast Home street-food restaurant Nick the Greek on the corner of Higuera in SLO. Offering 10 Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, is celebrating the opening of its new percent on all spas, 30 percent on all add- San Luis Obispo.

Santa Maria location by welcoming the ons, and up to 25 percent off on all patio community with free lunch (one entree furniture. June 8, 4-7 p.m. 805-439-4404.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y per person) from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on cchenterprise.com. CCH Enterprise, 1227 CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn June 11. June 11, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Nick Archer St., San Luis Obispo. the art of wood carving or wood burning. the Greek, 479 E. Betteravia Road, Santa SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Maria, nickthegreek.com/.

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide or go online to make a reservation to worldwide fellowship of folks from all range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, taste at the winery or find more info on walks of life who together, attain and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing maintain sobriety. Requirement for Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile membership is a desire to stop drinking.

805-772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/ Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for index.html.

805-937-8110. password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See SECOND ANNUAL WEST COAST MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WINE website, San Luis Obispo.

(CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program FESTIVAL An opportunity for universities TECH BREW MEETUP Tech Brew is a free for anyone who desires to have healthy and community colleges in California, networking event where people interested and loving relationships with themselves Oregon, Washington, and Arizona to in technology can hang out in an informal and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in showcase their wines and winemaking environment with a small TEDtalk-like person and on Zoom). For information, programs. Wine tastings will be provided presentation from an interesting speaker. call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m.

Learn more online. Second Monday of Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria by representatives from the colleges and local wineries. Small bites will be every month, 5-7 p.m. 805-323-6706.

Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, served by local restaurants. June 8, 1-4 meetup.com/softec/. StoryLabs, 102 Cross 805-927-1654. p.m. hancockcollege.edu. Allan Hancock St, Suite 220, San Luis Obispo.

EFFLORESCENCE: EMBODIMENT College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN TO FOOD & DRINK continued page 19 GROUP Learn more about mental health SENSUALLY THRIVE This workshop

RAISE A GLASS

By The Sea Productions Presents: Sylvia

Death Over Bakersfield 2024

Lavender Farm Yoga

FRI-SUN, JUNE 21-JULY 7 545 Shasta Ave, Morro Bay

FRI & SAT, JUNE 21 & 22 Grumpy’s Brewing Co., Bakersfield

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 California Lavender Honey Farm, San Miguel

Coastal Wine & Paint Party

Rock Odyssey, Classic Rock from the 70s, 80s, & 90s

Atascadero Lakeside WineFest

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, Cambria

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Santa Maria

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 Pavilion on the Lake, Atascadero

BrainSoil7: Celestial Coalescence

A Tribute Show to Pat Benatar, Van Halen Fair Warning, & Best Shot SATURDAY, JUNE 22 Blast 825 Brewery, Orcutt

2024 Live at the Lighthouse Concert Series

SATURDAYS, JUNE 22-OCT 12 Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach

Treat Yo’ Self: A Decadent Experience in Honor of Pride Month

SLOFunny Comedy Show, Hosted by James Uloth

Big Wheel Cobra

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 Drew Davis Fine Art Studio, SLO

MONDAY, JUNE 24 Mistura, SLO

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 JUSTIN Downtown Tasting Room, Paso Robles

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 Templeton Mercantile

Club Sombra at Humdinger Brewing

Improv Comedy Show

SLOFunny Comedy Show Hosted by James Uloth

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

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SATURDAY, JUNE 29 The Bunker SLO

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 Morro Bay Eagles Club

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18 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

FOOD & DRINK

Hot Stuff

JUNE 6 - JUNE 16, 2024

FOOD & DRINK from page 18 SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805-722-4338.

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

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

805-937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com.

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

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

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

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

GAME NIGHT (INCLUDING DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS) Come and play the games provided or bring your own whilst enjoying a beer, wine, coffee, or cheese plate. Join in the Dungeons and Dragons game too if you like (over 21s, no gambling allowed). First Thursday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. through June 6 Free. 805-6869126. arrowsmithwine.com. Arrowsmith’s, 1539 Mission Drive, Solvang.

JAZZ AND OLIVE FESTIVAL Spend a Saturday afternoon in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, tasting wine from 28 local wineries, listening to world-class,

professional jazz musicians, and sampling 27 different olive-themed dishes prepared by local chefs. June 8, 1-4 p.m. $100. 805697-6145. jazzandolivefestival.org/. Lavinia Campbell Park, 2398 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos.

THE WORLD OF SAUVIGNON BLANC This is an interactive wine school 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. June 9, 7-8:30 p.m. $45, or $75 for two. 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 COUNT Y

GRADS AND DADS AT THE CLIFFS 2024 Features a brunch buffet, live music, and more. Celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and cheers to all the best dads out there. June 16, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. my805tix.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, 805-773-5000.

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home.

Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. 805-8016627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/.

Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

PRIDE RELEASE CELEBRATION Talley Vineyards is celebrating the release of its vibrant new white blend, 2023 PRIDE. The profits from wine sales and event ticket sales will benefit the Gala Pride and Diversity Center. June 11, 5 p.m. $30. talleyvineyards.com. Talley Vineyards, 3031 Lopez Dr., Arroyo Grande.

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

Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

805-295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com.

Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

Everybody Can DANCE

Follow Our Footsteps!

Ballet Camp 2024

Ages 7 – 14 • Camp Meets – M-F 9-3 Session 1 - June 17-28 • Session 2 - July 1-12

ENROLL TODAY! 805.345.5570

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ART AND SIP AT THE SLO PUBLIC MARKET Visit site for tickets and more info. June 8, 2:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

GROWING TOGETHER FUND PRIDE BRUNCH Tickets include a full brunch, complimentary mimosa, and educational program with esteemed Dr. Jay Bettergarcia, associate professor in psychology and child development at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. June 9, 10 a.m.-noon $50. zeffy.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, 805 242-8372.

SLO GRANGE HALL PANCAKE BREAKFAST Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast.

Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice and coffee; all for a low suggested donation price of $10, with proceeds to benefit SLO Grange Hall 639. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. 805-543-0639. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

HOT STUFF continued page 20

The Pirate & the Firebird Saturday, June 8, 7pm Sunday, June 9, 3pm

Tickets: Adults $30 Children $20

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

Tickets available online or at the box office www.clarkcenter.org 805-489-9444

800 S Broadway, Santa Maria • Everybodycandance.webs.com

Come enjoy the sunshine at FOXEN and The Shack!

Presents

Summer Movie Night JUNE 19, 2024

START TIME: 7:30PM

call for reservations (805) 937-4251 Wines of Elegance & Balance Since 1985 BRING CHAIRS AND BLANKETS & ENJOY THE SHOW 241 S BROADWAY, OLD ORCUTT, CA MEET US UNDER THE WATER TOWER

7200 Shack: Open Fri-Sun only | 11am-4pm FOXEN: Open Daily by Reservations 7200 & 7600 Foxen Canyon Road | foxenvineyard.com www.santamariasun.com • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • Sun • 19

Hot Stuff HOT STUFF from page 19

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

BOYS OF SUMMER Enjoy live music outdoors at the Stockyard. June 16 Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777, blast825brewery.com.

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings.

Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.

KEEPING IT BLUE DANCE Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club presents its Keeping it Blue dance. Featuring the Riptide Big Band with vocalists Bob Nations, Mitch Latting, and this month, guest vocalist Liz Douglas. Free thanks to grant funding from Community Foundation of SLO County. June 9, 1:30-4 p.m. Free.

775-813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

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

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

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

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

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

JUNE 6 - JUNE 16, 2024 Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE Enjoy live music outdoors at the Stockyard. June 9 Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777, blast825brewery. com/.

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

THREE 4 ALL Enjoy live music outdoors at the Stockyard. June 8 Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805934-3777, blast825brewery.com/.

WILL BREMAN LIVE Part of the Happy Hour Music Series. June 7, 5 p.m. and June 14, 5 p.m. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110, presquilewine.com.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

ALAN PARSONS LIVE See the legend live in concert in the Samala Showroom.

June 14, 8 p.m. $49-$79. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, 800-248-6274, chumashcasino.com/ entertainment.

CJ SOLAR LIVE Enjoy live country music.

Part of the Music in the Garden series. June 9, 3 p.m. $37. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.

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

MUSIC IN THE GARDEN This ongoing summer concert series spotlights a variety of musical acts. Afternoon performances held on various Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. Through Sept.

1 Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY WIND ENSEMBLE SUMMER CONCERT The SYV Wind Ensemble has entertained at parades,

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District

Special Education Child Find

FILE PHOTO BY CAMILLIA LANHAM

READY TO ROCK

The Morro Bay Estuary Program hosts its World Ocean Day Cleanup event at Morro Rock on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. The public is welcome to attend and help pick up litter and debris around Morro Rock.

Trash grabbers, bags, buckets, disposable gloves, and more will be provided. Visit the program’s Eventbrite page to find out more about the event.

—C.W. holiday festivals, and more. Don’t miss their lively Summer Concert on the beautiful Skytt Terrace at Elverhøj Museum. Music selections include Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, John Phillip Sousa, and more. Bring a picnic basket and blanket/chairs. June 8, 2 p.m. Free. 805686-1211. syvwindensemble.org. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

GROVER BEACH SUMMER CONCERTS 2024 Featuring some of best local and regional bands all summer long. Food, craft vendors, and activities for the kids.

Free and all ages welcome. Sundays, 3-6 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-473-4580. groverbeach.org. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

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

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

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

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria

Educación Especial Búsqueda de Estudiantes

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

20 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

CAL POLY SYMPHONY AND CHOIRS: FRANCE TOUR PREVIEW CONCERT The Cal Poly Choirs and Symphony will combine to present repertoire the groups will perform while on tour in France.

Repertoire will include selections by American composer Dan Forrest as well as Canadian composer Nathaniel Dett’s “Chariot Jubliee.” June 8, 7:30 p.m. $15 and $20 general; $10 students. 805-756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC AT KROBAR Enjoy live music at Krobar, which showcases local, talented artists of all music genres. Kick-off your weekend right, grab your favorite seasonal craft cocktail, and vibe to the sounds of the night. Follow on Instagram to find out who is playing. Every other Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 31 Free.

833-576-2271. krobardistillery.com/events.

Krobar Craft Distillery, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PACIFIC BREEZE CONCERTS: DANTE 4000. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana MARSH AND THE VIBE SETTERS Bay Road, Avila Beach.

The City of Pismo Beach Recreation SAN LUIS OBISPO NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y Division proudly presents the Pacific Breeze Concerts at Pismo Beach Rotary 2024 LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL Expect HEARTLESS: A TRIBUTE TO HEART Amphitheater at Dinosaur Caves Park. a fun-filled weekend of great music, art, Heartless is California’s premier Heart This three show summer series will tribute band, inspired by more than camping, activities, and reuniting with feature exceptional regional musical 30 years of rock and roll magic from friends and family. June 14-16 my805tix. groups as well as special family com/. El Chorro Regional Park, California 1, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. At every activities. Food available for purchase. performance, Heartless takes you San Luis Obispo.

June 8, 1-4 p.m. Free. pismobeach.org. on a musical journey from the 1970s.

BRASS MASH: FIRST FRIDAY First Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, June 8, 8-10 p.m. $20. 805-225-1312.

Fridays are magical nights filled with Pismo Beach. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 the vibrant energy of our all-horn band.

Main St., Morro Bay. REMEMBER WHEN ROCK WAS YOUNG: Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and THE ELTON JOHN EXPERIENCE Starring MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY immerse yourself in the unique fusion of Craig A. Meyer as Almost Elton John, BAND CONCERT Under the baton of your favorite rock and pop songs.

First with music by The Rocket Band. This conductor Brenda Hascall, The Morro Bay Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m. spectacular musical journey celebrates White Caps will perform a selection of my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity, 675 the decades of chart-topping hits of Sir classical, popular, and movie music. The Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

Elton John. June 7, 7:30-10 p.m. $45-$75. band is seeking new members (for more 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ CAL POLY JAZZ COMBOS SHOWCASE information, visit their website). June 8, the-elton-john-experience/. Clark Center Cal Poly’s jazz combos will perform classic 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; donations accepted. for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks morrobaywhitecaps.com. Morro Bay S. T jazz repertoire as well as original student Ave., Arroyo Grande.

Pier, 1185 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. compositions. With Dylan Johnson, UP IN THE AIR AT MULLIGAN’S IN AVILA director. June 7, 7:30 p.m. Free. 805-756THE MOTHER CORN SHUCKERS AND 2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/.

BEACH Up in the Air will play its unique WOLF JETT June 7, 7:30 p.m. The Siren, Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, student Room 218, 900 blend of upbeat originals and for danceable Main St., Morroborn Bay, 805-225-1312, All records any Special Education that was Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. covers. June 8, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-595thesirenmorrobay.com/. m

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

within 1997-1998 and attended a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school, your physical special education records are available for pick up at no charge from the District Office. All 1997 Records not picked up by June 1, 2023 and 1998 Records not picked up by June 1, 2024 will be destroyed.

If you have any questions, or to arrange a pickup date/time, contact: Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education Santa Maria Joint Union High School District 2560 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-922-4573 ext. 4311

ATENCION estudiantes anteriores de SMJUHSD nacidos en 1997 y 1998!

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

Todos los registros del 1997 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2023 y registros del 1998 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2024 serán destruidos.

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

GET READY TO CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE! The 2024 Best of Northern Santa Barbara County voting begins on June 13!

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SantaMariaSun.com 805-347-1968 www.santamariasun.com • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • Sun • 21

Arts

ART SCENE COURTESY PHOTO BY KYRS COLEMAN / @KYRS.PHOTO

ARTS BRIEFS Chumash Casino Resort presents Alan Parsons, live in concert

In the eye of the beholder

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHUMASH CASINO RESORT

MUSIC

While the Eye on I exhibition runs through the end of the month, Gonzalez—who also works with photography, upcycled fashion, and INFO jewelry—has ongoing displays and works for sale at Jupiter’s Spark and South Side Coffee CALENDAR Co., both in Lompoc, where the artist has lived for the past seven years.

OPINION “When I first moved here, I was saying it was my quarter-life crisis. But really, it was NEWS just that I needed a big life change, a big pivot,” said Gonzalez, originally from Orange STROKES County. “I was looking for a new adventure.

I had friends who had moved up here for the wine industry. … I visited a couple times and ARTS Showtime! fell in love with it.

Send gallery, stage, and cultural festivities to “It’s definitely a hidden gem of a town,” the cwiseblood@santamariasun.com. artist said of Lompoc. “The art scene is still very small, but we’re looking to cultivate it and make it bigger.”

NOSE POSE: Lompoc resident Jasmine Gonzalez (pictured) has a new collage exhibit in town Gonzalez and Anna Look are the cofocused on clowns, “because life feels like a circus lately,” the mixed media artist told the Sun. founders of The Pot Mamas, a social club that organizes various art events in Lompoc throughout the year, including the monthly Lompoc Art Walk (which occurs at various venues on every first Thursday).

The goal of the club is ultimately to create “event spaces that can bring people together and celebrate the arts,” promote support for collage pieces, Gonzalez experimented by local artists, and provide those artists an

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD dragging a profile of a clown’s face up and down outlet “to socialize outside of Instagram” at art hile horror movies often give dolls and a scanner, which elongated the clown’s visage to receptions and other festivities, Gonzalez said. clowns a bad rap, local artist Jasmine surreal proportions in the ensuing prints.

“It’s important to find people like us,” the Gonzalez is shedding some neutral “I started dragging and playing around with artist said. “Literally, the social club is about light on the latter, but with inspiration from a it [on the scanner] to see what it would do, … ‘What do we want to do? Let’s do that.’ Let’s peculiar artifact from both groups. and it created some pretty terrifying images,” just throw all these parties, and that way I can A few months ago, Gonzalez attended an said Gonzalez, who adds colorful nonclown go to them.” m estate sale where she found a vintage brochure flourishes, such as butterflies and other that highlighted a club dedicated to crafting Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood loves clowns, symbols, to some works in order to pull the clown dolls and clown teddy bears. especially the scary ones. Send red balloons and viewer’s focus in a different direction, “almost “It was such an odd find,” Gonzalez said of joker cards to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com. the 1970s-ish relic. “There’s a photo of a woman to confuse the person, but in an intriguing PHOTO COURTESY OF JASMINE GONZALEZ posing with what looks like a bunch of children, kind-of-creeped-outand then you look closer and you realize they’re but-you-think-it’s-OK kind of way.” all dolls surrounding her.”

“I just like things These types of photos and other elements like that,” Gonzalez of the brochure—full of clown imagery that said. “If it’s something strikes an eerie balance between creepy and that can pull me out of jovial—inspired the artist’s new clown-centric the monotony of my mixed media exhibit, currently on display at autopilot throughout my Eye on I, a restaurant and art space in Lompoc, day … that intrigues me.” where it’ll remain on display through the end PHOTO COURTESY OF JASMINE GONZALEZ of June.

Gonzalez described the month-long showcase as “a collection of some weird and funky clownrelated stuff that I’ve been working on,” with many collage pieces incorporating snippets from the brochure she found.

“Some of the images I’ve actually been playing with, either duplicating or manipulating, and then incorporating in these pieces,” said Gonzalez, who hopes the exhibit will grab the attention of passersby, whether they love or hate clowns.

“I’m planning to stop people in their tracks, A LONG FACE: Artist Jasmine Gonzalez TURN THAT CLOWN UPSIDE DOWN: A collection of clown-themed dragged an illustration of a clown up and down whether that’s good or mixed media pieces is currently on display at Eye on I in Lompoc, as a scanner to eerily manipulate its features bad,” the artist said with part of a solo showcase of works by Lompoc-based collage artist before incorporating it into a collage piece of a laugh.

Jasmine Gonzalez. various images.

For one of the artist’s FLAVOR/EATS

Grammy Award-winner and Santa Barbara resident Alan Parsons will perform at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez on Friday, June 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets to the concert, held in the resort’s Samala Showroom, range between $49 and $79.

Parsons’ career as a songwriter, record producer, and audio engineer spans several decades. During his time as an engineer at Abbey Road Studios, he worked on two Beatles albums—Abbey Road and Let It Be—during the late 1960s.

His involvement with Pink Floyd’s iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon brought Parsons worldwide recognition, according to press materials, and led him to create The Alan Parsons Project, alongside songwriter and producer Eric Woolfson.

He’s received more than a dozen Grammy nominations over the years and scored his first win in 2019. In 2018, Parsons performed at the Chumash Casino Resort and donated all of the show’s proceeds to first responders and local organizations serving Santa Barbara’s flood victims after the Thomas Fire debris flow.

To find out more about Parsons’ upcoming show at the casino, call (805) 686-0855 or visit chumashcasino.com. The resort is located at 3400 Highway 246, Santa Ynez.

Melville Vineyards and Winery hosts collage journaling workshop PHOTO COURTESY OF ENTANGLED CO.

Described as a blend of art and mindfulness, a collage journaling class—titled Crafting Intentions with Mindfulness— will take place at Melville Vineyards and Winery in Lompoc on Thursday, June 6, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Attendees of the workshop will have the opportunity to “discover self-expression through collage techniques” in a serene space “to calm thoughts and set intentions,” according to press materials.

The class is led by Sandra Dotson, the founder of Entangled Co. Dotson is a self-taught artist with experience in various media—including watercolor, jewelry, and wire weaving—and a background in retail sales and computer science, according to the Santa Ynez Valley resident’s website.

Dotson’s workshop at Melville Vineyards and Winery will include an intro to collage art and compositional concepts, and tips on effectively organizing thoughts in order to set intentions and translate those intentions visually. Each participant will receive a journal, collage materials, glue, scissors, and other tools to complete their projects.

Admission to the event is $35. To register or find out more about Dotson’s workshops and artwork, visit entangledco. com or call Melville Vineyards and Winery at (805) 735-7030.

The venue is located at 5185 Highway 246, Lompoc. m Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

To find out more about Lompoc-based artist Jasmine Gonzalez, visit maniccreativeart.com. The mixed media artist’s new collage exhibit at Eye on I opened in early June and will remain up through the end of the month. Eye on I is located at 131 N. I St., Lompoc.

Harlequin hues Lompoc artist holds clown collage exhibit at Eye on I

W

22 • Sun • June 6 - June 13, 2024 • www.santamariasun.com

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SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024

11am-4:30pm Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE

ART & CULTURE: A Glimpse of the Past & Present • Resource Fair • Silent Auction • Spoken Word • SOUL FOOD DINNER for purchase: buy your meal tix in advance @ juneteenthslo.com/shop

• FREEDOM LOUNGE Hosted by History Center SLO County 696 Monterey St. SLO

• Black Art Exhibit Hosted by Edna Contemporary Fine Art 967 Osos St, SLO

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Film

SUN SCREEN

40, flirty, and thriving

M

ichael Showalter (The Big Sick) directs and co-writes this quirky romance based on the novel by Robinne Lee. Sparks fly between a world-famous pop singer (Nicholas Galitzine) and an art gallery owner and single mother (Anne Hathaway). But their love for one another becomes compromised with repercussions after their steamy affair becomes public (115 min.)

attention the most during his first encounter with Solène though—enough to distract him from immediately firing his bodyguards—is the fact that she doesn’t recognize him. It’s revealed earlier that the crowd at the fest isn’t short of both teens and women Solène’s age who are obsessed with Hayes’ band, August Moon (whose hardcore fans are nicknamed Moonheads), so Solène’s detachment seems to really humble him. She’s Editor’s note: Our regular reviewers, Glen and not detached from him for long, however.

Anna Starkey, took this week off from Split Bulbul: The Idea of You sets itself up as a Screen. lighthearted but steamy rom-com about a couple Caleb: Having never been to Coachella, I’m not with an age gap, but what really makes its premise sure how to feel about the inciting incident that interesting is all the chatter about whether the kick-starts a romance between a 40-something movie is based on Harry Styles fan fiction. It single mom and a 20-something boy band star in is the movie adaptation of Robinne Lee’s 2017 The Idea of You. The happenstantial way divorced novel of the same name. Lee even mentioned in art gallery owner Solène (Anne Hathaway) ends a 2020 Vogue interview that Hayes’ character is up in fictional pop sensation a mashup of Prince Harry and Hayes’ (Nicholas Galitzine) Harry Styles. Inspiration for THE IDEA OF YOU private trailer suggests that the her book struck, she said, after What’s it rated? R security fellas at Coachella are watching YouTube videos of the What’s it worth, Caleb? Rent it pretty chill-a. While reluctantly former One Direction singer What’s it worth, Bulbul? Rent it chaperoning her teen daughter and learning that he “often Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime and her friends at the music dated older women.” I never festival with VIP passes, Solène cared for Styles’ music but I’m mistakes Hayes’ trailer for one of the VIP lounges a longtime Anne Hathaway fan. I find it hard to and uses his restroom. Hours after watching believe enough time has passed for her to play the movie—an occasionally cringey but overall a mom to a teenager, but Hathaway handled endearing romantic dramedy—I’m still hung the single-parent role with ease and grace. Her up on the couple’s accidental meeting. Is a VIP character exercises healthy boundaries when it pass all it takes to wander around Coachella comes to both Hayes’ pursuit of her and even her aimlessly and end up in the private quarters of its ex-husband’s new wife’s attempts to be friends headlining acts? Would anything have prevented with her. Look, The Idea of You isn’t winning Solène from barging into Lana Del Rey’s or any Oscars, but it’s got a plot that’s fleshed out Doja Cat’s trailer instead? What grabs Hayes’ and paced well enough to make it an enjoyable

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIME

weeknight watch from the comfort of your home.

Caleb: Hathaway is great, and Galitzine seems like he had a lot of fun playing fake Harry. With its single-digit rating in mind, I went into this celebrity-falls-forcommoner tale expecting an R-rated Notting Hill, but walked away feeling like I just saw the PG-15/16 version.

I can’t recall any instances of nudity, but I guess some scenes were explicit enough to nab the R, which feels like an odd reverse-engineered marketing move. It’s a mistake to alienate the tween and teen fans of Styles and One Direction, but since The LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT: A 24-year-old boy band star (Nicholas Idea of You went straight to Galitzine, left) courts a teen fan’s 40-year-old divorced mom (Anne streaming on Prime, maybe Hathaway, right) in the Prime original movie The Idea of You. the studio figured it’d be easy for those under 17 to even dubbing her “Yoko Ono 2.0.” I think the get ahold of it one way or OG pre-teen and early teen fans—now in their another.

20s and 30s—would thoroughly enjoy The Idea Bulbul: I think this movie is for boy band fans of You because it gives their old amateur stories who went to middle school in the late 2000s and a big-budget life. It’s very much a product of the early 2010s who regularly wrote or consumed new digital age, but can we please retire the tired Wattpad fan fiction. The Idea of You checks off idea that 40-year-old women (even those who most of the hilarious tropes that those fans were familiar with though they receive a grown-up aren’t as stunning as Hathaway) are too ancient upgrade with a 40-year-old main character. She’s and frumpy to be attractive? m beautiful but doesn’t know it, isn’t like other New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal and girls, has a tragic backstory about her romantic Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood filled in for past, and so on. Solène and Hayes now must Glen and Anna Starkey this week. Email your overcome public heat for being in an atypical thoughts to gstarkey@newtimesslo.com. relationship, with one random tabloid headline

PHOTO FROM @GIRLSHBO INSTAGRAM

GIRLS

BLAST

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2012 FROM THE Where’s it showing? Max Being both the main actor and the creator of HBO’s show, Girls, Lena Dunham (Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, American Horror Story) plays a 23-year-old freshly graduated college student who’s a little selfabsorbed, awkward, and obsessed with becoming a writer—but she’s too lazy to put in the work to actually write anything.

She’s trying to navigate post-grad life with her three friends: the control freak with a slightly egotistical personality, Marnie, played by Allison Williams; the free-spirited hippie, Jessa, played by Jemima Kirke; and the one who wants to live the Sex and the City lifestyle while still studying at NYU, Shoshanna, played by Zosia Mamet.

Navigating their way through jobs (or for some a lack thereof), boyfriends, breakups, sex, and adulthood, the six seasons of Girls is a uniquely funny yet sometimes infuriating show that gives you a bit of secondhand embarrassment.

It shows a rare glimpse of how the transition from college into adulthood is a roller coaster of highs and lows that are mentally challenging, a bit awkward, and hard to stop watching. (six seasons, 30-minute episodes) —Samantha Herrera

ADULTING: (Left to right) Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet), Marnie (Allison Williams), Hannah (Lena Dunham), and Jessa (Jemima Kirke) are four friends navigating adulthood in New York City in HBO’s Girls.

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ASHLEY MADISON: SEX, LIES, & SCANDAL

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What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Netflix Netflix’s Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, & Scandal docuseries covers the rise of a dating site for married people seeking other adults to have affairs with, the hack that exposed millions of users’ data to the public, the lives it wrecked in the process, and the dark shadows around the site’s CEO. The series is compelling, for sure.

It starts with a little too much humor about the site’s origins and the big marketing push that jumped the company into the big time. As the plot unfolded, it was hard to peel my eyes away from the disaster that I knew was coming—an inevitable train wreck that impacted 37 million people who some argue might have deserved it. But it also impacted victims who didn’t deserve it, their spouses, children, friends, and workplaces.

I learned a lot of things I didn’t know about the company, the hack, and what exactly happened in 2015. The story is wild and the company was 100 percent shady, thanks to CEO Noel Biderman. But I walked away from the docuseries feeling like it wanted me to empathize with the men who got caught trying to cheat on their spouses. Not cool, Netflix.

With a major focus on husband-and-wife Sam and Nia Rader, Christian vloggers who went viral starting in 2014,

OUTED: Sam Rader (left), half of Christian vloggers husband-and-wife duo Sam and Nia (right), was outed as part of the Ashely Madison data breach in 2015. Netflix’s docuseries Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies, & Scandal focuses on Rader’s transgressions and how it impacted his marriage.

the docuseries zeros in on how the company impacted their relationship and the fallout from Sam signing up for and using the dating site. Spoiler alert: They’re still together. This docuseries will leave your mouth hanging open in disbelief. (three approx. 50-minute episodes) m —Camillia Lanham

Eats

FOOD PHOTOS BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

MUSIC

Share tasty tips!

Send tidbits on everything food and drink to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

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SUPER BOWL: The shoyu ramen at Ramen Kotori in Solvang is served with a choice pork belly, spicy ground chicken, pork shoulder, marinated tofu, or fried chicken.

CRUDO KUDOS: Ramen Kotori co-owner and co-founder Erica Velazquez serves an appetizing crudo assortment at the venue, which opened in downtown Solvang in 2019.

Shoyu and tell Solvang’s Ramen Kotori celebrates five years in business

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

T

here are many reasons to stop at Ramen Kotori in downtown Solvang on a hot summer day that don’t involve bowls of broth and noodles.

“I think our biggest hurdle during summertime is people walking by and thinking we only have ramen,” the shop’s co-founder and co-owner, Francisco Velazquez, told the Sun. When it’s warm out, the restaurateur recommends pairing one of Ramen Kotori’s sashimi dishes with wine by the glass from Stolpman Vineyards or another local vintner featured on the venue’s wine list.

Husband-and-wife duo Francisco and Erica Velazquez—who first met while both working as chefs at The Marine Room in San Diego—opened Ramen Kotori during the spring of 2019 and recently celebrated the shop’s fifth anniversary.

“We’re good at working, but we suck at parties,” Erica admitted with a laugh.

Oodles of noodles

Ramen Kotori in Solvang is open for patio dining and takeout Wednesdays through Sundays, from noon to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m. Call (805) 691-9672 or visit ramenkotori. com for more info. The restaurant is located at 1618 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Back in March, the couple commemorated the milestone during a small pizza get-together with their staff.

Throughout their careers, Erica and Francisco have both worked as chefs and managers for others at various spots across California, while Ramen Kotori marked their first venture as restaurant owners.

“After five years, I’m starting to get the hang of it. I feel like we are getting better every year. … It really took a whole year to figure out what we were doing. It was pretty brutal,” said Francisco, whose business persevered during the pandemic with support from longstanding staff members and faithful customers. “The reason we’re still here is because of the community.

Before dating, Francisco and Erica bonded over their love of ramen outside of work hours, the couple revealed.

“As friends, one of the first things we ever made together was actually ramen,” said Erica, born and raised in Kyoto, Japan.

PATIO A GO GO: Surrounded by other neighboring eateries and businesses in the heart of downtown Solvang, Ramen Kotori offers ample patio seating just outside its front entrance.

EATS continued page 26

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at the shop displaying various rotating specials During their as they come and go. This relationship, Erica and is where patrons will find Francisco have lived and some upcoming dishes worked in both Southern that will revolve around and Northern California, the anticipated bluefin. before picking the literal Following the restaurant middle ground between on social media is another the two regions to open way to find out about these Ramen Kotori. Solvang is specials in advance. also Francisco’s hometown, Many of the shop’s which he described as ongoing offerings, akin to Disneyland during including hand rolls and holiday seasons due to the poke dishes, center on tourism it attracts. locally sourced seafood— One of Francisco’s including sea urchin favorite memories so far and oysters—and fresh during the restaurant’s produce the couple finds run was seeing a group of at the weekly Solvang bystanders stop and stare Farmers Market. at a unique early morning As for the star delivery made to the venue. attraction found in the DYNAMIC DUO: Husband-and-wife It was a whole bluefin tuna, restaurant’s namesake, the duo Francisco and Erica Velazquez courtesy of Sea Stephanie couple’s personal favorite recently celebrated the five-year Fish—one of Ramen of their ramen selections anniversary of their ramen shop, Ramen Kotori’s fish suppliers.

Kotori, in downtown Solvang. is their shoyu ramen, Sea Stephanie Fish because of its light soy delivers various seafoods sauce broth. to the restaurant on a regular basis, but getting the “That’s kind of like our main ramen here. It’s freshly caught whole bluefin tuna—which weighed really easy to eat. … [It’s] something you can eat 115 to 125 pounds—is a seasonal occurrence. The every day,” Francisco said. “It’s not going to weigh Velazquez couple expects the next delivery of this you down; it’s not super heavy. kind sometime this June.

“But there is joy in eating a tonkotsu—super “There’s just no comparison to getting a whole rich with pork belly in it,” Francisco added, fish,” said Francisco, who described the length commenting on the cloudier, thicker broth of of the tuna as taking up three of Ramen Kotori’s a hearty, sweater-weather tonkotsu. “[It’s] great patio tables. “We’ll break it down within an hour, when it’s chilly outside.” m and scrape it, and try it, and it’s like the best fish you’ve ever had.”

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wouldn’t mind While Ramen Kotori has a mainstay menu lounging in a hot tub full of ramen. Send comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com. that’s pretty concrete, there’s also a chalkboard

EATS from page 25

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Winning stories will be published on July 25, 2024.

Send your stories to: 55 Fiction, 1010 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Or

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The Sun, Santa Maria’s premier community newspaper is expanding its sales department. The Sun is owned by the New Times Media Group which includes its sister paper New Times in SLO. The Sun is a proud, active member of the Santa Maria community contributing comprehensive local news, and entertainment coverage for northern Santa Barbara County. We are seeking energetic and self-motivated individuals looking for a career in advertising sales. As part of The Sun team, you can build a career in an exciting industry, enjoy a small office atmosphere, a wonderful work environment and be a part of a company that makes a difference in our community. These are full time positions. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable automobile. Sales experience preferred. Competitive compensation base on your sales experience and health benefits included. Please send cover letter and resume to crucker@newtimesslo.com

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HELP WANTED

Entries to our annual

all year long.

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