Sun, April 16, 2026

Outcome: insightful atonement [32]

Checkout aisle

New housing restrictions impact long-term motel tenants on one corridor in Buellton [6]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Since last year, Kerry Moriarity’s kept an eye on Buellton’s plans for his property, the Farmhouse Motel, and other similar motels along Avenue of Flags.

A recent City Council decision wants to kick out longterm motel residents and turn the properties into what they were originally meant to be, places for area visitors to stay the night. But the decision doesn’t sit right with Moriarity or his motel’s residents, and he plans to sue the city, calling the new ordinance gentrification. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood speaks with him, motel residents, and the city about the issue [6].

Also, find stories about Santa Barbara County’s plans to tighten the budget in some of its departments [4]; a podcasting duo discussing how to make life big in a small town [30]; and the family behind a new local yogurt shop [33]

Camillia Lanham editor

The Santa Maria Joint Union

High School District

Special Education - Child Find

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

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas

Preparatorias de Santa Maria

Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes

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

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

NEW Skin Solutions

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) recently led 10 colleagues in strongly opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule limiting the application of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, under which states and tribes would effectively be unable to regulate many of the water quality impacts of hydropower dams within their lands. The legislators addressed their concerns in an April 8 letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “This is a step backward, and tribes have not even had sufficient time to apply for or implement these new authorities before EPA seeks to reverse course. Rather than providing clarity, this change would create additional uncertainty in the regulatory process,” the letter states. “The Clean Water Act has been successful for decades in large part because EPA has recognized and deferred to state and tribal authority over water quality impacts within their lands. We respectfully request that EPA preserve this tradition of cooperative federalism.” In addition to Padilla, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Adam Schiff (D-California), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington). The April 8 letter received support from several organizations, including the American Rivers Action Fund. “We appreciate Sen. Padilla’s leadership in urging the EPA to reverse course and get this right—so that federally permitted projects, including hydropower, are developed, upgraded, and operated in ways that serve the public interest and protect our rivers,” Kelly Catlett American Rivers Action Fund senior advisor, said in a statement.

•Gov. Gavin Newsom congratulated NASA’s Artemis II crew on April 10 after they touched down in California. Around 5 p.m. that day, a joint NASA and U.S. Navy team deployed from Naval Base San Diego to recover the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft. This recovery concluded the United States’ first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years and the farthest distance ever traveled by humans, reaching 248,655 miles from Earth. “For the over 16,000 California workers, 500 companies, and three NASA centers who worked on the mission, the crew splashing down off the California Coast is a full-circle moment and point of immense pride,” Newsom said in an April 10 statement. The Artemis II crew of four astronauts included California native Victor Glover who was born in Pomona and earned his undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, along with a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

•On April 8, U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) issued a joint statement urging Senate Republicans “to vote on a War Powers Resolution and be a check on this president, like our founders intended.” Before President Donald Trump started “his illegal and unpopular war of choice, the Strait of Hormuz was open and free of violence, gas was significantly cheaper, and thousands more people—including 13 American service members—were alive,” the legislators wrote. “Absent immediate steps by Republican leadership to stand up to Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior, we will once again force a vote on a War Powers Resolution to finally end this dangerous war in the Middle East. The American people do not want and have not authorized it but nonetheless keep paying the price.” ❍

County supervisors discuss balancing budgets to quell deficits

Trying to work its way out of the red, Santa Barbara County is considering almost $71 million in reductions for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Multiple departments are facing layoffs and program reductions if the board approves the budget in June.

On April 13, the Public Health and Social Services departments presented financial plans to the Board of Supervisors during the first of three days’ worth of budget workshops. Both departments fell into structural deficits over the past few years, and recent state and federal changes exacerbated funding concerns. Operations under the Public Health Department include animal services, emergency preparedness, public health, and the management of five health care clinics. Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, the director of Public Health, and his team scraped together $24 million to cut but are asking the board for a $2 million restoration.

Public Health will soon see “major” revenue reductions because of changes to who qualifies for Medi-Cal, Hammami said.

One of the biggest impacts on patients would be the loss of 97.5 full-time equivalent positions at the county’s health care clinics, 72 of which are currently filled. The department is asking for 16 medical assistant positions to be restored.

In addition, three county pharmacies in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara would consolidate into one. Hammami said his department will save nearly $8.5 million by consolidating into the Lompoc site. Patients could visit other pharmacies for the same discounted drugs if Lompoc isn’t accessible.

“The impact of reductions and the consolidation of the pharmacy is going to mean that those that currently can get their prescriptions filled from our pharmacies, from our clinics, are no longer able to do so,” Hammami told the board. “However, we do have contracts with retail pharmacies.”

Laura Robinson, the executive director of SEIU Local 620, believes the cuts to social safety net programs will have “profound and lasting consequences” on the community.

“The proposal to eliminate public pharmacies and laboratories is especially concerning,” Robinson said. “These facilities serve residents who cannot simply go somewhere else. If they close, people will lose access to medication, testing, and treatment.”

On the Social Services side, an average of 179,000 people use the department’s resources every month and will likely experience rebudgeting impacts. The department will trim around $30 million, Director Daniel Nielson

said, but hopes for $5.3 million from the general fund to restore the most-needed services.

“The Department of Social Services serves the poorest and most vulnerable among us with lifesaving services in the form of food assistance, medical insurance coverage, and protective services,” Nielson said. “Our work allows children the food they need to grow healthy bodies and focus on learning while in school.”

The implementation of H.R.1, known as the Big Beautiful Bill, passed more costs onto the county for CalFresh, he explained. CalFresh falls into the department’s economic assistance category, which would see a reduction of 91 positions with 82 currently filled. Nielson requested the board reinstate 78 of those positions to support food benefits applications and renewals at the current level.

Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson said he was “pretty disturbed” by the cuts to child welfare services. Social Services already got rid of 100 positions within the past year, unable to afford filling them when employees left. Nelson clarified with staff that without restorations, these services would only be able to operate on an emergency basis.

While Nelson said he would rather see more support from the state instead of lending dollars from the county’s general fund, he views child welfare as a “huge priority area.”

“I’m not blaming the county for this. Again, this is a state issue,” Nelson said. “They should be funding this in a greater amount.”

Steve Hernandez of SEIU Local 721 said he understands the county’s fiscal pressures but believes layoffs will increase wait times for crisis calls and other services.

“We urge you to consider these layoffs because what may look like a financial decision today will become a human crisis tomorrow, and our community is ultimately judged by how we treat those with the least power and the greatest need,” Hernandez said.

The county’s recommended budget will be released by the end of May, and the board’s final hearings will take place on June 16 and 18, if necessary. To view budget materials from all departments, visit countyofsb.org/4874/FY2026-2027.

—Madison White

County Planning Commission sends ban on future oil drilling to supervisors

Most of the oil produced in and around the Santa Maria Valley is considered “heavy.” It’s not refined into gasoline or jet fuel. Rather, it’s often used to make products like asphalt—but maybe not for very much longer.

“That’s what we specialize in, as most of the oil production onshore in Northern Santa Barbara county does,” Eric Vasquez with Asphalta LLC told the county Planning Commission on April 8. “I believe this ban will hurt people. … You cannot drive an electric car on dirt. It just does not happen.” His voice joined several others who aimed to convince decision-makers to tap the brakes on sending a ban on drilling new oil and gas wells to the county Board of Supervisors. But planning commissioners did the opposite, voting 3-2 along South/North County lines to pass the ordinance to the governing body that requested it in the first place.

“Our job and staff’s job is to take things that the board wants to do, and we process them as well as we can to make sure that they’re the best ordinance, the best project, whatever,” 3rd District Commissioner John Parke said during the meeting. “At least three members of the board made it extremely clear what they wanted. … So that’s why I’m going to vote for it.”

Last October, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2, with the North County supervisors dissenting, to direct staff to develop the prohibition on drilling new oil and gas wells as well as to create a long-term plan to phase out exist oil and gas operations in the county. Leaning on the county’s 2030 Climate Action Plan, county staff said the goal is to address greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas processing and extraction. The county plans to tackle it in two phases, with the ban on future drilling in the first phase.

Parke also expressed reservations with the first phase plan, saying that he hoped that county staff would engage with the local industry before moving forward with the second phase of the plan. Staff told commissioners that no conversations took place with local oil and gas producers regarding the future ban.

“I think we need to distinguish between Big Oil and little oil,” he said. “Little oil is generally local people. … The landowners, the people who run it, work for it. … Many of us run into them all the time.”

“Little oil, they’re more collaborative. And I hope that somewhere in this process, we have that collaboration occur,” he added.

Janet Blevins from Lompoc said that she’d been fighting oil development in the county for 15 years. The effects of climate change, she said, are relatively minor in Santa Barbara County, but that’s not the case in other parts of the world.

The county, resident and environmental activist Katie Davis told commissioners, has a responsibility to do what it can when it comes to climate change.

“What we do matters, and we can be an example to others,” Davis said. “We’re heading in the right direction.”

Rich Field with Pacific Coast Energy Company, which has oil operations on Orcutt Hill, said that anything the county does to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may feel good, but it “isn’t going to do anything” to impact global emissions.

County residents will still depend on oil whether it’s produced locally or not, Ted Cordova with E&B Natural Resources in Cuyama said.

“That’s not a reduction,” he told commissioners. “It’s a transfer of impact.”

—Camillia Lanham

Santa Maria City Council appoints Ricardo Batalla to 1st District

Abraham Lincoln’s decision in 1861 to appoint three of his political opponents to his cabinet should have helped steer Santa Maria officials’ approach to filling a recent City Council vacancy, in resident Gale McNeeley’s view.

“Mayor Patino, you can be the Abraham Lincoln of Santa Maria. I know you don’t look

TO CUT OR NOT TO CUT: Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson and his fellow board members heard county budget rebalancing plans on April 13 and 15. The last hearing will take place on April 17, and then supervisors will vote on adoption in June.

like him, but you could be,” McNeeley said during public comment at the council’s April 7 meeting. “Mayor Patino, I think you would be very brave—if you’re going to appoint someone—to appoint Diana Perez.”

By appointing Mayor Alice Patino’s rival in the 2024 mayoral election, McNeeley said that the council could “lead this city into an era we’re not used to: where people who disagree work together to make the city better.”

Perez was one of five applicants who formally asked for the council’s consideration to be the new 1st District representative following former Councilmember Carlos Escobedo’s sudden resignation in March.

While four of the five attended the April 7 meeting to speak in person with the council, Perez was out of town, according to city staff and one city official.

“Can we get Miss Perez on the phone?” Patino asked city staff.

“She’s 17 hours ahead of us,” a staff member replied.

“She’s in Japan,” Councilmember Gloria Flores said.

Shortly after hearing from the four applicants who spoke in person—including Maria Salguero, Escobedo’s opponent for the 1st District seat in 2024—Councilmember Flores said she was ready to nominate one of them.

“It’s late, I feel sorry for all of you,” Flores told attendees of the meeting around 10 p.m. “I nominate Ricardo Batalla.”

Patino seconded Flores’ motion, which passed 3-1 (Councilmember Gloria Soto dissented).

The council swore Batalla in after the vote. Prior to the vote, Batalla told the council

he was born and raised in the 1st District, on West Williams Street.

“This community is deeply personal to me,” he said at the meeting. Batalla will sit on the dais until after the upcoming November election. Whoever wins that election will finish the term’s remainder through 2028.

In his role as the Santa Maria Valley YMCA’s youth development director, Batalla told the Sun that he oversees programs that serve 2,000 students, while supervising more than 150 YMCA staff members. He’s also the current president-elect of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria.

“My commitment to service began at a young age as a Santa Maria Police Explorer, which helped shape my passion for community engagement and public safety,” Batalla said via email. “Public safety is essential, and I support a proactive, community-based approach. This includes strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and the community, investing in youth prevention programs, expanding neighborhood policing efforts, and supporting resources for mental health response teams.”

The council’s new 1st District representative added that he will aim to move city policies forward that prevent excessive rent increases and protect families from being priced out of their homes. Immigration is another “real challenge” in Santa Maria that will “require thoughtful and compassionate solutions,” Batalla said.

“I understand the fear many families are experiencing due to increased ICE activity,” he said.

“I am committed to ensuring our community has access to accurate information and resources, while also maintaining trust between residents and local institutions so families feel safe seeking support when needed.” ❍

—Caleb Wiseblood

News Singled out

Buellton’s Farmhouse and its tenants consider next steps after city requires permanent housing to revert to motel rooms

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

PHOTOS BY PIETER SAAYMAN

There’s at least one framed photo in 34-yearold Cesar Garcia’s living room that tends to elicit a physiological reaction from first-time visitors.

Within days of departing from the White House, Joe Biden posed with Garcia in early 2025 for a selfie at Mission Santa Ines—where the Buellton resident has regularly attended Sunday mass since he was 8 years old.

That’s also how old he was when he, his mother, and his brother first moved to Farmhouse in Buellton, a motel property “in name only,” Garcia said. It’s offered permanent housing options for longer than either its current owner or the city’s leadership can pinpoint.

For Garcia’s family, it’s been a 26-year stay. A 26-year-long unpermitted and unlawful arrangement in the eyes of Buellton’s elected officials.

“It seems like the city is trying to pressure everyone here,” Garcia said near the doorway of his family’s two-bedroom apartment at Farmhouse.

“That’s what we feel: pressure,” he continued. “It seems like we’re in a situation where we’re being targeted.”

Garcia was referring to a newly passed Buellton ordinance that requires motels located along the city’s Avenue of Flags corridor to revert any units used for long-term housing back to shortterm rentals with nightly rates and the transient occupancy taxes (TOT) that go with them.

Of the few motels that’ll be impacted, the majority of the units that need to revert to short-term stays belong to Farmhouse, located at 590 Avenue of Flags. The property’s been at the center of several public meetings, including a City Council hearing in March.

“When was the last time we collected?” Buellton Councilmember John Sanchez asked city staff about TOT from Farmhouse.

“I have no idea,” responded Scott Wolfe, Buellton’s city manager since 2019. “Long before I came here.”

At the meeting, Mayor David Silva also asked to clarify whether Farmhouse’s proper title is the Farmhouse Motel or the Farmhouse Apartments.

“I don’t think title is necessarily an important

concept here,” Wolfe said.

“The important concept is that it was developed as a motel,” he added. “When the city incorporated, it was a motel. When the current owner acquired it, it was a motel. It’s a motel, and even if that had not been the case, it was developed as a motel and under this ordinance it would need to be reverted back to a motel.”

Originally brought before the Buellton City Council during the summer of 2025, the motel ordinance wasn’t adopted until March 26.

Behind that delay was a series of postponed hearings, which began as soon as the state housing authority stepped in to investigate the city’s new legislation—and ultimately tweaked a crucial part of it.

Caught in the crosshairs

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) told the Sun that its recent inquiries into Buellton’s motel plans for Avenue of Flags started with “a request for technical assistance from a private party.”

“As a result, HCD investigated the city’s proposed short-term rental motel ordinance as it pertained to state housing laws,” HCD Communications Specialist Alicia Murillo said via email.

When asked if he was aware that a private party alerted the HCD to the ordinance, Farmhouse co-owner and Santa Barbara resident Kerry Moriarty was proud to take the credit.

“The city tried to steamroll this whole thing,” Moriarty said. “My attorney’s the one who recommended I get in touch with HCD.”

As some of his tenants agree, Moriarty felt that the Farmhouse was the primary target of an ordinance drafted to sound like it affects multiple motels equally.

Neighboring motels on Avenue of Flags include the San Marcos Motel, which mostly operates as a traditional motel aside from housing “a couple people that have been here for a few years,” a front desk manager told the Sun

In comparison, none of Farmhouse’s 22 units are rented out nightly as a regular motel room, which Moriarty said was already the norm when he bought the property in 2004. The average monthly rent for current tenants is between $900 and $1,350, he added. Moriarty is also the only motel owner who has voiced

resistance to the ordinance to city staff and elected officials, City Manager Wolfe said.

“We didn’t get any objection except from Mr. Moriarty there at the Farmhouse,” Wolfe told the Sun. “Our intent was not to kick people to the street. Our intent was to force the property owners to convert back to motels, and we’re fully in the mode of assisting people to move into new housing.”

Since July 2025, when city staff first brought the ordinance before the Buellton Planning Commission, Wolfe has described the policy as a tool to help the city realize its vision to ramp up commercial activity on Avenue of Flags.

That goal was outlined in Buellton’s Avenue of Flags specific plan, drafted in 2017. It was one of the first priorities that 2019’s City Council entrusted Wolfe with once he took on the city manager role.

“When I got here, I realized that there were a number of pieces of property on the avenue that would be potentially ripe for redevelopment or revitalization, except that they were occupied by these old motels,” Wolfe recalled. “And those motels, just to some degree or another, had all started taking on long-term residencies.”

These conversions were never permitted or approved by the city, Wolfe said. However, they eventually fell under certain state protections, he added.

“In the last 10 years or so, the state had decided to declare that, ‘Hey, if you’ve got someone who’s been living in a piece of property for a long time—whether it’s intended to be a residence or not—it’s a residence,’” Wolfe said.

Originally, Buellton’s ordinance was drafted to allow current long-term residents to remain in their units for up to six months, as long as they could qualify for placement on an affordable housing waitlist at any of three specific developments in town: Pollo Village or the incoming Village Senior Apartments or Buellton Garden Apartments.

After the Planning Commission, City Council, and HCD weighed in, the ordinance evolved into allowing residents to stay for up to two years if they qualify for the housing authority’s affordable housing waitlist, whether it’s for a project within or outside of Santa Barbara County.

The two-year timeframe came from the HCD, although the department had previously

approved an early outline of staff’s original proposal when it certified Buellton’s housing element in 2023, according to Wolfe. Moriarty’s complaints in late 2025 prompted HCD to revisit the matter.

“Once the Farmhouse ownership started objecting, … HCD called us back and said, ‘Hey, we want another look at it,’” Wolfe said. “We said, fine. We gave it back, and we went back and forth with them for several months.”

Stop and go

After getting the HCD’s blessing to move forward on the two-year extension route, the Buellton City Council passed the ordinance in March. This approval lined up the new motel rules to go into effect starting on April 25.

“I’ve not heard of another city that’s taken this approach,” Wolfe told the Sun. “My hope is that these motel owners, once they realize, ‘Hey, my property has value beyond just the fact that there’s a motel sitting on it,’ that they would either say: ‘Hey, I’m going to be sitting in the middle of a vibrant commercial location here, I want to fix up my motel.’

“Or maybe they say: ‘You know what, I’m done being in the motel business,’” Wolfe continued. “‘I want to tear this down and build some other kind of commercial use that will be more lucrative from a financial standpoint.’” Wolfe said his idea for the ordinance originated “from the fact that when I looked into this, it became really apparent that … we are at best a third-tier financing market,” he explained.

“We’re not LA. We’re not the Bay. We’re not Santa Barbara. We’re far enough out that the big banks look at us as a risky venture,” Wolfe said. “We’ve got a number of properties on Avenue of Flags that are entitled and ready to build. Part of the reason they’re not building right now is it’s hard to find financing.”

The new mandate creates an incentive for motel operators to step up their game because they’re competing for customers, Wolfe explained.

“Whereas if you’re dealing with someone who’s living there for a long time simply because the cost of housing in the area is so high, there’s not as much incentive,” Wolfe

FIGHTING GENTRIFICATION: Kerry Moriarty has owned Farmhouse Motel in Buellton since 2004. He plans to sue the city of Buellton for passing an ordinance that requires the property—with 22 permanent housing units—be converted into a motel. Moriarty’s attorney described the city legislation as “gentrification by policy.”

UNDER ONE ROOF: Upon looking for affordable Central Coast studio apartments that allow pets on Craigslist, Maryanne Degoede came across a listing for Buellton’s Farmhouse, where she’s lived for less than a year. Some of her neighbors have lived there for more than two decades.

said. “There’s not as much demand that the property be improved.”

Farmhouse co-owner Moriarty and his legal advisors said that this approach amounts to “gentrification by policy,” as local attorney Mack Carlson described it.

“Let’s be clear about the decision before you,” Carlson told the Buellton City Council in March. “This ordinance would force the conversion of long-term affordable units into potential motel rooms designed to serve wine tasting weekenders from Los Angeles.”

The Santa Barbara-based firm Carlson’s a part of—Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck—will represent Farmhouse in an upcoming lawsuit against the city of Buellton over the ordinance, according to Moriarty.

“Even in a world where the stars align and all of these tenants find housing, the ordinance turns the city’s new affordable housing projects into mere backfill, replacing units lost by this ordinance,” Carlson added. “You don’t fix a housing shortage by shuffling lower income residents from unit to unit. That’s rearranging chairs, it’s not adding seats.”

Every rose has its thorn

Months ahead of the new motel policy’s passage, Farmhouse’s lawyers began drafting letters to warn officials that Moriarty would consider taking legal action if the ordinance was adopted.

In an October 2025 letter, attorney Christopher Guillen notified city officials about what he believes “is an egregious example of this council’s bias against Mr. Moriarty.”

Earlier that year, Guillen’s office submitted a Public Records Act (PRA) request seeking all city documents related to Farmhouse and its ownership. One email thread the firm received was about a separate commercial development in Buellton that Moriarty owns.

The conversation from June 2025 centered on a dispute between Moriarty and code enforcement staff about Moriarty allegedly leasing one of his buildings to a retail tenant without obtaining the proper permits.

As part of the thread, City Manager Wolfe forwarded an email to City Council members from Moriarty where he offered staff a onetime payment of $3,500 to resolve the issue. Wolfe replied to Moriarty: “This will not be an acceptable solution to the matter at hand. There is no transactional resolution of this issue. It can only be resolved by correction of the violations.”

In his forward of this exchange to the City Council, Wolfe wrote: “I do not usually let you know of what’s going on in the code enforcement arena. However, … he has threatened to go to the press to attempt to try this matter in the court of public opinion.

“I feel it appropriate to give you all a warning,” he added.

An hour after that email, Councilmember Hudson Hornick responded to Wolfe.

“Bust his balls, Scott!” Hornick wrote. Out of caution, Hornick announced on Oct. 23, 2025, that he would recuse himself from

voting on the motel ordinance.

“I used some unfortunate language in response to an email from our city manager about an entirely different property Mr. Moriarty owns on Avenue of Flags that was the site of multiple code violations,” Hornick said at that evening’s council meeting.

“I can understand that my choice of language on an unrelated code enforcement issue could be viewed as biased,” he continued. “So to keep things clean and avoid the appearance of tainting the process, I’m going to recuse myself from this matter.”

That night, staff advised the council to continue its review of the ordinance to a future date due to the aforementioned HCD investigation, which was pending at the time.

When the council finally voted on the ordinance’s final reading in late March, it passed 4-0 (Hornick recused).

As part of Farmhouse’s PRA request, Moriarty’s attorneys also received emails about a motel property located on Avenue of Flags that the city exempted from the new short-term rental reversion rule.

Designated as a city landmark in 2016, Red Rose Court (formerly known as Buellton Motel, established on Avenue of Flags in 1948) will be allowed to continue operating as a studio apartment complex for permanent residents under the ordinance.

While city staff noted Red Rose Court’s landmark status in reports about exempting it from the motel ordinance, Farmhouse attorney Guillen said he believes a 2022-dated email reveals discrimination.

In an email about city staff’s early preparations for the ordinance, contract planner Irma Tucker commented on a staff survey that compiled information about different motels located along Avenue of Flags.

Under a section dedicated to Red Rose Court, Tucker described it as a “well-maintained, quaint property” with studio apartment units that are “likely not affordable to lower income.”

From that line alone, attorney Guillen made the following claim: “The ordinance targets the Farmhouse on the very basis that it serves very low- and low-income tenants, … forcing very low- and low-income tenants to relocate, while allowing higher income residents in other similar situated, ‘quaint’ residential developments to remain in their homes.”

Far from over

Standing over a portable double burner in her kitchenette space, Farmhouse resident Miranda Braid boiled some eggs on April 8 shortly before walking a few doors down from her studio to deliver a homemade egg salad sandwich to her elderly neighbor, Guy Maler.

That same afternoon, she told the Sun that she planned on heading to a housing resources event happening nearby to collect as much information as she could for Maler, who’s lived at the Farmhouse for 14 years.

Braid, 52, moved to the Farmhouse about six

years ago to get away from a bad relationship with a former live-in partner. She said she’s not worried about finding a new place to live. But she is worried about the Farmhouse’s most vulnerable residents, including Maler.

“I became disabled 15 years ago and [the Farmhouse] was the one place I could find that I could afford,” Maler said at a 2025 City Council hearing about the motel ordinance.

“I live in Apartment 1. It’s a handicapped apartment, so I have a walk-in shower, handrails, everything I need,” Maler continued. “Kerry [Moriarty] keeps the place up very nice. … To tell us all to relocate and just get out, it just doesn’t seem right.”

Braid said she also worries about Maryanne Degoede, who’s only lived at the Farmhouse—a funky place that appealed to her—since last November.

“California has changed a lot. It really was like the hippie spot, and rent wasn’t bad in the ’70s, but now it’s become so hard for young people,” Degoede said. “I worry about them.”

When Degoede saw an ad for the Farmhouse on Craigslist, the pet-friendly descriptor caught her attention too, the dog-owner told the Sun

“He can stay in the room while I go get a blood transfusion,” said Degoede, who suffers from gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), aka watermelon stomach.

Sometimes Braid takes Degoede to her medical appointments.

“We really are a community,” Braid said. “We look out for each other.”

All three individuals have spoken up at City Council hearings focused on the Avenue of Flags ordinance.

Outside of council chambers, Mayor Silva has also met them face-to-face at the Farmhouse during his door-knocking efforts to spread the word about available housing assistance options.

Silva also created Buellton’s first Benefits Fair—an event Braid attended—which he hopes will become an annual program.

The April 8 event featured case workers, volunteers, advocates, and representatives from various organizations, including Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People, dedicated to assisting those in need of social services.

“We kind of need a doula for some of these programs to understand,” Silva told the Sun. “I kind of went through my rolodex of emails and phone numbers and organizations that I’ve chatted with in the past, and asked, ‘Would you be willing to come to Buellton and provide a chance for people to do a one-stop shop,’ since there’s so much friction for navigating … the bureaucracy of it all.”

Upon meeting Farmhouse residents, Silva said he was “most impressed by how many of them have a fierce loyalty and sensitivity for the others around them.”

“I actually was impressed by those who had the means or the wherewithal to be able to relocate that aren’t concerned about themselves. They just want to make sure that their neighbors

are taken care of,” Silva said. “I thought that was a really admirable trait to have.”

For Silva, approving the Avenue of Flags ordinance was about bringing properties like Farmhouse into full compliance with the law with “as much compassion as possible.”

While Moriarty expects to file his lawsuit against the city of Buellton before the end of April, he’s also exploring the possibility of connecting individual tenants to representatives of California Rural Legal Assistance, a nonprofit legal service dedicated to supporting clients with low incomes.

Councilmember Carla Mead—whose campaign platforms during her run in 2025 included fostering economic growth along Avenue of Flags—told the Sun via email that the goal behind the ordinance’s two-year transitional period “is to ensure that no one is displaced without a pathway forward.”

“It’s an important and nuanced issue,” Mead said. “The Avenue of Flags corridor is a key economic area for Buellton, and the City Council has a responsibility to plan for its longterm viability. At the same time, we recognize that there are individuals and families currently living in these motels, and we’ve been very intentional about approaching this transition with compassion and care.”

Say it ain’t so

For 26-year Farmhouse resident Garcia, benefitting from two more years at the property he grew up at isn’t worth trying to take someone’s spot in line for alternative affordable housing.

“They’re implementing us to get [affordable] housing, but I’m young and I can work. Why take advantage of the system?” said Garcia, who works full-time as a manager at Buellton’s 76 gas station.

“It’s the same with my brother. He says the same thing,” Garcia said. “We’re young, we’re healthy, and we don’t want to take over on an apartment from somebody that really needs it.”

Reflecting on growing up at the Farmhouse, Garcia said his childhood didn’t feel strange compared to other kids in Buellton he knew. It never felt like he lived at a motel, he said while pointing to a few photos on the wall that neighbor his prized selfie with Biden.

One photo that dates back to the late ’90s shows Garcia and his brother playing soccer in a grassy median across the street from their apartment. Wherever he, his brother, and mother—a longtime line cook at Paula’s Pancake House in Solvang—end up calling home next, he’s confident they won’t separate.

“My brother and I are still here because my mom’s all alone. My father was never in the picture,” Garcia said. “The reason we keep ourselves together is, I think, because of our Hispanic culture.

“Of course, when you get married,” he clarified, “you make your own life.” ❍

CHECKING IN: Buellton Councilmember Carla Mead (left), Mayor David Silva (right), and other city officials weighed in on the Avenue of Flags motel ordinance over the course of a few hearings in 2025 and 2026.

NAVIGATION SKILLS: On April 8, multiple nonprofits dedicated to housing assistance and other social services participated in the Santa Ynez Valley’s first Benefits Fair, organized by Buellton Mayor David Silva and held at Oak Valley Elementary School.

Here to help

County Behavioral Wellness Department combines services at a new Lompoc outpatient clinic

BY MADISON WHITE

Seeking mental health help and resources for substance use disorder can be daunting. The county is trying to make the process a little easier at the Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center.

Adults and youth in the valley can now access resources for mental health and substance use all under one roof. The county’s new Lompoc center opened in early spring on Central Avenue, housing many services including the mobile crisis team, substance use disorder recovery, homeless outreach, and crisis services.

Call any time

and knows it’s important to make accessing resources as seamless as possible.

When patients arrive at the Lompoc clinic, they walk up an outdoor stairwell before entering the spacious lobby. Grimmesey estimated that it’s the biggest out of all the county’s outpatient clinic lobbies.

“It feels very open, welcoming,” Grimmesey said. “So, a really nice entry into the service site.”

The Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. As independent watchdogs, jurors investigate county and city agencies, review government operations, and recommend improvements to benefit the community.

This is a one-year commitment requiring 20–30 hours per week, where jurors collaborate in committees, conduct audits, visit facilities, and respond to citizen concerns.

To qualify, you must be 18+, a Santa Barbara County resident for at least one year, and have a working knowledge of English. Elected officials and those who served on a Grand Jury in the past 12 months are ineligible. The application deadline is May 5, 2025, with interviews and selections in June.

Don’t miss this chance to make an impact—apply now!

Santa Barbara: (805) 882-4530 | Santa Maria: (805) 614-6464 Learn more: https://sbcgj.org/

Rafael Valdovinos Jr., an associate clinician at the adult outpatient clinic, understands that people have already gone through a lot before they’ve even walked through his doors. Many individuals experience substance use disorder and mental health challenges concurrently. Giving them one place to turn can be beneficial.

Find the Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center at 425 W. Central Ave. Walk-in appointments are welcome, or call the 24/7 Behavioral Wellness line for crisis response and other services at (888) 868-1649.

After an initial screening process, care providers offer individualized services for every patient, like individual or group therapy, psychiatry services, medicated assisted treatment, and case management.

The Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center also houses members of the Justice Alliance Action Team, a countywide crossdisciplinary group that works at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice.

“Distance creates a barrier,” Valdovinos told the Sun. “When someone walks out of your office, even if you’ve helped them make the phone call and you’ve helped them set the appointment, sometimes just getting to the other side of town can almost seem insurmountable. So being able to do that warm handoff and walk someone right next door to send an email, to make a phone call, and provide that in-person, warm handoff has made a big difference.”

In his experience, people are more receptive to treatment options after forming a relationship with a practitioner. Hearing an outside perspective can change a lot.

“Those of us that work in this industry, we do this because we care,” Valdovinos said. “Our community members are also a large part. … They continue to be open-minded to try new things in their life. To see that outcomes change for them, that’s what makes all the difference.”

The clinician encourages people to call the access line at (888) 868-1649 to learn about what options are available.

Suzanne Grimmesey views the new center as an opportunity to “bring everyone together.” She’s the department’s public information officer

Though there’s been a behavioral wellness center in Lompoc for a “long time,” one North County provider historically encompassed Santa Maria and Lompoc. Grimmesey said it’s evident that there’s enough need in Lompoc for the county to support the independent service center.

“The more that we can talk about mental health, behavioral health, and the services provided,” she added, “the more we reduce the stigma and the more people that access care.”

Highlights

• Furry friends in Santa Maria can run around at the city’s newest dog park located on Carmen Lane between Jimenez Elementary and Depot Street. Bark Park is celebrating its grand opening with the public on April 18 at 9 a.m. Street parking is available on Carmen Lane.

• The Guadalupe Recreation and Parks Department is hosting a mother-and-son dance at City Hall on May 16. Head over for the DJ, charcuterie snacks and sweets, and a photo booth. Tickets cost $30 for couples and $15 for an additional child. Call (805) 219-9606 by May 8 to register. m

MYRIAD SERVICES: Community members gathered on March 18 for an open house event at the new Lompoc Behavioral Wellness Service Center. Among the speakers was John Winckler (center), the branch chief of specialty programs for county Behavioral Wellness.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Lompoc?

36% Eating out at the cute and quirky restaurants and coffee shops.

36% There’s nothing to do in Lompoc.

28% Wine tasting in the Sta. Rita Hills and the Wine Ghetto.

0% Live music, food, shopping, and crafts at Art Walk each month! 11 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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Sinking ship

Politicians are swamping the state’s financial future

BY RON FINK

If I were a state or local government employee in California, I would be concerned about my future retirement plan.

Many local governments are suffering budget deficits; we read about these budget shortfalls regularly as revenue (tax-based funds) decreases and expenses increase.

The Independent Institute’s website says, “Legislative analyst Gabe Petek, in his overview of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $349 billion 2026-27 budget, says the deficits totaled $125 billion over the last four years and ‘have persisted even as the state’s economy and revenues have grown, underscoring that the problem is structural rather than cyclical. Taken together, these trends raise serious concerns about the state’s fiscal sustainability.’

“This situation has not happened by accident. Since 2017, California has sharply increased its spending per resident faster than the rate of inflation. The state’s government spending has also increased faster than the rate of growth of the median household income of California’s residents.”

One drain on revenue is created by the drafting of policies to ignore the conditions contained in federal grants. Many of these grants have been withheld because state and local governments refuse to meet these requirements, but the political class still feels obligated to fund these programs at the cost of reducing funding in other critical areas.

Another is the fraud schemes that have been widely reported that drain available funding into the pockets of unscrupulous fraudsters. They know that the government frequently fails to properly monitor the programs they shovel money into.

And yet another is the high-speed rail project in the Central Valley that is years behind schedule and more than $120 billion over budget.

Problem-solving isn’t a strong suit for our elected officials. The only solution they have is to toss large piles of cash at every problem, use nonprofit agencies—often led by their supporters—to solve the issue, and call it a successful outcome. Of course, there is little to no oversight on how the money is spent and no metrics to measure success.

Theoretically many nonprofits are only in business to “solve problems” for the government, but the dirty little secret is that if they solve the problem, they are out of work. The organizers pay themselves handsome six-figure salaries while they prepare the next grant application to keep the cash rolling in. The homelessness issue is a perfect example.

Most government employees in state and local governments are union members. These unions strongly support the political party ruling California with monetary donations and “boots on the ground” distributing campaign literature. Union leadership strongly encourages their members to vote for the candidates who belong to the current ruling party.

The reason for this strong support is because they expect the people they elect to support wages and benefit increases for their membership even during periods of reduced tax revenue.

“What does this have to do with my retirement?” you ask. “Isn’t it guaranteed?” Well, the millions, and perhaps billions, of tax dollars being funneled out to nonprofits and union pay/benefit increases, poorly run projects, and unchecked losses to fraud result in unsustainable budget shortfalls and eventually the inability to continue paying employee pensions.

Once a leader in the United States, California has now sunk lower in many important categories such as education, revenueproducing manufacturing, commercial enterprises, movie-making, and fiscal management. Instead of encouraging businesses,

the political leadership has overregulated all industries to the point that they are migrating to more business-friendly states en mass to avoid excessive taxation.

When I was a kid in the early 1960s, California was in the top 5 in every category; today the ruling political party has managed to put our state at the bottom as they rapidly sink the ship of state.

A drastic change of political philosophy is needed to reverse course. m

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

NOW! We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. You can also fax it (1-805-546-8641) or e-mail it (letters@santamariasun.com). All letters must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes; may be edited for space or clarity; and will be posted to santamariasun.com.

The surprising freedom of an electric car

As a mother of two young kids, I didn’t expect my first electric car purchase to bring me this much joy—or this much peace and quiet. But our new Hyundai IONIQ 5 has done exactly that. First, the silence. No engine roar, no rattling— just smooth, almost magical acceleration. My kids actually asked if the car was “on.” With quick handling and smart technology, it’s not just practical—it’s genuinely fun to drive. While federal rebates for electric cars are gone for now, programs like Central Coast Community Energy still make a real difference. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a $4,400 rebate, which significantly cut the cost of the car and a Level 2 home charger.

And then there’s the bigger picture. With gas prices climbing past $6 a gallon, I no longer feel like my family’s budget depends on global tensions or whether the Strait of Hormuz is open. That’s a surprising kind of freedom.

Jaclyn Wong San Luis Obispo

We still have more work to do to protect the Earth

When I attended the very first Earth Day in 1970 as a college student, the air was choked with smog, Rachel Carson had alerted us to the harms caused by DDT, and the heartbreaking massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara polluted miles of ocean and killed thousands of birds. Environmental consciousness was born. Today, we continue to face severe environmental challenges, yet progress has been made over the past 56 years: The Environmental Protection Agency was established, and with it, the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act; we now experience lower levels of air pollution— particulate matter, ozone, and other pollutants; leaded gasoline was banned in 1996; millions of acres of wild places have been protected; clean, renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal) have become the norm.

But there is much more work to be done. I invite you to join me at the upcoming SLO EarthFest on Saturday, April 18. Learn how you can help protect our planet in both large and small ways and have fun with like-minded people. There will be live music, an EV showcase and test drive, kids zone, food trucks, and more. If you can, walk, bike, bus, or carpool to the event. Rain or shine, come to Santa Rosa Park on April 18 in San Luis Obispo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find out more: sloclimatecoalition.org.

Power plays Opinion

How much power does a local government have to change existing uses?

Turns out, local governments think they have a lot of power. They seem to have the power to kick people out of their homes, the power to force property owners to change the use of their properties, the power to kill people’s livelihoods, and the power to outlaw future use of practices that currently exist.

That’s a lot of power.

And most people don’t care about those on the losing side, unless it’s them.

Buellton is aiming for the commercial revitalization of Avenue of Flags, nixing long-term motel stays in the process.

After months of waiting to hear about the legality of a proposed policy, the City Council passed an ordinance in March that forces certain motels to eventually kick out their long-term tenants and revert back to hosting overnight visitors. City Manager Scott Wolfe is hoping that motel owners will realize that their property has value beyond the motel.

“That they would either say: ‘Hey, I’m going to be sitting in the middle of a vibrant commercial location here, I want to fix up my motel,’ or maybe they say: ‘You know what, I’m done being in the motel business,’” Wolfe said. “‘I want to tear this down and build some other kind of commercial use that will be more lucrative from a financial standpoint.’”

The mandate is meant to get motel owners to step up, so that other properties will finally invest in their development dreams. It’s crazy to think that a city can come in and tell an existing property owner that the way they’ve been legally operating for decades is no longer allowed: Change it, redevelop it, or get out. Wild.

“I’ve not heard of any other city that’s taken this approach,” Wolfe said.

There has to be a reason, right?

Kerry Moriarity feels like his Farmhouse Motel is being singled out and is planning to sue. His property has the most long-term tenants of any of the motels in question, most of whom are low income. His attorney said the city’s approach amounts to “gentrification by policy.”

And the policy does seem to be exactly that. Revamp, revitalize, make it attractive to out-oftowners, get rid of the in-towners.

Meanwhile, at the county level, North County’s oil industry is firmly in South County’s environmental crosshairs. I’m not even sure you can call it NIMBYism because most of the folks pushing for a ban on new oil and gas drilling don’t even live where it’s happening.

On April 8, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission pushed forward the first phase of the South County supervisors’ ambitious plan to get oil out, reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, and rip property rights out of the hands of those who depend on mineral extraction to keep their ranches and farms alive, among other things.

As multiple someones pointed out, whether greenhouse gases from oil and gas extraction are emitted in Santa Barbara County or elsewhere, they still contribute to overall global warming. And until we completely revamp our society from the ground up, everyone is dependent on oil.

So, we’re just exporting the local impacts to other places and importing the oil. I guess “buy local” only applies to everything else.

Hot Stuff

LAND AND LIFE

The annual Chumash Earth Day, hosted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Office, will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kitiyepumu’ Park, located on the Santa Ynez Reservation at 100 Via Juana Road in Santa Ynez. More than 30 local businesses and organizations will be in attendance, and an array of family-fun activities will include educational booths, arts and crafts, face painting, raffles and giveaways, local food trucks, and an appearance from Smokey Bear. Additional information and history can be found at syceo.org/earthday.

—Angie Stevens

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

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

DANCE CLASSES There are weekly dance classes, from ages 2 to adult, at KleinDance Arts Mondays-Saturdays, 4-8 p.m. (805) 268-2530. kleindancearts.com. KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

POETRY READING AND COMMUNITY

ZINE WORKSHOP WITH JUAN FELIPE

HERRERA Join the first Mexican American poet laureate of the nation

Juan Felipe Herrera for a poetry reading and community zine workshop at Allan Hancock College. April 24 , 4-6 p.m. Free. (805) 922-6966 ext. 3474. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, 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. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

“BESTIES” ARTIST DEBBI GREEN AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Debbi Green has painted local farm animals, along with notso-wild animals and birds in her solo exhibit at Gallery Los Olivos. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through April. (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

BETWEEN EARTH & SKY EXHIBIT

Featuring 20 dazzling photos of bright and beautiful birds amidst the backdrop of California wildflowers, Between Earth & Sky showcases some of local photographer Deborah Kalas’ most spirited work. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays. through April 20 calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

“WHEN THE EARTH WHISPERS BACK: NATURE’S HOPE” Woman Painters West, an organization of juried professional woman artists (100+ years old) were invited to exhibit at this museum creating paintings that answered their theme. See 48 paintings juried from 100 entries on view at the museum. Canatureartmuseum. org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

THE CHAIR AUCTION The LVAA presents The Chair Auction, a creative exhibition and month-long silent auction where artists transform everyday chairs into unique works of art. Through April 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 737-1129. lompocart. org/events. Lompoc Valley Art Association (Cypress Gallery), 119 E. Cypress, Lompoc.

LOMPOC ART ASSOCIATION CHAIR

AUCTION: CLOSING RECEPTION The Lompoc Valley Arts Association invites the community to its first Chair Auction, a creative exhibition and silent auction featuring artist-transformed chairs. April 26 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 737-1129. lompocart.org/. Lompoc Valley Art Association (Cypress Gallery), 119 E. Cypress, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

PAGKAMULAT: PILIPINO CULTURAL

NIGHT 37 Cal Poly’s Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) is a student-run cultural production that celebrates Pilipino-American heritage through dance, drama, and music. April 24, 7-9:30 p.m. and April 25 7-9:30 p.m. $8. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC St. Joseph High School Community Theatre Presents: The Sound of Music. April 17 7 p.m., April 18 , 7 p.m. and April 19 2 p.m. $34. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint

pre-made pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

2026 SLO FILM FEST! Join the 32nd annual 2026 SLO Film Festival, featuring more than 100 independent films, red carpets, Q&As, panels, workshops, free events, tickets, and passes available. April 23 12-9 p.m., April 24 , April 25 and April 26 $5-$350. (805) 546-3456. slofilmfest.org. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, 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.

ATSUKO OKATSUKA: THE BIG BOWL TOUR Known for her viral videos and one-of-a-kind humor, Atsuko Okatsuka is an award winning comedian now on tour, following her hit stand-up special, FATHER. April 22 7:30 p.m. calpolyarts.org/ 20252026-season/atsuko-okatsuka. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.

BUILD A JUNKBOT WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Build a one-of-a-kind JunkBot using vintage and found objects like gears, keys, and metal bits. Assemble, customize and name your robot. April 25 2-4:30 p.m. $110. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.

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

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL

COAST An opportunity to work on your own projects and materials while picking up new skills among friends. Note: this event is held mostly every third Monday (attendees are asked to call or email to confirm ahead of time). Third Monday of every month $5; first session free. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.

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 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.

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/visit/ tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

GELLI PLATE PRINTING WITH CAROLINA LUNA Experience a beginnerfriendly method of printmaking as Carolina guides you through different ways you can make prints with gel plates and mixed media! April 25 1-3 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, artcentralslo. wordpress.com.

IMPROV STUDENT SHOWCASE AT THE BUNKER Come cheer on the students of Central Coast Comedy Theater as they take the stage for a night of unscripted hilarity! From fresh-faced beginners making their improv debut to seasoned students showing off their chops, this showcase will be sure to astound! April 17, 6:15-8 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

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

MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/ book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA YNEZ BAND OF CHUMASH INDIANS

MOVIES AT THE MARKET Join at the Market for a family-friendly movie night.

Grab a blanket or chair and join us on the patio for The Lorax April 24 8-9:30 p.m.

Free. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

NEUROGRAPHIC ART WORKSHOP

WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn neurographic art, a meditative drawing method that processes emotions and reduces stress. Create flowing lines, neural-style patterns, and color using brush pens. April 18 , 2-4:30 p.m. $65. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls. com. Learn Neurographic art, a relaxing drawing method that uses flowing lines and watercolor pens to process emotions, reduce stress, and create beautiful abstract patterns. April 18

2-4:30 p.m. $65. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls. com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.

PAINTING IN THE STYLE OF GEORGIA

O’KEEFFE Learn to paint in the style of Georgia O’Keeffe, an American artist best known for her paintings of flowers and desert landscapes. April 18 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL The SLO Film Festival is a six-day annual event, showcasing creative, diverse, and impactful works from filmmakers from around the world.

April 23 April 24 April 25 and April 26 $22. (805) 546-3456. slofilmfest2026. eventive.org. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

UBU’S OTHER SHOE STAGED READING:

LOVE ALONE A routine surgery turns tragic, leaving a family in grief and a doctor grappling with guilt. This drama explores themes of loss, healing, and connection. April 17, 7-9 p.m. and April 18, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. $18-$23. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/ staged-reading-love-alone/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

CONTINUING EDUCATION WITH LAURUS COLLEGE Are you interested in going back to school as an adult?

Registration is required; for patrons 18 and older. Programming is provided

in partnership with Laurus College. April 17 3-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS: AI SKILLS FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Join Pathways to Success, a half-day summit uniting Northern Santa Barbara County leaders, educators, and students to explore AI-driven careers and gain practical AI skills. April 17, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m. Free. hancockcollege.edu/ pathways2success/. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. SALOMÓN PICO MEMORIAL TRAIL RUN

Trail run through the beautiful Solomon Hills south of Orcutt. There will be five, ten, and 15 mile distances, with access to property only through the trail run. April 18 $20-$60. (805) 264-5961. smvos.org. Newlove Picnic Grounds at Solomon Hills, 1555 Orcutt Hill Road, Orcutt.

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB The Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults, featuring a lively discussion! Registration is required, and the club is for patrons 18 and older. April 18 2-3 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

29TH ANNUAL NEAL TAYLOR NATURE CENTER FISH DERBY Join for the annual Neal Taylor Nature Center Fish Derby at Lake Cachuma! Fun for all ages featuring more than $5000 in prizes, raffles, and more! April 18 -19, 6 a.m.-noon $10-$50. (805) 693-8381. troutderby.org/. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, 2265 CA-154, Cachuma Lake.

CHUMASH EARTH DAY The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department will host its annual free Chumash Earth Day event, featuring family-fun activities, including educational booths, face painting, arts and crafts, raffles and giveaways, local food trucks and a special appearance from Smokey Bear. The event is open to the public, and free parking will be available at the Tribal Hall, with shuttle service to Kitiyepumu’ Park. April 18 10 a.m.-2 p.m. syceo.org/ earthday. Kitiyepumu’ Park, 100 Via Juana Road, Santa Ynez.

THE WINEMAKER’S TABLE: AN EVENING OF RIDEAU REDS AT THE ADOBE Step inside the Rideau Vineyard cellar for a rare and intimate evening among the barrels. April 18 5:30-9:30 p.m. rideauvineyard. com. Rideau Vineyard, 1562 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, (805) 688-0717.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

DEMONSTRATION DAYS AT LA PURISIMA MISSION Explore the mission and learn about California’s mission history with State Park staff and volunteers, and hands-on demonstrations. Activities include corn grinding, candle making, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, leather production, gardening, as well as a new Chumash life station that offers visitors a chance to explore Chumash culture today. April 25 11 a.m.-2 p.m. explorelompoc.com. La Purísima Mission, 2295 Purisima Mission, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMEN: LOS

PADRES SPRING TACK SWAP Learn about, meet, and mingle with equestrian groups on the Central Coast, pick up new and used tack, and support local nonprofit programs including Jack’s Helping Hand Little Riders, Edna 4-H, Hoofprint. April 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 610-2279. facebook. com/events/1601550337814271. Edwards Barn, 1095 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo. LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. April 16 9-10:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC Bars and Bounce is a sneakily fun workout, where children 5 to 17 years old can build wholebody strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines! No experience is necessary. April 18 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-

HANDS-ON HISTORY

State Park staff and volunteers will guide the public around Lompoc’s La Purisima Mission during a Demonstration Day on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can immerse themselves in California’s mission history and experience hands-on learning from experts in corn grinding, candle making, blacksmithing, leather production, and gardening. For more details, visit explorelompoc.com. —A.S.

9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youthprograms. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

BRAVER ANGELS COURAGESOUS CONVERSATION: LEARN TO LAPPC

Join the Braver Angels Courageous Conversations workshop and gain skills and confidence to have conversations across difference. Learn to LAPPC and turn arguments into discussions. April 25 9:30 a.m.-noon Free. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, 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.

CHASING SURVIVAL: CHEETAHS, COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVATION

Global conservation leader Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, will explore sustainable innovation in the effort to protect wildlife. April 23, 4:10-5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-1477. international.calpoly.edu. Cal Poly (Keck Lab), Building 007, Room 02, 1, Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo. CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org. San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. 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. EVERYTHING EDIBLE AT GROWING GROUNDS NURSERY SLO Everything Edible is a gardening plant sale extravaganza! We will be selling all the plants you will need for your summer garden at our Nursery! April 18 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 543-6071. growinggrounds-farm-santa-maria.square.site. Growing Grounds Nursery, 3740 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. EXPLORE TANGO DISCOVERY CLASS Discover the joy of connection with Argentine Tango. No partner or experience is required. A lifetime of community connecting with people and music awaits! April 18 1-3 p.m. $30. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428. FAMILY FUN LINE DANCING Join this Family-friendly Line Dance class, including the most popular line dances for all ages. April 19, 3:30-5 p.m. $10. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428. FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE

Just as young noble Jane is ready

Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's

Just as young noble Jane is ready to tie the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!

the knot, she's whisked away by "The Nameless Piratess," the most infamous lady pirate on the seas! Together, they set sail on a wild quest to unearth a witch's treasure on a treacherous island. But here's the real question: Will Jane be rescued, or will she ditch her bridal gown for a swashbuckling pirate's hat and chase after enchanted riches? Yo-ho-ho, the plot thickens!

Sweet, Juicy, and Unforgettable: Strawberry Festival Is Back

Get ready to celebrate the start of strawberry season at one of the Central Coast’s most anticipated annual events! The Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festiva l welcomes approximately 67,000 attendees each year, bringing together locals and visitors for an unforgettable weekend filled with flavor, entertainment, and community pride.

Rooted in the rich agricultural heritage of the Santa Maria Valley, this beloved festival highlights the region’s world-famous strawberries while supporting local farmers and businesses. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a vibrant showcase of everything that makes our community special.

Meet Butch Patrick “Eddie Munster”

Cruising only for Participants Spectators Welcome

A Celebration of Flavor and Heritage in the Santa Maria Valley

3 days of entertainment on the Community Stage

Live entertainment each day, including - Polynesian Dancers

- Local School Performances and Artists

Pie eating contest will be Sat. and Sun. at 4pm

Win Unlimited Ride Wristbands, Game Passes and food passes given away at the Community Stage daily, and much more!

Strawberry Festival

Unlimited ride wristband - $55

Strawberry Festival

Unlimited ride wristband with Front of the Line Access - $85

Credits for rides and games are $1 each. (Rides are 3 – 12 credits and Games are $10 each)

Pediatric Medical Group wants to ensure all newborns, infants, children and adolescents are up-to-date on their comprehensive well-child care, inclusive of appropriate screenings, complete physical exam, laboratory exams, fluoride varnish and vaccines.

Pediatric Medical Group is scheduling well exam visits for children of all ages. Strict safety precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of patients and their parents.

• We provide rapid COVID-19 tests (15 Min results) Flu tests, and Flu vaccines.

• Face masks are required to be worn

• Strict sanitation practices are in place including disinfecting exam rooms after each visit.

David Ikola, M.D.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Joseph Nunez, M.D. Dr. Michele Kielty, D.O.

Festival Highlights

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoy performances from talented local and regional artists all weekend long STRAWBERRY

TASTINGS

Indulge in fresh-picked berries and delicious strawberry treats CARNIVAL

FUN

Classic rides and games for kids, teens, and the young at heart

LOCAL VENDORS & ARTISANS

Shop unique goods and support small businesses

From sweet treats to family-friendly fun, every moment is designed to celebrate community connection and the joy of the season.

Patrick Contreras “Violin On Fire” is an Electric Violinist from Fresno, CA performing a blend of Rock, Latin and Pop. Opening for a wide variety of acts from BB King to REO Speedwagon, Patrick is establishing himself as a must-see act performing fiery interpretations of Santana and Michael Jackson paired with exciting originals that get you moving!

Powered by Local Sponsors

The success of the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival is made possible by the generous support of local sponsors. Their commitment helps keep this event free to attend, while enhancing the overall experience with quality entertainment, engaging activities, and community-driven programming.

Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival is your chance to experience the heart of the Central Coast.

Don’t miss this berry special weekend!

From pizza to page-turners! Klondike co-owner Pam writes “The Murder Blog Mysteries”—find them on Amazon.

LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid. com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER

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

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT

GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

HIP HOP POP-UP WORKSHOP WITH SUSI Join this high-energy hip-hop pop-up with Susi. Experience dynamic choreography, real expression, and a space to move with confidence. April 17, 6:30-8 p.m. $35. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: A SPRING

BENEFIT FOR CASA OF SAN LUIS

OBISPO COUNTY Your ticket includes drinks, appetizers, live music, inspirational speakers, and more. All proceeds will directly benefit CASA’s mission to advocate for children in foster care. April 18 4-5:30 p.m. $50. (805) 546-2404. slocasa.org/casa-events/. The Carrisa, 736 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

HOTEL SLO HOSTS 5TH ANNUAL ROSÉ

THE SLO WAY WINE FESTIVAL AND FUNDRAISER Hotel San Luis Obispo presents its fifth annual Rosé the SLO Way wine festival and fundraise. Join this ultimate pink party! April 19 1-4 p.m. $170. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.

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

MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DOCENTS

ORIENTATION MEETING Mission

SLO Docents give free daily tours for visitors of all faiths. Orientation for new docents - help share the special story of Mission SLO! Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 657/465-9182. missionslodocents.org/. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS Join Mended Hearts of San Luis Obispo for Empowering Monthly Meetings for Cardiovascular Patients. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. mendedhearts.org. French Hospital Copeland Health Education Pavilion, 3rd Floor, 1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo.

PING PONG TOURNAMENT Doubles will be in the morning, and singles in the afternoon. April 18 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. (217) 503-7823. zionslo.com/ping-pongtournament. Zion Lutheran Church, 1010 E Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

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

SEA SHANTIES

The Morro Bay Shanty Project is set to perform historical songs of the sea at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant in Morro Bay on Friday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Folks can enjoy a lunch overlooking the bay while singing along to tunes and supporting the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. Additional information can be found on Morro Bay Shanty Project’s Facebook.

—A.S.

SLO EARTHFEST 2026 SLO EarthFest inspires and empowers our community to take bold climate action through education, connection, and celebration. April 18 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. sloearthfest. org. Santa Rosa Park, Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing weekly fresh flower market, open to the public. Enjoy the historic gardens with local blooms from nine local flower farmers. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Nov. 5 Free. sloflowercollective. com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

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

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we

8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

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

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. TOMATO FANDANGO Join at Tiber Canyon Olive Ranch where Growing Grounds Farm’s edible plants meet artisan vendors in a beautiful location! April 25 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and April 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 801-8158. Tiber Canyon Olive Ranch, 280 West Ormonde, San Luis Obispo, tibercanyon.com/.

are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays,

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.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY Head to Food Truck Friday, with wine bottle specials and local food trucks every Friday at the Wine Stone Inn. Fridays, 4-9 p.m. through April 24 Free. (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W.

Join our Team!

Do you love Santa Maria ? Do you want to help local businesses succeed? So do we! New Times Media Group is a family owned business that has been part of the community since 1986. Our mission is to publish great newspapers, which are successful and enduring, create a quality work environment that encourages employees to grow and to have a positive impact on our communities and make them a better place to live. If you want to make a difference and do something that matters then keep reading. We are looking for an individual who cares about building relationships and partnering with local businesses. If you have the heart, we have the tools to train you to be a successful Ad Consultant. You must be self-motivated, ambitious and an independent person who wants to be part of a great team. Successful reps will have a sincere desire to help our clients assess their needs and work together to create marketing campaigns that increase their business. s

TALENTS:

• A curiosity about how different types of businesses work

• An interest in learning consultative sales skills

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work within deadlines

• The ability to be social and enjoy talking with people

• The ability to learn how to develop solutions to marketing problems

• A strong work ethic

• Superior customer service skills

Compensation includes a base salary, or commission and bonus; excellent benefits package including medical, dental, paid time off and 401(k). Sun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Please submit your resume and a cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time

EXPERIENCE:

Experience in business, customer service or related field College degree preferred Vehicle, license and insurance required

TO APPLY:

If this sounds like you, please let us know by emailing your resume. When you submit your resume please answer the following questions in your e-mail: 1) Why are you interested in working for New Times Media Group? 2) Why should we hire you? 3) Tell us something about yourself that we can’t learn from your resume.

Three Speckled Hens Antique Show

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

EVYR Live at The Pour House!

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

The Pour House, Paso Robles

Ultraviolets/Excuse me Sir/ Joone

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 The Bunker, SLO

Topanga Banjo & Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival

SUNDAY, MAY 17

That’s So Drag Brunch at Libertine

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Gillette Ranch, Calabasas The Mac &

SATURDAY,

APRIL 18

San Luis Bay Estates, Avila Beach

That’s So Disco: A Late Night Drag Dance Party

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

How We Met: Live Dating Show

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 SLO

SLO

Cider Co,

Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE

ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

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

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

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

TAP THURSDAY Head to Tap Thursdays at the Wine Stone Inn every week, featuring $5 draft beers and $5 Cava’s. Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. through April 16 Free. (805) 3323532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 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.

WINE BINGO WEDNESDAYS Join Wine Bingo Wednesday at the Wine Stone Inn –– the original bingo night in Old Orcutt. The event will occur weekly with the purchase of an adult beverage. Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. through April 29 (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CHUCK WAGON BBQ Get plates and platters of BBQ chicken and tri tip, along with sides and desserts. April 18 , 3-9 p.m. cuyamabuckhorn.com/chuck-wagon-bbq. Cayuma Buckhorn, 4923 Primero St, New Cayuma.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head

TACO TAKEOVER

The fourth annual Paso Robles Taco Fest will be held at the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles on Saturday, April 18, from noon to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the “largest taco festival in the Western U.S.,” more than 60 taco and food vendors from across the country will be serving affordable eats, while more than 80 craft and artisan vendors will sell handmade goods and gifts. General admission is $25 each day, or $40 for a full weekend pass, and can be purchased at my805tix.com.

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO,

$17.91. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

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

THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH AT LIBERTINE That’s So Drag Brunch returns bigger and better than ever before!

“We’ve been told we have the best drag brunches in California, and we are going to prove it with this one!” April 19 10 a.m.

Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.

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.

Hot Stuff

ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: ‘SEASON FINALE BARBER AND BRAHMS’ Savor the melodious music of Barber and Brahms, two composers of extraordinary lyricism and expression. April 25 7:30 p.m. $50. Grace Baptist Church, 605 E. McCoy Ln., Santa Maria, (805) 925 0412.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

I AM KING: THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE I AM KING: The Michael Jackson Experience offers an unparalleled experience, bringing you as close as possible to witnessing the King of Pop live. April 25 7-9 p.m. $55. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/ show-listing. Theaterfest Solvang, 420 2nd St, Solvang.

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.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays,

6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a writer and performer of guitar-woven music in distinctive stylistic shapes. It is music that is easy to listen to but also surprises. April 25 1-4 p.m. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly

lively club performances, and an evening concert with ukulele instructors Perry Stauffer and Dani Joy. April 21 , 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $65. starlight-ukes.newzenler.com. SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace, 871 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-0210.

JOSEPH HAYDN’S THE CREATION Enjoy this choral gem of the Age of Enlightenment that draws out the story of the Creation, depicting all the wonders of the first six days. Hear soloists Amy Goymerac, Xavier Prado, and Colin Ramsey. The SLO Master Chorale and Orchestra is conducted by Thomas Davies. April 19 3 p.m. $12-$42. pacslo.org/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.

MIKE ANNUZZI: SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC CAREER Annuzzi will talk about sustainable practices for a successful music career. He’s worked in a variety of roles, including artist, songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. April 23 11:10 a.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music. calpoly.edu. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.

THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE BUNKER SLO X FITS MAGAZINE PRESENTS: ULTRAVIOLETS, EXCUSE

ME SIR, JOONE April 18 7-10 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST POP-UP UKULELE FESTIVAL Experience a full day of music-making with hands-on workshops,

SLOX SLOx is a three-day-long celebration of dance. This Lindy Hop extravaganza features two live bands, social dancing, games, lessons, prizes, and an auction. April 24 , 6:45 p.m.-midnight, April 25 11-midnight and April 26, 1-4 p.m. $40-$95. (408) 332-2926. calpolyswingdance.com/ slox-2026. Chumash Auditorium, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

W. TERRENCE SPILLER PIANO

RECITAL: SUITES AND DANCES Enjoy dance suites by Johann Sebastian Bach and Béla Bartók, dances by Frédéric Chopin and Maurice Ravel, and danceinspired works by Isaac Albéniz. April 24 , 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. m

The City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is providing City residents with a FREE landscape burlap and three MPR1000 Rotator sprinklers and anti-leak sprinkler bodies. This promotion is to remind all homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers to Go Green in the Spring by pulling weeds and collecting clippings to spruce up landscaping, planting drought-tolerant plants to conserve water, and regularly checking irrigation sprinklers and outdoor faucets to address any leaks. Promotion is available in April while supplies last. Call to reserve today.

Simba

Age: 8 months

Breed: Retriever

mix

Sex: Male

Weight: 59 lbs.

Campus: Santa Maria

Campus: Santa Barbara

2026 Winning Images

The 31st Annual Winning Images Competition will be taking entries starting now through May 11th at 5pm! Win cash prizes, get published in our annual Winning Images issues out June 18th. See your work in an online gallery and be part of a show at The Photo Shop in San Luis Obispo!

Michael V. Messina, 2025

Jim Jeffrey, 2025 Tim Bennett,

Stapp,

Danna Joy Dykstra-Coy,

ARTS BRIEFS

Comedian Bill Engvall to perform at the Chumash Casino

Bill Engvall is heading to Santa Ynez for a night full of laughs.

The tried-and-true comedian and TV host is headlining the Chumash Casino on April 24. He’s known for clean commentary on marriage, parenthood, and everyday life. The show will be held in the Samala Showroom at 8 p.m.

After getting his feet wet at comedy clubs in the 1980s, Engvall debuted on TV in 1989 via The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson He’d go on to host A Pair of Jokers top the charts with his stand-up routines, and star in a sitcom called The Bill Engvall Show

“With eight solo stand-up comedy albums to date, Engvall has solidified his reputation as a leading voice in mainstream, family-friendly comedy,” according to press materials.

Engvall also won Best Male Stand-Up Comedian at the 1992 American Comedy Awards and helped launch the Blue Collar Comedy Tour films in the early 2000s.

Chumash Casino requires patrons to be 21 years or older. The venue is located at 3400 E. Highway 246 in Santa Ynez. Tickets start at $79 and can be purchased online at chumashcasino.com. Call the resort at (805) 686-0855.

Pico Los Alamos hosts dinner and a show

Los Alamos Theatre Group’s 14th original stage production is set to run from May 7 to 10. Bell Street restaurant Pico Los Alamos is the host, offering a social hour and three-course meal to accompany the performance.

Taking place over the course of one chaotic day, Audition: Showtime! follows Hollywood expats who produce a talent show in Los Alamos against all odds. They only have one week to prepare it and must use a Bell Street restaurant as their stage.

“If that isn’t daunting enough, a bureaucrat from Santa Barbara County arrives to tell them that a citizen has filed a complaint against the planned activity, and the show might be forced to close even before it opens,” Pico said in an email to the Sun

On May 7, 8, and 9, cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. and dinner service starts at 6 p.m. Actors hit the stage at 7:30 for the hourlong performance.

The May 10 show is a 3 p.m. matinee. Dinner isn’t included, but doors open an hour early for drinks at the bar. Los Alamos Theatre Group donates all ticket proceeds to local nonprofits and is made up of volunteer actors, musicians, designers, and technicians. Purchase your seat by visiting losalamosgeneralstore.com/special-events.

Pico Los Alamos is located at

Talk of the town

In a new podcast, two locals inspire listeners to dream big

BY MADISON WHITE

Nevada Gibson’s second memory with Daniel Black is their “iconic” slap fight at Pacific Christian School after playing together during recess in third grade.

“For some reason we just started slapping the heck out of each other, like, in the face,” Gibson said in between laughs. “We got in trouble. We had to sit on the red bench.”

The goofy, ridiculous story sounds like the kind of hometown lore they might share on their new podcast, Big in a Small Town, which debuted in March. The show is released on Mondays across platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Each episode is an encouraging, bubbly conversation between the friends about self-improvement and reaching big dreams no matter where their feet are planted.

The now-besties rekindled their connection in middle school (the slap fight was never that serious) with mutual friends but got closer a few years later. Today they share dreams, plan life, strategize, and “therapize” with each other. Friendships like theirs made Black’s childhood in Santa Maria a little more enjoyable.

“The area itself, I would say there’s not much to do for kids,” he told the Sun. “You have to rely on the community and the social connections to make life fun and interesting.”

Central Coast dreamin’

Now both 29 years old, Gibson and Black started a creative endeavor centered on making the most out of living in their hometown. Having moved away and returned, gaining life experience along the way, they both have much to share.

They’re proud to say Big in a Small Town is hosted by relatable people—although the content creators are starting to get recognized out and about—talking about average life on the Central Coast. So far, the hosts have tackled topics like how to stop beating a dead horse, aligned dating, taking things at face value, and finding a spark again.

Of course, they want to make their audience laugh, too. For as many listeners who want to absorb the motivational, personal growth ideas, there are just as many who want to “shoot the shit,” Black said.

Each episode begins with a question-andanswer segment they like to call, “Gay or sick in the head?” With no mal-intent, it’s a bit they do together in their own friendship, but it found a natural home at the top of the show.

Gibson said the idea floated into her mind like a little cloud looking for a home, and it’s now one of her favorite parts of the podcast. She and Black have long marked scenarios or actions as “gay” or “sick,” which developed into “sick in the head.”

For example, is it gay or sick in the head when a man at a bar hits on Gibson but keeps buying drinks for Black? In episode 1, they decided it’s sick in the head. But a little gay, too.

“The concept is really about using humor and joking about the models and systems that we have in society to also demonstrate how broken they are and that you choose your own reality,”

Black told the Sun.

He’s come a long way as a gay man on

the Central Coast. There’s little to no representation now, let alone when he was a kid.

Gayness was very “hush hush” back then, especially in the religious circles he grew up in. He was taught that gay people go to hell, he said.

As a content creator now, one of his main goals is to be the representation for the next generation. With an online presence, the podcaster feels he can help normalize queerness.

When he’s not busy recording, Black works in medicine and takes pride in often being the only gay health care provider at the hospital in a community-facing role. One of his limiting beliefs was the fear of posting authentic content online because of being judged at work.

“Just because you’re white or brown or Black or gay or bi or whatever doesn’t mean that you have to be the stereotypical model of what people expect you to be,” Black said.

“Because those things can feel really trapping and limiting, and it can make you feel so small.” Gibson likes to share her reflections to help people break their own barriers because she knows what it feels like on the receiving end.

“A big part of my life and my personal growth journey was seeing how other people grew and seeing what was possible for them,” Gibson said.

When you add up all her endeavors, the content creator models what it means to be a multi-faceted creative. She brings her film school technical chops to the podcast. After recording, she’ll spend eight hours in postproduction editing and assembling promotional

content for social media. Gibson loves when people get to see her doing the “technical shit,” a skill of hers since high school.

The co-host thought of the Big in a Small Town concept in September, sketched out the cover, got it shot by November, and rallied Black to start filming in December. He calls her the visionary of the podcast.

All themes and written materials are original. The hosts don’t jump at trending topics online because they want listeners to get a taste of their authentic lives.

“I also write everything because I don’t want AI to touch my fucking creative shit,” Gibson said.

The actual recording happens at Gibson’s home studio. Like many podcasts today, the hosts release a video version plus the audio. Viewers will see the two curled up on a sofa holding microphones, sipping iced beverages, and riffing.

“It’s the reason why I exist on this earth … just to create and have fun and inspire others,” Gibson said. “You can do anything from wherever you are.”

“It might be difficult; you may have to force your way in sometimes or feel uncomfortable,” Black concluded. “But if you want it, you have to go and do it.” m

Staff Writer Madison White strives to live big in a small town, too. Reach her at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUMASH CASINO RESORT

Big in a Small Town is released Mondays on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Follow on Instagram @biginasmalltownpodcast. Co-hosts Daniel Black and Nevada Gibson can be found on Instagram @danny_blackie and @nevada_.

HOMETOWN CELEBS: The Big in a Small Town podcast hosted by Nevada Gibson and Daniel Black—29-year-olds born and raised in Santa Maria—aims to help others chase their dreams and break free from confining small-town mentalities.

COURTESY PHOTO BY JEFFREY BLOOM

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL BLACK

YOUR LOCAL GAY ICON: Daniel Black uses his online platform to encourage others to be themselves, follow their dreams, and think outside the box.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEVADA GIBSON

THE TECH BADDIE: As a film school grad, Nevada Gibson brings her technical expertise to the Big in a Small Town podcast. She structures episodes, manages equipment, edits, and promotes the show on social media.

Jonah Hill (Mid90s) directs this screenplay he co-wrote with Ezra Woods about Hollywood star Reef Hawk (Keanu Reeves), five years sober and on a break from acting, who receives a panicked call from his “crisis lawyer,” Ira Slitz (Hill), who tells him someone is blackmailing him with some dirt from his past. Desperate to maintain his image as a “nice” Hollywood star, he goes about making amends with those he wronged in the past who might have reason to hurt him. (84 min.)

OUTCOME

Glen: This film is getting panned, but don’t believe it. It’s actually a very insightful black comedy examination of the price of fame, cancel culture, regret, and atonement. The film opens with vintage Johnny Carson footage of a singing and tap-dancing kid, Reef Hawk, on the cusp of his budding stardom. When we meet adult Reef, he’s feeling pretty good about himself. He’s been off heroin for five years. He’s got an amazing house on the beach and a personal assistant. His two besties from high school—Kyle (Cameron Diaz) and Xander (Matt Bomer)—are always ready to reassure him that he’s a good guy. Despite all that, his insecurity blooms as soon as he learns someone is threatening to tarnish his image. Can he find out who and apologize before his reputation is ruined? He sets about contacting those he might

ANACONDA

What’s it rated? PG-13

When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Jack Black and Paul Rudd—what could go wrong with such a jovial and charming duo? The two play childhood friends Doug (Black) and Griff (Rudd), whose adult lives have proved less than satisfying. When Griff gains the rights to their favorite ’90s flick, Anaconda the two, alongside their other childhood buddies Kenny (Steve Zahn) and Claire (Thandiwe Newton), head to Brazil with a shoestring budget and a prayer to make the seventh in the Anaconda film franchise.

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Apple TV

The ninth step EVENTS WIRE

have wronged, starting with his first manager, Richie “Red” Rodriguez (Martin Scorsese). As Reef works to make amends, it’s abundantly clear he’s still got some personal growth to attend to.

Anna: That ninth step is a real ass-kicker, and Reef is the kind of guy who focuses on his own reflection in the mirror and not what’s going on behind that gaze. Confronting his past and those he may have wronged in a drug-fueled or ego-fueled stupor is less than ideal, but his desperation to stay relevant and liked is an even deeper pull. Hill’s Slitz is an obnoxious character, in turn making Reef an even more endearing—albeit self-involved— guy. Reeves has a way of turning every character he plays into an everyman by being relatable, and I’ve heard the same about the actor himself as a person outside of Hollywood. I’m not sure why this film is getting a bunch of hate. I have some theories around audiences not necessarily wanting to see their favorite actors as real people with real problems, but I found this, and Reeves’ Reef in particular, to be charmingly candid in the way that comes only from someone who has known the biz for most of their life.

Glen: Last year’s Jay Kelly with George Clooney as an aging movie star looking back on his life with regret and Adam Sandler as his loyal manager also didn’t quite connect with

What follows is a snake the size of a small kingdom, a sketchy snake handler named Carlos (Selton Mello), a tricky lady named Ana (Daniela Melchior), and hijinks galore. People get swallowed, squeezed, and snaked—all while a movie is being filmed.

Turns out that the whole thing may be a dog and pony show, but the friends still have to figure out how to escape

the Amazon and the giant snake that has them in its sights. Fueled by the lead actors’ abilities to charm the pants off their audience, this bumbling buddy comedy still manages to have heart. Perfectly built for family night, Anaconda is here to get the whole crowd laughing. Oh, and you even get a cameo by Ice Cube. (99 min.)

—Anna

audiences, so maybe there’s not a taste for these stories. Also, Hill’s 2018 writer-director debut, Mid90s, was remarkable, so expectations may have been set too high for his sophomore effort, but I think it has some important insights into the TMZification of celebrity culture. It’s satirizing Hollywood, turning over the rocks and watching the insects scatter. I loved soap queen Susan Lucci as Reef’s reality TV star mother, Dinah, who only agrees to let her son apologize if it’s captured on camera for her show. Ugh! And warning, the title turns out to be a punny, double entendre groaner. Watch the

THE RISE OF THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS: OUR BROTHER, HILLEL

What’s it rated? R When? 2026

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Ben Feldman (Bug Out ) directs this documentary filled with archival footage and images as well as contemporary interviews with Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Jack Irons, and others. The doc’s focus, guitarist Hillel Slovak, has his voice digitally reconstructed to read pages from his diary that are filled with his artwork.

film and you’ll see.

Anna: Hill helming a film about an almost canceled star must sit close to his heart—just a few years ago he stepped away from the limelight amid accusations of abuse and controlling behavior alleged by an ex. Needless to say, even stars should get called out when they act badly, and this film depicts the panic inside. ❍

New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

For Chili Pepper fans, it’s a remarkable inside look at the formation of this incredible band. It explains how Slovak didn’t play on the first Chili Peppers album because of a previous commitment in the band What is This? Seeing the organic creation of the band unfold in all its messy glory is beautiful and exciting.

For others, it’s simply a compelling exploration of a musical brotherhood, ’80s LA boyhood, and the sad inevitability of addiction. Kiedis, Flea, and Slovak met at Fairfax High School and immediately bonded over

music. Their raw exuberance is joyous, and even if you don’t like their music, you’ll appreciate their energy. Kiedis was also addicted to heroin but recovered. Bullet dodged.

The documentary is strengthened by the inclusion of 1988 footage of the band’s European tour captured by a Dutch filmmaker who found the raw footage he thought was lost. Fascinating. (99 min.) ❍

ATONEMENT: Beloved Hollywood star, Reef Hawk (Keanu Reeves, left), is told by his “crisis lawyer,” Ira Slitz (Jonah Hill, right), that someone is blackmailing him, in Outcome, streaming on Apple TV.

BUDDY COMEDY: Childhood friends Doug (Jack Black, left) and Griff (Paul Rudd, right) travel to the Amazon to fulfil their dream of re-creating their favorite ’90s film monster, in Anaconda, streaming on Netflix.

DRUG BUDDIES: In Netflix’s new documentary, The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel, guitarist Hillel Slovak’s outsized talent is chronicled along with his untimely overdose death.

Eats

Brain freeze!

Bring your family, friends, and pets to Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop

BY MADISON WHITE

After a hot day by the pool or a sandy afternoon on the beach, Old Orcutt residents have a new place to cool off before heading home.

Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop opened on March 14 after three years of planning and construction. It sells classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry along with rotating dairy-free options that make a tasty base to pile high with toppings.

Owner Brian Drewniak said he’s experienced an “overwhelmingly positive” response so far from customers, even selling out of yogurt on the opening weekend.

“I think they love the fact that we’re local,” he told the Sun on a sunny April afternoon.

When he says “we,” it’s a nod to his wife, Helena, and two kids, who also contributed to making their dream a

reality. Even the Drewniaks’ dog, Roy, couldn’t be left out.

The boxer is often a greeter at the shop on cool days, posing for pictures with kids and putting a smile on many faces. Even if the weather is too hot for Roy, his face still lights up the room in the form of a neon sign.

Roy is the shop’s mascot and, some might argue, the main attraction.

Large canvases with his pictures hang on the walls, along with photos of some of his “friends.” Customers can bring in framed prints of their own pets to hang next to Roy’s portrait.

“Roy is full of life,” Helena said in early October when the Drewniaks were in the thick of construction.

“We’re hoping his spirit will carry through the business of just a family community.”

With a background in construction and general contracting, Brian took

Share tasty tips!

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

Pull that handle

Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop is located at 120 E. Clark Ave. It’s open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Get a glimpse of Roy, the Drewniaks’ boxer, on Instagram @orcuttroys and Facebook @Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop.

the lead on building up the interior of the 100-year-old building. He had help from his good friend Ken Groppetti and the Drewniak kids, Jacob and Natalie. Roy kept Brian company during eight-hour workdays at the shop, and Helena lent her eye to the design choices.

“My 10-year-old son swings a sledgehammer, runs a jackhammer, has been super helpful on this project,” Brian said. “He has crawled through this attic from the back of the store to the front of the store at least five times pulling all of our electrical wire.”

“It’s very much been a family affair,” Helena added.

Brian said both kids stood on ladders helping scrape the windows clean on the very first day of the lease

last summer. After opening, he said that if Jacob and Natalie aren’t at the shop, they’re probably on their way with friends.

Aside from money, time was the family’s biggest investment before opening Roy’s. Brian grew up in a family business and wants to set an example for his kids of what a strong work ethic looks like.

“I’m a legacy kind of guy,” Brian said. “I just want to show them that hard work and perseverance pays off.”

The family-friendly atmosphere is palpable before customers even step inside. Old Orcutt’s breeze flows through the wide-open front door, and Brian or one of his part-time employees welcome customers with a smile. Staff mix yogurt, which arrives in a powder form (a case weighs 100 pounds) and is combined with liquid. As the customer pulls the handle on the yogurt dispenser, the mixture

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WHERE’S ROY? Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop serves crisp frozen treats to passersby in Old Orcutt. The store, owned and operated by the local Drewniak family, is named after their dog, Roy, a regular.

YEARS OF DEDICATION: Brian Drewniak and his family opened Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop in March. His motto is “service with a smile.”

PINKALICIOUS: Staple flavors at Roy’s Orcutt Yogurt Shop include chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, and strawberry. Other flavors rotate periodically, and there’s always a vegan option, too.

excited about Roy’s.

travels through the cylinder, dropping in temperature and flowing out as frozen yogurt.

Throughout the past few years, whenever Brian traveled the country, he’d try frozen yogurt as part of his research. If he liked it, he asked the shop which vendor it used. He said every one pointed to the one he does business with now.

Employees also keep the toppings bar stocked with chocolate chips, sprinkles, gummy worms and bears, M&Ms, and bits of candy bars. All fresh fruit is hand-cut, and the brownie pieces are homemade, Brian said.

It’s all for the sake of keeping the community

“I know what it takes to run a family-owned business. You take care of your customers, and everything else will take care of itself. Your customers are the key,” Brian explained.

The dog-friendly establishment has been a hit for Old Orcutt neighbors since it opened. Brian is excited to keep building the business, taking suggestions from customers, and showing up for the community.

“I really think people love it,” Brian said shortly after opening. “It shows. We’re busy every day.”

Staff Writer Madison White had the pleasure of meeting Roy. Send your happiest pet stories to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

SOFT SERVE: The Drewniaks buy frozen yogurt mix and flavorings, which are added to the machine’s hopper in a liquid form. By the time it’s squeezed into a cup, it’s frozen.

MONTHLY MUSIC LINEUP: