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The End of Oak Street: Dino thriller [69] LAST CHANCE TO ENTER YOUR SONG! [58]

A tribute to the winners of our annual readers poll [10]

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NEWS

Custody sergeant’s time-card fraud arrest [3]

ARTS

Migrant student art on display [68]

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A regenerative organic vineyard [70]

Contents

AUGUS T 20 - AUGUS T 2 7, 20 26 VOL . 2 7 NO. 26

T

he tribe—that’s you, dear readers—has made its final decision about the businesses, organizations, and people who make the community shine. Only those who have outserved, outshone, and outsmarted the rest to become the best are included in this issue. As part of the season 26 finale, take a gander at the sole survivors of our annual Best of Northern Santa Barbara County readers poll [10].

Also, find stories about how time-card oversight led to recent arrest of Sheriff’s Office employee [3]; Corazón del Pueblo’s second annual migrant students’ art exhibtion [68]; Groundstar Vineyards’ path to become regenerative organic certified [70].

Camillia Lanham editor

TRUSTED: Our readers rose to the challenge this year, voting for the businesses and organizations they trust the most as part of our annual Best of Northern Santa Barbara County readers poll.

Cover image by Alex Zuniga > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

News Briefs ..........................................................................3 Political Watch....................................................................3 Spotlight.................................................................................6

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff ..............................................................................60

ARTS

Arts Briefs...........................................................................68

OPINION

Commentary ........................................................................8 Letters .....................................................................................8 Web Poll .................................................................................8 Mayfield..................................................................................8 Canary .....................................................................................9

MOVIES

Reviews ...............................................................................69

000 SINCE 2

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August 20 - August 27, 2026

➤ Spotlight [6] FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

POLITICAL WATCH • State Sen. John Laird’s (D-Santa Cruz) Senate Bill 917 passed the California Legislature on Aug. 13. Laird designed the measure to expand opportunities for small wineries seeking to sell wine and offer tastings at certified farmers markets. The bill advanced to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. Sponsored by the Family Winemakers of California and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, SB 917 modernizes existing law that only allows winemakers to sell wine at farmers markets if it is produced exclusively from “estate-grown” grapes, meaning all grapes must be grown on-site. This requirement excludes many small and boutique wineries that source grapes from California growers.

SB 917 would allow non-estate wineries to sell wine at farmers markets, ensuring more equitable access for small producers and giving local market operators greater flexibility to determine participation. The bill also encourages consumers to support locally made wine, strengthening small businesses and regional economies. “California’s wineries are hurting, and SB 917 delivers real relief,” Laird said in a statement.

“By cutting red tape and opening new markets, we’re giving small producers more opportunities to get their products directly to consumers. I’m proud to see this commonsense measure pass the Legislature and look forward to the governor’s consideration.”

• The Senate Commerce Committee advanced a bipartisan series of bills on Aug. 10 related to online safety for children including the Children’s Health, Advancement, Trust, Boundaries, and Oversight in Technology (CHATBOT) Act—led by U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and John Curtis (R-Utah). The CHATBOT Act contains provisions aimed at protecting children from the risks and harms associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, amid concerns about growing reliance on chatbots for emotional support and companionship.

• On Aug. 11, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) joined U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) in leading a bicameral letter pressing the Trump administration on efforts to arrest, detain, and deport hundreds of veterans and military family members. In April 2025, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rescinded its long-standing policy that treated military service a “significant mitigating factor” when deciding whether to pursue immigration enforcement, according to Padilla’s office. ICE replaced that standard with a new policy stating that military service alone “does not automatically exempt” non-citizens from enforcement actions. An investigation later that year revealed that ICE has attempted to deport 282 veterans and their relatives, Padilla’s office stated. More recent reports indicate that the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security appear to be coordinating to convert military bases into “traps,” Padilla’s office stated, for individuals arriving at or near military installations, including the DOD detaining military family members and other noncitizens interacting with military facilities for routine, lawful purposes, and turning them over to ICE. “These efforts imperil military readiness, weaken service members’ morale, and betray America’s promises to the people who put their lives on the line for our nation,” Padilla and other legislators wrote in the Aug. 11 letter addressed to DOD and multiple other federal agencies.

“Service members must have confidence that their sacrifices will be honored, not used against them or to target their loved ones. DOD’s new anti-immigrant practices risk deterring future recruits and damaging the credibility of military recruitment efforts—which promised to care for service members even after their time in uniform.” The letter was endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigration Defenders Law Center, Repatriate Our Patriots, and League of United Latin American Citizens. m

OVERTIME, BEHIND BARS: At an Aug. 18 hearing, Santa Barbara County 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee pulled a Sheriff’s Office item from the consent agenda that opened the floor to discussing two former custody sergeants’ arrests for time-card fraud.

Sheriff’s Office pins time-card arrests to increased oversight Arrested in early August, Jeffrey Koeller is the second Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office employee to face embezzlement charges this year.

Both Koeller and Segun Ogunleye—arrested in late January—worked for the Sheriff’s Office as custody sergeants, and were charged for fraudulently claiming and receiving earnings of $93,000 and $175,000, respectively, for hours they did not work.

“There’s nothing worse for a police officer or a deputy sheriff to be working with somebody who’s committing a crime,” Santa Barbara County Undersheriff Brad Welch told the Board of Supervisors during its Aug. 18 hearing.

Welch approached the podium after 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee pulled an administrative item from the consent agenda: specifically, an overtime analysis update from the Sheriff’s Office.

In February, the board directed the county Office of the Auditor-Controller to provide monthly overtime reports for the Sheriff’s Office due to a trend of increasing costs associated with Sheriff’s Office employee salaries and overtime pay.

Lee said he pulled the August report to highlight a decrease in the Sheriff’s Office’s use of overtime hours—from an average of 794 hours per pay period between July 2025 and December 2025 to 409 hours per pay period between January and June this year.

Second District Supervisor Laura Capps asked Welch if he believed the investigation into Koeller’s fraudulent time cards resulted from the Board of Supervisors’ expanded oversight.

“Just so I understand, the extra scrutiny that has happened over the last year-plus has led to this arrest?” Capps asked Welch. “Would you agree that that has been the sequence of events?”

“Absolutely,” Welch replied. “We would catch that in the future if, heaven forbid, this ever occurred again.

“By no means does this one individual’s actions and behavior reflect the amazing work that our sheriff’s employees do on a daily basis,” Welch added. “Everybody comes in and works their tail off day and night, so this one individual does not reflect the great work that they do.”

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, Koeller’s arrest on Aug. 6 followed an investigation of more than 600 time cards that contained overtime entries. The release states that those time cards fell under scrutiny after Ogunleye’s arrest on Jan. 29.

A separate release describes the investigation into Ogunleye’s fraudulent behavior beginning in October 2025. About a month prior, the Board of Supervisors asked the AuditorController’s office to begin conducting “an audit of time sheets, including coding and accounting practices, for both custody and patrol deputies in the Sheriff’s Office,” according to a county staff report.

“I can tell you that it’s very rare that a member of the Sheriff’s Office or the county family is accused of committing crimes,” Undersheriff Welch told the Board of Supervisors. “There’s only a handful I can think of in the last 27 years, but I can tell you that under the direction of this sheriff, if it’s pointed out, we will investigate it thoroughly.

And if warranted, we will prosecute them to the absolute fullest extent of the law.”

Capps said that she appreciated Welch’s response, shortly before the board voted 5-0 to accept and file the August report.

“I understand the ripple effect it has on a team to understand that behavior was occurring, but I appreciate the forthrightness that you bring to this conversation,” Capps told Welch. “And the results speak for themselves.

I appreciate the continued work that this takes and understanding that there’s some more work to be done.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

AI to assist Santa Maria Police with nonemergency calls It doesn’t get sick. It never gets tired. It won’t go on vacation. It’s artificial intelligence.

Hyper, an AI responder, will soon start its residency at the Santa Maria Police Department to answer incoming calls on the nonemergency phone line, (805) 928-3781. For a threeyear service period, the city will pay around $305,000.

At the Aug. 4 City Council meeting, the item was listed on the unanimously approved consent agenda. Before the vote, Councilmember Gloria

Soto pulled the resolution for discussion because she said she wanted to know exactly how the system would work and how it’d reduce the burden on dispatch staff.

“I’m assuming that the system has been vetted and that the room for error is nonexistent hopefully,” Soto said.

“Well, I wouldn’t say that it’s nonexistent,” Santa Maria Police Chief Christopher Williams responded. “Because, even with humans, there’s room for error.”

What the chief is most excited about is Hyper’s help with the nonemergency line.

Last year, the Santa Maria Police Department received around 180,000 calls, and 130,000 of them were nonemergency situations, according to the staff report.

Some callers use the phone number to report incidents, and rather than a human typing out the information and giving out resources, the AI technology will do it.

“Obviously we’re limited to the number of open stations. Sometimes our staffing level is at two, like in the middle of the night. A maximum of four,” Williams said at the meeting. “That’s the number of lines that we could physically take at one time—whether it’s emergency or nonemergency—without placing people on hold.”

With the new system, everybody in the city could theoretically call the business line at same time and interact with AI in their choice of 18 different languages. Williams said he believes the tool is “a great complement and supplement to our hardworking men and women within our communication center.”

Another feature is its ability to detect if a caller is distressed. If there’s commotion or violence in the background, Williams said Hyper will transfer the call to a human dispatch officer.

The AI tool can also assist people while they’re contacting the department for administrative tasks. For example, rather than memorizing an extension or dialing a name, callers will be able to ask AI for the person they’d like to contact.

Community members can also ask Hyper for a copy of a police report, hours of operation, and help getting a citation signed off.

“It would allow you to verbalize it instead of trying to push numbers and go through a constant revolving door,” Williams said.

The Sun reported in February that the same Hyper technology was adopted by the Lompoc Police Department as the latest in a string of AI upgrades to its department.

“They have cut down on their emergency dispatchers and communication center by 66 percent by actually vetting and funneling those nonemergency calls to allow for people that have true emergencies to get to a live 911 dispatcher,” Williams said of Lompoc.

All the data that Hyper collects from these calls will be stored within the city’s records, the police chief said, not with the external company, which was acquired by Motorola Solutions this year.

“It doesn’t belong to anybody else but to us as a city?” Councilmember Soto asked.

“Correct,” Williams replied.

—Madison White

County paves the way for asphalt refinery’s reboot Defunct for more than five years, an idle asphalt refinery is on track for revival thanks to a recent Santa Barbara County permit transfer.

On Aug. 12, the county Planning Commission greenlit a change of owner, operator, and guarantor on a permit to process crude oil into asphalt at a Santa Maria Valley-based 1930s-built refinery that closed in 2021.

Its previous owner, California Asphalt Production (aka Greka Refining Company) “essentially left the refinery idle” for three years before going bankrupt in 2024, county planner

NEWS continued page 4

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 3

News in fines for failing to comply with state oil and gas regulations. That same year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency served Jacquelynn Ybarra told commissioners at the search warrants at the company’s Santa Maria hearing. asphalt refinery, shortly before issuing a stop “The permit transfer does not include work order. authorization to restart the facility,” she The order outlined multiple red flags clarified. “That’s a separate process under the inspectors raised at the facility, including visible jurisdiction of Planning and Development, the deterioration of infrastructure and the absence county Fire Department, and the county Air Pollution Control District under existing permit of certain tools—such as ground monitoring wells—on-site to detect potential hazardous conditions and other authorizations.” waste releases.

Behind the permit transfer request, a “Now, you have a viable, well financed, company doing business as Santa Maria capable, experienced owner who has already Road Materials acquired the refinery in invested significantly, … to bring this facility 2025, “through a bankruptcy restructuring,” back to life,” Collins told the Planning according to the staff report.

Commission.

“My client is stepping in to save this damaged Before the commission voted 5-0 to approve asset, investing already over $12 million to the permit transfer, Planning Commissioner overhaul the facility,” local attorney Beth John Parke described the applicant’s plan to Collins, who represents Santa Maria Road reform the refinery as “incredibly important, …

Materials, told commissioners. because of the unique role that the project plays The company’s goal is to resurrect operations in our local economy,” he explained. at the refinery sometime in September after “In this era of uncertainty we have about undergoing separate additional reviews from what’s going to happen to local oil production, county authorities, she added. for someone to do this and step in and create “What you have before you is, in my such a beneficial use for the county is really estimation, a no-brainer,” Collins said at the something special, and I appreciate it,” Parke hearing. “You have a current owner/operator said. “It’s a supply for that local asphalt we need. and guarantor on these county permits that has … And by we, I mean our road departments, our an abhorrent record, which resulted in the plant municipal agencies. accruing several violations after significant “It absorbs the local oil,” Parke continued. deferred maintenance and neglect.

“That oil will be sequestered in roads instead of “If you don’t adopt the staff recommendation burned as gasoline. … Talk about a win-win.” and approve this,” she continued, “you’re After describing asphalt as a carbon sink, actually keeping that prior owner-operatorlocal attorney Collins said guarantor on the county that the crude oil her client permits.” plans to refine into asphalt In 2018, the company will “be captured on our roads formerly known as Greka Oil Send any news that even my Tesla needs to be and Gas was ordered to pay or story tips to able to drive on.” m the California Department news@santamariasun.com. of Conservation $12 million —Caleb Wiseblood

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News

SPOTLIGHT

Wide open roads

COURTESY PHOTO BY GREG VILLEGAS

For more than 50 years, the Central Coast Corvette Club has stirred up good times

BY MADISON WHITE

crew will stop by Jalama Beach for lunch.

“We try to do one or two things every hen Donna W. moved to California from month so that we can get out and drive our Indiana, her first thought before even cars because that’s a lot of fun,” Donna said. contemplating purchasing a home was, Between the two of them, Donna and “Can we buy a Corvette?” The Indiana weather Mike have held every leadership position hadn’t been suited for convertibles, but things in the group over the past 38 years. This were different in the Golden State. year Donna is one of the club’s two vice Donna—who insisted on being identified by presidents, and Mike is the head of publicity. her last initial—discovered the Chevrolet sports The Santa Maria couple still owns a white cars from a TV program called Route 66. It featured a 1960 ’Vette, and she’d wanted one ever 1960 convertible. They also have a 2000 HEAR THAT? Mike (left) and Donna (right) W. have been members of the Central Coast Corvette Club pewter-colored fixed-roof coupe (Donna’s since. After their cross-country move, she and since 1988. They said they’ve enjoyed making new friends and taking their Chevy sports cars out for daily ride) and a silver her husband, Mike, settled for drives with the group.

2017 model. a 1961 until they found the Meet the motorheads Having an inventory older model.

Potential members don’t have to own a Mike is among the “motorheads” who act Everyone is welcome to attend Central gives them options for Today, they’re some Coast Corvette Club meetings on the first Corvette to join. Enthusiasts are equally as sounding boards for each other, giving tips club excursions. The group of the longest standing Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at welcomed to monthly meetings in Santa Maria. on how to fix their cars. Donna said he’d never coordinates drives through members of the Central Home Motors (1601 S. Bradley Road) in “The cars are a lot of fun,” Donna said. “The be the type to bring his car into a shop for the vineyards and along the Coast Corvette Club, having Santa Maria. For more information about Central Coast Corvette Club is a great group to maintenance. He’ll always do it himself, and coast, trips to car shows, joined in 1988. The group the club, visit centralcoastcorvettes.com belong to.” friends are just one call away. outings to see live theater or is made up of around 75 or follow on Facebook.

“You’ll just call up somebody and say, ‘Hey, let’s sporting events, and cruises Corvette enthusiasts who go do this.’ And they’re always there,” Donna said. Highlights to the serene spots that put meet monthly and organize Most members have cars from the seventh and activities together. It began in 1974 as the Lompoc the Central Coast on the map. Members have • The Elwin Mussell Senior Center is hosting eighth generations of Corvettes, made starting traveled around the country, too—including to Valley ’Vettes but grew to encompass members a brunch-and-browse event every Saturday from conventions at the National Corvette Museum in in 2014 to the present day. There are a few from as far north as Pismo Beach, prompting its name Aug. 29 to Sept. 26. All ages can enjoy brunch, Kentucky—and even internationally. In 2024, the the first and second generations, though, circa change. complimentary coffee, and offerings from food crew took a Mexican cruise to commemorate the the 1950s and ’60s. Donna and Mike said they “It’s a lot of camaraderie. Of course, vendors and artisans between 10 a.m. and noon. don’t bring their 1960 convertible out often club’s 50th anniversary. everybody’s got the same interests, so we’re very There will also be interactive activities and raffle because it isn’t as comfortable, and there’s no air “That was a lot of fun,” Donna said. group-oriented,” Donna said. “We’ve done so drawings. Head to 510 E. Park St. in Santa Maria conditioning to combat the valley heat.

Solid friendships formed between club many things over the years together as a group.” for the fun. m Despite a stable membership, Donna said members over the years. A handful of couples still For its next activity on Aug. 25, the Central they’re missing folks in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. remain from the 1980s and ’90s.

Coast Corvette Club is taking a trip to the wild Staff Writer Madison White wrote this “It’s just a sense of community, a sense of family. But there are members in their 80s still driving horse sanctuary in Lompoc and donating in the week’s Spotlight. Contact her at mwhite@ Corvettes.

People watch out for each other,” Donna said. name of a member who passed away. Then the santamariasun.com.

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Opinion ONLINE POLL

Should Santa Maria create a zoning rule prohibiting existing senior mobile home parks from allowing all ages?

68% Yes! The residents need assurance that their homes are protected.

32% Yes, but new mobile home parks should be for all ages.

0% No. That rule would limit affordable housing for all!

0% Maybe, but I’m not convinced it’s necessary in Santa Maria.

6 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 | Malia Jandra CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez, Joe Brice PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga SUBMITTING LETTERS WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [9]

Hidden agenda?

Regarding the assessment of chronic illnesses, the Health Insurance Portability Lompoc Valley Needs Assessment report and Accountability Act was not a reliable indicator of the city’s health of 1996 (HIPAA) only

BY RON FINK allows disclosure of health information to the individual or within the health he Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization recently commissioned a report, organization for the purposes of billing and other administrative services. the Community Health Needs Assessment, Relying on the generic code used for insurance to assess the “health and well-being of Lompoc billing purposes isn’t a reliable indicator of the residents through four focus areas: financial “health of the community.” For example, my wife stability and affordability, chronic illnesses, received a simple injection as treatment, and it was behavioral health, and healthy lifestyles.” billed to Medicare and our insurance provider Did the “organization representatives” have a hidden agenda? And were reports of chronic illness using a “surgery” code.

One disturbing observation was from one only based on unverified innuendo? community member from a focus group who said, This study’s findings are questionable.

“I have the difficulty of getting help in my language.

Why? Because as stated in the findings section … It’s not the same to be helped by someone who is of the report, “focus group discussions with culturally compatible with me as it is to be helped 50 community members and organization by someone who is American.” representatives provide qualitative context by This statement points to another issue, capturing lived experiences and factors influencing which is the assimilation of immigrants into the the data. Twelve focus groups explored the four communities where they live. focus areas, including four held in English with When I was stationed overseas in Europe and Lompoc residents, four held in Spanish with Asia, the local governments required me to bring Lompoc residents, and four held in English with my own translator if I needed any help. In our area, service providers working in Lompoc.”

I am sure that there are several people who could The U.S. census estimates that the city of Lompoc’s population for 2025 was 43,315 residents, help this person because it’s a safe bet that wherever you go, it is an American who will try to help you. and the surrounding areas contribute another The report discusses “financial hardship” 10,000-plus, so a sample size of “50 community as having an “impact on people’s health and members and organization representatives” (less well-being.” To help make the point, they report than 0.001 percent of the population) is hardly that “by comparison, the living wage for the representative of the Lompoc Valley.

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LETTERS

FLAVOR/EATS on due to rising costs. The National Restaurant Association reports that most restaurants What happened to the good old days when a operate on a 3INFO percent to 5 percent net profit restaurant employee who served you promptly before taxes. So, they aren’t just being cheap by and accurately was happy to get a 10 percent tip? not paying their employees more. The money has I’m not sure those days were any better, but I to come from CALENDAR somewhere. And they are reluctant am sure it is not the fault of the minimum-wage to raise the price of the $19 worker in front of you who is cheeseburger you are already offering a tip option. They’re OPINION complaining about to $24 to not being greedy or getting cover the extra taxes and pay rich; they’re just trying to Send us your the employee the 20 percent make a living. views and opinion to NEWS you may be upset about having The truth is, most letters@santamariasun.com. to pay. restaurants are barely hanging

Speak up!

household—the minimum income a family needs to cover basic necessities—in Santa Barbara County for two working parents with two children is estimated to be $151,133 per year, or $36.33 per hour for each parent.”

They also say, “The median household income in the city of Lompoc, which is $70,038,” falls short of what they consider a “living wage.” Clearly there was an underlying agenda at play here.

In Lompoc, the primary employment opportunities are in service industries, agriculture, and government. There are almost no manufacturing jobs in the city, and most commercial space jobs are at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Recent reports of an expected increase in personnel at Vandenberg probably include construction and operation of launch sites and increases in military personnel.

While there were several potential solutions for the findings discussed in Appendix A, “Considerations for Action” of the report, how to obtain a living wage wasn’t one of them.

I have one: Politicians need to stop trying to fix the problem. Their solution is usually to raise the minimum wage. In 2027 California plans to increase the minimum wage to $17.40 an hour.

Raising the minimum wage only causes all the things we buy and services we use to increase in price. At the end of the day, that increase has a negative impact on low- and medium-income families who will remain in “financial hardship.” m

The economics of that job have changed, even if our definition of “service worthy of a tip” hasn’t. Restaurants have found that consumer tipping can offset employee salaries and reduce the need to raise prices further. We are tipping not as a reward for service but to support employee compensation.

The person in front of you isn’t responsible for the system, and by not tipping them, you aren’t voting to change it. You are just being cheap and greedy.

Rusty Evans Los Osos

our addiction MAYFIELD Slash to plastic

If you’re not concerned about plastics, you should be.

Plastic doesn’t return harmlessly to nature.

It breaks into ever smaller microplastics and nanoplastics that now appear in our food, water, air, blood, and even human brain tissue. In one major study, people whose carotid-artery plaque contained plastic particles were more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or death during nearly three years of follow-up. The study found an association, not proof, that plastics caused those events. Still, it is another flashing warning light.

The scale of the problem can feel paralyzing. It shouldn’t. We can cut demand today.

Start with single-use plastic. Bring cloth bags to farmers markets and grocery stores. Choose paper, glass, or metal packaging. Trader Joe’s sells some apples in paper cartons. Sprouts offers shampoo and conditioner bars wrapped in paper.

When plastic bags are unavoidable, wash, dry, and reuse them.

SLO Citizens’ Climate Education, ECOSLO, and other groups can help right here in our community. The Sierra Club also offers “A Roomby-Room Guide for Going Plastic-Free.”

Our dependence on plastic resembles an addiction: convenience keeps feeding it.

Regulation matters, but so do daily choices. Slash your plastic use. Start today, and help make healthier habits contagious.

Don Maruska Los Osos

8 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

Santa Maria special

S

anta Barbara County gave unanimous approval for an oil-related thing.

I know. Pick those jaws up off the ground!

It was fairly routine—the county Planning Commission gave the go-ahead for an ownership transfer of an asphalt refinery near Santa Maria. But the last time an ownership transfer came before the county, it was denied! (Yes, it was Sable Offshore Corp.)

I guess the legacy of leaving the title in the previous owner’s hands was too much for the county to bear. Greka ran the facility into the ground, and the company got in trouble for it, too.

Leaks, spills, and other bad things resulted in $12 million in fines from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA inspected the refinery and saw all the red flags—deterioration, missing ground monitoring wells, etc.

And to top all of that off, the company decided it didn’t need to pay its taxes either.

Then, the company filed for bankruptcy!

Interestingly, the environmental crowd didn’t show up to the Aug. 12 commission meeting with their pitchforks. Even reliably blue Commissioner John Parke seemed to think that things were moving in the right direction with new owner Santa Maria Road Materials, which acquired the refinery.

Parke called the move “incredibly important.”

“In this era of uncertainty we have about what’s going to happen to local oil production, for someone to do this and step in and create such a beneficial use for the county is really something special, and I appreciate it,” Parke said. “It’s a supply for that local asphalt we need.”

Yes indeed, we do need.

“Talk about a win-win,” Parke said.

Can I crash on your couch for awhile?

Ask us about our Foster Program

This refinery was apparently built in the 1930s, if that tells you anything about oil in North County. Asphalt is one of the oil-reliant products that Santa Maria crude is known for.

It came up during discussions earlier this year in front of the Planning Commission when the body decided to push forward a ban on drilling new oil wells.

“That’s what we specialize in, as most of the oil production onshore in Northern Santa Barbara County does,” Eric Vasquez with Asphalta LLC told commissioners on April 8. “I believe this ban will hurt people. … You cannot drive an electric car on dirt.”

That ol’ electric car adage even came up on Aug. 12, when Beth Collins, who represents Santa Maria Road Materials, described asphalt as a carbon sink that will be used “on our roads that even my Tesla needs to be able to drive on.”

Wait. I thought Teslas could go off-roading?

She called commissioners’ decision a “nobrainer.”

“You have a current owner/operator and guarantor on these county permits that has an abhorrent record,” she said. “If you don’t adopt the staff recommendation and approve this, you’re actually keeping the prior owner-operatorguarantor on the county permits.”

Touché, Collins.

So, what happens to this refinery after it gets going again and the local oil dries up because Santa Barbara County no longer appreciates the industry that helped it become who it is?

Perhaps that’s why those carbon neutral pitchforks were missing from the meeting. m

The Central Coast Guide to All Things Food and Drink

Don’t miss out on our Fall/Winter 2026 edition!

The Canary lives for a good pitchfork moment.

Send one to canary@santamariasun.com.

Book your ad by September 24!

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www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 9

INDEX Dine & Devour ................ 10 Liquid Connections ........ 20 Arts & Entertainment .... 26 Goods ............................. 32 Services ..........................40 Recreation ..................... 54

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

ONE EPIC TIME

Eddie’s Grill lives to serve the best California burger experience you can possibly have. Although it was voted Best Lompoc Restaurant, you can also find locations in Buellton, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura to grub down on burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.

DINE & DEVOUR BEST SANTA MARIA RESTAURANT

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar 516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800 swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

BEST NIPOMO RESTAURANT

Jocko’s Steakhouse

125 N. THOMPSON AVE., NIPOMO (805) 929-3686 jockossteakhouse.com @jockossteakhouse facebook.com/JockosSteakhouse

BEST ORCUTT RESTAURANT

Pizzeria Bello Forno

119 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 623-7111 pizzeriabelloforno17@gmail.com @pbf_pizzeriabelloforno facebook.com/BelloFornoPizza

10 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

BEST LOMPOC RESTAURANT

BEST LOS OLIVOS RESTAURANT

1325 N. H ST., LOMPOC 234 E. HIGHWAY 246, NO. 107, BUELLTON (805) 735-4488

2860 GRAND AVE., LOS OLIVOS (805) 686-1359

Eddie’s Grill j.carlosmeza1995@yahoo.com eddiesgrill.com @eddiesgrill facebook.com/EddiesGrills

BEST GUADALUPE RESTAURANT

El Tapatio

914 GUADALUPE ST., GUADALUPE (805) 343-2850

Nella Kitchen & Bar office@nellakitchen.com nellakitchen.com @nellakitchenbar facebook.com/NellaKitchenBar

BEST BUELLTON RESTAURANT

Hitching Post 2 420 E. HWY. 246, BUELLTON (805) 688-0676

eltapatiorestaurante.com @el_tapatio88

info@hitchingpost2.com hitchingpost2.com @hitchingpost2 facebook.com/HitchingPost2

BEST LOS ALAMOS RESTAURANT

BEST SOLVANG RESTAURANT

Bell’s

406 BELL ST., LOS ALAMOS

info@bellsrestaurant.com bellsrestaurant.com @bellslosalamos facebook.com/p/Bells-100063727113962

Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse 442 ATTERDAG ROAD, SOLVANG (805) 688-4227 eatBBQ@whiskeynrye.com

DINE & DEVOUR continued page 12

Thank You From Our Family to Yours

Winner of 8 Awards

Make all your meals award winning

• Best Barbecue • Best Steak • Best Tri-Tip • Best Restaurant to Impress • Best Restaurant to go on a first date • Best Santa Maria Restaurant • Best Restaurant Period • Best Burger

Now available: Our signature all-purpose barbecue seasoning and our original blend of spicy jalapeno seasoning

The Swiss

Restaurant & Bar

Serving Santa Maria Since 1941

Hours: Sun–Thurs 11am–9pm, Fri & Sat 11am–10pm

516 N. Broadway, Santa Maria 805-347-7800 www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 11

BEST SANTA MARIA RESTAURANT BEST RESTAURANT. PERIOD. BEST RESTAURANT TO IMPRESS BEST PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE BEST BARBECUE • BEST STEAK BEST BURGER • BEST TRI-TIP

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar

Winner 16 Years in a Row!

Best Dessert Best Bakery

Custom Made Wedding Cakes and Custom Dessert Bars

T

he Swiss, what can’t you do? This octuple winner also took home honors for so many things! Its classic old-school steakhouse atmosphere is welcoming and can accommodate large groups. With oak-barbecued meats, killer sides like scalloped potatoes and fettuccine Alfredo, delicious starters like jalapeño mac and cheese and grilled artichoke, house-made salad dressings, and a selection of chicken, pork, seafood, sandwiches, pasta, and more—there’s something for every palate. This Santa Maria hot spot has been in business since 1941, and for good reason. Meat eaters are always impressed by how tender the steaks and tri-tip are. Eight wins!

—Glen Starkey

DINE & DEVOUR from page 10

whiskeynrye.com @whiskeynryebbq facebook.com/p/Whiskeynrye bbq-100066758301321

BEST SANTA YNEZ RESTAURANT

S.Y. Kitchen

1110 FARADAY ST., SANTA YNEZ (805) 691-9794 office@sykithchen.com sykitchen.com @sykitchen facebook.com/SYKitchen

BEST BREAKFAST

The Pantry 726 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 739-8895 the-pantry-on-park.cafes-city.com @thepantrysm facebook.com/p/The-Pantry-onPark-100084997754076

BEST WEEKEND BRUNCH

The Pantry BEST RESTAURANT. PERIOD.

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar 516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800 swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

726 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 739-8895 the-pantry-on-park.cafes-city.com @thepantrysm facebook.com/p/The-Pantryon-Park-100084997754076

DINE & DEVOUR continued page 14

Town Center Mall, Santa Maria 205 E Clark Ave, Orcutt

805.922.7866

1231 E Grand Ave, Suite 101, Arroyo Grande

805.904.6030

12 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Options

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Philly cheesesteak, muffaletta, hot pastrami, turkey club. These are just a few of the options at the Best Sandwich shop, Roost, which also serves up hearty salads, soups, and sides, like any great deli should!

Thank You for Your Support & God Bless

VOTED BEST Orcutt Restaurant BEST Pizza BEST Wood Fired Pizza 8 Years in a Row! Serving more than Wood fired Artisan Pizzas!

Find our full menu online.

Dine in, or enjoy your meal al fresco on our patio. To-Go orders welcome.

119 E. Clark Ave, Orcutt • (805) 623-7111 • Belloforno.com www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 13

LA

AS

TAPATI

BAKERY RED HOT

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Papi’s Hot Chicken serves up the Best Hot Chicken with bold house-made sauces, classic Southern sides, and even slushies in Santa Maria. It started as a small idea, rolled into the Best Food Truck in northern Santa Barbara County, and now operates out of a cozy neighborhood spot on Main Street.

DINE & DEVOUR from page 12

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

The Garden Mediterranean Cafe & Restaurant 122 E. BOONE ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 347-1112

thegarden122@gmail.com thegardenmediterranean.com @thegarden.mediterranean facebook.com/TheGardenSantaMaria

BEST CHEAP EATS

Bill’s Take Out

523 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-6116 bills-take-out.cafes-city.com @billstakeout

La Tapatias Bakery has been serving the community of Santa Maria for over 30 years.

Our goal is to provide a safe environment for Mexican culture and taste!

Hours: Mon-Sun 4am - 9pm

419 W Main St, Santa Maria

(805) 862-4793

14 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

BEST RESTAURANT TO IMPRESS

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar 516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800 swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

BEST PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar

516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800 swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

BEST FAMILY MEAL

Nella Kitchen & Bar

2860 GRAND AVE., LOS OLIVOS (805) 686-1359 office@nellakitchen.com nellakitchen.com @nellakitchenbar facebook.com/NellaKitchenBar

BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Giavanni’s Pizza 1108 E. CLARK AVE., SUITE 130, SANTA MARIA (805) 934-8555 giavannis94@hotmail.com giavannispizza.com @giavannis94 facebook.com/people/ Giavannis-Pizza/10067310944354

BEST CHINESE FOOD

North China Restaurant

113 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 925-3705 ilovenorthchina@gmail.com ilovenorthchina.com @northchinarestaurant facebook.com/iLoveNorthChina DINE & DEVOUR continued page 15

BEST SUSHI

Mikado Sushi

I

t’s sushi for days at this Santa Maria joint. Customers usually reach for the yellow menu, chock-full of half-priced rolls like the golden spicy tuna, 911, and California ceviche, deep fried salmon, and baked spicy salmon. Want to grab a healthy-ish work lunch that won’t break the bank? Mikado has the lunch bento—a choose-your-own combination that includes items like teriyaki, gyoza, and avocado rolls. Ramen, yakisoba, sashimi, and teppan (pan-fried meat and vegetables) are also available. The restaurant is almost always busy but friendly. Grab a seat and watch the chefs at work right in front of you.

—Bulbul Rajagopal

DINE & DEVOUR from page 14

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Trattoria Uliveto Italian Restaurant 285 S. BROADWAY, ORCUTT (805) 934-4546

contact@trattoriauliveto.com trattoriauliveto.com @therealtrattoriauliveto facebook.com/people/Trattoria-Uliveto id=100060947840456

BEST JAPANESE FOOD

Hamasato Japanese Restaurant

230 BETTERAVIA ROAD, SUITE V, SANTA MARIA (805) 928-1279 hamasato.sm@gmail.com hamasatosm.wixsite.com/website-1 facebook.com/p/Hama-SATO-JapaneseRestaurant-100067536319430

You Made Us #1 We’ll keep making breakfast worth waking up for.

Thank you for all the support over the years!

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

The Garden Mediterranean Cafe & Restaurant 122 E. BOONE ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 347-1112

DINE & DEVOUR continued page 16

Thank You for Voting Us #1

Best Breakfast Best Weekend Brunch Fresh! Tasty! Affordable!

2407 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454 www.thenaturalcafe.com

New Hours: Saturday - Tuesday: 6:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday - Friday: 6:30am - 7:30pm

726 S. Broadway, Santa Maria 805-739-8895 www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 15

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

DINE & DEVOUR from page 15

LUNCH AND DINNER

thegarden122@gmail.com thegardenmediterranean.com @thegarden.mediterranean facebook.com/TheGardenSantaMaria

Lunch wraps are where it’s at in Santa Maria—with options like beef or chick kabob, gyro, and chicken shawarma served alongside crisp fries and tzatziki under the canopy of an outdoor patio. But The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant and Café doesn’t stop there.

There’s baba ghanoush, hummus, falafels, cheese borak, and more. That’s why it was voted Best Vegetarian Food, Best Mediterranean Food, and Best Outdoor Dining in our annual readers poll.

BEST AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD

El Pueblito Restaurant

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD

603 S. BLOSSER ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 514-1613

The Garden Mediterranean Cafe & Restaurant

elpueblitorestaurantca.com @elpueblitosantamaria facebook.com/ElPueblito RestauranteSantaMaria

(805) 928-1455

BEST THAI FOOD

Baan Thai

2530 S. BROADWAY, SUITE H, SANTA MARIA (805) 354-0844 baanthaism@gmail.com baanthaism.com @baan.thai.sm facebook.com/BaanThaiSM

BEST SEAFOOD

santamariamikado.com facebook.com/MikadoSushiSantaMaria

1429 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 631-0891

BEST BARBECUE

101 Crab 101crabem.toast.site @101crabsm

BEST SUSHI

Mikado Sushi

209 TOWN CENTER WEST, SANTA MARIA

Come in for

Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Seafood

Open daily from 7am - 8:30pm

Thank You! 603 S. Blosser Rd Santa maria (805) 349-1088 16 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar 516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800

122 E. BOONE ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 347-1112

thegarden122@gmail.com thegardenmediterranean.com @thegarden.mediterranean facebook.com/TheGardenSantaMaria

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO

Orcutt Burgers 1099 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 938-0064

swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

orcuttburgers.com DINE & DEVOUR continued page 17

New Seafood Boil Restaurant In Santa Maria Thank you to the community for voting us #1!

Happy hour

Mon-fri • 11:30am-4:30pm

Michelada

2 for 1 • 8

$ 99

Bottled Beers

3 for $1099

TO ORDER

1429 S. Bradley Rd, Santa Maria 805-631-0891 • 11:30am-9:30pm daily

Instagram us @101crabsm

BEST SALSA BEST BURRITO BEST TACO

La Unica

S

panish for “the only one,” La Unica scored No. 1 in not one, not two, but three of our award categories this year. The family-run Santa Maria staple has been dishing out some of the area’s best tacos, burritos, and salsa since opening its sole location in 1991. For the restaurant to win so many of our readers’ votes comes as no surprise to me.

I don’t want to imagine what my high school years would have been like without the pure ecstasy of regularly feasting on La Unica’s nachos supreme platter with friends. To clarify, as reasonably sized and sharable as those nachos are, I always made a point to order my own.

They’re just too good to share. Speaking of sharing, La Unica’s family pack deals are hard to pass up. Where else are you going to find 12 tacos for $24 on a non-Tuesday?

—Caleb Wiseblood

DINE & DEVOUR from page 16

@orcuttburgers facebook.com/OrcuttBurger

facebook.com/p/La-Unica-MexicanRestaurant-100063809400245

BEST BURRITO BEST SALSA

La Unica

2530 S. BROADWAY, SUITE G, SANTA MARIA (805) 346-2433 launicasm@gmail.com launica805.com @launicasm

La Unica

2530 S. BROADWAY, SUITE G, SANTA MARIA (805) 346-2433 launicasm@gmail.com launica805.com @launicasm facebook.com/p/La-Unica-MexicanRestaurant-100063809400245 DINE & DEVOUR continued page 18

Thank you for Voting Us

the BEST!

507 E Main St, Santa Maria

(805) 803-2141 ∙ papishotchicken.com www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 17

Celebrating 18 Years of Serving Orcutt!

Thank You Northern Santa Barbara County for Voting Us the Best Italian Restaurant!

(AGAIN!)

DINE & DEVOUR from page 17

BEST DOUGHNUT

BEST TACO

La Unica 2530 S. BROADWAY, SUITE G, SANTA MARIA (805) 346-2433 launicasm@gmail.com launica805.com @launicasm facebook.com/p/La-Unica-MexicanRestaurant-100063809400245

BEST CARNICERIA

Mercado Y Carniceria La Mia SANTA MARIA, NIPOMO (805) 349-2829 @mercadolamia facebook.com/people/Mercado-YCarniceria-La-Mia/61576282599463

BEST BURGER

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar 516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800 swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

SANTA MARIA STAPLE

The Pantry on Broadway has been there for as long as anyone can remember, dishing out the Best Breakfast, Best Weekend Brunch, and other delicious diner food that brings comfort and satisfaction to regulars and newbies alike.

TrattoriaUliveto.com • 805-934-4546 285 S. Broadway, Old Orcutt 18 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

The Golden Donut

S

ometimes a dull Monday morning needs a little sweetness. Sunny Saturday wakeups need some, too.

The Golden Donut specializes in shiny glazed doughnuts, flaky buttery croissants, and gooey cinnamon rolls. Also, try a muffin or a croissant with egg, cheese, ham, and bacon. Hop in line, order, and receive your breakfast in no time. The Bradley Road bakery in Santa Maria takes pride in being a no-frills, old-school doughnut shop.

Order a cup of coffee, carton of milk, or a jug of juice to wash down your pastries.

You’ll be back for more next week.

—Madison White

BEST STEAK

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar 516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800

swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

BEST SANDWICH

Roost

3564 SKYWAY DRIVE, SUITE A, SANTA MARIA (820) 946-4389 roostsm.com @roostdeli

DINE & DEVOUR continued page 19

DINE & DEVOUR from page 18

BEST PIZZA

BEST TRI-TIP

The Swiss Restaurant & Bar 516 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-7800

Pizzeria Bella Forno

pizzeriabelloforno17@gmail.com belloforno.com @pbf_pizzeriabelloforno facebook.com/BelloFornoPizza

BEST HOT CHICKEN

BEST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA

Papi’s Hot Chicken 507 E. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 803-2141 papishotchicken@gmail.com papishotchicken.com @papishotchicken facebook.com/p/Papis-HotChicken-100092961296599

BEST WINGS

Blast 825 Brewery 241 S. BROADWAY, ORCUTT (805) 934-3777

wendy@cc-rg.com blast825brewery.com @blast825brewery facebook.com/Blast825Brewery

LOL Yogurt

@latapatiasbakery

BEST BAKERY

BEST DOUGHNUT

The Golden Donut

pizzeriabelloforno17@gmail.com belloforno.com @pbf_pizzeriabelloforno facebook.com/BelloFornoPizza

thegoldendonut.com facebook.com/p/The-Golden-Donuts-Orcutt-100087124855683

4850 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SUITE F, SANTA MARIA (805) 998-1882

119 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 623-7111

The Natural Cafe

419 W. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 862-4793

lolyogurtsocial@gmail.com @lolyogurtca facebook.com/p/LOL-Yogurt-61557449883018

Pizzeria Bella Forno

BEST SALAD

La Tapatias Bakery

2415 S. BROADWAY, SUITE A, SANTA MARI; 1620 N. H ST., LOMPOC (805) 315-4665

119 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 623-7111

swissrestaurantandbar.com @swiss_restaurant facebook.com/TheSwissBarSM

BEST PANADERIA

BEST ICE CREAM OR FROZEN YOGURT

BEST DESSERT

Gina’s Piece of Cake

2407 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-2735 comments@thenaturalcafe.com thenaturalcafe.com @thenaturalcafe_official facebook.com/TheNaturalCafe

Gina’s Piece of Cake 307 TOWN CENTER EAST, SANTA MARIA 205 E. CLARK AVE., ORUCTT (805) 922-7866 email@ginaspieceofcake.com ginaspieceofcake.com @ginaspieceofcake facebook.com/GinasPieceofCake

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Papi’s Hot Chicken

307 TOWN CENTER EAST, SANTA MARIA 205 E. CLARK AVE., ORUCTT (805) 922-7866 email@ginaspieceofcake.com ginaspieceofcake.com @ginaspieceofcake facebook.com/GinasPieceofCake

507 E. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 803-2141 papishotchicken@gmail.com papishotchicken.com @papishotchicken facebook.com/p/Papis-HotChicken-100092961296599

Thank you for voting us the BEST! Lunch Buffet

Monday-Friday All-You-Can-Eat Pizza, Pasta and Garlic Bread Includes Med Drink

Giavanni’s Pizza 1108 E Clark Ave #130 • Orcutt • 805-934-8555 Sunday–Thursday, 11am–9pm • Friday–Saturday, 11am–10pm

• DINE-IN • TAKE-OUT • PICK-UP • DELIVERY www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 19

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

SIP AND STAY

Lark + Sparrow is the spot where community gathers, the drinks flow, and all are welcome. It also happens to have a pretty stellar wine selection for tasting and sipping in the heart of Old Town Orcutt— and our readers decided that makes it the Best Wine Bar around!

LIQUID CONNECTIONS BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE

5391 PRESQU’ILE DRIVE, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-8110

info@laetitiawine.com laetitiawine.com @laetitiawine facebook.com/LaetitiaWine

Presqu’ile Winery 5391 PRESQU’ILE DRIVE, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-8110 info@presquilewine.com presquilewine.com @presquilewine facebook.com/PresquileWine

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BEST WINERY FOR SPARKLING WINE

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE

453 LAETITIA VINEYARD DRIVE, ARROYO GRANDE (805) 481-1772

20 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

165 S. BROADWAY, SUITE 102, ORCUTT (805) 314-2368

5391 PRESQU’ILE DRIVE, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-8110

info@stolpmanvineyards.com stolpmanvineyards.com @stolpmanvineyards facebook.com/StolpmanVineyards

Presqu’ile Winery

Naughty Oak Brewing Co.

BEST TASTING ROOM

info@presquilewine.com presquilewine.com @presquilewine facebook.com/PresquileWine

Laetitia Vineyards & Winery

BEST BREWERY

info@naughtyoak.com naughtyoak.com @naughtyoakbrew facebook.com/N.O.BrewingCo

Presqu’ile Winery

2434 ALAMO PINTADO AVE., LOS OLIVOS (805) 688-0400

larkandsparroworcutt@gmail.com larkandsparrow.co @lark_andsparrow facebook.com/LarkAndSparrowOrcutt

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY WINERY

info@presquilewine.com presquilewine.com @presquilewine facebook.com/PresquileWine

Stolpman Vineyards

165 S. BROADWAY, SUITE 101, ORCUTT (805) 268-7423

BEST WINE BAR

Lark + Sparrow

Wine Stone Inn 255 W. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 332-3532 reservewinestone@gmail.com winestoneinn.com @winestoneinn facebook.com/WineStoneInn DRINKS continued page 22

Bold flavor. Warm hospitality.

Wherever you are.

Celebrate in style at our award-winning Solvang tavern, home to more than 200 exceptional whiskeys. Savor the aroma and flavor of expertly grilled and smoked meats and vegetables in our warm, inviting indoor spaces or out on our dog-friendly patio.

Or let Rye on Wheels roll in with freshoff-the-smoker BBQ, fired up on-site for weddings, parties, and everything in between.

805-688-4227

www.WhiskeyNRye.com

@whiskeynryebbq www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 21

PARCHED?

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

BEST DIVE BAR

Seek out Naughty Oak Brewing Co. in Orcutt to quench that thirst. It is, after all, the Best Brewery and Best Place for a Beer (according to our readers, who are the smartest). Serving up beer it brews on the Central Coast, you can also catch trivia, food trucks, and more there on any given night.

I

DRINKS from page 20

BEST BAR

Elmer’s

115 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 934-1664 elmers@live.no facebook.com/Elmers-114026931984741

BEST BARTENDER

Erik Alvarez (Elks) 1309 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-1538 lodge@elks1538.org santamariaelks1538.com @santamariaselkslodge1538 facebook.com/SantaMariaElks

BEST DIVE BAR

Elmer’s

115 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 934-1664 elmers@live.no facebook.com/Elmers-114026931984741

BEST SPORTS BAR

Blast 825 Brewery

241 S. BROADWAY, ORCUTT (805) 934-3777 wendy@cc_rg.com blast825brewery.com @blast825brewery facebook.com/Blast825Brewery

BEST CRAFT COCKTAIL

Far Western Tavern 300 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 937-2211

info@farwestern.com farwesterntavern.com @farwesterntavern facebook.com/FarWesternTavern

BEST MICHELADA

Elmer’s

f you want a fancy-pants craft cocktail to nurse with your pinkie in the air, Elmer’s is not for you. You can take your pretentious ass down the road. This classic ’50s-era watering hole retains its wellworn old-school charm with a rustic interior and boasts a marquee-style neon sign that beckons drinkers to come on in, pull up a barstool, and enjoy a beer and a shot. Its frills-free vibe features competent, no-nonsense bartenders, and maybe a dog or two. The rules are simple: Mind your p's and q's, be respectful of the locals, tip like you’d like to be tipped, and don’t get wasted. Pro tip: It opens at 10 a.m. and serves a killer bloody mary.

—Glen Starkey

110 S. LINCOLN ST., SUITE 106, SANTA MARIA (805) 287-9920

Maya Mexican Restaurant

mtpuzzlepiece@gmail.com mayamexicankitchen.com @mayamexicanrestaurant facebook.com/TheMayaMexicanRestaurant DRINKS continued page 24

Thank You for Voting Us Best Juice Place!

SANTA MARIA

Store Hours Monday-Friday 7am-10pm Saturday-Sunday 8am-10pm

22 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

LOMPOC

2212 S. Bradley Rd. Crossroads Center 805-314-2724

1512-D2 H Street Albertson’s Center 805-743-4286

ORCUTT

BUELLTON

4854 South Bradley Rd. Suite 106 CVS Center at Clark & Bradley 805-938-9011

234 E. Hwy 246 Albertson’s Center 805-697-7643

Thank you, Santa Maria.

W E ’ R E H O N O R E D YO U VOT E D U S : B E S T TA S T I N G R O O M BEST EVENT VENUE BEST WHITE WINE B E S T D O G - F R I E N D LY W I N E RY

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 23

DRINKS from page 22

BEST BOBA TEA BEST MARGARITA (TIE)

Blast & Brew Beso 1920 Speakeasy 1050 WILLOW ROAD, NIPOMO (805) 931-7177

info@blastnipomo.com blastandbrewnipomo.com @blastandbrew_nipomo facebook.com/BlastAndBrew.Nipomo

Far Western Tavern 300 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 937-2211

info@farwesterntavern.com farwesterntavern.com @farwesterntavern facebook.com/FarWesternTavern

T

Cha 101

here are people who like boba, and then there are people who have a boba order. Cha 101 has been fueling both camps since 2016. The menu covers the classics—milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, slushies, and plenty of pearls to go around—but half the fun is building your own peculiar little concoction. Honeydew smoothie with strawberry popping boba? Yes. One reviewer tried exactly that and promptly declared themselves “literally in heaven.”

That’s the kind of beverage loyalty that wins a readers poll.

—Chloë Hodge

facebook.com/CupsAndCrumbs

BEST PLACE FOR A BEER

Naughty Oak Brewing Co.

165 S. BROADWAY, SUITE 102, ORCUTT (805) 314-2368 info@naughtyoak.com naughtyoak.com @naughtyoakbrew facebook.com/N.O.BrewingCo

BEST PLACE FOR A CUP OF COFFEE

Cups and Crumbs 156 S. BROADWAY, UNIT B, ORCUTT (820) 946-4265 oldtowncupsandcrumbs@gmail.com cupsandcrumbsoldtown.com @cupsandcrumbs

BEST JUICE PLACE

Blenders in the Grass SANTA MARIA, ORCUTT, LOMPOC, BUELLTON (805) 314-2724 info@drinkblenders.com drinkblenders.com @blendersinthegrass facebook.com/DrinkBlenders

BEST BOBA TEA

Cha 101

340 E. BETTERAVIA ROAD, UNIT C, SANTA MARIA (805) 346-1588 @cha101.tea

SANTA MARIA SUN 2025 BEST OF NSBC

s! r e e h C

Thanks for voting us

Best Brewery Best Place for Trivia Best Place for a Beer 165 S. Broadway Street, Suite 102 • Orcutt, CA 24 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

BACK IN ACTION

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Cups and Crumbs in Orcutt reopened last year under new owners after some shady shenanigans forced its closure in 2023. And it can’t be beat! Our readers voted it the Best Place for a Cup of Coffee, which you can have alongside a delicate pastry, a delectable crepe, or a delicious breakfast.

Thank you for voting us Best Bar!

115 E Clark Ave, Orcutt • 7 days a week 10 am - 2 am

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 25

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

BEST ART GALLERY

ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE

Valley Art Gallery

For more than 58 years, the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) has been a pillar of the arts in northern Santa Barbara County, putting on professional productions, teaching professionals to do all things theater, and holding kids' summer camps (pictured), community classes and workshops, and more. It’s has to be the Best Theater Group, right?

3249 TERMINAL DRIVE, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-0663 valleyartgallerysm@gmail.com valleygallery.org facebook.com/people/ Valley-Art-Gallery/100089679233951

BEST KIDS ARTS PROGRAM

Youth Arts Alive (805) 930-9029

info@youthartsalive.org youthartsalive.org @youth_arts_alive facebook.com/YouthArtsAlive

BEST PLACE TO GET A TATTOO

Copper Coffin Tattoo

104 W. CHAPEL ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 310-4536 coppercoffintattoos@gmail.com coppercoffin.com @coppercoffintattoo facebook.com/CopperCoffin

BEST BOOKSTORE

Gavin’s Books

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST DJ

Dj Sparx (805) 720-3277

sparxthedj@gmail.com @sparxthedj facebook.com/SparxtheDJ

230 E. BETTERAVIA ROAD, SUITE K, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-4282 info@gavinsbooks.com gavinsbooks.com @gavinsbooks facebook.com/GavinsBooks

BEST MUSEUM

BEST LOCAL BAND OR MUSICIAN (805) 922-8313

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT

Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade

2325 SKYWAY DRIVE, SUITE H, SANTA MARIA (805) 925-4125 elksrodeo@elksrec.com elksrec.com facebook.com/smElksRodeo

BEST THEATER GROUP

Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) 870 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SANTA MARIA

boxoffice@pcpa.org pcpa.org @pcpatheatre facebook.com/PacificConservatoryTheatre

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Alma Erika Photography

124 W. MAIN ST., SUITE F, SANTA MARIA (805) 598-9166 almaerikaphotography@icloud.com almaerikaphotography.com @almaerikaphotography facebook.com/AlmaerikaPhotography

26 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

The Molly Ringwald Project (805) 451-3058

rcantrell70@gmail.com projectmolly.com @projectmollymusic facebook.com/ProjectMolly

BEST PLACE TO CATCH A BAND

Blast 825 Brewery 241 S. BROADWAY, ORCUTT (805) 934-3777

wendy@cc_rg.com blast825brewery.com @blast825brewery facebook.com/Blast825Brewery

Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum 705 S. MCCLELLAND ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 928-8414 info@smvdiscoverymuseum.org crrsbc.org @crrdiscoverymuseum facebook.com/smvDiscoveryMuseum

BEST EVENT PLANNING COMPANY

Perfect Timing by Danette Castillo (805) 245-3545

perfecttimingbydanettecastillo@gmail.com ARTS continued page 28

We Thank Our Community!

Best Craft Cocktail

Proudly Serving the Community Since 1958 FarWesternTavern.com • (805) 937-2211 www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 27

SUMMER TWIRLS

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF GALE MCNEELEY

BEST MUSEUM BEST PLACE TO HAVE A KIDS PARTY

Youth Arts Alive has provided no-cost summer arts programs to kids in the Santa Maria Valley for the last 10 summers (including this one), providing them the opportunity to dance, act, paint, and more. Every year, the Best Kids Arts Program culminates with a fiesta, where the participants show off their new-found skills.

Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum

ARTS from page 26

perfecttimingbydanettecastillo.com @perfectimingbydanettecastillo facebook.com/PerfectTimingbyDanetteCastillo

BEST EVENT VENUE

Presqu’ile Winery 5391 PRESQU’ILE DRIVE, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-8110 info@presquilewine.com presquilewine.com @presquilewine facebook.com/PresquileWine

BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE

BEST MEDIA PERSONALITY

213 E. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 925-1193

Louie B’s

Jay Turner

@louiebssantamaria facebook.com/LouieBsBar

jay@djjayturner.com djjayturner.com @djjayturner805 facebook.com/djJayTurner805

BEST PLACE FOR TRIVIA

(805) 404-1247

Naughty Oak Brewing Co.

Thank you!

FOR VOTING PCPA BEST THEATER GROUP

SEASON

63

26 27

LA COMEDIA OF ERRORS

THE WIZARD OF OZ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 72 MILES TO GO...

LES MISÉRABLES MEAN GIRLS MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

TICKETS 805-922-8313 | PCPA.ORG

GROUPS 805-928-7731 x.4150

12 OR MORE

28 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

165 S. BROADWAY, SUITE 102, ORCUTT (805) 314-2368 info@naughtyoak.com naughtyoak.com @naughtyoakbrew facebook.com/N.O.BrewingCo

BEST PLACE TO HAVE A KIDS PARTY

Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum 705 S. MCCLELLAND ST., SANTA MARIA

T

he CRR Discovery Museum turns a day of play into something the whole family can grow from. More than 20 hands-on exhibits give kids space to build, create, pretend, and explore, while its partnership with Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County connects families with added resources and support. It’s a place for curious kids to have a great time and the people helping them grow to join in.

—Chloë

ARTS continued page 30

Thank you

Best Hair Salon Best Place for Skin Care

A standing ovation to the dedicated theater aficionados of the Central Coast! We're thrilled to be your top pick!

www.AmericnMelodrama.com

Renee Waddle, Sheila Gibilisco, Kayla Gardner Missing: Silvia Gomez Back: Liz Martinez, Jen Haskell Front: Paige Maxwell Trego, XO Gallo, Leticia Torres Missing: Sheila Ramirez

805-934-8682 130 Clark Old Orcutt

(805) 489-2499 1863 Front St. Oceano, CA THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA

@TGAMELODRAMA www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 29

KNOWLEDGE GAINS

BEST CAR SHOW

Gavin’s Books has nabbed the Best Bookstore title for several years running. Why? Well, it’s got books for days—both used and new— and there’s something for everyone. At Gavin’s in Santa Maria, you can always find just the right book to “fit your shelf.”

West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals

(951) 488-0413 wckustom@aol.com westcoastkustoms.com @wck_cruisin_nationals facebook.com/CruisinNationals

D

id you miss the 45th annual West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals show back in May? That’s a bummer if you did, but never fear, the 46th annual event is already scheduled for May 28 through 30 next year at the Santa Maria Fairpark. The event brings in modified vintage cars from the 1930s to the ’60s. Started in 1982, the long-running car show bills itself as for Kustom people, by Kustom people. “If you remember how it was in the nifty-’50s, you’ll recall that it was the West Coast that set the trends, and ‘lead’ the way in kustomizing,” organizers explain on the show’s website. “Join us in bringing back those great lead-sleds and honoring the many big kustomizers still active on the West Coast.” Start your engines!

—Glen

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

BEST RADIO STATION

KLWG - 88.1

1600 BERKELEY DRIVE, LOMPOC (805) 735-1511

ARTS from page 28

(805) 928-8414 info@smvdiscoverymuseum.org crrsbc.org @crrdiscoverymuseum facebook.com/smvDiscoveryMuseum

(805) 349-9490 info@vallartasupermarkets.com vallartasupermarkets.com @vallarta.supermarkets facebook.com/Vallarta.Supermarkets

email@calvarychapellompoc.com calvarychapellompoc.com/radio @calvarylompoc facebook.com/ccLompoc

BEST NEWS SOURCE BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR A QUINCEAÑERA

Vallarta Supermarket

1482 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA 1875 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA

BEST CAR SHOW

West Coast Kustoms Cruisin’ Nationals 937 S. THORNBURG, SANTA MARIA

2026 Readers POLL

and

LOS OLIVOS | PISMO BEACH | ORCUTT | SAN LUIS OBISPO | PASO ROBLES #LOVEWFW | @WILDFLOWERWOMENBOUTIQUE | wildflowerwomenboutique.com

30 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING WILDFLOWER WOMEN AND SANDBOX KIDS BEST OF NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 2026

KSBY

1772 CALLE JOAQUIN, SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 541-6666 news@ksby.com ksby.com @ksbynews facebook.com/KSBYnews

THANK YOU FOR VOTING DJ SPARX BEST DJ IN NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY!

FROM THE BOOTH TO THE DANCE FLOOR — YOU MADE THIS HAPPEN!

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 31

BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE

New Frontiers

1984 OLD MISSION DRIVE, SOLVANG (805) 693-1746 newfrontiersmarket.com @newfrontiersmarket facebook.com/NewFrontiersMarket

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

BEST FARM/PRODUCE STAND

PERFECTION

Little Pete’s Farms Fruit & Vegetable Stand

If you’re looking for clarity, all the right angles, and lots of sparkles, Anthony’s Jewelry has it. And that’s not all. The Best Jewelry Store sells more than engagement rings. It’s got all the pretty things, and they’re not just for women.

1550 CA-1, SANTA MARIA

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

Déjà Vu Antique Mall 315 S. BROADWAY, ORCUTT (805) 314 2409

wendyasteller@gmail.com dejavuldantiques.com @dejavuantiques facebook.com/LoadingDockAntiques

2512 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-9668 customerservice@newimagethrift.com newimagethrift.com @newimagethrift facebook.com/NewImageThrift

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Furniture Depot 222 W. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 928-6101

Spencer’s Fresh Markets

3580 ORCUTT ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-3702 admin@spencersfreshmarkets.com spencersfreshmarkets.com @spencersfreshmarkets facebook.com/SpencersFreshMarkets

BEST VITAMIN STORE

AlchePharma Naturals

Vallarta Supermarket

1482 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA 1875 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 349-9490 info@vallartasupermarkets.com vallartasupermarkets.com @vallarta.supermarkets facebook.com/Vallarta.Supermarkets

32 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

BEST SOLAR COMPANY

Sunrun

rick.mcbride@sunrunhome.com sunrun.com @sunrunsolar facebook.com/SunrunCC

BEST CARPET/FLOORING COMPANY

Abbey Carpet & Floor

BEST HARDWARE STORE

Oak Knolls Hardware

1155 E. CLARK AVE., SANTA MARIA (805) 937-3536 oakknollshardware.com @oak_knolls_hardware facebook.com/OakKnollsHardware

@furnituredepotsm facebook.com/FurnitureDepotSMca

customerservice@alchepharmanaturals.com alchepharmanaturals.com @alchepharma_naturals facebook.com/AlchePharmaNaturals

BEST HISPANIC MARKET

info@christiansmattress.com christiansmattress.com @christianmattressca facebook.com/ChristiansMattress

santamaria.abbeycarpet.com @abbeyofsantamaria facebook.com/AbbeyofSantaMaria

New Image Thrift Store

BEST GROCERY STORE

621 E. BETTERAVIA, SANTA MARIA 663 W. CENTRAL AVE., LOMPOC (805) 991-9471

2051 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-1121

BEST THRIFT STORE

BUELLTON, ORCUTT, NIPOMO (805) 938-5657

Christian’s Mattress Xpress

775 FIERO LANE, SUITE 200, SAN LUIS OBISPO (855) 478-6786

@littlepetesfarm facebook.com/Petes.Farms

GOODS

BEST MATTRESS STORE

GOODS continued page 34

BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE

N

New Frontiers

ew Frontiers in Solvang makes a pretty good case for taking the scenic route though the grocery aisles. There’s fresh produce to peruse, natural and organic staples to stock up on, a full-service deli and meat counter, prepared foods, wellness finds, and plenty of local goods tucked in between. Better yet, every third Friday of the month, 5 percent of sales goes to a local nonprofit. Good groceries, good neighbors, good stuff all around.

—Chloë

Get G e t on on B Board o a r d ffor or O Our... ur...

HURRY IN FOR YOUR BEST SELECTION!

SSUPER U P ER SUM S U M M ER ER SA S A LE! LE! O Only n l y aatt tthe he D Depot!! epot!!

222 WEST MAIN SANTA MARIA 805-928-6101

LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND

BEST FURNITURE STORE!

YOUR YO U R SAVINGS S AV I N G S STORE...

STORE...

W Where h e r e YYou ou A Always lways G Get e t More!

More!

ALL MATTRESSES ON SALE $ $ Twin Mattress........ 99 Queen Mattress. . . 169

Full Mattress...... 129 King Mattress....... 199 $

3PC. 3 P C . DINING D I N I N G ROOM ROOM

5PC. 5 P C . DINING DINING R ROOM OOM

SMALL SPACE FRIENDLY. FEATURING TWO 8” DROP DOWN LEAVES. INTERLOCKING CHAIR DESIGN AND UPHOLSTERED SEAT CUSHIONS AND BACKRESTS.

BEAUTIFUL CONTEMPORARY STYLING. DARK WALNUT AND IVORY FINISH. OAK VENEERS AND RUBBERWOOD SOLIDS.

$

Starting at

6PC. Q 6PC. QUEEN U E E N BEDROOM BEDROOM $

FEATURING ELEGANT PANEL HEAD AND FOOTBOARDS. Starting 7 DRAWER DRESSER AND MIRROF WITH TWO NIGHT STANDS. at

SOFA S O F A AND A N D LOVESEAT LOVESEAT

RELIABLE COMFORT EVERY DAY. SATISFYINGLY SOFT MULTI-HUED UPHOLSTERY IN A CHOCOLATE COLOR. NICE DETAILS INCLDING A TUFFTED BACK. TWIN OVER FULL

BUNK BUNK B BED ED

Starting at

$

$

MODERN LINES, STURDY METAL FRAME AND LADDER WITH TOP GUARD RAILS. MATTRESSES INCLUDED.

99 599 5 9999

99 349 3 4999

1199 1199

$

Starting at

99 99

6PC. Q 6PC. QUEEN U E E N BEDROOM BEDROOM

RUSTIC BUTCHER BLOCK FINISH. PANEL HEAD AND FOOTBOARDS. 6 DRAWER DRESSER WITH MIRROR. 2 NIGHTSTANDS WITH SLIM USB OUTLETS FOR EASY CHARGING.

99 499 4 9999

$

Starting at

99 999 9 9999

R E C L I N I N G SOFA S O F A AND A N D LOVE LOVE $ 99 RECLINING 99 899 8 9999 139999 1399 EASY RECLINING MOTION. INVITING STITCHED DETAILS AND STYLISH SEAT FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT. VERSATILE NEUTRAL FAUX LEATHER UPHOLSTERY.

64” 6 4 ” TV T V STAND STAND WITH FIREPLACE OPTION

CLASSIC BARN DOOR STYLING WITH A WHITE FINISH OVER REPLICATED OAK GRAIN. 2 STORAGE CABINETS WITH ADUSTABLE SHELVES. WIRE MANAGEMENT CUTOUTS.

$

Starting at

$

Starting at

99 349 3 4999 Starting atStarting at

S O F A CHAISE SOFA CHAISE

REVERSIBLE SEAT CUSHIONS. CHAISE CAN BE POSITIONED ON EITHER SIDE. HIGH QUALITY FOAM CUSHIONS WRAPPED IN POLY FIBER.

$

99 799 7 9999 Starting at

Starting at

LARGE LARGE SCALE SCALE RECLINER RECLINER

REQUIRES MINIMAL SPACE BETWEEN WALL AND CHAIR BACK. EASY ONE-PULL RECLINING MOTION. FAUX LEATHER UPHOLSTERY.

$

Starting at

99 599 5 9999

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 33

FIFTY YEARS

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

BEST GROCERY STORE

Since 1976, the Best Furniture Store has been familyowned and helping Santa Marians make their homes complete. If you need (want) it, Furniture Depot probably has it and can help you finance it, too.

Spencer’s Fresh Markets

GOODS from page 32

T

BEST FLOWER SHOP

Back Porch Flowers 4850 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SUITE D1, ORCUTT (805) 938-1965 info@backporchflowers.net backporchflowers.net @backporch facebook.com/BackPorchFlowers

BEST LOCAL NURSERY/GARDEN STORE

Whispering Tree Nursery 110 NORRIS ST., ORCUTT (805) 937-3808

whisperingtreenursery@gmail.com @whisperingtreenursery facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553262380192

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE

BEST FEED SUPPLY STORE

SANTA MARIA, SOLVANG, LOMPOC, NIPOMO (805) 925-6606

SANTA MARIA, SOLVANG, LOMPOC, NIPOMO (805) 925-6606

info@lemospet.com lemospet.com @lemospet805 facebook.com/LemosPet805

info@lemospet.com lemospet.com @lemospet805 facebook.com/LemosPet805

Lemos Feed & Pet Supply

Lemos Feed & Pet Supply

he corner of Orcutt and Lakeview roads has always had a special place in my heart for a few reasons, and Spencer’s Fresh Markets is one of them. While living nearby throughout childhood and young adulthood, having Spencer’s within walking distance to spontaneously pop in for a fresh deli sandwich and hot potato wedges—or movie snacks to pair with a rental from the neighboring, now-closed Evergreen Video—brought me a lot of comfort growing up. Don’t even get me started on the desserts. Spencer’s bakery is a haven for German chocolate cake and coconut cream pie fans. Our readers’ top pick for best grocery store is gearing up to open a new location in Lompoc on H Street. To anyone who ever dreamt of reviving Evergreen Video someday, somewhere outside of Orcutt, take this as your cue.

—Caleb

GOODS continued page 36

Thank You For Voting Us Best Jewelry Store for 17 years!

MELBY’S JEWELERS 1140 E. Clark Avenue, Santa Maria • (805) 925-1678 • www.melbys.com

34 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Our Store Hours Tues-Fri: 9:30-5:30 Saturday: 10-3

Thank You THE

CENTRAL

COAST

VOTED #1 FOR CARPET/FLOORING STORE 5TH YEAR IN A ROW! WE’RE TOUCHED

WE’RE HUMBLED

WE’RE HONORED

FREE MEASURES • FREE ESTIMATES • ON-STAFF INSTALLERS

Central Coast Living At Its Best!

S A N T A M A R I A . A B B E Y C A R P E T.C O M • 8 0 5 - 3 4 7 - 1 1 2 1 2 0 5 1 S . B R O A D WAY • S A N T A M A R I A WESTERN VILL AGE SHOPPING CENTER

Carpet & Floor

LIC. 668152

CARPET • LVP/LVT • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • AREA RUGS • TILE & STONE www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 35

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

LISTEN

BEST FLOWER SHOP

Do you hear that? It’s Whispering Tree Nursery, beckoning would-be gardeners in, tempting them with florals, fountains, ponds, vegetable starts, and outdoor décor. Readers are listening and planting. They voted Whispering Tree as the Best Local Nursery/Garden Store in this year’s Best Of poll.

Back Porch Flowers

R

GOODS from page 34

BEST USED CAR DEALER

L & M Motors

527 W. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 549-4059 lmmotors1@yahoo.com landmmotors.net

BEST NEW CAR DEALER

BEST TIRE STORE

Home Motors

1601 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 354-5240 contactus@homemotors.net home-motors.com @home_motors facebook.com/HomeMotorsChevrolet

Rizzoli’s Automotive

1149 W. TAMA LANE, SANTA MARIA (805) 254-7127 karen@rizzolisautomotive.com rizzolisautomotive.com @rizzolisautomotiveinc facebook.com/RizzolisAutomotive

BEST PLACE TO FILL UP YOUR CAR

Old Orcutt Kwik Stop 100 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 212-7439 oldorcuttkwikstop.com @oldorcuttkwikstop facebook.com/Orcutt76Gas

eviewers on Yelp say Back Porch Flowers adds a special, original touch while providing friendly service, and no doubt many of you readers agree. The Orcutt floral shop has more than 35 years of experience delivering colorful blooms to the Central Coast and beyond. Back Porch florists are excited to help you create beautiful, lasting memories with loved ones during any occasion.

Pick custom arrangements from categories spanning birthdays, holidays, sympathy, and seasonal specials. Local, same-day delivery is available including to funeral homes and hospitals.

Next time you’re looking to brighten up a room, give Back Porch Flowers a buzz.

—Madison

GOODS continued page 38

Thank you for voting

Anthony’s Jewelers Best Jewelry Store in Northern Santa Barbara County!

Thank you!

3564 Skyway Drive, STE A, Santa Maria, CA 93455

• FAMILY-FRIENDLY • GREAT FOOD • GOOD VIBES

Community Voted

BEST SANDWICH!

Anthony’s Jewelers is a family owned business operating in Santa Maria since 1980. We have been in business for over 46 years and we have greatly enjoyed each of those years.

Thank you

ORDER NOW Anthony’s Jewelers • 550 E. Betteravia Suite A • Santa Maria

805.922.3844 • anthonysjeweler.com

Mon-Fri: 10am to 6pm • Sat: 10am to 4:30pm • Closed Sunday

36 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

805charcuterie.com 805-354-0068

www.roostsm.com 1-820-946-4389

WINNER 12 YEARS IN A ROW!

THANK YOU, CENTRAL COAST JOIN WESTERN

SCAN ME

wvhealthclub.com 805-348-1888 www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 37

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BEST PLACE TO BUY KIDS CLOTHES BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Wildflower Women & Sandbox Kids

W

Thank you from our family to yours since 1992.

ildflower Women is cementing itself as a Central Coast staple with storefronts in six locations, including the boutique in Santa Maria. In founder Amber Lease’s own words on the website, the hat collection alone is curated to suit any occasion in wine country.

Shopping at Wildflower means choosing from high quality denim and knits and premium cashmere. Known for its trendy, earthy tones that match both mom and kids, it’s not hard to see why Wildflower won readers’ hearts for the best women’s and kids’ clothing store.

—Bulbul

2920 GRAND AVE., LOS OLIVOS (805) 478-1568 amber@wfwboutique.com wildflowerwomenboutique.com @wildflowerwomenboutique facebook.com/WildflowerWomenBoutique

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Wildflower Women & Sandbox Kids 3388 ORCUTT ROAD, ORCUTT 2920 GRAND AVE., LOS OLIVOS (805) 478-1568

amber@wfwboutique.com wildflowerwomenboutique.com @wildflowerwomenboutique facebook.com/WildflowerWomenBoutique

BEST PLACE TO BUY A WEDDING DRESS

Casa Blanca Bridal 901 N. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 928-7977 @casablancabridal805

GOODS from page 36

BEST GIFT SHOP BEST EYEWEAR STORE

Stanton Optical

336 E. BETTERAVIA ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 250-1807 stantonoptical.com @stantonoptical facebook.com/StantonOptical.SantaMaria.CA

Company’s Coming 115 W. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 937-8766

companyscomingorcutt@gmail.com @companyscomingorcutt facebook.com/p/Companys-Coming-100063952779599

BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY BEST JEWELRY STORE

Anthony’s Jewelers

550 E. BETTERAVIA ROAD, SUITE A, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-3844 anthonysjewelers1@gmail.com @anthonys_jewelers facebook.com/AnthonysJeweler

BEST PLACE TO BUY KIDS CLOTHES

Wildflower Women & Sandbox Kids 3388 ORCUTT ROAD, ORCUTT;

38 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Dr. Greenthumb’s Orcutt Cannabis Dispensary

1604 E. CLARK AVE., SUITE 101, ORCUTT (805) 866-4433 doctorgreenthumbs.com @drgreenthumbs

BEST CANNABIS DELIVERY SERVICE

Bleu Diamond Cannabis (805) 310-1078 bleudiamondorders@gmail.com bleudiamondco.com facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590603035452

Voted BEST Plumber TWO Years Running!

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1991 We are hiring Skilled Plumbers

• Medical • Paid Vacation • 401k

arrowplumbing805@gmail.com

805-346-1791 2025 Small Business of the Year

Thank You! www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 39

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

OUT AND ABOUT You’ve seen ASAP Movers’ trucks on local highways and byways, I’m sure—which means they’re helping people get their stuff from one place to another. The Best Moving Company offers full service local and long-distance moving for homes and businesses with professional movers and top-of-the-line equipment that aim to make a stressful time as easy as possible.

BEST YARD MAINTENANCE SERVICE

SERVICES BEST CLEANING SERVICE

Betty’s Cleaners and Alterations

709 E. MAIN ST., SUITE A, SANTA MARIA (805) 349-3402 @bettys_cleaners facebook.com/BettysDryCleaners

BEST HOME PAINTING SERVICE

Flynn’s Painting & Refinishing

3130 SKYWAY DRIVE, SUITE 312, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-2343 flynnspainting.co

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN COMPANY

True Landscape

680 SIMAS ROAD, NO. 7, SANTA MARIA (805) 406-5343 truelandscape805@gmail.com truelandscape805.com @truelandscape805 facebook.com/TrueLandscape805

40 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

True Landscape

680 SIMAS ROAD, NO. 7, SANTA MARIA (805) 406-5343 truelandscape805@gmail.com truelandscape805.com @truelandscape805 facebook.com/TrueLandscape805

BEST ELECTRICIAN

Aaron Rice Electric 4807 KARNES ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-3473 arelectrify@msn.com

BEST MOVING COMPANY

ASAP Movers

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

1310 W. MCCOY ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 329-3021

153 E. CLARK AVE., SUITE 101, ORCUTT (805) 287-9610

info@asapmovers.com asapmovers.com @asapmoversslo facebook.com/ASAPMoversUSA

Chic Interiors gredsachic@yahoo.com chicinteriorsdesign.com @chicinteriorsag facebook.com/ChicInteriorsAG

BEST PLUMBER

Arrow Plumbing 320 E. OAK ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 346-1791

arrowplumbing805@gmail.com arrowplumbing805.com @arrowplumbing805 facebook.com/ArrowPlumbing805

BEST PEST CONTROL SERVICE

Quality Pest Management

3460 HADLEY WAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 478-5645 qualitypm805@gmail.com qualitypest.com @qualitypestmgmt SERVICES continued page 42

Thank You

WE’RE HONORED TO BE YOUR CHOICE. Thank you for voting River Terrace by Williams Homes as a community worth celebrating.

We didn’t just build a community here, you made us part of yours.

With welcoming homes, inviting outdoor spaces, and a setting surrounded by the beauty of California’s Central Coast, River Terrace is more than a neighborhood—it’s the backdrop for a life well lived.

NEW HOMES FROM THE $400s

NOW SELLING WILLIAMSHOMES.com

Scan to learn more www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 41

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

BOWTIQUE, BEASTRO, AND SPAW!

BEST WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE

Royal Pane Cleaning Services Inc.

That’s Fetch in Santa Maria may be the Best Place to Pamper Your Pet, but it’s also got other necessities that your fur baby shouldn’t go without—nibbles, outfits, and accessories.

L

SERVICES from page 40

BEST TREE TRIMMING SERVICE

Bob’s Tree Service (805) 291-6712

bobdrake805@msn.com bobstreeservicecc.com

BEST WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE

Royal Pane Cleaning Services Inc.

2315 MEREDITH LANE, SUITE C, SANTA MARIA

(805) 878-2885

(805) 937-3243

troy@royalpanecleaningservices.com royalpanecleaningservices.com @royalpanecleaningservices facebook.com/ Royal.Pane.Window.Cleaning

mbsplashman@gmail.com splashndashcarwash.com @splashndashcarwash facebook.com/ SplashnDashCarWashSM

BEST CAR WASH

BEST AUTO MAINTENANCE/REPAIR

Splash n’ Dash Car Wash

SANTA MARIA, ORCUTT, BUELLTON

42 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Pat’s Automotive 931 S. BLOSSER ROAD, SANTA MARIA

SERVICES continued page 44

ed by industry veterans and headquartered in Santa Maria, Royal Pane Cleaning Services Inc. specializes in delivering moments of clarity—leaving patrons with both clear windows and peace of mind. Those in need of a window cleaning can feel assured that hiring Royal Pane not only puts their windows in good hands, it puts them in the best hands, according to the results of this year’s Best of Northern Santa Barbara County poll. Alongside its window cleaning services, Royal Pane offers carpet cleaning, gutter cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and various janitorial services—all with a reliable and exceptional attention to detail. It probably would have been shorter to list things they won’t clean. Not even rooftop solar panels are safe from Royal Pane’s pressure washers.

Dust bunnies need not apply.

—Caleb

Thank you for voting us BEST PEDIATRIC OFFICE

in Northern Santa Barbara County!

WE TAKE PRIDE IN CARING for both the physical and emotional needs of your child.

Our team at Pediatric Medical Group is dedicated to the health and well-being of your child. Whether you have an infant, preschooler, or teenager, we work closely with parents to make sure that our care meets their children’s personal needs.

Call to schedule your child’s well exam today.

1430 E. Main St. Santa Maria, Ca

www.pmgsm.com

805-922-35 48

Monday - Saturday

Dr. Ryan Leachman, DO, MDA

Dr. Joseph Nunez, MD

Dr. Shane Rostermundt, DO

Dr. Michele Kielty, DO

Lynn Peltier, CPNP

Andrea Narreto, CPNP

Jessica Prather, CNP

Geronna Leonards, NP

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 43

SERVICES from page 42

(805) 928-4515 patsautomotive.com facebook.com/people/PatsAutomotive/61556719897531

BEST OIL CHANGE

Rizzoli’s Automotive

1149 W. TAMA LANE, SANTA MARIA (805) 254-7127 karen@rizzolisautomotive.com rizzolisautomotive.com @rizzolisautomotiveinc facebook.com/RizzolisAutomotive

BEST SMOG CHECK

Rizzoli’s Automotive

1149 W. TAMA LANE, SANTA MARIA (805) 254-7127 karen@rizzolisautomotive.com rizzolisautomotive.com @rizzolisautomotiveinc facebook.com/RizzolisAutomotive

BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

Dorothy H Hamilton CPA

314 E. CHAPEL ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 922-5805 admin@dorothyhamiltoncpa.net dorothyhamiltoncpa.net

BEST LAW OFFICE

Stephens & Stephens LLP

518 E. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 922-1951 info@stephensfirm.com stephensfirm.com

BEST LOCAL BANK/CREDIT UNION

Community Bank of Santa Maria

2739 SANTA MARIA WAY, SANTA MARIA 1421 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 922-2900

info@yourcbsm.com yourcbsm.com @yourcbsm facebook.com/ CommunityBankofSantaMaria

z

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

BEST INSURANCE OFFICE

Donna Randolph State Farm 1650 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 925-4610 donna@donnarandolph.com donnarandolph.com @donnarandolph facebook.com/DonnaRandolph StateFarmAgent

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Empire Real Estate Group 301 E. COOK ST., SUITE G, SANTA MARIA (805) 720-3464

Pat’s Automotive

931 S. BLOSSER ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 928-4515 pats.auto@verizon.net patsautomotive.com facebook.com/people/PatsAutomotive/61556719897531

BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE

Chiropractic Wellness Group

2615 S. MILLER ST., SUITE 108, SANTA MARIA (805) 938-7480 mary@chirowellnessgroup.com chirowellnessgroup.com facebook.com/ChiroWellnessGroup

emiliano@empirerealestategroup.net @empire.real.estate.group SERVICES continued page 46

WHISPERING TREE NURSERY

Thank You for voting us Best Local Nursery!

110 Norris St, Orcutt

805-937-3808 Monday- Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm 44 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Children's Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County

Where Families Find Support. Where Children Discover Their Potential.

At the heart of our community’s early childhood system, we empower families and child care providers alike.

For families, we provide personalized child care support, financial assistance, parenting programs, and resources for foster children.

For providers, we deliver the tools, training, and guidance they need to excel, from licensing support and trauma-informed care to participation in our Provider Quality Network, nutrition programs, and alternative payment options.

Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

2861 Airpark Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93455 4141 State St., #A 3.1 Santa Barbara, CA 93110

WINGS Infant Center & WINGS Preschool Ages 2–5

Ages 0–2

2861 Airpark Dr., 1550 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93455 Santa Maria, CA 93455

(805) 623-4313

For Families

For Providers

Stronger Together

Personalized support, financial assistance, parenting programs, and resources for foster children.

Licensing support, trauma-informed care, training, quality network participation, nutrition programs, and payment options.

Building a more resilient community where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Santa Maria: (805) 925-7071

Our Mission

To provide a high-quality environment for all children in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive setting that builds a foundation for lifelong learning.

Inclusive Early Learning: Welcoming children of all abilities in a nurturing environment.

Nature-Based Curriculum: Emphasizing outdoor learning to foster exploration and engagement.

Developmental Support: Activities designed to promote fine and gross motor skills.

Family Development: Encouraging active participation and communication between families and educators.

Scan to learn more about our programs!

Experienced Staff: Led by qualified professionals, including a director certified in the Outdoor Classroom Project.

Safe & Enriching Environment: Maintaining a secure setting that encourages positive child development.

CRR Discovery Museum 705 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, CA 93455 (805) 928-8414

www.crrsbc.org

Santa Barbara: (805) 963-6631

Discover, Learn, and Play—Together!

Join us at the CRR Discovery Museum and make every visit a new adventure! Explore interactive exhibits, including our new Hummer exhibit designed to inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and encourage hands-on learning through play.

Enjoy monthly PJ Nights, where children can explore the museum after hours, dance, and enjoy pizza and popcorn with friends.

Celebrate special moments with a museum birthday party featuring fun themes, learning, laughter, and discovery.

Museum memberships offer unlimited visits, making it easy for families to enjoy exhibits, special events, and programs year-round.

Scan to explore the museum!

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 45

GIVE BACK

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

santamaria@johnsonfamilydental.com johnsonfamilydental.com facebook.com/JFDSantaMaria

Donating food isn’t the only way to help the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County deliver on its mission to move the community from hunger to health. It’s the Best Place to Volunteer! You can work at food distribution sites, help glean backyard produce, participate in community events, and help with administration.

BEST ORTHODONTIST OFFICE

Central Coast Orthodontics

SERVICES from page 44

1311 S. MILLER ST., NO. 201, SANTA MARIA (805) 347-4444

BEST DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Dr. Michael Haverty of Haverty Vanterpool & Allen MDS

reception@centralcoastorthodontics.com centralcoastorthodontics.com/ santa-maria-office @centralcoastorthodontics facebook.com/ CentralCoastOrthodontics

2342 PROFESSIONAL PARKWAY, SUITE 260, SANTA MARIA (805) 348-3910

communityhealthcenters.org @communityhealthcenterscc facebook.com/CommunityHealthCenters

pmgsm.com facebook.com/p/Pediatric-Medical-Group-of-Santa-Maria-Inc-100063792439976

BEST OPTOMETRY OFFICE

BEST OB-GYN OFFICE

BEST PEDIATRIC OFFICE

BEST DENTIST OFFICE

SANTA MARIA, LOMPOC, SOLVANG (805) 925-2637

Santa Maria Women’s Health CHC 116 S. PALISADE DRIVE, SUITE 301, SANTA MARIA (805) 934-5400

Pediatric Medical Group of Santa Maria 1430 E. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 922-3548

Johnson’s Family Dental

745 BETTERAVIA ROAD, SANTA MARIA 678 ALAMO PINTADO ROAD, SOLVANG (805) 623-4228

Shepard Eye Center info@shepardeye.com shepardeye.com @shepardeye2020 facebook.com/ ShepardEyeCenter

SERVICES continued page 48

THANK YOU! for voting New Frontiers

BEST NATURAL FOODS STORE

46 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Proud to support the neighborhood Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.

Thank you so much for voting me best insurance agent! I’m truly grateful for your trust and support— it means the world to me and my team.

Donna Randolph ChFC® CLU® Agent 1650 South Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

Bus. 805-925-4610

donna@donnarandolph.com www.donnarandolph.com Insurance License #0K80844

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 47

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

SERVICES from page 46

COMMUNITY GYM

Vibrant communities start at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, according to its website. The Best Nonprofit offers up “a world of programs designed to inspire wellness, spark joy, and bring people together.”

BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Merrill Gardens 1220 SUEY ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 310-4102

BEST NAIL SALON

merrillgardens.com @merrillgardens facebook.com/MerrillSeniorLiving

All About Nails & Spa

4869 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SUITE 109, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-0288

BEST CHARTER SCHOOL

Olive Grove Charter School

SANTA MARIA, ORCUTT, BUELLTON, LOMPOC (805) 623-1111 info@olivegrovecharter.org olivegrovecharter.org @olivegrovecharter facebook.com/OliveGroveCharter

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC

Evergreen Animal Clinic

3389 ORCUTT ROAD, SUITE 101, SANTA MARIA

(805) 937-6341 evergreenanimalclinic@gmail.com evergreenanimalclinic.com facebook.com/EvergreenAnimalClinic

BEST PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

That’s Fetch

3564 SKYWAY DRIVE, SUITE B, SANTA MARIA (805) 361-0802 thatsfetch805@gmail.com

thatsfetch805.com @thatsfetch805 facebook.com/ThatsFetch805

BEST HAIR SALON

InSPArations 130 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 934-8682

sheila@insparations1.com insparations1.com @insparationssalon facebook.com/InSPArationsSalonandSpa

@allaboutnails_orcutt facebook.com/p/All-About-NailsSpa-100071583922125

BEST PLACE FOR SKIN CARE

InSPArations 130 E. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 934-8682 sheila@insparations1.com insparations1.com @insparationssalon facebook.com/ InSPArationsSalonandSpa SERVICES continued page 50

Thank you for supporting Youth Arts Alive and helping us provide free arts opportunities for local youth.

Scan Here to Support Free Arts Programs!

Northern Santa Barbara County’s News and Entertainment Weekly

www.youthartsalive.org info@youthartsalive.org (805) 930-9029 48 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

SantaMariaSun.com

Thank You!

NOW SELLING BEER AND WINE

(805) 937-5340 100 E. Clark Ave. Orcutt kwikstoporcutt@gmail.com www.OldOrcuttKwikStop.com

JUST SOME OF OUR SERVICES • Oil Change • Smog Check • Diagnostics • Propane Refill

• Diesel • Clean Truck Stop • AC Refill with Freon • Tune-ups www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 49

Voted Best Cleaning Service!

Thank you!

Cleaners

Laundry

Alteration, Fluff and Fold Alteraciones, Lavado y Doblado Show this ad and receive 10% OFF Dry Cleaning!

From This to This

BEST PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

P

That’s Fetch!

ampering fur babies?! That’s Fetch! does it better than the rest. On Skyway Drive in Santa Maria, pet owners bring in their canine and feline friends for spa-quality excursions. The boutique offers holistic grooming that takes care of the skin, coat, and overall wellness. Don’t worry about your animal waiting in a kennel because each appointment is dedicated to one pet, creating an experience with less stress and more compassion. Customers and their pets can also browse the shop’s curated inventory of toys, food, beds, and accessories. Furry ones may end their trip with a treat from The Beastro, like a warm chicken, beef, or peanut butter flavored beverage, while their parents take a seat in the lounge and enjoy a complimentary drink of their own. Isn’t that fetch?

—Madison

SERVICES from page 48

BEST TANNING SALON

Bikinis Optional 2043 S. BROADWAY, SANTA MARIA (805) 346-1155

705 E. MAIN ST., SUITE 106, SANTA MARIA (805) 623-8046

getsquire.com/discover/ barbershop/landmark-barbersshaving-parlor-and-lounge-santa-maria @landmarkbarbers facebook.com/LandmarkBarbers

@bikinisoptional805 facebook.com/BikinisOptional

BEST BARBER SHOP

(805) 349-3402 • cell: (805) 406-4075 709 E. Main Street #A • Santa Maria

Landmark Barbers Shaving Parlor and Lounge

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

Orcutt Massage

4869 S. BRADLEY ROAD, SUITE 111, SANTA MARIA 3420 ORCUTT ROAD, SUITE 105, SANTA MARIA SERVICES continued page 52

Thank you S

FOR VOTING US A

best charter school

Thank You! for voting us best OB-GYN Office

ONLINE INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR TK-12

Now enrolling ORCUTT/SANTA MARIA BUELLTON

Learn more at chccc.org 50 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

LOMPOC

SANTA BARBARA

(805) 623 - 1111

Voted Best by Our

Customers

*

...and Their Opinion is Really What Matters Most Although we have received numerous awards over the years, our focus remains committed to exceptional customer service. You can be assured, we will continue to provide an elite level of service going beyond normal to make sure our customers feel heard, understood and appreciated.

But it is nice when you get recognized for it, especially when it’s by your customers. Being recognized provides a platform for our bank to showcase the dedication, passion and excellence our employees deserve for their commitment to delivering superior customer service. We are truly grateful to our customers for their trust and support, which make this recognition possible.

Janet Silveria, President/CEO

Voted Best Local Bank/Credit Union* Santa Maria Sun Best of Northern Santa Barbara County 2026 Readers Poll

Community Bank of Santa Maria Home of “Santa Maria Style” Banking™ 2739 Santa Maria Way • 1421 S. Broadway • (805) 922-2900 • yourcbsm.com www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 51

Thank You for Voting Us #1 USED CAR DEALER

L&M Motors BUY • SELL • TRADE Frankie Maycotte 54 Years in Business

Visit us at: LandMMotors.net

527 Main St. Santa Maria

805-928-1545

k n a B h T ou Snty! y u o C

SERVICES from page 50

(805) 287-9924 orcuttmassage2010@gmail.com orcuttmassage.com facebook.com/people/OrcuttMassage=100069067222681

BEST HOUSING DEVELOPER

Williams Homes

51 ZACA LANE, SUITE 110, SAN LUIS OBISPO (805) 922-5554 info@williamshomes.com williamshomes.com @williamshomes facebook.com/WilliamsHomesInc

BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

490 W. FOSTER ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 967-5741 etalkin@foodbanksbc.org foodbanksbc.org @foodbanksbc facebook.com/ FoodbankofSBC

BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL BEST NONPROFIT

Santa Maria Valley YMCA 3400 SKYWAY DRIVE, SANTA MARIA (805) 937-8521

membershipservices@smvymca.org smvymca.org

Spring / Summer Hours: 8:00am – 7:00pm Fall / Winter Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Scan QR code for trail map

Address: 6271 Dominion Rd. 52 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

@smv.ymca facebook.com/ SantaMariaValley.YMCA

Bob Nelson

511 LAKESIDE PKWAY, SUITE 47, SANTA MARIA (805) 346-8407 nelson@bos.countyofsb.org countyofsb.org/bos-fourth-district @nelsonomics facebook.com/ SupervisorBobNelson

Vote BES d HIKE T !

Thanks Central Coast! See you June 2-6, 2027 www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 53

LITTLE LA

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Los Alamos is the Best Day Trip from lots of places for lots of reasons. It has good wine. It has a Michelin-starred restaurant and other really good food options. It’s quaint with a Western feel. It’s a small community with a lot of charm. It hosts Old Days every year. It’s just an all-around player. So make a playdate with your best mate and put it on the calendar!

BEST HOTEL OR RESORT

RECREATION BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM

Western Village Health Club 2015 S. BROADWAY, SUITE B, SANTA MARIA (805) 348-1888

wvhccustomerservice@gmail.com wvhealthclub.com @westernvillage_official facebook.com/ WesternVillageHealthClub

BEST GOLF COURSE

Alisal Ranch

1054 ALISAL ROAD, SOLVANG (805) 688-6042 reservations@alisal.com alisalranch.com @alisalranch facebook.com/ AlisalRanchResort

BEST HIKE

Wine Stone Inn

Los Flores Ranch Park

orcuttwinestone@gmail.com winestoneinn.com @winestoneinn facebook.com/WineStoneInn

losfloresranchpark@cityofsantamaria.org cityofsantamaria.org facebook.com/LosFloresRanch

255 W. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 332-3532

BEST STAYCATION

Wine Stone Inn 255 W. CLARK AVE., ORCUTT (805) 332-3532

orcuttwinestone@gmail.com winestoneinn.com @winestoneinn facebook.com/WineStoneInn

6271 DOMINION ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 938-7618

BEST HORSEBACK RIDING

Vino Vaqueros

6701 FOXEN CANYON ROAD, LOS OLIVOS (805) 944-0493 vinovaqueros@gmail.com vinovaqueros.com @vinovaqueroshorsebackriding facebook.com/VinovaquerosHorsebackRiding

RECREATION continued page 56

54 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

We provide comprehensive one-stop cleaning services • Janitorial Services • Move in / Move Out Cleaning California Style • Post-Construction Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Rain Gutter Cleaning FEATURING • Solar Panel Cleaning • Window Cleaning PIZZERIA AND CRAFT HOUSE

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PIZZA SINCE 1958

PIZZAS | WINGS | BAR BITES | SANDWICHES | CALZONES | SALADS | DESSERTS &

more!

VI S I T Services O N E O F O U R C E N T R A L COA ST LO CAT I O N S Commercial & Residential Cleaning

805-878-2885 • www.royalpanecleaningservices.com 2315 Meredith Lane Suite C, Santa Maria

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Thank you to our loyal MENEDSCENTRALCOAST.COM customers.

WITH OVER 40+ SELF-POUR TAPS AND AN INNOVATIVE SPIN ON THE CLASSICS

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www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 55

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

SECRET CITY PARK

BEST BEACH

Tucked away off Dominion Road, south of Santa Maria in the Solomon Hills, lies a Santa Maria city park: Los Flores Ranch Park. Touted as the first of its kind open space park in the Santa Maria Valley, it offers 22 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails (it has the Best Hiking).

Avila Beach

D

RECREATION from page 54

are I say Avila is the superior beach to Pismo Beach? Even

though cars are parked bumper to bumper in the afternoons, up the winding road that leads

BEST DOG PARK

to the beachfront, it’s possible to snag a convenient spot in

WOOF PAC Park at Waller Park 3107 ORCUTT ROAD, SANTA MARIA (805) 568-2460 contact@sbparks.org

BEST DAY TRIP

Los Alamos @losalamos.ca

the morning. The weather is warmer, the grassy familyfavorite picnic spot is cozy, and there are a plethora of cute eateries and cafes a hop, skip,

BEST CAMPGROUND

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

180 AVENUE OF FLAGS, BUELLTON (805) 688-3716 flyingflags@highwaywest.com flyingflags.com @flyingflags_buellton facebook.com/FlyingFlagsRVResort

BEST BEACH

Avila Beach

visitavilabeach.com @avilabeachca facebook.com/AvilaBeachCa

and a jump away. Beachgoers can also pop in to the Central Coast Aquarium and make a quick stop at the nearby Harford Seafood Company for fish and live-shucked oysters. Don’t

BEST BIKE TRAIL

Bob Jones Trail

forget to stop and admire the sea lions on the way.

—Bulbul

7001 ONTARIO ROAD, SLO

RECREATION continued page 58

Thanks a bunch for voting

Little Pete’s Farms BEST Farm/Produce Stand!

Our customers are the pick of the crop!

LOCATED AT 1550 CA-1 • SANTA MARIA 56 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

QUALITY MEAT AND FRESH PRODUCE GO HAND IN HAND At Your Local Spencer’s Fresh Markets

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www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 57

SHOP NOW

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To our customers, neighbors, family, EVERY DAY and friends, thank you for supporting our locally owned dispensary in the Santa Maria Valley.

Because of you, Root One continues to grow strong, stay independent, and keep the culture alive. Root One is in downtown Guadalupe. Come visit us, we are closer than you think.

SADDLE UP

Experience the Santa Ynez Valley on horseback with a 70-minute guided ride through the ranch and vineyard trails of Demetria Winery with Vino Vaqueros, which offers the Best Horseback Riding and some wine tasting, too, in northern Santa Barbara County.

save the date!

Smoke Local, Shop Local. Not Corporate.

RECREATION from page 56

thebobjonestrail@gmail.com thebobjonestrail.com facebook.com/BobJonesCitytoSeaTrail

GUADALUPE 2026 BEST BIKE SHOP 18th annualMain Street Cycles new times music awards

@ROOTONEDISPENSARY SLOCALROOTS.COM

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

928 GUADALUPE ST 805-219-0257

311 E. MAIN ST., SANTA MARIA (805) 922-5577 info@mainstreetcycles.com mainstreetcycles.com @mainstreetcycles facebook.com/ MainStreetCyclesSantaMaria

Cannabis has intoxicating effects. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of cannabis. Keep out of the reach of children

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58 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Natural Beauty Non-contact Delivery and Curbside pickup available.

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Place your order online or call 805.922.0578 2255 S Broadway, Santa Maria www.flowercarriage.net

Place your order online or call 805.922.0578

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 59

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 30, 2026

THROUGH THE EYES

See the work of one of Denmark’s most celebrated artists, Bjorn Wiinblad (1918-2006), during the opening reception of the exhibit, Through The Eyes of Wiinblad, on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang. This collection was donated to the Elverhøj Museum by William Derrenbacher and showcases Wiinblad’s “remarkable creativity and artistic range,” according to the museum. Visit elverhoj.org for additional viewing information.

—Angie Stevens PHOTO COURTESY OF BJORN WIINBLAD

ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

“ALONG THE HIGH EMBANKMENTS” AT PRESQU’ILE Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Presqu’ile present Cole Sternberg’s work along the high embankments, a free, self-guided installation. Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m.

Through Sept. 20. Free. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

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

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

DANCE AND MUSIC CLASSES KleinDance Arts offers various dance and music classes for a wide variety of ages! Visit the link for info! Mondays-Saturdays, 4-8 p.m.

(805) 268-2530. kleindancearts.com.

KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Classes available for all skill levels.

Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.

“POST-WILD: NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY” The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to present Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, a juried exhibition featuring artworks by 34 emerging and established Santa Barbara County artists. Co-curated

by Allan Hancock College Professor of Fine Arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the Office of Arts and Culture, the exhibition highlights artists working across painting, ceramics,

photography, digital media, and mixed media. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free. sbac.ca.gov/post-wild-nature-inthe-21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria.

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery display their works at the airport. Check website for monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

“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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN: ONWARD Between half a spell, a missing dad, and a quest through a once-magical world, Onward captures the kind of adventure that changes everything. Aug. 21, 7-9 p.m.

Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home.

The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.

BEEHIVE: THE ‘60S MUSICAL Beehive is a toe-tapping, heartwarming celebration of the songs, style, and sisterhood of the ‘60s—guaranteed to have you singing and dancing along. Wednesdays-Sundays, 8-9:55 p.m. through Aug. 23 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

DEMETRIA MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE VINEYARD: A FISH CALLED WANDA Join as Demetria Estate hosts a family-friendly movie nights featuring dinner, wine, and classic films. Watch A Fish Called Wanda.

The ticket includes dinner, wine, popcorn, and candy. Aug. 22, 6:30 p.m. $90. (805) 686-2345. demetriaestate.com/estateevents. Demetria Estate, 6701 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

THROUGH THE EYES OF WIINBLAD OPENING RECEPTION Discover the joyful world of one of Denmark’s most celebrated artists in Through the Eyes of Wiinblad.

Drawn from the extraordinary collection generously donated to Elverhøj Museum

by William Derrenbacher, this exhibition showcases the remarkable creativity and artistic range of Bjørn Wiinblad (1918–2006). Aug. 22, 4-6 p.m. elverhoj. org/. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, (805) 686-1211.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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.

60 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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.

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 WHEEL: DINNERWARE SERIES Enjoy a themed beginning wheel course. Hop on wheel to create a set of cups, plates bowls and more. Learn to glaze. Clay and firing is included. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $275. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CALL FOR ARTISTS SLO Gallery is now organizing small group exhibits for our central viewing area. One of the displayed artists will be a co-op member. The others can be local or visiting artists. Drop by the SLO Gallery to sign up and see which of our artists on display you may be interested in doing a group show with. Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, SLOgallery.com.

INDEX Arts......................................60 Culture & Lifestyle ..........62 Food & Drink .....................65 Music ..................................66

CLASSY ‘N SASSY FLORAL COLLAGE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this fourhour mixed media collage workshop, you will have many choices of hand painted papers to choose from. No experience is necessary, and beginners are welcome.

Aug. 22, 12:30-4 p.m. $45. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

DATE NIGHT POTTERY CLASS Join our couple’s pottery class to learn handbuilding and wheel throwing with an instructor. Glazing and firing are included.

Pick up pieces in three weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $160. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

DECORATIVE PLATTER: ANIMALS! Sculpt and glaze your own pet-themed decorative clay platter in this threesession course. Open to all ages and experience levels, bring pet photos and create! Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $85. app.acuityscheduling.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

THE FATHER: A TRAGIC FARCE Awardwinning and darkly funny, The Father immerses audiences in an 80-year-old man’s disorienting struggle as dementia slowly erodes his grip on reality. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through Sept. 13 $28$48. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/ the-father/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro 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.

IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE BUNKER SLO Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza—the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! Aug. 27, 6:15-8 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com.

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

INTRODUCTION TO METAL STAMPING WORKSHOP WITH THE JUNKGIRLS Come learn metal stamping! You will learn the basics to working with the metal and tools that make up this fun art form.

Aug. 22, 2-4:30 p.m. $125. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey 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.

MARCIE BEGLEITER AT SLOMA See Marcie Begleiter’s solo exhibition “Chimera: the Future of Nature” at SLOMA. Animation, photography and a large nature diorama. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays. through Oct. 17.

Free. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (310) 920-1656, sloma.org/exhibition/ marcie-begleiter/.

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

ARTS continued page 62

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www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 61

Hot Stuff

AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 30, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX

ARTS from page 60 NEUROGRAPHIC ART WORKSHOP WITH THE JUNKGIRLS Come learn this accessible practice that requires no artistic skill, focusing on the process of creation rather than the final result.

Aug. 29, 2-4:30 p.m. $65. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.

NOT FOR SALE: BARTER EXCHANGE This is your chance to negotiate a sweet trade for art by a collection of established California artists! Intrigued? Come find out! Mondays, Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Aug. 28 Free. (805) 546-3201. cuesta.edu/about/calendars/index.html? trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventi d%3D1407112356. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

PAINT PRE-MADE POTTERY Paint premade pottery at our studio. Choose a piece, get creative, and make family memories. Reserve your spot online today and enjoy some fun for all ages!

Mondays-Saturdays anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASSES Join our family pottery class! Learn to throw on the wheel or build by hand.

All ages are welcome. Saturdays, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. $45. 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.

ULTIMATE FUNNY COMPETITION AT THE BUNKER Join us for another thrilling match in our UFC improv battle!

This head-to-head short form improv showdown pits quick-thinking performers against each other in a high-energy battle of wit, creativity, and laughs.

Teams will face off in fast-paced games, taking bold risks and big swings as they compete for audience favor and bragging rights. By the end of the night, only one team will be crowned the victor—you decide who! Aug. 21, 6:15-8 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

“PEACEFUL HARBOR” : A GROUP

C

PHOTOGRAPHY rallybound.org/. Mission org/. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana SHOW Nine gallery St., Nipomo.

Hope Cancer Center, 1325 photographers East Church St., Santa 3RD ANNUAL CYPRESS RIDGE FIT explore Central Coast Maria.

FOREVER GYM ARTISAN MARKET It’s waterscapes and sunsets time for the 3rd Annual Cypress Ridge FEEL GOOD YOGA in “Peaceful Harbor,” a Fit Forever Gym Artisan Market by the Tuesdays, Thursdays, group show capturing lake. This event highlights talented 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) the ocean’s calm and 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. artists in our community, and we are the wildlife along its thrilled by its growing success as more Oasis Center, 420 Soares shoreline. Through people come out to show their support.

Ave., Orcutt.

Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

In addition to traditional artisan crafts, GROUP WALKS AND Free. (808) 772-1068. we have expanded our offerings to HIKES Check website galleryatmarinasquare. include ceramics, driftwood designs, for the remainder of com. Gallery at Marina natural beauty products, handcrafted this year’s group hike Square, 601 Embarcadero accessories, exotic floral arrangements, dates and private hike suite 10, Morro Bay. and much more. Food and drinks will be offerings. (805) 343available for purchase, including Mexican CELEBRATE COSTA 2455. dunescenter.org.

GALLERY’S 6TH Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes cuisine, artisan coffee, and delectable ANNIVERSARY WITH baked goods. Come picnic in the shade Center, 1065 Guadalupe THREE EXHIBITS Visit of the cypress trees — we hope to see St., Guadalupe. the 6th anniversary and you there! Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

SANTA MARIA artist reception, with FItForever Gym (Outdoor Lakeside Garden TOASTMASTERS Develop musician Jill Knight and Patio), 1080 Cypress Ridge Parkway, your public speaking refreshments. View Arroyo Grande, (805) 720-0582. skills at this club meeting. three new exhibits until BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS Fourth Tuesday of every Sept. 6, titled “Legends,” AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) “Body,” and “Explosive.” packages available daily. All equipment 570-0620. Santa Maria Thursdays-Sundays, 11 included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) Airport, 3217 Terminal a.m.-4 p.m. through Sept.

835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf Drive, Santa Maria.

6 Free. (559) 799-9632.

School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Celebrate National Dog Day with a party at Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs facebook.com/events/s/ Beach.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y Resort and Spa in San Luis Obispo on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m.

This free celebrate-costa-gallerysBEGINNER WESTERN LINE DANCE family-friendly event will include a Four-Legged Fashion Show, along with giveaways, GOING BATTY AT THE 6th-a/2190641115065150/.

CLASS All levels are welcome, with a NATURE CENTER Going Costa Gallery, 2087 10th dog-themed cocktails, and tasty bites. Head to my805tix.com for additional details. focus on beginners. Bring your boots and Batty consists of weekly St., Los Osos.

—A.S. water. Plan accordingly, arrive by 12:45 talks and observation CHERYL BARTON p.m. to get registered. Fourth Tuesday of of hundreds of native POCHOIR PRINTMAKING every month, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. (805) 929California Myotis bats.

DEMO Cheryl Barton will be woven together the visual and emotional with a potential partner, conversation 1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/. Nipomo Fridays, Saturdays. through Sept.

6 Free. demonstrating the use of the pochoir shapes every relationship in your life. The richness of shadow, from intimate and Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.

(805) 693-0691. clnaturecenter.org.

Neal printmaking technique to create designs ability to create meaningful conversation introspective studies to bold, dramatic BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, with various colors and depth. All levels opens the door to deeper friendships, compositions that captivate and unsettle. the grace and flow of ballet. No previous are welcomed. Aug. 23, 1-3 p.m. Free. stronger communities, new opportunities, Santa Barbara.

Through Sept. 14, 12-4 p.m. Free. experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15(805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/ SPEAKER SERIES SPONSORED BY and a richer social life.

Aug. 29, 5-7 p.m.

(805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art 6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes.

THE FRIENDS OF THE BUELLTON workshops. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 $23.27. my805tix.com.

Oak Folk Studio, Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach LIBRARY: JAMES BIER, DIRECTOR OF Main St., Morro Bay. 4850 South Bradley Road, Suite B, MORRO BAY COMEDY NIGHT WITH Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., THE CHUMASH MUSEUM & CULTURAL Santa Maria, (805) 270-3278.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features RICK IZQUIETA Hear headliner Rick Grover Beach.

CENTER Building a Living Museum: works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other BRUNCH AND BROWSE Shop and Izquietais, a regular at The Improv, Ice The Journey of the Santa Ynez Chumash BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize local artists, and artists from southern and House, and Carnival Cruise lines. explore, while supporting amazing local Museum and Cultural Center. Aug. 28, your potential through individualized northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, Aug. 21, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. talent. Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 7-8 p.m. sites.google.com/view/foblmeditation instruction with an 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 925-0951 ext 1635. cityofsantamaria.org/.

The Nauti Anchor Bar, 2940 Main Street, buellton/events. Buellton Library, experienced teacher via Zoom. This class 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Morro Bay. 202 Dairyland Rd, Buellton, (805) 688-3115. is for those who wish to begin a practice 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

Santa Maria. or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible FEATURED ARTIST VIRGINIA MACK DAY OF HOPE 2026 Join the 13th annual SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email Watercolorist Virginia Mack paints the Day of Hope. Aug. 26, 7 a.m.-noon 2ND FREE LEGAL CLINIC REGISTRATION or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, Central Coast’s shifting light and color, Free. (805) 739-3595. dayofhope2026.

(LEGAL TEAM: FREDERICK & TINDULA 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. drawing on decades of kayaking the bay rallybound.org/. Mission Hope Cancer LAW FIRM) Part of our Health Wellness (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. and teaching studio art in the region.

Center, 1325 East Church St., Santa Maria. and You Program, seniors 50 years and Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

DAY OF HOPE CAR SHOW 2026 Get ready older can call the number provided after DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

2 p.m., leave a message for Dave, and to rev your engines for a cause! We’re FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form Gallery at Marina Square, THE ART OF CONVERSATION Whether thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Day mention the free legal clinic. Mondaysof artistic expression and exercise, using 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. you’re meeting someone for the first time, of Hope Car Show. Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fridays, 2-7 p.m. through Sept. 28 Free.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 63 Free. (805) 739-3595. dayofhope2026.

IN THE SHADOW EXHIBIT Artists have catching up with an old friend, or talking (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.

S LO

DOG DAYS

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

ING AUG

. 1

THE GREAT AMERICAN

UP NEXT!

AUG. 7 - SEP 19 Professional Live Theatre!

Fun for ages 5 to 105!

1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA 3 miles south of Pismo Beach

www.AmericanMelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

SHOW TIMES

Final 4 Shows 62 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Wednesday - Friday: 7pm Saturday: 2pm to 7pm Sunday: 6pm CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday

In 1938 at station WBFR, a live radio broadcast faces chaos with picketing musicians, a dwindling crew, and the rumored death of the leading lady, whose body has disappeared. The remaining staff must continue with various programs while solving the mystery all while staying on the air!!

Hot Stuff

AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 30, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHT STATION

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 62 a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic).

Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

EPIC DJ TRIVIA Don’t miss DJ Trivia. It’s free, and prizes for the top three teams will be awarded.

Bring your family and friends! Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Grover Station Grill, 170 W Grand Ave, #101, Grover Beach, (805) 489-3030, EpicDJTrivia.com.

FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE LIBRARY ART AUCTION An auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various.

(310) 384-6912. app.galabid.com/aglibrary/ items. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

LA CONVERSACIÓN La Conversación is a group for practicing Spanish. There’s no homework or lessons, just conversation. Beginners to native speakers, all levels are welcome! Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (805) 748-9123. Coffee Bean, 354 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach. Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free.

Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.

MAKERS MARKET: STONE SOUP Discovery Center is having a Makers Market, where kids sell what they have created. Shop food, drinks, arts, and crafts. Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

(805) 698-7351. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org.

Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NATIONAL DOG DAY PAW-TY! This public and family-friendly celebration includes a FourLegged Fashion Show, wag-worthy giveaways, and tasty drinks and bites. Don’t miss this barking good time for dogs and the people who love them! Aug. 26, 5-7 p.m. Free. my805tix. com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

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

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean.

Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. and Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $15 per class or $60 for five-class card. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

SACRED SOUND PORTAL WITH DEE DIGIOIA AT THE PORTAL PISMO BEACH Whether local or visiting, reset your mind and body with an immersive sound bath near the ocean to release tension, quiet thoughts, and find peace.

Fourth Saturday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m. $23-$34.

(805) 270-5523. my805tix.com. The Portal at Living Energy, 649 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach.

SACRED SOUNDS PORTAL: PISMO BEACH Begin your weekend by diving deep into a sanctuary of restoration for a profound inner exploration a “soul-cation”! Located just blocks from the rhythmic, grounding pulse of the Pacific Ocean and nestled within the vibrant, crystal-infused space of The Portal at Living Energies, Sacred Sounds Portal is a monthly morning retreat designed to realign your mind, body, and spirit. Aug. 22, 9-10:30 a.m. $23.27$33.98. my805tix.com. The Portal at Living Energy, 649 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach, (805) 433-7685.

SCIENCE AFTER DARK AUGUST: JOHN LINDSEY Join us for local wine and heavy appetizers from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. while you tour the aquarium. Coffee, tea and desserts upstairs to follow with our guest speakers for Scuba Night beginning at 7 p.m.

FREE

Music at the Point

Local

Musicians

Admission

August Hazard Canyon Sun, Aug 23 Jill Knight Band Sat, Aug 29 Joy Polloi Sun, Aug 30 Electric Lavender Train Sat, Aug 22

September Jill Knight Band Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeno Jam Mon, Sept 7 Burning James Band Sat, Sept 5

Sun, Sept 6

LIGHT STATION WANDERINGS

Hike to the Piedras Blancas Light Station in San Simeon as part of the historic site’s open house on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about the light station’s history and the local ecology, flora, and fauna from the docents and staff, while wandering the light station grounds. The event is free, but donations help support restoration efforts and maintenance. More information can be found at piedrasblancas.org.

—A.S. Aug. 25, 5:30-8 p.m. $23.27-$33.98. my805tix. com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7280.

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

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. MondaysFridays $160-$190. (805) 481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

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.

DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT BBQ AND ESTATE SALE END CHILD EXPLOITATION Gift bags, hundreds of prizes for kids activities while parents listen to law enforcement from front lines of rescues. Food, fun, family, love, and comrade. Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $15.

(805) 769-5675. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led

by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP The Healing Depression Support Group is a safe place to share with others who are suffering from or have recovered from the pain of depression. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Jan. 11 Free. (805) 528-3194. 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.

HOW WE MET: LIVE DATING SHOW Join for a fun night of romance, rejection, and unexpected chemistry, where singles take a chance and sparks may fly. Aug. 22, 8 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. SLO Cider, 3419 Roberto Court, San Luis Obispo.

LEARN BEFORE YOU LEAP: REALITIES OF STARTING A NONPROFIT Learn what’s involved in forming and maintaining a nonprofit and whether there’s a better way to serve your passion. Admission is free for spokes members. Aug. 27, 10:30 a.m.-noon $45.

(805) 547-2244. SLO Rep/ACT Headquarters, 3533 Empleo Street, 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.

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

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/.

Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

REPLACING A LAWN WITH CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS Hear step-by-step instructions for replacing a lawn, including native plant recommendations. There is an optional 9:30 a.m. tour of the local wholesale nursery to see possible options. More details are on the website. Aug. 29, 2-4 p.m. Free.

(805) 459-2103. cnpsslo.org. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing weekly fresh flower market, open to the public.

Enjoy the historic gardens with local blooms from nine local flower farmers. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Nov. 5 Free. sloflowercollective.com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO MOTION TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Come join us in person or online to improve your speaking and leadership skills in a positive and fun environment!

Mondays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slomotion. toastmastersclubs.org/. Caltrans Midway Building “Sand” Conference Room, 2885 South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 835-6580.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime. toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY Head to this free event with naloxone (Narcan).

Enjoy a resource fair, presentations, activities, and food for purchase. Bring photos and art to share. Aug. 29, 12-3 p.m.

Free. sloendoverdose.org/. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

TAKING A LIKIN’ TO THE LICHENS OF SLO COUNTY Join Michael Mulroy for an overview of our regional lichen biota and their important contributions to habitats and ecosystems. Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-noon Free.

(805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org.

Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TOUR DE SRAM Join this fundraiser benefiting World Bicycle Relief hosted by SRAM! There will be tacos, drinks, facility tours, a silent auction, and more! See website for more details. Aug. 22, 3-7 p.m. Free. powerofbicycles.org/fundraisers/ tourdesram. SRAM, 4720 Allene Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-8030.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 65

805-927-4502

www.raggedpointinn.com 19019 CA Highway 1 Ragged Point, CA

Scan for details and updates

ALL TICKETS. ONE PLACE.

ON SALE NOW!

WE SHOULD BE SOCIAL Saturday, August 29 • 5-7pm Oak Folk Studio, Santa Maria TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

MY805TIX.COM Does your organization sell tickets?

Get more exposure and sell more tickets with a local media partner. Call 805-546-8208 for more info.

www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 63

DJ

Fight Night XI

Bight Presents: One Ocean Film Festival

Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

Live at the Lighthouse Concert Series

Ultimate Funny Competition

SLO Oktoberfest

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Avila Beach Golf Resort, Avila Beach

Ultra Live at the Pour House

&

Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Shamanic Morning Rituals for Vitality

Morro Bay Comedy Night with Rick Izquieta

End of Summer Luau

NOW - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Atascadero Printery Foundation

NOW - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 The Bunker SLO, SLO

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 The Pour House, Paso Robles

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Aurora Sacred Events, Morro Bay

Experiencia Bamboo: Intimate Fine Dining

Saltwound Cultist

Stephen Styles Live

How We Met: Live Dating Show

Sacred Sounds Portal

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 The Nauti Anchor, Morro Bay

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Paso Bamboo, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 SLO Cider, SLO

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Portal at Living Energy, Pismo Beach

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill

Brainsoil IX: Encore Seed & Cycle

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Drew Davis Fine Art, SLO

Whale Codes: Meditation & Singing

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 Morro Bay Whale Watching

Share the Care - A Benefit for 805undocufund SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 The Rock, SLO

Rockin’ the Ranch: Neighborhood Katz

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 Filipponi Ranch, SLO

Science After Dark John Lindsey

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

Plant Bingo with Peaceful Plants

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 The Backyard on 13th, Paso Robles

Chakra Meditation & Breath-work for Vitality

Playhouse at Sea

Improv Extravaganza

Talie & The Troublemakers

Morro Bay Comedy Night with Tommy Lama

Texas Voodoo: Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn & Hendrix

Beer Yoga at Naughty Oak

Rockin’ the Ranch: Spanky Paul Band

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 Aurora Meditation & Rituals, Morro Bay

The Art of Conversation

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Oak Folk Studio, Santa Maria

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 Morro Bay Whale Watching

Nada Rasta Live

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 The Pour House, Paso Robles

64 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 The Bunker, SLO

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Scan QR code to sign up for the weekly Ticket Wire newsletter and get all the latest events each Wednesday.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 The Nauti Anchor, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Naughty Oak Brewing Co, Orcutt

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 The Stockyard, Orcutt

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Filipponi Ranch, SLO

SELL TICKETS WITH US! 805-546-8208 INFO@MY805TIX.COM

Tent City Limits Concerts at The Printery

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

The Mac & Cheese Festival 2026

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FEATURED EVENTS

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Hot Stuff

AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 30, 2026

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 63 with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m.

Tours are free; donations are appreciated.

Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free.

GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own.

Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

YOUR CITY, YOUR VOICE: GIVING PUBLIC COMMENT THAT COUNTS This event will help community members understand how to access public meeting information, practice giving public comment, stay informed, and feel more confident participating. Aug. 27, 5:30-8 p.m. (805) 781-7073. slocity.org. San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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

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

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

HIKE-IN OPEN HOUSE Enjoy the scenery on an easy hike to the Piedras Blancas Light Station and learn about the light station’s history and local ecology. Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

(805) 927-7361. piedrasblancas.org/ hike-in-open-house. Piedras Blancas Light Station, 15950 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals

that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel.

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

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

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people?

Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111.

Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

urbanhomesteadings.com. Los Alamos Coffee & Tea, 315 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

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

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

(805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com.

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

SOURDOUGH AT GROWING GROUNDS FARM Urban Homesteadings, your local female veteran owned sourdough specialty shop is at GrowingGroundsFarm. org. Veterans and first responders get a free cookie! Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. through June 30 Free. (805) 8656318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) Thursdays to meet and chat with the 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30.MUSICTHURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, BEER YOGA AT NAUGHTY OAK Jenn’s FLAVOR/EATS 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

Beer Yoga is always a great way to start WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check your day! @getzen_w_jenn will lead you through the most fun you’ll ever have at INFO Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ CALENDAR orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

WINE TASTING AT AHC WINERY Head to Send event information to calendar@ OPINION Building O, Room 211, and use parking lot santamariasun.com. seven. Stop by the Allan Hancock College Winery and taste some of our awardNEWSwinning, student-made wines! Tasting yoga. All levels are welcome. Aug. 30, 11 flights are $5 and complimentary for a.m.-noon $25.78. my805tix.com. Naughty Wine Club members. Aug. 21, 2-5:30 p.m.

STROKES Oak Brewing Co., grace.wearda@hancockcollege.edu. Allan 165 S. Broadway St. suite 102, Orcutt.

Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ARTS ORO Featured vendors in the series SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, FARM-TO-FORK DINNER AT ROBLAR Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more.

WINERY Join for the summertime Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays counterpart to our highly-acclaimed (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

Holiday Winemaker Dinner! Our Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Winemaker, Max Marshak, will share the Ave., Santa Maria. secrets of his vinification methodology as FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE you enjoy dishes crafted by our Executive INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, Chef, Terri Buzzard, using ingredients 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, sourced from our very own Roblar Farm, all winestoneinn.com/. mindfully paired with our delectable wines.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ This is a celebration of our Farm-to-Fork Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen + Vine-to-Glass ethos underpinning stays open late. Come out and sing your everything we do at Gleason Family favorite song. Fridays, Vineyards. Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m. $165-$225.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town (805) 686-2603. roblarwinery.com. Roblar Center, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez.

LA DOLCE VITA: SOURDOUGH PASTA MAKING WITH URBAN SOURDOUGH AT BUELLTON FARMER’S HOMESTEADINGS Join us for a fun MARKET Shop from Urban Homesteadings, night! Sign up before Aug. 14 with a the female, veteran-owned sourdough friend and save $30! Message us for specialty shop, at Buellton Farmer’s Market. more info! Aug. 29, noon (805) 865-6318.

FOOD & DRINK

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Featured Events

Best of SLO County Winners Party

If I Only Had a Song

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

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Community Presbyterian, Cambria

NMF Smoke Show Burnout Competition

Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

FRIDAY, NOV. 27 - SUNDAY, DEC. 20

Santa Margarita Ranch

Santa Margarita Ranch

Spread the word!

FOOD & DRINK continued page 66

DENTAL CARE for the whole family!

NEW Patient

SPECIAL!

Serenity Sound Journey

Ingested

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 La Lomita Ranch, SLO

First Fridays Comedy in Atascadero

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Pops by the Sea: Symphony Remix

Brass Mash First Friday

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 SLO Brew Rock

That’s So Drag: A Late Night Dance Party

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Decades HiFi Lounge, Atascadero

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Avila Beach Golf Course

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

CheeHoo Foundation Luau Party

Otter 501 Film Screening

2026 Central Coast Cooking Show

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 The Stockyard, Orcutt

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Idler’s Home, Paso Robles

Butterfly Ball CCSPA’s 50th Year Anniversary

Carbon City Lights in the Grove

Pickle Festival Fundraiser 2026

129

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Octagon Barn, SLO

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Bamboo Farm & Nursery, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Madonna Inn Expo Center, SLO

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www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 65

Hot Stuff

AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 30, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE

RAISE A GLASS

Allan Hancock College’s winery in Santa Maria invites the public to taste its award-winning student-made wines on Friday, Aug. 21, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Tasting flights are free for wine club members and $5 for nonmembers. The winery is located at 800 S. College Drive, Building O, Room 211. Head to hancockcollege.edu for more information.

—A.S.

FOOD & DRINK from page 65 Mondays, 3-7 p.m. Through Oct. 5 Free.

(805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings. com. Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, Buellton.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages.

Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

Explore Our Ocean’s Wonders on Stearns Wharf!

Get up close with sharks and sea stars at the Sea Center’s interactive exhibits.

66 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Learn more

ART OF TEA: HISTORY, CULTURE, TASTING, AND MORE This two-day tea immersion includes guided education and tasting led by professional tea sommelier, Jen de Tréglodé . Aug. 23, 9 a.m.-noon $120. (619) 807-7006. sichuankitchenslo.com. Sichuan Kitchen, 2078 Parker Street, San Luis Obispo.

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

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winners. BYO food.

Third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free.

(805) 292-1500. Two Broads Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

SLO FARMERS MARKET Hosts more than 60 vendors. Saturdays, 8-10:45 a.m.

World Market Parking Lot, 325 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SURF N’ TURF ON THE RANCH Join us for our first Surf N’ Turf at La Lomita Ranch—a laid-back summer gathering with a touch of coastal cowboy charm.

Aug. 22, 3-5 p.m. $59. (805) 706-8034. exploretock.com. La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo.

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA Join us for

trivia every Thursday evening, hosted by Bottlecraft! Enjoy prizes, beer, wine, and food from the Market Hall! Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

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WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEATURING OPOLO VINEYARDS Join for an unforgettable evening at Cambria Pines Lodge as we welcome Opolo Vineyards for a signature Winemaker’s Dinner in our outdoor Pavilion Garden. Aug. 30, 5:30-8 p.m. $130. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

WOOD-FIRED PIZZA NIGHTS AT CAMBRIA PINES LODGE Join us every Friday for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and festivities at the Pizza Nook at Cambria Pines Lodge! Fridays, 5-9 p.m. through Sept. 25 Free. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various local musicians rotate each

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

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more.

Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html.

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

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details.

Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m.

(805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

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.

TEXAS VOODOO: TRIBUTE TO STEVIE RAY VAUGHN AND JIMI HENDRIX For one night only see the incredible Texas Voodoo, a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix live at the Stockyard!

Aug. 29, 1 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com.

The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

THE CAVERNS PRESENT: LED ZEPPELIN II Experience the raw power of Led Zeppelin II performed live from start to finish by The Caverns’. Aug. 29, 7:30-10 p.m. $40. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT REFUGIO RANCH VINEYARDS TASTING

MUSIC continued page 67

Hot Stuff MUSIC from page 66 The Refugio Ranch Tasting Room features live music every weekend this summer. Join us to enjoy the atmosphere and our seasonal summer menu. Through Aug. 30. (805) 697-5289. refugioranch.com/events. Refugio Ranch Tasting Room, 2990 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

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

WE LC OME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM TICKETS ARE GOING FAST

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

BLONDE AMBITION: THE MADONNA TRIBUTE Don’t miss Blonde Ambition: The Madonna Tribute at the Stone Soup Music Festival & Street Fair in Grover Beach. Aug. 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Free. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Ramona Garden Park, 933 W. Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

EASTON EVERETT Hear Easton Everett live! Aug. 26, 3-5 p.m.

Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.

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.

NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Celebrate summer at Nipomo’s free Concerts in the Park series, with live bands, local food, dancing, and unforgettable evenings with friends, family, and neighbors every week. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 Free. (805) 929-5437. nipomorecreation.com/.

Nipomo Regional Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.

STONE SOUP MUSIC FESTIVAL & STREET FAIR Enjoy music, food, booths, and more at the Stone Soup Music Festival & Street Fair, a Grover Beach tradition! Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Aug. 30, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Ramona Garden Park, 933 W. Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE PAT KELLEY TRIO AT JAZZ VESPERS Masterful jazz guitarist Pat Kelley leads trio with Dylan Johnson and Darrell Voss in concert in a sweet acoustic space.

Reception to follow. Aug. 23, 4-5:15 p.m. Free. (805) 543-5451. fpcslo.org. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: NEIGHBORHOOD KATZ Aug. 23, 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: SPANKY PAUL BAND Aug. 30, 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

SALTWOUND AND CULTIST LIVE Aug. 22, 5 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

SAXOPHONE SUMMIT: CELEBRATING CHARLIE PARKER Join us for the inaugural concert of the Central Coast Saxophone Coalition, celebrating Charlie Parker’s 106th birthday! Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. $10-$40. (805) 546-3198.

Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

SHARE THE CARE: A BENEFIT FOR 805UNDOCUFUND Join for an evening of live music, connection, and giving back as The Bomb Cyclone Unit and SLO Brew present a benefit concert supporting 805 UndocuFund, an organization dedicated to providing critical assistance to undocumented individuals and families throughout the Central Coast. Aug. 23, 5-9 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Place, San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

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NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

“SHANTY-SING” AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM Join this sing along at a “Shanty-Sing” hosted by the Morro Bay Shanty Project. Learn family-friendly sea songs that are both historical and hysterical. Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-noon Free.

Morro Bay Maritime Museum, 1154 Front St., Morro Bay. EASTON EVERETT Enjoy guitar-woven neo-folk pop, noteworthy singing, and writing. Aug. 29, 6-8 p.m.

The Clubhouse Grill at Sea Pines, 250 Howard Ave., Los Osos, (805) 528-2333.

MUSIC AT THE ROCK With conductor Keith Waibel, join the Morro Bay White Caps for a delightful concert including pops, jazz, and classical tunes on the South T-Pier. Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. (805) 459-9543. morrobaywhitecaps.com. Embarcadero Morro Bay, The corner of Embarcadero and Front Street, Morro Bay. PLAYHOUSE AT SEA Join us for approximately three-hours on a one-of-a-kind improv musical experience that combines beats, live instrumentation and featured vocalists. Aug. 26, 5:30-9 p.m. $49.74. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Whale Watching, 699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. m

AU G U S T 28

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Serving Your Employment Law Needs Throughout California www.santamariasun.com • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • Sun • 67

Arts

ART SCENE PHOTOS BY MADISON WHITE

ARTS BRIEFS See All That Remains by an Ojai painter at Hancock’s gallery

Para la comunidad

Learn more about Corazón del Pueblo or make a donation at corazondelpueblo.org. Follow on Instagram @culturalandcreativearts for updates on future events.

COURTESY IMAGE BY TOM PAZDERKA

Artist Tom Pazderka’s solo exhibition will be up at Allan Hancock College starting on Aug. 24. Wander into the Ann Foxworthy Gallery (Building L) to see his work through Oct. 2, and don’t miss the reception on Sept. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Pazderka titled the show All That Remains, combining paintings from two separate series of his, Nostalgie and Family Album.

“Making art feels like a drive, like an unconscious drive,” Pazderka said in press materials. “The urge to go into the studio and paint something is like a response to hunger in a way.”

The artist began incorporating ash into his works a decade ago after witnessing wildfire effects in Santa Barbara County.

Long interested in nature, he blends ash and charcoal into oil paint on charred wooden boards.

In The Hike (pictured), an excerpt from Family Album, Pazderka imagined his grandmother in the forest with one of her friends.

“The painting is a form of remembering but also a way of exploring those images for myself and imagining those places as somehow becoming part of me,” the artist said in press materials.

For more information about the gallery, email Co-Director Elizabeth Russell at erussell@hancockcollege.edu or visit hancockcollege.edu/gallery/index.php. See the show Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Buellton Rec brings new theater classes for kids

PHOTO COURTESY OF BUELLTON REC

In the spring, Buellton students put on a production of Annie (pictured), but opportunities for singing and dancing are far from over. This fall, elementary students are invited to sign up for drama workshops made possible by a partnership between Buellton Rec and the Adderley School for the Performing Arts.

“Classes use a method where all kids receive positive mentorship, and all kids have their solo moment onstage to shine,” the city said in a newsletter. “Using songs and scenes from popular Broadway shows and movie musicals, Adderley instructors instill confidence and joy in every student, helping them discover and develop their unique talents and realize their potential onstage and in life!”

For ages 5 to 7, rehearsals for Moana begin on Sept. 11 every Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Buellton Recreation Center (301 2nd St.). Dec. 11 is the last class. The workshop costs $585 and can be paid in three installments.

Wicked is the production that 8-to-11-year-olds will perform. Rehearsals also begin on Sept. 11 and continue every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Enrollment costs $825 and can be divided up into three installments, too.

Final performances for both age groups are to be determined but are scheduled for the middle of December.

Registration is available online at buelltonrec.com.

The Adderley School is a conservatory that has a presence in multiple states including California, Connecticut, and Texas. To learn more about the organization, visit theadderleyschool.org. ❍ Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send everything drama, art, and music to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

CON AMOR: Alicia Blanco, Esmeralda Garcia, and Elena Pérez (from left to right) helped make two arts programs possible at Corazón del Pueblo. They and their families have experiences as indigenous migrants working in the fields.

Están aquí

panel discussion for the artists, their families, and higher education leaders, planned for the evening of Aug. 18, after the Sun’s deadline. The artwork will be up at Allan Hancock College’s Boyd Hall until Aug. 21.

This year was the first time Corazón del Pueblo hosted a joint event for Nuestra Lotería and a brand-new project in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara researchers called Photo Voices. At the public exhibit and panel discussion, high schoolers planned to share their experiences in both programs and reflect on what it means to be indigenous migrant farmworkers today. Paintings from Nuestra Lotería (a recurring project reimagining Mexican bingo) and photographs from Photo Voices were on display.

Blanco’s square shows a young boy hiding under his desk and a bullet-ridden American flag.

Other students painted scenes of sexism, labor abuse, and immigration enforcement raids.

Blanco said she was looking forward to hearing stories from her peers about their lives at the exhibition. Her parents are farmworkers, and though she doesn’t work in the fields herself, Blanco has other responsibilities.

“Somebody has to take care of the house when everybody is gone, so during the summers, I do all the chores around the house.

I think people don’t really understand that, so Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ just sharing our story and also my peers sharing santamariasun.com. their stories, … everybody hearing what our life looks like as students and children of farmworkers,” Blanco said.

The Righetti student also participated in Photo Voices and documented some of her goals, like pursuing a higher education and excelling professionally.

Seven students enrolled in Photo Voices earlier this year, and they’ll continue on to the second phase later in August to learn about editing. They got personal instruction from researchers with the UC Santa Barbara Community Labor Center. The students have met every other week since March to dissect their pictures and talk about their meanings.

NUEVA PERSPECTIVA: New this year, the Photo For Esmeralda Garcia, executive Voices program was a collaboration between Corazón director of Corazón del Pueblo, the new del Pueblo and researchers at UC Santa Barbara. High program is another way for her students school students in Santa Maria photographed meaningful to express themselves and contribute scenes and shared their stories with researchers. to meaningful academic research in

Corazón del Pueblo displays paintings and photos by migrant farmworking students

BY MADISON WHITE

I

n the second or third grade, Alicia Blanco took cover in her elementary school classroom amid the chaos of a shooting threat. Her family had just moved to Santa Maria from Mexico, and Blanco, now 16, didn’t realize how frequent lockdowns would become at school.

“People would just be messing around. I thought it was serious,” Blanco remembered. “I guess it really impacted me in a way. I couldn’t understand how somebody would joke about something like that.”

The incoming junior at Ernest Righetti High School chose to depict a school lockdown in her painting for Nuestra Lotería, a project organized

by Corazón del Pueblo. The nonprofit is a cultural arts center that supports indigenous migrant farmworking youth in the Santa Maria Valley.

Nuestra Lotería was one of two projects that the nonprofit featured at an exhibition and

LOS CAMPOS: This Nuestra Lotería panel depicts the valley’s agricultural roots, but other artists explore themes like social justice and public safety.

68 • Sun • August 20 - August 27, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

their communities. She said their creativity is inspiring.

“I knew that when researchers want to support field workers, what better way than connecting with field workers? Especially the students that work in the fields because they have a lot to tell,” Garcia said. “We don’t have enough spaces for them to tell their stories in order for them to also advocate for their own families, especially now, more than ever, with all these attacks to our people.”

One of Garcia’s priorities is to provide space for the students to process their emotions through art and foster a safe space for everyone.

The director feels that by hosting the event at Hancock this year, she’s creating a bridge for their academic paths. Garcia said it’s a “huge step” for the program.

“We wanted to make sure that we can support our students to feel valued, included, and safe on a higher education campus,” Garcia explained.

Elena Pérez is a recent Santa Maria High School graduate who’ll attend Hancock in the fall. She participated in Photo Voices, an experience she said was “bastante buena.” It helped her understand that every picture has a backstory, whereas before, looking at photos could be superficial: “Me hizo ver que las fotografías siempre tienen una historia,” Pérez said. “Porque antes de entrar en ese programa, yo simplemente miraba una foto y ya.”

She was inspired to photograph her siblings and parents who work alongside her in the fields. Another image that stood out to her was from a field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

One message Pérez wanted to convey through her art is the balancing act that many students experience. They’re expected to do well in school and participate in extracurricular activities, but many kids like her are busy working when they aren’t in class, she explained.

Plus, the language barrier creates distance. It’s not that they aren’t trying to succeed, but sometimes it’s hard to concentrate in class due to external stressors: “No me puedo concentrar al cien por ciento en mis clases. Entonces, me gustaría que los maestros entendieran que sus estudiantes también tienen una vida difícil,” Pérez said.

The new Hancock student said she’d like to see more spaces that support indigenous farmworking youth and their families.

“I agree with her,” Blanco responded. “There’s lack of support in the community. People really try to ignore it, but it’s like, that’s really all Santa Maria is. Just ag fields.

“So, have more people really look at what’s right in front of you. Look around.” ❍

Film

SUN SCREEN

Jurassic suburb

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

D

more surprise in the third act, and without it, I’d have said to skip this one, but it’s worth a matinee or at least a stream.

Anna: You can pretty much talk me into any movie if you mention there are dinosaurs. I mean, I’ve seen every Jurassic Park movie that’s part of the original franchise, even the truly terrible ones! That said, there must be more to a film than chomping monsters, and luckily for The End of Oak Street, we do manage to become invested in the Platt family’s fate.

Younger brother Brian loves his dog Starbuck Glen: This film is going for full Spielberg. Set (played by good boy Brisket) and spends the in 1982, it’s got that E.T. vibe right down to kids film trying to find him in this new, terrifying on Schwinn bicycles wearing tube socks. It even world while also trying to dodge the revengeborrows tricks from Jaws. When Greg is being seeking older brother of a pursued by a dinosaur on the kid who got injured by a other side of a fence, you don’t dumb prank Brian played. It see the animal, just the swing THE END OF OAK STREET definitely has coming-of-age sets, lawn furniture, and trees What’s it rated? PG-13 vibes for the kids, and the it knocks into the air as it What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it family itself is a very relatable comes after him. There’s also What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee snapshot of middle America. a little Back to the Future vibe, Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards Dad is kind, but also kind of and obviously Jurassic Park.

RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, a drunk, and kind of bad at There are dinosaurs, after all.

Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande keeping a job. Mom is put There’s also family tension to upon and repressed and lives deal with. Greg and Denise a fantasy life in the pages of the book she’s are having marital issues, and their kids know covertly writing. The dinos take a back seat it, raising the emotional stakes of the story. The as these characters get established, but once setup is effective, but once they’re all running for their lives, it begins to feel repetitive, as if the their world has shifted, the film becomes much film has run out of things to say, but “Hey, here’s more what you mentioned—running about, screaming each other’s names, and trying to more dino action.” It does manage to throw one avid Robert Mitchell (It Follows, Under Silver Lake) wrote and directed this sci-fi dinosaur thriller about the Platt family—aspiring novelist Denise (Anne Hathaway), husband Greg (Ewan McGregor), and children Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery)—who after some kind of cosmic event discovers their suburban neighborhood has been transplanted to a strange and dangerous place. Their only hope for survival is to work together. (99 min.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

A TOXIC LOVE STORY

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix

TRAPPED IN TIME: When their suburban neighborhood is transported into the past, the Platt family must survive dinosaurs, in The End of Oak Street, screening in local theaters.

outrun the new neighbors.

Glen: I’ll also say, I’ve seen better CGI dinosaurs, and I prefer a mix of practical special effects with computer-created ones. About the closest we get is a massive mound of dino poop in the Platt’s douchey neighbor Mel’s (P.J. Byrne) backyard. There’re also some loose ends. For instance, after Audrey and Brian save their pretty new neighbor, Jeannette (Jordan Alexa Davis), who Brian’s been pining after, the love spark is between Jeannette and Audrey, not Brian, but that thread goes nowhere. This story could benefit from fine-tuning.

Anna: While bringing in Jeanette did give us another person to root for, in the end I’m not sure why the character was even there beyond that. As you said, it doesn’t really go anywhere.

I think if you’ve got preteen or teen kids, this may be a fine family film to see as a matinee or put on your list to watch when it makes it to streaming—but there isn’t anything particularly special or “must-see” about it. ❍ New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY ANDREW COOPER/APPLE TV

THE DINK

What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Apple TV

Michelle Hadley was facing the possibility of decades in prison for the violent and malicious acts she was accused of by her ex, Ian, and his wife, Angela. Angela began receiving threatening emails from an account called “Lilithistruth,” a nod to the folklore of Adam’s first wife. While the Anaheim police are convinced they have the right person, the Netflix documentary dives into a very twisted tale of how far some people will go to seek revenge on an ex.

Using dating websites and sites like Craigslist, men were sent photos of Angela along with her address and details of a rape fantasy in which Angela’s fighting and screaming should be ignored. Not only did these men show up to partake in the role-playing scenario, but Angela was attacked in her home.

But don’t start hating Michelle too quickly, because when the truth finally arises, it seems like she was framed.

The who and the how are the reasons to watch this true crime documentary, so I won’t give those away. Just be prepared to be gobsmacked as you watch the story unfold. With interviews with Michelle herself and others close to the victims and perpetrators, this wild tale is stranger than fiction. (90 min.)

—Anna

MONSTER? In 2016, Michelle Hadley spent 88 days in jail for cyberstalking and framing her ex-boyfriend, U.S. Marshal Ian Diaz, and his wife, Angela, but did she do it? Find out in A Toxic Love Story, streaming on Netflix.

Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Strays, Will & Harper) directs Sean Clements’ script about Dustin “The Hammer” Boyd (Jake Johnson), a former tennis prodigy trained by his domineering father, Chuck (Ed Harris, at his most taciturn). Tragically, Dustin broke his wrist in his first pro match with a young Andy Roddick, losing his opportunity at a pro career, and he now works as an instructor at his father’s tennis club, still dreaming of both professional redemption and his father’s respect.

Meanwhile, Chuck’s dealing with a segment of his club that’s lobbying for more pickleball courts, but Chuck decides to use an arcane club rule using a tennis duel to keep the pickleballers from converting more tennis courts. Want to guess if pickleball-hating Dustin will come around to the sport? He winds up being a playing partner with Candace (a radiant Mary Steenburgen), and everyone learns valuable lessons, yada-yada.

It’s all lightweight fun, with a great cast including Ben Stiller, Fortune Feimster, and Chris Parnell.

Aaron Chen is fun as PJ, Dustin’s sycophantic assistant. Tennis greats Andy Roddick and

IN A PICKLE: Candace (Mary Steenburgen) and Dustin (Jake Johnson) become pickleball partners, in the sports comedy The Dink, streaming on Apple TV.

John McEnroe play themselves. I wouldn’t sign up for Apple TV for it, but if you already subscribe, it’s a charming little diversion. (102 min.) ❍ —Glen

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BLAZING TRAILS: Joseph Brent (left) and Chiara Shannon (right) own Groundstar Vineyard, the first regenerative organic certified grower in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

ACRES AND ACRES: Syrah, grenache, and pinot noir grapes grow at Groundstar Vineyard and are sold to local winemakers.

ROC stars

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Sheep graze in between the vines at Groundstar Vineyard to stimulate soil activity. This year is the first time the vineyard has been grazed.

said of the year-and-a-half-long process.

Discover Groundstar Vineyard on Instagram @ The certification is awarded by groundstarvineyard and at groundstarvineyard. the nonprofit Regenerative Organic com. Read more about regenerative organic Alliance and applies to all farming Groundstar Vineyard is the first in the Sta. Rita Hills farming at regenorganic.org. sectors globally, not just viticulture.

AVA to achieve regenerative organic certification It’s been granted to more than 580 types of crops across 55,900 small a rigorous audit of everything from farms, according to the organization’s farmworkers’ salaries to how much

BY MADISON WHITE tillage occurs. It extends to guidelines website. the gold standard for organic, fair Sheep arrived in January to graze around the treatment of animals on trade, ecologically, future-focused reat wines are made in the Groundstar Vineyards for the first the property, what kind of plants protocols,” she said. vineyard. But what exactly time and stimulate soil activity. The grow, water use, insect species, and Previously Ampelos Cellars’ happens in the vineyard? animals tamp down some invasive soil testing. vineyard, the land was already well What turmoil does the soil plants, helping native species to grow “It took a long time, and also, it established when the couple bought experience? How many chemicals took a village. It took the cooperation instead. Regenerative systems must it. Shannon, the president of the Sta. are sprayed on the grapes? Are limit harmful disruption to the soil. of our vineyard management Rita Hills Wine Alliance, said the farmworkers treated well?

“In our year 1, we reduced our soil company, our staff. We hired some previous team also had a reputation “I think consumers really aren’t disturbance by 50 percent,” Shannon important consultants,” Shannon for ecological farming. given the full story,” Chiara Shannon said. “This meant not “They were one of the told the Sun. plowing every row, for Over the two decades she’s spent in first certified biodynamic example.” the wine industry, Shannon has worn vineyards in the state,” Her goal for this year is she said, referencing hats as a sommelier, consultant, and zero tillage. beneficial soil building wine shop manager. Then, in 2024, Another strategy is using practices. “That was she became a grower when she and cover crops to keep the definitely something her husband, Joseph Brent, bought soil intact so it can rebuild that was important and Groundstar Vineyard in the Sta. Rita itself. Shannon sources certainly part of why Hills in the Santa Ynez Valley. seeds from a reputable “A lot of people are surprised when we chose to purchase crop supplier and said their that vineyard instead of we tell them that we didn’t get into cover is diversifying. the business to make wine,” Shannon anything else that we had These practices are seen.” said. “We got into the business to be meant to help with the Today, the 25 acres of better farmers and grow grapes and effects of what Shannon grapes at Groundstar— help the wine community that way.” calls a topsoil depletion named after a rare After acquiring the property, crisis. native plant species—are the husband-and-wife duo began “I’ve heard different mostly pinot noir. Also working to earn a regenerative numbers thrown out, but interspersed are syrah organic certification, the “gold we’re looking at maybe 50 and grenache, with more standard for farming integrity,” harvests left globally, not varieties being planted, Shannon explained. In June, just in wine,” Shannon Groundstar became the first vineyard too. explained. “Just kind of Regenerative organic to do so in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA broadly speaking. The certification is the one(American Viticultural Area). The agricultural model that stop shop for sustainable owners are proud to be the first and we followed as a society, farming practices. Like only growers so far but hope more as humans, has been the highest rung on will join them in the future. extractive, and we are the ladder, it sits above “What regenerative organic taking out much more prerequisites such as certified does [is] take all these IN THE SUMMER HEAT: Harvest came early this season. than we’re putting back in. organic and biodynamic important principles and practices The Groundstar Vineyard team and partners already picked So, we’re facing some real certification. and put them into a pretty rigorous some pinot noir off the vine. challenges.”

The certificate requires certification that really now is

G

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Green grapes

Shannon feels that Groundstar is moving in the right direction for the future of the industry. She and her husband don’t make their own wines, but a handful of local wineries buy Groundstar grapes, including Flying Goat Cellars, Story of Soil, and the former steward of the land, Ampelos Cellars.

“Many winemakers may not have access to organic and or regenerative organic grapes, and so that was something that was really important to us as a grower, … so that we can provide grapes farmed in this way to local winemakers,” Shannon said.

After production, their wines fill glasses for tasters near and far. Bottles are marked with a regenerative organic certification logo to educate consumers about what they’re purchasing.

As she learned more about wine over the course of her career, the grower decided not to drink wines with lots of pesticides and other “junk.”

“I want my own wine drinking choices to be aligned with my values, made from grapes grown in ways that minimize harm,” Shannon said.

It can be difficult to find regenerative organic certified wines because there aren’t many compared to the vast sea of labels that exist.

However, smaller operations that aren’t certified may still be practicing ecologically sound farming. With a little online research or a visit to the tasting room, consumers can ask the right questions to learn whether a winery sells products that are up to their personal standards.

“There isn’t anyone else in Santa Rita, and I hope there will be,” Shannon said of her certification.

“We want others to follow in our footsteps.” ∆ Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

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