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Is This Thing On? is raw [18]

Stacking up Lawsuits against Lucia Mar school district allege sexual abuse, negligence [6]

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

NEWS

Lompoc’s proposed sales tax measure [3]

ARTS

Copper and Stone [16]

EATS

Teas, spices in Santa Maria [20]

Contents

Your Dream Home Awaits!

JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 22, 2026 VOL. 26 NO. 47

T

he Lucia Mar Unified School District faces a handful of lawsuits with claims that range from child sexual abuse to negligence. A district spokesperson said that’s, in part, thanks to revamped rules about the statute of limitations on sexual abuse cases. One of the lawsuits stems from incidents plaintiffs say happened in the 1990s at Dana Elementary School with a teacher who was later convicted of child sexual abuse in connection with a different case. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the Sun’s sister paper, New Times, writes about the allegations [6].

Also, read about why Lompoc could put a sales tax measure on the ballot [3]; a local jewelry maker focused on keeping it natural [16]; and Hapi Nani’s teas and spices [20].

Camillia Lanham editor

PILING UP: Three lawsuits are currently pending against the Lucia Mar Unified School District, which announced that it settled two cases in December.

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NEWS

News Briefs ...............................................................................3 Political Watch.........................................................................3 Spotlight...................................................................................... 7

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Commentary .............................................................................8 Letters ..........................................................................................8 Web Poll ......................................................................................8 Modern World ..........................................................................8 Canary ..........................................................................................9

CLASSIFIEDS, HOME, AND REAL ESTATE .................................................... 23

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➤ Legal pileup [6]

SCREENSHOT FROM LOMPOC CITY COUNCIL MEETING

POLITICAL WATCH • On Jan. 9, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a $348.9 billion budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

A press release from Assemblymember Gregg Hart’s (D-Santa Barbara) office stated that the budget maintained funding for key services, especially in areas where the federal government has pulled back. “As we craft our state budget—the guiding policy framework for the world’s fourth-largest economy—we have the opportunity to confront our state’s greatest challenges and put our values into action,” Hart said in the release. “We also have the responsibility of protecting the hard-earned dollars of taxpayers and planning ahead for economic downturns. More than anything, I am committed to doing my part to ensure this budget helps the millions of Californians who are struggling to afford housing, pay their bills, and save for the future.” The budget assumes that state revenues will be $42 billion higher than previously estimated. Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) said that the governor’s budget shows progress with continued investments in “vital education, mental health, reproductive programs, and more.” “However, the federal tariffs, lack of ACA [Affordable Care Act] subsides, attacks on Medicaid, and attempt to erase housing, child care, and social service programs remain a huge danger to our economy,” Addis said in a statement.

• On Jan. 12, environmental justice and conservation advocates headed to Sacramento for a Pro-CEQA Lobby Day, to demand that the Legislature introduce a new bill to fix what the advocates describe as a “dangerous and unprecedented rollback of environmental and public health protections,” according to a press release. In June 2025, Senate Bill 131 was introduced as a budget trailer bill and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, making changes to the state’s housing laws and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). At the time, the governor’s office called it “a comprehensive streamlining package that breaks down longstanding development barriers, modernizes CEQA review for critical housing and infrastructure, and creates new tools to speed up production, reduce costs, and improve accountability across the state.”

It exempts “advanced manufacturing” projects from CEQA. “Environmental justice groups, tribes, and labor unions were furious at both the substance of that bill and the process that produced it, calling it a ‘poison pill’ that bypassed democratic accountability,” according to the press release. In response, a coalition of legislators signed a letter taking issue with the impact of some of the changes and expressing concern about exempting “advanced manufacturing” facilities from environmental review, calling it an overly broad category. In September 2025, Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) introduced a bill to address those issues and announced a working group to take action “to ensure cleanup legislation is successful[ly] passed next year.” “Senators and Assembly members are standing together to address this important issue and make sure we sustain California’s strong protections for our environment, as well as our workers,” he said in a September statement from his office. “Powerful guardrails are essential near our homes, schools, nursing homes, and day cares.”

The bill, though, was pulled before its first hearing, which was scheduled for Jan. 12, “effectively killing the bill and reigniting frustration among the very groups who had worked tirelessly to bring it forward,” the environmental groups stated in the press release.

So, instead, representatives of environmental justice and conservation organizations met with lawmakers to demand action. “They want a new bill introduced immediately—one that fully restores environmental review protections and reaffirms California’s commitment to environmental justice and public safety,” the release stated. m

January 15 - January 22, 2026

➤ Spotlight [7]

Act now!

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

POTHOLES IN THE ROAD: Lompoc City Councilmember Dirk Starbuck was in the majority that voted to move forward with a special tax ballot measure that would dedicate around $3.75 million annually to repairing the city’s roads.

Lompoc could fix its streets with proposed sales tax measure Lompoc City Council members took the next step toward placing a half percent special sales tax measure dedicated to road and sidewalk maintenance on the ballot. The decision was informed by the city’s first FlashVote survey that asked respondents about city improvements and the tax measure.

On Jan. 6, the council voted 3-2 to move forward with a special tax measure, rather than a general one, which will be drafted and reviewed at the Jan. 20 meeting. If passed by the council and approved by enough voters, Lompoc could see an annual revenue of $3.75 million. The half percent would push Lompoc up to 9.25 percent sales tax.

“I’m going to support putting a special tax, key emphasis on special,” Councilmember Dirk Starbuck said at the meeting. “The competence of a government to spend tax money is very questionable with many. But with a special tax, it takes any questions out of what we can do with it.”

Councilmember Jeremy Ball countered with the idea for a general tax in hopes of increasing the measure’s success on the ballot. A special tax requires approval from 66 percent of voters, whereas a general tax only requires 50 percent plus one. Ball said the council could still spend general tax money on road maintenance.

“It’s hard to pass a tax in general. It’s definitely hard to pass a special tax [that] requires such a high threshold,” Ball said. “From my perspective, I’d be open to a discussion about a general tax because I believe that gives council—the current council and future council—flexibility to address the issues that arise at that time.”

If Lompoc doesn’t pass a tax measure, Santa Barbara County could put one on the ballot, and in that case, the county would decide how to spend the funds instead of the city.

Joining Ball in dissent, Councilmember Victor Vega pointed out the cost to put a measure before voters. It would cost $60,000 from the general fund to put a measure on the June ballot and $39,000 to put it on the November ballot, according to the staff report.

The tax would help repair Lompoc’s streets and sidewalks, one of the issues that constituents reported as most important in FlashVote survey responses. A total of 206 respondents completed the survey, which was open from Dec. 17 to 19, according to the staff report.

In the survey, 78 percent of respondents said they would rather see the city, instead of the county, decide how to spend the half percent sales tax.

Locals can sign up for FlashVote by visiting flashvote.com/lompoc and choose whether

they want to respond via email, text message, or phone call. Responses are anonymous.

The special tax ballot initiative will require four out of five votes from City Council members at the Jan. 20 meeting.

—Madison White

Solvang considers removing Design Review Committee from sign permitting process Time. Place. Manner. Case law shows that the legal limits of monitoring free speech and assembly go hand in hand with the objective rules a city can adopt to regulate signage and art—including murals—used by privately owned businesses.

Over the past nine months, Solvang’s staff and legal advisors have cited U.S. Supreme Court cases, including Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015), to elected officials and appointed committee members during hearings about a proposed code update meant to streamline the city’s signage permitting procedures, unaltered since 2012.

“This area of what you can regulate on signs is a whole huge body of case law. … There’s decades of case law,” City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan told the City Council at its Jan. 12 meeting. “Content-based restrictions are subject to a very high standard of review under federal law. … Basically, all content-based restrictions get struck down by a court.”

Staff presented a draft ordinance to get city officials’ feedback before putting forward a final proposal sometime in March. The signage code cleanup has been in the works since last March, Community Development Director Rafael Castillo reminded the council.

At the meeting, Councilmember Elizabeth Orona echoed concerns that members of Solvang’s Design Review Committee previously voiced at an August 2025 hearing.

“We have no method to find aesthetic consistency between a sign and its building?”

Orona said.

She asked staff to expand on its assertion that the color of a sign counts as content and therefore can’t be held to objective design standards.

“With color for signs, it gets a little tricky because, for businesses, it can be their logo,” City Attorney O’Sullivan said. “We’re not [currently] dictating people’s logo colors on that level. …

Under our current regime, we have not done that for logos and the content of signs. I would hope it’s in the tenant’s interest to have a coherent look for their building.”

“It might be in the tenant’s interest to draw more attention to their sign,” Orona responded, “and make it neon paint as opposed to neon

fluorescent.”

To streamline the sign permitting process for businesses and other applicants, the draft ordinance shortens the process administered by staff, rather than maintain the Design Review Committee’s current jurisdiction over signs and requiring public hearings.

Clashes between applicants and the committee over signage have cropped up in the past, including in 2023 when a local juice bar owner successfully appealed the committee’s denial of one of his shop’s signs for subjective reasons outside of the city’s objective standards.

While the City Council sided with staff on streamlining the sign approval process into an administrative procedure, it shared the Design Review Committee’s view that art murals on private property should go through a public hearing procedure.

“I will take the council’s direction on this, but I will be somewhat wounded on this hill. I strongly urge that murals go through city staff,” Castillo said. “I’ve seen way too many councils, … commissions, and boards, get hung up on the content of a mural, and it brings out the worst in humanity to argue over what a message is of a mural, versus being very streamlined and straightforward.”

Castillo added that the city of Solvang has never codified a formal permitting process for murals.

City Attorney O’Sullivan told the council that permitting murals for private businesses via a public hearing route with the Design Review Committee does work as long as it sticks to weighing in on objective standards like size and location, rather than the mural’s content.

After Councilmember Orona suggested leaving murals out of the draft ordinance, O’Sullivan said that staff “can certainly take it out and put it in more of an art ordinance.”

“That would be a different effort, but I just want to preview that we’re not going to avoid the First Amendment by doing that,” O’Sullivan said. “You can put it in a public art ordinance, but the same speech rules are going to apply no matter which bucket you put it in. Murals often have speech. It’s an expression. Freedom of expression in the First Amendment is not just words. It’s also art; pictures.”

“Well, some people consider graffiti art these days, but I don’t think that’s what we want in Solvang,” Orona said.

—Caleb Wiseblood

Buellton installs the county’s first public pet microchip scanner stations Typically found in veterinary offices and animal shelters, a pet microchip scanner can quickly help someone who’s found a stray animal—if it’s been microchipped—arrange a reunion with its owner.

Although its availability is limited by working hours, staffing, and other factors tied to locations that carry scanners, the Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation (SBACF) is currently aiming to eliminate some of those barriers with a new countywide initiative.

On Jan. 8, Buellton became the first Santa Barbara County city to formally commit to the program, which entails the installation of outdoor “do-it-yourself” pet microchip scanner stations, with 24/7 availability for the public to use when needed.

“Obviously a lot of stray animals are found in the evenings,” Buellton City Councilmember Carla Mead said at the council’s Jan. 8 meeting.

As the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society’s board chair, Mead spoke from personal experience about the intake shelter’s microchip scanner, located inside the office for staff use

NEWS continued page 4

www.santamariasun.com • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • Sun • 3

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U PCO M IN SPECIA G PU B L I C L ATION

STOREFRONT FONTS: Some Solvang officials and staff didn’t see eye to eye on a recent draft ordinance to streamline the public hearing process that businesses are required to undertake to put up new signage. Rather than score a Design Review Committee approval, businesses would simply need an administrative permit if the code update moves forward.

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during regular business hours.

“We’re only open from 8 to 5. … If you found a dog at 7 at night and drove it there, no one’s there to help you,” Mead said. “That’s why, in my opinion, these are important because we are trying to limit barriers … for people to do the right thing.”

Mead also noted that the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society is what’s known as a managed intake shelter, meant to prevent overcrowding at county shelters, but not technically equipped to take in stray animals from the public. The closest shelters to Buellton are in Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara.

The council ultimately agreed to purchase five microchip scanners, as well as plastic housing materials to contain them wherever the city decides to mount them, from SBACF for $1,000 (at $250 per station). SBACF offered the fifth to Buellton for free.

“If the council wanted to authorize the

placement of at least one of these, … we can expedite this and be the first city in the county to post one of these,” City Manager Scott Wolfe told the council.

Councilmember Elysia Lewis suggested starting with installing a scanner station at Buellton’s off-leash dog park, PAWS Park on Dawn Drive, “so that we can beat everyone else and say we did it first.”

SBACF staff told Buellton officials that it was currently in talks with Santa Maria, Lompoc, Guadalupe, and New Cuyama about the new scanner program.

With a 5-0 vote, the Buellton City Council agreed to post its first three outdoor scanning stations at PAWS Park, outside of Buellton City Hall, and the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society.

“We’ll bring back a list of proposed sites,” Wolfe said, referring to options for the council to consider installing the two remaining scanner posts. m —Caleb Wiseblood

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Lucia Mar faces lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse, assault, and negligence

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

compliance with California’s mandated-reporting laws,” an Luis Obispo County’s largest school she told the Sun. “If district district faces three lawsuits filed within leadership and staff were the last six months alleging child sexual aware in the 1990s, the only abuse, assault, and negligence at the hands of its appropriate response was employees. immediate removal from A Mesa Middle School student, a Grover student contact, prompt Beach Elementary School student, their reporting to law enforcement, guardians, and two former students at Dana timely notification to Elementary School filed separate complaints against the Lucia Mar Unified School District for families, and an independent investigation.” reportedly neglecting to take action when three The complaint alleges that instructors allegedly harmed those students in Polosjuk abused the two girls on different ways. at least 12 occasions combined.

The Lucia Mar school board also capped off The women claimed that 2025 by unanimously agreeing at its Dec. 16 despite other students also meeting to settle two cases involving students. complaining that Polosjuk The district will pay roughly $50,000 to each of had fondled them and given the students, including attorney fees. nonconsensual hugs, the It’s unclear if the two settled cases are district didn’t supervise his connected to the active lawsuits from the Mesa interactions with students, Middle, Grover Beach Elementary, and Dana didn’t report him to law Elementary schools’ students. enforcement or a child “The well-being of our students and staff ALARM BELLS: SLO County’s largest school district, Lucia Mar Unified, is named in three lawsuits concerning child sexual protective agency, and didn’t is a top priority for Lucia Mar,” district abuse, assault, and negligence from employees–mirroring a rise spokesperson Amy Jacobs said. “School districts train teachers and staff to in school districts being sued across California. create a safe environment and across California are experiencing a marked report inappropriate behavior. increase in claims and litigation. Because these causing the fabric to tighten round her neck, “Defendants failed to take reasonable steps matters involve pending or anticipated legal which choked her and restricted her breathing. action, the district cannot comment on specifics and implement reasonable safeguards to avoid acts of unlawful sexual conduct by Polosjuk, and, Plaintiff, in pain, gasped for air.” at this time.”

The incident allegedly worsened the student’s Reformed state laws around sexual assault led upon information and belief, actually undertook emotional and psychological condition, leading a concerted effort to cover up the childhood to a surge in lawsuits throughout California. to a severe fear of school, panic attacks, and sexual abuse,” the complaint said.

In 2019, the Legislature unanimously hospitalization for mental health treatment.

The complaint also stated that Polosjuk passed Assembly Bill 218, which extended The complaint alleged that Lucia Mar didn’t was ultimately arrested and convicted around the statute of limitations to file a child sexual immediately inform the student’s parent and 1998 for acts of child sexual abuse. Lucia Mar assault lawsuit from age 26 to age 40; extended responded to the complaint with a general denial failed to disclose that a behavioral emergency the statute of limitations for survivors older report and a video of the incident existed. A on Dec. 23, rejecting all the allegations. than 40 to within five years of when survivors behavioral emergency report is a mandatory Polosjuk, 72, is listed in California’s registered reasonably should have discovered repressed document in California schools that notes sex offender database under continuous sexual memories of assault; and enabled survivors abuse of child. According to the database, he was incidents involving significant student behavior, whose statutes of limitations had expired to file including the use of emergency interventions like convicted in 1998 and released in 2003. He was lawsuits by Dec. 31, 2022. physical restraint. last reported to be living in Santa Cruz.

In 2023, the Legislature also passed AB The parent allegedly only learned about the New Tech and Nipomo high schools’ physical 452, which altogether removes the statute of incident when Grover Beach police called her education teacher and union president of limitations on all childhood sexual assault to follow up on a suspected child abuse report. the Lucia Mar Unified Teachers Association claims filed after Jan. 1, 2024.

Despite repeated requests, the school district Cody King told New Times he remembers According to a Cal Matters investigation in allegedly delayed holding an emergency 504 kids discussing Polosjuk’s behavior when he 2025, the new laws resulted in a flurry of payouts meeting—an urgent discussion about a child’s was a 12-year-old at Dana from school districts to survivors. unique disability-related needs.

Elementary in 1998.

The Carpinteria Unified School The district also failed to respond to a formal “I don’t remember it in District with its $42 million government claim within the required 45-day the news or anything, … just budget in neighboring Santa Send any news knowing that he was no longer window, according to the lawsuit, effectively Barbara County is facing or story tips to rejecting it by default. in school and the rumors at financial collapse due to lawsuits news@santamariasun.com.

Lucia Mar has faced similar lawsuits in the past. the time that turned out to be settling for $5 million to $10 In 2022, the school district agreed to pay $10 true,” he said. million each. million to settle a lawsuit alleging negligence Lucia Mar is also facing a lawsuit filed in June Overall claims against schools total nearly $3 after bus driver David Lamb was convicted of 2025 by a Mesa Middle School student and her billion, Cal Matters reported. molesting a 9-year-old girl several times over five guardian against physical education teacher Two unnamed women, now 37, sued months in 2017.

Karli Nichols.

Lucia Mar, claiming that their former Dana Teachers Association President King told The complaint alleged that in September Elementary teacher Alexander Polosjuk sexually New Times that the union isn’t privy to the 2024, Nichols willfully ignored a doctor’s note abused and molested them between 1997 and district’s deliberations around litigation. Details excusing the student from all physical activity.

1998 when they were children. surrounding procedures that supposedly weren’t The student, while practicing throwing a flying “Childhood sexual trauma often takes many followed and diligence that wasn’t performed, disk, heard her knee pop and fell. She allegedly years to process, and most survivors never come he said, are important to know about because it suffered permanent injuries. forward at all,” said Simona Danesh, a partner could highlight systemic issues that need fixing.

In November 2025, a Grover Beach at Slater Slater Schulman LLP who represents “Because everything’s done in closed session Elementary student with disabilities and her the two women. “For those who do, it typically at board meetings and the confidentiality, you mother sued the district and paraprofessional takes decades to find the strength to confront don’t hear about these or you don’t know the Michael Rios, alleging a physical altercation in such painful memories. Recent changes in the outcome when there’s something that’s brought February between him and the student. law were made to reflect this well-established before the board,” King said. “They’ll say it’s According to the lawsuit, Rios forcibly reality.” resolved but not that there was liability or an removed the student for playing outside the Danesh added that the alleged victims amount that was paid.” m cafeteria after lunch. experienced lifelong harm because their teacher “In an attempt to stop her, Rios grabbed her assaulted them.

Reach Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the upper arm between her elbow and shoulder,” “Keeping children safe includes the Sun’s sister paper, New Times, at brajagopal@ the complaint said. “Rios then grabbed the training and rigorous supervision of all newtimesslo.com. back of her shirt collar and pulled backwards, personnel who interact with kids and full

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“Behind Barbed Wire Redux - A Glimpse at Central Coast Japanese American Life during “We have a lot of people in all walks of life,” WWII” at the Clark Center for the Performing Trigueiro said. “In Buellton, we’re focused on Arts in Arroyo Grande on Jan. 23 from 7:30 trying to provide housing for families.” to 8:45 p.m. The performance will include a The organization aims to serve individuals and families making no more than 80 percent of live orchestra, band, guest performers, video, the area median income, according to Triguerio. poetry, and 1940s swing music and narration to provide a multimedia experience of the For the Buellton apartments, the eligibility complex history of Japanese Americans in the is at or below 50 percent of median income internment camps and incarceration during with 24 units set aside for eligible farmworker World Word II, commemorating its impact households making 30 to 50 percent of median on the Central Coast. Tickets are available at income, Triguiero said. clarkcenter.org. MUSIC “These are frontline essential workers,” he st. said. “They’re missing out in terms of having • Caltrans invites residents who live in and around Guadalupe to attend a public meeting affordable housing or good quality housing.” on Jan. 21 to discuss a series of upcoming The Garden Apartments will be the 10th FLAVOR/EATS road projects in the area. The meeting will People’s Self-Help development with an on-site ve learning center, according to Triguerio. A K-8 be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St. Spanish translation after-school support program will be available INFO will be available, and doors open at 5:15 p.m. with teachers to help students with homework, college preparation, and other educational needs. Residents will be able to ask questions and s participate in conversations about the area’s “A lot of times, we find that they’re [the CALENDAR n’t students] even ahead of their class having projects, including work to create curb ramps and drainage systems along Highway 166 stayed in the program for a period of time,” t Trigueiro said. and add a traffic signal at the state Route OPINION g.

1/166 and state Route 166/Obispo Street Every year, about 400 students participate intersection. The projects are estimated to in People’s Self-Help’s on-site educational be completed between spring 2028 and fall programs. Part of those programs include a 2029. For a list ofNEWS projects under discussion, college club and scholarships, which Trigueiro t said have been successful. visit dot.ca.gov/caltransnear-me/district-5/ “We found that our STROKES district-5-current-projects/ students are the first ever in guadalupe-area-projects. m their family to go to college,” Send business and Trigueiro said. “Parents nonprofit information to aren’t necessarily equipped ARTSReach New Times intern spotlight@santamariasun.com.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [9]

Make a better plan Why are we still running over plovers?

Because the dunes habitat conservation plan is broken

BY GIANNA PATCHEN & ANDREW CHRISTIE

O

term. In 2004, the Sierra Club sued State Parks for the same reasons and secured the same n March 18, 2021, the California Coastal promise of a habitat conservation plan. The Commission made the historic decision “new” conservation plan is a slightly revised that off-road vehicles must be removed version of the old plan (which was finally from Oceano Dunes because off-road vehicle completed in 2020 but then withdrawn), but use jeopardizes one of the world’s rarest coastal it retains the same deep flaw: The habitat ecosystems and endangered wildlife (not to conservation plan should focus on reducing mention harming local public health and air harms to endangered species, not be a blueprint quality). for additionalMUSIC violations of the Endangered Four years later, the court struck down the Species Act. Coastal Commission’s ruling—overturning the But State Parks’ new draft plan is doing historic win for protecting Oceano Dunes and FLAVOR/EATS just that. It focuses a lot on avoiding impacts local communities. But don’t worry, the fight on recreation, a category of environmental isn’t over yet. The court did not challenge the review that State Parks made up based on a commission’s reasons for removing vehicles INFO misapplication of the California Environmental from the dunes (i.e., that off-highway vehicle Quality Act. It’s allowing the pretense that impacts in the Oceano Dunes environmentally eliminating 109 acres of habitat intended for sensitive habitat areas do not align with the CALENDAR protection of endangered Coastal Act). species habitat somehow makes Instead, the court ruled on OPINION sense in a document called a a point of procedure, putting habitat conservation plan. much of the decision-making Send us your State Parks’ draft habitat power to close Oceano Dunes views and opinion to NEWS conservation plan justifies back into the hands of the San letters@santamariasun.com. this contradiction as follows: Luis Obispo County Board of “The 6 exclosure has been the Supervisors. This has left the STROKES most productive nesting area of all the seasonal decades-long environmental and public health exclosure locations in the park. …. The area issues in the Oceano Dunes unresolved. occupied by ARTS the 6 exclosure is very popular for The Oceano Dunes debacle is playing out in both motorized and non-motorized recreation, more than one arena. Concurrently, the Center including camping. Overall, reducing or for Biological Diversity sued State Parks in an eventually eliminating the 6 exclosure ensures Endangered Species Act case. In November [State Parks] can better meet the recreational 2025, the court ultimately agreed with the needs of the public under the HCP [habitat Center for Biological Diversity that the Oceano conservation plan] as proposed.” (Exclosure Dunes off-road vehicles’ well-documented damage to threatened and endangered species is means habitat areas closed off to the public, a violation of the Endangered Species Act, which intended to protect wildlife.)

The habitat conservation plan admits that prohibits the “take” of listed species (i.e., killing, harming, harassing, etc.). To continue operating wildlife and air quality would benefit from keeping habitat protection in place yearthe park, State Parks must submit a new habitat round (not just during nesting season), but conservation plan to reduce or eliminate the the conservation plan rejects this alternative “take” of those species, which must be approved because “this loss of recreation opportunity by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. under the permanent year-round exclosure In this case, calling the recently released alternative would combine with the dust-control habitat conservation plan “new” is a relative

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program recreational acreage reduction to potentially create a significant and unavoidable cumulative loss of recreation opportunity.”

Again: This is supposed to be a habitat conservation plan.

The plan also notes the potential for adding a southern entrance to the Oceano Dunes riding area. The best-case scenario (still bad): This would move a problem from one location to another, reducing traffic in Oceano by worsening it in Guadalupe and bulldozing an entrance through acres of environmentally sensitive habitat. The worst-case scenario: This would expand the vehicle park and its negative public health and environmental impacts in the dunes, Oceano, Guadalupe, and communities in between.

Now we sit at a crossroads. When the court overturned the commission’s decision to remove vehicles from the Oceano Dunes, they put the power in the hands of SLO County, saying the commission must “submit recommendations of corrective actions that should be taken to the local government.” Specifically, San Luis Obispo County has the ability to amend its local coastal plan to end the harm to endangered species, the environment, and the community of Oceano.

The Oceano Beach Community Association, Northern Chumash Tribal Council, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Concerned Citizen for Clean Air, and the Sierra Club recently pointed this out to the SLO County Board of Supervisors, urging the board to initiate a periodic review of the local coastal plan, make amendments to phase out offhighway vehicle activities in sensitive areas, and impose a strategic moratorium in the interim, as allowed by the South County Coastal Area Plan.

SLO County supervisors: Fixing the problem is down to you, and now is the time for courage to defend our environment and our communities.

Community members: You can review and comment on the draft habitat conservation plan by Friday, Jan. 23, at 5 p.m., at oceanoduneshcp.com. m Gianna Patchen is chapter coordinator for the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Andrew Christie served as chapter director from 2004 to 2023. Send comments in response to letters@ santamariasun.com.

LETTER Restore Oceano’s natural defenses

The draft 2025 Soil Conservation Plan for Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a disappointing endorsement for hauling our beautiful beach to the dump. For years, massive amounts of sand have been tracked out on vehicle tires from the Grand and Pier Avenue exits, resulting in tons of sand being hauled to landfills—an estimated $80,000 annual expense.

This violates the Public Resources Code.

Constant vehicle traffic and State Parks’ heavy machinery destroy coastal biodiversity and prevent the formation of natural foredunes. We saw the proof during the 2020 COVID-19 closure, when sand stopped piling up on streets and protective dunes immediately began to reform.

By ignoring this evidence, State Parks plans to rubber stamp these destructive practices in the new soil conservation plan, leaving Oceano vulnerable to flooding. To meet legal conservation standards, the Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue entrance/exits must be immediately closed to motorized traffic and allowed to naturally restore.

We must stop treating our beach like a highway, restore it as a vital natural defense for our community, and allow one of the most beautiful beaches in California to survive. Mother Nature proved in 2020 that this restoration can be done rapidly. We hope others will join us.

Bonita Ernst Oceano Beach Community Association

8 • Sun • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

Government hawk

S

ales tax ballot measure proposal season is here!

I know it’s not officially a season, but it should be. In the run-up to election season, local governments ponder all the things they could do with a little extra sales tax revenue.

In Lompoc, during this season of proposals it’s all about the roads. They need a little love, and a half-cent sales tax could do the trick, according to city staff. It could raise about $3.75 million per year to fix the city’s roads and sidewalks, an issue that city residents who responded to a survey said was most important.

The two-day survey called a FlashVote yielded a little more than 200 responses.

Is it a representative sample of the community? Who knows. But Lompoc’s roads could use some sprucing up!

Councilmember Dirk Starbuck said he was supporting it because it was a special tax—as in it needed a super-majority of support from voters (66 percent) and was earmarked to be spent on something specific.

“The competence of government to spend tax money is very questionable with many. But with a special tax, it takes any questions out of what we can do with it,” Starbuck said.

Truth!

Councilmember Jeremy Ball, on the other hand, said special tax, schmecial tax! A general tax measure only needs 50 percent of voters plus one to pass! It’s too hard to pass something special!

“I’d be open to a discussion about a general tax because I believe that gives council—the current council and future council—flexibility to address the issues that arise,” he said.

And that’s the problem with a general tax. A tax that’s not earmarked for anything can be spent

willy-nilly at the whim of any new version of the City Council. It seems like a waste, kind of like the Solvang City Council’s discussion about the city’s sign ordinance!

After more than a year of discussion over “streamlining” a permitting process for people who want to put signs up on their buildings, the city is still in the drafting process. Basically, city staff wants to cut the Design Review Committee out of the process and keep the whole situation objective instead of subjective. Too many subjective issues waylaid sign projects, pulling them off the consent agenda and into a committee hearing, which often led to a months-long appeal process.

Even though the First Amendment can’t be stifled! Here, here!

But the Design Review Committee is still trying to hang on! And the City Council seemed on board with it. What about murals?

Shouldn’t the committee have control over that?

Public hearing!

Community Development Director Rafael Castillo was miffed but said he would take council’s direction during the Jan. 12 meeting.

“I strongly urge that murals go through city staff,” he told council members. “I’ve seen way too many councils, … commissions, and boards get hung up on the content of a mural, and it brings out the worst in humanity to argue over what a message is of a mural, versus being very streamlined and straightforward.”

Like, what if someone wanted to paint a LGBTQ-plus supportive mural on the side of their building? I can see that conversation devolve into a total conniption fit after what happened two years ago over crosswalk paint. m The Canary is a First Amendment hawk. Send your speech to canary@santamariasun.com.

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www.santamariasun.com • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • Sun • 9

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 25, 2026

SWEET ENCOUNTERS

Deborah Kalas’ exhibit, Between Earth & Sky, will remain on display at The California Nature Art Museum in Solvang until Monday, April 20.

Kalas’ avian photography captures the stunning interaction and interplay of bright birds and vibrant wildflowers. Visit calnatureartmuseum.org for more information about the exhibit and artist.

—Angie Stevens PHOTO COURTESY OF CALNAM

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

PCPA PRESENTS WOVEN Powered by an enthralling original score, Woven delivers a vibrant, female-led story about agency, consequence, and the choices that shape us. Jan. 17, 7 p.m. and Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m. $10. pcpa.org/. Severson Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

6-WEEK KIDS ART CLASS (AGES 7-12) This class will explore new mediums each week with guidance so that each artist is

free to create, express, and explore in their own, unique way. Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. through Feb. 25 $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

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.

WILD IN CALIFORNIA SOLO EXHIBITION See the exhibition Wild in California, a solo exhibition by Museum Founder, conservation advocate, and artist Patti Jacquemain. A array of woodcut prints and mosaics will be showcased, highlighting the bioregions and species that make up California’s rich biodiversity. Through Feb. 23 calnatureartmuseum.org/news/ wild-in-california-2025. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

SIMPLE PLEASURES: JANUARY SHOW As we step into a new year, Simple Pleasures invites visitors to pause and honor the small, everyday joys that bring comfort and balance. Think of the moments that make you feel cozy at home, the objects or actions that spark quiet delight for no reason other than it feels good to feel good - morning light on the kitchen table, the rhythm of a familiar walk, the texture of well-loved tools.

Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 25 Free. lompocart.org.

Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, (805) 705-5328.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

BEHIND BARBED WIRE REDUX: A GLIMPSE AT CENTRAL COAST JAPANESE AMERICAN LIFE DURING WWII The Opera San Luis Obispo Presents: Behind Barbed Wire Redux - A Glimpse at Central Coast Japanese American Life During WWII. Jan. 23, 7:308:45 p.m. $28. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: GARRISON KEILLOR WITH SPECIAL GUEST RICHARD DWORSKY Loyal fans and those new to his audience will be entertained with Garrison Keillor’s quintessential humor, music, poetry, and anecdotes in his classic baritone. Jan. 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $49-$69, Platinum $79; Senior Discounts.

(805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: I’M NOT A COMEDIAN... I’M LENNY BRUCE Critically acclaimed and emotionally charged, I’m Not A Comedian... I’m Lenny Bruce brings the legendary performer’s story to life in a powerful one-man show. Jan. 24, 7:309:30 p.m. $45-$65, Platinum $75; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org.

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

COMMUNITY CRAFT AND PLANT SALE Local artisans and plant vendors invite you to this Grover Beach event, sponsored

by The Planted Parlour. Shop houseplants, indoor trees, and more. Jan. 25, 12-3 p.m.

(805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com.

The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

DOG SEES GOD: CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE BLOCKHEAD Don’t miss Bert V. Royal’s Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, a play that reimagines

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.

10 • Sun • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

familiar comic strip characters as a group of high school students facing the realities of adolescence. Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 17, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 18, 2:30 p.m. $17-$25. my805tix.com. The Studio of Performing Arts, 835 West Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

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

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.

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 watercolor-

INDEX Arts...................................... 10 Culture & Lifestyle ........... 11 Food & Drink ......................14 Music ...................................14

based course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CLUE A madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist, Clue features students from SLO REP’s Academy of Creative Theatre. So whodunit? Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Jan. 15, 7-9 p.m. through Jan. 18 $23-$28. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/clue/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

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

DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL This show brings Dav Pilkey’s hit series to life with music, humor, and heart as Dog Man battles villains in a fun, family-friendly adventure. Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ dog-man-the-musical. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

JAMIE LISSOW Hear actor and comedian Jamie Lissow live at the Fremont. Jan. 17, 8 p.m. $39.11-$57.14. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

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.

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.

REMOUNTED! CUESTA DRAMA PRESENTS: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH Cuesta Drama’s production of “James and the Giant Peach” returns for three shows only, this time on the CPAC Mainstage! Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Jan. 17, 1 p.m. and Jan. 18, 1 p.m. $15-$25. (805) 546-3198.

Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

SURF DREAMS: A MULTIMEDIA EXHIBIT OF SURF-INSPIRED ART AND MUSIC Each image in this exhibit will have three surf-inspired songs which can be played on a smart phone by scanning the QR codes. Bring earbuds. MondaysSaturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 14 Free. (805) 543-4025. The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

TREVOR WALLACE: THE ALPHA BETA MALE Don’t miss Trevor Wallace, a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, set to perform at the Fremont. Jan. 18, 7 p.m. $44.78-$57.14. fremontslo.com.

The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

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

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS ARDELLA SWANBERG: SMALL WORKS View paintings, books, assemblage and more, all inspired by life on the Central Coast, from Cayucos ranches to the Morro Bay harbor. Through

ARTS continued page 11

Hot Stuff ARTS from page 10 Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. JANUARY 2026 GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE FEATURED ARTISTS January is Bird Festival month in Morro Bay and Gallery at Marina Square is featuring two group shows in celebration of birds. In the Upper Gallery, “Wingborne” features group photography, and in the Lower Gallery, a selection of paintings are featured.

Through Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 7721068. 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. (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

GIAFUNNI’S COMEDY IN JANUARY Giafunni’s is in full swing with comedian Larry from Queens, fresh off his East Coast Tour. Jan. 24, 8 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com.

Giavanni’s Pizza, 1108 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, (805) 934-8555.

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.

RESUME WRITING 101: SKILLS FOR SUCCESS Learn how to write a resume focused on your target role and avoid common mistakes. Registration is required. Programming provided in partnership with Laurus College.

Jan. 16, 3-4 p.m. Free. (805) 9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA COIN CLUB: MONTHLY MEETING Coin collectors of all ages invited. Bring coins for free appraisals.

Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.

JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 25, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF PCPA

Yearly membership: $20-$25. (805) 9373158. Cornerstone Church, 1026 E. Sierra Madre Ave., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SWAP-N-SWAP CLOTHING EVENT Head to this clothing swap and shop event.

Exchange a bag of clean ready to wear and select a bag of new-to-you, or shop.

Cash donations are welcome! Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 937-4974.

Orcutt Presbyterian Church, 993 Patterson Road, Orcutt, orcuttpres.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: OCEANO’S BEAVERS Join State Park Docent Dan to learn about Oceano’s beavers and enjoy a walk around Oceano Lagoon. Space is limited. RSVP by calling the number provided. Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/.

Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOVEN ONSTAGE

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) in Santa Maria presents Woven, a new musical reimagining The Odyssey that centers on the female perspective. There will be two showings of the production, which is part of PCPA’s InterPlay reading series, on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan 18, at 1:30 p.m. General admission is $10. Get tickets and more information at pcpa.org.

—A.S. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP & POTLUCK Bring a dish to share and join for a potluck, along with general meeting updates and local informative guest speakers. Third Wednesday of every month, 12:30-2 p.m. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo.

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.

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 POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/.

Online, See website, 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.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY Be ‘At The Table With Dr. King’ through music, poetry, historical video footage, and Dr. King’s own words. Jan. 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (805)619-5354. naacpslocty.org. Agape Church, 950 Laureate Ln., San Luis Obispo.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access.

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

No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

HUMAN TRAFFICKING 101 This course is a “Human Trafficking 101” lesson presented by a representative of the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. Officer J.T. Camp will discuss the crime of human trafficking, aspects of human trafficking, and the subculture. You will be briefed on what human trafficking on the Central Coast actually looks like. Jan. 21, 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy.

Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

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.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 13 Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

www.santamariasun.com • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • Sun • 11

SLO Comedy Festival

Paso Robles Taco Fest & Tacos & Vatos Car Show

Various Locations

Estrella Warbird Museum, Paso Robles

FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 1

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 18-19

Proxima Parada in Downtown SLO

&

40th Annual Renaissance Festival

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 22-24

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 18-19

Santa Margarita Ranch

Laguna Lake Park, SLO

Friday Night Improv

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead

LSD & the Search for God

VHS Fest 2.0

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 835 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

New Beginnings

Human Trafficking 101

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 The Pour House, Paso Robles

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 The Bunker SLO

Knights Templar Presentation

Wealth, Women & Woo

Bob & Wendy

The Who’s Rock Opera, ‘Tommy’ Fundraiser MONDAY, JANUARY 19 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 ACi Jet, SLO

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Odd Fellows Hall, SLO

Giafunni’s Comedy in January

Still Got It

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 The Anderson Paso, Paso Robles

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Crows End Retreat, SLO

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 The Bunker SLO

Improv Extravaganza

Dance Party

Babes Against the Machine

Mawtini-Arab American Narratives SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Cal Poly Library, SLO

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Giavanni’s Pizza, Santa Maria

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Nexus SLO Ballroom DC, SLO

From the Stage Showcase

Science After Dark January

Improv Festival Kick-Off Jam

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 The Bunker SLO

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 San Luis Obispo Grange Hall

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band

The Freddie Ravel Trio

Award-Winning Film Screening: Immediate Family

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial

Millennial Singles Social

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 3546 Skyway Dr, Santa Maria

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

One Day Improv Festival

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 San Luis Obispo Grange Hall

12 • Sun • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 26 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

Jagg with The Airwaves & Ultraviolets SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 The Bunker SLO

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

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

Scoundrel, Captive State, Perception SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 San Luis Obispo Public Market

The Love Show

Jeff Livingstone Band w/Brock Van Pelt

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 835 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Club Car Bar, Templeton

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

Brass Mash Live at the Pour House

Best of the West Antique Equipment Show

POWERED BY:

FEATURED EVENTS

FEATURED EVENTS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT MY805TIX.COM

Hot Stuff

JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 25, 2026

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. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

OFFSHORE DRILLING EXPANSION: SLO ACTION SOCIAL Participate in an in-person community gathering to learn more about and take action opposing the offshore drilling in our region. Jan. 16, 4:307 p.m. . bit.ly/slo-actionsocial. Location Revealed Upon Registering, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-0597.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition.

Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided.

Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

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

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

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m.

Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org.

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

STILL GOT IT This is a two-hour, musicdriven movement experience. We’ll use hip hop, bass, and dancehall-inspired music along with simple movement to

Tickets on sale now at My805Tix.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCPRICE MYERS

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 11

SELL TICKETS WITH US! IT’S FREE! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO. 805-546-8208

Brass Mash First Friday

SAMI ROUISSI LIVE

Sami Rouissi will hit the stage at McPrice Myers Wine Company on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. Enjoy a live performance from Rouissi, a singer-songwriter from Nice, France, while relaxing under the Paso Robles oak trees with wine in hand. Rouissi will perform a blend of folk, soul, blues, and pop-rock. Learn more about the show and pricing at mcpricemyers.com.

—A.S. explore the therapeutic power of shakingMUSICjourney towards wellness and recovery.

Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540and moving energy through our bodies to release stress, wake up joy, and reconnect 6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. to your inner world. Jan. 25, 2-4 p.m. FLAVOR/EATS $48.98. my805tix.com. Nexus Ballroom TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN D.C., 3845 S. Higuera St. (Lower Level), CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in INFO San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors.

CALENDAR Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Send event information to calendar@ OPINION Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis santamariasun.com.

Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space NEWS providing peer-to-peer support for trans, SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ gender non-conforming, non-binary, AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) and questioning people. In-person Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, STROKES and Zoom meetings held. Contact worldwide fellowship of folks from all tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more walks of life who together, attain and details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA maintain sobriety. Requirement for ARTS Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for WEALTH, WOMEN & WOO Join Beth password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m.

McGill, author, hypnotherapist and energy No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See practitioner for a transformative journey website, San Luis Obispo. into abundance. This workshop blends TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT financial wisdom with spiritual insight, GROUP Learn more about mental health CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 14 and coping skills to help you through your

Zoe Basha with Miss Leo

Somatic Magic Retreat

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Liquid Gravity Brewing Co, SLO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 508 S. Main St, Templeton

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 6430 Squire Ct, SLO

Joyful Rhythms Drum Circle

Propagation Station Class

Trestles & The Dirty Turkeys

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Gala Pride & Diversity Center, SLO

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 The Pottery Atascadero

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Mininova-Love Will Conquer All

Raise Your Glass Pink Tribute

The Last Romance

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Gathering House at UCC, SLO

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 The Pour House, Paso Robles

FRIDAY, FEB 13 - SUNDAY, FEB 15 By the Sea Productions, Morro Bay

Savage Master

SweetHart Dance

Roy Orbison Returns

Spread the word!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Cambria Veteran’s Memorial Hall

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Templeton Performing Arts Center

Chamber Concert with Robert Theis

A Wine Country Valentine

SLO Craft Beer Fest

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Trinity United Methodist, Los Osos

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 LIBRETTO, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Santa Barbara Winter Wedding Expo

Renaissance, Baroque & Beyond: Sacred & Profane

Central Coast Jazz Guitar Fest!

Senior Dial-A-Ride HELP WANTED $500 BONUS! DRIVERS PART-TIME TO FULL TIME WITH GREAT PAY & BENEFITS 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!

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Santa Barbara Women’s Club

An Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer

POWERED BY:

&

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 United Methodist Church, SLO

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Buellton

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

SMOOTH, Inc. 240 East Roemer Way, Santa Maria · 805-922-8476 www.santamariasun.com • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • Sun • 13

Hot Stuff

JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 25, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN HEIL

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 13 guiding you to release money blocks and embody prosperity through breath, movement, and intention. Jan. 18, 1-5 p.m. $77. my805tix.com.

Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS MASTERMIND: NEW BEGINNINGS This Mastermind is an exciting and collaborative evening with like-minded women who are passionate and serious about building their businesses and supporting one another! We’ll dive deep into crafting a roadmap and setting S.M.A.R.T. goals for the new year. Jan. 20, 5:45-7:30 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. ACI Jet, 4751 Aviadores Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 555-1212.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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

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

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

46TH ANNUAL ECOFARM CONFERENCE Join for the 46th Annual EcoFarm Conference, featuring over 65 skill-building workshops, keynotes, pre-conference events, farm tours, seed swaps, tastings, and networking.

Jan. 21-24 eco-farm.org. Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, (831) 200-8006.

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

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

Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15.

Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

SACRED ORACLE CIRCLE Experience candlelight, intention, and presence weave together for an evening of remembrance and revelation. We gather to open the circle, share from the heart, pull oracle cards, notice synchronicities, and listen deeply to the whispers of the Divine Feminine Mystery. Jan. 20, 7:30-9 p.m. $33. my805tix.com. Goddess Temple Central Coast, 550 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay. SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge.

Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay. THE WHO’S CLASSIC ROCK OPERA TOMMY FUNDRAISER SCREENING FOR THE ROCK COMMUNITY RADIO The Rock Community Radio is thrilled to announce a special fundraising screening of The Who’s legendary rock opera, Tommy, at the Bay Theatre. Jan. 19, 6 p.m. $15. (805) 769-8458. my805tix.com. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

14 • Sun • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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

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

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

SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious.

Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

FREE SKETCH

A free sketching demonstration will be held at Art Center Morro Bay on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. Artist Kathleen Heil will guide participants through the class. Head to artcentermorrobay.org for more details.

—A.S. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468.

Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty.

SAN LUIS OBISPO With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET late. Come out and sing your favorite song.

Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 locations, San Luis Obispo.

Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

QUEER TRIVIA Sip some cider, test your LGBTQ PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go trivia knowledge, and learn new fun facts. Topic online to make a reservation to taste at the themes and hosts rotate each week. Prizes for winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine winners. BYO food. MUSIC Third Friday of every month, Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/ 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 292-1500. Two Broads club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Ciderworks, 3427 Roberto Ct., suite 130, San Luis Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

FLAVOR/EATS Obispo, twobroadscider.com.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your up inside the tasting room and listen to great thinking cap as questions vary from pop artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463.

INFO culture, geography, cottonwoodcanyon. to sports. There is a com. Cottonwood little for everyone.

Canyon Vineyard And Prizes for the winning CALENDAR Winery, 3940 Dominion teams. Wednesdays, Rd, Santa Maria.

6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

TACO TUESDAY (805) 439-2529. Oak Send event information to calendar@ OPINION Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. and Otter Brewing, Wine Stone Inn, 255 santamariasun.com.

181 Tank Farm Road, W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, suite 110, (805) 332-3532, NEWS San Luis Obispo. winestoneinn.com/.

TAP THURSDAY Head to Tap Thursdays at the Wine Stone Inn every week, featuring STROKES $5 draft beers and $5 Cava’s. Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. through April 16 Free. (805) 332-3532.

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, ARTS HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music winestoneinn.com/. at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine. venue or visit website to find out about featured com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies.

Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, wineanddesign.com/orcutt. Wine and Design, (805) 623-8866.

3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various WINE BINGO WEDNESDAYS Join Wine Bingo Wednesday at the Wine Stone Inn—the original local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark bingo night in Old Orcutt. The event will occur weekly with the purchase of an adult beverage. Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. through April 29 (805) karaoke every Friday and Saturday night.

332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

Spread the word!

MUSIC

BASIN STREET REGULARS SUNDAY JAZZ CONCERT | MONTE MILLS AND THE LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND Start your year with the swing of a lifetime, listening to Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band live at Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Hall. Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$15. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo.

BSR PRESENTS: THE GOLDEN KICKOFF FEATURING MONTE MILLS & THE LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND This special kickoff show at the Pismo Vet’s Hall is your first chance to celebrate Basin Street Regular’s 50th year Anniversary. Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. my805tix.com.

Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a writer and performer of guitar-woven music in distinctive stylistic shapes. Hear him live at Mulligans Bar and Grill. Jan. 22, 5-7 p.m.

Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more.

Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BOB AND WENDY WITH PAUL GRIFFITH AND SPECIAL GUEST JILL KNIGHT Jill Knight is a local legend who produced Bob and Wendy’s NTMA award winning album, “Your Beautiful Life”. Hear as Paul Griffith adds percussion magic. Jan. 18, 3-6 p.m. $18. (805) 235-5456. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

LSD AND THE SEARCH FOR GOD LIVE LSD and the Search For God are bringing their shoegaze sound to Libertine in SLO. This intimate show is expected to sell out.

Get tickets at the link. Jan. 17, 8 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

TALI MORGULIS PIANO MASTER CLASS Tali Morgulis, associate professor of piano at the Moores School of Music, University of Houston, Texas, will work with Cal Poly student pianists. Jan. 16, 10:10 a.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/special/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

FAULTLINE BAND FREE CONCERT Dance, reminisce, and enjoy top hits from the decades. Listen to hits from Linda Ronstadt to Dolly Parton, and Little Richard to Doobie Brothers. Jan. 17, 2-5 p.m. Free. (805) 225-1312.

The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, thesirenmorrobay.com. m

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www.santamariasun.com • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • Sun • 15

Arts

OPINION

Showtime!

COURTESY IMAGE BY JASMINE GONZALEZ

Artists in Santa Barbara County are invited to submit up to three pieces to the Lompoc Valley Art Association’s show, Art of Renewal, by Jan. 26. The exhibit is all about using repurposed materials to create something new.

“This event celebrates both creative ingenuity and environmental responsibility, inviting local artists and art lovers to join in our mission to transform waste into wonder,” the organization said in press materials.

At least 70 percent of the artwork must be made from recycled, reused, or repurposed materials, and each piece must be available for sale during the show. The pieces cannot exceed 36 inches in any dimension and must be ready to hang or stand freely on their own. Artists will receive 70 percent of the sales, while the rest will be donated to the art association.

Any artist who lives or has a studio in the county is eligible to submit. Only original work will be accepted, and no AIgenerated content is allowed.

In addition to dropping off submissions, artists are required to fill out an online entry form.

Drop off artwork at the Cypress Gallery (119 E. Cypress Ave.) in Lompoc on Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m. The public show and sale will take place from Jan. 29 to Feb. 22 with a reception on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.

For more information, visit lompocart.org. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send information to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

ARTS

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

COURTESY IMAGE BY KATHERINE TAYLOR

Lompoc Valley Art Association accepts submissions for upcoming show

COURTESY PHOTOS BY SAVANAH SMITH

STROKES

ARTS BRIEFS Try a paper mosaics class in Solvang

The California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) is hosting two entry-level classes led by local artist Katherine Taylor, who’ll teach students how to make paper mosaics.

On Jan. 29, the class will be geared toward adults ages 14 and older. It’ll be held at the museum from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Taylor will help students plan and arrange their own portrait of an animal using colorful, patterned paper. Animal photos will be available for reference, or attendees may bring their own picture for inspiration.

The kids’ class will be held at CalNAM on Feb. 15 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Children 11 years and younger must be accompanied by a participating adult, and Taylor encourages the whole family to attend and have fun.

Taylor’s mission is “to create artwork that evokes spontaneous smiles from viewers and makes the world happier,” according to her website.

The artist is known for her murals and public art displays as well as contributions to local chalk festivals. Taylor also teaches art at several schools in the county.

For more details about the two workshops at CalNAM, email Assistant Director Rachel Metz at rachel@calnatureartmuseum.org.

CalNAM is located at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang.

ART SCENE

NEWS

HOME STUDIO: Jessica Rangel, the owner of Copper and Stone, makes earrings and other jewelry in her workshop at home. She ships them to customers across the U.S. and internationally.

Natural and unique A local jeweler sets out to empower others with her craft

BY MADISON WHITE

L

ong before Jessica Rangel made jewelry, she collected rocks, mesmerized by the texture of each stone. As a child she always had a rock in hand, which is nearly still true today.

As an adult, Rangel remembers shopping for jewelry but never finding exactly what she wanted to wear. Rather than settling for store-bought pieces, she activated her creativity and fused it with her fascination with rocks.

“My husband turned me loose. I had the stones at home, and he gave me a bunch of his electrical wire, which was copper, and a hammer,” Rangel told the Sun. “He just said, ‘See what you can do.’”

That was around 2015, and for the next five years, Rangel made earrings for herself and gifted them to others. Stones were always the star of the show.

She enjoyed making jewelry as a hobby, a “creative escape,” until 2020 when she suddenly had a lot more free time to play with. Rangel launched an Instagram page showcasing a collection that sold out immediately.

“That was kind of when I knew, ‘OK, I’m going to make this happen. This is going to be what I do,” the jeweler said. “This was kind of a way for me to continue feeding into that childhood love of collecting stones, but now I can share it with people.”

Through her business, Copper and Stone, Rangel sells earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and anklets online. The necklaces are made with gems and beads, but most earrings are dangly, featuring stones or metalwork in the center. Designing earrings is Rangel’s true passion.

“My favorite thing in the whole world is to make other people feel good about themselves,” she said about her work.

She makes her jewelry on a cyclical timeline, but every January there’s a transition phase when business lulls after the holidays. The jeweler works on building new prototypes to test, making sure they’re structurally strong enough to wear.

In February, her normal schedule will resume for the rest of the year. Three weeks out of every month are dedicated to crafting a certain collection, usually with a theme, like the upcoming celestial

Earlobe makeover

collection. Rangel normally makes around 75 pairs for each collection. Depending on the complexity, she might spend a few hours or up to a few days working on each pair.

Rangel will then use the last week of the month for shipping the orders (the farthest to date was Australia) and resetting her workspace, a studio built by her husband in their Casmalia home.

Completely self-taught, she saws, hammers, solders, and assembles everything inside her workshop. She sources stones from local lapidary artists and recycled copper from electrical projects her husband works on.

“Once I started expanding the designs I wanted to do, it grew into having a torch and a whole soldering station, a Dremel for polishing, a tumbler so that I can also harden the pieces that I make,” Rangel said.

One of her goals is to connect with other small businesses that might carry her jewelry in their stores. Such retail outlets would work for her classic triangle and hoop earrings because they can easily be re-created, but the stone earrings would be more complicated. Most of the patterns in the stones are one of a kind.

“I want people, especially women, to feel beautiful and confident just as they are. So I think when I get to work with natural stones that are just so incredibly beautiful, and it’s all natural, it’s like a nudge to step out feeling bold and beautiful and confident about yourself,” Rangel said.

When she appears at makers markets, her message shines even more clearly. Though it’s challenging to set up and take down a pop-up display, the personal connections with customers are worth it.

She’s sold her wares at markets in Santa Barbara and Orcutt and up to San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. For now, her schedule is open, and she’s also looking to pursue new locations this year.

For a look at Jessica Rangel’s current designs, visit copperandstone.art and be the first to see new collections drop on Instagram @copper.and.stone. Reach out to the jeweler with queries by emailing jessica@copperandstone.art.

16 • Sun • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

THROUGH THE HOOPS: Jeweler Jessica Rangel likes using mixed metals in her earrings.

This is one of her favorite designs recently because of how attention-grabbing it is.

“What I get to do is such a privilege, and it’s so fulfilling to me personally because I’ve always been an artist, creative type,” Rangel said. “I just really count it as a privilege to get to do this every day and share what I love with others.” m Staff Writer Madison White also admires stones.

Reach her at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

KEEPING IT LIGHT: Jessica Rangel pays close attention to the weight of each earring, designing them no heavier than a quarter coin.

BEST STONE FORWARD: While most of the jewelry at Copper and Stone is for ears, customers can also find rings and bracelets for sale. Jessica Rangel decides the best way to do each individual stone justice, and some simply must be rings.

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www.santamariasun.com • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • Sun • 17

Film

SUN SCREEN

Take my wife … please!

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

D

talks about Tess onstage, about his boys, about what life is when you are suddenly all alone. The film opens with Tess saying she thinks they should “call it” and Alex passively agreeing. The two are determined to be present parents, but jealousies and competition can’t help but creep up. It turns out Tess was an Olympic volleyball player, and her retirement hit harder than she expected. Alex didn’t know Glen: My motto has always been that love is how to support her, and instead of seeking not a feeling, it’s a decision. I’ve heard longtime answers, he drifted further away. The film couples say over the course of their relationship, sort of reminded me of Funny People in that they’ve fallen in and out of love with each other it highlighted that very funny people can live multiple times. In Alex and Tess’ case, their very unfunny, unhappy lives. Ultimately sweet relationship has gone flat. It’s not that they don’t and sentimental without being cloying, this is a love each other or love their story of imperfection and about two boys, Felix (Blake Kane) finding the beauty within that. and Jude (Calvin Knegten); Glen: Alex needed a drink IS THIS THING ON? they’re just not “in love” with and wandered up to a bar What’s it rated? R each other, and they harbor with a $15 cash-only cover for What’s it worth, Anna? Full price some resentments. At one point, comedy night, and he didn’t What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Tess explains that they stopped have the cash, so he signed up Where’s it showing? Regal “having each other’s backs.” to perform. Alex is not a great Edwards RPX Santa Maria As Alex later notes, he wasn’t comic, but he’s genuine and (last day is Feb. 15), unhappy with their marriage, he vulnerable, and that seems to Downtown Centre in SLO was unhappy in their marriage. appeal to the audience. As he And there’s the rub. If you’re returns for more time behind expecting your partner to make you happy, the mic, some of the other regulars who sign up you’re bound for disappointment. You need to to do comedy at the famed Comedy Cellar— bring your happiness to the marriage. Everyone real-life comics such as Chloe Radcliffe, Jordan needs to be responsible for their own happiness, Jensen, and Reggie Conquest—take Alex under their wings, and soon he’s carrying and what this story is about is Alex and Tess around a notebook to write down potential learning to find their joy.

Anna: Alex finds stand-up as a way to navigate jokes. Meanwhile, Tess turns to coaching.

Both these characters are finding their mojo the loss and changes he’s going through. He irector Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) helms this dramedy he co-wrote with leading man Will Arnett and Mark Chappell about Alex (Arnett), who turns to stand-up comedy as a way to cope with his dissolving marriage to Tess (Laura Dern). The story is loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop. (124 min.)

LEMONS TO LEMONADE: Will Arnett stars as Alex, a man who turns to stand-up comedy to cope with his dissolving marriage, in Is This Thing On?, screening at Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria through Feb. 15.

again, and they’re also falling back in love.

Bradley Cooper, who plays a perpetually stoned struggling actor named Balls, is Alex’s bestie, and he’s the film’s comic foil. It’s all pretty charming as we root for these two to save their relationship.

Anna: Cooper also directed the film and does a fine job of leaving some of the rawness in it. Arnett’s Alex is raw too, and hurting, and profoundly lost at sea. The bitterness can’t help

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

RUN AWAY

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix When Simon Greene (James Nesbitt) gets a tip that his estranged daughter, Paige (Ellie de Lange), is busking at a local park, he rushes over to find the young, troubled girl. When Paige met her boyfriend, Aaron Corval (Thomas Flynn), she adopted his bad habits, one of which was drug addiction. A confrontation with Aaron at the park puts Simon in the spotlight, a viral video sweeps the community, and when Aaron turns up dead, Simon is the chief suspect as Detective Fagbenle (Alfred Enoch) and partner Ruby Todd (Amy Gledhill) dig into what happened.

Private eye Elena Ravenscroft (Ruth Jones) gets MISSING: Private detective Elena Ravenscroft hired by a few families with missing young adults and (Ruth Jones) works to help distraught father Simon is also following a mystery of her own. Dee Dee (Maeve Greene (James Nesbitt) locate his drug-addicted Courtier-Lilley) and Ash (Jon Pointing) seem to be on missing daughter, in the thorny, twisty Run Away, some sort of a murder mission, and we learn of their streaming on Netflix. sinister ties to a cult.

Interwoven are secrets that Simon and Ingrid’s This compelling mystery mercifully gives us answers in the (Minnie Driver) oldest son, Sam (Adrian Greensmith), is end. (eight 41- to 50-min. episodes) holding, and when Simon and Ingrid go to find answers from —Anna Paige’s drug dealer, they wind up on the brink of death.

but creep in, and when things in life are at their most painful, it’s fully evident in his comedy set. This film isn’t about big revelations, it’s about puzzling out life and what it means to be happy or unhappy, fulfilled or empty, and finding a spark of joy in our darkest days. m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

TOMMY

BLAST

What’s it rated? PG When? 1975 Where’s it showing? The Bay FROM THE Theatre, Monday, Jan. 19 (doors at 5 p.m., screening at 6; $17.91 at my805tix.com) Director Ken Russell (The Devils, Altered States, The Rainbow) co-wrote with Pete Townshend and The Who this epic 1975 rock opera about a psychosomatically “deaf, dumb, and blind boy” (Roger Daltry) who becomes a master pinball player and later head of a cult. The film also stars Oliver Reed, Ann-Margret, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Robert Powell, and Tina Turner.

The film is being screened as a fundraiser for The Rock Community Radio, Morro Bay’s independent station.

“This is more than just a movie night; it’s a celebration of classic rock and community,” The Rock founder Hal Abrams announced. “Every ticket purchased helps keep the airwaves open for unique, local, and diverse programming that The Rock Community Radio provides. We can’t wait to share this incredible film with our supporters at the beautiful Bay Theatre.”

Dress up in Tommy- or The Who-themed costumes for a chance to win cool prizes. Beer and wine will be available.

The Rock Community Radio is a non-commercial, volunteer-

SURE PLAYS A MEAN PINBALL: The Who lead singer Roger Daltry stars as the titular character, in the 1975 rock opera Tommy, screening at the Bay Theatre on Jan. 19, to raise money for community radio station The Rock.

run station broadcasting a diverse range of music, news, and community programming. Tune to 97.3 FM in Morro Bay, and 107.9 FM in Paso Robles, or stream The Rock at therockcommunityradio.org. (111 min.) m

—Glen

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Questions? astevens@newtimesslo.com 18 • Sun • January 15 - January 22, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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Eats

DRINKS PHOTOS COURTESY OF HARPREET SANGHA

LOCALLY BLENDED: Harpreet Sangha sells Hapi Nani teas and spices at the Route One Farmers Market in Lompoc, in select grocery stores, and online.

Loose leaves

of Sangha’s nickname Happy, from Harpreet, and nani, meaning Hapi Nani offers teas and spices blended right grandmother in Punjabi. The spice in Santa Maria and tea company began in the winter

BY MADISON WHITE of 2023, when Sangha ordered herbs to make her rowing up in India, Harpreet Sangha has fond own spices because the ones she found in stores memories of accompanying her grandmother weren’t cutting it.

“I went to five different stores in Santa Maria. I to buy garam masala, a northern Indian spice couldn’t find one,” she said. “Then I found one. It blend that’s added to almost every dish. Sangha didn’t smell fresh. So, I made my own blend.” remembers her grandmother talking about Sangha realized if she had trouble finding her family’s health with the vendor so he could authentic spices, other people probably did too. customize their blend.

This lack led her to concoct a batch of spice “Depending on if we had runny noses or if it blends to sell at a craft market in Old Orcutt. was winter, he would make a different blend of They sold out. spice,” Sangha said.

As the business grew, Hapi Nani products To take full advantage of the spices’ natural made their way into grocery stores and small remedies, the vendor made the blend a little businesses from Santa Barbara to San Luis different every time, and the same was done with Obispo. Sangha also sells her goods at farmers teas. markets in Santa Maria and Lompoc and enjoys “I didn’t realize how nostalgic I felt, like I talking with customers the way she remembers could smell the shop. I was there,” she said, her grandmother talking to her spice vendor. remembering a time when she told the anecdote to a friend. “This is why I named it Hapi Nani.”

EATS continued page 22 Her company, Hapi Nani, is a combination

NATURALLY SWEET: Minty Hibiscus is Harpreet Sangha’s bestselling herbal tea made with peppermint, hibiscus, and stevia leaves.

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Eats EATS from page 20

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her mornings with a cup of Refresh and Renew or Though spice blends are Focuswave. At night, she how Sangha started, she’s more usually drinks Blossom, a passionate about Hapi Nani’s calming herbal blend with loose-leaf teas, which are the chamomile, lavender, rose, more popular products, too. and orange peel. Focuswave As opposed to tea bags, the and Blossom were Hapi loose-leaf option is fresher with Nani’s two original teas. a better flavor. Plus, tea bags “Blossom helped me sleep, may contain microplastics that and when I started drinking are released in the hot water.

Focuswave, I was like, ‘Oh. “I keep telling everybody, My brain shuts down,’” she once you start drinking loosesaid, comparing the effects leaf tea, there’s no going back,” of coffee—which made her the business owner said. mind race—to her tea.

Admittedly, preparing looseHer best-selling herbal tea leaf tea is a bit more involved is Minty Hibiscus, naturally than steeping a tea bag, Sangha sweetened with stevia leaves. explained, which is why she also Hibiscus is good for heart sells mugs with infusers and a INFUSED: Harpreet Sangha also sells supplies to easily brew loosehealth and hypertension, she strainer to make the process leaf tea, making it more convenient explained. It also makes a easier. By offering the right and accessible to her customers tasty iced tea. tools, Sangha said she wanted who may have never tried it.

For a burst of caffeine, to give customers a practical, Hapi Nani offers a convenient way to drink tea. handmade blend called Royal, which is Sangha’s It all starts with Sangha finding the right take on chai. She also sells other classic black ratio of ingredients. Part of her creativity stems and green teas that she sources from a California from her career in food science, the subject of a manufacturer. Most of the herbs come from graduate program that brought her to the U.S. India, China, and Japan because of their optimal in 2003. A decade later, she moved to Santa growing climates.

Maria and now works in product development As the only employee for now, Sangha looks consulting when she’s not busy with Hapi Nani. forward to growing Hapi Nani and turning more Formulating a product is key when selling it people on to her loose-leaf teas. to customers. The food scientist learned that “I’m at a stage where I have proven the concept without an appealing flavor, nobody will buy a now, and I really enjoy it,” she said. “I do like product despite the health benefits. Sangha uses health and wellness, and I do like the products. It her scientific background to determine which also makes me feel part of the community.” m herbs will render the intended functionality, like brain health or relaxation, and then she tweaks Staff Writer Madison White may be brewing the recipe to find the best taste. up some Blossom tonight. Email mwhite@ Drinking tea as a daily ritual was part of santamariasun.com to ask her how it was. how Sangha grew up in India. Today, she starts

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Pre-1898 models and stone Indian bowls. Private collector. (805) 610-0903 or higga1956@gmail.com

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