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The Murdochs: a nasty, wealthy clan [20]

Monster

Masks A Lompoc artist leans into the creep factor with the help of a 3D pen and his love of characters [18]

BY MADISON WHITE

NEWS

Lompoc wants a third-party audit [4]

NEWS

A lenient sentence for a fatal DUI [6]

EATS

The delicious deli at Marian [22]

Contents

Your Dream Home Awaits!

A PRIL 30 - M AY 7, 20 26

B

VOL . 2 7 NO. 10

eauty, death, suffering, monsters—all play into Joe Cerny’s new artistic passion of crafting wearable masks with the help of a 3D pen. The Lompoc resident creates characters you can hide behind, if you want, or hang on your wall. Though not all are inherently creepy, Cerny’s creations often lean that way as he aims to give people something that can help them feel free from insecurities and inhibitions. Staff Writer Madison White talks to Cerny about his inspiration and his process [18].

Also, find stories about the audit inspired by a Lompoc City Council member’s fraud case [4]; why the county district attorney is disappointed with the sentencing in a felony DUI case [6]; and a new deli making waves on Marian Regional Medical Center’s campus [22].

Camillia Lanham editor

GET IT OUT: With a few waves of his 3D pen and some melted plastic filament, Lompoc’s Joe Cerny dials up the creep factor with wearable masks.

Cover image courtesy of Joe Cerny > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

News Briefs ..........................................................................4 Political Watch....................................................................4 Spotlight.................................................................................7

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OPINION

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Commentary ........................................................................8 Letters .....................................................................................8 Web Poll .................................................................................8 Mayfield..................................................................................8 Canary ...................................................................................10

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff ................................................................................11

ARTS

Arts Briefs............................................................................18

MOVIES

Reviews ...............................................................................20

LIC. 668152

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www.santamariasun.com • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • Sun • 3

News POLITICAL WATCH • Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) introduced a bill package in mid-April that aims to improve health care access for Californians. The package includes three separate bills that put new policy mandates on health insurance companies and osteopathic physicians across the state. Assembly Bill 1703, for example, would ensure that all osteopathic physicians serving patients are operating with licenses issued by the state of California. Hart’s office described this bill as a response to a gap in current law that has allowed certain internationally trained osteopaths to see patients without a license.

Assembly Bill 1682 would require health insurance companies to cover scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and Assembly Bill 2011 would cement in California law a President Joe Biden-era federal regulation that tightened restrictions on requirements that health insurance companies can place on mental health care, ensuring they do not exceed those placed on physical health care. Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump announced it would not enforce the Biden-era rule and may even rescind it, according to Hart’s office. “At a time when the federal government is rolling back landmark health policies, California ought to step up in new ways to make sure that people of all ages can receive the care they need from trusted health care providers,” Hart said in an April 15 statement. In addition to working on his legislative package, Hart is chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight.

In this role, he’s led state oversight hearings on the impacts of health care policies posed by the Trump administration. “To pay for the president’s billionaire tax breaks, too many hardworking Californians are having to forgo seeing their doctor, taking necessary medication, or otherwise receiving care,” Hart stated.

• California Republican Party Chairwoman Corrin Rankin issued a statement on April 26 in response to the attempted shooting by California resident Cole Tomas Allen at the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C. “The attempted assassination of President Trump and mass shooting of other guests at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was a terrible act of violence. This violence must stop now,” Rankin stated. “Democrats must end their violent rhetoric; their words have consequences and are causing real harm. … The assassination of Charlie Kirk and the multiple assassination attempts on President Trump’s life prove that violent rhetoric is creating a deadly environment. The California Republican Party stands with President Trump and every victim of political violence.”

• On April 23, U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Adam Schiff (D-California) joined more than 30 other legislators to raise strong concerns about the reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “The USFS is charged with managing the 193-millionacre National Forest System, … including over 141 million acres of urban forests in our cities and towns,” the legislators wrote in a joint letter to USDA Deputy Secretary Alexander Vaden. “A 2025 survey by the Partnership for Public Service found that the USFS was significantly worse at fulfilling stakeholder needs and providing quality service than a year earlier.

The sweeping changes being proposed, potentially impacting more than 6,500 employees … threatens to further erode the agency’s ability to complete its mission.” The legislators added that the reorganization “also jeopardizes the world-class research the USFS produces to improve management of the [National Forest Service], assist public and private forest landowners with insect and disease outbreaks, and spur innovative approaches to managing wildfire.” m

➤ Mercy plea [6]

April 30 - May 7, 2026

➤ Spotlight [7] SCREENSHOT FROM LOMPOC CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Act now!

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

REBATE REVIEW: At the April 21 City Council meeting, Lompoc Mayor Jim Mosby continued a previous discussion regarding an audit of questionable rebates. The City Council requested an independent investigation of all rebates from the past two years.

Lompoc is auditing its rebate program after fraud allegations Rebates for turf landscaping and water leak detection are under the microscope in Lompoc, including those received by the current city manager. The city plans to pay for a thirdparty audit of applications to water and energy conservation rebate programs going back at least two years.

On April 21, City Council members continued a discussion about the 2024-25 annual audit, the year in which Councilmember Steve Bridge is accused of committing eight felonies. One of those charges is providing a fraudulent contractor’s license on a rebate application form.

“The evidence is right here in front of us. I’ve got an invoice here,” Councilmember Jeremy Ball said at the meeting. “Yet, we still don’t talk about that. We act like that didn’t happen, but we want to go figure out if somebody got paid a little bit extra for Sheetrock.”

Lompoc was required to report the investigation into Bridge to their auditors, a city finance employee said. The independent accounting firm assessed 81 payments that the city made to rebate applicants between February 2024 and October 2025, City Attorney Jeff Malawy said. Of those 81, auditors determined that 11 applications lacked proof that licensed contractors performed the work. Not all applications asked for a license number, but now the city requires it.

There also could be variables other than licenses that might invalidate applications.

“So, the auditors basically stated in their report that those rebates should not have been processed, meaning that they should not have been approved,” Malawy told the council.

Mayor Jim Mosby said one of the reasons he called for the discussion was because two of the payments involved City Manager Dean Albro, who did not provide contractor numbers in applications. Mosby said he was “astonished.”

In an email to the Sun, Albro said his family followed program guidelines and didn’t break any rules or laws. Albro added that he recused himself from the discussion at the suggestion of the city attorney.

Mosby mentioned that some rebates were only $100, and he doesn’t believe the masses were intentionally filing fraudulent applications.

“I think there was a level of—from what I see—it was a level of innocence, ignorance, complacency, [and] apathy that was going on with the process,” Mosby said.

Martin Bender, a Lompoc utility commissioner, told the council during the April 21 meeting that he wanted to better understand the rebate program amid the allegations against Bridge.

4 • Sun • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Bender filed his own request with the city to see all rebates between November 2023 and November 2025.

While reviewing rebates, the utility commissioner said he found applications that failed to comply with the rules. Bender said he’d submit his findings to the city clerk.

“Some of them were super obvious; some of them were more nitpicky, but at the end of the day, my bigger concern was that you had a city manager who also submitted rebates improperly, and he’s supposed to oversee the program,” Bender said.

The independent report that council members requested could expose more rebates that shouldn’t have been approved, City Attorney Malawy said. If there’s evidence of criminal activity the city would report it to the county District Attorney’s Office.

“I am in no way saying that I have any knowledge that there is any fraud because I have not reviewed these things,” Malawy said. “I have not reviewed them in detail, but I have reviewed them enough to see that there are applications that did not have contractor license numbers.”

The City Council voted 4-0 in favor of a thirdparty review. Councilmember Bridge recused himself.

At a future meeting, staff will present possible financial remedies the city could earn back.

They’ll also bring a report about the history of rebate application rules to help the council decide if it wants the investigation to go back more than two years. If evidence of fraud is discovered, the city can report it to the District Attorney’s Office and seek refunds in small claims court.

—Madison White

Phone app controversy inspires changes to Solvang’s ethics code Skateboard pro Robby Hargreaves’ 60 seconds of airtime at a Solvang City Council meeting in February prompted city officials to take a multimonth deep dive into a cellphone app developed

by Mayor David Brown.

The local owner of Solvang Skate Shop approached the public comment podium that night to ask about a new scavenger hunt-style mobile app he’d heard about and the process behind how a business in town could become featured on it.

“I just wanted to get information about the app, which I thought was a city-run app,” Hargreaves told the Sun via email in late April. “I am speaking up to stand up for other businesses who feel there might be backlash for doing what I did.”

Over the next two months, Brown’s Solvang Passport app became a heated talking point, including at the council’s April 27 meeting. That night, the council considered revising its code of ethics to address some officials’ complaints that they weren’t properly notified about Brown’s app

and perceived conflict of interest concerns—as the app charges a monthly $250 fee to businesses that are highlighted.

“We’re trying to balance a lot of things here and be responsive to your concerns about not being notified,” City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan told the council.

Brown told O’Sullivan and other city staff in December 2025 about Solvang Passport to request advice on any potential conflicts he should be aware of while operating his new business.

Staff didn’t notify members of the council about Brown’s request because there’s nothing in current city code that requires that kind of disclosure, City Manager Randy Murphy explained.

“I didn’t say anything because there was nothing in the code that says, ‘Hey, you all should know or have an opportunity to weigh in on it,’” Murphy said after staff introduced a proposed ethics code addition. “This is an effort to address council members’ concerns that were raised about being blindsided or surprised by the Solvang Passport app.”

Staff’s pitch on April 27 was to add one sentence to Solvang’s code of ethics: “Members of the City Council shall promptly notify staff and the City Council of any new material financial interests that arise during the members’ term in office.”

The council ultimately directed staff to return with a rewrite after some officials argued that the ‘financial interests’ descriptor was too broad and vague.

Councilmember Elizabeth Orona said she also didn’t agree with staff’s description of the policy as “self-enforcing in that it places the responsibility upon individual members” to ensure their conduct meets ethical standards.

“I’m just going to go for the heart of the matter right now. I do not agree necessarily with selfpolicing ethics,” Elizabeth said. “There needs to be something in our ethics code that lets the council members take a position formally, because—I told you, Dave—I don’t want to be part of a council that just ignores something that’s wrong or that’s unethical or unfair to residents and businesspeople. … I will say, honestly, I don’t want to be part of a council that’s unable to do that.”

Staff explained at a previous meeting in March that Mayor Brown would face personal liability for any hypothetical failure to comply with conflict of interest rules and that his “potential statutory conflicts seem to be manageable.”

As she’s also stated at prior hearings, Councilmember Claudia Orona repeated on April 27 that there’s nothing prohibiting someone from filing a complaint about Brown’s business to the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

“I think it’s pretty good as written,” Claudia said about staff’s original revision to the ethics code.

She said it wouldn’t be a good use of city staff’s time to continue lingering on the issue.

“I can understand how it looks bad if somebody is in an elected position and they’re starting a new business. … The business owners might be inclined on joining in on the business because they think that might get them special consideration or special favor,” Claudia said. “I can see how it looks messy, but until there is an actual action where he is granting special privileges to somebody just because they do business with him, I think there’s less of an ethical problem.”

Claudia’s family business, the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor, is a featured destination on Brown’s Solvang Passport app, which rewards users who scan certain QR codes at specific venues with discounts from local shops and eateries.

“If we expect City Council [members] to have nothing to do with anybody and just focus on public service, well then maybe we should employ them full time with the city and expect them to not have any other income so that they can’t possibly be influenced by outside interests,” Claudia said.

“We don’t do that, and ultimately we’re still free to pursue whatever businesses we have.”

Two speakers participated in public comment

NEWS continued page 5

News NEWS from page 4 during the ethics discussion, one of whom was Solvang Skate Shop owner Hargreaves. He returned to publicly apologize to Mayor Brown, he explained, for any negative impacts his comments about Solvang Passport in February caused.

“I did not mean to cause any hardship towards you or to the City Council whatsoever. I’ve known Mayor Brown for the better part of 12, 13 years. … I look at you as a mentor, and I love you,” Hargreaves said, “and part of loving our friends is also [saying] when we believe that there’s some wrongdoing. And I just want to make that known. … I’m not taking a shot at you, Dave.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

County passes ‘symbolic’ ICE safeguard policy package Whether a new Santa Barbara County initiative helps alleviate or worsen residents’ concerns about local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity was up for debate at the Board of Supervisors’ April 21 meeting.

“We have people out there who are becoming constitutional scholars on both sides on what is lawful and what is not,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson said at the hearing. “We have people slashing law enforcement’s tires, attacking officers who are arresting people lawfully, and it’s because they think they have some vigilante obligation.”

“I’m concerned that this adds … fuel to that fire,” said Nelson, the sole dissenter in a 4-1 vote to establish a use and preservation policy that prohibits “unauthorized use of countyowned property, including for civic immigration enforcement activities, except as required by law.”

The board reviewed that protocol and two other policies related to immigration enforcement, including a “know your rights”

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educational item to prevent voter intimidation at local polling sites this June and November.

Nelson was part of the 5-0 vote to move that forward but dissented on the county property policy as well as a directive for staff to explore land-use and zoning tools that could allow the board to prohibit future ICE facilities from being developed on unincorporated county land.

“Where does the supremacy clause come in with these types of local ordinances and local control with the federal government?” Nelson asked county staff. “I hate to use the word, but does federal government trump local government when it comes to this? Sorry, pun really not intended.”

“Generally speaking yes,” County Counsel Rachel Van Mullem replied, “but it depends on whether the federal government has occupied the field so there is still ability for the states and local governments to regulate.”

Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann described the three-policy package as more symbolic than enforceable.

“It may be symbolic, but symbols are important,” Hartmann said. “Symbols say we’re trying and we’re doing what we can.”

As part of the majority that approved the package, 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino said he didn’t consider his decision to support the policies to be controversial before commenting on Minnesota resident Alex Jeffrey Pretti’s death in January.

“It’s so murky of what you can and can’t do.

But moving these items is not really controversial to me,” Lavagnino said. “What I’ve seen from ICE over the last year, it’s just unconscionable.

I never thought in this country, honestly, that I would witness somebody get executed in broad daylight on a street that is an ICU nurse in the Department of Veterans Affairs because he’s out speaking his mind and doing what this country was founded [on]: letting your point be heard.” m —Caleb Wiseblood

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FREE TICKETS! FR TICKETS! FREE TICK S! FREE sister, Cassandra, EE FR TICKET S! EEcourt ET FR CK “He and I had a few drinks and a couple asked the for a 24-year prison sentence, S! TI ET CK TI EE FR CKETS! FREE S! TICKETS! ET EE CK FR TI S! EE ET FR CK S! TI EE TICKET ETS! FREE FREE6TI• CK FREE TICKETS! FR CKET•S!www.santamariasun.com Sun • April 30S!- May 7,TI2026 EE FR ET CK TI CKETS! FREE

Mercy plea

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lines of cocaine, but it was a calm night,” she stated in court documents. “The next morning, we woke up around 6:30 to get dressed and get Albert to work on time. I remember the morning was wet and foggy as I was driving down the 154.”

Attorney Webb expanded upon conditions related to the weather, as well as the road and the truck Fultz was driving that morning.

“All reports and accompanying declarations indicate that the roads were wet and that it was a foggy morning,” Webb stated. “They also indicate that the roads were becoming oiler, due to ongoing construction on San Marcos Pass. … Cars were often sitting idle on various stops on the San Marcos Pass … and leaking oil that wouldn’t ordinarily occur without the ongoing construction.”

It is Fultz’s belief, according to Webb, that she was unable to stay in her lane “due to the road conditions and the condition of her brother’s truck, which she never drove.”

Fultz stated that she borrowed her brother Casey’s 2005 GMC Sierra truck to give her boyfriend a ride. In court documents, Casey said he had meant to take the truck to a shop around that time because it would “shake a bit when I drove it” and needed new windshield wipers.

“It was … difficult to see because Casey’s windshield wipers were not working at all,” Fultz wrote in her declaration. “As I made my way around the turn where the construction waiting line usually starts, I saw there was no line for me to have to stop for and I was clear to keep going.

“That is where I believe I intended to resume some acceleration, but the tires slid immediately,” she said, “and I started going out of control so rapidly that no matter what I tried—brakes, turning the wheel—it was impossible. As fast as this was all happening, I just remember thinking, ‘Please get out of the way, I can’t do anything!’ No matter how very hard I was trying.”

District Attorney Savrnoch told the Sun he believes Fultz’s statements lack any “true contrition.”

“There’s nothing in there that showed a desire to significantly change,” Savrnoch said. “Let’s add to the fact that the defendant in this case didn’t even have a license. … There are a lot of transportation options for people, but none of them can be getting behind the wheel under the influence and without a license. That’s inexcusable behavior.”

According to court records, Fultz was also cited in 2022 and 2023 for driving a vehicle without either a valid license or proof of registration.

The Sun reached out to Fultz’s attorney, who said via email that he would reserve comment until mid-May after Fultz finishes some paperwork.

The terms of Fultz’s probation will be finalized before the end of April. She was remanded into custody on April 14 to serve her county jail sentence of less than a year, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

“The consequences imposed as a result of the judge’s sentencing choice do not reflect the seriousness of the crime committed,” Savrnoch told the Sun. On Fultz’s reported blood alcohol level on the day of the crash, Savrnoch said that the 0.167 figure wasn’t determined until four hours after the collision.

“Impaired driving ... is the one violent crime—and I definitely categorize this as a violent crime—that we’re all exposed to. This is not a matter of high-risk behavior being in places that are generally dangerous,” Savrnoch said. “Citizens are exposed to the possibility of being victimized by an impaired driver just by living their lives. We all drive. We all drive on the same highways. … Carly had no say in this matter. Carly was driving on the 154 in her lane when somebody else’s choices and actions took her life.” m Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

News

SPOTLIGHT

Playing for keeps

just three months after they started playing in 2023.

But afterward, A new live-action role-play chapter in Santa their truck broke Maria extends a sword to prospective participants down, and while it was at the shop,

BY MADISON WHITE someone stole their brand new LARPing gear.

Back in San Luis Obispo, fellow players n a land not so far away, mortals of all ages build donated replacements so Scott and his fiancée friendships while running around the park could keep playing. swinging harmless weapons and defending “I’m getting teary thinking about it. It was the themselves with handmade shields. Though it’s a sweetest thing, and that was the moment where pretend world, their bonds are quite real. it clicked for me,” Scott said. “It’s not about the Dean Scott often spends his Sundays with battle games. It’s not about the awards. It’s about friends competing in live-action role-play the community. … You’re making a family.”

(LARP) games. They pretend to be characters Scott has met mentors and some of his “best with different names, embarking on quests and friends in the entire world” through LARPing. playing team battle games.

His nephew is now playing too, which means they “It’s a really fun community,” Scott told the get to spend more quality time together.

Sun. “This is where you make friends. This is “The moment my nephew started playing, I where you build bonds.” was like, ‘Now I have to make this park, and I On April 19, Scott—aka Wrekless—and a have to grow it. I have to make sure that this game group of around 60 LARPers gathered at Rotary MUSIC grows and lives way past when I’m going to be Centennial Park for the inaugural event in the playing,’” he explained. first “park” of its kind in Santa Maria: Watchers Scott wanted the inaugural event in Santa Keep. The LARPers will meet on the first and FLAVOR/EATS Maria to be “big and flashy” in hopes of attracting third Sundays of the month to play. To become the attention of locals on South College Drive and officially recognized, the park needs to sustain Bradley Road.INFO He hired a photographer for the enough people for six months and be voted in by historic day, called over a Guadalupe food truck, its kingdom, the collection of parks in California. personally invested There are different kinds of LARPing, but CALENDARin extra gear and obstacles, and invited friends from parks as far as Santa Scott’s group is part of the nonprofit Amtgard Cruz and Fresno.

After everyone signed the International. The leader described their version OPINION as a combat sport where participants wear jersey- Watchers Keep Declaration of Independence, the group started playing games like capture the flag. style tunics with numbers instead of dressing up NEWS Keep founder has come a long The Watchers as characters with background stories. way since his childhood in Santa In addition to small local Maria. He often felt picked on, games, Amtgard LARPers can STROKES Promote! remembering being a nerdy white attend biannual camping events Send business and kid in a town where “there was with hundreds of people. Scott nonprofit information to ARTS not a lot of that.” When he moved and his fiancée had a blast at spotlight@santamariasun.com. back to the area as an adult, Scott their first such event in King City

COURTESY PHOTO BY GRANT SPILLER

I

SPELLS AND SWORDS GALORE: On April 19, Dean Scott and a crew of around 60 people from across the state gathered at a Santa Maria park for some live-action role-playing. It was the inaugural event for the group, Watchers Keep.

joined San Luis Obispo’s Seven Sleeping Dragons.

His LARPing journey galloped from there.

Within a couple of years, he earned a masterhood in construction, making him a little bit of an “anomaly” because it usually takes LARPers a decade to earn that distinction. Scott chalked it up to the fact that he’s been an artisan his whole life.

There are many ways to level up in the LARPing universe, but most of the fun is simply escaping the world’s craziness.

“You’re literally running around with your friends in a park laughing,” Scott said, “and you just create these memories.”

Highlight • The city of Santa Maria is hosting its first BiciChella event on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Santa Maria Transit Center (400 E. Boone St.). It’s meant to promote alternate modes of transportation like biking and public transit. Expect free bicycle repairs, transit bus demonstrations, information from local organizations, and light refreshments. m Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

www.santamariasun.com • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • Sun • 7

Opinion ONLINE POLL

Should Guadalupe change how it collects fees from its sole cannabis dispensary?

75%

25% 0% 0%

Yes, but it should be a 5 percent tax; better yet, 4.20 percent!

Yes. Changing to a sales tax makes much more sense.

No. The business promised to pay a percent of its gross sales as a fee.

No, and it shouldn’t lower the current fee from 6 percent either.

4 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly 801 S Broadway Suite 3 Santa Maria, CA 93454 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING | 805-347-1968 E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com WEB | www.santamariasun.com FOUNDER | Steve Moss 1948-2005 EDITORIAL EDITOR | Camillia Lanham ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Andrea Rooks SENIOR STAFF WRITER | Caleb Wiseblood STAFF WRITER | Madison White CALENDAR EDITOR | Angelena Stevens STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | Pieter Saayman ART DIRECTOR | Alex Zuniga EDITORIAL DESIGNERS | Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad CONTRIBUTORS | Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | Kimberly Rosa ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES | Katy Gray, Tyler Dunavan PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Mary Grace Flaus GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Ellen Fukumoto, John Nygaard Business Cindy Rucker MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR | Ben Kerr CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez, Joe Brice PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga OFFICE MANAGER | Stephanie West SUBMITTING LETTERS WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [10]

Public safety?

Last year, the department overspent its budget by $4.4 million.”

The Noozhawk report It’s not wise to cut the Sheriff’s Office’s budget states that Sheriff Bill Brown “told the board

BY RON FINK that his department is still dealing with staff shortages, and overtime hours are the only irst let’s stipulate that the primary duty way to fill those gaps. He added that reducing of government is to ensure the safety of overtime hours would ‘compromise staff, the public and provide a robust utility inmate, and public safety.’” infrastructure and a serviceable road system.

And on April 15, Sheriff Brown informed the Public safety includes a police function, Board of Supervisors that on closer examination, district attorney, jails to house those convicted the proposed $5 million cut would result in the loss of violating the laws, fire protection, and of 53 sworn deputies and 19 civilian employees, emergency medical service. Everything else including a dozen Isla Vista foot patrol positions. government does is “nice to have” if you can To address the cuts, Noozhawk reported on afford it.

April 17, “Second District Supervisor Laura If any of these components of the public safety system aren’t adequately staffed to meet community Capps proposed that the Sheriff’s Office return with other proposals to restore at least six of the needs, then “assuring public safety” is only a phrase positions in the foot patrol.” used in political campaigns and not a reality.

She obviously doesn’t understand the gravity Santa Barbara County currently faces a $70 of the problem. Sheriff Brown had already million shortfall for the next budget cycle. To proposed reorganizing this service area to serve achieve a balanced budget, some service areas it more efficiently. must be reduced in scope.

I doubt that any of the supervisors have ever Mike Stoker, a former county supervisor and had to oversee a 24-hour-a-day operation and/or currently the president and CEO of the Santa a public safety function. To serve an area as large Barbara County Taxpayer Advocacy Center, as the unincorporated portions of the county said in a recent newsletter that the current and the contract cities, provide bailiffs for the budget cutting proposal being considered is court, and operate the jail, it takes a specific “approaching the budget with a standardized number of deputies. approach to all departments using general To support the idea that cutting an already fund dollars to proceed with no increase from underfunded sheriff’s department to help resolve last year’s budget. For the Sheriff’s Office, that general fund budget shortages is irresponsible. essentially means a $5 million cut.”

For the last couple of decades, the Board of On Feb. 8, Noozhawk reported that “in a MUSIC Supervisors’ majority has aggressively pursued letter to the board, Sheriff Bill Brown stated that shutting down one of the largest general fund multiple studies done by his staff and outside revenue resources in the county. personnel found that the number of funded On April 16,FLAVOR/EATS the Sun reported that the positions in his department is ‘insufficient to county Planning Commission voted in favor maintain the minimum staffing levels necessary of an ordinance the supervisors asked for to provide mandated services and reasonable INFO that would lead to phasing out local oil and levels of safety for our community members, gas development. “Last October, the Board of personnel, and inmates.’”

Supervisors voted 3-2, with the North County During the past year, some supervisors have CALENDAR supervisors dissenting, to expressed concerns over the direct staff to develop the sheriff’s department overtime OPINION prohibition on drilling new costs. In fact, Noozhawk oil and gas wells as well as reported on Feb. 10 that “the Send us your to create a long-term plan to Sheriff’s Office has been in views and opinion to NEWSphase out existing oil and gas deficit for at least 10 years to letters@santamariasun.com. operations in the county.” the tune of millions of dollars.

F

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Speak up!

STROKES

ARTS

MAYFIELD

Could the loss of this funding source be part of their budget problem?

Is it wise to cut the Sheriff’s Office’s budget?

Is it the sheriff’s budget or the revenue-reducing, business-killing policies of the Board of Supervisors majority that are contributing to the budget shortfall? m Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.

LETTERS Ricardo Valencia is best for supervisor

I’ve studied all the candidates running for Steve Lavagnino’s seat on the Board of Supervisors. I am voting for Ricardo Valencia in the June 2 primary.

Ricardo’s campaign is powered by dozens of energetic volunteers, and like Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, he is funded by hundreds of small donations from ordinary people. No surprise then that he is endorsed by the same Working Families Party that supported Mayor Mamdani. Ricardo Valencia will be a strong, new voice on the Board of Supervisors for the thousands of families in his district who are often forgotten in Santa Barbara.

Ricardo was educated in Guadalupe and Santa Maria, then went to the University of California Berkley. After graduation, instead of working in the Bay Area, he returned to teach at Santa Maria High. His students will tell you how he has inspired them to believe in themselves, in their cultural heritage, and their future success in higher education and service to their community.

Ricardo serves as a board member for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. He has promoted education in the performing and visual arts for every Santa Maria elementary and junior high school. He has also helped the district to balance its budget so elementary and junior high schools can give our children a big step up on their way to high school.

When I compare Ricardo Valencia’s work on the school board to Ms. Aguilera’s on the Santa Maria City Council, the difference is clear.

She was endorsed by Etta Waterfield four years ago, and under Ms. Aguilera’s watch, the city has spent more money than it generates and has run up a $25 million deficit each year, for the next two years.

She is funded with big donations by the same special interest groups—lawyers, farm owners, big business owners and developers, that have controlled Santa Maria’s politics forever.

Ms. Aguilera supported the council in selling city land on three corners of Main and Broadway to a big developer for his own housing projects and sweetened the deal with more than $1 million in tax breaks.

Now Ms. Aguilera has joined the council in contracting with a PR firm for $30,000 to persuade us to increase our sales tax to help pay for their giveaways.

And why would Ms. Aguilera’s campaign be allowed to post her signs a full month before state and city rules allow them, giving her an early advantage over her two opponents, who followed the rules?

The third contender in this race is Steve Lavagnino’s chief of staff, Cory Bantilan, who jumped into the race a little late. He is expected to mirror Mr. Lavagnino’s policies if elected, rather than the more working-family policies of Mr. Valencia. This should lead to some interesting debates.

I encourage every voter to look carefully at the three candidates and vote in the primary. If you vote by mail, vote early so your vote will be counted. New post office policy does not promise to postmark your vote the day you put it in the box. Look for your ballots to come in the mail soon.

Gale McNeeley Santa Maria

8 • Sun • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Winning Images2026 Photo Contest

The 31st Annual Winning Images Competition will be taking entries starting now through May 11th at 5pm!

Win cash prizes, get published in our annual Winning Images issues out June 18th. See your work in an online gallery and be part of a show at The Photo Shop in San Luis Obispo!

Categories • Animals • Flora • In Motion • Land/Seascapes • People • Travel • Open • Yout h

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Opinion

License to love

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Life of Chuck is poetic [20]

Join our Team!

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.

Lompoc’s Hike and

Immigration

Bike Club needs

NEWS enforcement sweeps [4]

you to help build

some trails [6]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Art Related Things

ARTS in Santa Maria [18]

EATS

Rachel’s Jam in Lompoc [21]

We are looking for an individual who cares about building relationships and partnering with local businesses. If you have the heart, we have the tools to train you to be a successful Ad Consultant. You must be self-motivated, ambitious and an independent person who wants to be part of a great team. Successful reps will have a sincere desire to help our clients assess their needs and work together to create marketing campaigns that increase their business.

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10 • Sun • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Personal Trainer Senior Fitness Specialist Pre/Postnatal Training Function Strength

805-608-1096 Fit-Byrd.com

ompoc’s little rebate program for local residents seems to be backfiring.

After the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office charged City Councilmember Steve Bridge with a litany of offenses, including committing fraud on the energy and conservation rebate program applications, the city is taking a closer look at things.

As part of the city’s annual audit for the last fiscal year, it found 11 questionable rebate payments—including a couple received by City Manager Dean Albro.

Mayor Jim Mosby said he was “astonished” to see that two of the payments that probably shouldn’t have been processed went to Albro. The city manager did recuse himself from the discussion and insisted that he followed program guidelines and didn’t break any rules or laws.

But he didn’t include a contractor’s license number on his applications, and apparently he wasn’t the only one. At least Bridge “ginned up” a license number for his application, amirite? Bridge is saying the same thing: innocent, man!

Isn’t Albro the one responsible for running the program? Should he benefit from something like that?

Lompoc Utility Commissioner Martin Bender thinks not.

“At the end of the day, my bigger concern was that you had a city manager who also submitted rebates improperly, and he’s supposed to oversee the program,” Bender said.

On top of all that, the city seems to have run the program in a slapdash manner that may have been confusing for residents—with changing rules about licensed contractors and other things. Mosby said he didn’t think that residents were intentionally filing fraudulent applications.

“I think there was a level of—from what I see—it was a level of innocence, ignorance, complacency, apathy that was going on with the process,” Mosby said.

Now, the city is going to hold a third-party review of the rebate program that goes back at least two years. You think they’ll find other city officials doing things they shouldn’t be doing?

In Solvang, there seems to be some debate over what city officials should be doing when it comes to their personal business matters. Yes. The City Council is still talking about Mayor David Brown’s Solvang Passport app.

Now, council members are tinkering with adding a line into the ethics code—“Members of the City Council shall promptly notify staff and the City Council of any new material financial interests that arise during the members’ term in office.”

It’s too “self-policing,” according to Councilmember Elizabeth Orona, whose hitch in her giddy-up about this app seems to be getting bigger by the day.

“I do not agree necessarily with self-policing ethics,” she said, adding that the policy essentially needed more teeth.

How else would someone disclose new financial ties? Somebody else reporting it? I guess that’s what happened in this case—a business owner inquired about what he initially thought was a cityowned app that businesses could participate in.

And it spawned this months-long conversation about Brown and what he was allowed to do off the dais. Solvang Skate Shop owner Robby Hargreaves apologized for his role in all of this, telling the council on April 27 that he didn’t mean to cause any hardship.

“I look at you as a mentor, and I love you,” Hargreaves said during public comment. “I’m not taking a shot at you, Dave.” m

The Canary is guessing there’s no love lost. Send some to canary@santamariasun.com.

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: APRIL 30 - MAY 10, 2026

WALK WITH THE WINEMAKER

Alma Rosa Winery is hosting a Hike with the Winemaker event on Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alma Rosa Estate in Buellton, where participants can stroll with winemaker Samra Morris and get a behind-the-scenes look at the estate while listening to stories and perspectives. The 1-mile route will end at the historic Ranch House with a wine tasting and light bites. Admission is $50 for members and $100 for nonmembers.

Additional information can be found at almarosawinery.com.

—Angie Stevens PHOTO COURTESY OF GLEN MCDOWELL

ARTS

and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/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.

CASA GRANDE SPRING CRAFT FAIR Head to Casa Grande’s Spring Craft Fair and get your Mother’s Day gift for Mom. May 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (661) 437-7261.

Casa Grande Craft Fair, 519 W. Taylor St., 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. ongoing 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.

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Rock 12 Distillery, 6605 Highway 246, Lompoc.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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.

MOTHER’S DAY PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT SUNSTONE WINERY Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Join us at Sunstone Winery to grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush!

May 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Sunstone Winery, 125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez.

“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.

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, Arroyo Grande.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options.

Beginners welcomed. (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR. Coastal Christian School Presents: Disney’s 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.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Classical Arts Entertainment Presents: The Sleeping Beauty by International Ballet Stars. Believe in magic again! May 4, 7:30-9:45 p.m. $49.50-$64.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

EVOLVING The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Evolving”, an exhibition by artists C. Wood and Chuck Klein.

Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 737-1129. lompocart.org/events. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND PAINTING AT ROCK 12 DISTILLERY Celebrate Mother’s Day with a cocktail and a paintbrush at the picturesque Rock 12 Distillery! May 9,

SAN LUIS OBISPO

“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint pre-made pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com.

Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval.

Contact Calendar Editor Angelena Stevens directly at astevens@newtimesslo.com.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design.

Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com.

Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters.

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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 journaling. May 2, 2-5:30 p.m. $135. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.

BEGINNING WATERCOLORS WITH JAN FRENCH Come be introduced to this tricky but dynamic painting medium! The class is for beginners or advanced who’d like to “loosen up.” Inquire via email. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $130. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/.

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.

INDEX Arts....................................... 11 Culture & Lifestyle ...........12 Food & Drink ......................15 Music ...................................15

CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows/.

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

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

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages.

Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/.

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

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.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257.

Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. For all ages and abilities. Call for info. (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/book-online. SLO County, Countywide, San Luis Obispo.

MOTHER’S DAY COMEDY SHOWCASE Celebrate Mother’s Day with an evening of great touring comics from The Comedy Store, Laughs Unlimited, and The Improv.

Bring your Mom for free! May 9, 8-10 p.m. $20. (805) 878-2038. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, 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.

SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age.

Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Familyfriendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance.

Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free.

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

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., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through May 14 $28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/the-lifespan-of-a-fact/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTS continued page 12

www.santamariasun.com • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • Sun • 11

Hot Stuff ARTS from page 11 NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

MAY FEATURED ARTIST HEMA SUKUMAR, FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS FROM THE COAST TO THE HILLS From shorelines to mountaintops, Hema Sukumar catches California and beyond in acrylic with warmth and a sharp eye for color. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. MAY FEATURED ARTIST JARI DE HAM, EXHIBITING SCULPTURES AND SMALL WORKS From Chinese brush painting to stone sculptures, Jari de Ham’s work finds the Central Coast in an ancient artistic tradition. April 30-May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. MAY FEATURED ARTIST NATHAN TOOLE, WHERE COLOR FINDS ITS OWN ORDER Find color and form that feel right before you know why. Nathan Toole exhibits his acrylic abstract paintings.

April 30-May 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.” May 1, 7 p.m., May 2, 7 p.m., May 3, 3 p.m., May 8, 7 p.m., May 9, 7 p.m. and May 10, 3 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 6 p.m. Free.

(805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

APRIL 30 - MAY 10, 2026 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 offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org.

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

JUNK JOURNAL BOOK CLUB Combine crafting and reading into one! The book for May is Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang. This is for patrons 18 years and older. Registration is required. May 2, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994.

Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

MOTHER’S DAY FURBABY SIDEWALK STROLL AND COSTUME CONTEST Join us for a family-friendly community event where pet parents and their furry friends dress in costumes, get prizes, and enjoy live music! May 10, 12-3 p.m. Free. sbcanimalcare.org/events.

Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

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 familyfriendly 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

LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of vendors.

First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m.

Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., 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.

12 • Sun • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF CUYAMA BUCKHORN

CELEBRATE MOMS AT CUYAMA

The third annual Mother’s Day High Tea will be held at Cuyama Buckhorn in New Cuyama on Sunday, May 10, at 2 p.m. Sip from a selection of tea blends crafted by Ferial Sadeghian, while enjoying light pastries and snacks. Cuyama local Ron Miller will also perform live music. Tickets to the high tea are $78. To reserve a spot, head to cuyamabuckhorn.com.

—A.S. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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 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.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. 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 experience

needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 3623739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

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

BOOK SALE Check out the used books for sale to benefit the Friends of Shell Beach Library. May 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Shell Beach Veteran’s Community Building, 230 Leeward Avenue, Shell Beach, (805) 878-7454.

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY 473-5472. https:/arroyogrande.org/rec.

VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. accomplish a variety of tasks including Mason St., Arroyo Grande. pathways maintenance, litter patrol of MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation FOR ADULTS Experience dance from system expansion/repairs, pruning, continents around the earth, including and plantings. Volunteers should bring from Africa, Europe, and more. Described work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and as “a wonderful in-depth look at the tools related to the above activities. First context and history of cultures of the Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop(805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739.

Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. grover.org. Grover Beach Community DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. the early riser or commuter, every NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH weekday morning. Maintain or improve AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 concentration, balance, and flexibility.

Come join a friendly meeting of watch Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class and clock collectors. Members bring with more practices. Led by certified watches and clocks to show, plus there Awareness Through Movement teacher. are discussions of all things horological.

Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index.

280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of ZOOM) This is a social support group for artistic expression and exercise, using a LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between wide range of styles and genres of music the ages of 11-18. Each week the group (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). explores personal, cultural, and social Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Arroyo Grande.

Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND through simple standing movements CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com and increased energy. Suitable for all ages for details and reservations. ongoing and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. and enriches your life. An outdoor class Empower Yoga Studio and Community overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. a group for practicing spoken Spanish. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, There is no homework or lessons, just Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach. conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.

Balance your mind, body, and spirit LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA strengthening movements that promotes ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is space to those seeking peer support, all geared towards all fitness levels and ages. stages of ED recovery. We understand Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. support is crucial. Share, listen, and be balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach part of a community building up each Veterans Memorial Building, other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach. p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND website, Arroyo Grande.

WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTY This beautiful Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) event includes tea and lemonade, tea 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 sandwiches, scones, dessert, music, N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach. crafts, photo ops, painting class, and CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 13 more! May 10, 1-3:30 p.m. $50. (805)

Hot Stuff

APRIL 30 - MAY 10, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 12 STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot.

Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227.

Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m.

No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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

2026 MOTHER’S DAY FAERIE FESTIVAL Join for a Mother’s Day celebration at the SLO Botanical Garden filled with arts and crafts, music, and family fun! May 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org/ calendar-of-events/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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.

5TH ANNUAL SHEEP SHEARING SHINDIG Join for our 5th Annual Sheep Shearing Shindig and Ag Festival — a free, family-friendly afternoon of live demonstrations, hands-on activities, farm tours, live music, with local food, beer, and wine. Whether you’ve been a friend of the farm for years or you’re visiting for the first time, there’s something here for everyone of all ages. May 9, 12-4 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, (805) 769-8344.

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.

CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org.

San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. DEATH CAFE (EVERY 1ST TUESDAY ON THE MONTH) At Death Café, curiosity and community converge for open, thoughtful conversations about mortality, loss, and our shared human experience.

Donations to Hospice SLO County are always appreciated. First Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/services/deathcaf%C3%A9. Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY Join the Comic Book Day and grab up to 12 free comics.

Those in costumes earn more. There is free parking behind the Captain Nemo Comics store. May 2, 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Free. (805) 544-6366. facebook.com/ events/2161380934716526/. Captain Nemo Games, 563 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show

9

SHEEP SHINDIG

The fifth Annual Sheep Shearing Shindig and Ag Festival will be held on Saturday, May 9, from noon to 4 p.m. at City Farm SLO. The free, family-friendly afternoon will include hands-on agriculture and wool processing, live demonstrations, farm tours, live music, and local food. Visit my805tix.com to get more details on specific happenings.

—A.S. up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free.

(805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

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.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardeners of SLO County extend an invitation to the public to visit our demonstration garden. See what’s in bloom and learn something new. First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 2 Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr.edu. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted

by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

SIP ‘N’ SAUNTER Attendees can “Sip & Saunter” their way through downtown’s beautiful tree-lined streets, sampling some of the Central Coast’s finest food and drinks. May 3, 12-4 p.m. downtownslo. com/events/sip-n-saunter. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery.

Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

THE FIRST TEASE: A FIVE-WEEK BEGINNER BURLESQUE SERIES Only 10 spots are available for this beginner-friendly burlesque series, led by performer Miss

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.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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. CAYUCOS ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE Join us at the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Antique Street Faire. May 3, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 751-3737. Cayucos Antique Street Faire, 10 N. Ocean Ave, Cayucos, cayucoschamber.com/antique-faire.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning.

Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING A Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org.

Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

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.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel.

Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

HOT STUFF continued page 15 www.santamariasun.com • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • Sun • 13

Sip ‘n’ Saunter 2026

Topanga Banjo, Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival

Downtown SLO

King Gillettte Ranch, Calabasas

SUNDAY, MAY 3

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

SUNDAY, MAY 17

International Jazz Day

Ladies Night with The Apple Scruffs

&

40th Annual Renaissance Festival

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 19-21

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 18-19

El Chorro Regional Park, SLO

Laguna Lake Park, SLO

2026 Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show

Art After Dark @ The Bunker SLO

Live Free Music with Jon Millsap

FRIDAY, MAY 1 The Bunker, SLO

FRIDAY, MAY 1 Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles

May the 4th Be With You

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 Wisdom Room, Morro Bay

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 Region Winery Event Center, SLO

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 Decades HiFi Lounge, Atascadero

THURS-SAT, APRIL 30-MAY 2 Downtown Morro Bay

Fire Peach-The Bay Area’s #1 Alt Rock Band!

The JD Project Live @ The Pour House

Sunset Party with DJ Champs!

Cydeways with The Irie and Native Leaves

Perfectly Pink Princess Tea Party SUNDAY, MAY 3 Paso Bamboo, Paso Robles

MONDAY, MAY 4 Masonic Lodge, SLO

BLOODSUGAR & special guests

Best of SLO County Winners Party

Boys Of Summer - A Tribute To The Eagles!

SATURDAY, MAY 2 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

FRIDAY, MAY 1 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, MAY 2 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, MAY 2 Dol De Paso, Paso Robles

Solutions for Homelessness presented by Becky Jorgeson

May 2026 Central Coast Cooking Show TUESDAY, MAY 5 Idlers Home, Paso Robles

Nature Rhythms: Mindful Drumming, Song, Nature

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 Crow’s End (Squire Canyon), SLO

THURSDAY, MAY 7 The Bunker, SLO

FRIDAY, MAY 8 The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

Sculpterra Spring Wine Club Dinner

Asher White & special guests

Mosaic Pot Class

Mother’s Day Tea

Self Love Saturday

5th Annual Sheep Shearing Shindig

Battle of the Central Coast

rePOTting Class

MONDAY, MAY 4 Oddfellows Hall, SLO

FRIDAY, MAY 8 Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles

Fight the Good Fight

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Pioneer Valley High School, Santa Maria

FRIDAY, MAY 8 The Bunker, SLO

Mother’s Day High Tea at The Dallidet SATURDAY, MAY 9 Dallidet Adobe, SLO

14 • Sun • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

SATURDAY, MAY 9 The Pottery, Atascadero

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Simple Cafe, Santa Maria

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SATURDAY, MAY 9 Goddess Temple, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Veterans Memorial Building, SLO

FRIDAY, MAY 8 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, MAY 9 City Farm, SLO

SATURDAY, MAY 9 The Pottery, Atascadero

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Wisdom Talk with Reiki Master Frans Stiene

2026 Live Oak Music Festival

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Hot Stuff

APRIL 30 - MAY 10, 2026

HOT STUFF from page 13

complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

HIKE WITH THE WINEMAKER Join winemaker Samra Morris for a behindthe-scenes walk through one of the most distinctive corners of the estate—a one-mile journey that’s equal parts scenic stroll and insider experience. Along the way, you’ll hear the stories behind the vines, from clonal choices to vintage variation, all shared from the perspective of the person shaping the wines in your glass. May 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $50-$100. almarosawinery.com. Alma Rosa Estate, 7250 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton, (805) 691-9395.

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/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 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.

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA Join for the third annual Mother’s Day High Tea at Cuyama Buckhorn! Celebrate all the moms in your life with light bites and freshly prepared tea during this Buckhorn take on a traditional high tea affair. May 10, 2 p.m. $78. cuyamabuckhorn.com. Cuyama Buckhorn, 4923 Primero St., New Cuyama, (661) 766-2825.

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.

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

(805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

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

(805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com.

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

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

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

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the

Send event information to calendar@ santamariasun.com.

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Best of SLO County Winners Party

Color My World with Song

If I Only Had a Song

FRIDAY, MAY 8 The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

SATURDAY, MAY 9 First Presbyterian Church, SLO

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Community Presbyterian, Cambria

Plant Bingo with Peaceful Plants

Dr. No Film Screening

Rockeros Contra ICE

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Ancient Owl Beer Garden, Atascadero

MONDAY, MAY 11 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

FRIDAY, MAY 15 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Spring Folk-n-Soak Reunion

Urinetown: The Musical

Who Let the Dogs Out Party!

MUSIC

OPINION

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

AT THE COPACABANA! SENIOR PROM SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens STROKES MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES presents a “At the Copacabana” dance, New topics each month with a thorough with music by the Riptide Big Band and demo and explanation of the process ARTS vocalists. May 3, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. the class confident and prepared with HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live recipes to make your own at home. music at the winery most Friday evenings.

Limited seating; reserve spot prior to Check site for concert schedule. Fridays class by phone/email. Second Sunday presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ (805) 937-8110. classes/. Join to expand your knowledge LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van of the fermentation process and get Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features started fermenting at home. We alternate delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 between demonstration and hands-on p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town classes. Second Sunday of every month, Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/.

LIVE JAZZ SATURDAYS Enjoy live Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price jazz, featuring swing jazz guitarist St., Pismo Beach.

Edwin Hite. May 2, 2-4 p.m. Free.

(805) 925-0860. instagram.com/ TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to Santa Maria. the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options Various local musicians rotate each Friday. available. First Thursday of every month, Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171.

400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus stellerscellar.com.

Brewing Company, 779 Price St., MUSIC continued page 16 Pismo Beach.

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NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 15-17 Franklin Hot Springs, Paso Robles

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 15-31 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

SATURDAY, MAY 16 The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

YoBa (Yoga & Boba Fundraiser)

Spring Songwriter Concert: Matthias Clark SATURDAY, MAY 16 Gathering Place at UCC, SLO

DJ Williams Band

SATURDAY, MAY 16 Niffy’s Merrimaker, Baywood-Los Osos

Legend Zeppelin

Paw-casso Sunday

SLO Blues Baseball 2026 Season

SATURDAY, MAY 16 Santa Rosa Park, SLO

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SATURDAY, MAY 16 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SUNDAY, MAY 17 MCV Wines, Paso Robles

FRIDAY, MAY 22-SUNDAY, JULY 26 Sinsheimer Stadium, SLO

Best of the West Antique Equipment Show

Atascadero Lakeside WineFest

2026 Live at the Lighthouse Concert Series

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DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis.

First Sunday of every month Free.

SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront.

Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more.

Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.LOMPOC/VANDENBERG 1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing =MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH Celebrate the Company every Tuesday night. Teams mother figures in your life with a delicious can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and brunch at Cambria Pines Lodge! May MUSIC bragging rights. Kekas will be serving 10, 12-3 p.m. $29-$59. (805) 927-4200. their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723.

Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

FLAVOR/EATS coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS AT Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us every Lompoc.

Friday for an unforgettable evening of fun, INFO food, and festivities at the Pizza Nook at Cambria Pines Lodge! Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Sept. 25 Free. (805) 927-4200.

CALENDAR cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

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SAN LUIS OBISPO

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FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 22-24 Santa Margarita Ranch

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Pavilion on the Lake

SATURDAYS JUNE 27-OCT 10 Point San Luis Lighthouse

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www.santamariasun.com • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • Sun • 15

Hot Stuff MUSIC from page 15

WE LC OME TO T HE S O U N D T R A C K OF F REEDOM RÉGULO CARO M AY 2 / $ 4 0 +

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER J U N E 5 / $ 3 5+

GERARDO ORTIZ

THE O’JAYS

M AY 8 / $ 6 5+

J U N E 19 / $70+

THE MIDTOWN MEN

STARS FROM THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF JERSEY BOYS

MITCHELL TENPENNY

M AY 29 / $3 5+

A U G U S T 14 / $ 55+

Not A Performance Of, Not Affliated With the Show Jersey Boys.

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons.

(805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html.

Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

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 VALLE Y

AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH RYAN BINGHAM Join us for a special night of music, heritage, and generosity - benefiting Los Adobes De Los Rancheros and Solvang Theaterfest. April 30, 8-10 p.m. $275. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/showlisting. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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.

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

VOICES OF THE VALLEY We are honored to announce Voices of the Valley, a one-night-only benefit concert supporting three cornerstone arts organizations that enrich the cultural life. May 8, 7-9 p.m. $300. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/showlisting. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

AN EVENING WITH JIM MESSINA An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades a three supergroups. May 7, 7:30 p.m. $49-$79. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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

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.

MOTHER’S DAY MARIACHI FESTIVAL: LEYENDAS DEL MARIACHI Celebrating all mothers on their special weekend with a spectacular Saturday night concert featuring the masters of mariachi music Leyendas del Mariachi. May 9, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $50-$98. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.522.4700. ©2026 Chumash Casino Resort.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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.

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.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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.

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. Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Rd., Morro Bay. m 16 • Sun • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

MAY 2 & 3, 2026 • SANTA MARIA FAIRPARK www.santamariasun.com • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • Sun • 17

Arts

NEWS

ART SCENE PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE CERNY

ARTS BRIEFS The Old Orcutt Yarnery is accepting sign-ups for classes and a weekend retreat

FILE PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Whether you’ve never held a knitting needle or you’ve fashioned plenty of garments, the Old Orcutt Yarnery has a spot for you. Seats go quickly for trainings, but the shop released a docket filled with opportunities through the fall.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the help desk is open.

Owner Lisa Long and her team are available to assist with starting a project, reading patterns, amending mistakes, and everything in between. Pay $20 and drop in between 1 and 2:30 p.m. for a casual work session.

Wool gatherings are held on Fridays starting at 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays. The informal meetup doesn’t provide any instruction but offers a comfy place to work on a project with other knitters and crocheters.

June is the month of socks. Intermediate knitters will learn the magic loop method to make a pair of cuff-down socks.

The $90 series includes lessons from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on June 6, 13, and 20.

Registration is open for the yarn shop’s weekend retreat from Sept. 18 to 20. The trip includes meals, snacks, workshops, a winery excursion, and all knitting materials. Lodging isn’t provided. A $200 deposit is refundable until July 1.

To sign up for classes and learn more about The Old Orcutt Yarnery, visit oldorcuttyarnery.com. The shop is located at 350 E. Clark Ave. in Orcutt. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

Cypress Gallery hosts an artist reception for its duo exhibit

COURTESY IMAGE BY CHUCK KLEIN The latest show at the Cypress Gallery, titled Evolving, is made possible by the work of C. Wood and Chuck Klein. They’ll meet with the public on May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a reception at the gallery.

Wood’s work is nonrepresentational. Life is short, so she wants to keep trying new styles.

The Los Alamos painter’s philosophy fits well into the show’s theme of evolution, and the pieces will speak for themselves, Wood told the Sun. Her previous portraits of cows and horses are a lot different than what appears on her recent canvases. An interest in Asian textiles is one of her newer influences.

She met Klein through the local art world, and they decided to do a show together. Klein is a wood craftsman who imparts his imagination onto practical pieces, making timeless pieces out of local aged wood.

Klein also has “a great deal of respect for staying flexible because the piece will express where it wants to go on its own,” Klein wrote in an email to the Sun. “To be able to identify the beauty within the piece takes some patience and willingness to let it speak its truth.”

Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Cypress Gallery is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave. in Lompoc.

Evolving will be on display until May 24. Call (805) 737-1129 for more information. m

Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send upcoming events to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

STROKES

COURTESY PHOTO BY MONIQUE ERNBERG

Showtime!

ARTS

Send gallery, stage, and cultural festivities to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

They’ve known each other since high school and she’s always viewed him as a creative person.

At first glance, the masks captured her attention. Long drawn to the “spookier” aspects of life, Ernberg was intrigued.

“Just his talent with these details and the textures. I know it had taken him some time. You can just tell by looking at them, so I’m like, ‘OK. He’s dedicated,’” Ernberg said. “I knew he was fully absorbed in this.”

In March, Cerny asked Ernberg to break out her camera and snap some shots of his work. Ernberg’s passion for photography dates back to high school, and she felt honored to take on the project.

There was quite a bit of WANT TO WEAR ONE? Some of Joe Cerny’s early masks teamwork involved, with the MR. JOZO: A Lompoc native, Joe Cerny recently broke were on the heavier side, requiring extra straps to make friends giving each other ideas. into the local art scene. He uses a 3D pen filled with plastic them wearable. He’s learned how to make texture without They made a lightbox and filaments to create masks in creepy, monstrous designs. adding so many layers, so today’s masks are much lighter. messed around with colors, lighting, and backgrounds.

Cerny envisions himself A mask for you, a mask for me selling masks online, maybe at Catch Joe Cerny showing his masks for sale at upcoming Lompoc Art an Etsy shop, but for now he’s Walks. Follow him on Instagram @jozo_masks to see his new projects. content getting his foot in the Lompoc art world. Ernberg said she could see Cerny successfully selling out Designs begin with figments of his of town when the time is right. imagination. Cerny explores themes of Ernberg believes people—including herself— beauty in death and suffering. In a word, relate to the way he uses creativity to face fears. he’d describe his style as esoteric.

“He’s like a well of endless inspiration,” Ernberg Take one look at his pieces—you’ll said. “It just makes me feel really excited to see definitely have a reaction. Picture

BY MADISON WHITE what he will come up with next.” m clowns, exposed skulls, and long, extended jaws acing his fear of failure, Joe Cerny said he’s “so with stringy teeth.

Reach Staff Writer Madison White, a 3D pen Cerny’s fascination with gory, monstrous over” being scared of trying new things that rookie, at mwhite@santamariasun.com. themes is obvious. During some self-reflection, might turn out to be embarrassing.

COURTESY PHOTO BY MONIQUE ERNBERG he realized even the tattoos on his body are all Last year, a spinal injury kept him bedridden personified characters and animals. for 10 months, but after surgery he found a “Right now, I’m starting off with a lot more brighter perspective. creepy designs just because of the roughness of “I guess it’s one of those new-lease-on-life the medium and my kind of beginner knowledge situations where before I hurt my back, I was just in it lends itself to that creepy aesthetic,” Cerny going through the motions. … I just felt like I was said. “Sometimes I’ll purposely turn up the in a rut,” Cerny told the Sun. “When I hurt my temperature of my gun, so I get a really creepy back and got better from that, I kind of had that looking bubbly plastic feel.” new passion to be creative again and wanted to The first step is buying a generic paper mask off start exploring.”

Amazon or making a cardboard configuration.

He’d kept seeing videos on Instagram and Cerny makes cuts, shaping the structure to fit his TikTok from a Russian artist who makes masks vision. Then the surface is ready for hot plastic with a 3D pen, basically drawing them instead of filament. sculpting. The device is like a condensed version Some masks get a coat of paint, some don’t. of a 3D printer, but plastic filament is heated and pressed out through a pen tip, drying quickly after He’s learned how to move quicker mid-design when swapping out the colored filaments in his its application. On his way to a surgery checkup 3D pen. last year, Cerny decided to buy one.

When all is said and done, the masks are Since February he’s been using it to create masks of his own. The artist’s first public showing wearable, complete with a strap and buckles that Cerny fashions onto the backs. His early was at the Lompoc Art Walk on April 2. The prototypes were heavy, but they’re getting lighter community-led event matches local artists with as he practices. small business owners to foster an open-house, Wearability was an important quality for interactive art museum across town on the first Cerny. As an anxious person, he relates to the Thursday of every month. concept of putting a mask on in social settings.

Cerny was born and raised in Lompoc but is “When you’re putting on the mask, you can new to the Art Walk. He said he “absolutely fell in kind of just embody this different character, and love” with the fact that community members are it lets me be free from a lot of insecurities and pulling something together out of nothing. different social inhibitions,” Cerny said.

A “mind reader type,” he set up inside The It’s also an honor to know that he created a Wicked Shamrock bar at the April event, trying to character that someone else accepts. When others read everyone’s facial expressions as they walked TOPPED WITH A YELLOW HAT: This is the Jozo clown, Joe Cerny’s namesake mask that’s appreciate his work, it’s empowering because by. The artisan sold two pieces. currently his Instagram profile picture. The artist some of his insecurities go out the window.

“It feels super validating to be able to take loves the brand logo because there’s something His good friend Monique Ernberg wasn’t something from my mind and put it into physical “so striking and super fun” about it. space and have people think it’s cool,” he said. surprised to learn Cerny started crafting masks.

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Film

SUN SCREEN

Hunger games

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

T

his four-part documentary series directed

by Liz Garbus (What Happened, Miss Simone?) and written by Sara Enright (Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes) follows media mogul Rupert Murdoch as his children compete to see who will inherit his multibillion-dollar media empire. (four 47- to 56-min. episodes)

he surrounds himself with gross people and has taught his children that grossness equals success. The media mogul built an empire that boasts abhorrent conservative “values,” abuses and degrades women, and places profit over people with each and every boardroom decision.

While this series is a great deep dive into the family and the true-life story that inspired Succession, this family is unpleasant to watch.

Glen: The Murdock clan really knows how to How things unfolded is absolutely bonkers, but put the “nasty” in “dynasty.” What a nest of I walked away from it even more disgusted with vipers. Through interviews with journalists and the amount of power this man has managed private communications between the feuding to hold for decades. He’s a straight-up Batman family members, we get a villain come to life. picture of the cutthroat battle It’s still hard to believe DYNASTY: THE MURDOCHS Glen: that fractured a family. I have Rupert managed to escape the What’s it rated? TV-MA to say, Rupert’s personality and 2011 Milly Dowler phone hacking What’s it worth, Anna? Full price ruthlessness was clearly passed scandal when it was discovered What’s it worth, Glen? Full price on to his children, especially his News of the World publication Where’s it showing? Netflix Lachlan, Elisabeth, and James. had hacked into a murdered Rupert’s eldest daughter, girl’s phone for information.

Prudence MacLeod, from his first marriage, Apparently, his reporters had been hacking wisely chose to sit out the battle. As journalist the Royals for years. He just slimed out from Jim Rutenberg noted in the docuseries, “[Rupert] under it by pretending to be ignorant and a wasn’t raising children, he was raising possible doddering old man. No way! This guy is savvy successors.” Maybe it’s nice to be that rich, or and calculating and devoid of empathy. He even maybe that kind of wealth and power is soul throws his son James under the bus. Who pits destroying. his children against each other? We also meet Anna: Honestly, you couldn’t pay me $1.1 three of his five wives. Turns out, money can buy billion or whatever the Murdoch kids wound you love, but not lasting love. All that money, up with in the settlement to have a toxic family and these people have wallowed in misery. I dynamic like this. Rupert Murdoch is gross, and almost—almost—feel sorry for them.

PLAY NASTY: Dynasty: The Murdochs chronicles the fight over Rupert Murdoch’s media empire between three of his children, streaming on Netflix.

Anna: Unfortunately, it’s easier to believe than it should be. Look at where we are with the Epstein files, the hard evidence against many in power, and the complete lack of action. Wealth is perhaps the ugliest of human inventions, and the Murdochs embody that. It’s hard to not feel sorry for his children in many ways, and his wives, because it seems that ultimately everyone in Rupert’s life is simply a game piece on his chessboard. He turns on them left and right and treats his status and his company as some sort of reward. Talk about trading your soul—his world solely revolves around himself, and his

PHOTO COURTESY OF HBO MAX

DTF ST. LOUIS

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? HBO Max I heard Jason Bateman talking about this series on his podcast Smartless as it was being made, so when DTF St. Louis hit HBO streaming, I thought I was ready for what was to come. I’d seen the trailer, I knew the premise, but hats off to creator Steve Conrad for a truly inventive, soulful, and ultimately heartrending series.

When weatherman Clark Forrest (Jason Bateman) meets ASL interpreter Floyd Smernitch (David Harbour) during a tornado, there’s an undeniable connection. The two just seem to “get” each other, and when Clark meets Floyd’s wife, Carol (Linda Cardellini), they also find their own spark.

I don’t want to ruin the series and the twists and turns for you, and my words will never be as compelling as an actual watch in this case. What we’re offered is a wonderful exploration of friendships, relationships, and family dynamics.

Something drastic and dramatic happens to one of our main characters at the start of the series, and the rest is a slow puzzle that helps it all make sense and manages to make the audience love these characters, even in their loneliest and most desperate moments. This is the most engaging series I’ve seen in a while. (seven 47- and 58-min. episodes) —Anna

legacy unfortunately continues as Fox News continues to spew hatred and lies. The four-part series doesn’t shy away from letting his children also show us who they are and how little sympathy they truly deserve. None of them are particularly kind to each other, and that speaks to the cutthroat dynamic their household held growing up. This series made me very grateful to be wealthy in the ways that count. m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

BREAKDOWN: 1975

THREE’S A CROWD: Clark Forrest (Jason Bateman), Carol Love-Smernitch (Linda Cardellini), and Floyd Smernitch (David Harbour) become sexually entwined, in DTF St. Louis, streaming on HBO Max and Hulu.

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Netflix Morgan Neville (Lorne, Man on the Run) directs this documentary he co-wrote with Alan Lowe (Mr. November, Lorne) that examines the year 1975 through the lens of the risk-taking movies released that year: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Dog Day Afternoon, Jaws, Shampoo, Three Days of the Condor, and more. There are some factual missteps: The doc brings up Chinatown, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and The Conversation—all fantastic films from 1974—and Taxi Driver, All the President’s Men, and Network—also fantastic films but released in 1976. Maybe it should be renamed Breakdown: Mid-1970s.

THE YEAR THAT WAS: Without a doubt, 1975 That said, it was an admittedly pivotal year was a great year for cinema, and Breakdown: 1975, culturally between the Watergate scandal and the streaming on Netflix, offers a brief documentary look upcoming Bicentennial, with many stellar films. at that moment in time.

However, at just 92 minutes, it doesn’t get very deep into the history of cinema, and its thesis like Patton Oswalt, Josh Brolin, Martin Scorsese, Seth Rogen, that 1975 was the most important year in the fertile 1970s Oliver Stone, and others, it’s a fun look back. Narration is by is obviously subjective, but if you want a reminder of a lot Taxi Driver star Jodie Foster. (92 min.) m of the great films from that year-ish as well as nostalgic —Glen archival footage, historical context, and interviews with folks

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Exhibitors as of April 22, 2026 Hearst Cancer Resource Center 1776 Roofing Solutions/ at French Hospital Roof Maxx Human Interest Aesthetic Eye Care Hyundai San Luis Obispo Alzheimer’s Association Idler’s Home Amplifier One Isaman Design Anderson Social JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Andrews and Associates KCBX Astound Business Solutions Kitchen & Vine Atascadero Chamber Leadership SLO of Commerce Athlon Fitness and Performance Leticia’s First Class Cleaning, Inc. Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa Lumina Alliance Better Business Bureau of Mama Ganache the Tri-Counties Artisan Chocolates Big Brothers Big Sisters of Meals That Connect SLO County Medspa SLO Boys & Girls Clubs of Megan’s Organic Market SLO Mid Central Coast MGP Coatings Brick & Mortar Miller Event Management, Inc. Catering Company Mountaineer IT, Inc. CASA of San Luis Murphy Bank Obispo County Central Coast Assembly IORG NAMI San Luis Obispo County New life K9s Central Coast Veteran’s New Times Memorial Museum Nexus Ballroom CIO Solutions Dance Community City of San Luis Obispo Orangetheory Fitness Coastal Communities San Luis Obispo Physician Network Pacifica Hotels Coastal Peaks Coffee CoastHills Federal Credit Union Paso Robles Safe & Lock PathPoint Coast Supply Co. Community Action Partnership Photon Brothers Placer Title Company Corrective Care Chiropractic Polk Insurance Agency Costco Wholesale Popolo Catering Dentists of SLO Professional IT Solutions Downtown SLO Quesadilla Gorilla Eckerd Connects Rancho Burro ECOSLO Donkey Sanctuary Educational Employees Rental Depot, Inc. Credit Union Residence Inn & Springhill Edward Jones - Financial Suites San Luis Obispo Advisor: Joe Boche, AAMS™ San Luis Ambulance Family Care Network Service, Inc. Finn Plumbing Inc. San Luis Coastal Foronjy Financial Education Foundation Frank Crum San Luis Obispo Glenn Burdette Children’s Museum Good Samaritan Shelter San Luis Obispo Heart Goodwill Central Coast Major sponsor:

Social sponsors:

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For more information about attending EXPO or reserving an exhibitor space, go to slochamber.org or call (805) 781-2777

www.santamariasun.com • April 30 - May 7, 2026 • Sun • 21

Eats

FOOD PHOTOS BY PIETER SAAYMAN

T.O.P. DOG: Owner Tony Minniti runs a deli called Tony’s on Palisade in Santa Maria boasting professionally crafted breakfast and lunch. He brings a little bit of his East Coast rough and tumble to the chill vibes of the Central Coast.

For here or to go?

From fine dining to deli delights, Tony Minniti knows how to please a crowd

BY MADISON WHITE

B

FOR DISPLAY ONLY: Bagels at Tony’s on Palisade are sourced from Shell Beach Micro Bakery just up the 101, but the muffins, croissants, and Danishes are freshly baked by Tony Minniti and his team.

For the love of sandwiches

Tony’s on Palisade is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The deli is located at 116 S. Palisade Drive in Santa Maria. Order on DoorDash or online at foodincsb.com. Follow on Instagram @tonysonpalisade.

efore discovering Tony’s on Palisade, Craig Diamantopoulos was indifferent about driving with his wife to her doctor’s appointments. She commutes from their home in Lompoc to the Marian Regional Medical Center campus in Santa Maria.

But for months now, Diamantopoulos has insisted on making the trek with his wife so he can grab a bite.

In the unlikely spot of the Marian Hancock Medical Building lobby, a 10-month-old delicatessen offers breakfast, lunch, sweets, and beverages made with local, organic ingredients.

Diamantopoulos thinks Tony’s has become a destination for the medical center.

Diamantopoulos’ favorite menu item is the bacon breakfast burrito, which comes stuffed with hash browns, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese. Staff make sure to drizzle salsa inside the burrito for Diamantopoulos, just the way he likes it.

“I have to say, this is the best burrito I’ve had, and I’ve lived on the Central Coast since ’08,” Diamantopoulos told the Sun. Tony’s also makes an incredible macchiato and half-pound cookies fresh from the skillet, he added. The regular customer appreciates that staff make everything from scratch, rather than unwrapping Costco muffins for their display cases like some cafes.

From the outside, deli food might seem simple, but Diamantopoulos believes owner Tony Minniti approaches

everything with balance and great care.

“He’s an artisan,” Diamantopoulos said. “He really has a craftsman-like approach to it.”

Minniti is a trained chef hailing from fine dining. In previous roles, he headed culinary teams at Fess Parker Winery and The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort.

More recently he helped make 2,000 sandwiches every week for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. When that gig ended, he kept riding the sandwich train. The chef’s philosophy is that if he’s going to do anything, including at the deli level, KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED: Next time you’re near the Marian Hancock Medical Building, pop into the lobby for a bite or drink from Tony’s on Palisade. he’s going to strive to be the best. It comes from a The hidden gem attracts customers from up and down the Central Coast. place of passion and heart.

“I’ve always loved a great deli sandwich,” Minniti said. one bite you could get toffee, bittersweet and dark chocolate, and Minniti takes his time with every ingredient and takes cranberries. If a customer calls ahead or has 30 minutes to spare, immense pride in his sandwiches. The chef prepares turkey Minniti will bake cookies to order. breast and beef in the good ol’ Santa Maria barbecue-style way, “It’s got to be a good 30-minute window because they have to over an open flame. cool a little bit,” Minniti said. “My favorite is the chocolate chip. I Then, he sous-vides the turkey to finish it off. Try it on Tony’s think the oatmeal kills them all.”

Roasted Turkey sandwich with tomatoes, basil pesto mayo, fire Feeding the community is one thing Minniti loves about his roasted peppers, mozzarella, and lettuce. Produce comes from job. His current post at the Marian Regional Medical Center Sunrise Organic Farm in Buellton when available. campus welcomes a broad representation of the Central Coast Minniti’s favorite is The community. Most are patients coming Italian, with four kinds in for appointments or medical staff. of meat imported from Minniti said it feels gratifying to serve Italy, sharp provolone, them. pepperoncini, lettuce, “Knowing that I can make somebody tomatoes, pickles, mayo, happy through their stomach, feed them mustard, and a homemade and nourish somebody—and that they —Craig Diamantopoulos, enjoy it—it’s always made me happy,” vinaigrette. Order it cold or baked. regular customer Minniti said. “That kind of drives me.”

“Believe it or not, they’re The other bunch of his customers two distinct things,” the chef said. likely came across the deli after a doctor’s appointment but now Wash a bite down with one of Minniti’s special make an effort to return, like Diamantopoulos and his wife. drinks. He jazzes up iced tea with muddled fruit, Minniti and his team don’t take anything for granted. They citrus juice, and flavored syrup. He adds a similar pay attention to all of their customers. twist to Red Bull or lemonade.

The chef has big dreams for the deli’s future. For now, For customers looking for an ooey-gooey sweet he’s starting small, building up a following, and showing treat, the deli’s half-pound cookies are something the community that Tony’s on Palisade makes a damn good to write home about. Minniti said he likes turning sandwich. m people on to new things, like his non-traditional TOASTED? Stacked with Italian meats and cheeses, The Italian sandwich oatmeal cookie.

Staff Writer Madison White will be returning to try Tony’s at Tony’s on Palisade is a crowd favorite. Try it baked and you’ll get a whole Though you’ll never go wrong with chocolate breakfast burrito. Send salsa and eggs her way at mwhite@ different sandwich, chef Tony Minniti said. chip, the oatmeal confection is a showstopper. In santamariasun.com.

‘I have to say, this is the best burrito I’ve had, and I’ve lived on the Central Coast since ’08.’

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