Sun, June 13, 2024

AT THE MOVIES

Eric is an eccentric ride [26]

Time to vote! [13]

Santa Barbara County partners with New Beginnings to address the increase in individuals living out of their vehicles [8] BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

A growing need

DreamHome

The number of people living in their vehicles in Santa Barbara County jumped 16 percent between 2023 and 2024, according to the county’s annual Point-InTime Count. To address the issue, the county received almost $8 million from the state to help get those individuals linked with resources and into housing. Partnering with New Beginnings, the county aims to bring 300 individuals out of homelessness in two years—as all the money needs to be spent within that time frame. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with the county and nonprofit about the plan and the hurdles [8].

This week, you can also read about Bonita Elementary School’s quest for a clean water supply [4] ; the Elverhoj’s new group show [24] ; and smokin’ good barbecue in Santa Maria [28]

Camillia Lanham editor

Santa Barbara County and New Beginnings aim to house 300 people currently living in their vehicles by 2025.

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• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California), Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), and Peter Welch (D-Vermont) led senators in calling on the Biden administration to finalize the proposed mental health parity rule released in 2023, according to a June 6 statement from Padilla’s office. The senators emphasized that these rules will hold insurers accountable and ensure they follow the law to cover mental health and substance use disorders the same way that they cover physical health. They highlighted the severe mental health crisis in the United States, especially among children. More than two-thirds of the 1 in 5 Americans who experience a mental health condition in any year do not receive treatment. In the last 12 months, nearly 110,000 Americans died of drug overdoses and nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide. “Insurance companies are still preventing patients from getting access to mental health and substance use disorder care,” the senators wrote in a letter to the Biden administration. “These deliberate practices include low reimbursement rates that keep providers from joining insurance networks and discourage new providers from entering the field, failure to contract with available providers, and managed care practices that delay critical care to patients or deny it altogether.”

• With parts of the Klamath River beginning to flow freely for the first time in 100 years due to the largest river restoration effort in American history, Gov. Gavin Newsom visited the dam removal project that will revitalize nearly 400 miles of historical habitat for salmon and steelhead when completed, according to a June 7 statement from Newsom’s office. Last September, the first of four dams was brought down, and the rest are slated for removal later this year as a result of ongoing collaboration between California, Oregon, the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, PacifiCorp, and fishing and environmental groups. The Klamath was once the third-largest salmon producing river on the West Coast before the construction of concrete dams beginning in 1918 blocked migratory salmon and steelhead from accessing nearly 400 miles of river habitat. “The importance of this work underway to restore the Klamath River after more than a century of being dammed cannot be overstated,” Newsom said in the statement. “We’re closer than ever to revitalizing this waterway at the center of crucial ecosystems, tribal community and sustenance, and the local economy. Together with our many partners, California will continue working to ensure the Klamath River flows freely once again.”

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) highlighted new federal attention to airport noise and investments in noise mitigation projects coming through the aviation policy he helped write and get signed into law, according to a June 5 statement from Carbajal’s office. “The Central Coast’s airports are hubs for our local economy, commerce, tourism, and our gateways to the wider world. But they cannot serve those critical functions at the expense of the well-being of its neighbors: our region’s hard-working families,” Carbajal said in the statement. “As a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I worked diligently this year to secure these provisions to renew the FAA’s attention and investment in mitigating airport noise to ensure Central Coast residents can exist in harmony with these hubs. I will continue to work with the FAA, our regional airport administrators, and the community advocates to ensure these provisions yield real results across our region.” According to the congressman’s office, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization signed into law by President Joe Biden contained provisions that required the FAA to take action to reduce undesirable aircraft noise, assess how the FAA and local airports may reduce noise exposure to nearby neighborhoods, and encourage cooperation between airports and impacted neighborhoods to establish routes and procedures that reduce disruption. m

Santa Maria goes to LAFCO to provide clean drinking water to Bonita Elementary

Bonita Elementary School students and staff are one step closer to drinking from campus water fountains again after the Santa Maria City Council approved an application to connect to the city’s water lines to the school during the June 4 meeting.

“I want to make clear that the school does have clean drinking water available to them; this is just a permanent solution so that we don’t have to rely on the well water, which has proven to be challenging in maintaining,” Santa Maria-Bonita School District Maintenance and Operations Coordinator Javier Cavazos Jr. said during a Feb. 24 school board meeting, which discussed the project. “This is going to be clean water from the city of Santa Maria like our other schools have.”

Bonita Elementary sits 3 miles outside the city’s boundaries and serves approximately 600 students and staff with a domestic water well onsite, according to the June 4 Santa Maria city staff report. Because the school is in an agricultural area, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services saw elevated levels of nitrates in groundwater, County Environmental Services Director Lars Seifert told the Sun.

Nitrates are inorganic compounds containing nitrogen that can come from man-made or natural sources and are used to help with soil quality in agriculture, but they can cause cancer or thyroid disease for adults and issues for pregnant women and infants when ingested, according to previous Sun reporting. County Environmental Health Services is required by the state water board to regulate small water systems in the county to make sure they meet state Safe Drinking Water Act standards, including levels of nitrates, Seifert said Safe nitrate levels in drinking water are 10 parts per million or lower. Seifert said that Bonita Elementary’s results ranged above the maximum, with its most recent test in 2023 showing about 32 parts per million.

In 2017, the county issued the school a citation of noncompliance for exceeding maximum contaminant levels, and in 2018 the school added nitrate removal processes and filters.

“What typically happens is they realize there’s variability in treatment and … look for alternatives because treatment can be expensive, and they have a population they want to make sure is safe,” he said.

Bonita began providing bottled water to students and staff—while continuing to treat the water—and the district explored other options to

ensure safe drinking water, Seifert said. In 2021, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District conducted a feasibility study that indicated connecting to the city’s water system was the best solution.

Dana Eady, the city’s interim director of community development, told the Sun that the school district contacted the city this year to connect to the city’s water supply, which requires Santa Maria to process an out-of-agency service agreement with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

“These types of agreements are typically approved when there is a potential health and safety issue that will be remedied, such as the current situation with the water quality at the school,” Eady said.

The district will be responsible for funding the project, including 8,100 linear feet of pipeline from Bonita Elementary to Santa Maria’s water system. Eady said that the district is seeking Drinking Water State Revolving Funds grants from the state Water Resources Control Board to help cover capital and start-up costs.

Annaliese Torres, a senior environmental planner for Rincon Consultants—a consulting company helping the district with this project— told the school board during its Feb. 24 meeting that construction will take place between January 2025 and January 2026.

Seifert added that Environmental Health Services will work with the city and the district to ensure that they are proceeding in a timely manner, but a compliance schedule isn’t necessary because “both parties are very excited about this opportunity.”

“The funding process takes time, going to LAFCO and constructing a pipeline takes time, but the school is committed to making sure that safe drinking water standards are met,” Seifert said. “Long term, this ends up being a better alternative for the school not to have to be a water treatment system. They want to focus on education for the students.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Solvang adopts joint powers agreement to regulate eastern groundwater basin

A contract to bridge four agencies in managing the Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin’s east sector is one step closer to sign-offs after two years of negotiations.

During its June 10 meeting, the Solvang City Council reviewed a proposed arrangement between the city, the Santa Barbara County

Water Agency, the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, and the latter’s Improvement District to form a separate joint powers agency (JPA) to govern the Eastern Management Area (EMA) of the basin.

One representative from each agency currently serves as a board member on the EMA’s Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), which will provide start-up funds to create the new JPA. One key component of the JPA will be choosing someone to fill its leadership role, known as agricultural director.

Solvang City Council Member Elizabeth Orona—who acts as Solvang’s GSA representative—described the agricultural director as “the voice of the property and business owners” in the EMA (which includes Solvang and the Santa Ynez uplands) who rely on the groundwater basin “to sustain their properties, … primarily vineyards.”

Applications for the role will be open to property owners or property representatives within the EMA’s boundaries “involved in commercial agriculture which produces at least 2 acre-feet per year of groundwater,” according to Solvang’s staff report.

Qualified nominees will be reviewed by the GSA, whose board members will vote to decide who’s appointed. Getting the role will require a unanimous vote.

Throughout negotiations on forming the JPA, one major obstacle between the four agencies was agreeing upon how to fund it, according to Orona.

“We did settle on … the final sticking point, and a tough one to overcome,” Orona said at the Solvang City Council’s June 10 meeting. “All four agency participants will contribute to the initial operational funding.”

According to the staff report, each of the four GSA agencies “have agreed to put up $50,000 each to fund start-up costs” of the proposed JPA. After the Solvang City Council adopted the final joint powers agreement with a 5-0 vote, City Manager Randy Murphy said that Solvang is the first of the four agencies to do so as of June 10, and the remaining three are expected to review the draft sometime before July.

“It’s been a long road,” said City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan, who added that the GSA will conduct regular business as usual in the interim before the JPA is finalized and its agricultural director is appointed.

—Caleb Wiseblood

CLEAN WATER: Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s Bonita Elementary is one step closer to connecting water pipelines to the city after receiving a citation indicating high levels of nitrates that make the school’s water unsafe for consumption. The city of Santa Maria aims to provide it with water services.

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Lompoc cannabis manufacturer to pay

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) will secure one of the largest settlements in its history after Central Coast Agriculture agreed to pay $1.3 million for air quality-related notices of violations.

“The magnitude of this settlement reflects the significance of the violations and the amount of emissions over three years,” APCD Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer Aeron Arlin Genet said.

these emissions in order to ensure local air quality through inspections where the district found Central Coast Agriculture out of compliance, Arlin Genet added.

In October 2023, Central Coast Agriculture submitted a complete permit application to implement emissions controls and bring their facility into compliance, which was issued in November. Central Coast Agriculture could not be reached for comment before the Sun’s deadline.

“Prior to the settlement agreement, [Central Coast Agriculture] had implemented all solvent recovery processes required by the permit, performed all testing related to these solvent recovery processes, and the APCD is reviewing the results of that testing,” Arlin Genet said.

Moving forward, Central Coast Agriculture is required to install additional emissions control equipment—which is expected to operate by September 2024 and they can proceed with long-term operations, she said.

n During the month of June (Monday through Friday), the City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is offering FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) Trappers and other items for Santa Maria water customers, while supplies last. The FOG Trappers are ideal for disposing of fats, oils, and grease used to cook and prepare food. Never put FOG down the drain. FOG can clog your pipes and back up sewer lines.

Central Coast Agriculture is a local cannabis company that grows and processes the plant for concentrated oils at its 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lompoc. The APCD sent inspectors to the facility in October 2020 where they issued a notice of violation because the company was operating manufacturing equipment without a district permit nor the necessary emission reduction technology, she said.

“The air district’s regulatory authority applies to post-harvest cannabis operations. We do not regulate the growing operations; that’s considered agriculture activity, and state law prohibits air district regulations on ag operations,” Arlin Genet said. “It took over three years to bring that facility into compliance.”

During cannabis processing, companies often use solvents that release ozone precursor emissions—oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds that can have negative impacts on human, plant, and animal health, according to the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service. The APCD regulates

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“Once permits are fully implemented, the emission requirements will reduce emissions by 90 percent from [Central Coast Agriculture’s] peak,” Arlin Genet said.

Within the $1.3 million settlement, $325,000 will be set aside for the APCD’s Clean Air Fund to work toward other air quality projects in Lompoc. While the district hasn’t identified programs yet, Arlin Genet said she expects that it will be brought forward next fiscal year.

“I think coming to this point where we have been able to successfully settle … and having Central Coast Agriculture moving forward with the implementation of the state of the art control technology, it’s been a lot of learning on all parties,” Arlin Genet said. “We are very happy to be where we are today with Central Coast Agriculture and significantly reduce ozone impacts to our region.” m

—Taylor O’Connor

Maria Joint Union High School District

Fast track

Santa Barbara County has two years to spend a $7.9 million state grant to address vehicular encampments

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

More than 1,000 Santa Barbara County residents experienced homelessness for the first time in 2024—a jump from 849 in 2023, according to the county’s Point-In-Time Count.

Santa Barbara County Homeless Assistance Program Manager Kimberlee Albers told the Sun that the majority of these folks are often seniors or families with children falling out of housing who end up living in their vehicles.

“In our 2019 Point-In-Time Count we had [487] people living in their vehicles; in the 2024 Point-In-Time Count we are now over 700— greater than the number counted living on the streets,” Albers said.

The 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count—an annual U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirement to collect data on homelessness—showed that people who were unsheltered and living on the streets saw a 5 percent increase (from 591 to 622) from 2023 and 2024, while those living in their vehicles saw a 16 percent increase (from 611 in 2023 to 710 in 2024).

Households with children also saw a jump from 93 (272 people) in 2023 to 125 households (364 people) in 2024.

“Contributing factors to the number of families, persons living in vehicles, and persons experiencing homelessness for the first time include: the end of pandemic emergency rental assistance, lifting of the tenant protections including eviction moratoriums, soaring rents, and lack of affordable housing countywide,” according to the PIT Count

To address this growing population, the county received a nearly $8 million state grant to help link individuals residing in vehicle encampments with resources to ultimately get them into housing, Albers said. In partnership with New Beginnings, a local nonprofit that oversees several safe parking sites for individuals and families living in their vehicles, Santa Barbara County hopes to bring 300 individuals into a housing solution—and it must spend all of the state allocation within two years.

“We are excited to have dedicated resources for this group,” Albers said. “Fifty percent of the money has to be spent by June 30, 2025—that’s 13 months from now—and then the rest [has] until 2026. It’s very fast, getting a lot of staff hired and people into housing very quickly, which is exciting but also daunting.”

As part of the application process, the county identified 21 vehicle encampments, with four in Santa Maria, according to the April 23 Board of Supervisors staff report detailing the grant agreement. Albers added that the county and New Beginnings estimate they’ll serve about 53 vehicles in Santa Maria.

Within the grant, $3.9 million will help New Beginnings hire 24 people (with 10 in North County) to work as housing navigators, service coordinators, and outreach staff; $3 million is slotted for rental assistance and permanent housing flexible funds to transition; $700,000 for interim safe parking lots and interim housing like hotels; and $400,000 for administrative costs, according to the staff report.

The county and New Beginnings anticipate seeing 150 people enter permanent housing and the other half entering some form of interim placement like a shelter or safe parking sites during the grant’s lifespan, Albers said.

“Our focus is to not have a bunch of safe parking lots, but to house individuals in those areas,” Albers said. “We want some strategic expansion of safe parking to make sure people have places to go, but the focus of this grant is housing [people].”

New Beginnings runs safe parking sites in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Carpinteria. While the nonprofit’s been trying to establish a site in Santa Maria, the city still needs to create an ordinance that would allow for safe parking, Albers said.

“I think because there was a SLO County site that has had some trouble, … there’s still some need for assurance and education to assure residents that safe parking is a good idea in North County,” she said.

SLO County opened its pilot safe parking program in 2021 as a way to allow those in their vehicles to live on-site for 90 days while they sought case management from the Community Action Partnership of SLO County to transition to more stable housing, according to previous reporting from New Times—the Sun’s sister paper.

The program quickly soured as residents found the program was too far away from grocery stores, gas stations, and banks, and provided limited mental health resources, poor communication from service providers, and lax security, New Times reported. The site became overcrowded—reaching 80 people—and one

resident died due to a fire that broke out in 2022. By 2023, SLO County announced plans to shutter the site and stop admitting new participants.

The New Beginnings safe parking program is different from SLO County’s because guests are only allowed to park overnight, not stay 24 hours a day, and it offers rapid rehousing and counseling services to members through the program.

“The program is actually celebrating its 20th anniversary. We are the longest safe parking program across the country,” said New Beginnings Executive Director Kristine Schwarz. “Even though we don’t have a lot in Santa Maria, we do work with people who live in their vehicles in Santa Maria. We just don’t provide shelter there.”

Santa Maria Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu told the Sun in a statement that the city code does not allow for parking lots to be used as safe parking sites, but it will remain engaged in discussions and strategies regarding the grant’s implementation.

“Santa Maria is supportive of those efforts and hopes that outreach will help guide individuals living in vehicles to permanent housing,” Wu said. “The city of Santa Maria has been proactive in facilitating the development of new housing, including affordable housing.”

Schwarz said that she hopes that this project and the nonprofit’s 20 years of successful programs in South County will “serve as an impetus for the city of Santa Maria to having a shelter lot located in Santa Maria,” but it won’t deter the program from assisting people in the city.

“I think people think that safe parking lots bring crime or bring people into their community with absolutely nothing to support them,” Schwarz said. “What we do see and have seen over and over again is if somebody is looking to prey upon vulnerable people, they are going to look for someone who is isolated.”

While New Beginnings has less financial assistance from North County cities through community development block grants, the state grant will give the nonprofit more dedicated funding to serve Santa Maria and work toward an “identifiable and achievable goal,” she added.

Last year, New Beginnings helped 204 veterans and households in the safe parking or rapid rehousing program find permanent housing with $1.3 million in 2023, she said.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity to very specifically dedicate [a] substantial amount of resources to an identifiable and achievable goal,” Schwarz said. “It can serve as a model for other approaches to other populations if it works.” m

Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@santamariasun.com.

GROWING GROUP: Santa Barbara received a $7.9 million state grant to address vehicle encampments countywide, including four in Santa Maria and three in Lompoc. Pictured in this March 2019 file photo is a vehicle encampment on Aviation Drive in Lompoc.

Celebrating history

Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP and Collective Cultures Creating Change host annual Juneteenth celebration in Lompoc

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Guadalupe Police Chief and Director of Public Safety Michael Cash will be recognized as the first and only African American police chief in Santa Barbara County during this year’s Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP and Collective Cultures Creating Change’s Juneteenth celebration.

“I’m very honored and humbled to be even thought of in that sense. I’m very much aware of the circumstances of me being the only African American chief on the force here, but it’s one of those things where I’m proud of that fact,” Cash told the Sun

Cash is the keynote speaker during the Juneteenth celebration, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, on June 15. He said he’ll talk about community policing, law enforcement, and how they affect communities of color.

“I think I am apolitical, but I see where we as a country need to reconnect more and really look at valuing differences. It’s imperative for us to be successful not only as individuals or as cities, but as a nation to really support and bring together all our differences to see how strong we are,” Cash said. Cash began his 42-year law enforcement career as a county marshal in San Diego and later became a San Diego Police officer. Working his way through the ranks to captain, he was recruited to be the director of security for the former NFL team the San Diego Chargers and later became the emergency preparedness manager at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He then went back to San Diego for a college

police chief position and was ready to finish his law enforcement career when he found the position in Guadalupe, which he’s kept for the last six years.

“I feel I have a unique perspective coming from such a large city to coming here and policing. You really appreciate the closeness and the downhome and the hands-on [aspects] of working in a small town,” Cash said. “It’s harder in a small town than a big city because your service, you see it firsthand, all the effects that you do from the youngest to the oldest.”

Alongside Cash’s speech at the upcoming event, residents can enjoy food vendors, live music, poetry readings, dancing, drumming, arts and crafts, face painting, and a bake-off competition, said Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt, the president of the Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP. Santa MariaBonita School District Superintendent Dr. Darren McDuffie will reenact “Drum Major Instinct,” a speech Dr. Martin Luther King gave two months before his assassination, and a Santa Barbara County elementary school teacher will read a book that celebrates diversity.

“It makes me feel good when the public comes out and it’s a diverse public and they just sit there and enjoy everything,” Lyons-Pruitt said. “It’s a show that we’re celebrating history and honoring the past, celebrating our history, our ancestors.”

According to the NAACP, the first Juneteenth celebration occurred on June 19, 1866, in Texas, one year after news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the state. Originally celebrated with prayer meetings, songs, and wearing new clothes to represent newfound

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH: Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP President Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt (left), Collective Cultures Creating Change (C4) co-founder Yasmin Dawson (middle), and Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Cozetta Blow spoke during last year’s Juneteenth celebration in Lompoc, and the NAACP invites residents to return to its celebration this year on June 15.

freedom, the celebration proliferated throughout the United States as families moved from Texas to other parts of the country.

In 2021, President Joe Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday, and Gov. Gavin Newsom followed suit in 2022 by making it a state holiday.

This will be the Santa Maria-Lompoc NAACP’s sixth year bringing Juneteenth celebrations to the community. Other organizations hosted an event in Santa Maria, before the NAACP’s involvement, but have since stopped.

“It’s important and something that we needed to do,” Lyons-Pruitt said of reviving the celebrations. “We are all human beings, we just have different customs and culture, and we just

want to educate you and have you learn about our history.”

The free and all-ages Juneteenth celebration begins at 11 a.m. on June 15 in Old Town Lompoc, 100 block of South H St., and ends at 5 p.m. Call (805) 448-7869 for more information.

Highlights

• The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department invites the public to explore the new Summer Recreation Guide, which features an array of fun activities suitable for every age group, such as art classes, fitness programs, sports, free community events, outdoor excursions, and the Concerts in the Park series. While most programs and events are offered at low or no cost, financial assistance for registration fees may be available for qualifying individuals and families through the Recreation and Parks Department’s partnership with People for Leisure and Youth Inc. Visit cityofsantamaria.org to get a copy of the Summer Recreation Guide, and direct questions to (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260.

• The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce recently announced Michael Boyer as its new president and chief executive officer. He previously served at the SLO County Chamber of Commerce, the SLO County YMCA, Lumina Alliance, and the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation. He is also a founding director of the Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County and previously served as a board member to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. m

Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@ santamariasun.com.

How are you celebrating Pride Month this year?

100% I donate to local LGBTQ-plus nonprofits.

0% I’ve went to SLO Pride and will be at Santa Maria Pride on June 9!

0% I’ll try a new program and/or volunteer with an LGBTQ-plus nonprofit.

0% I’m traveling out of town to see a Pride festival.

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Quality?

Has your family’s standard of living improved in the last four years?

BY RON FINK

Your standard of living is defined as the degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community. Your quality of life is similar, the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group: the things that are needed for a good quality of life.

Inflation is a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money; this can lead to a lowering of your family’s standard of living.

To understand what constitutes “health, comfort, and happiness,” we need to define the difference between needs and wants in life. Every family needs a warm, dry place to live and electricity, drinking water, and waste disposal. They also need adequate food to feed the family, serviceable clothing, and reliable transportation.

These “needs” costs money, and when inflation occurs, it can impact how you satisfy your wants. Wants include the “finer things in life,” such as a trip to the water park, a movie ticket, tobacco or alcohol, and cellphone upgrades. You don’t “need” these to survive, but some are nice to have.

Inflation can impact both your standard of living and your quality of life. In December 2022

Dictators

We’ve come close to an actual dictator in the Oval Office

BY JOHN DONEGAN

The May 18, 2024, issue of The Economist reflected upon the vulnerability of the United States to becoming a dictatorship. But while the writer’s focus was on another Donald Trump presidency, I think our closest encounter with dictatorship was in our not-so-distant past.

A “dictator” is defined as a leader who has absolute power, may rule in an authoritarian manner, and is unconstrained by constitutional restrictions. In the U.S., we rely upon the Constitution, political norms, and three co-equal branches of government to

the Harvard Business Review put it this way: “Inflation is defined as a rise in prices across an economy. … When prices rise unexpectedly, money doesn’t go as far as it used to, which can trigger demands for raises which then cause more inflation. When prices rise really quickly, the basic functioning of an economy can break down. For example, in periods of ‘hyperinflation,’ people rush out to spend money the moment they get paid, because every hour they wait to spend means higher prices” (“What Causes Inflation?” Dec. 23, 2022).

It hasn’t changed in 2024. A good example of inflation can be demonstrated by the size reduction of many products while the prices either remain the same or have slightly increased. I have an old coffee can from a couple of years ago; the weight was 33 ounces. A newer one of the same brand I bought last week was a little more expensive, but only weighs 26.8 ounces. Almost all other products have also reduced their size, so we spend more for less.

How do rising wages also contribute to rising costs of goods and services? For example, the recent California mandated minimum wage increase for certain fast-food restaurants resulted in reduced staffing and price increases. The people working there had their hours reduced or they lost their jobs to make up for the increase in labor costs, and consumers paid more for their products.

Thus, both the workers and their customers suffered because of a shortsighted government mandate. Many fast-food joints simply closed when their “loyal customers” could no longer afford a burger and fries. This had an impact on both the

protect us from rule by a dictator.

The Economist, and most liberals, sees Trump as the potential dictator. Trump did little to dispel such thinking when he promised to “not rule like a dictator after his first day in office.”

To find our closest encounter with a dictatorship, we need to go back to liberal icon Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s first two terms as president.

At that time, the U.S. was in the throes of the Great Depression, and people were growing increasingly desperate and willing to support radical measures. Roosevelt enjoyed vast popular support and total control of both houses of Congress, and passed a series of radical measures over Republicans’ objections. Such measures included Social Security; the FDIC; the Civilian Conservation Corps; the Work Progress Administration; National Recovery Administration;

businesses and the quality of life for the families and their kids who considered fast food a treat.

Meanwhile a similar mandated wage increase for health care workers in government facilities was “delayed” when Gov. Newsom found out it was going to impact the state budget. You see, politicians don’t care whether you can afford a hamburger, but if it impacts the government budget they panic.

Many think the current rapid rise in inflation is caused by the government’s reactions during the COVID crisis. Shutting down large sectors of business, pumping billions into the economy to “stimulate” it—or as some say “compensate” the population for the inconvenience of their actions— created a rise in costs as supply couldn’t meet the demand and prices went up.

In November there is an election. Only registered voters can make choices, and all of you, no matter what your political party affiliation is, will have a chance to choose a leadership team. If we keep electing people from the same political party that’s in power in California now, we can’t expect anything to change; we’ll still get less and pay more for it.

The biggest question you should be asking yourself before voting is: “Is my family’s standard of living any better than it was four years ago?” I am guessing that at your house, just like mine, the answer is “no.”

If that’s the case, then we need new leadership in California and at the national level. m

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

new regulations on employment, banking, and the stock market; and lots of spending on public works. Prior to the 22nd Amendment in 1951, there was no limit to the terms a president could serve, and Roosevelt managed to get elected to four terms. The only resistance to Roosevelt’s aggressive agenda came from the Supreme Court, which found that some of his legislative programs unconstitutionally delegated excessive power to the president. Following his landslide reelection in 1936, FDR threatened to “pack the court”—to use his control of Congress to add more justices and provide him with enough votes to approve his agenda. Intimidated by this threat, the justices approved Roosevelt’s agenda.

Voilá! We had a situation in which a single charismatic leader had assumed effective control of all three branches of government by threatening the Supreme Court, and he was using his power to further expand the powers of his office. Roosevelt was effectively functioning as a dictator. Eleanor Roosevelt even opined that we needed a “benevolent dictator.”

I recognize that much of FDR’s legacy and agenda remain popular and are often credited with lifting the U.S. out of the Great Depression. Still, there is no reason why a dictator cannot enjoy popular support and produce successful policies.

In echoes of the past, we again are hearing calls to “pack” the Supreme Court, as well as witnessing a liberal campaign against the conservative justices who frustrate the progressive agenda. The doctrine of a “living constitution,” which can be interpreted as needed to accommodate a popular agenda, further weakens the ability of our Constitution to protect us. The erosion of political norms in stunts to achieve momentary political advantage, such as the attempts to disqualify Trump from the ballot, further weaken our institutions.

My point? A future dictator need not be a brutal ogre and may be someone you really like, and to whom you are happy to give unlimited powers to advance some desired program.

While Trump might assume the role of dictator if he could, his support is too weak, and his institutional opposition too pervasive, to be a danger. FDR took us far closer to a dictatorship than Trump could ever dream of. m

John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach. Send comments to the editor at clanham@ santamariasun.com.

Big bucks Opinion

After almost getting shut down by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District last year for noncompliance, one cannabis company agreed to pay more than $1.3 million for its polluting ways.

Central Coast Agriculture will now hold the incredible title of paying more than any other for violating air pollution regulations in the county—even more than quite possibly the worst oil company in county history.

“The magnitude of this settlement reflects the significance of the violations and the amount of emissions over three years,” APCD Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer Aeron Arlin Genet said.

The grow operation and cannabis processor, which sells its products under the Raw Garden brand and touts its commitment to water conservation and organic growing practices, didn’t really adhere to “green” practices when it came to the rest of its operation.

“Raw Garden has consistently put out awardwinning Clean Green certified cannabis oils since 2015,” Raw Garden’s website states. “The result is a brand that consumers can purchase with confidence that not only are they getting a premium product, but their consumer dollars are supporting environmentally sound, sustainable farming practices.”

I guess the APCD didn’t get the memo?

In October 2020, the APCD dinged Central Cost Ag for operating manufacturing equipment without a permit and for emitting byproducts of that process, without emission reduction technology. In March 2021, the APCD dinged Central Coast Ag again (14 different times!) for illegally operating diesel generators to run the facility.

How’d you like to be its neighbor!? It probably doesn’t smell environmentally sound.

The $1.3 million voluntary settlement was for the years of continuing to operate its manufacturing equipment without a permit, something the cannabis company was almost shut down for last October, before a last-minute save, where it actually submitted an application and opined that it was building the plane while flying it because cannabis was such a new industry—meanwhile, the APCD had permitted other local cannabis manufacturers, so WTF?

I guess Central Coast Ag didn’t get the memo. Well, at least not last year. But the memo must have landed somewhere in the interim, as Arlin Genet said the company is currently complying with the terms of the permit. Great!

Now, the company is waiting on more emission equipment to get here so it can reduce its emissions by 90 percent. Phew! That took a lot.

You know what else takes a lot. Housing the homeless. With the help of an $8 million grant, Santa Barbara County and nonprofit New Beginnings are hoping to house 300 people in two years. The collaboration wants to take a bite out of the segment of unhoused individuals that grew the most year over year: the number of folks living in their cars increased by 16 percent from 2023 to 2024.

For the cost of roughly $26,000 per person, the project aims to put them in permanent housing. Doesn’t sound like much when you really think about it. Especially when you consider wraparound services and the cost of running safe parking sites, finding housing, and helping pay for housing.

I wish them luck. And the hope that this project does a better job of doing the job than SLO County did with its problem child of a safe parking site program. m

The Canary doesn’t have any answers. Send some to canary@santamariasun.com.

DINE AND DEVOUR

It’s been a lovely year so far, and our annual Best Of issue is here to continue the trend! We’re asking you, community members, to take your time to pick out some cool cats and top dogs. Specifically, we need you to help us find the eateries, drinkeries, businesses, and people that make northern Santa Barbara County so sweet—that make this place a special sort of place.

Now isn’t the time to hold back. It’s time to tag your partners in crime. So put on those goggles and that scarf, and hop into the hot seat. Fill out this ballot. Then talk to your family, friends, and neighbors—and even their pets—so you’re not the only one driving. We all hit the road at our own pace, so they need to fill out ballots of their own! You can even go online to vote at santamariasun.com. Just remember, you need to complete at least 25 categories to make it into the sidecar.

Return this ballot to the Sun office or go online by 5 p.m. on July 1. Then stay tuned to read all about the coolest, hottest winners around, on August 22.

Tell everyone!

—Camillia Lanham

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

BURNING CASH

ABOUT TOWN

David Ikola, M.D. Shane Rostermundt, D.O. Joseph Nunez, M.D. Dr. Michele Kielty, D.O.

Santa Barbara County Fair

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805937-6753, 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. 832-8848114. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB A monthly book club for adults featuring coffee, snacks, and lively discussion. The book selection for June is The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Please call the Reference desk at 805-925-0994 ext. 8562 to reserve a seat. June 15 2-3 p.m. Free. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CALIFORNIA’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE: THE WAY OF WATER Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, this timely exhibition showcases George Rose’s recent

expansive documentation of California’s dramatic water story. 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. MondaysSundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through June 30 805 -688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

UNDER THE SAME SUN 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

JASMINE GONZALEZ: CLOWN This solo exhibit highlights a collection of clown-themed collage pieces by the Lompoc-based artist. Through July 1 maniccreativeart.com. Eye on I, 131 N. I St., Lompoc.

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 COUNTY

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.

FLEX PERFORMING ARTS JUNE RECITAL

A dance and music spectacular, featuring the students of Flex Performing Arts. June 21 6-8 p.m., June 22 1-3 & 6:30-8:30 p.m. and June 23 , 3-5 p.m. 805-904-4741. flexperformingarts.com. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

FLY ME TO THE MOON Don’t miss this space-themed dance recital from the Studio of Performing Arts. SOPA shows are always fun-filled, creative, and will leave you smiling. Great for the whole family. June 15 6-8 p.m. $15. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/sopa-fly-me-tothe-moon/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES ART

DISPLAY The Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Trilogy displays 22 original artworks from 15 Trilogy artist residents. The art displayed ranges from traditional to ethereal abstract compositions. They cover a wide media including acrylic, glass fusion, and photography. New work to be displayed on June 29. June 15 1-3 p.m. Free. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo, 805-343-7500.

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL Set in the late 1970s, this story of friendship and revenge is

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.

“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. Through 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.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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.

EPICALLY MELODIC

Cottonwood Canyon Winery in Santa Maria presents Rock Odyssey, live in concert, on Saturday, June 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. This cover band plays hits from various rock acts, including Journey, Blondie, and more. Tickets are available in advance at my805tix.com. Children ages 12 and under get in for free. Cottonwood Canyon Winery is located at 3940 Dominion Road, Santa Maria.

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 HISTORY MIXED MEDIA FOR KIDS WITH SPENCER COLLINS This is a class for students who are looking to expand their knowledge about art history while having fun. Different mediums will be explored each time. Ages 9-12 June 16, 2:30-3:30 p.m. $35 per class or $75 for entire series. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

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.

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

CENTRAL COAST GILBERT AND SULLIVAN: THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD

Enter the famous Tower of London for Gilbert and Sullivan’s masterpiece, set during the reign of Henry VIII. This is “the most serious and, perhaps, most beautiful of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas.” June 15, 3 p.m. and June 16 3 p.m. General $30; students and seniors $25. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CRASH COURSE IN CRAFTS FOR KIDS WITH SPENCER COLLINS In this one-hour class, students will learn a fun craft with new mediums each time. This is a biweekly series with three sessions. Parents are welcome to join their children for craft making. Ages 6-9. June 16, 12:301:30 p.m. $35 per class or $75 for entire series. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805747-4200.

CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST These are not “classes” as there is no formal teaching (although there is lots of sharing and learning). It’s an opportunity to work on your own projects with your own materials while picking up new skills among friends. Third Monday of every month $3; first session free. artcentralslo. com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. 702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

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.

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

MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE PAPER COLLAGE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this workshop, you’ll receive step by step instruction for creating a beautifully

—Caleb Wiseblood

detailed landscape collage, using a variety of hand painted papers. June 15 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $60. 805-478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE USING INK AND INKTENSE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM

During this three-hour class, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions for creating a mountain landscape on mixed media paper using Inktense pencils activated with water and black ink. Beginners are welcome. June 23, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $40. 805-478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PARENT-CHILD POTTERY CLASS Make lasting memories with clay together as a family. For ages 6 and over. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon $70. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS

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

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ

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

UNDINE Dive into this fairy tale of water spirits, switched identities, and tangled romance. June 22 , 7-9:30 p.m. and June 23 , 2-4:30 p.m. $22-$58. 805-756-4849. pacslo.org/events/detail/undine24. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING

WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY

Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. 805-394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

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

FIBER AND TEXTILES BY DEBBIE GEDAYLOO

A self-taught artist who uses observations of the natural world as inspiration. Through June, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

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

FOREVER STOKED PAINT

PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. 805772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

PHOTOGRAPHER CATHY

RUSS Russ is a Morro Bay photographer whose photography has taken her around the world. Her work features rural and urban scenes, landscapes, wild animals, and much more. Her work is printed on paper, metal, and canvas. Through June, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

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

CLOWN TOWN

Eye on I in Lompoc is showcasing art by local mixed media artist Jasmine Gonzalez through the end of June. This solo exhibit highlights a collection of clown-themed collage pieces by the Lompoc-based artist. Visit maniccreativeart.com for more details. Eye on I is located at 131 N. I St., Lompoc.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

SYLVIA A man adopts a talking dog who competes with his wife for his affection and attention. June 21 -July 7 By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this

year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing 805-343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

SANTA MARIA COIN CLUB: MONTHLY MEETING Coin collectors of all ages invited. Bring coins for free appraisals. Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. Yearly membership: $20-$25. 805-9373158. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

WELLNESS BASICS: PRESENTED BY TRANSITIONS MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION Join us in Shepard Hall and learn about local organization Transitions Mental Health Association, whose mission is to help people learn how to deal with and respond to mental health crises. This presentation will feature an introduction to the organization and the resources they offer. June 15 11 a.m.-noon Free. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

OLD SANTA YNEZ DAYS Old Santa Ynez Days is back on Saturday, June 22. Parade starts at 10 a.m.; line dance at high noon, artisan and boutique shopping, a free kids corral that includes pony rides, face painting, petting zoo. Features a kickoff dinner and weekend rodeo too. See website. June 21 and June 22 . 805-3508517. oldsantaynezdays.com/. Downtown Santa Ynez, Saqunto St., Solvang.

SYV PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL Parade will roll through downtown Solvang with floats, music, and more, ending with a family-friendly Pride Festival at Solvang Park at noon. June 22 11 a.m. SYVPride. org. Downtown Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC FLOWER FESTIVAL Features carnival rides and games, arts and craft exhibitors, food booths and commercial vendors, musical entertainment, and

fun for the whole family. June 20 -23 explorelompoc.com. Ryon Park, 800 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

REJUVENATE MIND-BODY-SPIRIT

YOGA RETREAT Join instructor Nikki Hope for this magical and transformative experience. Start the weekend by honoring the International Day of Yoga and leave feeling renewed and energized. June 21, 5 p.m. and June 23 1 p.m. 805-736-6528. sunburst.org/upcoming/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: HEALTH AND WELLNESS WALK Join State Park

Docent Peggy for a presentation on the health benefits of being out in nature by taking a stroll around the Oceano Lagoon. Group will slow down and experience nature and its positive effects it can have on your health and wellbeing. June 13, 9-11 a.m. Free. 805-474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. 805-8357873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

CENTRAL COAST AQUARIUM SUMMER

CAMPS The Central Coast Aquarium is excited to announce that summer camp registrations are now open. Each week-long camp session will include: interactive lessons and activities, outdoor field trips, animal encounters, and more.

Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 5 centralcoastaquarium.org/campsprograms/seasonal-camps/summercamps/. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280.

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

EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA

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

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-3623739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

PISMO STATE BEACH SANDCASTLE

COMPETITION Celebrate Parks Week at the Sandcastle Competition. Held on the beach just north of the Grand Avenue ramp. Registration is required to participate. Special visit from Avila Beach Aquarium, Central Coast State Parks Association, and SLO County Library at the plaza near Fin’s Restaurant. June 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-474-2664. castateparksweek.org/. Pismo State Beach, W. Grand Avenue, Grover Beach. POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

A docent-led tour of the buildings

and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. 805-440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

RAYS OF REVELATION: UNRAVELLING THE ASTROLOGY OF SUMMER Join local astrologer Lori Waters to learn about what’s happening in our skies during the summer of 2024. Lori will discuss the astrological significance of the summer solstice and the zodiac signs of summer (Cancer, Leo, and Virgo). June 22 1:303:30 p.m. $10. 805-773-7063. anc.apm. activecommunities.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS

Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone.

Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. 805-4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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.

ARTE SUAVE ELITE GRAPPLING A showcase of elite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling super-fights on the Central Coast, with live DJ, food, drinks, and a Beach Party theme. June 22 4-7 p.m. $55. artesuaveelite.network/. Embassy Suites, 333 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-549-0800.

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

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.

CENTER STAGE SUMMER SINGING

CAMP For kids ages 8-13. Full of singing, music games, friendships, and a Friday Camp Show. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m. through June 28 $275 per kid per week. 805-458-6440. Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, 1401 San Luis Bay Dr., San Luis Obispo, bsfcs.org.

CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS Hosted by Women Making Waves. Visit site for tickets and more info. June 17 5-7 p.m. my805tix.com/. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

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

Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. 646-2805800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER

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

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.

GYM JAM CLINIC AND OPEN PLAY

One hour of progressive gymnastics skill training on bars, beam, floor, trampoline; and one hour of open play. June 15 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child, plus $10 per additional sibling. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturdayevent-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., 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.

INTEGRATED MOVEMENT MIXER AND OPEN HOUSE Discover how Gyrotonic can transform your body, mind, and spirit for the better. Connect with fellow members of the Central Coast Conscious Community and share stories, insights, and laughter. June 19 5 p.m. my805tix.com/. Integrated Movement, 3592 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: BEACH BASH Kids will have a fabulous evening of pizza, s’mores, and a movie. June 22 , 5-9:30 p.m. Starts at $50. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/kidsparty-paradise. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20

legendary House of Prayer Choir

Juan Leandro Gutierrez and Paul Gonzalez

Blue Violin

Hot Stuff

recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, 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. rationalmetaphysics.com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.

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

MOONLIGHT HOURS AT THE SLO

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Come to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for free every third Thursday of the month. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-545-5874. slocm.org/moonlighthours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY CLASS This is a free, eight-session education program for family, friends and significant others of children and adults with mental health conditions. Learn about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery. Registration by email or calling required. Mondays, 6-8:30 p.m. through Aug. 5 Free. 805-481-4847. namislo.org. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.

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

SEVENTH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Save the date. This year’s theme is “Art and Culture: A Glimpse of the Past and Present.” Seeking sponsors, silent auction donations, and nonprofit and retail vendors. For more info, visit juneteenthslo.com. Hosted by NAACP SLO County. June 15, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission. 805-619-5354. juneteenthslo.com. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

SHARK WEEK GYMNASTICS CAMP Swim into summer with gymnastics, themed crafts, games, and educational trivia. Dive right into fun on trampolines, bars, beams, foam pits, and more. Children ages 4-13; no experience necessary. Through June 14, 9:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. $40-$360 depending on which options you choose. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO BLUES BASEBALL 33 summer home games held. Go to bluesbaseball.com for full schedule. Tickets available from My805Tix. Through July 27 $10 adults; 12 and under free. 805-512-9996. my805tix. com. SLO Blues Summer Collegiate Baseball, Sinsheimer Stadium at 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispso.

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

SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY Stamp Collector? The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets in the SLO UMC Conference Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors

SHADES OF WATER

Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo presents performances of Undine, a full-length ballet, on Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 23, at 2 p.m., at the Performing Arts Center. This fairy tale production depicts both humans and water spirits with themes of love, secrets, and betrayal. Visit pacslo. org for more info. The Performing Arts Center is located at 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@gmail.com. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. 805-801-9112.

San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SUPERSONIC STEM GYMNASTICS

CAMP Features gymnastics, themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. For children ages 4-13; no experience necessary. June 17-21, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $40-$360 depending on which options you choose. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 805-5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252. VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED Hospice volunteers find working with patients to be very gratifying and emotionally meaningful. This is an excellent use of time for retirees, students, or anyone who feels called to give back to your community. Give the gift of time that only CCHH Hospice fills. Train free in mid-June for three Fridays only. Fridays, 9

a.m.-4 p.m. through June 28 Free. 805-3057980. centralcoasthomehealth.com/index. php/hospice-volunteer/. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

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

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.

FOOD & DRINK continued page 22

—C.W.

Hot Stuff

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

HIGH TEA Come and enjoy a delicious

High Tea made by British owner Anna Arrowsmith, with either a hot drink ($40) or a glass of English sparkling wine ($50). Immerse yourself in a beautiful experience with tiered plates, white tablecloths, and classical music. For ages 21 and over. June 22 , 1-3 p.m. $40. 805-686-9126. arrowsmithwine.com. Arrowsmith’s, 1539 Mission Drive, Solvang.

SUMMER BARBECUE OPEN HOUSE

Details to come. Save the date. Enjoy a sizzling summer celebration, just in time for Father’s Day weekend. Indulge in a delightful fusion of wine and barbecue, June 15 805-688-9339. zacamesa.com/ eventss/summer-bbq-open-house/. Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

FATHER’S DAY AT CROMA VERA WINES

Enjoy $10 off wine tastings and bottles for all dads. Cheese and charcuterie plates available. To guarantee a cheese and charcuterie plate, you can pre-order from the ticket link provided. June 16, 1-6 p.m. 805-946-1685. cromavera.com/blogs/ news/may-events-at-the-tasting-room. Croma Vera Wines, 3183 Duncan Road, Suite D, San Luis Obispo.

MOUNTAIN HIGH

Art Central hosts its mountain landscape collage workshop with Linda Cunningham on Saturday, June 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the class, participants will receive step-by-step instruction in creating a detailed landscape collage using a variety of papers. Admission is $66. Visit artcentralslo.com for more info. Art Central is located at 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110. THE KILLER DUELING PIANOS Bring own chairs. All ages welcome. No smoking or vaping. Pet-friendly. June 15, 6-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777.

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.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

BANDA PREFERADA DE CALIFORNIA Visit site for tickets and more info. For ages 18 and over. June 15, 9 p.m. my805tix.com/. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

PRIVADA AND MORE Enjoy live Latin music from featured acts. June 22 , 9 p.m. my805tix.com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2024 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES These Saturday afternoon concerts are limited and will sell out, so make your purchase early to secure your spot. Saturdays, 2:30-5 p.m. through Oct. 12 my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

MULTICULTURAL POTLUCKS Held monthly on the farm to connect us to our roots, our family and cultural heritage around eating food, as well as horticultural traditions of how people from around the world grow their food. June 16, 1 p.m. ourglobalfamilyfarm.com. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, 805-769-8344.

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

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

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food. Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. 805-292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

ROCK ODYSSEY LIVE Rock out to your favorite classic hits by Tom Petty, Journey, Blondie, and more. June 22 6-9 p.m. my805tix.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria, 805 937-8463.

SUNSET WINE/RAIL EXCURSION:

SANTA BARBARA These fully-hosted, docent-led excursions will depart from the SLO Railroad Museum at 11 a.m. taking a motor coach to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. June 22 my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-1894.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/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/.

FAIR WARNING AND BEST SHOT A tribute show to Pat Benatar and Van Halen. June 22 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777.

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays

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.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

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.

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.

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. SUMMER OF LOVE CONCERT Sponsored by Unity Five Cities. With music, sing-alongs, and dance celebrating the culture of the ‘60s. Featuring the Mighty Lights choir and special guests. Wear your tiedye shirts, flowing dresses, headbands, jeans, and flowers in your hair. June 16 12-1:30 p.m. Love offering. 805-440-9461. unity5cities.org. The Victorian, 789 Valley Rd., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2024 LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL Expect a fun-filled weekend of great music, art, camping, activities, and reuniting with friends and family. June 14 -16 my805tix.com/. El Chorro Regional Park, California 1, San Luis Obispo.

DO YOU COMPUTE AND MORE With Four Day Bears, and additional acts. June 14 , 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, 805-781-9974.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that is easy to listen to, but also surprises. June 16 6-8 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Sextant Wines, 1653 Old Price Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, 805-542-0133.

MISMITHS LIVE A tribute to the Smiths and Misfits. Features additional acts. June 16, 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, 805-781-9974. m

—C.W.

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

JUNE

SATURDAY,

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Cocktail Co.

Lavender Farm, San Miguel

Death Over Bakersfield 2024

& SAT, JUNE 21 & 22

Grumpy’s Brewing Co., Bakersfield Open Farm Days: SLO CO Farm Trail

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Santa Maria

ARTS BRIEFS

Oceano Depot Association holds book signing and artifact display

Local historian James D. Cain will sign copies of his book, Ella Young Remembered, during a special event, hosted by the Oceano Depot Association, at the Oceano Train Depot on Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During his time as a school teacher in Santa Maria, Cain became interested in Young—a famous author and poet who lived in Oceano—and her involvement in the 1916 Irish Rebellion in Ireland, according to press materials. He was also intrigued by the history of her later years as teacher of Irish folklore at UC Berkeley after immigrating to the U.S., as well as her books and writings on Irish folklore and connections with nature spirits.

Cain researched Young by interviewing many of her close friends, including Gavin Arthur, grandson of U.S. President Chester Alan Arthur; photographer Ansel Adams; and other individuals living in and around Oceano. He transcribed his recordings of these interviews and included them in Ella Young Remembered

After Young passed away in 1956, the Weedon family occupied her home on Paso Robles Street in Oceano. Family member Mark Weedon donated many of Young’s personal possessions left in her home to the Oceano Depot Association in 2023, according to press materials. Many of these items will be on display during Cain’s upcoming book signing event, including Young’s ornate writing desk, which Cain will use to sign books on.

Refreshments will be provided during the event, along with copies of Ella Young Remembered available for purchase. Other books written about Oceano’s history will also be available for sale.

Email hguiton@aol.com for more details on the program. The Oceano Train Depot is located at 1650 Front St., Oceano.

Nipomo Library showcases summer exhibition of digital art

More than 20 digital artworks will be on display at the Nipomo Library throughout the month of July, as part of a solo exhibition of art by local digital artist Fred Venutra. The show opens on Tuesday, July 2. The artist will lead a special presentation and demonstration, in conjunction with the showcase, on Saturday, July 27, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Ventura’s demo will include tips on how to create digital art using an iPad, Apple Pencil, and Procreate. For more info on the exhibit, demo, and Ventura’s work as a digital artist in general, visit venturaes.com. The Nipomo Library is located at 918 W. Tefft St., Nipomo. m

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

chiefly inspired by her perspective “as a woman in the largely male-dominated lowrider community.”

“The imagery that I’m pulling from highlights the aesthetics of women in the community, my own story as a woman who has spent time in the fine art profession as well as the automotive industry, and the various skill sets involved with painting and building lowriders,” she said.

Get a closer look

Call (805) 686-1211 visit elverhoj.org for more info on Under the Same Sun, a group exhibition of contemporary artworks from five participating artists, on display at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang through July 7. The museum is located at 1624 Elverhoy

dialogue, attendees will have the chance to learn intimate details about various pieces in the show, including Valenzuela’s profoundly emotional painting, I Hurt the Whole Way Through “[It’s] actually a piece that is a bit more personal than what I typically tend to explore in my art,” said Valenzuela, who painted the piece during an “eight-month span after I dealt with pregnancy loss and fertility issues.”

Created with oil, aerosol, and gold leaf on canvas, I Hurt the Whole Way Through depicts four figures: a mother, a father, and two infants.

“Using reference images shot by my older sister, I pieced together a fabricated scene of a moment I have never even experienced,” Valenzuela said. “[I painted] myself and my fiancé, Mark, holding our children.

“I knew I would never be able to meet my twins, but maybe painting them would ease the pain a bit,” the artist explained. “The baby in my reference photos is actually my nephew, Eduardo … his presence in my life has brought such joy that I figured he would be a great subject to juxtapose my feelings of hurt and anger.”

While Valenzuela’s multi-faceted piece is full of colorful imagery, including an illustration of the artist’s pink 1975 Cadillac Eldorado, the twins are noticeably painted white, without facial features or expressions.

“Although I had considered imagining what the children would look like, I felt it was a disservice and decided to leave them as blank placeholders,” Valenzuela said. “[They’re] painted a bold white and they have gold leaf halos.”

The painter originally intended to sell I Hurt the Whole Way Through upon finishing the piece but later resolved to keep it forever.

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

With an upcoming artist demonstration, the Elverhoj Museum is looking to further amplify the voices behind the visions currently on display at the Solvang staple.

Under the Same Sun—the museum’s latest group show that opened in late April and runs through early July—showcases five featured artists’ contemporary works under the same roof.

Each artist will discuss their own unique approaches, techniques, tools, and motivations during a live demo and dialogue event at Elverhoj on Saturday, June 29, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Southern California-based painter Jacqueline Valenzuela— one of the show’s featured artists—will share personal insights about a specific passion that influenced her displayed pieces.

“I plan to highlight the ways in which lowriding has impacted not only my personal life, but also my art practice,” Valenzuela told the Sun in an email interview. “My artwork that is being exhibited touches on the various skill sets I have gained over the years both as a fine artist and a Kustom lowrider mural artist.”

A lowrider owner with professional auto shop experience, Valenzuela said she’s

One of the Elverhoj group exhibition’s themes is described as an exploration of “the diverse stratum of communal being,” which Valenzuela and fellow featured artists—Oscar Pearson, Narsiso Martinez, Priscilla S. Flores, and Luis Ramirez—emote through contemporary vignettes in forms of various visual media, according to press materials.

With each artist slated to take part in the Elverhoj Museum’s upcoming

“I had it available for sale for a few months with a gallery. However, as soon as I got it back, I decided to never put it up for sale. It’s a huge marker of a time in my life,” Valenzuela said. “Although the piece is rooted in a difficult time, it’s now a reminder of both mine and my fiancé’s strength and togetherness when facing heavy challenges and losses.” m

Send stories of perseverance to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE OCEANO DEPOT ASSOCIATION

Way, Solvang.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ELVERHOJ MUSEUM

SUN SCREEN: Known locally for his public mural projects and studio paintings, Central Coast-based artist Oscar Pearson is one of five artists showing work in the Elverhoj Museum’s current group exhibition. Pearson’s Sun Salute is among the show’s featured paintings.

EASING THE PAIN: Currently on display at Solvang’s Elverhoj Museum, Jacqueline Valenzuela’s painting I Hurt the Whole Way Through was created during a painful eightmonth period after a traumatic loss, the artist told the Sun

COURTESY IMAGE BY JACQUELINE VALENZUELA

COURTESY IMAGE BY FRED VENTURA

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ELVERHOJ MUSEUM

MoFunk

Privada, Grupo Ecentrico, & Banda Invisible

JUNE 22 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Chakra Meditation & Breath-Work SUNDAY, JUNE 23 Aurora Meditations

SLOFunny Comedy Show, Hosted by James Uloth

JUNE 28

Downtown Tasting Room, Paso Robles

Gorgatron, Casket Robbery,

Ginger Pauley and Hoosier Daddy Decomposing Brass Quintet

Face your demons

Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady, Suffragette) created this six-part mystery-thriller miniseries about 9-year-old Edgar Anderson (Ivan Morris Howe), who goes missing one day on the way to school after a rancorous argument between his parents, Vincent (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Cassie (Gaby Hoffman). Was he abducted? Did he run away? That’s for Detective Michael Ledroit (McKinley Belcher III) to figure out. (six approximately 55-min. episodes)

Glen: It’s 1980s New York, There’s an apparent garbage strike. The AIDS crisis is in full swing. Crime is rampant. The homeless population is swelling out of control. The corrupt city government is more interested in clearing out the poor to gentrify and make room for more condos. This is the backdrop of young Edgar’s life, made more precarious by his mercurial and alcoholic father, Vincent, creator of a popular kids TV puppet show, Good Day, Sunshine! Vincent’s caustic behavior lands him in trouble at work. The show he created with Lennie (Dan Fogler) has flagging ratings, and the bigwigs at the network on are breathing down their necks. When Edgar goes missing, Vincent—who we learn has a history of mental illness—begins to spiral. He soon goes on a quest to find Edgar with the help of an invisible 7-foot-tall monster puppet named Eric. Is Eric the key to finding the missing boy?

showing? Netflix

Anna: Cumberbatch does an incredible job portraying Vincent as a whip-smart and wholly tortured soul. His parents are uber wealthy— his father Robert, (John Doman), is a big developer—and they seem to still live under the impression that their only obligation to their son is to throw money at whatever problem seems to be in his way and quickly resume ignoring his existence as soon as possible. It isn’t a fun spiral to watch Vincent go down as he slips further and further into both addiction and delusion. But there’s something there that made me wish for a win for him—maybe it’s because the win would mean Edgar makes it home, or maybe because it would mean Vincent demonstrates a father/son love he was never given during his own childhood. There’s corruption and deception around every corner of this story, and it sure stayed compelling. Hats off to Hoffman as well for her portrayal of Cassie; she gave a raw and vulnerable performance.

Glen: A couple of times the Leo Tolstoy quote “everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself” comes up. It’s at the heart of Vincent’s journey. He looks around and sees injustice at every turn, but all that leads to is his own perceived victimhood. Instead of fixing the world, he needs to fix himself, and his drunken, quixotic quest with Eric is his chance to face his demons, stop blaming his parents or his network bosses or the world, and start taking responsibility

for his own shortcomings as a parent and a person. Equally compelling is Detective Ledroit’s storyline. He too feels treated unfairly, and he’s sick of the corruption and homophobia within the NYPD. Both Vincent and Ledroit want to fix the world, but they only have the power to change themselves. Sometimes tapping into your inner monster is the only way you can find the strength to do the right thing.

Anna: It seems to circle around to embracing the things in ourselves we are running from and finding somewhere for them to live. There are many points where Vincent is

utterly unlikeable. He’s cutting and mean, and whatever charm those who know him saw in the past seems well gone. However, in the end, he finds a way to rediscover himself and find a space for being a father in a way he has never known before. Eric helped Vincent to find Edgar and helped Edgar share a part of himself he was scared to with his father. All in all, it’s a pretty touching tale that focuses on the messiness and beauty of being human. m

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

UNDER THE BRIDGE

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Hulu

Based on the book of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey and the true story of the murder of Reena Virk, this new series documents the sad and brutal tale of both Reena’s life and the aftermath of her murder. Reena was 14 when she was murdered, and prior to her death, she was just another teenager desperate to fit in. She lived a family life that was loving but not what she wanted. Her family were Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Reena felt othered because of it—and she didn’t fit in with her family’s beliefs either.

The series adds Rebecca Godfrey (Riley Keough) as a character, the writer who has come home to follow the story and who finds herself entrenched in the young lives that surrounded Reena, those who end up facing charges for her murder. Godfrey has a complicated relationship with investigator Cam Bentland (Lily Gladstone) and an unorthodox way of drawing the story out of the teens she befriends.

Gladstone) questions Josephine Bell (Chloe Guidry) and other kids from a group home about a missing and possibly murdered teen, in Under the Bridge, on Hulu.

Compelling and ultimately tragic, this series shines a light on the dire consequences that can come from groupthink and unchecked adolescence. A must-watch for fans of police dramas and true crime. (eight 45-min. episodes)

A MAN IN FULL

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Charlie Croker (Jeff Daniels) thinks he’s got the world by the tail. He’s the biggest real estate developer in Atlanta after all, a man who travels by private jet, has the ear of politicians, and gets what he wants when he wants it. That is until sniveling mid-level banker Raymond Peepgrass (Tom Pelphrey) gets a bug up his butt about Croker’s severely leveraged financial position and enlists his higher-up, Harry Zale (Bill Camp), to put the screws to Croker and force him into bankruptcy. What follows is Croker’s desperate fight for survival.

Based on Tom Wolfe’s 1998 novel but set in the present, this Netflix miniseries makes a game and entertaining attempt at capturing Wolfe’s sprawling narrative and all its sundry subplots, but honestly, it’s only somewhat effective. Daniels is, as always, a joy to watch chewing the scenery, this time as a Southernfried patriarch with a younger wife (Sarah Jones) and an ex-wife he never should have left (Diane Lane). Croker pulls out all the stops—snake wrestling, really?—trying to woo an investor.

MISSING: When their 9-year-old son goes missing, unhappy couple Cassie (Gaby Hoffman) and Vincent (Benedict Cumberbatch) find their troubled relationship deteriorating, in Eric , streaming on Netflix.

He’s too thick to understand how unsavory he truly is. The series has its charms, but once again, Tom Wolfe’s source material proves an elusive and untamable beast. (six 38- to 48-min. episodes) m

TROUBLED TEENS: Investigator Cam Bentland (Lily

SWOLLEN: Jeff Daniels stars as Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker, who discovers his empire is crumbling, in the Netflix miniseries A Man in Full, based on Tom Wolfe’s novel.

It’s

always sunny in …

Thinly sliced tri-tip is the star of Oakie Smokie BBQ’s cheesesteaks, nachos, and quesadillas

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Thanks to his locally inspired spin on a traditional cheesesteak sandwich, Santa Maria chef Jesse Carlon’s tribute to the Philadelphia staple is a frequent standout during pop-up barbecue events.

“We replicate the Philly, but it’s made with barbecue tri-tip,” said Carlon, the owner and founder of Oakie Smokie BBQ.

A lifelong Central Coast resident, Carlon grew up with the Santa Maria-style barbecue tradition. The idea of fiddling around with tri-tip sandwiches by adding mozzarella or anything other than barbecue sauce or salsa initially seemed like taboo territory, Carlon explained.

“I didn’t grow up with it. I grew up with the opposite: You don’t do nothing to your tri-tip,” the chef said. “I wanted to bend the rules a little bit and thought, let’s try this out—and it was good, so I ran with it.”

Carlon started dishing out his tri-tip version of the Philly cheesesteak in 2022, two years after starting Oakie Smokie as a microenterprise home kitchen operation (MEHKO) in 2020.

Over the past four years, the barbecue vendor has grilled for public and private events in Santa Maria, Nipomo, Oceano, and other cities across the Central Coast.

The Santa Maria-style cheesesteak sandwich idea came about around the same time Carlon started incorporating tri-tip-centric quesadillas and nachos into his menu as well, about two years ago.

In a nutshell, Carlon described his cheesesteak nachos as “the same thing as the sandwich except … in a nacho form.”

Both the cheesesteak sandwiches and nacho platters come with thinly sliced tri-tip; sautéed bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños; and chipotle aioli sauce, all blanketed together

Summer grubbing

For updates on Oakie Smokie BBQ’s summer pop-up series and what kinds of menu offerings patrons can expect each Friday, call (805) 3327226 or follow the Santa Maria-based

with mozzarella cheese. The cheesesteak quesadilla shares these ingredients as well.

All of Oakie Smokie BBQ’s nacho selections come with fresh pinto beans, made from scratch, and tortilla chips sourced from Taco Works, based in San Luis Obispo. Aside from the cheesesteak nachos, which has mozzarella, Carlon’s nacho plates of other varieties usually come with cheddar jack cheese.

There’s a lot of room for customization throughout Carlon’s menu, which also features chicken and pork ribs.

I NEED A HERO: Tri-tip; sautéed bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños; mozzarella cheese; and chipotle aioli sauce unite within Oakie Smokie BBQ’s Santa Maria-style cheesesteak sandwich.

PHOTOS

LICENSE TO GRILL: Based in Santa Maria, Oakie Smokie BBQ—established in 2020—regularly hosts pop-up events and caters private and public events across the Central Coast.

ALL THE FIXINGS: Pinto beans and garlic bread are among the sides usually found on Oakie Smokie BBQ’s combination plates of pork ribs, tri-tip, or chicken.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

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. You must be self-motivated, ambitious and an independent person. Successful reps will have a sincere desire to help our clients assess their needs and work together to create marketing campaigns that increase their business.

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Tri-tip strikes again as one of the meat options for his tacos, prepared like traditional Mexican street tacos with onions and cilantro, along with salsa and lime slices on the side.

When Carlon is catering an event or hosting a pop-up barbecue, his combo plates often come with a choice of meat and sides, such as pinto beans, potato salad, and a slice of garlic bread. These three sides in particular will adorn the barbecue plates set to be served during Carlon’s new pop-up series at his home in Santa Maria.

The weekly series kicks off on June 14 and will continue every Friday throughout the summer. Each week, Carlon will alternate between two menu options. The aforementioned barbecue plate selection with multiple meat options takes up one menu, while the second menu focuses on tri-tip with sandwiches, quesadillas, and nacho platters.

Each meal comes with a complimentary drink too. Beverage options include water, soda, lemonade, and tea. Hopeful patrons of the pop-ups can stay updated on the new Friday series by following Oakie Smokie on Instagram or Facebook, where Carlon enjoys posting reels regularly, he said with a laugh.

Carlon promotes the business’s upcoming whereabouts via social media as well. Oakie

Smokie’s next big gig is in Los Olivos, where Carlon will be stationed at Zaca Mesa Winery’s Summer Barbecue Open House on June 15. Along with upcoming events, Carlon said he’s also stoked to announce that he’s in the production phase of getting his specialty tri-tip and pork rib seasonings available for purchase on their own at certain storefronts. Before first embarking on his Oakie Smokie adventure as a home kitchen operation during the pandemic, Carlon toyed with the idea of starting a business of this kind for a while.

“Between 2014 and 2020, the idea floated there,” Carlon said. “I’ve definitely always been a food guy. I’ve been barbecuing since the early 2000s, since my teenage years. It was a struggle [at first] but I finally got it down.”

Carlon said his biggest influences at the time were his dad, uncles, and others “who barbecued around me when I was younger, so I took on that hobby as a teenager.”

“When I bought a home in 2014, I was able to barbecue all the time. … I kind of mastered the Santa Maria-style pit,” Carlon said. “I just practiced the craft and mastered the meats I was working with.” m

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood loves dipping tri-tip in chunky salsa. Send hoagie rolls to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

DILLA OR NO DEAL: Oakie Smokie BBQ started incorporating

CLASSIES

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Hello Summer