Local students could soon earn four-year degrees at Allan Hancock College—but the program awaits CSU approval [8]
BY EMMA MONTALBANO AND TAYLOR O’CONNOR
Cities, county talk street vendors [4]
Venom is surprisingly watchable [24]
Paint meets music in Los Olivos [22]
Adream a dozen years in the making is on the verge of becoming a reality for Allan Hancock College. Kevin Walthers, Hancock’s president and superintendent, has been paving the path for the community college’s students to earn four-year degrees without having to leave their home base. While the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office recently gave provisional approval for the program, the California State University System has yet to green-light it. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor digs into the issue, and editorial intern Emma Montalbano highlights a new Hancock partnership with Cal Poly to offer a bachelor’s degree in sociology [8]
This week, you can also read about how local jurisdictions want to address unpermitted food vendors [4]; the harmony of music and paint at Gallery Los Olivos [22]; and the new Alma Rosa vineyard tours [25]
Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) is inviting the public to a workshop on Unmet Transit Needs.
WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs Meeting
WHEN: Thursday December 5, 2024. First meeting will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Second meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Santa Maria Public Library Shephard Hall, 1st Floor 421 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454
If you cannot attend the workshop, but would like to provide comments, please mail comments to the City of Santa Maria at 110 S. Pine Street, Suite 221, Santa Maria, CA 93458. Comments may also be emailed directly to smrtcomments@cityofsantamaria.org with subject “Unmet Transit Needs.”
You can also call (805) 925-0951, ext. 2170 for more information or to provide comment. The last day to submit comments is Friday, December 6, 2024.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact SMRT at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 928-5624.
The meeting will be Spanish and Mixteco language accessible if requested. Las reuniónes serán accesibles en Español y Mixteco si se solicita. Favor de llamar a SMRT al (805) 925-0951 ext. 2170, para más información de la reunión o para solicitar un intérprete.
• Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Joe Holland reminds voters that as Election Day approaches, voters have several options for returning their ballots, according to an Oct. 24 statement from the county. “All registered voters in Santa Barbara County were mailed an official vote-by-mail ballot and voting materials in early October,” Holland said in the statement. “Now it’s time to return the ballot.” After the ballot has been marked with the voter’s selections, it should be sealed in the provided envelope, signed, and dated. “It is critical that the return envelope is signed. Each ballot signature is cross-checked with the voter’s registration signature so the ballot can be validated before it is counted.” Voters may choose to return their ballot through the U.S. Postal Service, no postage necessary. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 5. The Elections Office provides several drop boxes throughout the county that are available 24 hours a day, until 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. To avoid concerns about postal delivery delays, voters are encouraged to use a drop box to return their ballot. Find a list of drop box locations at sbcvote.com.
• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler (both D-California) applauded President Joe Biden’s and Vice President Kamala Harris nomination of Judge Serena Murillo and Judge Benjamin Cheeks to fill vacancies in the U.S. District Courts for the Central District and Southern District of California, respectively, according to an Oct. 23 statement from Padilla’s office. “Judge Murillo and Judge Cheeks hold a wealth of litigation experience, with long-standing commitments to justice and deep roots in the Southern California legal community,” Padilla said in the statement. “The daughter of a Mexican-American farmworker and a school teacher, Judge Murillo has demonstrated a tireless work ethic and developed extensive criminal and civil judicial experience with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Judge Cheeks has earned immense respect from his colleagues in the Southern District and has fought to protect vulnerable immigrants against fraud. I applaud President Biden for his continued commitment to nominating highly qualified, diverse judges to serve California.” Murillo has been a judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court since 2015. She also served as an associate justice pro tem on the California Courts of Appeal from 2018 to 2019. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Murillo served as a deputy district attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office from 1997 to 2014. Cheeks has been a United States magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of California since July 2024. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Cheeks was a criminal defense lawyer in private practice at the Law Offices of Benjamin J. Cheeks in San Diego from 2013 to 2024.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the start of a new service year for the California Service Corps, with 10,000 service members expected to provide more than 5 million service hours in 2025, according to an Oct. 21 statement from Newsom’s office. The members will help communities by tutoring and mentoring K-through-12 students; supporting disaster recovery; combating food insecurity and connecting vulnerable people to resources and services; and taking climate action by planting trees, preventing wildfires, and installing solar panels. Members receive living stipends, and many can receive up to $10,000 toward higher education after completing their service to be used for college, trade school, or to pay back student loans. “As we launch this new service year with the nation’s largest service corps, we reaffirm that service to others is the highest form of civic duty,” Newsom said in the statement. “These paid opportunities embody the best of California’s values—a commitment to each other, mutual understanding, and the belief that when we lift others, we all rise together.” m
Al pastor meat sitting in a 5 gallon, dirty plastic bucket on the side of the road. Beans, tamales, and/or fruit resting in coolers with no hint as to where the food’s been prepared. Grease from what’s been cooked dumped into gutters, storm drains, and transportation paths.
These are some of the food health and safety hazards Santa Barbara County’s jurisdictions have seen because of unpermitted food vendors and street cart operations. But state legislation has tied the county’s and cities’ hands, according to Joan Hartmann.
“They [the Legislature] had good intentions, but I think they are hurting the very people they wanted to help, at least in our community, and we need to make that clear,” Hartmann, Santa Barbara County 3rd District supervisor, said during the Oct. 23 Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) meeting.
SBCAG brings together representatives from the county and its eight cities typically to discuss transportation, but Hartmann and her staff brought this to the dais because—like transit— unpermitted food vendors know no boundaries.
“Every city is grappling with some component of this phenomenon to differing degrees, and it was the best venue I could think of to put it out there for discussion,” Hartmann told the Sun in an emailed statement.
Moving forward, all eight cities and the county are launching a public awareness campaign, developing a formal task force to tackle these operations that have sprawled since the state relaxed regulations around street food vending, and preparing a joint letter to urge state action to curb roadside and sidewalk food vending.
“My top priority remains safeguarding the public from foodborne illness and safety hazards, while also supporting our local businesses, many of which are immigrant-owned, as they face unfair competition from unregulated vendors,” Hartmann said in the statement.
In 2018, the state passed SB 946, which prevented local law enforcement agencies from imposing criminal penalties for sidewalk vendors; they can only impose administrative fines, 3rd District Chief of Staff Gina Fischer told the SBCAG directors. Later in 2022, the state passed SB 972, which modernized the California Retail Food Code, simplified the permitting process, and relaxed equipment standards for sidewalk vendors selling “low-risk food items.”
“It’s a safeguard for low-income and immigrant communities, particularly in the wake of federal immigration efforts ongoing at that
time that targeted prioritization of deportation of undocumented individuals who could have had even relatively minor criminal offenses, like misdemeanors for sidewalk vending,” Fischer said. “While it removed the threat for criminal penalties, it has also made it difficult for jurisdictions to enforce regulations limiting sidewalk vending.”
The Santa Ynez Valley faces a unique challenge because vendors typically set up shop on Highways 246 and 154, which are in the state’s jurisdiction, and local regulatory agencies can’t conduct any enforcement.
In Santa Barbara County, only two vendors have gone through the mobile food cart permitting process. Santa Maria’s code enforcement division has responded to 70 unpermitted sidewalk vendors and issued 32 citations in the past year—with activity jumping in 2018, Interim Director of Community Development Dana Eady told the Sun.
Several Santa Maria restaurants came forward pleading for action as they shared their experiences of vendors setting up shop in front of their business and taking away potential customers.
“I hope you can all see this is a major problem; it’s a problem that’s gotten out of control,” said Magaly Villanueva, office manager of Santa Maria’s Tortilleria Mexico. “I hope with these presentations you guys see how big of a problem this is for brick-and-mortar restaurants, and this is a time for change.
“We have three businesses in town and it’s hard; we have businesses going out of business because of illegal street vending.”
—Taylor O’Connor
Six months into its projected two-year duration, Solvang’s list of city goals is split between projects underway and those dormant since April.
City staff recently drafted a status update that outlines some of the campaign’s improvement projects in progress, while stamping others as “on hold” or “no work completed.”
Originally labeled as a consent item, the progress report was flagged by Mayor Mark Infanti for further discussion—and to remove a proposed goal he described as impossible—at the Solvang City Council’s Oct. 28 meeting.
Infanti asked for clarity on a few of the initiative’s 16 ongoing projects, which address water storage improvements, tourism expansion, and other issues, but his primary concern was with one of staff’s 16 additional proposals set aside to prioritize in the future.
“You can’t put housing on Lot 72,” Infanti said,
referring to the latter list’s top ranked goal—to evaluate potential housing opportunities at the aforementioned lot.
The 16-acre parcel of open space on Alisal Mesa Road is part of the Mission Santa Inés National Historic Landmark District, managed by Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP).
“It is not available for housing. Period,” Infanti said at the Oct. 28 meeting. “That was put in here because it was suggested by … residents of the community, but that’s not going to happen.”
Like all 32 of the city goal campaign’s listed priorities, staff’s Lot 72 evaluation proposal was inspired by community feedback heard at a public workshop in March. Staff put together a list of potential projects in ranking order for the City Council to review in April. The initial list was greenlit at the council’s April 8 meeting.
“I have been communicating with the Santa Barbara Historical Society, … and I have talked to the Chumash about the archaeological environment that exists there,” Infanti said. “There are some discussions about Lot 72 because there is one section of it that’s designated for parking, but … we’re not going to build housing on it.”
Councilmembers David Brown and Robert Clarke agreed with Infanti’s call to remove the Lot 72 proposal from the list, and the amended report was approved with a 3-0 vote (Councilmembers Claudia Orona and Elizabeth Orona were absent).
Prior to the vote, another housing goal that caught Infanti’s attention was on staff’s list of ongoing projects. The second highest prioritized project is described as “analyze limited uses in the urban growth boundary for affordable and work force housing to meet state law and community needs.”
In staff’s progress report, the project’s status reads: “No work completed.”
After Infanti asked staff why work hasn’t started on the project yet, City Manager Randy Murphy said it’s been assigned to the Planning Department, which is responsible for spearheading several of the list’s goals.
According to the Oct. 28 staff report, some key city vacancies—including utility director, management analyst, and development technician—have “only recently been filled, so progress on most of these goals has been slow,” and staff “anticipates more momentum for the next quarterly update.”
—Caleb Wiseblood
In the face of student violence, discrimination allegations from students, leadership changes at Pioneer Valley High School, and behavioral issues, high school district board candidates Gabriel A. Morales and Alma Hernandez see communication from the district as a key component to addressing these issues.
Morales and Hernandez are facing off in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s first by-district election to represent Trustee Area 3. While the candidate will still carry all of the district’s interests in mind, voters who live between Skyway Drive and Bradley Road, south from Stowell Road, and north of the Santa Maria airport will cast their ballots for their representative on the school board.
“I really felt like I have the skill set to connect with parents and students because of my work and engagement and to be able to take on this role,” said Hernandez, the incumbent. Hernandez was appointed to the board last year to fill former board member Amy Lopez’s seat after she moved to Pismo Beach. Since her time on the board, Hernandez has supported additional mental health services coming online through campus wellness centers and increased math requirements from two to three years to help more students meet state college requirements.
Morales worked in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District for 10 years as a parent trainer and teacher trainer and then worked as a consultant for the state Department of Education. He ran for the county Board of Education in 2016 but lost by 800 votes, he said.
He joined the high school district race after speaking with the teachers’ faculty union, which encouraged him to go for the position, he said.
“I think leadership and community is really important, it always has been,” Morales said. “That’s what’s missing is getting the community involved at our schools, it’s the heart of our community.”
Districtwide, residents will also vote on a $194 million bond measure (known as Measure J) that is meant to fund a new comprehensive high school and help address overcrowding across the district’s four sites. Both candidates voiced support for the bond measure and said they believe it will help address some of the issues seen districtwide.
“One of the ways to alleviate violence concerns or safety concerns is to be able to have an additional school so there can be more services and accessibility for students in each school,” Hernandez said. “I do understand the concerns of having a bond and additional cost, but not just our schools’ but our community’s safety and ability to thrive—it’s dependent on having strong schools.”
During the Sept. 10 school board meeting, several students who are English learners came forward during public comment with allegations about discrimination and racism in the classrooms and asked for help from the board to prevent these behaviors. “The community needs to know it’s going to be addressed and we are putting things
in place so they are not feeling discriminated against in any way,” Morales said. “Things have to be addressed sooner rather than later.”
In October, high school faculty told the board about their experiences with violence on school campuses—with students hiding in classrooms to avoid being assaulted and teachers fearing retaliation if they speak out.
Hernandez agreed that there’s room for improvement for the district’s lines of communication with the community.
“No. 1 is we want to make sure we understand exactly what’s happening—just listening to the teachers, working with the administrators,” Hernandez said. “We’ve done some training on safety in the past regarding violence if something happens. We’re working to make sure we have not only good collaboration with our safety officers, but also mental health programs to make sure there’s no challenges in the pathways to getting needs addressed.”
Morales also said that mental health and behavioral support systems need to be in place at each site, but the district should improve its efforts to work with parents, the juvenile justice system departments, and the elementary school districts to address concerns of violence.
Students coming into the high school who have instances of violence or outbursts during class often had similar issues in the elementary school, and it’s important for the district to have open lines of communication with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, Morales said.
“It’s a feeder system; it’s like a doctor accepting a new patient: They aren’t going to accept [them] without a full medical profile,” he said.
“There’s something going on in them, causing them to act out, and we need to find out what those issues are.” m
—Taylor O’Connor
now!
FOUR-YEAR DEGREES: Allan Hancock College graduates may soon be celebrating bachelor’s degree diplomas. The college hopes to offer the four-year degrees starting in the 2027 school year—a long-awaited opportunity—but it still needs the California State University system to green-light the degree.
Allan Hancock College is one step closer to offering a four-year degree program but still needs CSU approval
BY EMMA MONTALBANO AND TAYLOR O’CONNOR
For the 12 years Kevin Walthers has been with Allan Hancock College, he has tried to work with the California State University System to make obtaining four-year degrees an opportunity for students on the Santa Maria campus. He’s so close to making that long-awaited dream a reality.
Hancock recently received provisional approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for a new Bachelor of Science degree in applied professional studies—a career technical education degree that prepares students for professional roles in agriculture, manufacturing, professional services, space launch enterprises, and health care.
“It’s certainly exciting in our community. … A lot of our students are excited because they can’t afford to leave for a bachelor’s degree,” said Walthers, Hancock’s president and superintendent. “This is designed to get people into the workforce, with the help of our local industry who said, ‘This would be a valuable degree we look for when hiring people.’”
Students would be able to start on an associate degree track and move on to the bachelor’s degree or hop onto the four-year track right out of the gate. Human resources for small businesses or sales, real estate, contracts, and logistics jobs in the agricultural industry are a few opportunities Walthers imagines students could pursue.
Although the community college hopes students will be able to start the four-year track by fall 2027, Hancock still has some hurdles to clear.
State law says that community colleges can offer bachelor’s degree programs as long as it doesn’t duplicate any programs in the California State University system. Walthers said that Hancock’s faculty spent hundreds of hours poring over every single California State University (CSU), University of California (UC), and private college program to make sure that Hancock’s program would be unique.
“What we’ve seen in the past is there have been objections to other colleges’ baccalaureate degrees,” he said.
Sacramento State objected to a bachelor’s
degree in applied science in building performance from Santa Clarita’s College of the Canyons, saying that it had a similar program and believed its enrollment would decrease as a result.
“Even though the schools were 300 miles apart, Sacramento State said that it would impact our programming. How can a school 300 miles away object to a program a community college is offering?” Walthers asked. “I don’t know the politics of CSU and what’s going on in the California State University system, but we were very diligent to make sure that it doesn’t compete with any of their [universities].”
During the 2024 legislative cycle, lawmakers attempted to green-light 10 community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing, but Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill in September, saying in his veto message that it could “inadvertently undermine” collaboration between segments of higher education.
There used to be a distance component in the legislation, but “that has disappeared, unfortunately,” Walthers said.
Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo is the closest CSU to Santa Maria, but students often can’t afford the drive, or the tuition, to attend the univesity, Walthers said.
A study conducted by the RP Group—a nonprofit that does research for California’s 116 community colleges—found that colleges outside a 25-mile drive to the nearest CSU or UC campus had lower rates of transfers from two-year to four-year institutions. Hancock sits 33 miles away from Cal Poly and 64 miles away from UC Santa Barbara.
In the meantime, to try and meet students where they’re at, Cal Poly recently partnered with Hancock and Cuesta College to allow students in specific programs to earn a bachelor’s degree from the CSU on Hancock’s or Cuesta’s campus through a 2+2 program.
Instead of transferring to the university’s campus to earn their bachelor’s degree sociology or in liberal studies, Hancock and Cuesta students, respectively, will stay on their community college campuses, be considered Cal Poly transfer students, and be taught by Cal Poly professors.
Cal Poly Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Terrance Harris said that students will be able to apply for financial aid and be given access to Cal Poly facilities, including the Recreation Center and future library. Virtual resources will also be available for those who can’t make it to campus.
At Hancock, 20 sociology students started taking classes toward their bachelor’s degree on the community college’s campus this fall quarter.
“Twenty students is great, but that doesn’t solve the problem,” Walthers said. “I mean, that doesn’t address the need that we have in our community for additional programs.”
Anais Diaz graduated from Hancock with two associate degrees, one in sociology and the other in liberal arts. She applied for Hancock’s first 2+2 program but was not selected as one of the 20 students.
The Santa Maria native works as the outreach program manager for the Good Samaritan Shelter and is vice president of the House of Pride and Equality, which creates safe spaces in Santa Maria for LGBTQ-plus community members.
“It just doesn’t make sense to move somewhere else, when I was born and raised in Santa Maria,” Diaz said. “I’m a local. I’m a native. I’m very embedded in my community.”
If given the opportunity to speak to a Cal Poly admissions officer, Diaz said she would tell them that she hopes they make the cohorts bigger, add more majors to the program, and really consider local students in neighboring towns who are invested in their education but can’t relocate.
Harris with Cal Poly said they “hope to continue to grow these opportunities, and potentially have some additional 2+2 programs” in the future.
As transfers, the students on Cuesta’s and Hancock’s campuses will be expected to pay Cal Poly’s full tuition and fees, which vary depending on residency status and the program. According to Cal Poly’s undergraduate costs website, in-state transfer students will pay at least $12,000 for the academic year.
Hancock’s potential bachelor’s degree would cost $46 per unit for the first two years and $130 per unit for the final two years, bringing the total cost of the four-year degree to $10,560. For Hancock Promise-eligible students, the first two years’ unit fees will be waived, reducing the total cost to $7,800.
“They’re different programs, and our struggle has been not having control of what we know our community needs,” Walthers said when comparing the 2+2 program to Hancock’s potential bachelor’s degree offering. “We’re a community college, and having to wait for the CSU System or Cal Poly to offer programs they deem appropriate just isn’t fair to the underserved students in our region.”
CSUs get to object to the degrees that community colleges hope to offer, but an objection wouldn’t necessarily cancel the program entirely. Rather, it would send it to a separate round of negotiations overseen by a third party.
“Let’s assume that it gets through the whole process with CSU. After that, it’s really a matter of us putting together the classes, the junior- and senior-level [classes]. We have to send those to the state and get those signed off,” Walthers said.
The CSU system has until November to get back to the community colleges. Hancock will know if it gets the green light by December.
“Our hope is that the CSU is not going to push back and say somebody needs to serve this community and not try to put [in] a roadblock,” he said. m
Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor contributed to original reporting done by New Times editorial intern Emma Montalbano, from the Sun’s sister paper. Reach Taylor at toconnor@santamariasun. com and Emma at ntintern@newtimesslo.com.
Lompoc school district celebrates Dia de los Muertos
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Marigolds, colorful paper banners, traditional foods, candles, and memories.
These and other meaningful elements will come together to create a community altar at this year’s Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) Dia de los Muertos event. The district invites community members to celebrate their ancestors and culture on Nov. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. at 320 North J St.
Brian Jaramillo, LUSD assistant superintendent of educational services, explained that this event will allow families to share aspects of their culture and traditions with their children in a welcoming and educational environment.
“To me, personally, it really is about that connection with our ancestors, and that connection with that kind of dual aspect of life and death that we live with and being able to honor that in our daily existence and help our next generation honor that as well,” Jaramillo said.
According to the Mexican Museum, the traditions involved in Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated more than 3,000 years ago from the practices of the native peoples of the Americas. Celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 each year, this tradition brings the living and the dead together in joyful remembrance.
The Lompoc Unified district profile shows that more than 70 percent of its students are Hispanic or Latino. To foster pride in cultural heritage, the theme of this year’s LUSD event is Honoring Our Cultures to Inspire Our Future, which, according to Jaramillo, emphasizes the importance of helping local students acknowledge and respect their roots.
“The students in our district, you know, they need something to connect to and something that’s kind of just like the theme, that’s going to push them into the future,” Jaramillo said. “What better thing for them to connect to than their roots, their culture, something that’s meaningful to them and their family?”
In addition to the community altar, the celebration will include live entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, and art displays featuring local talent. Jaramillo said that there are few events in Lompoc centered on “this kind of deep cultural context,” so he particularly enjoys seeing how students participate and get involved in this event each year.
“It’s that student excitement that I really look forward to,” he
said. “It’s just seeing the parents and their children come together to just celebrate this event.”
Similarly, LUSD outreach consultant Manuela Venegas said she looks forward to watching students interact with activities that connect them with their cultural roots. Outside of this annual event, Venegas tries to help students in the district understand the significance of their backgrounds and how they can continue upholding traditions.
“I’m trying to teach our kids that, you know, it’s your responsibility to preserve what your ancestors started,” Venegas said.
According to Venegas, Dia de los Muertos traditions look different for every family, but one constant remains: It’s a celebration.
“It’s like our chance just to pretty much party with our ancestors for that little bit,” Venegas said. “Even though we know they’re not there, to us in our souls, they are there.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/ LompocUSD or email diadelosmuertos@lusd.org.
• The Pacific Southwest Region of the Los Padres National Forest nominated Santa Lucia Ranger District employee Helen Tarbet for the Gifford Pinchot Award for Excellence in Interpretation and Conservation Education. The regional office selected Tarbet for her contributions in developing and delivering interpretive educational programs over her 26-year career. Tarbet spearheaded the Santa Lucia Ranger District’s youth outreach program, bringing interpretive bilingual environmental education to nearly 3,000 students in 2024. She will now compete against other regional award winners across the United States for national recognition.
• People for Peace invites the community to a vigil for peace in the Middle East on Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at the mural on Broadway, located between Santa Maria City Hall and the library. People are encouraged to bring candles, flowers, and pictures of those who have been lost in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon, and organizers also invite faith leaders to say a prayer for peace. For more information, contact Gale McNeeley at gale.mcneeley@ gmail.com or (805) 406-4997. m Reach editorial intern Emma Montalbano through the editor at clanham@santamariasun.com.
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What’s the most photogenic type of pet?
64% Cats! Grumpy, cuddly, klutzy— they’re the best!
18% Fish. Their fins really tip the scales.
9% It’s all about dogs—their eyes, their tricks, their loyalty.
9% Reptiles—their prehistoric poses make the best pics!
11 Votes
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The Lompoc school district trustee has a proven track record of helping her community
BY RON FINK
Jerri Thiel is competing for reelection to the Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) board of trustees for District 1. In her current term she has a credible voting record and has proven to be an able representative for her constituents and everyone else in the entire school district.
Back in 2017, I wrote this Noozhawk commentary concerning the Lompoc Unified School District, “Lompoc Schools Are Failing Students,” (March 28):
“The Lompoc Unified School District has failed to provide an adequate education for its students as demonstrated by the state’s objective measurement system. The most discouraging metric was that students weren’t making progress toward English language proficiency from one year to the next as measured by the California English Language Development Test results.
“Country singer John Conlee performed a hit
Mayor Alice Patino has been serving the community of Santa Maria since 2000. As a city official for 24 years, she has a proven track record of supporting public safety. Under her leadership, backing, and approval, Mayor Patino has facilitated adding two new fire stations, relocating a fire station, and adding a second fully staffed response unit to Station 1.
To further protect the community and ensure firefighter safety, Mayor Patino supported a quarter cent sales tax in 2012 and committed 90 percent of that revenue to public safety. She not only followed through on her promise, she took another bold step forward in 2018 and asked the community to support a sales tax increase. The citizens overwhelmingly stood behind her and first responders by passing a full 1 cent sales tax and, again, Mayor Patino committed 90 percent
called ‘Stuff That Works’ several years ago, his premise was that we shouldn’t change anything that’s working well. Back when I went to school the focus was on reading, writing (penmanship and composition) and arithmetic.
“Today the focus must be on something else because too many kids are graduating high school who lack these basic skills.”
Let’s fast forward seven years to 2024. Have things improved? LUSD currently has 8,955 students attending class on 16 campuses. The district superintendent recently distributed a community report describing what LUSD is doing to help our kids succeed in life.
The latest Local Agency Accountability Report Card available for the LUSD was posted on the California Department of Education website for 2022; it was a dismal evaluation. For example, only 35 percent of the 4,434 students tested met or exceeded state English language arts/ literature standards and only 21 percent met the mathematics standard.
According to her campaign website, Thiel’s priorities are to prepare students to be college and/or career ready, on grade level in English language arts and math and emphasize a focus on reading, writing, math, history, civics, and
of those funds to public safety.
No one can argue that a community would be safer if there was a police officer on every corner and a few more fire stations, but they have to balance that with what they can afford. For two decades the citizens of Santa Maria have demonstrated their support by funding new fire stations and hiring additional firefighters.
And for two decades Alice Patino has honored her oath to protect the community. She and the firefighters do that each and every day, and they will continue protecting the Santa Maria Valley through selfless service for our community.
Mayor Patino and the City Council have consistently demonstrated their support for the Police Department and Fire Department as they were elected to do for the citizens of Santa Maria.
Leonard Champion
Santa Maria/Orcutt
Santa Maria fire chief, retired
science. Considering the low achievement levels of students in LUSD, this might just help them.
Recently she was the lone “no” vote on a motion to place the Measure M school bond on the ballot. I asked her why. She said that the district paid a consulting group to poll potential voters, and the staff used the results to come up with the proposed language for the bond measure.
But Thiel did some polling of her own by using her feet and reaching out to her constituents to see what they thought. She said that there many people on fixed incomes who own homes and felt that the additional burden of paying for the bond would have an impact on their in-home budget. Secondly, those who rent homes will undoubtedly see a rent increase to cover the cost the owner of the property will pay.
Besides, the bond will only cover less than onethird of the cost of improvements, and the LUSD has established no priorities—it just has a generic statement to explain what voters are being asked to approve.
A vote for Jerri Thiel is for someone who will represent your interests and the future of students in the entire school district. m
Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
Vote Perez for mayor
Everyone recognizes that Lompoc is a community with immense potential. From its beautiful natural surroundings, historical richness, and vibrant cultural life to its agricultural prowess and dedicated residents, Lompoc has all the makings of a thriving city. However, despite these desirable assets, we’ve seen the city struggle with a lack of active leadership on its City Council, leadership that takes real responsibility for Lompoc’s future and does not simply point fingers at outside forces.
Lydia Perez is exactly the kind of leader Lompoc needs. As an operations supervisor for People’s Self-Help Housing and a longtime housing expert, Lydia has the experience, energy, and vision to address one of Lompoc’s most pressing issues: housing development. But her passion doesn’t stop at housing. Lydia understands that making Lompoc a more prosperous city means working on everything from increasing job opportunities and supporting local businesses to making our city safer and more welcoming for families and seniors alike. She knows how to work collaboratively, bringing people together to tackle hard problems.
Lydia will not be a council member who just attends the weekly meetings. She’s hands-on, ready to roll up her sleeves and work with local property owners, business leaders, and everyday residents to unlock Lompoc’s full potential. She will create opportunities for dialogue through workshops and forums and going one-on-one into the community, truly listening to residents to craft solutions that work for everyone. Her leadership style is dynamic, thoughtful, and solutions-oriented. She is fearless and forward-looking, always eager to pull in partners who can accomplish far more together than working alone in silos.
Lydia Perez is also a mother who deeply cares about the future of Lompoc for families. She’s committed to making Lompoc safer, healthier, and more vibrant for all. From addressing the rising crime rates and ongoing homelessness, to finding innovative ways to bring more economic opportunities closer to home, Lydia is the leader we need right now.
Lompoc can no longer afford to sit back and blame others for its challenges. The time has come for concerted action, and Lydia Perez is the candidate who will be that energetic, actionoriented leader. Let’s stop dwelling on the past— on tired narratives that don’t serve—and start building a better future for Lompoc. I urge you to vote for Lydia Perez, Mayor—a new kind of leader for Lompoc.
There’s nothing like the feeling of turning a dream into reality, especially after a long wait. Allan Hancock College is right there, on the threshold of bringing a long-awaited goal to fruition for local students.
For the 12 years he’s been at Hancock’s helm, Kevin Walthers has worked to get a bachelor’s degree offered on campus. The college recently got good news: provisional approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Now it just needs the thumbs up from the California State University (CSU) higher-ups.
Walthers is holding his breath. As are the myriad students who would love to earn a four-year degree but can’t travel up to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly. “It’s certainly exciting in our community,” the president and superintendent said. “A lot of our students are excited because they can’t afford to leave for a bachelor’s degree.”
He explained that this Bachelor of Science in applied professional studies is designed with Northern County in mind. It prepares students for professional roles in agriculture, professional services, manufacturing, space launch enterprises, and health care, all of which need a growing local base of employees.
“This is designed to get people into the workforce, with the help of our local industry who said, ‘This would be a valuable degree we look for when hiring people,’” Walthers said. While we wait to see if the CSU can’t find a reason to reject Hancock’s bachelor’s degree program, Cal Poly and the community college have begun a new partnership. I’m eager to see how it works out for the 20 students who get to earn a sociology degree through the 2+2 program—two years through Hancock, two years through Cal Poly, all on Hancock’s campus.
Don’t TRASH ’em... Come out and SMASH ’em!
Don’t send your tired old pumpkins and gourds to the landfill—bring them to our Pumpkin Smashing event for a fun way to recycle. It’s free, and all ages are welcome. Come on down for a smashing good time!
“Twenty students is great, but that doesn’t solve the problem,” Walthers said. “That doesn’t address the need that we have in our community for additional programs.”
I’m crowning Walthers the Fierce Defender of Santa Maria Students. Well done!
I’ve got another Fierce Defender crown to hand out. This one goes to 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann for speaking up against illegal food vendors. She took the issue all the way to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) on Oct. 23. The agency brings together county and city reps to tackle transportation issues, but Hartmann and her staff brought up dangerous street meat vendors because the problem knows no boundaries.
The current state rules prevent law enforcement from imposing criminal penalties on sidewalk vendors; instead, they can issue administrative fines, which don’t go on criminal records, which won’t flag potentially undocumented vendors for deportation. Thus the law solved a few legitimate problems and created more.
“[The Legislature] had good intentions, but I think they are hurting the very people they wanted to help, at least in our community, and we need to make that clear,” Hartmann said. Folks from local restaurants shared stories of illegal vendors setting up shop in front of brickand-mortars.
“It’s a problem that’s gotten out of control,” said Magaly Villanueva with Tortilleria Mexico. “We have businesses going out of business because of illegal street vending.” Keep up the fierce defending work, Hartmann—that crown looks good on you! m
The Canary’s Fierce Defender crown is too big. Send a tiny tiara to canary@santamariasun.com.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Town Center West Parking Area
Downtown Santa Maria
Additional pumpkins will be available. For more information, call (805) 925-0951 ext. 7270.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
AUDITION/CALLBACK A delightful, fast-paced, one-act musical comedy that features a cast of 13, with 11 original songs. Fridays-Sundays, 7-8 p.m. through Nov. 16 $20 for seniors; $25 general admission. losalamos-theatregroup.com. Los Alamos Theatre Group, 515 Bell Street, Los Alamos, (805) 344-1144.
AMERICAN LEGION FUNDRAISER
COMEDY SHOWCASE A fundraiser for Orcutt American Legion Post 534 featuring touring comics based around the Central Coast. Nov. 9 7 p.m. my805tix.com/. American Legion Post 534, 145 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
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.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Don’t miss this tale as old as time. Presented by PCPA. Nov. 7- Dec. 22 Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, pcpa.org.
BEYOND GLORY This production of the award-winning play about eight Medal of Honor recipients is sponsored by the Kiwanis of Santa Maria Valley. All proceeds will go to support Honor Flights Central Coast. Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 my805tix.com/. Minerva Club, 127 W. Boone, Santa Maria.
DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN
DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. ongoing Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.
ESTHER BARTLETT: VALLEY ART GALLERY’S FEATURED ARTIST This local artist’s works will be on display through the end of November. Through Nov. 30 Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL DANCE: WEST COAST SWING Learn west coast swing in a casual, friendly environment, taught by Texas state swing champion, Gina Sigman. Free intro from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Beyond the Basics ($10) is 7 to 7:45 p.m. $10 entry includes social dance (7:45 to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m. (832) 884-8114. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt. NUESTRA VIVA EN EL ARTE (OUR LIFE IN ART): CHICANO ART EXHIBIT FROM THE SANCHEZ ART COLLECTION A collection of artworks from many of the iconic artists who were a quintessential part of the beginnings of the Chicano art movement as it has become an influence on popular culture and social issues. Through Dec. 13 Free. (805) 694-8894. hancockcollege.edu/gallery/index.php. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.
SHOWDOWN AT BLACK CAT SALOON Western attire encouraged at this murder mystery production. Admission includes snacks and more. Drink selections include beer, wine, sarsaparilla, and cowboy punch. Nov. 2 2-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Minerva Club, 127 W. Boone, Santa Maria.
VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING
DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
A DEEPER LOVE: NEW PAINTINGS
INSPIRED BY CORAL REEFS A vivid duo exhibition that highlights a collection of paintings by husband and wife team David Gallup and Nansi Bielanski Gallup. Through Feb. 1, 2025 calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.
MICHELLE JULIET FELDMAN: SOLO
EXHIBIT An exhibition of local artist
Michelle Juliet Feldman, of The Giving Ink. The exhibit includes unique landscapes that captures the hills, oaks, and light that is a special part of the Santa Ynez Valley as well as abstract seascapes. Through Nov. 10 thegivingink.com/. Los Olivos General Store, 2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
SYMPHONY OF COLOR AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Inspired by color and nature, painters Neil Andersson and Vicki Andersen collaborate to provide “a symphony for the eyes” during the month of November at Gallery Los Olivos. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Nov. 30 (805) 688-7517. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, gallerylosolivos.com.
THE VISUAL FEAST OF ROLAND
PETERSEN Enjoy viewing a collection of Petersen’s vivid, colorful paintings. Through Jan. 5, 2025 elverhoj.org. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, (805) 686-1211.
WOODLANDS II AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS
Deborah Breedon, Kris Buck, and Chuck Klein are the featured artists for the month of October at Gallery Los Olivos. Titled Woodlands II, this exhibit is a blend of pastels including landscapes, abstracts, florals, and fine woodworking. MondaysSundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Oct. 31 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
THE WIZARD OF OZ Join St. Joseph High School Community Theatre for a groovy 1970s twist on “The Wizard of Oz.” Experience Dorothy’s adventure in a psychedelic Oz with stunning costumes, captivating sets, and classic tunes. Enjoy timeless performances that bring this beloved story to life. Nov. 8 7-10 p.m., Nov. 9, 2-5 & 7-10 p.m. and Nov. 10 2-5 p.m. $23.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/sjhs-the-wizard-of-oz/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
BRUSHSTROKES AND BURROS: PAINT WITH A PURPOSE Come spend an unforgettable afternoon at Rancho Burro. Meet the adorable rescued donkeys, hear their heartwarming stories, and unleash your creativity with a donkey-inspired painting session. Enjoy delicious local treats and fine wines while you paint. Best of all, your support helps these amazing animals. Nov. 9, 1-4 p.m. $125. (805) 710-8445. ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary. org. Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, 1604 Tiffany Ranch Road, Arroyo Grande.
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover
The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents its production of Beauty and the Beast, which premieres at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria on Thursday, Nov. 7. The show is scheduled to run through Friday, Dec. 22, and its cast includes Edella Oroz Westerfield as Belle and Cordell Cole as Gaston. For tickets and more info, visit pcpa.org.
—Caleb Wiseblood
Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
FRIENDS OF THE NIPOMO LIBRARY
BOOK SALE Enjoy a book lover’s paradise at the Friends of the Nipomo Library Book Sale. The tables will overflow with literary gems waiting to find new homes. Bring the whole family. FONL fundraisers purchase much-needed resources not included in the SLO Library budget. Nov. 9 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 929-3994. friendsofnipomolibrary.org/. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo.
MARY POPPINS JR. Your favorite practically perfect nanny takes center stage in this “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” adventure based on the award-winning Broadway musical and classic Walt Disney production. Nov. 1 7-10 p.m., Nov. 2 , 2-5 & 7-10 p.m., Nov. 3, 2-5 p.m., Nov. 8, 7-10 p.m., Nov. 9 2-5 & 7-10 p.m. and Nov. 10, 2-5 p.m. $28.50-$34. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/mary-poppins-jr/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
WEREWOLF OF ARROYO GRANDE Enjoy the Melodrama’s Halloween-spirited show. Through Nov. 9 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
THE LION IN WINTER This modern-day classic is comedic in tone and dramatic in action. “Every family has its ups and downs,” and this royal family is no exception. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8-10 p.m. and Nov. 10, 2-4 p.m. through Nov. 16 $19 students; $30 general admission. (805) 756-1465. theatredance.calpoly.edu/lionwinter-fall-2024. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
ADVENTURES IN MIXED MEDIA! WITH SPENCER COLLINS Students will learn about different mediums each week as well as learn about an artist from history. Take one class of the entire 10-week series for a discounted price. Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. through Nov. 7 $25 for one class; 10 classes for $180. (559) 250-3081. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., 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.
ARTIST NICK WILKINSON: ARCHIVED WORK ON DISPLAY Multidisciplinary artist Nick Wilkinson’s early works (2015-2018) will be on display through the end of November. Wilkinson is a graduate of San Diego State University with honors. His paintings and drawings “exist in a world between investment-grade abstraction and dirty doodles on the back of a notebook.” Through Nov. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1611. mylrbookstore.com. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
THE ARTIST’S WAY: UNBLOCKING CREATIVITY 12 week program (13 meetings) for creatives and anyone who is seeking to “unblock” their creativity, following Julia Cameron’s famous workbook “The Artist’s Way.” Weekly group discussions and check-ins. Opportunities to share creativity and create community. Email for more info. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. through Nov. 26 $195. cuesta.edu. Cuesta College Community Programs, Building 4100 Cuesta College Road, San luis obispo, (805) 540-8282. CARTOONING WITH KIDS WITH KANE LYNCH Whether you’re new to making comics or draw zillions of pages every week, this fun-filled class will take your ‘tooning to the next level. This program will help build your cartooning skillset with wacky interactive comics adventures and transform the ideas in your head into a finished product. Every other Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. through Nov. 17 $25 per session. (805) 801-6188. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
COLLAGING THE COAST: UNDER THE BOARDWALK WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this workshop, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful coastal image using a variety of hand-painted papers. Nov. 2 , 12-4 p.m. $40. (805) 478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages.
Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com.
Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FOUR-WEEK BEGINNING WHEEL
SERIES A great intro to the pottery wheel. Students learn to throw various shapes and more. Clay and firing included. Book online in advance. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-
12:30 p.m. through Nov. 26 $180. anamcre. com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
GINI GRIFFIN: SOLO SHOW OF POTS AND PAINTINGS Showing during the month of October at SLO Provisions. Opening reception: Oct 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. Email ginizart@aol.com for more info. Through Oct. 31 SLO Provisions, 1255 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4298.
HADESTOWN: NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, this haunting and hopeful theatrical experience is presented by Cal Poly Arts. Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/ 20242025-season/hadestown. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
LEARN HOW TO PAINT IN OIL WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint in the most versatile of all mediums. Eber stresses a solid foundation for beginners by teaching value, color mixing, edges, underpainting, principles of design, and composition, as well as concepts of light and shadow. Great for beginners. Tuesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. through Dec. 16 $295 for six classes. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.
MARIA MOLTENI: CELESTIAL
ANTIPHONY Celestial Antiphony creates a cycle of beats on the fingers and illustrates a childhood shortcut for praying the Rosary when beads have gone missing. The artist has returned to the modular, rhythmic orb-based practice of prayer, which transcends boundaries of faith and constructs of time. Through Nov. 11 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ maria-molteni/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
OIL PAINTING: IMPRESSIONISTIC
REALISM WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint lively, expressive paintings with a focus on color accuracy, mark making, and the interconnection of each element. Bring your painting skills to the next level. Great
for intermediates or advanced painters. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Dec. 16 $295 for six classes. artcentralslo. com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.
PROSE AND POETRY READING Features segments from a new book of poetry, Wind and Hills , and a new book of prose, The Misplaced at the Milking Parlor. Nov. 3 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 550-5284. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, octagonbarn.org.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS
This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
SILK ART RECEPTION Celebrate the opening of Silk Art, featuring the Silk Artists of California Central Coast (SACCC) during Art After Dark. Nov. 1 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/portfolio/silk-art/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
THE CALM WATERS GROUP
PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Featuring the artworks of Kerry Drager, Teresa Ferguson, Karen Peterson, Greg Siragusa, and Jessica Weiss. Nov. 1-30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART PAINTINGS BY SPANKY ANDERSON Anderson is a prominent musician who also is an excellent painter, whose artworks feature the sunsets and dawns of Central Coast and Georgia. Nov. 1-29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068.
galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART TEXTILES BY DEBBIE
GEDAYLOO Come explore the colors and textures of the artist’s natural wool textile artworks and gifts. Nov. 1-29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
LARRY LE BRANE’S ART IN LOS OSOS: HARVEST AND HOLIDAY SEASON Explore Larry Le Brane’s fused glass, sculpture, paintings and drawings at Costa Gallery this fall and winter. Owner Michael J. Costa features diverse work by 20 California artists. They wrap and ship gifts, too. Stop by for seasonal treats and surprises. Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 2 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 3, 12-4 p.m. and ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 29 Free admission. (559) 799-9632. facebook.com/ costagallery. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.
CASUAL CRAFTERNOON:
PERSONALIZED CHARGING CORDS Bring your own charging cord and transform it into a wire that will never tangle. Registration is required, for patrons 18 and older. Nov. 6 12-1:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public
Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.
FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
FRIGHTMARE FOREST The Allan Hancock College men’s basketball program presents this horror-themed labyrinth, located at Hancock College’s basketball and softball complex, adjacent to the school’s vineyard. Oct. 31 7-10 p.m. ahcbulldogs.com. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.
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.
TEEN WELLNESS WORKSHOP (VOLUNTEERING IN SB COUNTY)
Find which areas are meaningful to you (animals, arts and culture, homelessness, etc.). Volunteering helps people manage stress, feel connected, and increase self-confidence. Nov. 3 5-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 770-1239. youthwell.org. Online (Santa Barbara County), Visit website, Countywide.
TO GO KIT: SCRAP PAPER ENVELOPES
Send a message with personality in an envelope made of scrap paper. Patrons ages 18 and older can pick up kits at Orcutt, Los Alamos, and Cuyama branch libraries. Nov. 4 Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. TRAIN UP OUR BOYS The Strength and Peace Military Ministry at Calvary Chapel Santa Maria is hosting an event designed to teach men and their boys about various skills and topics, including knife safety and care, fire building, and knots. Nov. 8 4 p.m. $25 per person. (805)922-1822. ccsantamaria.churchcenter.com. Calvary Chapel Santa Maria, 2620 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG DIVE INTO SILENCE: FALL SILENT RETREAT Looking for ways to befriend silence? Join this retreat to explore powerful practices to help you connect with your inner self. Enjoy guided meditations and nourishing meals, as well as the venue’s pine-log lodge, cozy rustic cabins, permaculture gardens, and sacred contemplative spaces. Nov. 7 4 p.m. and Nov. 10, 1 p.m. $390. (805) 7366528. sunburst.org/upcoming/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc. THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: OCEANO’S BEAVERS Join Docent Dan to learn about the beavers in the Oceano Lagoon. Please
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16
Shining the Light on Off shore Wind
Beyond Glory: A Kiwanis Benefit for Honor Flights
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Minerva Club of
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
MCV Wines, Paso Robles
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Swallow Creek Ranch, Cayucos Hammock Sound Healing
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 The Center Yoga Studio & Boutique, SLO
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER
Orchestra Novo Goes Silent: Safety Last
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College
Orcu Backyard Boogie Feat. 90’s Babiez
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Blast 825 Brewery, Orcu
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER
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.
ANNUAL WILDLIFE SYMPOSIUM: CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY The California Central Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society will be hosting an annual wildlife symposium. This symposium is intended to bring local professionals and students together to share ideas, professional knowledge, and information on projects and ongoing research around the Central Coast. Nov. 8 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $38-$79. cccctws.org. San Luis Obispo Vets’ Hall, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-5930.
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.
Sound Healing & Lavender
Sensory Awakening
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 The Center Yoga Studio & Boutique,SLO
with Leann Skoda
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Club Car Bar, Templeton
Santa Ynez-based artist Michelle Feldman’s solo exhibit at the Los Olivos General Store will remain up through Sunday, Nov. 10. The showcase highlights several of Feldman’s landscapes, including this oil painting titled Oaks and Hills XXV. Visit thegivingink.com for more info on Feldman’s work.
—C.W.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 14
RSVP by calling. Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/ awn/. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
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.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN
MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
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.
FULL MOON YOGA, MEDITATION, AND SOUND BATH Upcoming events include programs in October, November, and December. Visit site for tickets and more info. Nov. 1 my805tix.com/. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach.
LITTLE RANGER PROGRAM: SANDSATIONAL DUNES Come learn about our amazing sand dunes and the animals/plants that live in them. For ages 2-6; RSVP by calling. Nov. 10 Free. (805) 474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
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 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.
PUMPKIN SMASH Bring old Halloween pumpkins to toss into a green bin and learn how the pumpkins will become valuable compost. Visit Emerson Park for a free pumpkin toss, composting demonstrations, food trucks, lawn games, and more. Nov. 1 3-6 p.m. Free; but please bring money to enjoy the food trucks. slocity.org/recycle. Emerson Park, 1341 Nipomo St., Nipomo.
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.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
2024 CENTRAL COAST ECONOMIC FORECAST Features talks with guest speakers, a start-up pitch contest, coffee, networking opportunities, and more. Nov. 1 7:30-11:30 a.m. my805tix.com/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
AGING GRACEFULLY WITH
PREVENTATIVE CARE “We can’t stop getting older, but we can shift our
BILL GAINES AUDIO BIG ANNUAL SWAP MEET Sell, buy, trade, or browse audio equipment available from participating vendors. Visit website to register for a booth or find out more about the event. Nov. 2 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free to attend; inquire to reserve a booth. my805tix.com/. Bill Gaines Audio, 840 Capitolio, A, San Luis Obispo.
BLENDED YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING Learn how to help someone who may be developing a mental health challenge or coping with a worsening mental challenge or substance use disorder. Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/mentalhealth-first-aid. 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.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo. CHRISTMAS CLAY DROP-IN Drop in for some creative holiday clay creation time. Teachers will be present to help you create pieces such as platters, Christmas trees, and ornaments. No experience necessary. Limited to two trees or six ornaments per person. Book a second class to glaze your pieces. Mondays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 16 $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/ week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. DIVAS DE LOS MUERTOS DRAG PARTY Four incredible drag performers (Angel D’Mon, Melina Poinsettia, Divinity Za, and BB Delusional) embody the spirit and culture of this event. Nov. 9 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo. FREE GIRLS WATER POLO CLINIC A fun intro to waterpolo. Come have fun in the SLOHS pool and learn about this incredibly fun and empowering sport. For girls grades 4 through 8. Nov. 10, 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 550-5846. San Luis Obispo High School, 1499 San Luis Dr., San Luis Obispo.
Donate to our new virtual food drive.
Thanks to the Foodbank's purchasing power every $1 you donate turns into $5 worth of nutritious groceries. This enables us to supply more nourishing food and holiday staples for our neighbors in need to share with their loved ones!
Learn More or Donate at:
foodbanksbc.org/VFD2024
Want to donate poultry or other holiday staples?
Neighbors can drop off turkeys at the Santa Maria Warehouse location from:
Donations will continue to be accepted after November 22nd and will be distributed in December!
Santa Maria Warehouse Hours:
Drop off at Santa Maria Warehouse: Monday through Friday 7 AM – 3 PM
490 W. Foster Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93455
FREE PALESTINE PROTEST SIGN-
MAKING EVENT Free sign-making supplies
will be available for anyone to come and make a sign to protest U.S. involvement in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. through Nov. 30 Free. (805) 703-4090. instagram.com/ sloactionforpeace. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour
San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. and MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 4659182. missionsanluisobispo.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK
Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
GUIDED ENERGETIC MEDITATION
Are you energetically sensitive? This reoccurring weekly class will be a guided Introduction to Energetic Meditation Techniques that will assist you to: clear your energy field, improve energy flow and energy boundaries, quiet and focus your mind, and be clearer about “Who You Really Are.” Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. through Nov. 30 $22. (503) 929-6416. elohiacupuncture.com/classes/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT
GROUP A safe place to share life experiences with those who have depression or have had and recovered
from the devastating effects of depression. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Dec. 30 Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER
TRAINING Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to get involved, give back to your community, and act with purpose? Join this free, in-person training. This work is extremely rewarding and life affirming. Please reach out if you have any questions. Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6020. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo.
LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
Anam Cre Pottery Studio in San Luis Obispo will kick off its four-week beginning wheel series on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The series is designed for pottery wheel first-timers, and will hold classes each Tuesday morning through the end of November. Visit anamcre.com to find out more.
METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK
CLUB A weekly book discussion, on a wide variety of titles from the general subject of metaphysics, spirituality, and comparative religion. By invitation. For more information, contact David Higgins, email: davidhiggins67@gmail. com. Location revealed to those invited. Wednesdays Free. rationalmetaphysics. com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
PROGRAM A nature-based and placebased enrichment program. This means we use the environment as our guide as we play, grow, create art, garden, and learn together. Play Grove will allow young children to access this experience alongside enthusiastic playworkers. Through June 7, 2025, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Options: 2 day, 3 day, or 5 day. (805) 2426301. onecoolearth.org/play-grove.html. Jewish Community Center, 875 Laureate Lane, San Luis Obispo.
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 1118. 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.
QIGONG ONLINE Register now for QiGong Online with Gary West, of San Luis Coastal Adult School. Great practice for balance, wellness, mindfulness, and vitality. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:35 a.m. through Dec. 12 $115 per semester. (805) 549-1222. ae.slcusd.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO FALL WEDDING EXPO
Your one-stop destination for all things wedding and event planning. This expo is the ultimate source of inspiration, expertise, and the latest trends. Nov. 3, 12-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
SERENITY SOUND JOURNEY/ALIGNED
SLO Come rest and renourish yourself with a soothing, restorative, and therapeutic experience that guides you back to
wholeness, vitality, and inner peace. Nov. 4 5:30-6:15 p.m. my805tix.com. Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, 672 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
SLO ARBOR DAY The city will be planting trees to celebrate more than four decades as a Tree City USA. Come to the Sinsheimer Park area at the Boulevard Del Campo Cul-desac. Enjoy vendor booths, tree planting, plus free one-gallon trees while supplies last. Nov. 2 10 a.m.-noon Free. slocity. org/trees. Sinsheimer Park, 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-7222.
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 welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@ gmail.com. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. (805) 801-9112. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.
SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers, a local nonprofit, sports, and social club for adults has monthly meetings. Meetings are free and annual membership is $65. Events held year around, with ski trips and other events (indoor and outdoor).
First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free; annual membership $65. (805) 528-3194. sloskiers.org. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+
AA GROUP (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. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252. VIRTUAL PARENT WORKSHOP: LGBTQIA+ 101 Having conversations about sexuality and gender identity can be challenging. This event centers on understanding how to have conversations from a place of love and acceptance. Nov. 3 5-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 770-1239. youthwell.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
2024 CAYUCOS CAR SHOW Features countless classic cars, live music, beer and food offerings, and more. Nov. 2 8 a.m.-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Cayucos Beach, Downtown area, Cayucos. ANNUAL CAMBRIA SCARECROW FESTIVAL 200 scarecrows will line the streets of Cambria and San Simeon. The festival is full of photo opportunities and happy discoveries at every turn. Perfect for all ages. Through Oct. 31 Free. cambriascarecrows.com. Cambria (various venues), Citywide, Cambria. BASH CANCER FEST Come have a good time at the South Bay Community Center with live music, raffle prizes,
auction, local wine, craft beer and cocktails, amazing food, and plenty of entertainment for everyone. Nov. 9 1-6 p.m. my805tix.com/. South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay. org/index.html.
CO-DEPENDENTS
ANONYMOUS MEETING
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
DISCOVERY SATURDAYS
Studios on the Park in Paso Robles will host an etching demo with artist David Butz on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. Butz will demonstrate the inking, wiping, and printing of an etched plate using an etching press. Admission to the event is free. Visit studiosonthepark.org to find out more about the upcoming demo.
Join the Coastal Discovery Center crew in discovering the wonders of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is no reservation required and these events are free and fun for all the family to experience. Nov. 2 , 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Nov. 9 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 801-0773. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon.
MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE
Connect deeply with other women. Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.
MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS
DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary. Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
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/.
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
HOUSE OF PRAYER’S Q-TEAM MONTHLY BARBECUE Come enjoy finger lickin’ barbecue with all the fixings. First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 2 (805) 732-5111. House of Prayer Church, 640 S. Frontage Road, Nipomo.
MONTHLY FERMENTATION
CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/ email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing. com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
—C.W.
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. presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET:
LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine
Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER
Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check
Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT
SUNSTONE WINERY Deeply rooted in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, Sunstone is a beautiful place to taste beautiful wines. Located just 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara, Sunstone seemingly transports visitors to the Provençal French countryside. Nov. 2 , 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Sunstone Winery, 125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez.
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing. com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BACKYARD BOOGIE Feat. ‘90s Babiez. Nov. 9 3-8 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 presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Enjoy live music most Fridays at the venue. Call venue or check website to find out who’s performing. Fridays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
ROCK ODYSSEY LIVE This band covers a variety of popular rock hits. Nov. 2 , 5-8 p.m. my805tix.com/. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8463.
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.
USO DANCE Riptide Big Band and the Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizen Club present a USO dance, honoring our military veterans with some great music from the big band era. Free admission thanks to grant funding from Community Foundation of SLO County. Nov. 10 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6
p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE An explosive celebration of the iconic music of Jimmy Buffett, featuring all of his greatest hits, that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat. A performance that captures the essence of Buffett’s music and the lifestyle it embodies.
Oct. 31, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
$49.50-$70.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ buffetts-margaritaville/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more.
Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND
ANNUAL FALL CONCERT The San Luis Obispo County Band presents its
annual Fall Concert, Music for an Autumn Afternoon, as a benefit for Five Cities Homeless Coalition. Come to St. John’s Lutheran Church, at the corner Valley Road and Los Berros in Arroyo Grande, for an enjoyable music experience. Nov. 3 3-5 p.m. Suggested donation $10. (630) 421-2556. slocountyband.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Rd., Arroyo Grande.
TICKET TO RIDE: A LIVE TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES An exciting musical journey through the best of the Beatles, opening with their greatest hits from the their early days through the Sgt. Pepper era with authentic costume changes. Nov. 2 , 7:30-10:30 p.m. $53.50-$74.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ wcpa-ticket-to-ride/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.
BRASS MASH: FIRST FRIDAY First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. First Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY MUSTANG FAMILY WEEKEND STUDENT SHOWCASE Instrumentalists and vocalists alike, the student performers are from a variety of majors, and all are involved in at least one of the department’s major, premier ensembles including Cal Poly’s Arab Music Ensemble, Choirs, Jazz Ensembles, Symphony, Wind Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. Nov. 1 , 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA JAZZ WITH DEREK BROWN
The Cuesta Jazz Ensembles perform with Billboard-charting saxophonist/innovator Derek Brown, conducted by Ron McCarley. Nov. 2 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 5463198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
LIVE MUSIC AT LIQUID GRAVITY Check social media and calendar for weekly updates. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.
PADEREWSKI GALA The SLO Symphony partners with the Paderewski Festival bring famed pianist Janina Fialkowska to San Luis Obispo to perform Paderewski’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Nov. 2 7:30 p.m. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/ calendar/. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
PINK TALKING FISH A blend of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. Nov. 7, 7 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.
RICH THE KID All ages welcome. Nov. 1 9 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
THE ROAR MARCHING BAND FIELD
SHOW COMPETITION A thrilling field show competition with bands from Righetti, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley, Templeton and SLO (exhibition only) High Schools. Nov. 2 , 5:30-9 p.m. $10; $5 for ages 5-12/ free for ages under 5; cash or card at gate. Holt Field, San Luis Obispo High School, 1499 San Luis Drive, San Luis Obispo, (805) 549-4040.
SONGS OF THE AMERICAS Featuring jazz singer Inga Swearingen, who’ll lead a musical journey from the vibrant rhythms of Latin America to the serene melodies of Canada. Nov. 3 3 p.m. $10-$35. (805) 242-6065. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo. m
Deon Cole brings comedy tour to the Chumash Casino Resort
As part of the My New Normal Tour, comedian Deon Cole will perform at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez on Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. Tickets to the show, which will be held in the resort’s Samala Showroom, are available in advance, and range between $49 and $79.
As an actor, Cole—a stand-up comic since 1993—gained popularity through his award-winning role on the ABC sitcom Black-ish from 2014 to 2022. The show earned him three consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Between 2009 and 2012, Cole was on Conan O’Brien’s writing staff while O’Brien hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show and TBS’s Conan. His latest comedy special, Deon Cole: OK Mister, was released on Netflix in September.
For tickets to Cole’s upcoming show or more info, visit chumashcasino.com. The Chumash Casino Resort is located at 3400 Highway 246, Santa Ynez.
Big Band honors veterans with upcoming USO Dance in Santa Maria
In honor of military veterans, the Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club will host its USO Dance at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center in Santa Maria on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free, thanks to grant funding from the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, according to press materials.
The event will feature live music from the Riptide Big Band, an ensemble based in the Santa Maria Valley. Led by former music teacher Judy Lindquist, the group includes local musicians from both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and specializes in big band era music, soft rock from the ’60s and ’70s, the music standards of the ’30s and ’40s, and “pretty much anything written for standard big band orchestration,” according to the group’s website.
Thanks to consistent funding from the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, the Riptide Big Band has been providing live dance events with free admission at venues across the Central Coast for several years.
To find out more about the USO Dance and other upcoming dance concerts featuring the Riptide Big Band, visit riptidebb. com. The Elwin Mussell Senior Center is located at 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
For more info on the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County, call (805) 543-2323 or visit cfsloco.org. Since 1998, the nonprofit has awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $37 million, according to the organization’s website. m
Colorful landscapes and jazz-inspired abstracts find harmony at Gallery Los Olivos
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Paint brushes and guitar picks are among the tools in Neil Andersson’s arsenal, as the Lompoc-based artist’s output is divided into works meant to be seen and those meant to be heard.
“Art and music have always been intertwined in my life,” the accomplished oil painter and guitarist said in an email interview.
His latest display at Gallery Los Olivos celebrates both of his passions. Starting on Nov. 1, a collection of Andersson’s jazz-inspired abstracts will be on view on some of the gallery’s walls, while other walls will showcase impressionistic scenes of colorful florals and architecture by acrylic painter Vicki Andersen.
The duo exhibition is appropriately titled Symphony of Color, which is scheduled to remain on display through the end of November.
“Somehow our work seems to work well together,” Andersen told the Sun over email.
Andersen’s rule of thumb when it comes to landscapes is she won’t paint a location if she hasn’t been there herself, but she also doesn’t paint on-site either.
“I don’t work en plein air but from my own photos from my travels,” Andersen said. “So if I paint it, I’ve been there.”
Abstract works from Andersson, on the other hand, depict sights that are impossible to visit. Although his colorful arrangements are inspired by musical motifs, with an aim to
Symphony of Color will debut at Gallery Los Olivos on Friday, Nov. 1, and will run through Saturday, Nov. 30. To find out more about the duo show and other upcoming exhibits at the venue, visit gallerylosolivos.com. The gallery is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and located at 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. For more info on featured artists Vicki Andersen and Neil Andersson, visit vickiandersen.com and neilandersson.com, respectively.
“radiate the rhythms and excitement of jazz,” Andersson needs radio silence to paint them.
“I know this may sound strange, but I never listen to music when I paint. Any outside music would totally take my concentration off the painting,” Andersson said. “I need to focus on what my mind wants the painting to be—essentially, the music it’s making as I paint. It’s hard to explain. … For me, the process of abstract painting is like composing and improvising jazz.”
Andersson compared the way he enjoys putting abstract “visual elements together until they make sense” to combining musical elements while writing a song.
“Some of the paintings are more directly related to jazz, even with song titles, and others are based on jazz elements,” Andersson said of his oil paintings featured in Symphony of Color.
Andersson’s visual art and music occasionally intersect in a different way, as he’s designed the cover art for a few jazz albums he’s collaborated with other musicians on over the years. Some examples of his album artworks are currently on display at the Jeffrey Moose Gallery in Winslow, Washington—Andersson’s home state. He grew up in Tacoma.
Unlike Andersson’s abstracts, Andersen’s landscapes capture things you’ll find in the real world, but not in a strict, down-to-earth fashion.
“I work quite loosely and don’t worry about the details much,” said Andersen, whose impressionistic pieces suggest real places and objects but leave room for audience participation. “The human eye fills in that part.”
She also works pretty fast—sometimes finishing a piece in 45 minutes or less—when painting, compared to some artists, including her younger college self.
An illustration alumna of CSU Long Beach, Andersen noticed her painting speed accelerate years after graduating, specifically when she signed up for an adult community class in Lompoc taught by Shirley Wallace.
“She used to harass me about trying to work with a palette knife. Eventually I took her dare and never went back,” Andersen said. “I do usually work rather quickly with palette knives or the largest brush I can and finish relatively quickly.” m
Cut to the chase with Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.
stage, and cultural festivities to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
In her directorial debut, writer Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks, Fifty Shades of Grey, Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage) directs this script she co-wrote with star Tom Hardy about Eddie Brock, a failed reporter who became bonded to a symbiotic outer space alien who takes a liking to Earth and decides to protect it. In this third installment of the Marvel franchise, Eddie and Venom are on the run from pursuers from both their worlds. (109 min.)
Glen: The set-up is a classic mismatched-buddy road-trip picture, and a lot of the fun is the banter between Eddie and his symbiotic partner. The main story gets going after a brief opening where we learn the symbiotes’ backstory—they imprisoned their creator, Knull (Andy Serkis), and escaped into the far reaches of the universe, but now Knull sent a bunch of weird creatures to find the only object that can free him, a codex, created when Eddie and his symbiote merged to form Venom. When the pair is in full Venom mode, the terrifying creatures can locate them, but when the symbiote recedes into Eddie, they become invisible. Don’t think about it too hard. It’s all pretty silly. Still, as an action-packed comedic romp, this final installment in the Venom trilogy is surprisingly watchable.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE
What’s it rated? R When? 1975
Where’s it showing? Thursday, Oct. 31 (6 p.m.; 18-and-older; $32.36 to $39.05 at ticketweb.com), and Friday, Nov. 1 (6 and 9 p.m.; 18-and-older; $32.36 at ticketweb. com) at Rod and Hammer Rock
It’s Halloween, so naturally the 1975 cult classic musical comedy The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back. You know the story. Newly engaged pure-asthe-driven-snow couple Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) and Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) have car trouble but happen upon a spooky estate owned by transvestite “scientist” Dr. FrankN-Furter (Tim Curry), who invites the couple to stay ... and then things get real weird real fast!
Anna: Full transparency, this installment is my first foray into the world of Venom, and I had quite literally no knowledge of the storyline beyond what I could garner from the trailer— that Eddie and Venom share Eddie’s body and that Venom is a bit of a troublemaker. I will say I was pleasantly surprised. When it first started, I thought, “I’m in trouble,” because we hear a convoluted quick version of the symbiotes’ origin story and about the codex, and I was very sure I would have no idea what was going on. Fortunately, I went the route of not thinking about it too hard and leaned into the fun, action-packed film. The two friends can’t stay away from trouble. Not only is the government out to capture them, now they have creatures coming through portals trying to tear them apart and take the codex back to Venom’s home planet, which would spell the end of the world. Let’s just say they have a lot going on.
Glen: It’s always the end of the world with these comic book flicks, but when you’ve got aliens coming through time and space portals, the situation needs to be existential, I guess. Hardy pretty much carries the entire film, but there’s a lot of star power on the screen. Juno Temple of Ted Lasso-fame stars as Dr. Payne, who admires
DO THE TIME WARP
(Tim Curry, center) and his minion work to create the perfect life form to serve as a sexual plaything, in the cult classick, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, screening at Rod and Hammer Rock on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
Peter Hinwood stars as Rocky, the perfect man for wooing Janet. Meat Loaf turns up as Eddie, a head-bandaged singing motorcyclist. Richard O’Brien stars as creepy butler Riff Raff. The story is narrated from the future by a
and is studying the symbiotes at “Area 55,” a secret underground lab under Area 51. There’s also the always welcome Chiwetel Ejiofor as Gen. Rex Strickland, the military bad guy who gets a chance at redemption. For added fun, Eddie hitches a ride with a hippie family led by Martin (Rhys Ifans) on a trip to see aliens at Area 51, completely unaware they’re sitting next to one. Hit a matinee if this sounds fun.
Anna: If it interests you at all, see it in the theater.
criminologist (Charles Gray). It’s super weird and super good. The songs are catchy as heck. If you’ve never experienced it in person, don’t miss it!
A live cast will lead the audience participation tradition by reenacting the musical numbers in front of a 19-by-9-foot movie screen.
“Audience participation is strictly MANDATORY,” according to the organizers, which means bust out your fishnet stockings, lipstick, corset, and all the props (confetti, a newspaper, a squirt gun, a flashlight, rubber gloves, a noise maker, toilet paper, toast, a party hat, a bell, and playing cards). Get weird! (100 min.)
—Glen
HALLOWEEN
What’s it rated? R When? 1978
Where’s it showing? Thursday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m., at the Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo Writer-director-composer John Carpenter helms this classic slasher film about mental patient Michael Myers, committed to a sanitarium at age 6 for
There’s plenty of action on the big screen. This seems to be the last of this trilogy, so you might as well see how the story ends, especially if you’ve seen the prior films.
Glen: There’s also some mid-credits and aftercredits clips for you die-hards, so stick around. m
New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
stabbing his teenage sister to death with a chef’s knife. It’s now 15 years later, and Myers escapes, returns to his hometown, kills a mechanic and dons his coveralls, steals a white mask from a hardware store, and in his iconic garb begins to stalk teenage babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis in her film debut) and her friends. Meanwhile, psychiatrist Dr. Samuel Loomis (Donald Pleasence) pursues Myers.
It received mixed reviews on its release, but over the years, Halloween has gained a reputation as a deftly made thriller that makes effective use of stalker-point-of-view camera angles and has a very lean and effective score created by Carpenter that consists of a piano melody in an unsettling complex 5/4-time signature that’s now as iconic as the John Williams’ Jaws theme song. It simply communicates tension.
The film also earned Curtis a reputation as the quintessential scream queen. She went on to reprise her role as Laurie in several of the 13 films in the franchise.
The Michael Myers character has also become iconic—an emotionless blank slate with no apparent motive. (91 min.) m
Alma Rosa Winery launches its first open-air tram tour and tasting experience
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
There’s a new way for wine tasters to explore the rugged mountain terrain and winding paths that define Alma Rosa Winery’s El Jabali Estate without signing up for either of the scenic property’s two hiking tours.
In September, the sprawling estate—nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation—launched its first open-air tram tour, occasionally led by Tasting Room Manager Rebekah Boles.
“It’s great that we can offer this new experience for those who may not physically be able to hike the vineyard,” Boles said in an email interview. “I have experienced leading this tour a few times, and the views do not disappoint.”
Since its launch earlier this fall, Boles said, the tram has been popular with guests looking to view the 628 acres of vines on four wheels.
“In the first month, we had over 40 bookings for the driving tour,” said Boles, who was recently promoted from tasting room supervisor to tasting room manager.
Boles switched roles in August, the same month Megan Bravo joined the Alma Rosa team as its new director of business development. Like Boles, Bravo serves as the open-air tram tour’s guide every now and then.
“We felt it was really important to offer a more accessible way to see this beauty for those that did not want to take advantage of our hiking tours,” Bravo said
over email. “It’s such a magical place that I’m lucky enough to be a part of.”
Now boarding
Find out more about Alma Rosa Winery’s new open-air tram tour, visit almarosawinery.com. The tour is offered daily, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., for parties of up to seven people. Admission is $100 per person. Reservations are required in advance. The tram begins and ends at Alma
The tram tour begins at Alma Rosa’s historic Ranch House, located off Santa Rosa Road near Buellton, and takes patrons on a voyage that spans El Jabali’s pinot noir, syrah, and grenache vineyard blocks.
After the tour—open daily to reserve for up to seven people at a time—the tram circles back to the Ranch House, and the excursion concludes with some festive wine and artisan cheese pairings.
Bookending the event at the Ranch House suits the tour’s immersive vibe, Bravo explained.
“Since the Ranch House is on the vineyard, you really feel connected to the growing cycle of the vines and therefore more connected to the wine,” Bravo said. “You feel part of the cycle of nature when you’re there. … The Ranch House is a little piece of history, and you feel that when you visit.”
Boles vividly remembers her first day working at the Ranch House, as the venue’s tasting room lead in 2022.
“I had to pinch myself. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous the property was and was mesmerized by the peaceful energy the property emits,” said
Boles, who currently manages day-to-day operations at both the Ranch House near Buellton and Alma Rosa’s tasting room in downtown Solvang. Bravo also oversees projects at both venues. While the Ranch House is full of rustic appeal, the Solvang tasting room is “very chic and modern,” Bravo said.
With a Mission Drive address in the heart of Solvang’s downtown area, the tasting room is more available than its sister location for spontaneous walk-in guests who are “just walking around, taking in the charm of the town,” Bravo added.
“Our guests always comment on what a beautiful space it is,” Boles said of the Solvang room.
When working at the Solvang location, Boles appreciates “the community of businesses that surround us, which has something for everyone.”
“Wine, cheese, gelato, and boutique shops—we have it all,” Boles said.
While wearing many hats between her duties at both of Alma Rosa’s tasting locations, Boles finds the work to be “tremendously
rewarding,” and treasures her peers at the company.
“I think what truly makes my job special is the dynamic team we have at Alma Rosa,” Boles said. “Everyone on our team is wonderful to work with, and I love how passionate they are about our wine region.” m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wants to know what you’re passionate about at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com
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