The way Root One pays Guadalupe to operate isn’t tax-deductible, the cannabis dispensary said—and it’s cutting into the bottom line so much that the business can’t compete with other northern Santa Barbara County dispensaries. The 6 percent of revenue fee is charged directly to customers in the form of increased prices. Instead, Root One wants the city put a cannabis tax on the November ballot, which would replace the fee it currently pays the city and help reduce price points. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the issue [6]
Also, find stories about supervisors supporting a jail accountability bill [4]; the director behind the Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s new production [18]; and the sourdough maker selling out of a Garey farm stand [22]
Camillia Lanham
a Difference in
Community Volunteer for the Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury – Apply Today!
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.
Exhibitors
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) recently signed onto U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-Maryland) bill to give Congress a role in determining when a president is unfit to carry out their duties. The bill would establish a nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of Office, the body called for in Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to enable Congress to ensure effective and uninterrupted leadership in the presidency. “Between threatening to wipe out entire civilizations and picking fights with the pope, Donald Trump has proven himself fundamentally unfit for office,” Carbajal said in an April 20 statement. “The chaos of his tenure serves as a critical wake-up call to strengthen our Constitution. That’s why I’m supporting this legislation to formalize Congress’s role in the 25th Amendment process. By creating clearer pathways to address an unstable or incapacitated president, we’re ensuring that the White House remains accountable to the American people.” Although the 25th Amendment was adopted more than 50 years ago, Congress never set up the body called for in Section 4, according to Carbajal’s office. Raskin’s bill would establish this independent nonpartisan body. If passed, this bill would mean the vice president could act either with a majority of the cabinet or a majority of this independent body “in the event of a 25th Amendment crisis.”
• On April 15, the California Coastal Commission approved $2 million in grants for schools, nonprofits, and tribes to help advance public education, conservation, and coastal access efforts. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians received $50,000 to support a bimonthly marine stewardship and education program for Santa Ynez Chumash families. The stewardship program includes classroom sessions and field trips to coastal sites, marine research facilities, and natural reserves, with topics including traditional ecological knowledge, safe harvesting, species identification, and environmental monitoring. An additional $50,000 went to the Northern Chumash to support its Tomol Maritime Culture Ambassadors program. Chumash community members receive intensive instruction and practice in tomol handling and traditional tomol protocols in classroom and coastal locations as part of the program, and get the chance to construct their own wood oars. Other local recipients of the recent Coastal Commission grants include Camp Ocean Pines which received $24,400. The funds will help allow Camp Ocean Pines to offer families experiencing homelessness a weekend overnight camp stay. The venue will also use the grant to support delivering educational programs to residents of emergency shelters and local students in a juvenile hall program.
• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California), Adam Schiff (D-California), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) issued a joint letter on April 17 to push for a strong, sustainable future for Mars exploration in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The four legislators urged Senate appropriators and U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) to provide at least $400 million in FY 2027 for the Mars Sample Return mission. “As we set sights on the high ground of space exploration, we must preserve our presence and talent, tackle the next challenges that enable eventual human missions to Mars,” the letter states. “While Congress provided funding for NASA’s science programs in last year’s appropriations, Mars exploration initiatives remained significantly underfunded and well below the House Appropriations level of $300 million. … Any erosion of vital infrastructure and intellectual capital would deliver lasting damage to the U.S. economy and undermine our leadership on the global stage in science and technology.” m
County endorses Gregg Hart’s jail accountability bill
Resolving some residents’ misunderstanding of state Assembly Bill 2257 was a key issue for both supporters and detractors of the proposed legislation during the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ April 21 hearing.
“This was pulled by quite a few members of the board. I personally pulled it for a couple reasons,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson said about an administrative item for the county to support the bill, which staff described as aligning with the county’s legislative platform.
Authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), AB 2257 would give county jurisdictions across the state the option to shift county jail authority from an elected sheriff to an independent commission if passed.
Before Nelson ultimately dissented in the 3-2 vote (5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino also dissented) to support the bill, he wanted to clear up some misinformation he heard about the board’s reasoning for putting the item on the consent calendar rather than up for discussion.
“All we are doing is commenting on state legislation. Some people in Sacramento care about what Santa Barbara County thinks; many do not,” Nelson said. “So, we have minimal impact on this legislation. … I just wanted to explain that to the public that was a little misunderstood about why this showed up on today’s agenda the way it did.”
Based on emails the board received prior to the hearing, 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps said, “it seems as though information went out that we were taking action today to take over our jails.”
“That is not the action that is being taken today,” Capps continued. “It’s about weighing in on a piece of legislation. … Nothing would change regardless of what this board does today.”
Andy Caldwell—executive director of the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business (COLAB)—was among the public speakers at the April 21 meeting who voiced objections to supporting the bill.
One day prior to the hearing, Caldwell sent out a COLAB e-blast that described Supervisor Nelson’s decision, as board chair, to place the item on the consent calendar as unfortunate.
“What is the significance of putting it on the admin calendar? These are items deemed noncontroversial and assumed to pass,” Caldwell wrote. “The real reason? These politicians want to consolidate power from other electeds, and they also want to empty our jails as part of the
national ‘decarceration’ movement.”
Caldwell reiterated some of his points in person at the board hearing.
“We want separation of powers. We want a professional law enforcement person elected to run the jail,” Caldwell told the supervisors. “Please respect the office and respect the will of the voters. They’ve elected [county Sheriff Bill Brown] four or five times, and he’s gotten more votes than any of you. … I believe it’s always been a battle of egos.”
A moment later, Assemblymember Hart’s district director, Ethan Bertrand spoke during public comment via Zoom.
“We apologize we can’t be there in person with you today. We’re actually in Sacramento presenting this very bill,” said Bertrand, who described the bill as restoring a power counties across the state previously had, up until 1993, to choose “to establish an independently led department of corrections and rehabilitation.”
“As has been stated, this is merely restoring a choice,” he explained. “Many counties, including your own, may choose to maintain a sheriff-run jail. And if that is in the best interest of public safety and fiscal accountability and rehabilitation, we support that.”
—Caleb Wiseblood
Santa Maria-Bonita brings on a statewide nonprofit to run after-school programs
Two local groups will continue providing after-school enrichment for elementary and middle school students in Santa Maria, but a statewide organization will soon be in the mix, too.
Santa Maria-Bonita School District board members voted 4-1 on April 15 to approve three-year contracts with the Boys and Girls Club of the Central Coast, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, and Think Together, a nonprofit that offers extended learning opportunities across California. Starting in the fall, the two local groups will lead activities on four campuses each, while Think Together will be responsible for programming on 13 campuses.
The last request for proposal was awarded three years ago to the YMCA, but previous services also came from the Boys and Girls Club and the city of Santa Maria, according to Laurie Graack, the director of teaching and learning supplemental programs.
After board members moved the item from the consent agenda to discuss it further, community members expressed hesitations about allowing a non-regional group to have a
stake in Santa Maria schools.
“I respectfully ask that you reconsider the recommendation to award after-school programming at 13 of your schools to a noncommunity organization, Think Together, and just four schools each to the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club,” Joe Dana said.
Dana, a local educator and Santa Maria Valley YMCA board member, said he’s been impressed by visits to Adam, Alvin, Rice, Robert Bruce, and Tunnell elementary schools over the past three years. In a pre-recorded message played at the meeting, Dana praised the rapport he saw between staff and students during after-school academic, recreational, and social activities.
“These organizations want the best for young people in this community because they are of this community,” Dana said.
Board member Linda Cordero cast the sole dissenting vote at the meeting after questioning what Think Together programs might look like in practice.
“One of my biggest concerns about employing or utilizing an outside agency is their understanding of our community,” Cordero said. “What you see on paper or what is part of a presentation doesn’t necessarily guarantee that that will be the final product.”
Graack said the district saw all three organizations in action, running programs with the same funding and requirements as Santa Maria-Bonita. For example, district representatives observed a Think Together program in Compton.
“We have visited communities very much like us with very many of the same challenges, the same demographics, the same multicultural influence in the community,” Graack said. “And what we saw was absolutely exactly what we want for our children.”
Think Together hires local employees, tailoring activities to meet the needs of schools, according to Katy Wallace, the organization’s director of district partnerships. Wallace said she was a teacher and administrator in the Lompoc Unified School District for 22 years.
“We build relationships and work closely with parents, teachers, principals, and district administrators to ensure we are following the district’s mission and vision,” Wallace said.
Santa Maria-Bonita judged proposals based on technical and financial elements, selecting multiple organizations to take on the five groupings of schools. The final scoring phase was a presentation and interview with an evaluation committee. Think Together scored higher overall than the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club.
Costs are still being negotiated, but the contracts must not exceed $7.79 million with Think Together, $3.22 million with the YMCA, and $2.2 million with the Boys and Girls Club.
Following funding requirements, programs must last from dismissal until 6 p.m. and include academics and physical activity. The district pays based on student enrollment, and families access programming at no cost.
“I’m happy that we’re looking outside or expanding our view,” board member John Hollinshead said, “but also at the same time making sure that folks here are employed and the people from our community are part of our endeavors.”
—Madison White
Strawberry grower pays $66,000
to resolve labor dispute
A saga brewing since 2022 for two local ag workers led to a recent $66,000-plus settlement from their employer.
In early April, the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) announced that a complaint filed against Red Blossom Farms in Santa Maria was resolved when the strawberry
REFORM REBUTTAL: Local radio host Andy Caldwell called state Assembly Bill 2257 a “huge attack” on Sheriff Bill Brown (pictured) in an e-blast before the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to support the bill on April 21. AB 2257 would allow jail authority to shift away from elected sheriffs.
grower agreed to compensate two individuals for $66,925 in lost wages.
The complaint alleged that Red Blossom refused to rehire the two workers in retaliation.
Both workers participated in a previous ALRB investigation of Red Blossom for separate unfair labor practice charges against a crew foreman, according to the state agency.
“This type of allegation that workers were retaliated against after exercising their rights is fairly common,” ALRB Regional Director Jessica Arciniega said in an email interview.
As part of the settlement agreement, ALRB agents will visit Red Blossom Farms worksites later this spring to read a notice about ag workers’ rights, under the Agricultural Labor Relations Act.
A printed version of the notice will be posted at each worksite for at least 60 days, as well as mailed to former employees of Red Blossom.
“The date and locations for the reading of the notice have not yet been set,” Arciniega said. “The ALRB will schedule this with Red Blossom during their peak season and will post notices at the worksites where work is taking place during this time period.”
In mid-April, the Sun reached out to Red Blossom President and Director of Grower Relations David Lawrence, Santa Maria District Manager Adrian Velasco, and Safety Manager Leo Cervantes for comment on the ALRB complaints. The Sun did not receive responses before press time.
Headquartered in Sacramento with field offices along the Central Coast, ALRB “has seen a steady increase in the number of charges received from the Santa Maria area over the last four years,” said Arciniega, whose office is in Oxnard.
In 2024, Santa Maria’s West Coast Berry Farms offered reinstatement to 18 ag workers to resolve retaliation charges filed with ALRB. These charges claimed that the company refused to rehire the workers because they participated in “a work stoppage” during the previous season.
West Coast Berry Farms also agreed to pay a total of $58,600 to compensate lost wages between the 18 workers, according to ALRB.
In 2022, Central Coast Agriculture in Buellton agreed to rehire nine ag workers and pay a total of $60,100 in lost wages. The workers alleged that a couple of weeks after they spoke with their employer about a wage increase, their supervisor ordered them to enter a recently fumigated area with a sign prohibiting entry.
After becoming ill, the nine workers reported the incident to the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. Their employer later fired them, which prompted the workers to file an unfair labor practice charge with ALRB claiming retaliation.
The ALRB’s Santa Barbara County field office is located at 1410 S. Broadway, suite E, Santa Maria. This local division’s phone number is (831) 500-6412. Regional Director Arciniega encourages anyone seeking assistance about resolving unfair labor practices to reach out to the state agency, free of charge.
“There are no costs or fees for those who file claims with our office,” said Arciniega, who added that no percentage of settlements go to ALRB after investigations are resolved.
Act now! Send any news or story tips to news@santamariasun.com.
“The entire amount goes to the workers,” Arciniega said. “The ALRB is a state of California agency designated to uphold the law.” m
On the eve of a local dispensary’s 4/20 celebratory sale, Root One got a price reduction of its own tied to a city fee the cannabis retailer pays to operate in Guadalupe.
During a public hearing on April 14, Guadalupe officials discussed a request from Root One owner Austen Connella, who asked that the rate be temporarily reduced from 6 percent of store revenue to 2 percent.
“We would like temporary relief from a structure that’s hitting us harder than a normal city tax would,” Connella told the City Council. “The current 6 percent community benefit payment is a business obligation that comes out of our own revenue and is exposed to the harsh effects of 280E.”
IRS Code 280E is a federal policy that prohibits state-legal cannabis companies from deducting regular business expenses on federal taxes.
When Root One’s founder first approached Guadalupe about opening a dispensary in town, Connella—who also owns SLO Cal Roots— agreed to the 6 percent fee since the city didn’t have a cannabis tax to benefit from.
With hopes of changing the status quo by next year, Connella proposed that the City Council consider letting voters weigh in on the matter as part of this November’s general election.
“A formal cannabis tax is the better longterm solution,” Connella told the council. “It is transparent. It is standardized. It’s what most jurisdictions use.”
Connella clarified that the city would still get its 6 percent of gross sales as originally agreed, just via a formal 6 percent tax instead. He also
pointed out that neighboring Grover Beach— home to one of his SLO Cal Roots locations— enforces a 5 percent tax on its dispensaries.
“A properly enacted cannabis tax would be materially different [from the current Guadalupe fee] because it could be structured as a customer tax collected at the point of sale, rather than a contractual payment borne directly by our business,” Connella said. “It’s put on the buyer.”
According to city staff, since Root One’s opening in the fall of 2024, Guadalupe has collected approximately $115,900 from the 6 percent city fee.
Although city staff didn’t have a recommendation for the council about Connella’s proposed tax measure, they advised against granting the business owner’s request for temporary fee relief in the meantime.
“This request to lower city revenues is probably not timed as well as it could be,” said City Attorney Phil Sinco after reminding the council that Guadalupe has a $1.6 million budget deficit. “The city could use this revenue right now.”
If the city were to lower the 6 percent fee to 2 percent, it would lose out on approximately $77,200 in annual revenue, according to the staff report. A reduction to 4 percent would amount to a $38,600 loss. The City Council ultimately granted Root One the middle ground.
“We had asked for a larger reduction, but having the city contribution lowered from 6 percent to 4 percent for one year is still meaningful for us,” Connella told the Sun via email. “It gives us some much-needed breathing room and helps us continue building the business in a healthier way.
For a small local operator like us, even a temporary adjustment can make a real difference.”
One part of staff’s reasoning for objecting to the 4 percent shift was that the 6 percent agreement “was an important contributor to the City Council’s selection of this entity,” Sinco explained to the council.
“Root One’s application offered a 6 percent fee whereas the other applicants that applied offered less,” he said. “To basically reduce that fee now, … the city’s not getting the benefit of its bargain. … Staff, of course, prefers to keep the money coming into the city.”
Councilmember Whitney Furness was the first person on the dais to voice support for granting Root One some relief.
“We’re in a budget deficit where we need to increase money coming into the city, but we will lose all cannabis funds if we don’t help,” Furness said. “I think it’s really important that we give some reprieve to a business that is special in this area.”
Mayor Ariston Julian agreed with Furness.
“If they go away, it’s going to hurt us even more,” he said.
The council approved the temporary 4 percent arrangement (for up to one year) with a 5-0 vote and directed staff to return with a formal tax ballot measure to review sometime before the end of May.
“We never wanted this conversation to be about stepping back from Guadalupe. It was about finding a way to remain strong enough to keep contributing,” Connella told the Sun over email. “The last couple of years have been tough for legal cannabis businesses across California. Costs are high, competition is intense, and margins are extremely tight. Root One has felt all of that.
“At the same time,” he continued, “we’ve worked hard to stay true to the commitments we made when we came to Guadalupe. We’re proud to be the city’s first and only locally owned and operated dispensary. … We want Root One to be here for the long haul. We’re thankful the council took a step that helps make that more possible.”
Connella noted that competition from dispensaries in Orcutt and Lompoc is slowing “our pace” when it comes to making Guadalupe’s sole dispensary profitable. The temporary fee reduction will allow Root One to lower its prices, making it more competitive.
If Guadalupe voters eventually were to pass a city sales tax measure, Root One could market its products lower than if it had to continue incorporating the city fee into its pricing.
In other words, the 6 percent toward the city would be up to the consumers to pay, rather than the business, as Councilmember Furness described it at the April 14 hearing.
“We really should work toward getting a tax on the ballot as soon as possible,” she said. “I don’t want to lose this little gem of a thing that we have going on.” m
Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood
HIGH IN THE SKY: Sometime before the end of May, the Guadalupe City Council expects to review a proposed cannabis sales tax ordinance that it will consider adding to November’s general election ballot.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUSTEN CONNELLA
Racking up votes
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
For anyone who’s ever been interested in running for office, there’s an upcoming candidate workshop in Santa Maria to help first-timers hit the ground running.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce partnered with Pacific Campaign Solutions to organize a master class-style event that aims to show participants the ins and outs of managing an effective, message-driven campaign—from filing paperwork to raising funds and winning votes.
Known as the Candidate Academy, the nonpartisan program will take place at the Santa Maria Public Library on April 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“This is the first time we have done something like this,” Chamber Vice President of Economic Development and Government Affairs Suzanne Singh told the Sun in an email interview.
“There aren’t a lot of great resources out there for the new person considering running for office,” she explained. “That is why we have brought a Candidate Academy to fruition.”
Led by experienced campaign professionals from Pacific Campaign Solutions, the academy will highlight topics that include voter targeting, media strategies, election rules, and other information tailored to support candidates seeking to run for a Santa Maria-area office.
Singh said that the local chamber’s partnership with Pacific Campaign Solutions came about through networking with the Tri-County Chamber Alliance, which serves Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.
“[It’s] a committee of chamber executives
interested in following legislation that helps and hurts the business community,” Singh said. “We have a relationship with a lobbyist for our alliance, and he has experience with guiding and running campaigns.”
The alliance’s lobbyist worked with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce to plan the academy and helped organize an informational mixer in mid-April at Orcutt’s Wine Stone Inn to give attendees a sneak peek at what to expect from the program.
“There seems to be a lot of uncertainty within the political realm of things, and we as a chamber felt it important to help along the process of those who would consider understanding what it would take to be in a political, elected position,” said Singh, who added that the academy aims to shed light on the different elected positions that participants can consider—including local school boards, water boards, airport boards, and other committees.
Something a participant may be passionate about may be “best served by a board they may not have known existed,” Singh said.
“It’s a great way to educate them that not every decision in their community comes from city council,” Singh said. “Learning what elected positions impact is important, as sometimes folks don’t understand that there are many elected positions out there, and [a decision] is not always … made by the elected body they believe it to be.”
The primary goal of the Candidate Academy is to provide those interested in campaigning for a position “an overview of what to do, and what to expect, and how to win an election,” Singh said.
To find out more about the April 24 event, visit santamaria.com or call (805) 925-2403.
“Our mission is to be a convener of leaders and influencers,” Singh said. “By providing this highlevel training, we are ensuring that those who wish to serve our community have the strategic and technical knowledge to run effective, compliant, and message-driven campaigns.”
Highlights
•The Lompoc Beautification and Appearance Commission encourages residents to participate in its annual Spring Yard Beautification Contest. Nominations are due by May 11, while judging is set to take place on May 12. First, second, and third place awards will go to “the most colorful and best drought-tolerant front landscapes,” according to a release from Lompoc. Only yards that can
be seen while in a vehicle from the street will be considered. For more info, email beautification@ ci.lompoc.ca.us.
•The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo recently announced its four queen candidates for 2026: Annabella Williams (Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club), Reiyna Sarin (Allan Hancock College Athletic Booster Club), Morgan Fasse (St. Joseph High School Boosters), and Savannah Salcido (Kiwanis of Guadalupe). Visit elksrec.com to read about each candidate. The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is also currently seeking individuals to participate in its National Anthem Contest. Anyone interested can email their audition videos to elksrodeo@ elksrec.com. m
Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at
CAN-DO
Should Farmhouse Motel in Buellton be forced to revert to a motel?
75% No. Farmhouse offers rare affordable housing to many in need.
25% Can’t some rooms be reverted while allowing some long-term residents to stay?
0% Yes, but the city should do more to help residents find other housing.
0% Yes. It’s been operating as apartments illegally for too long.
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Santa Maria City Council’s appointment process is seriously flawed
BY GALE MCNEELEY
Ricardo Batalla was chosen to represent the voters of District 1 on the City Council by Mayor Alice Patino and Councilmembers Gloria Flores and Maribel Aguilera at the April 7 council meeting.
I wish Mr. Batalla, father of three and director of youth development at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, the very best. He will be working with the council to solve complex issues, like the $25 million budget deficit each year for the next two years, and the city’s five-year general plan. I encourage him to be an independent voice for the people of District 1 and respond to his constituents’ needs, rather than be beholden to the people who put him in his seat.
Mr. Batalla had nothing to do with the flawed process used to choose someone to fill the vacant seat of Carlos Escobedo. It was the mayor and council’s job to create a fair and transparent system that would listen to the voices of more than 25,000 people in District 1. They did not do that.
Instead, they advertised for people who wanted to serve District 1; the City Clerk certified five who had met the deadline and were eligible to serve; then three on the council appointed the person they wanted to work with.
Both Joyce Howerton, former mayor of
Help keep Oceano Dunes free of vehicles forever
Lompoc, and Glenn Morris, who served 10 years as the CEO of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce, told me that it is normal to interview the candidates who are eligible, in front of the voters when possible, to determine the best choice for their district. Mr. Morris said there was no hurry in this case.
In fact, city staff gave the council a method in the meeting agenda. “Provide direction to staff to initiate interviews or other steps as determined by the City Council for consideration at a future special meeting to consider appointing a qualified individual to fill the vacancy.”
A special election in November was another possible way to fill the seat, giving the residents of District 1 the chance to vote. This choice was rejected by the council because they wanted someone soon.
Strangely, this item was last on the agenda, and voted upon at 10 p.m., four and a half hours into the meeting, when the council was visibly tired— and admitted that, to an almost empty room. I advised the council that a special election was the most democratic choice. Then I said, “If you decide to appoint someone, you have three people who have run in District 1.” Maria Salguero, who ran for the seat in 2024, and Osvaldo Sotelo in 2020. Ms. Salguero received 1,657 votes. Mr. Sotello over a thousand. Diana Perez ran for
mayor and won more than 2,000 votes in the district. All three had engaged for months with the voters. Considering them seriously for the seat was merited by their hard work and commitment. Instead, the council accepted public comment in the form of endorsements for the candidates. Joyce Howerton told me she had never seen this happen at a council meeting. She would have spoken if she knew it was allowed. Most of the speakers were friends and relatives of Mr. Batalla. Councilmember Gloria Soto asked the city attorney and city manager how to proceed. “Should someone nominate a candidate, and the council vote?” They said yes.
Then, Councilmember Flores said, “I feel ready to elect someone.” When the mayor corrected her, she said, “I nominate Ricardo Batalla.” The mayor called for someone to second the nomination. When no one did, she said, “I second that for the purpose of discussion.” Then she immediately called for a vote. Three voted yes. Ms. Soto voted no, (to the process, and not the person), and it was over.
Shock and joy filled the room. Shock at how unfair the process was to the candidates, and joy from the family and friends of Ricardo Batalla. This is not the way to make such an important decision for the city of Santa Maria. But in our city, what happens at City Council meetings is “pro forma.” Most decisions are made before the council enters the chamber. The rest is theater. m
Gale McNeeley writes to the Sun from Santa Maria. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.
A federal court recently ruled that the California Department of Parks and Recreation violates the Endangered Species Act by allowing motorized vehicle use that harms shorebirds at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. The ruling also restricts that use.
Since Tuesday, April 14, big signs at the Oceano beach vehicle ramp alert beach drivers that they cannot drive
Speak
farther south than the Arroyo Grande Creek. This is a unique opportunity for locals to visit and observe the Oceano beach and dunes safely because there are no cars or buggies running you over. Don’t you wish it could stay like this forever?
Here is what you can do to make it happen: Walk on the beach from Pier Avenue to the south to enjoy one of the most spectacular beaches in California.
Send us your views and opinion to letters@santamariasun.com.
Take pictures of the creek and its lagoon, the wildlife, sunsets, wildflowers, the crushing waves. Post your
beauty photos on social media.
Take friends along and document any plover activity or questionable State Parks activity or violation.
Sign our petition to San Luis Obispo County’s Board of Supervisors urging it to review and change our Local Coastal Plan to ban driving on Oceano beach and dunes. Help us gather signatures.
Patronize local businesses to increase revenues during the closure and prove that vehicles on the beach do not generate income.
Let’s keep Oceano beach and dunes vehicle free forever!
Oceano Beach Community Association Oceano
Claims of voter fraud are fraud
The June 2 election is fast approaching. All eligible California voters will receive a mail-in ballot the first week in May. Now is the time to make sure you will receive your ballot in a timely fashion.
To make sure your voter registration is up to date, to change your registration information, or, if you are new to the county, to register to vote, go to registertovote.ca.gov.
Contrary to what you may have heard, our elections are secure. Voter fraud is rare. Voting by non-citizens is practically non-existent. Voting by mail is secure. Research conducted by institutions across the political spectrum has all debunked claims that election fraud is rampant. A Heritage Foundation study of voting in Arizona found 36 cases of fraudulent voting in more than 42 million ballots cast across 25 years. An MIT study found 204 cases of fraudulent absentee ballots out of 250 million cast over a 20-year period. Claims of voter fraud are themselves fraudulent.
We urge you to study the candidates and the issues. Be an informed voter. Your vote is your voice and your power. Make your voice heard. Use your power. Register to vote and cast your ballot with confidence that your vote will be counted.
Janice Langley
Joanne Schultz
Wendy Brown Jacquie Canfield League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County
Michael V. Messina, 2025
Jim Je rey, 2025
Tim Bennet 2025 Wyatt Stapp, 2025
Petra Stevenson, 2025
Danna Joy Dykstra-Coy, 2025
Hand Picked Attractions
Since the Santa Maria Valley grows and processes over 10 million boxes of strawberries annually, representing one-fifth of the nation’s supply, we celebrate by setting a few days aside annually to honor this extraordinary berry.
Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival at the Santa Maria Fairpark April 24–26.
Angry Andy Opinion
Andy Caldwell sure likes to make a big stink about things! His e-blast before the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ April 21 meeting was dramatic.
“HUGE attack on Sheriff Brown and Law and Order at Tomorrow’s BOS MEETING,” the subject line screamed.
“Unfortunately, Chair [4th District Supervisor Bob] Nelson put an item … on the admin calendar to support Assemblyman [Gregg] Hart’s bill to TAKE OVER JAIL operations from the sheriff,” the radio show host and lobbyist wrote.
“These politicians want to consolidate power from other electeds, and they also want to empty our jails as part of the national decarceration movement.”
Did the item pass?
Yes, along pretty typical North/South County lines (3-2, with Nelson voting against it, by the way).
Janet Silveria President/CEO
I’m pretty sure Nelson wants to put more people in jail—not “decarcerate.” I know for a fact that fellow North County 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino wants more people in jail—and he pushed the Sheriff’s Office to do just that by encouraging the pursuit of more residents who have outstanding warrants. So, is the county kicking Sheriff Bill Brown out of office? Unfortunately not! That guy has cost the county so much money. His department’s overtime bill is larger than some county departments’ full budgets. And Brown’s overtime issues were also on the supervisors’ agenda at that meeting, which Caldwell was also pissed about!
“Support your local Farmer’s Markets featuring fresh, locallygrown strawberries. Contact the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors & Convention Bureau for details.”
How dare supervisors try to do their job and keep track of how taxpayer dollars are spent. When the supervisors bring up the fact that Brown needs to rein in his spending and keep better track of his deputies’ overtime hours, all he does is say that doesn’t prioritize public safety, and his part of the conversation is over. The board is working on solutions designed to tighten up that reckless spending—including appointing an inspector general to audit the overtime.
But I digress! The vote was a resolution to support Hart’s bill that would give counties a choice on how the county jail is run—either by an elected sheriff or an independent commission. I don’t think the Legislature is going to look at Santa Barbara County’s support and immediately pass the bill.
All you keyboard warriors who received Caldwell’s screed and just pecked away and hit send to your local elected officials didn’t do your due diligence or research—a big problem with democracy today. You just bit, hook, line, sinker. You dove deep into the pool of anger that drives so much of our politics today. It’s a cesspool. There are bigger issues to get upset about: There’s the budget deficit for starters. People who are going to be unemployed at the start of the next fiscal year. Residents losing access to health care and social services. Economic troubles ahead. The list is endless.
But, yes, let’s make a big stink about a resolution to support a legislative bill that may or may not pass.
Meanwhile, Public Health and Social Services are hemorrhaging staff to tighten their budget belts, and Santa Barbara County residents are losing their jobs. The trickle down is going to be rough.
Maybe we need to rework our priorities, check our righteous anger, and remember how to listen to others again. m
The canary is ready for us to all be friends again. Send angry rants to canary@ santamariasun.com.
Hot Stuff
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE
CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. 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/.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
LAUGHS ON THE COAST Get ready for a night of big laughs at the Guadalupe Social Club! Laughs on the Coast features a lineup of talented local stand-up comedians bringing fresh material, sharp observations, and plenty of unexpected moments. April 26, 6 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. Guadalupe Social Club, 945 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
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 Artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
“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 30 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
ARTIST ANN WIRTZ PRESENTS LIMITLESS Wirtz’s figurative works consider the stories and relationships between people and their environment, offering paintings that speak to human connection in our daily lives. May 1-31 (805) 698-0084. annwirtz.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
“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. Through Sept. 16 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. EVOLVING The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Evolving”, an exhibition by artists C. Wood and Chuck Klein. ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 24 (805) 737-1129. lompocart.org/events.
Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., 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
DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR Coastal Christian School Presents: Alice in Wonderland Jr. May 2 , 2-3 & 7-8 p.m. and May 3 2-3 p.m. $22. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
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.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis.
Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
17TH ANNUAL CUESTA COLLEGE BOOK OF THE YEAR Susan Straight, acclaimed California writer, will be speaking about her most recent novel Sacrament followed by a book signing. April 28 5 p.m. $20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
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 April 26 April 27 and April 28 $5-$350. (805) 546-3456. slofilmfest.org. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES
Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BEGINNING JUNK JOURNALING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Part scrapbooking, part journaling, and a whole lot of fun, this workshop is sure to get you hooked on this popular craft, junk
LIMITLESS ON DISPLAY
Artist Ann Wirtz will showcase her solo exhibition of abstract paintings, titled Limitless, at Gallery Los Olivos throughout May. An artist reception will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., with pieces on display, including Mind The Gap (pictured), that explore the relationships between people and their environment. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and more information can be found at gallerylosolivos.com and annwirtz.com.
journaling. May 2 , 2-5:30 p.m. $135. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.
BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BRUSHSTROKES & BURROS: PAINT, SIP, AND SUPPORT RESCUED DONKEYS AND MULES Moms, mimosas, and masterpieces; enjoy a creative afternoon at the sanctuary. All proceeds fund the rescue and rehabilitation of our beloved donkeys and mules. May 2 1-4 p.m. $125. (805) 710-8445. ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org. Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, 4855 Righetti Road, San Luis Obispo.
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.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
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 EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE BUNKER Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza — the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! April 23 , 6-8 p.m. $10-$15. (805) 858-8255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
MAGICANS CLUB This is a non-profit club where magicians from the local areas meet, exchange, share magic ideas, and showoff. Last Monday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 720-1164. SLO Elks Club, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.
PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. 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, April 26 April 27 and April 28 . Tickets
ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo
—Angie Stevens
per event are $5 to $40. (805) 546-3456. slofilmfest2026.eventive.org. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT When a fresh out-of-Harvard fact-checker is assigned to a talented writer’s essay, they come head-to-head in a hilarious yet gripping battle over facts vs. truth. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. $28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/the-lifespan-of-a-fact/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING
WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS
ALAN COHEN, ASSEMBLAGES & SCULPTURE Discover whimsical sculptures crafted from driftwood, tackle and reclaimed treasures, transforming beach finds into unique birds, crabs, whales, fish and more. Through April 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.
Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS OCEAN’S EDGE - A PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP EXHIBITION
Explore beautiful coastal photography featuring dramatic waterscapes, golden sunsets, and bright landscapes from across California’s Central Coast and the Pacific Ocean. Through April 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.
Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
NEIL SIMON’S CALIFORNIA SUITE By the Sea Productions is celebrating its 10th year of live theater in Morro Bay with a director’s workshop production of Neil Simon’s “California Suite.” April 24 7 p.m., April 25, 7 p.m., April 26, 3 p.m., May 1 7 p.m., May 2 7 p.m. and May 3 3 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.
THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
STAINED GLASS DEMONSTRATION WITH LARA FIELDS Lara Fields will work live on a new piece while talking through the decisions that shape it. April 26, 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY MEETING AND PROGRAM Enjoy the presentation of the Fauna and Flora of Vandenberg Space Force Base. There will be a local plant specimen display and brief meeting prior to a presentation by Jessica Griffiths and Victor Garcia Balderas. April 25 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 459-2103. cnpsslo.org. United Domestic Workers of America, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 Hall, 402 S. Miller Street, Santa Maria.
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.
FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt. FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike
LULU THE TROLL
The California Nature Art Museum in Solvang is hosting a birthday party for Lulu Hyggelig, Troll No. 154, the giant troll installation created by artist Thomas Dambo, on Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a live DJ, along with raffle prizes, free crafts, appetizers, birthday cake, drinks, and opportunities to take photos with the famous troll. Tickets for children under 18 years old are $25, and $75 for adults. They can be purchased at calnatureartmuseum.org.
SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria. SMKA 2026 KART RACING SEASON
Participate in this local kart racing series, featuring kid karts, LO206, and two-cycle classes, delivering competitive sprint racing, driver development, and family-
friendly events for all skill levels. May 3 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. smka.org. Santa Maria Karting Association, 3951 S Blosser Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 464-6114.
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. THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ADULT SOFTBALL Let’s play ball! The City of Arroyo Grande’s Adult Softball League is a fun and competitive program offering leagues for Coed Teams and Men’s Teams. Sundays, 3-9 p.m. through May 17 $671. (805) 473-5474. arroyogrande.org/709/ Adult-Sports. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION Attendees will learn about Arbor Day, help plant a tree, and take home a tree seedling of their own. April 24 , 3-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. https:/arroyogrande.org/rec. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BOAT AMERICA CLASS The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary, non-profit organization. April 25 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $30. (805) 225-7930. Robert William Smirl, 2680 Studio Dr, Cayucos.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com for details and reservations. (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET
GARDEN: WIZARD OF OZ Follow Dorothy down the yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz a timeless adventure full of heart and memorable characters. April 24 6:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.
FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE 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. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid.com/aglibrary/ items. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
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!
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!
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
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!
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY
Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages.
Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
SCIENCE AFTER DARK APRIL Science
After Dark is a lecture series at the Central Coast Aquarium, for those 18 and older. April 28 5:30-8 p.m.
$23.27-$33.98. my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7280.
WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS
Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
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.
ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH MINI FESTIVAL Come enjoy and learn more about Arab culture! Join us for food, music, dabke (folk dancing), henna designs, children’s activities, backgammon, poetry reading, and more! April 25, 11 a.m.2 p.m. Free. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, 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.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
JAPANESE AMERICANS AND THE AMERICAN DREAM Author Naomi Shibata will highlight the 20th century Japanese American experience and reflect on the impact historical events had on the Central Coast community. May 2 , 10:30 a.m.-noon Free.. (805) 781-4187. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
THE FIRST TEASE: A FIVE-WEEK
BEGINNER BURLESQUE SERIES Only 10 spots are available for this beginner-friendly burlesque series, led by performer Miss
VOICES OF HISTORY
Naomi Shibata, author, docent, and contributing editor for the National Japanese American Historical Society of San Francisco, will discuss the 20th century Japanese American experience during a talk in the San Luis Obispo Library Community Room on Saturday, May 2, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Hear as Shibata reflects on the impact certain historical events had on the Central Coast community. Members of the Japanese American community can also bring artifacts and personal photos to display and present. Additional details can be found at sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com.
Belle Voilé. Learn burlesque fundamentals, build confidence, and perform! May 1, 6:308:30 p.m. $299. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
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/.
WINE 4 PAWS WEEKEND TO BENEFIT WOODS HUMANE SOCIETY Sip wine and save lives. Enjoy Wine 4 Paws Weekend, where more than 75 SLO County wineries will donate 10% of sales to Woods Humane Society. April 25 and April 26 (805) 801-6589. wine4paws.com/. Participating wineries, County-wide, SLO County.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
2026 CRUISIN’ MORRO BAY CAR SHOW
April 30 5-8 p.m., May 1 , 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and May 2 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $95. my805tix.com. Downtown Morro Bay, Inquire for address, Morro Bay.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
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. 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/.
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. 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/.
FOOD & DRINK continued page 15
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 it a better place to live. If you want to make a di erence and do something that matters then keep reading. We are is 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
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Compensation includes a base salary, or commission and bonus; excellent benefits package including medical, dental, paid time o and 401(k). New Times is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Please submit your resume and a cover letter.
Job Type: Full-time
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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.
Email your resume to: Bob Rucker, bob@newtimesslo.com
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO
TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head
Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
PLANT-BASED TACO NIGHT IN ARROYO
GRANDE Humdinger Brewing in AG
Village is hosting the Central Coast Meatless Meetup, with a special Taco Night menu: no animal products, dairyfree, and gluten-free too! April 28 , 6-8 p.m. $25. (805) 204-6821. facebook.com/ events/1725164348468542. Humdinger Brewing, 116 W Branch St., Arroyo Grande.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
AT THE COPACABANA! SENIOR PROM
Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents a “At the Copacabana” dance, with music by the Riptide Big Band and vocalists. May 3 , 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell
Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
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
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. 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
GARDEN GOODS
An array of edible plants from Growing Grounds Farm and goods from artisan vendors will be available for purchase during the Tomato Fandango at Tiber Canyon Ranch in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found on the ranch’s website at tibercanyon.com.
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.
SIPS FOR STRINGS: SANTA MARIA
PHILHARMONIC GALA Celebrate classical music at Presqu’ile Winery, while helping the Santa Maria Philharmonic stay live and local. Enjoy an evening of wonderful music and good company. May 1 , 6-9:30 p.m. $125. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
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
GAINEY VINEYARD’S CONCERTS IN THE VINES PRESENTS FLAMENCO IN THE VINES Experience an unforgettable evening of fine wine and fiery flamenco beneath the full moon. Renowned guitarist Tony Ybarra will be accompanied by dynamic professional flamenco dancers. May 2 6-9 p.m. $50-$75. (805) 688-0558. shop.gaineyvineyard.com. Gainey Estate Vineyard, 3950 Hwy 246, Santa Ynez. 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
BSR HOT JAZZ CLUB PRESENTS: WEST COAST GUMBO Don’t miss this 50 Years of Swinging Jazz: A New Orleans Sunday Session. April 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$15. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a writer and performer of guitar-woven music in distinctive stylistic shapes. It is
MUSIC continued page 16
WELCOME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM
AUGUST
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 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 after-hours 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
ARGENTINE TANGO WEEKEND WITH EDUARDO SAUCEDO
International tango master Eduardo Saucedo is coming to Nexus. April 25, 12:30-5:30 p.m. and April 26, 12:30-5:30 p.m. $35. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS: CARPORT & ULTRA VIOLETS April 26 6-9:45 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
COUNTRY NIGHTS There will be a country two-step lesson with two levels, held simultaneously. Get ready for a night full of country swing, two-step, and more. April 24 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
CUESTA CHOIRS CONCERT: “THE ROAD HOME” Join for an unforgettable evening as the Cuesta Chamber Singers and Voce explore the powerful connection between music, memory, and the places we belong. May 1 7:30 p.m. $10-$18. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
MICHAEL: A NIGHT OF TRIBUTE FEATURING IMVA Experience an unforgettable evening at the Michael Night of Tribute. A live performance from IMVA will bring the King of Pop’s legendary songs to life. April 24 8 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
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.
SLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS MYSTIQUE & WONDER Pianist Ilya Yakushev returns with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, along with Rimsky Korsakov Scheherazade and Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture. May 2 3 p.m. $12-$92. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/calendar-2025-2026. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. 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.
SURE SURE LIVE AT LIBERTINE Born of a songwriting partnership cultivated by lead singer and keyboardist Chris Beachy, and guitarist and singer Charlie Glick during their college years, Sure Sure officially formed when the pair moved to Los Angeles to join up with drummer Kevin Farzad and producer and mix engineer Michael Coleman in 2014. Hear them live! April 25 7 p.m. $17.91-$26.48. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
W. TERRENCE SPILLER PIANO RECITAL: SUITES & 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. NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
LOOM MUSIC PERFORMANCE: PHOEBE VLASSIS Phoebe Vlassis invites audiences into a live woven journey of song, story, humor, and heart, where ancient textile traditions reveal a completed cloth and participation. April 26, 4 p.m. $15. (805) 771-5007. esterobayartandcraft.com. Estero Bay Art and Craft, 523 Harbor St, Morro Bay.
THE MORRO BAY WHITE CAPS COMMUNITY BAND SPRING PERFORMANCE Under the baton of Conductor Brenda Hascall, the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform a variety of jazz, pop, and classical music. May 2 , 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com.
ARTS BRIEFS
Experience
the work of a
Danish violinist in Solvang
Musician and composer Mads Tolling will show off all that a violin can do on the Elverhoj Museum’s patio. The May 9 performance starts at 7 p.m. in Solvang, and doors open half an hour prior.
The two-time Grammy award winner is originally from Copenhagen, Denmark. Tolling was part of The Turtle Island Quartet and is a current member of Bob Weir and the Wolf Bros, which tours across the country and is led by Grateful Dead member Bob Weir. Tolling has even performed for Danish royalty, according to his website.
Now Tolling leads his own orchestral groups: Mads Tolling Quartet and Mads Tolling and the Mads Men.
Selections at the Solvang concert will include traditional and popular Danish music, as well as Danish folk tunes and American jazz, the museum announced in press materials.
Joining Tolling onstage will be Grammy award winner Sam Reider, a San Francisco composer and educator who also plays the accordion and piano.
“His work brings together various streams of American music, from jazz and folk tunes to popular song and contemporary composition,” according to Reider’s website.
Buy tickets online by visiting elverhoj.org. Elverhoj members earn discounted or complimentary tickets depending on member level.
The museum is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang.
Allan Hancock College students display artwork on campus
Foxworthy Gallery through May 7. The Allan Hancock College gallery is located on campus in Santa Maria, and the show is free of charge to the public.
“The exhibition brings together work from students across a variety of disciplines and media, highlighting the creativity, technical skill, and diverse perspectives emerging from Hancock’s fine arts programs,” the college announced.
Hancock offers arts programs like graphic design, photography, animation, and studio art. Students earn degrees and certificates that prepare them for careers and futures at four-year universities.
“Each piece offers a glimpse into a creative perspective. A perspective that is not only learning about art, but actively shaping visual culture,” Elizabeth Russell, the gallery’s codirector, said in press materials. “It is a privilege to share our students’ talent with our community.”
Find the Ann Foxworthy Gallery inside Building L at Hancock’s Santa Maria campus, 800 S. College Drive. It’s open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact Russell for more information at erussell@ hancockcollege.edu or visit hancockcollege.edu/gallery. m
It’s called what?
A local director presents Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s last show of the season
BY MADISON WHITE
A20-year drought. No private bathrooms. Corporate greed.
That’s the dystopian recipe for Urinetown Not your average musical, the fast-paced dark comedy with over-the-top characters prompts real questions about the shortcomings of bureaucracy and how society manages precious resources.
Urinetown is the last show this season at the Santa Maria Civic Theatre (SMCT) before summer break. Performing arts veteran Lynda Mondragon directs the production, which will run from May 15 to 31 at the theater on North McClelland Street.
“The show definitely pokes fun [at] itself about its horrible title, its ridiculous content, and then it pays homage to so many other shows,” Mondragon told the Sun
Many viewers will recognize dance and musical numbers reminiscent of other popular productions. When Mondragon first saw the Tony Award-winning musical performed at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA), she knew she’d never experienced anything like it.
Under her direction, 20 actors have been working multiple times a week to perfect the show since February. One of Mondragon’s favorite parts of directing is seeing everyone’s progress from auditions to curtain call.
The team also includes a stage manager, a music director, and a choreographer. Mondragon is still searching for a technical assistant to run the lights.
“We’ve really built kind of this great camaraderie as a cast and crew,” Mondragon said. “We have some amazing singers in this show and some amazing actors. … I can’t wait for them to be able to show off all their hard work to their community.”
Self-described as a hands-on director, Mondragon believes leading a community theater project isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s up to her to problem solve if an actor drops out or if the set design requires a special feature. Then there’s managing musical numbers, choreography,
It’s No. 1
Urinetown runs from May 15 to 31 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visit smct.org to purchase tickets. On May 9 from 10 a.m. to noon volunteers can help clean up the
and receive a complimentary ticket to any performance
concurrently with the Urinetown production. When finished, SMCT will have a gender-neutral bathroom that is ADA accessible and up to code. The project helped her pitch the musical to the board, solidifying its spot this season.
“We’re trying to find a way to be more inclusive, both for nonbinary and trans performers and patrons, but also we have a lot of elderly that come to our shows,” the director said. “We want to make sure that our facilities can accommodate for all access and needs.”
Inclusivity has always been in the forefront of the actor’s mind. Making her way through theater school at PCPA, Mondragon noticed a lack of representation of people of color and size. She graduated in 2007, and said her own character type wasn’t getting cast often because of what she looks like.
“When I wasn’t getting the parts I wanted, I kind of fought back and flipped the narrative. I was like, ‘Well, if you’re not going to cast me, then I’m going to direct. I’m going to give that opportunity to folks not based entirely on conformity of what you think they should look like,’” Mondragon said.
For example, rather than casting a family with actors that look alike, Mondragon prioritizes the performers’ vocal range and acting skills. Diversity is what makes community theater go ’round.
blocking, and costumes.
“It’s a big production, so you’re making big magic with small budgets and small spaces,” the Urinetown director said.
She started at SMCT as a stage manager during the 1998-99 season. Since then, she’s done it all: acting, choreography, technical work, directing, and sitting on the board. The performer jokes that she’s been part of the theater longer than its chairs, which were replaced in the early 2000s.
Mondragon grew up in Santa Maria and was a “late bloomer” to the performing arts, but once she got “bit by the bug” in high school, it stuck. All it took was a little bit of singing in the church choir and one high school musical. The civic theater has been part of her life ever since.
“I went away for college and for work and things like that, but I always came back,” Mondragon said. “At least for the last 15 years I’ve been pretty consistently on the board in one capacity or another.”
It’s the second year of her current term as president of the SMCT board. Mondragon also held the title before the pandemic and went on to serve as the vice president, too. In leadership roles the performer’s priority is improving the theater’s legacy for future generations in the form of capital gains.
The small, “ancient” building that houses SMCT’s main stage isn’t getting any younger. In the past couple of years, Mondragon secured grants to upgrade the theater’s sound and lighting equipment.
Her current ambition to renovate the bathrooms was planned
Producing a hometown rendition takes a village. Mondragon said the theater makes use of all types of talent, from accounting and carpentry to sewing and graphic design. The crew invites community members to come in with whatever they’re good at.
“What’s amazing about the Santa Maria Civic Theatre—and what I think about community theater in general—is that we’re not professionals,” the president said. “We’re regular citizens. We’re teachers, plumbers, lawyers, students, and so we’re all just people with 9-to-5 jobs, and this is how we give back to our community.”
The theater is a place where like-minded people can explore the arts, Mondragon added. If the stage feels out of reach, helping with hospitality could be a good start, and it’s a great way to see shows for free.
“If you’re looking for somewhere to hang out with friendly folks, meet a diverse group, and have fun, the Santa Maria Civic Theatre is definitely a place you should check out.” m
Staff Writer Madison White is excited for the zany dystopia that is Urinetown. Send your take to mwhite@santamariasun.com.
Local fine arts students proudly present their creativity at the Ann
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELVERHOJ MUSEUM
theater
of Urinetown
The theater is located at 1660 N. McClelland St. in Santa Maria.
PLACES, EVERYONE! Lynda Mondragon has been part of the Santa Maria Civic Theatre for more than 25 years. She serves as the board president and is directing the last show of the season, Urinetown
PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN
COURTESY IMAGE BY ANNEKA LEMUS
PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN
FROM THE TOP: Rehearsals for Urinetown, a musical satirizing capitalism and resource mismanagement, started in February. There are 20 cast members directed by Lynda Mondragon (center).
Family secrets
Shih-Ching Tsou (Take Out) directs this script co-written with her longtime creative partner Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Anora) about single mother Shu-Fen (Janel Tsai) and her two daughters, rebellious high school dropout I-Ann (Shoh-Yuan Ma) and precocious 5-yearold I-Jing (Nina Ye), who open a noodle stand at a bustling Taipei night market as they struggle to hold the family together. I-Jing’s superstitious grandfather, Wen-Xong Chen (Akio Chen), forbids her from using her left hand because it’s “the devil’s hand,” and tensions rise as family secrets are revealed. Director Shih-Ching Tsou will attend the screening and engage in a Q-and-A. (109 min.)
Glen: The first thing you notice about this film is its immediacy and intimacy. It feels fluid and organic in a way other films don’t because it was shot entirely on four iPhone 13 Pro Max cellphones with Beastgrip accessories on location in a crowded Taipei market. This cinéma vérité style creates an authenticity in the story. As the viewer, you feel like you’re there in the moment as the story unfolds. At its center is I-Jing, an adorable little girl who’s left-handed and doesn’t think anything about it until her grandfather brings up the stigma against left-handedness. Meanwhile, I-Ann is trying to have her own life and make her own money, leading to a lot
VALENTINA
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Friday, April 24, 7:45 p.m., at the Palm Theatre in SLO; and Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m., and Monday, April 27, at 1:15 p.m., at Downtown Centre Cinemas in SLO. Tickets at slofilmfest.org.
of cringey mistakes and dangerous behavior. Shu-Fen has money problems made worse when she discovers her ex-husband is hospitalized and she feels responsible for his bills. It’s an engaging story that despite its bleakness manages to find moments of humor and warmth.
LEFT-HANDED GIRL
What’s it rated? PG-13
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Sunday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., at the Palm Theatre in SLO; tickets at slofilmfest.org. The film is also available on Netflix.
Anna: I would have never guessed that this was all filmed on iPhones—it looks great and you’re right, it’s stylized in a way that’s immersive and evocative. I-Jing is absolutely adorable, round cheeked and all eyes. You can’t help but be protective of and a little scared for her as she navigates the bustling streets of Taipei. She’s asked to be grown beyond her years in many ways, but she can’t help but be a kid in many other ways, making kid mistakes, viewing the world with the lens of someone experiencing things for the first time. When her grandfather tells her that her left hand is the devil’s hand, he doesn’t realize the power he’s accidentally bestowing upon his young granddaughter. If that isn’t her hand, she can’t be held responsible for the things it does. Meanwhile I-Ann is making her own desperate mistakes, and their mother is just trying to hold it all together.
Glen: Taipei is a character unto itself. It’s big and loud and neon-drenched but also made to feel interconnected, intimate, and energetic. The family has moved there for a fresh start, but it
Tatti Ribeiro directs this tale of Valentina (Keyla Monterroso Mejia), a young woman living on the El Paso-Juarez border whose life is a shambles. She’s broke, has unpaid parking tickets, and is caught in the OmniBase program—a failure to appear/ failure to pay system that allows parking fees to compound, potentially leading to arrest and jail. We follow her over 48 hours as she tries to sort out her financial mess, deals with a jerky tow truck driver, and does odd jobs all around town while also meeting family obligations and petitioning the El Paso City Council on behalf of impoverished people caught in OmniBase.
What makes the film so unusual is Mejia is the only professional actor—all other people who appear are El Paso residents, and their interactions are almost entirely unscripted. The handheld camerawork and wandering feel makes Valentina seem like documentary with real and unrehearsed interactions.
You really gain an understanding of what life is like in this bustling border town.
Despite grinding poverty and a repressive system, Valentina and the real-life people she meets find joy and meaning in life. The film demonstrates the potency of independent filmmaking. (in English and Spanish; 82 min.)
—Anna
and engage in a Q-and-A.
proves difficult, and they’re immersed with other people on the fringes struggling to survive. It’s an impressive directorial debut from Tsou.
Anna: Life is a grind, and that’s certainly so for this family, but they soldier on. What Shu-Fen most desires from her kids is a good moral compass—not always the easiest thing to access
BIRDS OF WAR
What’s it rated? R When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Friday, April 24, 4 p.m., and Saturday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Centre Cinemas; and Monday, April 27, 4:30 p.m. at the Palm Theatre in SLO. Tickets at slofilmfest.org.
Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak co-direct this script they co-wrote with story consultant Katie Bryer about their 13-year love story. She was a London-based BBC journalist from Lebanon, and he was a Syrian activist-turned-cameraman; the two connected during the Syrian civil war. The story is told through their exchange of increasingly intimate text messages, voice notes, and footage from Aleppo.
when every day is a battle. It’s got tons of heart and is made with a very interesting view from the filmmakers. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
It’s inherently deeply moving because war is, indeed, hell, and through Habak’s camera, we get an up close and personal view of the damage inflicted on Syria and its people. Much of it is heartbreaking. In one scene, we’re in an underground neonatal hospital as bombs shake the walls. It’s a reminder that life goes on even as people die and their homes are lost. What a horror. War is such a waste. When Habak is attempting to flee Aleppo as the army pushes forward, he says, “My archive must survive
as proof of what I gave and what was taken from me.” It also depicts human resilience. Witnessing Boulos and Habak’s professional collaboration grow into a bond of love is beautiful, despite the backdrop of war and political upheaval. This one will both break and warm your heart. (in English and Arabic; 85 min.) m
—Glen
SISTERS: Nina Ye stars as I-Jing (front), and Shih-Yuan Ma as I-Ann, in Left-Handed Girl, screening as part of the SLO Film Fest on April 26, at the Palm Theatre. Director Shih-Ching Tsou will attend
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO INTERNATIONAL FILM
REAL FEELS: Keyla Monterroso Mejia (center) stars as the titular character in Valentina, a cinéma vérité style film with a single professional actor interacting with real people, screening as part of the SLO Film Fest.
LITTLE BIRDS: Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak helm this documentary about their love story as they cover the Syrian civil war, in Birds of War, having its West Coast premiere at the SLO Film Fest on April 24.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HABAK FILMS
450 degrees
Pick up your next sourdough loaf from a new Santa Maria farm stand
BY MADISON WHITE
Making sourdough is a little bit like teaching first grade.
“It’s a process, but it’s chaos at the same time,” baker Elizabeth Nunez said. “It’s patience.”
She teaches at Battles Elementary, rushing home from school three days a week to prepare dough for her cottage bakery, Homemade Heritage. The sourdough mad dash occupies Nunez’s afternoons and evenings from Wednesday to Saturday.
Her schedule is mapped out on Google Sheets. It’s chaos as she preps all her ingredients, forms the dough, ferments it for 48 hours, and bakes. It’s a long, slow process, just like teaching her first graders how to read.
“Tonight, I’m going to feed my starter, and then that way tomorrow
Ready to be sliced
Find everything you need to know about Elizabeth Nunez’s business on Instagram @homemade_heritage_. Customers receive the farm stand address after placing an order online. Homemade Heritage will also be at the Old Town Orcutt summer farmers market starting May 20.
I’ll have more starter,” Nunez said on a Wednesday afternoon. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll feed it again. When I get back from work, my starter will be ready for me to start making the dough.”
As of February, the Homemade Heritage workweek extends to Sunday.
Nunez and her husband, Anthony, repurposed an antique dresser into a farm stand at their home in Garey to sell goods a couple Sundays each month. It’s been a goal of the baker’s since she started her business two years ago.
“I love being out and about in the community, but I’m like, ‘What if the community came to me?’” she thought.
Customers can order online for pickup through Instagram, but the baker always makes extra loaves for people to stop by and purchase on the honor system.
Everything Nunez bakes is filled with organic ingredients, her own farm-fresh eggs, and a sourdough base. Visitors choose from chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, pancake mix, and scones. On the savory side, Nunez also sells focaccia, bagels, pizza crust, and a variety of loaves.
Staple sourdough flavors like original and jalapeño sharp cheddar are always available until sold out, but the business owner also rotates through the likes of chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar, blueberry lemon, and roasted garlic rosemary.
“You can put anything in sourdough,” Nunez said. “It’s just so fun to make different recipes with.”
Her love for baking is inspired by her mother’s cooking. As a kid Nunez remembers her mom’s tamales and enchiladas, but dessert was her favorite.
“I always go back to a cheesecake that she always makes, and it’s a family recipe,” Nunez said.
Calling her business Homemade Heritage is a nod to those good old family traditions and the hard work she does with her own two hands. Nunez took a little bit of her mom’s generosity with her to college, cooking for friends and roommates.
“In the Hispanic culture, food is a way of connecting to people, and it’s kind of like the love language,” she described.
When Nunez attends pop-up events, she enjoys interacting with customers and other vendors. Over the past couple of years, she’s sold Homemade Heritage goods at the Los Alamos farmers market, Zaca Mesa Winery, and lavender farms in Los Olivos.
Vineyards and the Old Town Orcutt farmers market, which starts on May 20 this year.
Supporting other entrepreneurs— and befriending them—is one of Nunez’s favorite parts of networking with the small business community in town. The local hot sauce company Sauce Baby stocks bottles at the farm stand, and Nunez hopes to partner with Feral Future soon, a Solvang company that makes teas and spice blends.
“A lot of these businesses are smallbatch, and it’s not mass produced. I feel like that takes time, effort, and it’s great quality,” Nunez said. “We all have that same purpose to give back to the community and make that connection with people.”
Her business philosophy also leads back to the way she runs her classroom. Nunez came from an immigrant family and was an English learner in school. It presented hurdles, she remembered. Now as a teacher, she sees herself in the eyes of her students and wants to model
how kids like her can pursue a career in education.
“I think that’s the main reason why I became a teacher, is to give back to the community and to have a purpose and to help these kids have a voice,” Nunez said. She was the first in her family to attend college—on a Division I swim scholarship at UC Santa Barbara no less. She went on to earn a master’s degree, too.
Her journey is an example for the first graders that education is important, especially for those who are in sports.
Student athletes are no stranger to effective time management. Along with the fact that she’s “so type A,” Nunez believes her sports background set her up for success as a business owner and a teacher. However, Nunez knows she’s grown and gotten better at finding the patience amid the chaos.
“I’m so busy,” she said, “but I kind of thrive off it.” m
Now she sells her bread at Bien Nacido
COURTESY PHOTO BY HAILEY KELLY
WHAT A SCORE: Classic flavors like jalapeño cheddar and original sourdough bread are always stocked at the Homemade Heritage farm stand. See Instagram for a list of seasonal, rotating combos.
COURTESY PHOTO BY HAILEY KELLY
WHISKED AWAY: Elizabeth Nunez’s sourdough business, Homemade Heritage, has been up and running for almost two years, but she recently started selling out of a farm stand at her home in Garey instead of only pickup and delivery.
COURTESY PHOTO BY HAILEY KELLY
HAVE A SWEET TOOTH? From a sourdough starter, Elizabeth Nunez can bake gooey chocolate chip cookies, scones, and cinnamon rolls.
COURTESY PHOTO BY ELIZABETH NUNEZ
PART OF THE CHARM: A repurposed antique dresser now serves as the Homemade Heritage farm stand. Elizabeth Nunez had the creative vision, and her husband, Anthony, helped bring it to life.
