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Weddings

NEWS

Hot air balloon proposals [5], limos and trolleys for the big day [6], natural floral arrangements [8], and officiants [10] BY SUN STAFF

Issue

Santa Maria considers immigration committee [3]

ARTS

Lompoc photographer captures moments [23]

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Contents

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 5, 2026 VOL . 27 NO. 1

W

hat is a wedding, really, other than a giant celebration—a party from beginning to end, from the engagement through the goodbye song at the end of the big night. In our annual Weddings issue, we’re including things that can help you put that party together. Hot air balloons in which to pop the question and tie the knot, transportation options beyond the quintessential stretch limo, a florist with an eye for natural designs, and the officiants that can bring two people together in matrimony. Read them all this week [5].

Also, find stories about Santa Maria’s vote on an ad hoc committee to discuss immigration [3]; a photographer whose practice is all about special moments [23]; and Orcutt Bakery’s focus on cakes that deliver for special days [26].

Camillia Lanham editor

LETS ALL GO TO THE TROLLEY: Reserving a town-style trolley for weddings, bridal showers, bachelor /bachelorette parties, and other fun festivities is a few clicks away at SB Limo’s website.

Cover photo courtesy of SB Limo > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

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Hot Stuff ....................................................................................16

ARTS

Arts Briefs ............................................................................... 23

OPINION

Commentary ...........................................................................14 Letters ........................................................................................14 Web Poll ....................................................................................14 Modern World ........................................................................14 Canary ........................................................................................15

MOVIES

Reviews .................................................................................... 24

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February 26 - March 5, 2026

➤ Spotlight [13] FILE PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

POLITICAL WATCH • On Feb. 17, U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) visited Guadalupe, where he toured the Guadalupe Senior Center and Guadalupe Union School District’s Early Learning Center. Both facilities are undergoing upgrades with federal dollars that Schiff, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California), and U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) jointly helped secure, according to Schiff’s office. “I am very proud to have helped bring back federal funding to support an early childhood education center and to update the senior center in Guadalupe,” Schiff said in a statement. For the Early Learning Center, Schiff helped secure $1.9 million in federal funding to support the construction of an outdoor play area.

He also helped secure $275,000 in congressionally directed spending to enhance Guadalupe’s ability to maintain its Senior Center as “a vibrant hub for the community’s senior citizens,” according to Schiff’s office. “I want every child to get a great start in life, and every senior to have a nice place to gather and enjoy a meal together,” Schiff stated. During his tours of both project sites, Schiff heard from Guadalupe community leaders and stakeholders about how the federal investments are making a difference locally.

“These projects would not be possible without the support and efforts of my colleagues, Sen. Padilla and Congressman Carbajal, as well as great local leaders,” Schiff stated, “and I’m grateful for their partnership in fighting to bring these federal investments to the Central Coast.”

• Shortly after Yosemite National Park announced that reservations won’t be needed to visit the park this summer, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) described the decision as diminishing “the visitor experience for Californians and tourists alike,” in a Feb. 19 statement.

“Yosemite’s reservation system has proven effective at preventing overcrowding, especially during peak season, while increasing visitations to this natural treasure,” Padilla stated. “With our national park system already strained by Donald Trump’s funding and staffing cuts, this decision will limit outdoor recreation opportunities, degrade the park’s natural resources, and strain local businesses that rely on a steady stream of park visitors.”

•U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) recently completed his Central Coast Affordability Tour, which brought him to visit colleges, child care providers, and small businesses across Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. “I heard firsthand that the economy is simply not working for everyone,” stated Carbajal, whose recent site visits included City Farm SLO, where he sought feedback from community members impacted by federal SNAP cuts and tariffs. Other spots on his tour included Cuesta College, where Carbajal discussed the impact of the cost-of-living crisis with students, and Los Agaves Restaurant in Santa Barbara, to speak with the eatery’s owners about how tariffs and other federal policy changes have impacted their business. “With the rising cost of housing, groceries, health insurance, and other necessities, families are in a crisis right now. The Trump administration has done nothing to fix this. In fact, their policies have made the affordability crisis worse,” Carbajal said in a Feb. 23 statement.

“The tariffs are one of the broadest tax increases on families and businesses in American history.” As vice chair for outreach for the New Democrat Coalition, Carbajal co-led the creation of the Affordability Agenda with an aim to lower everyday costs related to groceries, household essentials, health care, housing, and energy. m

LOUDER THAN WORDS: During public comment at the Santa Maria City Council’s Feb. 17 meeting, several speakers accused Mayor Alice Patino of wrongly categorizing national and local protests such as the one held on Jan. 15 against federal immigration enforcement as violent.

Santa Maria agendizes hearing to discuss forming immigration ad hoc committee

For local high school student Lorena Martinez, real-time events have shown that the Santa Maria City Council’s pace in deciding whether to form an immigration ad hoc committee is too slow.

“Real families are being torn apart. Children are living with fear and uncertainty. Parents are afraid to go to work. This is happening here in our own community, while this city slacks off,” Martinez said during public comment at the council’s Feb. 17 meeting. “In October, this council said you would vote on the immigration ad hoc committee. … There has been no action taken, and this is something that can no longer be delayed.”

Martinez—who said her uncle’s sudden deportation left her family shocked and devastated—was among a dozen attendees who spoke about the ad hoc committee, a discussion first requested by Councilmember Gloria Soto in August 2025 and tabled in October.

Most public commenters also condemned statements heard from the dais during the council’s previous meeting on Feb. 3.

After more than a handful of speakers expressed being offended by Mayor Alice Patino’s comment about “millions” of unvetted immigrants crossing the border during the Biden administration, Patino interjected during one speaker’s time at the podium.

“I have never, ever, ever characterized the immigrants as being criminals. My grandparents would be very upset with me if they knew that,” Patino said. “My grandparents would be very upset if they knew I’d called them criminals. I have never said that.”

Later during council member reports, just before Patino was about to adjourn the meeting, Councilmember Soto asked if council could revisit the ad hoc committee topic. The meeting then lasted for an additional 20 minutes.

“Madam Mayor, before you adjourn the meeting, … we had talked about that item coming back,” Soto said. “However, because it was tabled, based on an email [from staff] that I received, it looks like in order for that to be re-agendized, it either needs to be agendized by you, who has authority to put things on the agenda, Madam Mayor, or it needs to come forward through a motion by a council member, then a second, and then a majority vote.

“So, if you’re not going to agendize that, Madam Mayor,” Soto continued, “I would like to make a

motion to bring that item back to a future City Council agenda, preferably in March.”

Councilmember Maribel Aguilera seconded Soto’s motion, which passed 5-0.

“I think it’s going to be an interesting conversation,” Councilmember Carlos Escobedo said after the vote, “and I’m telling you guys, you might not hear something that you like, or might not like, but I’m glad that finally, … it’s time to make decisions.

“We’ve been putting aside so many decisions— not just about this item, but all sorts of items,” Escobedo continued. “I’ve personally had enough.

We need to get things done, and move on, and I’m not just talking about immigration.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Lompoc to rebuild stage at Ryon Park By the end of the year, Lompoc residents are scheduled to have a new stage at Ryon Park for community gatherings and performances.

City Council members unanimously approved the project at the Feb. 17 meeting. The Ryon Park stage has deteriorated below accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the staff report. After reconstruction, the stage will be fully compliant and accessible for performers and guests.

“This project’s going to be a total replacement of the old stage,” Community Development Director Mario Guerrero Jr. told the council. “The ultimate goal is to bring in more events to Ryon Park, so we’re real excited about that.”

Lompoc aims to finalize the request for proposal at a City Council meeting in May or June. The 12-week construction period is set to begin after June’s Flower Festival and the Fourth of July celebration, Guerrero explained.

The city dedicated $525,000 to the project from Community Development Block Grant funds.

At the meeting, Councilmember Victor Vega urged Guerrero to consider installing a roof for protection against rain and sun.

“If there is potential funding [from] a different source down the road, then we can always add a canopy over, but at this time there wasn’t enough money,” Guerrero responded.

On top of the city’s funds, the Lompoc Rotary Club made a one-time $50,000 donation to the project, which will be officially called the Lompoc Rotary Centennial Stage to honor the organization’s 100 years of service. The windbreak walls bordering the back of the stage will be decorated with images representing the city and the Rotary.

“We kind of wanted to capture the flowers, giving recognition to the Rotary Club,” Guerrero said. “And also put a little space theme.”

Rob Klug, the 2024-25 Rotary Club president, thanked the council members for their collaboration.

“Not many organizations can say they’ve been serving this community for 100 years, so it was a great honor to be able to do that,” Klug said. “We’d like to commemorate that with the stage project in the prime location of our community at Ryon Park.”

The 22-acre Ryon Park is Lompoc’s oldest, dating back to 1910 when Mary Ryon donated the original section, according to the city’s website. A venue for events like the Books and Bubbles and movie nights, Ryon Park also offers tennis courts, picnic areas, softball and baseball fields, and a playground. Visit the park at 800 W. Ocean Ave. —Madison White

Buellton developer preps to demolish Parks Plaza theater

Idle and shuttered since 2020, Buellton’s former movie theater—Parks Plaza on McMurray Road—will be demolished to make way for a new three-story Cottage Health medical office thanks to a recent Planning Commission vote.

The 20-day period for the public to formally appeal the commission’s decision to the City Council kicked off on Feb. 19. At the same project site, the commission approved a final development plan in 2023 for a new In-N-Out drive-through, which the council overturned while reviewing an appeal of that decision.

The council’s primary concerns at that time with bringing an In-N-Out to McMurray Road were related to increased traffic congestion, an issue current city staff doesn’t expect to carry over with the Cottage Health proposal.

“The project is consistent with the city’s general plan circulation policies and would not create any significant transportation impacts,” Buellton Associate Planner Cara Miralles told the Planning Commission during its Feb. 19 meeting.

Based on the results of a traffic study, staff predicts that the most impact the proposed Cottage Health facility will have on city traffic levels will occur daily between 4 and 6 p.m., specifically on a left-turn lane of Highway 246, near a southbound onramp for Highway 101.

“That one lane would very infrequently extend beyond the lane capacity by just one vehicle,” Miralles explained, “and this would only be expected to happen 5 percent of the time, in the p.m. peak hour, which is 4 to 6 p.m.”

During the hearing, Planning Commissioner Shannon Reese asked staff about one of the medical office proposal’s conditions of approval that was directly left over from the halted In-N-Out project.

“I saw the condition, … for tribal consultation.

Did they request consultation this time?” asked Reese, who was referring to protocols in the project’s conditional use permit regarding the role of a Santa Ynez Band of Chumash indians tribal monitor.

The condition, identical to a previous condition of approval for the In-N-Out development, states that a representative of the tribe will have access to monitor any “ground disturbing construction activities associated with the project, including but not limited to demolition,” according to the staff report.

If any suspected cultural resources are discovered by any person during construction activities, the tribal monitor would be immediately notified, and an archaeological

NEWS continued page 4

www.santamariasun.com • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • Sun • 3

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OUT WITH THE OLD: Proposals to redevelop Buellton’s Parks Plaza movie theater, closed since 2020, over the years included pitches related to an In-N-Out drive-through and a Cottage Health medical facility. The latter just earned its final development plan approval from the Buellton Planning Commission.

NEWS from page 3 advisor would determine if work should stop within 50 feet of the discovery.

Reese asked if staff had recent communications with the tribe about the Cottage Health project.

“We did send an informal email to the tribe.

They have not responded as of yet,” Miralles said. “But we’ve applied the same conditions

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of approval on the previous In-N-Out project because it is the same site. So, we’re anticipating that they would have the same conditions.”

With a 3-0 vote (Planning Commissioners Brian Campbell and Daniel Contreras were absent), the Planning Commission approved the Cottage Health project’s final development plan and conditional use permit. m —Caleb Wiseblood

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BALLOONS OVER PASO

Take flight

Learn more about Sky’s The Limit Ballooning Adventures in Santa Ynez at skysthelimitballooning.com.

For details on Paso Robles’ Balloons over Paso, visit balloonsoverpaso.com. For a hot air balloon proposal or wedding, use the code, SLOWEDDING, until Jan. 1, 2027, for a 10 percent discount.

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PHOTO READY: Couples choosing to pop the question on a balloon ride with Balloons Over Paso either propose while the balloon is being set up behind them or wait until lift-off.

Rare air Get hitched in the sky with Central Coast hot air balloon adventures

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

F

or a couple thousand dollars, you can climb into a hot air balloon with your partner, soar in the Central Coast skies, and return to land united in holy or legal matrimony.

Santa Ynez’s Sky’s The Limit Ballooning Adventures founder James Lawson has seen it all over his 30 years manning both business and balloon.

“It’s always been a thing,” he said. “We’ve gone as big as allowing ministers to bring doves on balloons.”

Lawson has officiated 50 weddings in hot air balloons over 35 years. Most people who get married on one of his hot air balloons are eloping, and they’ve come from across California— including SLO, the LA area, the Central Valley, and Silicon Valley—and from around the world, including China, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, England, India, and the United Kingdom. Lately, residents from Ventura to Paso Robles have been flying more frequently.

“The one thing about ballooning is it’s weather permitting,” Lawson said. “Depending on what the weather is, people need to have a backup plan or be open to rescheduling. Generally, people who are eloping have flexible schedules.”

Lawson added that February, March, and April are the windiest months for hot air balloon flying, but as of Jan. 30, Sky’s The Limit had flown almost every day in 2026 thanks to the beginning of the year being “unusually warm.” In January alone, two couples got married in the company’s hot air balloons.

Proposals, elopements, and wedding anniversary celebrations can happen in one of Sky’s The Limit’s 12 hot air balloons, depending on the number of guests who are up for it. They meet up at Los Olivos Grocery before following the Sky’s The Limit team to a secondary location for balloon liftoff.

Early morning flights for private groups as small as one to five people and as large as 12 to 14 people cost between $2,000 to $4,500.

“Two years ago, we had a pretty large wedding of 14 people dressed up like cowboys,” Lawson said.

RINGING IT IN: Getting engaged during a Balloons Over Paso ride means marking the milestone with your loved one over the vineyards and countryside of Paso Robles.

Brown’s passion for hot air ballooning ignited For couples not fussy about strangers joining in Australia after her landlord took her on her their celebrations, the same flight can be enjoyed first flight. She followed that thrill to Montana as a more affordable shared group experience— where she flew a hot air balloon outside of costing each passenger $250.

Glacier National Park, finally landing in Paso Both groups will receive in-flight mimosas Robles after loving the wine country. and non-alcoholic drinks, along with a Though an officiant who’s gotten several of complimentary banner for special occasions. her friends married on land, Brown is yet to The two-hour experience, with one hour of oversee a wedding in her “eight-story-high” hot flying, takes the party over Santa Ynez Valley air balloon. But her business is all the rage when vineyards while they take in sun-soaked views of it comes to popping the question. the San Rafael mountain range.

“One year, I had 18 proposals,” she said. “In “Keep your eyes peeled as you try to spot wild Paso, we have anywhere from six to 10 proposals boar, foxes, deer, and more,” Sky’s The Limit’s a year easily.” website says. “As we float over wine country, your A private flight for two costs roughly $1,380 FAA certified pilot will show you the many ranches and comes with the complimentary drinks and situated among the luscious valley, including fare.

Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland Ranch.”

Balloons Over Paso also partners with The business also offers evening versions of ranchers and wineries around the area. Those the same hot-air balloon tour, with shared group relationships come in handy when it’s time flights costing $300 per person, and private group to land the balloon on ranchland or near a flights falling between $2,100 and $4,700. vineyard. The company also has a partnership “The younger generation doesn’t want to spend with Le Vigne Winery and serves its sparkling money on weddings,” Lawson said. “They’d wine to celebrating couples. rather spend it on a vacation or a home instead of An FAA commercially licensed pilot handles spending $300,000.” all flights, which Brown called a safe activity, For SLO County residents wanting to tie especially with the flame propelling the balloon the knot in air closer to home, Balloons Over well above passengers’ heads.

Paso offers sunrise balloon flights at $325 “You can feel a little bit of heat; I would describe per person, with an hour of flying over Paso it as a really nice warmth,” Robles’ vineyards and she said. “It’s also such a countryside followed by peaceful experience. It’s complimentary wine incredibly quiet when and light bites. you’re actually flying.”

Passengers meet at the Sometimes, however, Paso Robles Municipal entering a new chapter Airport around 6:15 of life in the sky calls for a.m. and the whole some noise. process—setting up the “The most memorable balloon, flying, and the proposal was a woman celebratory sips and bites who was so surprised, that after—lasts three hours. when he proposed to her “We can hold up to in the air, we could hear four passengers in our her yell so loud that from basket, and typically the ground, I was able when people choose to to hear the excitement,” do a proposal, they either Brown said. “They were do it when we’re setting coming in to land but they up our balloon just were still hundreds of feet because it’s an incredible in the air.” m backdrop, or they propose while in the air Reach New Times Staff with the vineyards in the PERKS ON LAND: Balloons Over Paso Writer Bulbul Rajagopal, background,” Balloons keeps the engagement celebrations going after touchdown with complimentary from the Sun’s sister Over Paso founder and sparkling wine from Le Vigne Winery, paper, at brajagopal@ commercial pilot Phoebe light bites, and even a post-proposal sign. newtimesslo.com.

Brown said.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SB LIMO

Weddings

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ALL ABOARD THE RAVE-Y TRAIN: “Limo” might be in SB Limo’s company name, but the vehicle rental provider has become widely known for leasing out town-style trolleys to wedding parties and other festivities over the past 20 years.

Heels on wheels

WEDDING WOWS: SB Limo’s trolleys, Sprinter limos, and minicoaches range in styles and sizes, allowing for accommodations for up to 25 passengers, depending on the mode of transport.

“Stretch limos are kind of obsolete now. Nobody really wants them because you have to crouch down and get into them,” said Chase, who’s worked for SB Limo for about 15 “Now we have limo Sprinters where you can walk Solvang-based SB Limo shuttles wedding parties years. right into them. … It just kind of evolved into Sprinters where there’s room for you to stand up but still have that across the Central Coast limo wrap-around seating. And it’s higher off the ground,

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD you can see out the windows. That’s kind of the preference right now.”

On occasion, Chase added, “one out of 100 people” will ask to rent ueing up tunes worth cutting a rug to was always integral to a classic stretch limo, which SB Limo is happy to facilitate.

Solvang business owner James Hooshman’s transportation Based in Solvang, the company offers its services throughout company, long before brides- and grooms-to-be became some of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. his most frequent clients.

“We do all over. A lot in SLO. A lot in Ojai,” Chase said.

“He’s been in business for 20-ish years and it all started with one “Occasionally, we go pretty far out. I would say we’re mostly in Santa cab,” SB Limo Operations Manager Stephanie Chase explained.

“This was back before Pandora and all that good stuff, and he was the Barbara County, all the way down to Camarillo, and all the way up to San Luis Obispo.” only cab in town that had an iPod with like a million songs, where Of the various rides SB Limo can provide, Chase said one of her you could pick your own music and play it as loud as you wanted in personal favorites is the town-style trolley. his car, … before Uber, before rideshares.”

“I think the trolleys are super cute. We have a white and gold Originally known as Rock Star Transportation, Hooshman’s wedding trolley with wooden bench seating,” she said. “Then we have company gradually evolved into SB Limo, with several kinds of this 13-passenger limo bus that I really like. It’s really big. It’s got the vehicles—specifically luxury vehicles—at its disposal to rent out. limo wrap-around seating, ice buckets, TVs.” “He got a whole fleet going and hired like 10 drivers, and it’s just There’s one trolley trait that can be a deal breaker for some expanded from that cab service to luxury transportation,” Chase wedding parties, Chase added. said. “And to go with the times, once Uber and Lyft took over, we got “It’s kind of limiting because they’re open-air, and people dressed rid of the cabs and started doing more luxury wine tours, weddings, up with their hair done might not want wind blowing through and and events like that.” messing up the vibe,” she said.

Sprinter limousines (available to rent for $110 to $125 per hour), Outside of being booked for wedding services, SB Limo often serves minicoaches ($225 to $250 per hour), and trolleys ($150 to $225 per clients who organize winery and vineyard tours across the Santa Ynez hour) are among the rides customers book most often for weddings, Valley and other parts of Santa Barbara County, including venues in wedding receptions, bridal showers, and bachelor/bachelorette Santa Maria and Sisquoc along the Foxen Canyon Wine parties, Chase said.

Trail, the Santa Rita Hills area, and Los Alamos.

However, requests to rent a traditional Roadside assistance Wine tour packages include several amenities for stretch limousine—like SB Limo’s Lincoln To find out more about SB Limo, call riders, ranging from chilled sparkling wine on board to stretch 8-to-10 -passenger limo (offered (805) 965-4900 or visit sblimos.com. The complimentary cheese, crackers, and chocolates to snack for $100 per hour on weekdays; $115 per company’s headquarters is located at on between wine tasting destinations. hour on weekends)—have gone the way of 803 Kolding Ave., Solvang.

The company also has bus and vehicle rental packages the dodo in recent years, she added.

C

designed for organizers in need of airport transportation, school field trip transportation, and other purposes.

As far as SB Limo has stretched away from its origins as a taxi company, its current services have a nod to its beginnings, Chase explained.

“All of our vehicles are Bluetooth accessible. You can play your own music on board, and that’s definitely a selling point for us because everyone wants to have their own music,” she said. “Most of our vehicles also have TVs, so you can play videos or whatever else you would want on the screens.” m Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE: Based in Solvang, SB Limo specializes in getting brides, grooms, and wedding parties in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties from point A to point B and anywhere in between.

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Say, ‘I do’

To learn more about Sun Canyon Florals and book your wedding, visit suncanyonflorals.com.

JOYFUL DESIGN: Victoria Duncan designs flowers to be felt as much as seen, inviting presence, softness, and connection into wedding spaces.

Natural elegance Sun Canyon Florals brings whimsy and nature to wedding design

BY CHLOË HODGE

designs that feel as though they were discovered rather than arranged: meadow-like installations, curling stems, lichen tucked among blooms, and color palettes that feel alive rather than curated.

“The natural world inspires me a lot,” she said.

“I take a lot of time to just … be in the natural world and just be present and take a look around and look at all the little details. So that’s where a lot of my design comes from. It’s kind of just like an interpretation of nature. I try to keep my designs feeling like you would find them in a meadow.”

That instinct to let flowers feel found rather COURTESY PHOTO BY ANYA KERNES than placed sits at the heart of Duncan’s work. Her arrangements resist rigidity.

They lean, spill, and move.

Ceremony arches drift instead of frame. Centerpieces stretch outward, softening tables and inviting guests closer. Nothing feels frozen in time, and that’s by design.

Before color palettes or layouts come into focus, Duncan’s thinking about how a day should feel and how that emotion can be translated through blooms. Flowers, for her, are not a finishing touch.

They are the foundation.

“They tell you everything,” she said. “How soft something should feel. How bold. How much space it needs.”

Her artistry is rooted in observation; she studies how flowers exist in nature—how wild blooms cluster unevenly, how stems bend toward light, how beauty rarely arrives perfectly balanced. She brings that same sensibility into LIVING FORM: Each floral design begins with emotion, her wedding work, where translating a couple’s story into texture, color, and living form. imperfection isn’t something

F

or Victoria Duncan, flowers are a language spoken through texture, scent, color, and imperfection—and a way of inviting people into the present on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

“I feel like flowers provide a state of presence that is sometimes really hard in the modern world,” Duncan said. “And when I’m designing, I’m thinking about offering that gift of presence to my clients.”

As the founder of Sun Canyon Florals, Duncan is known across the Central Coast for wedding

8 • Sun • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

to be corrected but something to be honored.

“Perfection is a very interesting word in the wedding industry,” she said. “And I think in my design, I like to highlight the imperfection because the natural world is rarely perfect. If you look at flowers, sometimes you’ll notice like, oh, half the petals are red, half the petals are white.”

That philosophy shows up in her material choices. Alongside traditional blooms, Duncan often incorporates unexpected elements: branches, grasses, seed pods, dried textures, even bits of PERFECTLY IMPERFECT: Inspired by the natural lichen or vine. The result is floral work world, Duncan embraces imperfection—letting blooms lean, spill, and move as they would in the wild. that feels layered and tactile, grounded in the natural world. said. “She’s in charge one hundred percent, I’m “I love finding little pieces that make just trying my best to dance with her.” people look twice,” she said. “A branch that On wedding days, that adaptability becomes bends in a funny way, curly stems. I love those little weirdos.” essential. Duncan moves through spaces, shaping Each wedding she designs for begins with and reshaping until the florals feel at home. a conversation where Duncan listens for Her presence is steady, attentive, and grounded, emotional cues. mirroring the values that guide her work.

“Obviously, aesthetics are important to me, but “I want people to feel like they can breathe I think what’s really important to me is the act of when they’re with the flowers,” she said. “That’s love and just noticing the ritual and wonderful really important to me.” love ceremony that I get to create a space for,” In the end, Duncan’s florals are an invitation. To she said. “Every time I’m creating a ceremony, I slow down. To notice. To experience beauty not as feel like those are my favorites because I’m really something staged, but as something alive. m usually just framing a space to make sure it’s a safe and present space for people to make a really Reach New Times Staff Writer Chloë Hodge from important commitment in their life.” the Sun’s sister paper at chodge@newtimesslo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY KELLY BROWN Duncan’s designs are also responsive to place.

She draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, allowing the environment to guide her choices.

“If it’s a coastal wedding, it might feel airy and windswept,” she said. “Inland weddings might lean richer, more grounded, pulling from the tones and textures of vineyards or canyons.”

The flowers in her arrangements don’t compete with their setting—they converse with it. That sensitivity has made Duncan’s work resonate with couples seeking something more experiential than performative.

“I want people to feel the flowers, not just see them,” she said. “It’s about the experience, not just the look.”

Flowers are living things, and Duncan treats them as such. Installation is not just execution but creation—an ongoing dialogue between space, light, weather, and ETHEREAL BEAUTY: Meadow-like installations and curling stems material. define Duncan’s approach to design where arrangements feel “We’re always working discovered and natural. with Mother Nature,” she

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o your friends or family find you entertaining?

Do they think you truly love and care about them and have special insight into their relationships? If so, prepare yourself, because they may ask you to marry them … to each other, I mean. Not to you, silly!

Estimates vary, but somewhere between 41 and 50 percent of marriages are performed by the couple’s friend or family member, who pay a small fee to become ordained online.

The OG of the ordination game is Modestobased Universal Life Church (themonastery.org), but another Universal Life Church (getordained. org) split off and became its own organization when the OG got in hot water with the IRS. It’s since been resolved.

There’s also American Marriage Ministries (amm.org) or the entertainingly named Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (spaghettimonster.org).

“These credentials are suitable for presiding over social ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms, performing last rites, casting out false prophets, performing exorcisms, and so on,” the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster explains Weddings on its website.

Hm. That “false prophets” thing could come in handy these days.

Local singer-songwriter and commercial real estate agent Derek Senn performed his first and (so far) only wedding ceremony in 2025.

“I officiated my sister’s wedding on a boat in Lake George, New York, last summer. I am ordained as a card-carrying member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It’s like 60 bucks, and you get your little card. Suddenly I was off to officiate a wedding.”

Often couples have a lot of input into what they want in their service, but not Senn’s sister, Allison.

“She told me nothing,” he laughed. “She said, ‘Will you officiate the ceremony?’ And I said, ‘Yes,’ and I asked, ‘Are you gonna write vows?’

And she said, ‘No.’ She never asked me to say or do anything, so I felt I had carte blanche to do whatever the hell I wanted to do, but obviously, because she’s my sister and I knew her and Michael, I felt I was able to personalize it.”

Senn’s ceremony was witty, heartfelt, and a wee bit irreverent—exactly the kind of thing a clergyperson’s service wouldn’t be—and attendees loved it.

“There are always traditionalists at ceremonies like that and are probably a little bit put off and taken aback when you get a little bit cheeky with things,” Senn admitted. “But, you know, I wanted to put my own stamp on it.”

Senn and his wife, Melanie, a novelist, had recently attended another wedding that inspired his two goals for his service.

“My goals were to try to enunciate and speak up so everybody could hear what I was saying, and No. 2—try to make it very quick and lighthearted so we could get on because, you know, nobody’s there for the freaking ceremony. They want to move on to everything else.”

If you’re asked to officiate and you’re completely adrift, the newer version of Universal Life Church has an online wedding script generator.

“Are you officiating an upcoming wedding?

Struggling to come up with the right words for the big day?” its website asked. “Don’t beat yourself up—creating a ceremony script from scratch is no easy task. That’s why we devised our very own wedding ceremony script generator for you to use! With this tool, crafting a professional, high-quality wedding script takes just minutes. Just input a few basic details, and we’ll take care of the rest!”

Issue Oh AI, what can’t you do?

FYI, this probably isn’t what your couple is looking for.

Former SLO radio personality and current Ohio advertising creative director Fred Boettger got his start doing weddings in SLO in “2007 or 2008.” Must have been a helluva reception if you can’t remember what year.

“It was my youngest stepson, and I thought, ‘Ooh, my first one, a little pressure,’ because the whole family was there,” he recalled. “But it went well because I had done radio and had spoken in front of people a lot, so it wasn’t too scary.”

Boettger, ordained through Universal Life Church, has continued performing weddings over the years.

“San Luis was my very first one of many,” he noted. “I’ve had the fortunate privilege to perform a ceremony for both my nieces, my great niece, friends, people that I know well, family friends.

The picture I sent you was some people that I’ve known for 20 years, and it was their kid, so I knew this kid since he was young.

“I think it’s a big advantage because if you have some sort of personal connection, you can tell a

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Making Memories

COURTESY PHOTO BY SOPHIE SEAY PHOTOGRAPHY

She was also ordained by the story about the couple Universal Life Church to everybody—because and married the Andrews in 2014, that’s really what the ceremony is,” he shortly after the continued. “Everyone’s passage of Proposition there to witness 8. They thankfully some sort of personal had a lot of ideas for connection. I always their service, as did judge that, if there’s a the couple of Grant’s little bit of laughing second marriage and a little bit of crying, ceremony, her father then I feel like, ‘OK, and stepmom, which things went well.’ If you she officiated at their can get some tears in home in front of 60 guests. there, it’s always nice.”

“I’m not a religious Oceano resident, person, and neither 95.3FM The Beach was anybody involved,” radio DJ, and voiceFRIENDS AND FAMILY: Former SLO radio Grant noted of both over artist Jennifer personality Fred Boettger performed his first weddings.

Grant’s very first wedding in SLO before moving to Ohio, where Lack of religious marriage ceremony he’s married mostly friends and family. affiliation can be was for her friends “the another reason to go Andrews.” with a friend or family member as officiant.

“I call them ‘the Andrews’ because they’re both “I was honored on both occasions to be named Andrew,” she explained. “Andrew Cannon asked,” she said. “I think it’s very sweet. If I ever was my boss at another radio station, and he get married … well, I got kicked out of Catholic and his now husband, Andrew Tucker, ended up school in the third grade, so thanks for playing. becoming my really good friends, so when they True. Wheaton, Illinois. But not being a super decided to get married—and it was finally legal to religious person, I still like the idea of there being do so in the state of California—they messaged.” some kind of ceremony and having somebody Grant opened the message in the Vons parking that you genuinely love and care about perform it. lot in Grover Beach and screamed out loud she I think it’s kind of almost an was so thrilled. extra blessing.” m “I was super excited and happy for them,” she recalled.

Contact New Times Arts “I scared the crap out of the Editor Glen Starkey, from guy in the car next to me by the Sun’s sister paper, at screaming so loudly, and I’m Weddings Issue gstarkey@newtimesslo.com. not a screamer.”

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SPOTLIGHT IMAGE COURTESY OF CHRISTINE GALLAGHER / FILE PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

PARTY FAVORS AND FLAVORS: This January marked the 10th anniversary of the release of Los Alamos author Christine Gallagher’s The Divorce Party Handbook, available for purchase through Amazon.

Break-up shake-up

person. It doesn’t always work, because some people don’t want to make light The Divorce Party Handbook tackles touchy of tragedy. But in this particular case, it did.” topics with levity, introspection The Divorce Party

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD Handbook is full of very divorce involves two people, both of whom suggestions related to divorce party games, themed cocktail selections, and break-up song can often feel quite isolated throughout their respective ordeals. But not just from each other, playlists. There’s also an etiquette section in Gallagher’s book that addresses situations where local author Christine Gallagher told the Sun. it’s appropriate for both ex-partners to hold a joint “I’ve been divorced myself. It’s a very big party, she explained. deal, and the whole point of this,” she said while “On occasion, two people breaking up can have holding up a paperback copy of The Divorce Party a party together, in the event that they don’t want Handbook, “is, with all the big things that happen to split up their friends and it’s a friendly divorce,” in your life, you have a ritual. Birth, graduation, Gallagher said. “Because one bad thing about marriage. You have a ritual, something with divorce is that people often choose sides.” people around you.

She remembered a client couple of hers who “But with divorce, you’re pretty isolated,” the held a cocktail party to announce their divorce in Los Alamos resident continued. “The whole idea front of their friends, “to say, ‘Hey, we’re OK, you of a divorce party is that it marks a transition, and guys should be OK with us breaking up.’” you have people around you, and it kind of helps “They didn’t want people to ostracize their you through it. Humans need a ritual to get them partner,” Gallagher said. through a big change in life, and that was what Almost a decade before The Divorce Party I built this around. It wasn’t just, ‘Oh, let’s go to Handbook’s publication, Gallagher’s first Vegas and get drunk.’ It has a real meaning.” nonfiction book, The Woman’s Book of Revenge: Commemorating a divorce isn’t the only kind Tips on Getting Even When ‘Mr. Right’ Turns Out of celebration hitched to Gallagher’s book this to Be All Wrong, hit stands in 1998. year, as 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of its Most of Gallagher’s time nowadays is occupied release. by the restaurant she co-owns, Plenty on Bell in Prior to the book’s publication in January Los Alamos. But she had enough spare moments 2016, Gallagher was living and working in Los over the past few years to create her first work of Angeles as a longtime professional event planner. fiction, Ruby’s Revenge, released in 2025.

Some of her past clients’ customized and themed The novel follows a protagonist who, not unlike requests for divorce parties made it into the book some of her past event planning clients, realizes as examples for readers interested in throwing a her husband is having an affair. similar festivity.

All of Gallagher’s books are available through “The parties can be whatever you like. They Amazon. can be lots of fun. For some people, they can be “I have another half-written [fiction] book I’m serious. It depends on what you want or what you working on,” Gallagher teased, “when I can carve need,” Gallagher said. “We had one woman who out the time to be left alone.” was devastated after finding out her husband— who had been taking ‘golf lessons’ every Friday— Highlight was having an affair.”

Divorce proceedings commenced after • The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau recently appointed Melanie Gallagher’s client discovered her husband’s golf Lindley as its new executive director and Amanda clubs were sealed as if brand new, the author Mansfield as its new communications director. explained.

“Their experience, energy, and commitment to “She was a wreck and everything,” Gallagher our community mark an exciting new chapter said. “We proposed having a golf-themed party, for the chamber,” the organization said in a Feb. just to try to take this heavy thing and make light 17 statement. Lindley’s past experience includes of it. So we did a whole golf thing. Everybody had roles with the U.S. Air Force and United Launch to wear golf clothes, and we had this handsome Alliance, while Mansfield has a background golf instructor come in and show the ladies how in corporate support and housing operations, to swing. And we had golf balls with her exaccording to the chamber. m husband’s face printed on them.

“It ended up being good,” she continued, Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at “because it took all this weight and made it into cwiseblood@santamariasun.com. a fun sort of event that worked for this particular

E

www.santamariasun.com • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • Sun • 13

Opinion ONLINE POLL

Should smaller water users be excluded from the court process to decide groundwater usage in the Cuyama basin?

40% No. Everyone who uses the groundwater should be in the same proceedings.

40% Yes! People who don’t use much water shouldn’t be dragged into court.

20% Whatever happens, the big ag users need to be held accountable.

0% Yes. This issue shouldn’t have even gone to the courts.

5 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, Stasja Knopf, Tyler Dunavan, Riley Speidel PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Mary Grace Flaus GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Ellen Fukumoto, John Nygaard Business Cindy Rucker MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR | Ben Kerr CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez, Joe Brice PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga OFFICE MANAGER | Stephanie West

COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [15]

Valid views

immigration enforcement publicly and repeatedly, at Board of Supervisors meetings, at community and in the aboveMultiple perspectives on issues surrounding meetings, referenced remarks. I have not immigration can be valid been silent on this issue. I just

BY BILL BROWN haven’t said what some people have wanted to hear.

In all my communications, I have made it n a statement I wrote on the recent events in crystal clear that the Sheriff’s Office protects and Minneapolis, I said the tragic shooting deaths serves everyone in our community, regardless of of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, and Alex their immigration status. We do not want anyone Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, were gut-wrenching who is undocumented to hesitate to call us if they tragedies. I also said the investigations into both are a victim of crime or if they witness a crime. should be allowed to conclude before judgement is We do not enforce or assist in enforcing federal cast, and I expressed concern that inaccurate and immigration law in our community, except as provocative remarks made by political leaders on sparingly permitted by state law in our jails. I have both sides of the aisle make the goal of achieving also said that local law enforcement does not have bipartisan immigration reform even more elusive. authority over federal agencies.

At a subsequent protest rally held in Santa The fear and heartbreak experienced by Barbara, several local elected officials demanded I undocumented people in our community, speak out against federal law enforcement actions especially those whose loved ones have been and explain how the Sheriff’s Office can protect detained or deported, is real and distressing. the community from immigration enforcement.

Across political lines, many of us recognize that In response to my statement, 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps told the crowd, “I disagree people who entered this country in violation of immigration law, or who were brought here as with the sheriff. This is not a moment for bothchildren but have otherwise been law-abiding, sides language.” often for decades, are usually good, productive Actually, there should always be room for people who contribute very positively to our differing perspectives. Differences matter. All communities and economy. They have become our voices should be heard and considered—especially neighbors, colleagues, and friends. now—without demonizing one another. Two Given their situation, current law should be things can be, and often are, true at the same changed so that these long-term residents and time. We should be cautious of groupthink and Dreamers could be properly vetted and offered a understand that alternative ways of thinking don’t path to legal residency and work approval. cancel each other out.

At the same time, we must always be willing During the past year, I have spoken about

I

to acknowledge difficult truths. While the vast majority of those who have entered this country illegally did so in search of a better life and have remained otherwise law-abiding, there have also been many serious crimes committed by unlawful entrants. Americans across our nation worry about criminal activity by members of violent gangs, organized theft groups, smugglers and dealers of illicit and often lethal drugs (which killed almost 350 people in our county in just the last three years), and other serious crimes committed by undocumented criminals.

These have included some notorious homicides here in Santa Barbara County, including the brutal murder of Marilyn Pharis, a 64-year-old Air Force veteran in Santa Maria in 2015. The following year, during a sting called Operation Matador in Santa Maria, 13 of the 16 suspects arrested for the MS-13 gang-related murders of 10 victims were identified

by ICE as undocumented.

These heartbreaking tragedies underscore the need for immigration law and enforcement reforms that protect public safety while still upholding our collective values.

In the meantime, everyone should adhere to the law, and it should be enforced fairly, courteously, and professionally. We can support the law, or we can work to change it, while still having empathy and compassion for others. We must support the right to peaceful protest and civil discourse, whether we agree or disagree with what’s being said.

Respect and decency must remain the standard. m Bill Brown is the Santa Barbara County Sheriff.

Send a response for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

LETTER

Immigration issues affect everyone “It made me really sad,” Brisa, an 11th grader and daughter of immigrant farmworkers, said.

“I had a feeling they weren’t going to vote for this because they are privileged, but I had a little bit of hope because I wanted them to help with this situation.”

Brisa, like many youth in Santa Maria, has watched her community become a target. She has attended Santa Maria City Council meetings alongside her peers to advocate for protections for

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their immigrant friends and families.

Back in October, councilmembers agonized over forming an immigration ad hoc committee after the item was postponed in September because the council was unprepared to discuss it.

Brisa’s disappointment was unmistakable. “This is a big issue for me; I have seen how brown people are being targeted.”

ICE activity has surged across the nation with tactics more aggressive than ever, yet our City Council continues to stall. On Feb. 3, youth and activists once again urged council members to take basic action by establishing an immigration

ad hoc committee to focus on support the city can provide. Public comment overflowed with testimonies on the local impacts. In one comment, a student mentioned how their peer took on a second job to help support their family after her father was kidnapped.

In response, Mayor Patino said that those ICE officers go to work every day and deserve to come home at night to their loved ones, disregarding the hundreds of people kidnapped by ICE in Santa Maria. “I do not want Santa Maria as a sanctuary city,” Patino continued.

Meanwhile, Santa Maria has been continuously hit with aggressive ICE kidnappings since the crackdown on immigration. Santa Maria is home to one of the region’s largest Latino immigrant communities, many who are farmworkers and at risk. Federal agents are showing up to our community in tactical gear and military vehicles, pointing firearms at unarmed community members who are lawfully observing their actions.

In November 2025, ICE caused a car collision, leaving a person injured, bystanders shaken, and our entire community looking to our elected officials for their leadership.

As uncertainty grows, youth like Brisa and other students have remained strong, refusing to be defeated by adults who lack the empathy to take action. Students have joined forces with immigrant rights activists and community-based organizations to urge their council members to take bolder measures, rather than hide behind “government limitations” as they’ve done for years to justify their long-standing silence.

Despite the statistics and increased urgency from their residents, Santa Maria council members, with the exception of Gloria Soto, have been adamant that this issue does not fall under their jurisdiction and have yet to take meaningful action.

“Just because it doesn’t impact you doesn’t mean it’s not an issue,” Brisa said. “People should be showing up to city council meetings or calling their council members and urge them to take action. We need to speak out about what’s going on.”

Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy Coalition Santa Maria

14 • Sun • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

Listening committee

T

he immigration discussion is happening in Santa Maria whether certain elected officials want it to or not. After months of stalling, the City Council is pushing forward with discussing an immigration ad hoc committee.

At the insistence of Councilmember Gloria Soto, who first asked for the ad hoc committee last August, the council finally voted to put a discussion about it on a future agenda.

While Mayor Alice Patino was mum on the issue, Councilmember Carlos Escobedo—an immigrant who hasn’t murmured much about federal immigration enforcement, protests, or undocumented immigrants—was cryptic.

“I’m telling you guys, you might not hear something that you like, or might not like, but I’m glad that finally, … it’s time to make decisions,” he said during the Feb. 17 meeting. “We need to get things done, and move on, and I’m not just talking about immigration.”

Why, Carlos? What are you going to say?

News flash: This immigration conversation isn’t going away. No one’s moving on. It’s going to continue to come up. It’s just a fact of life in Santa Maria—and that’s not going to change with a decision about whether the city forms an ad hoc committee to talk about it or not.

What will this committee do? There isn’t much a city can actually do when it comes to the federal enforcement agenda, which Patino has said so many times over the years that she’s been mayor that she’s probably sick of hearing herself say it. But, as Soto laid out, a committee can hear from the people, it can listen to the people who are most impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

I guess listening is doing something. Or is it just like patting someone on the back to make them feel better?

When Soto requested the ad hoc committee discussion in August, she also asked that the council “consider holding a meeting with stakeholders regarding the recent ICE raids and the impact on the community.” Whether those two are connected or not, who knows. It’s all very vague. Maybe we’ll find out in March?

Soto tried to get Patino to insert some direction into the future agenda item, but the city attorney wasn’t having it—and Patino was silent. After her misdirected Feb. 3 monologue that seemed to imply that undocumented immigrants and criminal activity were connected, that’s not surprising.

Although, Patino did speak up to defend herself and how certain members of the community took what she said that night.

Several public commenters on Feb. 17 took their allotted time to criticize Patino’s statements, and she interjected.

“I have never, ever, ever characterized the immigrants as being criminals,” she said. “My grandparents would be very upset if they knew I’d called them criminals. I have never said that.”

Oh, but you were pretty darn close! Whether Patino meant to or not, it was implied in her speech. Which sucks on so many levels. It sucks for her, for the city, for residents, for immigrants, for the situation we find ourselves in with the Trump administration’s push to deport as many immigrants as possible—not just the ones whose papers aren’t in order.

There isn’t much the city can do. That’s real. But elected representatives can hear their constituents out. It’s the least they can do. m The Canary is always listening. Send your thoughts to canary@santamariasun.com.

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Established, growing company with local routes. Class B Passenger & Air Brake Endorsements desired. Paid commercial license training provided. Good driving record required. $500 Sign on Bonus paid after 90 Day Intro Period. A GREAT career opportunity!

This week’s online poll: 2/26 – 3/5 Enter your choice online at: SantaMariaSun.com

SMOOTH, Inc. 240 East Roemer Way, Santa Maria · 805-922-8476

An Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer

www.santamariasun.com • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • Sun • 15

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 8, 2026

ST. PADDY’S SWING

The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents the annual St. Paddy’s Dance with Riptide Big Band and vocalists on Sunday, March 8, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center in Santa Maria. Dress in green and hear featured vocalists, Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Visit riptidebb.com for additional details.

—Angie Stevens PHOTO COURTESY OF LES DORMAN

ARTS

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

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

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

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

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

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17.

First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PCPA PRESENTS MEASURE FOR MEASURE The PCPA presents Shakespeare’s most provocative and morally complex play, Measure for Measure.

Get show times and tickets at the link.

Feb. 26-March 15 $25-$41. pcpa.org.

PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria, (805) 922-8313.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

BETWEEN EARTH & SKY EXHIBIT Featuring 20 dazzling photos of bright and beautiful birds amidst the backdrop of California wildflowers, Between Earth & Sky showcases some of local photographer Deborah Kalas’ most spirited work. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays. through April 20 calnatureartmuseum.org.

California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents.

All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists.

Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7. slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark.

SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy

day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free.

(805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/.

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

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours.

Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/visit/ tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45.

(702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET This highenergy jukebox musical is a celebration of music history, packed with heart, humor,

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.

16 • Sun • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through March 5 $43-$63. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/million-dollar-quartet-2026/.

SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINT & SIP ON LA LOMITA RANCH Sip, swirl, and paint your pet into a one-of-akind canvas. No experience is required!

Art supplies, instruction, ranch views, and first glass of wine are included. March 1, 1-3 p.m. $60-$65. (805) 706-8034.

La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo, lalomitaranch.com.

PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

POISONED See 15 comedians perform, while a little buzzed on stage. Feb. 27, 11 p.m. $18.43. my805tix.com. Woodstock’s Pizza, 1000 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4420.

SAMANTHA NYE: WEB OF LOVE See Guggenheim Fellow Samantha Nye’s immersive video installation starring Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens filmed on location in SLO. Mondays, Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 13 Free. cuesta.edu/

INDEX Arts.......................................16 Culture & Lifestyle ...........17 Food & Drink ......................21 Music ..................................22

community/cuesta-arts/artgallery/20252026-Exhibitions/WebofLove.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-3202.

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.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary.

Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE MARCH 2026 FEATURED ARTISTS See the seven new featured artists on display until the end of March. March 1-29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

(805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com/. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS “PACIFIC LIGHT” AN OIL PAINTING GROUP SHOW “Pacific Light” features fine art oil paintings by Joan Brown, Carol Astaire, and Patricia Newton in Gallery at Marina Square. Feb. 28-March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS CARY LARSON-MCKAY, EXHIBITING MIXED MEDIA SMALL WORKS See mixed media small works

by Cary Larson-McKay, watercolor, collage, and more in the Craft Atelier Space in Gallery at Marina Square.

Feb. 28-March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS TERESA FERGUSON, FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY Central Coast photographer Teresa Ferguson exhibits majestic landscapes of the central coast in the Upper Gallery at Gallery at Marina Square. Feb. 28-March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS: GRANT KREINBERG & LORA SALVADOR, PHOTOGRAPHY Discover a fine art photography exhibition by Grant Kreinberg & Lora Salvador in the Upper Gallery in Gallery at Marina Square. Feb. 28-March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955.

Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

HOT STUFF continued page 17

Hot Stuff HOT STUFF from page 16

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts.

First Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.

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

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

FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/.

Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17.

First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org.

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

SANTA MARIA BOXING CLUB PRESENTS LEGENDARY 009 CLUB Get ready for an action-packed afternoon of amateur boxing as local fighters step into the ring and bring the heat! This is a family-friendly event celebrating athleticism, discipline, and community spirit. March 7, noon $25. my805tix.com. Edwards Community Center, 809 Panther Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-3158.

SMV HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL LUNCH AND JULIA MORGAN PRESENTATION SMV Historical Society Annual Meeting Lunch, presentation about Julia Morgan and Minerva Club Building sponsored by The Foundation at Hearst Castle. March 7, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $35. (805) 922-3130. santamariahistory.com. Minerva Club, 127 W. Boone, Santa Maria.

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 8, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF CERTAIN SPARKS MUSIC

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

CASA IS GOING DISCO Join CASA for a night inspired by the glitz, glamour, and golden glow of Studio 54––all in support of local foster youth. Feb. 28, 5-9 p.m. $175. (805) 357-2595. CASADisco. givesmart.com. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez.

SYV PRIDE 3RD ANNUAL LOVE ABOVE ALL BALL Santa Ynez Valley Pride’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the elegant and elevated Love Above All Ball, supports SYV Pride events in 2026.

Feb. 28, 7-10 p.m. $100-$175. (805) 2525794. syvpride.org. Craft House at Corque, 420 Alisal Road, Solvang.

THE WOMEN WINEMAKERS AND CULINARIANS GRAND TASTING The casitas, barn, and lawns of 27 Vines will be filled with dozens of women winemakers and their lady culinary colleagues, fronted by the just-awake March 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

(805) 688-0881. 27 Vines, 27 Vines, Santa Ynez, CA, USA, Santa Ynez.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.

THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth.

Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ADULT SOFTBALL Let’s play ball! The City of Arroyo Grande’s Adult Softball League is a fun and competitive program offering leagues for Coed Teams and Men’s Teams.

Sundays, 3-9 p.m. through May 17 $671.

(805) 473-5474. arroyogrande.org/709/ Adult-Sports. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes.

(510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

SOUND OF YOUTH

Certain Sparks Music in Lompoc will host a Youth Open Mic Night on Friday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., for all interested performers ages 18 and under. There will be food, prizes, and community; instruments will be provided. Head to csmusicfoundation.org for more details.

—A.S. BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

BYE BYE BIRDIE See this musical satire about teen idol Conrad Birdie, inspired by Elvis Presley’s draft. Get tickets at the link.

Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., March 6, 7 p.m., March 7, 7 p.m. and March 8, 2 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377.

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks

Thursdays only BUY ONE GET ONE !

Any available seats on 2/19, 2/26 or 3/5 only. limit one per customer/order VALID FOR ONLINE ORDERS ONLY

CODE: SUPERBOGO

including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities.

First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic).

Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org.

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

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies.

context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological.

Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index.php/chapter-52los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages.

Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.

Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.

Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

MORE EVERYDAY IMPROV: SKILLS FOR LIFE Interactive applied improvisation classes build empathy, emotional SAN LUIS OBISPO intelligence, resilience, and creativity 2026 STATE OF DOWNTOWN SLO Join for through accessible, laughter-filled an engaging evening focused on progress, exercises. No experience is required; attend individual sessions or the full series. economic vitality, and partnership in downtown San Luis Obispo. We will share Every other Sunday, 6-7:30 p.m. through March 29 $15 each or $75 all. theagilemind. highlights from our 2025 Annual Report, showcasing the impact of our organization co/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 over the past year, along with upcoming Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 270-5523. downtown activations and our vision for MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS the months ahead. Connect with fellow FOR ADULTS Experience dance from business and civic leaders, community continents around the earth, including stakeholders, and neighbors as we from Africa, Europe, and more. Described CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18 as “a wonderful in-depth look at the

(805) 489-2499

1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA

2026 Box Office Hours

CLOSED Jan 1st through Jan 27th Wednesday - Friday: 2pm to 6:30pm Saturday: 12pm to 6:30pm Sunday: 2pm to 5:30pm CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday

www.AmericanMelodrama.com www.santamariasun.com • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • Sun • 17

Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 17

THE CENTRAL COAST GUIDE TO EVERYTHING OUTSIDE

Winter/Spring 2026 is Out Now! SCAN HERE

If you enjoy outdoor activities on the Central Coast, read the latest edition of Get Outside!

explore growth opportunities and collaborate on solutions to support a thriving downtown San Luis Obispo. March 2, 5:30 p.m. $76.83-$92.90. my805tix.com. La Esquina Taqueria, 1051 Nipomo Street, 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.

ANNUAL SCION EXCHANGE AND GRAFTING DEMONSTRATIONS Free Scions, free grafting demos, a store, rootstock sales, and free snacks. Meet at the Cal Poly Crops Science classroom, on the corner of Highland Dr. and Mt Bishop Dr. Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 540-4426. crfg-central.org/ scion-exchange. Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT & STARGAZING Explore the night sky with real astronomers using telescopes at SLO Botanical Garden.

View planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. All ages are welcome.

Feb. 27, noon Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information.

Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

BUILDING A BETTER SLO PRESENTS COMMUNITY LAND TRUST: PLACEKEEPING FOR THE LOCAL PLACEKEEPERS Join in welcoming Ofelia Bello to San Luis Obispo to talk Community Land Trusts and their growth throughout the US. March 5, 5:45-7:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask.

First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/ week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

DEATH CAFE (EVERY 1ST TUESDAY ON THE MONTH) At Death Café, curiosity and community converge for open, thoughtful conversations about mortality, loss, and our shared human experience. Donations to Hospice SLO County are always appreciated. First Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon Free.

(805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/services/death-caf%C3%A9.

Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific 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 MondaysSaturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

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

KAL PENN: FROM WHITE CASTLE TO THE WHITE HOUSE An evening with Emmy-nominated actor and former White House official, blending acclaimed screen roles with public service and storytelling to inspire dialogue, engagement, and change.

Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026season/kal-penn-from-white-castle-to-the-white-house.

Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural,

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 21 18 • Sun • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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www.santamariasun.com • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • Sun • 19

SLO Comedy Festival

Paso Robles Taco Fest & Tacos & Vatos Car Show

Various Locations

Estrella Warbird Museum, Paso Robles

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 1

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

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FRIDAY, JUNE 19 - SUNDAY, JUNE 21 El Chorro Regional Park, SLO

The Downtown VIBE 2026

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&

2026 Live at the Lighthouse Concert Series

SATURDAYS FROM JUNE 27-OCT 10 Point San Luis Lighthouse

Bye Bye Birdie

Sip and Slay

NOW UNTIL JUNE 4 San Luis Obispo Grange Hall

NOW UNTIL SUNDAY, MAR 8 Oasis Senior Center, Orcutt

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Pavilion on the Lake, Atascadero

FR & SAT, FEBRUARY 27 & 28 Paso Robles Inn, Paso Robles

FRI, FEBRUARY 27-SAT, MARCH 7 835 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 MCV Wines, Paso Robles

Propagation Station Class

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 The Pottery Atascadero

Santa Barbara Winter Wedding Expo

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Santa Barbara Women’s Club

Renaissance, Baroque & Beyond: Sacred & Profane SUNDAY, MARCH 1 United Methodist Church, SLO

2026 State of Downtown SLO

MONDAY, MARCH 2 La Esquina Taqueria, SLO

March 2026 Central Coast Cooking Show TUESDAY, MARCH 3 2361 Theatre Dr, Paso Robles

From the Stage

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Freezer Studio, SLO

Community Land Trusts

Avila Beach Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo Night

From the Barrel

SM Boxing Club Presents Legendary 009 Club

Saturday Night Improv

Punk Rock Drag Show

THURSDAY, MARCH 5 The Penny, SLO

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Avila Beach Community Center

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Paso Robles

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Minami Community Center, Santa Maria

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 The Bunker SLO

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Central Coast Jazz Guitar Fest!

The House at Pooh Corner

Friday Night Improv

Learn to Sail

St. Patrick’s Day Car Show

La Boutique FantastiqueYouth Ballet Showcase

Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band

Wealth, Women & Woo

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Buellton

Fight Night X

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Santa Maria Fairpark

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

Meat Your Match

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 MCV Wines, Paso Robles

20 • Sun • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 San Luis Obispo Public Market

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Morro Bay Yacht Club

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SATURDAY, MARCH 14 St. Louis de Montfort Church, Santa Maria

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SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Crows End Retreat, SLO

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TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in LOMPOC/VANDENBERG 1906, has a rich history that The Land HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head looks forward to sharing with visitors.

BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every Thursdays to meet and chat with the Company every Tuesday night. Teams month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are winemaker of the flight we’re featuring can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes free; donations are appreciated. Octagon that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. and bragging rights. Kekas will be Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark FOOD & DRINK continued page 22 Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

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CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 18

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(805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/.

Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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

ANNUAL MUSIC FACULTY CONCERT: A FUNDRAISER FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y Experience the artistry, energy, MONTHLY FERMENTATION and improvisation of live jazz CLASSES New topics each and classical music as the month with a thorough demo Cuesta Music Faculty take the and explanation of the process stage to benefit music student that creates non-alcoholic, scholarships! March 8, 3 p.m. probiotic, and nutrient-dense $10-$30. (805) 546-3198. Harold fermentations. Leave the class J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, confident and prepared with Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. recipes to make your own at CAL POLY INSTRUMENTAL home. Limited seating; reserve STUDENT RECITAL A free spot prior to class by phone/ recital presented by Cal Poly email. Second Sunday of every Music Department student month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801instrumentalists. March 3, 6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. classes/. Join to expand your music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free. knowledge of the fermentation Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, process and get started Room 218, Cal Poly, fermenting at home. We alternate San Luis Obispo. between demonstration and CAL POLY JAZZ COMBOS hands-on classes. Second SHOWCASE Cal Poly’s jazz Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 combos will perform classic jazz p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. repertoire as well as original kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. student compositions. Dylan Kulturhaus Brewing Company, Johnson will be the director.

779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

Patricia Newton’s paintings will be on display along with the rest of March’s seven featured March 5, 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew artists at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay from Sunday, March 1, to Sunday, 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ Trivia for a hilariously witty March 29. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, head to calendar/jazz/. PAC Pavilion, evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Performing Arts Center, of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

—A.S. to the first and second place CAL POLY WINTER JAZZ teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 CONCERT: SOUNDS p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, NNENNA FREELON Winner of 18 Grammy OF GROOVE The concert will feature wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Awards, the Basie Orchestra has performed Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, performances by various jazz ensembles, Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to at every major jazz festival and concert hall, (805) 623-8866. including the University Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. swinging with unmatched energy, style, and Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.

Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various soul. March 1, 3 p.m. $45-$75. clarkcenter.org. $17 and $22 general, $12 students and Jazz Pismo Beach. local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Federation members. (805) 756-4849.

6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/jazz/. Performing SAN LUIS OBISPO Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.

Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS ICONIC: A DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and GLORIOUS TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON CANZONA PRESENTS “RENAISSANCE, Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, karaoke every Friday and Saturday night.

BAROQUE, AND BEYOND” Take a journey Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the unparalleled legacy of the King of Pop through centuries of sacred music with DJ Jovas, and more.

Fridays, Saturdays, PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive with ICONIC, the world’s top Michael Jackson Canzona. We’ll delight our audience with Italian 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and tribute show. Feb. 28, 3-5 & 8-10 p.m. $49-$69, trios, Baroque duets, and spirited a cappella E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good Platinum $79; Senior & Student Discounts. madrigals! March 1, 3-5 p.m. $10-$35. (805) times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center 242-6065. my805tix.com. SLO United Methodist determined on a first come, first served basis. to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.

First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925- Arroyo Grande.

CHRIS THILE Grammy-winning mandolinist Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY and MacArthur “Genius” Chris Thile, of Punch Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA, DIRECTED BY SLO GRANGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST Join Brothers and Nickel Creek, blends Bach, folk, Santa Maria. the SLO Grange Hall for a good old-fashioned SCOTTY BARNHART WITH JAZZ VOCALIST and improvisation in a wide-ranging, genrepancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are NNENNA FREELON Winner of 18 Grammy defying solo tour. Hear him live! Feb. 28, 7:30 juice, and coffee will be served, and proceeds welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of Awards, the Basie Orchestra has performed p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026will benefit local non-profits. Second Sunday every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s at every major jazz festival and concert hall, season/chris-thile. Performing Arts Center, of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. (805) 543-0639. swinging with unmatched energy, style, and Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, soul. March 1, 3-5 p.m. $45-$65, Platinum $75; SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with PEACE, BEAUTY, HARP Unwind into the 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. weekend with the peace and beauty of the clarkcenter.org/.

Clark Center for the Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 harp in the peace and beauty of SLO’s historic NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. church. Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. through March BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Arroyo Grande.

20. Free. (805) 543-7212. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a twoSANTA YNEZ VALLE Y CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: STEEP CANYON Church, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick RANGERS Steep Canyon Rangers are set to PUNK ROCK DRAG SHOW Enjoy band coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of return with their signature blend of bluegrass, Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, performances by Martirio, Lot in Life, and every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128.

Americana, and rich Carolina storytelling.

Hear (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

Bone Maggot, and drag performances by The chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 them live at Clark Center for the Performing WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, Shimmer, Marceline Powerchord, Vicky Jean, Embarcadero, Morro Bay. Arts. March 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45-$59, Carbon Bard, and Estrella Electrica. March 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEATURING HOPE Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts.

6 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing FAMILY WINES Join in welcoming Hope Family 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis brickbarnwineestate.com.

Wines to Cambria Pines Lodge for an intimate for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Obispo, (805) 781-9974. five-course wine dinner in our outdoor Arroyo Grande.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG RENAISSANCE, BAROQUE AND BEYOND: Pavilion Garden. March 1, 5:30-8 p.m. $130.

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick FREE BEGINNER LINE DANCING Join the SACRED AND PROFANE Take a journey (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. line 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month.

No through centuries of sacred music with Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria. out a song, bring your friends, and get ready registration required.

Not able to dance, take a to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Canzona Women’s Ensemble. From Isabella seat, cheer on the dancers. March 3, 1-2 p.m.

Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, Leonarda’s Renaissance “Magnificat” to Free. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/.

(805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

Poulenc’s 20th-century “Litanies à la Vierge Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo.

Noire” for women’s voices and organ, we’ll YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy food, prizes, KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly delight our audience with Italian trios, Baroque and community! Open to all performers ages SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS event with barbecue offerings and more. duets, and spirited a cappella madrigals in ANNUAL ST. PADDY’S DANCE The Santa Maria 18 and under. Instruments will be provided.

Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 English and French! March 1, 3 p.m. $10-$35.

Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m. csmusicfoundation.org/.

Valley Senior Citizens presents the Annual Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500. my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo United A fun, welcoming environment for first time St. Paddy’s Dance with Riptide Big Band and Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San |2, 3 and My 805 Tix|THE LOUNGE AT BESO An performers and an opportunity for kids and vocalists. March 8, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) Luis Obispo, (805) 242-6065. upscale after-hours nightclub experience. With teens to showcase their talent.

Prizes awarded 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 every month for Outstanding Performer. Last SLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS CLASSICAL HITS Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

Celebrate the brilliance of musical genius with HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. three timeless works from history’s greatest certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site composers, Bach Brandenburg Concerto, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE®: A for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.

JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE STARRING RICK Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, and Beethoven’s com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y SCHULER A Rocky Mountain High Experience® Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”. March 7, 7:30 p.m.

Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. offers more than nostalgia—it’s an authentic $12-$92. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/ BSR SPONSORED EVENT: THE LEGENDARY LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious celebration of the music that defined a calendar-2025-2026. Performing Arts Center, COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri SCOTTY BARNHART WITH JAZZ VOCALIST 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. m generation. March 6, 7:30 p.m. $69.50-$86.25. _

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22 • Sun • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Arts

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY PHOTO BY AMANDA BOOKER

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA BOOKER

ARTS BRIEFS Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series hosts its last two shows of the season

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA YNEZ VALLEY CONCERT SERIES

To conclude its 45th season, the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series is preparing for two more shows at St. Mark’s Church in Los Olivos. The organization’s quest is to deliver world-class music to the valley.

“Our concerts enrich, educate, and inspire audiences throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding communities, with complimentary tickets available to students,” according to its website.

Italian tunes will take the forefront on March 1, performed by tenor Giorgi Guliashvili and pianist Carrie-Ann Matheson.

Award-winning vocalist Guliashvili is part of the Royal Ballet and Opera and has performed across Europe. Matheson is an educator and conductor, currently serving as artistic director at the San Francisco Opera Center.

The infamous Giacopuzzi Duo is set to perform their piano program on April 26. Jacopo and Maddalena Giacopuzzi are known for their international competition victories and performances at major music festivals.

Both shows start at 4 p.m. at St. Marks in the Valley Episcopal Church, located at 2901 Nojoqui Ave in Los Olivos. Buy tickets online by visiting syvconcerts.org. Students can attend at no cost, and general admission starts at $25. For more information about the concert series, call (805) 705-0938.

Presqu’ile Winery’s tasting room debuts an art vending machine PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESQU’ILE WINERY

The next time wine tasters visit Presqu’ile Winery, they can collect artwork from a coin-operated mini print vending machine. It’s the latest effort from the winery to involve creativity with its food and wine offerings.

Created by artist Ana Inciardi, the machine is the first of its kind at a winery in the U.S., according to press materials.

Passersby can collect surprise linocut prints inspired by wine and food, chosen by the quarter-operated machine reminiscent of ones that spit out temporary tattoos. Over the past few years, Inciardi has installed hundreds of mini art vending machines across the country.

“We’re excited to offer our guests another tactile, creative way to engage with the estate,” winery co-founder Matt Murphy said in press materials. “The Inciardi machine is playful, thoughtful, and very much aligned with how we think about hospitality.”

Inciardi offers artwork tied to the Santa Maria Valley’s landscape and culture, giving visitors a reason to return to Presqu’ile each season to collect new designs.

Find the art vending machine at the Presqu’ile Winery tasting room, located at 5391 Presqu’ile Drive in Santa Maria.

The winery is open on weekends from 12 to 5 p.m. but closed on Tuesdays. Weekend hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Find more information online at presquilewine.com or by calling (805) 937-8110. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send information to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

BEHIND THE LENS: Photographer Amanda Booker often captures candid shots while her clients are in between poses. This couple’s shoot commemorated their wedding vow renewals.

PASSION PROJECT: In January, Amanda Booker celebrated one year since starting her own photography business out of Lompoc.

Click of a button

uncomfortable. Then after 15 minutes, she was The business owner fine.” started out booking Another portion of Booker’s clientele is friends and family for families. She has fun customizing sessions for shoots, slowly getting each group, keeping the work exciting. her name out through After taking the pictures, Booker still has work social media and word to do. She’ll spend around 10 hours editing each of mouth. Booker photographs events, small businesses, families, shoot, usually in the mornings while her kids are at individuals, and couples. school. The photographer wants her clients to look Love birds can schedule shoots for and feel like themselves, so she edits the style to be engagements, elopements, proposals, vow natural and warm, removing any distractions. renewals, and courtroom weddings. Booker finds “I’ll edit, and then I won’t send them out romantic backdrops in beaches and vineyards. immediately because I want to take some time Open areas are key, so she can play with the away to look at it again the next day,” she added, spacing of shots from near and far away. It also “and make sure I’m happy with it.” m gives the couple room to get comfortable in front of the camera.

Staff Writer Madison White would much rather Posing can be great, but candid shots are be behind the camera than in front of it. Reach her arguably more personalized. Booker kick-starts at mwhite@santamariasun.com. them with a little bit of movement, like asking the duo to walk to another spot.

Book Booker “One time that happened … she Amanda Booker takes photos for couples, families, individuals, climbed on his back, and I just loved that small businesses, and large events. Find more information on natural moment,” Booker said. “I got a her website, amandabookerphotography99.mypixieset.com. Check bunch of pictures of them just playing out sample work from Amanda Booker Photography on Instagram around like that. … I don’t try to force it.” @amandabookerphotography.

To build trust, the photographer quiets PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA BOOKER down and allows couples to focus on connecting with each other. Then, she captures those special moments that come once the awkwardness has gone.

“They kind of lean on each other to get over that,” Booker described. “I had a couple making inside jokes and laughing because one of them felt super

A Lompoc photographer wants to capture all of life’s special moments

BY MADISON WHITE

T

he Central Coast is darn close to a photographer’s dream setting, so scouting locations is one of the most fun parts of the job for Amanda Booker.

“I just love this area. There’s so much to offer,” she said. “Basically anything a client envisions, you can find here.”

The Lompoc resident offers photo shoots on the beach, in the hills, and amid rolling vineyards.

Not to mention hidden spots in city parks and empty fields.

January marked one year since she made the move to start her own photography business, Amanda Booker Photography, capturing moments for families and small businesses.

The passion began with borrowing her mom’s digital camera, one that Booker has kept to this day. She fell in love with the hobby in high school when she took a film photography class and learned how to develop pictures in the darkroom.

“I just loved not knowing what it would look like,” Booker said. “Then you can start to see it, play around with it. I just thought that was such a cool thing, and I loved that process.”

In pursuit of a more stable career as a young adult, Booker studied business in her native New Jersey, finding work in market research and data PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA BOOKER analytics. A year ago, she switched paths to professional photography, her childhood dream. The new career allows her to make her own schedule and spend time with her two children.

At first, her biggest concern was losing the joy of photography when it became her job. Grabbing her camera has always been a method to relieve stress and get through hard times.

Booker and her family currently live on Vandenberg Space Force Base, but before that she lived in Colorado.

Walking her dog at the nearby reservoir and taking pictures always put her in a better mood.

“I decided to go for it so I wouldn’t have any regrets later,” the photographer said about her professional life.

The risk has paid off. She’s able to separate her hobby from her work, dedicating time in nature to GOING TO THE CHAPEL: Many of Amanda take landscape pictures for fun and Booker’s clients are couples, like this pair that got scheduling sessions with clients for married at the Santa Barbara courthouse. work.

SANDY SHOOTS: Amanda Booker lives on Vandenberg Space Force Base, and some of her clients do, too. She enjoys photographing at the beach on base because there usually aren’t too many crowds.

www.santamariasun.com • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • Sun • 23

Film

SUN SCREEN

On the verge W

is incredible here. You can feel her fraying and becoming increasingly brittle. The entire cast riter-director Mary Bronstein (Yeast) is good, but this is the Rose Byrne show, and she helms this story about Linda (Rose Byrne), never lets up. It’s riveting. This also marks her a psychotherapist whose personal and very first Oscar nomination. She already took professional responsibilities leave her on the brink home the Golden Globe for this performance, of a nervous breakdown. In between work, she but her fiercest Oscar competition may be Stone, cares for her daughter (Delaney Quinn) who’s got who won for La La Land (2016) and Poor Things a pediatric eating disorder requiring a feeding (2023) but also turned in an emotionally complex tube and daily hospital visits. Her ship captain performance last year. We still need to watch the husband, Charles (Christian Slater), is at sea and other films. dismissive and unsupportive. Their apartment Anna: The film is shot in a very interesting way. floods and becomes unlivable, forcing Linda While we hear and see slivers of Linda’s daughter, and her daughter into a shabby motel run by the focus is all on Byrne. Her angry husband is snotty clerk Diana (Ivy Wolk), and James (A$AP heard over the phone but never seen. She’s adrift Rocky), the motel superintendent. Linda’s own and alone, staying in a crappy motel close to the therapist (Conan O’Brien) is unhelpful and judgy. children’s hospital where her daughter is getting And Linda’s got a challenging client, Caroline treatment. The machines that (Danielle Macdonald), a new keep her daughter alive whir and mother suffering from paranoia buzz all night long, and Linda IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU and postpartum anxiety. She’s turns to finding the bottom of What’s it rated? R overwhelmed. (113 min.) a bottle of wine as her nightly What’s it worth, Anna? Full Price escape. This isn’t a fun watch, What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Glen: Since this time of year but it certainly is a powerful one.

Where’s it showing? HBO Max is a bit of dumping ground for Her mental state is about two mediocre films in theaters, and shades darker than fried, and because we missed some of the she can’t help but break down. Topped off with Oscar contenders like this one, we decided to a daughter who is shrill and demanding, Linda’s look back at this October 2025 release since it’s maternal instincts have met their match. It is now streaming, and it’s weird and wonderful. certainly a must-see, but come prepared.

Lead actress Rose Byrne is nominated for a Best Glen: This is also a film that refuses to offer a Actress Academy Award for it, and she’s in a tidy resolution, yet the non-ending is potent and very competitive field that includes Emma Stone visually arresting and does offer an unsettled from Bugonia, Jessie Buckley from Hamnet, Kate kind of closure. Linda may be beat down, but she’s Hudson from Song Sung Blue, and Renate Reinsve a fighter. As much as I admired and was wowed in the Norwegian film Sentimental Value. Byrne

by Stone’s performance in Bugonia, I hope Byrne

COURTESY PHOTO BY LOGAN WHITE/A24

TAILSPIN: Rose Byrne stars as Linda, a mother, wife, and psychotherapist on the verge of a nervous breakdown, in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, streaming on HBO Max.

takes an Oscar home. The prolific Australian actor has done a lot of amazing work in her long career, and I think she’s due. Plus, Stone’s got two Oscars already. We’ll see what the Academy decides. With four nominations, there’s more buzz around Bugonia than this film, but If I Had Legs is worth the watch for Byrne’s incredible performance.

Anna: Both films are difficult to watch in their own way, and both actresses deserve every

accolade they’re getting. I find Byrne’s Linda to be relatable in the most heartbreaking of ways, whereas Stone’s character in Bugonia is an icy better-than. Messy, unsure, overtaxed, Linda’s an unwilling participant in a marathon. I’ll also be rooting for Byrne to take home that gold statue. m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

UNFAMILIAR

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix I’m generally not a fan of dubbed films or shows, so even though I was a little put off at first, this German series sucked me in. Created by Paul Coates, the story follows former intelligence agents Meret (Susanne Wolff) and Simon Schäfer (Felix Krammer) who now run a secret safe house in Berlin.

They’re celebrating their daughter Nina’s (Maja Bons), 16th birthday when they get a call from an injured man needing their assistance.

They decide to take him in, but not all is as it seems. Soon, their cover is blown, they’re being pursued by Russian agents, secrets from their daughter’s past return, their marriage is under strain, and their entire world is imploding.

Intelligently written, the series’ first episode gives us just enough of the couple’s story to set the hook while keeping us in the dark about their complicated past and the decisions that have defined them. The reveals from one episode to the next keep us engaged.

They’re both very capable operatives, and the action sequences and spycraft feel authentic. They’re also complicated, no-nonsense characters who harbor regrets but also swallow their emotions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

THE INVESTIGATION OF LUCY LETBY

PAST IS PROLOGUE: Married ex-spies Meret (Susanne Wolff) and Simon Schäfer (Felix Krammer) find their past returned to haunt them, in Unfamiliar, streaming on Netflix.

Spy thriller fans, this one’s for you. (six approximately 50-min. episodes)

—Glen

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What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix Lucy Letby was a young neonatal nurse when she began at Countess of Chester Hospital in 2012. Her whole career focused on the care of the youngest and most vulnerable patients.

However, in subsequent years, the hospital saw an unexplained rise in infant mortalities and collapses, and all the cases had one thing in common: Lucy.

This documentary shows footage of Lucy on the day that she is first taken in for questioning, the police coming to her home and rousing her from bed to come with them. We see her interviews with the police, her reluctant words of denial at what she is accused of. We also see interviews with parents of the children she murdered while they were in her care—through insulin poisoning or by introducing air into their bloodstream causing embolisms.

It’s a reminder that looking innocent and being young can be a deadly cover for vile acts. Lucy was sentenced in 2020 and will spend her life in prison. Unsettling and infuriating, this is just the type of watch to make you wary of those who are supposed to care for us. Just remember that most caregivers are in the field to do no harm, despite cases like Lucy’s. (92 min.) m —Anna

BABY KILLER? British neonatal nurse Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering seven infants, but did she do it? The Investigation of Lucy Letby, streaming on Netflix, looks deeper.

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Scan the QR code to download the app or book online $2.00 per mile 24 • Sun • February 26 - March 5, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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ICING ON TOP: Find sweet treats OPINION like cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and lemon bars all made in-house at Orcutt Bakery.

Frosted fun NEWS

STROKES

Orcutt Bakery calls dibs on the dessert table

BY MADISON WHITE

A

ARTS

fter Danielle and Shawn Gerber spend hours baking and decorating a cake, they must safely transport it to its destination.

For Central Coast parties from Santa Ynez to San Luis Obispo, that often means a scenic barn or vineyard, creating their biggest delivery challenge—the road less traveled.

“We don’t love delivering off paved roads,” Danielle said with a laugh.

She stood behind the counter of her and her husband’s business, Orcutt Bakery, one February afternoon while Shawn was busy in the kitchen making cheesecake. In addition to an array of cheesecakes, their dessert counter also held cupcakes, cookies, lemon bars, and cake pops.

For the past 11 years, the couple has owned and operated Orcutt Bakery, but this is the first time in Danielle’s recent memory that life is back to normal after a battle with breast cancer. The baker wants her community to know that even though she never stopped working, she’s feeling herself again.

“The last couple of years, we’ve just been surviving,” Danielle said.

“We’re ready to get back to what we do best.”

Orcutt Bakery is known to create custom cakes for parties and weddings. Shawn is the baker and Danielle decorates. Though cakes now make up a large portion of their business, making cookies was Danielle’s introduction to the industry.

She has early memories baking at her grandmother’s house in Orcutt, a short drive from where she was raised in Nipomo. Danielle baked a lot for her family, too, even bringing

For any occasion

The Gerbers deliver from San Luis Obispo to the Santa Ynez Valley.

Place online orders for Orcutt Bakery goods by visiting orcuttbakery.com. Call (805) 938-9140 with questions, and see the treats for yourself at 4869 S. Bradley Road, suite 112, in Orcutt.

cookies to her friends at school. Eventually, the business owner began baking wedding cakes for her friends.

“My grandmother really loved to bake, and so we would have baking days,” Danielle said. “I’d go over and hang out with her, and we’d bake something new. She got to pass on her love of baking to me.”

Now, her grandmother is the one asking for advice.

Danielle took the leap to go back to school and study food science at Allan Hancock College. She and her classmates put their skills to the test during labs held in a kitchen that looked like the set of Top Chef, the baker remembered.

Shawn took culinary classes at Hancock too, and he has always specialized in cooking. His wife said he learned how to bake specifically for their business, having grown tired of working for other people.

The art of cooking is different than the science of baking, but Shawn quickly caught on.

“The first wedding cake that he was helping me with, he put powdered sugar instead of flour, so he learned real quick that you have to pay attention,” Danielle said.

The team works together, sometimes spending eight hours on a custom cake. During wedding season, they take as many orders as Shawn and his oven can manage.

“It gets kind of crazy,” Danielle said.

While taste is always the top priority, Danielle has fun decorating the designs by hand. Recently, her more elaborate cake creations have featured themes of Hello Kitty and KPop Demon Hunters, after the hit movie.

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A SWEET CAREER: Danielle Gerber has owned Orcutt Bakery with her husband, Shawn, for more than 10 years.

The baker also admires the simplicity of “naked” cakes, with the layers exposed, held together ever so slightly with frosting. The aesthetic is fitting for a lot of weddings.

Ahead of the big day, Danielle’s main piece of advice to couples for their cake is that less is more. She sends them home with a tasting flight, suggesting they choose two or three flavors.

The most popular cakes she and Shawn offer are red velvet, chocolate, and, to their surprise, coconut.

“One of my friends from high school was adamant, like, ‘Don’t even put coconut. We’re not doing it,’” Danielle remembered about his tasting. “Then he ordered the whole cake in coconut. He loved it.”

Along with frosted slices, Shawn and Danielle style wedding dessert tables with mini versions of their cookies, cheesecakes, and lemon bars. Sometimes they throw cake pops in the mix, too.

Custom cakes require four or five days’ notice, and wedding cakes are best ordered a few months in advance. Shawn bakes every day, though, constantly stocking the storefront with triple chocolate, carrot, and chocolate strawberry cakes.

Orcutt Bakery’s goods aim to bring joy to everyone—and the bakers literally deliver that joy, preferably on paved roads—whether it’s a wedding day, birthday, or a regular weekday. m Staff Writer Madison White enjoys the bakery’s raspberry cheesecake.

Send another slice to mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

ORCUTT PROUD: Before Shawn and Danielle Gerber moved into their Orcutt Bakery location, they ran a cottage business out of their home. Danielle got her start by baking wedding cakes for her friends.

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