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Goodbye June: cloying but tender [20]

Ye

A look back at the sinking ship that was 2025 [6]

in Revi ar

ew

See ya

2025

BY SUN STAFF

NEWS

Ashlee Buzzard pleads not guilty [4]

ARTS

Creative communities [18]

EATS

A toast to 2025 [21]

Contents

Your Dream Home Awaits!

JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 8, 2026 VOL . 26 NO. 45

F

rom the local impacts of national politics and changes in federal policy to controversies a little closer to home, 2025 felt like a lot—emergency situations and tense rhetoric surrounded by a lot of anxiety. As we kiss the year goodbye and watch it sink into the sea of historical oblivion, we look back at the stories that had staying power in Northern Santa Barbara County, including oil, wildfires, health care, embezzlement, ICE, and more. Sun staffers sum up what happened last year for this week’s paper [6].

Also, read about how Ashlee Buzzard pleaded in her daughter’s homicide case [4]; the communities and art that came out of 2025 [18]; and the brains behind the businesses that delivered tasty bites and beverages in 2025 [21].

Camillia Lanham editor

INTO OBLIVION: National news stories overshadowed local ones and had a local impact too, with protests, arrests, and more. As the contention of 2025 sinks into the sea, we look back.

Cover photo from Adobe Stock > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

News Briefs ...............................................................................4 Political Watch.........................................................................4 Spotlight......................................................................................8

Commentary .............................................................................9 Letters ..........................................................................................9 Web Poll ......................................................................................9 Modern World ..........................................................................9 Canary ........................................................................................10

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Hot Stuff .................................................................................... 12

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2 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 3

News POLITICAL WATCH • U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced on Dec. 22 that the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act was signed into law. Carbajal cosponsored this bipartisan legislation, which expands federal death and disability benefits for firefighters.

It updates the Public Safety Officer’s Benefits Program, for example, to cover specific cancers linked to firefighting and emergency response.

The legislation also makes this type of coverage retroactive, so families can claim Public Safety Officer’s Benefits Program benefits for deceased loved ones. “Firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line every day, often facing deadly carcinogens in the process,” Carbajal said in a Dec. 22 statement. “Expanding the Public Safety Officer’s Benefits Program to cover service-related cancer deaths is the right thing to do to honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Prior to the legislation, firefighters were only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits Program for physical injuries sustained in the line of duty or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder, and 9/11-related illnesses.

“I’m proud this bipartisan legislation was signed into law, and I will keep working across the aisle to support first responders and their families,” Carbajal stated.

Organizations that endorsed the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act include the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the Fraternal Order of Police, and several other collectives that represent first responders.

•U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California) and Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) recently co-introduced the Keeping Our Agents On the Line Act, a bill to improve border security by ensuring that Border Patrol agents aren’t diverted from their work at U.S. borders and reassigned to deployment operations in American cities. Over the past year, Border Patrol agents were repeatedly deployed for complex immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Minneapolis, and other cities. Several of these missions were hundreds of miles away from any land border, Schiff’s office stated in a Dec. 19 release. “The administration has continued to engage in indiscriminate and large-scale immigration raids— fomenting fear in our communities. In California, the administration has targeted citizens, noncitizens, and children while conducting raids far from any external border,” Schiff said in a statement. “These actions have torn apart families and adversely impacted the workforce of important industries, including agriculture. I am proud to join Sen. Murphy in limiting the Border Patrol agents’ jurisdiction within a reasonable boundary from our external land and sea borders, and to missions for which they are properly trained.”

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) co-led a Dec. 19 letter to urge U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph B. Edlow to withdraw a proposed public charge rule that “will lead to mass uncertainty, disparate and arbitrary outcomes for individuals applying for permanent status or admission into our country, and undue harm to U.S. citizens,” the senators wrote. Public charge is a ground of inadmissibility under which an immigration officer determines whether an immigrant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for future assistance. “Research following [past public charge restrictions] showed that confusion about eligibility led large numbers of eligible immigrant families—including U.S. citizen children—to forego health insurance, nutrition supports, and early childhood programs vital to healthy development,” the senators wrote. More than 120 lawmakers signed the letter. m

January 1, 2025 - January 8, 2026

➤ Spotlight [8] SCREENSHOT FROM SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Act now!

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

TRAGIC OUTCOME: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Chris Gotschall, Sheriff Bill Brown, and FBI special agent Patrick Grandy (left to right, respectively) co-led a press conference to discuss 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard’s remains found in Utah and the evidence that led to her mother Ashlee Buzzard’s arrest for first-degree murder.

Vandenberg Village resident pleads not guilty to murder of her daughter While taking photos along a remote back road off Utah’s State Route 24, a couple discovered what ultimately closed a two-month, multiagency investigation into the disappearance of a child from the Lompoc Valley.

“Although immediate identification of the deceased person was not possible, it was apparent that the decedent was a female who had died from gunshot wounds to the head,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said at a Dec. 23 press conference. “DNA analysis had determined that the remains found in Utah were a familial DNA match to Ashlee Buzzard.”

Earlier that morning, Sheriff’s Office deputies and FBI agents arrested Ashlee Buzzard at her Vandenberg Village home for the alleged first-degree murder of her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee Buzzard.

“Maternal filicide is rare and always difficult to comprehend, but this level of criminal activity is particularly shocking,” Brown said, “given the calculated, cold-blooded, and criminally sophisticated premeditation and heartlessness that went into planning it, and the ruthlessness that went into actually committing the crime.”

Brown said that Sheriff’s Office detectives and other allied agencies “recovered a significant amount of evidence” that led to Ashlee’s arrest.

During her arraignment on Dec. 26, she pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing will take place on Jan. 7.

Law enforcement’s investigation into Melodee’s disappearance began on Oct. 14, when the Lompoc Unified School District followed up on her prolonged absence from Mission Valley Independent School.

Administrators’ attempts to reach her mother via phone, emails, and home visits were unsuccessful.

“When a student or family cannot be reached after these efforts, the school requests a welfare check from law enforcement,” district communications specialist Caasi Chavez stated in October.

Sheriff’s Office deputies served a search warrant at Ashlee’s residence on Oct. 15, “looking for evidence pertaining to Melodee’s whereabouts,” Sheriff Brown said at the conference. He described Ashlee as uncooperative throughout the investigation.

“It was determined that Ashlee had recently rented a car,” Brown continued. “Video surveillance images were obtained showing Ashlee and Melodee at the rental car office— both of them wearing wigs, in an apparent attempt to conceal their identities.”

4 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Detectives concluded that between Oct. 7 and 9, Ashlee took Melodee on a road trip that spanned multiple states. Investigators believe that Ashlee switched her rental car’s license plate at one point during the trip and murdered Melodee on Oct. 9.

On Oct. 30, FBI agents accompanied Sheriff’s Office detectives when they served search warrants to search Ashlee’s rental car.

Investigators found a live round of ammunition inside the vehicle.

Upon serving a second search warrant at Ashlee’s home, investigators found an expended cartridge case.

On Dec. 17, authorities said they linked the cartridge case to those that Wayne County, Utah, law enforcement recovered while investigating Melodee’s found remains, unidentified at that point.

An FBI crime lab analysis confirmed the body’s familial DNA match with Ashlee on Dec. 22, Sheriff Brown said.

“We have not established a motive at this point,” he stated. “We have obviously established that it is what’s known as … a maternal filicide.

There’s been a lot of study and discussion about that and what motivates people to do that. But as far as an actual direct motive, we haven’t established that yet.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Cities receive grants for bicycle safety workshops Thousands of students in Santa Barbara County will continue receiving bicycle education and free safety equipment thanks to grants from the state.

Buellton is one of five cities in the county that won funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety for this year’s grant cycle. Buellton’s funds total more than $47,000.

The nonprofit MOVE Santa Barbara County partners with cities to provide programs for kids and adults. Using the grant money, MOVE leads trainings at schools and organizes events to give away free helmets, bike lights, and reflective gear.

“We never want money, so a family’s finances, to be a barrier to safety,” Interim Executive Director Rick Wayman said. “We’re really grateful to the Office of Traffic Safety grant, that it allows us to do that for so many people throughout the whole county.”

A typical classroom program has four lessons in two weeks. MOVE’s education coordinators bring bikes to the school, teaching a variety of practical skills and rules of the road. Roughly 10,000 students are served throughout the county, Wayman said. Some students learn how to ride a bike on their own for the very first time.

This is Buellton’s fourth year receiving the grant. The current cycle runs from October 2025 to September 2026. Other recipients in the county include the cities of Santa Maria, Goleta, Carpinteria, and Santa Barbara.

Funds vary from city to city, depending on the number of schools in each area and the scope of the projects. For example, Santa Maria’s grant this year is for $120,000 to fund a video series for bike education, Wayman said.

On top of giving out equipment and helping students practice riding, Wayman thinks communities gain intangible benefits from the grant. The nonprofit has found that people’s behavior changes after trainings, and biking at school helps kids feel more comfortable.

“It’s also kind of empowering them with the confidence to go out and start doing it on their own and using their bike or their legs to walk to school and to get there safely,” Wayman said.

—Madison White

Firefighters, wildlife agencies rescue owl entangled in a car grille Over the span of his 27-year career as a first responder, Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Garrett Huff has seen his fair share of animals in distress.

“Horses have been some of the most challenging animal rescues that I’ve been part of, not only because of their size but the situations they can get themselves into,” said Huff, who’s also come across the requisite cats stuck in trees.

None of his past experiences compare to a recent joint effort between the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, county Animal Services, and county Fire in Orcutt, Huff told the Sun. “I have never seen a live bird in a grille before,” he said.

On Dec. 22, an Orcutt resident called county Animal Services after noticing a great horned owl lodged in their car’s radiator grille. The live owl’s head and wings popped out from the front side of the grille, which locked the bird into place.

“Animal control was on scene first and requested [county] Fire to respond to assist,” county Fire Department Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck told the Sun via email.

When firefighters arrived, they used tools to incrementally cut different parts of the grille to free the owl.

“While animal rescues aren’t part of our daily call volume, we do periodically assist with a wide range of situations involving animals,” Safechuck said, “including livestock, wildlife, and pets.”

Authorities aren’t sure how long the owl was trapped in the grille before being noticed, Safechuck explained in an X post about the rescue operation.

“It is unknown when the incident occurred and may have happened the previous day,” he posted.

After firefighters successfully removed the owl, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network transported the injured bird to its Goleta office for a medical evaluation.

“Unfortunately, the owl’s injuries were too severe for any chance at recovery,” Britt Rickman, the network’s rehabilitation director, told the Sun via email on Dec. 24. “While it is always hard, we were able to relieve the owl from any further suffering.”

In 2025, the network received about 1,100 animal patients—including birds, mammals, and reptiles—that sustained injuries “due to car strike or suspected car strike,” Rickman said.

“It is rare for us to have an owl or other animal get stuck in the grille of a vehicle, but it does happen,” Rickman said. “We might only get a few calls a year where the animal is still in the grille and the reporting party calls us for help.” m —Caleb Wiseblood

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Special Education - Child Find The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate high school age students suspected of having a disability who may be eligible for special education services designed to meet their educational needs at no cost to families. This includes students that are highly mobile, migrant, experiencing homelessness, students that are wards of the state, and students attending private schools located within SMJUHSD boundaries. If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department.

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD. Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

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www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 5

1

News

YEAR IN REVIEW

Ye

A look back at 2025’s headlines

in Revi ar

ew

Passing through

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHAN BERTRAND

2025

BY SUN STAFF

T

his past year was full of headlines about the Trump administration, federal job cuts, and increased immigration enforcement. But through all of that national news, northern Santa Barbara County was still humming along, impacted by the new federal polices and national politics and continuing with business as usual. The biggest, most consistent headlines were about Sable Offshore Corporation and its attempts to restart the pipelines that have been shut down since the 2015 Refugio Oil spill. But there were also two large fires and a slew of local government tiffs. We don’t have space to review everything that happened, but here are a few of the highlights.

—Camillia Lanham FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE

FACTS AND FRICTION: Assemblymember Gregg Hart’s (D-Santa Barbara) FACTS Act, which requires independent autopsies of in-custody deaths at county jails and state prisons, drew opposition from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Commonsense conflicts When Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1108 into state law this year, it affirmed the findings of a Santa Barbara County grand jury report that inspired the legislation.

In 2024, the jury called the county Sheriff’s Office’s investigations of in-custody deaths into question because the department also simultaneously acts as the county’s coroner.

When the jury suggested creating a separate medical examiner’s unit or outsourcing incustody death investigations, neither request was implemented.

California is one of only three states that allow sheriffs to oversee medical investigations of deaths that occur within county jails. In less than two years, that will no longer be the case thanks to the FACTS (Forensic Accountability, Custodial Transparency, and Safety) Act. “To me and the grand jury, it’s kind of a commonsense thing,” said Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), who authored the bill.

The FACTS Act calls for independent medical investigations of in-custody deaths in county jails and state prisons to prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

—Caleb FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER

STATE RECORD: The Gifford Fire, which burned 131,000 acres east of the Santa Maria Valley in August, was California’s largest wildfire of the year.

One battle after another It took less than 24 hours for the monthlong Madre Fire—which burned 52,000 acres near New Cuyama in its first day alone—to grow into California’s largest of the year by acreage in July.

Contained at about 80,000 acres, the Madre Fire was dethroned in August by the Gifford Fire, which exceeded 80,000 acres within its first week. The fire was 100 percent contained in late September, and had burned 131,000 acres east of the Santa Maria Valley.

Both fires drew in thousands of firefighters from across several states, and

impacted several areas along Highway 166.

The crossover burn areas between the fires resulted in one silver lining for firefighters, according to Don Fregulia, an operations section chief for the incident management team that fought the Gifford Fire.

“Fortunately the Madre Fire’s helping us out quite a bit with containment here on the northeast side of the [Gifford] fire,” Fregulia said in August.

Throughout both fires, evacuation orders and warnings applied to areas in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as parts of the Los Padres National Forest.

—Caleb Wiseblood

Chamber challenge

‘I will be found not guilty’

After the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce announced that it would be forced to close on June 30 thanks to the city’s aim to reduce its contribution to the chamber’s annual budget from $108,000 to $60,000, the public protested.

“The chamber is more than an office. It’s a symbol of connection, a space for innovation, and a partner in our future,” Yasmin DawsonSalim said at the June 17 City Council meeting, alongside dozens of other speakers.

The city acquiesced, but not before reworking its contract with the chamber and demanding compliance with things like conducting regular financial audits, which the chamber hadn’t been doing.

“We’re not fat over here on the money,” Councilmember Victor Vega said. “We’re trying to make this work and be so we’re not in the hole fiscally.”

—Camillia

In November, Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch filed eight felony charges against Lompoc 1st District Councilmember Steve Bridge.

During the week of his arraignment for embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, and other criminal counts, Bridge showed no signs of stepping down from the dais for the remainder of the year.

“I will be found not guilty. Therefore, I’ll continue to support and represent every member of the community and District 1,” Bridge said at the council’s Dec. 2 meeting. “I have not committed any crime.”

Bridge’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15 in Santa Maria Superior Court. The charges against him include misuse of Lompoc city funds.

—Caleb

6 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Throughout the year, Sable Offshore worked toward restarting the Las Flores pipeline, running into resistance along the way.

Sable fable A Texas-based oil producer’s pursuit of reviving the Las Flores pipeline system— defunct since one of its lines burst and caused 2015’s Refugio oil spill—was consistent throughout 2025.

Sable Offshore faced opposition from environmental agencies and government entities alike, including the California Coastal Commission, which slapped Sable with an $18 million fine in April for violating state permit protocols. In September, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed 21 criminal charges against Sable, including five felonies, all tied to polluting three local waterways. The county Board of Supervisors

capped off the year by denying permit transfers that Sable applied for in order to resume oil production.

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, who voted to approve the permit transfers in February, described himself as a longtime supporter of the oil industry before casting his December vote.

“It’d be much more comfortable for me to side with the side that I’ve always been on.

But you just didn’t give me that opportunity,” Lavagnino said. “If I’m going to follow the law and what our ordinance says, you gave me no other option.

“I know this is not the end of this,” he added. “This thing has gotten a life of its own.”

—Caleb

TICKETS! FREE EE TICKETS! FREE ETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FR CK TI EE FR S! ET CK YEAR INFRREVIEW FREE TI News FREE TICKETS! ETS! EE TICKETS! ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK TI EE FR S! ET FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM EE TICKFREE TICKETS! FR TICKETS! FREE TICK S! ET CK TI EE FR Royal moves S! ET TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICK FREE project FREE TICKETS! FREE S! Guadalupe’s Royal Theater renovation ET CK TI EE FR TICKETS! held a groundbreaking ceremony in December ETS! FREE TICKETS! EE TICKETS! FREE FR S! ET CK TI EE ETS! FR after a rocky year in which one City Council S! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICK CKETS! FREE TICKET TI EE FR S! member accused city staff and the project ET CK TI ETS! FREE ETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICK manager of misrepresenting costs. FREE TICK EE FR S! ET CK TI FREE TICKETS! “I don’t feel confident in the numbers youFR sent,” EE TICKETS! FREE ETS! ETS! FREE TICKETS! Councilmember Whitney Furness told ProjectS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICK EE TICK TICKET FREE TICKETS! FR S! ET CK TI Manager Tom Brandeberry in May. “I think EE FR S! EE TICKET TICKETS! FRE TICK that this project needs to be audited from to ETS! FR FREEtop FREE TICKETS! FREE S! ET CK TI EE FR S! ET EE TICKETS! bottom.”

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TICKETS! FREE TICK and begin fundraising to fill in the remaining FREE$3 FREE TICKETS! FR S! ET CK TI EE FR S! million needed to meet the project’s estimated FREE TICKET FREE TICKETS! ETS!$13 ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK million cost. boosted a supervisor’s salary from about TI EE Wage rage FR S! ET ETS! FREE TICK $115,000 to $171,000. He described their role —Camillia TICKETS! FREE TICK EE FR S! ET CK TI EE ETS! as a part-time job, where they could work as Santa Barbara County supervisors voted FREE TICKETS! FR TICKETS! FREE TICK EE FR S! ET CK TI EE ICE out of 805 FR much or as little as they want. Caldwell also to increase their salaries by 48 percent in FREE TICKE S! FREE TICKETS! ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK said the raises amount to “a slap in the face” 2025, but not before dealing with public In November, a pair of Immigrations andET TI EE FR S! ET CK EE TI FREE TICKETS! to people struggling with inflation. backlash from several constituents, via “a Customs Enforcement actions in and around TICKETS! FR ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK TI EE FR S! “What was in there was misleading at million emails,” 5th District Supervisor Steve Santa Maria riled immigration rights advocates, ET S! FREE TICK FREE TICK CKETS! FREE TICKET TI EE FR best,” Lavagnino said about Caldwell’s Lavagnino said. who protested the Nov. 13 operation at a property S! ET CK FRE TI TICKETS! FREE ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK messaging. on the corner of Telephone Road and Cambridge “I realize that 90 percent of the people TI EE FR S! ET EE TICK EE TICKETS! At the February hearing, Lavagnino Way. “On that day, ICE agents took a baby and yelling at me had no idea what my job FREE TICKETS! FR FREE TICKETS! FR CKETS! Micarelli: described his colleagues as putting in way a pregnant mother but refused to report on that S! FREE TICKETS! FREE TILucia position was,” Lavagnino said at a board EE TI ET FREE TICKETS! FR S! ET CK TI more than 40 hours a week, attending events, because they knew it wouldn’t fit their narrative,” hearing in February.

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EE TICKETS! FREE FR S! ET CK TI EE ETS! FREE 2025 The request followed July 10 raids at ETS! FR TICKETS! FREE TICK EE FR S! ET CK TI ETS Glass House Farms in Carpinteria and TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICK EE FR S! ET Camarillo, which resulted in hundreds of CK EE TI FREE TIC FREE TICKETS! FR TICKETS!Yoo FREE Scott arrests, one death, and clashes between protesters ETS!with CK TI Chamber Concert EE FR S! ET FRE and federal agents. Supervisors expressed ETS! FREE TICK ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK TI (Strauss/Schubert) EE FR S! ET frustration at the lack of information available EE TICK TICKETS! FRSunday, S! FREE TICKETS TICK• ET February 2:00pm FREE22 about the raids and arrests.

S! ET CK TI EE FR S! ETS! FREE T & Performing ArtsCK Center —CamilliaFREE TICKETHarold J. Miossi Cultural EE TICKETS! FREE TI FR S! ET CK TI EE TICKETS! FR ETS! FR EE TICKETS! FREE FR Turning a new leaf S! ET CK TI EE TICKETS! FR FREE TICKETS In June, the Santa Barbara County Board of ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK TI EE FR S! ET CK FREE TI Supervisors unanimously voted to disband the FREE TI ETS! FREE TICKETS! county Sheriff’s Office cannabis compliance team, ETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICK EE TICKETS! which would have cost the county $3 million-plus FREE TICKETS! FR S! ET CK TI EE FR TICKET BACK AND FORTH: At the Oct. 7 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting, to keep up and running in the 2025-26 fiscal year. TICKETS! EE TICKETS! FREE FR S! ET CK TI EE FR local union members gathered at the Betteravia Government Center in Santa Maria to County Sheriff Bill Brown told the Sun that the FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE express concern about layoffs in the Public Health and Social Services departments.

EE TICKETS! FREE FR team’s dissolution wouldn’t stop his department S! ET CK TI EE ETS! FR from investigating, citing, or arresting those who ETS! TICKETS! FREE TICK EE FR S! ET CK TI EE FREE TICK TICKETS! FR grow or sell marijuana illegally as well as licensed preemptive plans. It’s unclear when the Crucial care ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK TI EE FR cannabis growers who fall out of compliance with injunction will be resolved.

S! ET CK FREE FREE TI ETS! FREE TICKETS! CK local and state laws.

At a meeting in early October, the county This fall, the Santa Barbara County TI EE FR S! ET CK ETS! FREE TI FREE TICKETS! The cannabis compliance team was funded Board of Supervisors heard hours’ worth Public Health Department updated the S! FREE TICKETS! ET CK TI EE FR S! by cannabis tax revenue, which the Board of of feedback from members of local unions Board of Supervisors about impacts of TICK ET TICK FREE TICKETS! FREE S! Steep Canyon ET CK TI Supervisors decided to reallocate to support new and the immigrant community. Under the changes to federal law on county clinics, EE FR S! FREE TICKET TICKETS! FRE Rangers county initiatives, including a $240,000 allocation county’s plan, thousands of patients would patients, and staff.

EE TICKETS! FREE FR S! ET CK TI EE FR to help the Immigrant Legal Defense Center— need to change primary care providers and In mid-September, the county announced ETS! Saturday,CKMarch 7 •TI7:30pm CKETS! FREE TICKET S! FREE ET TI EE FR which has offices in Santa Maria and Santa some union members would lose their jobs. that 7,500 patients would lose access to S! Center for the Performing Arts, Arroyo TICKETClark S! FREE TIC ETGrande Barbara—hire two therapists.

After considering the issue, the supervisors care at county clinics in 2026 because of TICKETS! FREE TICK EE FR S! ET CK TI S! FR FREE The team’s members were transferred to other delayed making a decision to transfer “unsatisfactory immigration status.” The CKETS! FREE TICKET TI EE FR S! ET CK TI units, such as the new felony warrant detective patients and enforce layoffs.

U.S. Department of Health and Human ETS! FREE FREE TICKET ETS! FREE TICKETS! who joined the Special Investigations Unit in June.

At the Nov. 18 board meeting, Public Services had reinterpreted a law, leading the CK TI EE FR S! ET TICK TICK The detective is focused on locating and Health Director Mouhanad Hammami government to designate the county’s five FREE TICKETS! FREE S! ET CK TI EE FR S! arresting those who have outstanding warrants told the board that his department paused health care clinics as federal public benefits.

FREE TICKET ETS! FREE TI TICKETS! FREE TICK EE FR S! for the most violent felonies and has so far the layoffs and patient transfers. Until the County Public Health would lose funding if ET CK TI FREE ETS! FREE TICKETS! investigated six high-profile targets, according to injunction has been settled, patients will its clinics continued to see these patients.

However, an injunction in place on the federal policy change stalled the county’s

continue to be seen at their normal clinics.

—Madison White

ew

Ye

FREE TICKETS!

the Sheriff’s Office. m

—Caleb

FREE TICKETS!

www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 7

News

SPOTLIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIELLE DOWNEY

¡Entrada gratuita!

Free Event!

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD WALMART: In celebration of some newly completed remodel work at Santa Maria’s Walmart Neighborhood Market on South Bradley Road, store manager Rudy Villarreal (right) presented grant donations to a handful of local nonprofits, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County.

You’re on camera Walmart Neighborhood Market’s Santa Maria locations celebrate remodels, donate grants to local nonprofits

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

El Primer Mariachi Femenil en Los EE. UU. America's First All Female Mariachi Jueves 15 de Enero | Thursday, January 15 Vets Memorial Building 941 Walnut Avenue | Carpinteria | 7pm Viernes 16 de Enero | Friday, January 16 Isla Vista Elementary 6875 El Colegio Road | Goleta | 7pm Sabado 17 de Enero | Saturday, January 17 Guadalupe City Hall 918 Obispo Street | Guadalupe | 7pm Domingo 18 de Enero | Sunday, January 18 Marjorie Luke Theatre 721 E. Cota Street | Santa Barbara | 6pm Las puertas se abrirán media hora antes de la función.

Habrá recepción después del espectáculo.

Doors open half an hour before the show starts. Reception follows the performance.

@vivaelartesantabarbara Co-presented by Isla Vista Elementary School, The Marjorie Luke Theatre, City of Guadalupe and UCSB Arts and Lectures.

8 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

@vivaelarte

Grant program, with grant amounts that range between $250 and $5,000. lue and yellow frosted cupcakes, carefully One of the program’s eligibility criteria arranged on circular tabletops in Walmart’s requires applicants to serve the same service corporate sunburst logo, awaited guests area as the Walmart store they’re applying to of two local ribbon-cutting ceremonies in late benefit from.

December.

Soto’s store on South Blosser donated $2,000 Both events commemorated recent to the Santa Barbara Humane Society and remodel work at Santa Maria’s two Walmart $500 to Welcome Home Military Heroes, and Neighborhood Market locations.

Villarreal’s store on South Bradley donated Rudy Villarreal, store manager at the South Bradley Road location, told the Sun that longtime an additional $2,000 to the latter nonprofit, $1,570 to Element Christian Church in Orcutt, customers will notice the changes, including and $1,000 each to Court Appointed Special freshly polished concrete floors that “really Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara, Chosen brighten up the space.”

One Foundation, The HomeMore Project, and There’s also updated signage and a new Creative Netwerk’s Santa Barbara chapter. wellness room for pharmacy customers inside Both stores’ grant donations totaled nearly the store. Outside of the store, there’s new $10,000. amenities designed for a specific demographic, “Throughout the year, we educate the Villarreal explained. community on our grant opportunities and “Customers who utilize our online grocery other ways we can support them and find that orders will appreciate that we’ve nearly doubled this year’s grant recipients both reflect key needs the number of parking spots,” Villarreal said in in our community and make a meaningful an email interview. “Online pickup and delivery impact,” Villarreal said via email. “Our team have grown substantially here in Santa Maria, is really dedicated to working closely with the like many other communities across the state.” community and helping fill gaps in their needs, Guests who order items online and prefer and supporting local nonprofits is one of the heading into the store have something new to incredible ways we are able to do that.” look forward to as well, he explained.

“We also now have a dedicated indoor area for Highlights online pickup and delivery, which helps us better MUSIC organize your orders and help the customer • The Santa Maria Valley Tourism Marketing experience run smoother during peak demand,” District Advisory Council will host its Tourism Villarreal said. “[I] hope everyone enjoys these Celebration event on Jan. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.

FLAVOR/EATS renovations for years to come.” at Homewood Suites

by Hilton in Santa Maria.

Further north in Santa Maria, the Walmart The council described this evening program as Neighborhood Market on South Blosser Road a must-attend event for local business owners INFO underwent similar remodel work to enhance its and community stakeholders “interested in the space. economic vitality of the Santa Maria Valley.” Visit “The refreshed look really makes the store santamaria.comCALENDAR for more details. stand out,” South Blosser Road store manager • Certain Sparks Music in Lompoc is taking Karen Soto said at her location’s ribbon cutting its winter break through Jan. 5, which means its on Dec. 19. “Every update was made with the storefront is closed until then, and music lessons OPINION shopper in mind, creating a better, easier, and were put on pause as well. “There won’t be any more enjoyable experience throughout the store, lessons or retail during this time,” the shop stated … [which] feels more shopper-friendly than ever.” in a Dec. 23 announcement.

“We appreciate your NEWS In conjunction with support and can’t wait to see the remodel celebrations, you all back refreshed and both stores presented ready to make some music in STROKES grant donations to multiple the new year.” m Send business and nonprofits. Each year, nonprofit information to individual Walmart stores ARTSReach Senior Staff Writer Caleb spotlight@santamariasun.com. accept applications to benefit Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ from the Spark Good Local santamariasun.com.

B

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Opinion ONLINE POLL

What are you looking forward to most about the Royal Theater remodel?

33.3% Preservation of this historical site in Guadalupe.

33.3% I’m hoping the project will actually start.

33.3% A new, modernized place to highlight the arts.

0% Another reason to visit Guadalupe.

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Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [10]

Gerrymandering The ideological spirit of California Supreme Court Justice Rose Bird lives on with Proposition 50

BY JOHN DONEGAN

T

against the Victims’ Bill of Rights. She voted to uphold the liability of the phone company here is a lot of talk these days about in a lawsuit in which a drunk’s car went up on gerrymandering, both in the context of the sidewalk and hit the plaintiff who was in a Proposition 50 and in a pending challenge sidewalk phone booth. Her decisions usually to a part of the Voters Rights Act of 1965 that requires that race be considered in redistricting left conservatives and moderates either shaking their heads or sputtering in outrage. so that a minority can be assured of districts California is no stranger to gerrymandering, in which they dominate. It seems like a good the practice of drawing districts to either time to reflect on the career of a notorious enhance or diminish the influence of California Supreme Court chief justice whose particular groups of voters. Although decisions are still reverberating today in the Democrats only outnumber Republicans in gerrymandering fight.

California by less than 2 to 1 (approximately Rose Bird was appointed chief justice of the 45 percent to 25 percent), they have 43 of the California Supreme Court in 1977 by Gov. state’s 52 Congressional seats, to only nine Jerry Brown. Brown had distinguished himself Republican seats, turning a less than 2 to 1 by making unconventional and controversial advantage in voters into a 4 to 1 advantage in appointments, and by his counterculture congressional seats. baiting of the conventional establishment. His The redistricting following the 1980 census publicized stunts included abandoning the glitz was a particularly grotesque affair. The of the governor’s mansion for a mattress on the Democrat-controlled Legislature fashioned floor of a rock poster-decorated apartment, elaborately shaped districts to assure using an old battered Plymouth as his official themselves of friendly voters, which Democrat ride, dating rock star Linda Ronstadt, and Phil Burton quipped were his “contribution to having a Sufi chanting choir perform at the traditional governor’s prayer breakfast. He had a modern art.” Assembly Speaker Willie Brown’s was especially distinctive. It slithered through pretty lively first tenure. friendly neighborhoods in San Francisco like Appointing Bird as chief justice was one a convulsing snake and then jumped across of Brown’s most controversial acts. While MUSIC30 miles away, to capture undeniably bright, she had absolutely no judicial the Bay to Vallejo welcoming voters there. experience and had been working as a public In reaction to this gerrymander, the angry defender. She was also relatively young and FLAVOR/EATS voters of California passed an initiative soundly thoroughly leftist. rejecting the Democratic reapportionment Her leftist politics were demonstrated in her plan. The Democratic political leadership was treatment of death penalty cases. While she INFO frantic. Led by Chief Justice Bird, the California assured everyone that she would be willing to Supreme Court invalidated the initiative enforce the politically popular death penalty results using aCALENDAR flimsy pretext and reinstated in the right circumstances, she still voted to the rejected plans as more overturn it in every single one “practicable.” Redistricting of the 61 death penalty cases OPINION continued under the control that she considered during of Democratic politicians, and her tenure. She also voted Send us your the voters grew still angrier. to overturn the balanced views and opinion to NEWS The angry voters spoke budget initiative passed by letters@santamariasun.com. again in 1986 when Bird was the voters and spoke out

Speak up!

STROKES

removed from office by an overwhelming 67 percent of the voters, becoming the first chief justice ever removed. Jerry Brown-appointed justices Cruz Reynoso and Joseph Grodin were also removed. Justice Stanley Mosk, a moderate and respected liberal appointed by Pat Brown, was not challenged.

In 2008, voters took redistricting away from the politicians, creating the California Redistricting Commission to set district lines. It seems to have generated little controversy.

But fast forward 17 years to the passage of Proposition 50, which bypasses the commission and imposes district maps drawn by the Democratic powerbrokers to benefit themselves.

It seems that Democrats have recovered from their earlier complaints about gerrymandering, to actively embrace it, at least when they are the ones doing it.

Most of us are well adjusted enough to accept occasional political losses by “our side,” although perhaps with a bit of grumbling or whining. However, we are usually not so sanguine when the “other side” cheats by tampering with the democratic process. When the Bird court politically injected itself into the electoral process and corruptly overturned the voter’s choice to reject the 1982 gerrymander, it pissed me off so much that it turned me from an occasionally disillusioned Democrat into the ranting conservative curmudgeon that I am today. So the next time you find yourself outraged by some wrongheaded conservative opinion of mine, you can thank Rose Bird and her left-wing cronies.

The ideological spirit of Rose Bird lives on in the form of Proposition 50, and California Democrats and may eventually create more cranky conservatives like myself. m John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who is still in a snit about the decision 50 years later. Send a response for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.

WRITE NOW!

We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. You can also fax it (1-805-546-8641) or e-mail it (letters@santamariasun.com).

All letters must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes; may be edited for space or clarity; and will be posted to santamariasun.com.

ARTS

LETTERS Let’s spew out some big numbers for the people to love President Trump’s recent staccato-like speech to the nation featured a host of big percentages, apparently to mask the little percentages in the 30s showing plummeting support for his economic policies.

Our No. 47 boasted that the price of eggs was down 82 percent since March. Illegal drugs are down 94 percent. Also, 100 percent of all new jobs are in the private sector rather than the government sector. And 100 percent of all net job creation has gone to American-born workers. What big and impressive numbers!

Also, there are “400 percent, 500 percent, and even 600 percent” decreases in prescription drug prices, although it’s mathematically impossible over 100 percent.

Wow, all the president needs to do is say it out loud, and it must be true!! Makes life so much easier doesn’t it? We no longer need elementary, high school, and college education to teach critical thinking. The president does all of that for us!

Kimball Shinkoskey Woods Cross, Utah

www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 9

Opinion

Shock factor

N

Imagine a community where no one is sold or bought.

North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center 24-Hour Support Line (805)736-7273 www.sbcountyrapecrisis.org

orthern Santa Barbara County is rounding out 2025 with an alleged maternal filicide case that’s captured national interest.

It’s a shocking case in which a 9-year-old girl from Vandenberg Village was murdered and left on the side of a remote road in Utah, where she stayed for weeks before being discovered. It’s sad on a number of levels, and the case will play out in earnest starting in January. I’m sure we’ll all be watching.

If the details that have been released about the case aren’t bad enough, armchair “journalists” and “detectives” make it worse. They staked out the mother’s house starting in October when Melodee Buzzard went missing, posting fuzzy videos of Ashlee Buzzard on Facebook, detailing her comings and goings, speculating about what happened to her daughter, who was at her house, why the police hadn’t arrested her yet, and then finally capturing her arrest.

The behavior leans into society’s basest instincts to pry and make a spectacle out of people’s lives in times of tragedy, to gesticulate and speculate about the family, the mother, and everything else until we’re all worked up into a fervor even though we don’t have the details of the case and don’t have any knowledge or relationship with the family. The spectacle will become a conspiracy if we’re not careful, superseding the societal mourning that should take place with wild discussions that prey upon a grieving family and infringe upon their deserved privacy.

I don’t know what these people are going to do now that they don’t need to stalk Ashlee anymore because she’s in jail. Although, there are plenty of videos and posts about Immigration and Customs Enforcement patrolling local

neighborhoods, so I guess we can fill the outrage void with those.

Outrage was the name of 2025’s game.

Thanks, Donald J. Trump, for the wild ride and the fear that continues to blanket certain Central Coast communities. We don’t know what we’d do without you.

The county is also rounding out the year with some Trump administration news impacting Sable Offshore Corporation’s controversial push to restart the oil pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio oil spill.

Go ahead, start ‘er up, the administration said at the end of December, after a full year of permit issues, the company ignoring the state’s environmental rules, lawsuits, and being fined millions of dollars by the state’s various agencies.

And the environmental nonprofits lined up, press releases at the ready and lawsuits firing! The Center for Biological Diversity and others sued the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for wresting jurisdiction of the pipeline from the state and subsequently approving Sable’s restart plan.

The saga will definitely continue into 2026.

As will the battle over federal funding of health care and who gets to receive it. The county is stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the lay offs on the horizon and the inevitable tough choices it will need to make to balance the budget next year.

The potential impacts of Trump’s policies on immigration and the social safety net impact more than just the most vulnerable in our communities.

It also impacts the employees who provide those services as well as those who support the infrastructure around providing those services. m The Canary is crossing its claws for 2026. Send outrage to canary@santamarisun.com.

Stay informed about Northern Santa Barbara County. Breaking news, insightful opinions, and local event updates sent directly to your inbox every Thursday morning.

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Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 11, 2026

A PUB PLAY

The Olivier Award-nominated production, The Choir of Man, will be performed live at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Jan. 9, and Saturday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $49 to $104 to see this lively pub musical. Visit calpolyarts.org for additional information.

—Angie Stevens PHOTO COURTESY OF CAL POLY ARTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 2026 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. ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 25.

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

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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

AQUARIUS 2026 WATERMEDIA EXHIBIT Central Coast Watercolor Society’s annual juried exhibit Aquarius 2026 will feature excellence in watermedia painting, and invites California artists to enter. See website for details. Through Jan. 4, 2026 $25-$65. ccwsart.com/aquarius-2026.

Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

Refreshments will be served. First Friday

of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark.

SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free.

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

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

THE CHOIR OF MAN Direct from London’s West End, The Choir of Man delivers a feel-good show with stunning harmonies, dance, singalongs, pub tunes, and a working onstage bar. Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/thechoir-of-man. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/

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.

12 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through Jan. 18 $23-$28.

(805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/clue/.

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

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

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

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

PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second

INDEX Arts.......................................12 Culture & Lifestyle ...........12 Food & Drink ......................16 Music ...................................17

Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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.

SIJI KRISHNAN Krishnan’s evocative paintings exist in a realm between memory and myth, where figures emerge from translucent layers of pigment.

Through Jan. 11, 2026, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

(805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/sijikrishnan/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

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

as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary.

Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. 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.

Jan. 1-29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com/. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

YOU’RE INVITED! ATRIUM PARTY AND ARTIST’S RECEPTION FOR ARDELLA SWANBERG AND WINGBORNE SHOW ARTISTS Join us for snacks, art, and conversation at our Artists Reception and Atrium Party! Meet photographers and painters creating paintings, photography, small works, and more!

Jan. 10, 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

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

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 13

Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 12 FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOON YEAR’S CELEBRATION DANCE Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents “Noon Year’s Celebration” with the Riptide Big Band and vocalists. Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. riptidebb.com/.

Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

ORCUTT NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOCK PARTY Celebrate New Year’s with “The Family” at Old Town Wine & Brew, Lark + Sparrow, and Naughty Oak! Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-midnight $35. my805tix.com/e/orcuttnye-25/tickets.

Naughty Oak Brewing Co., 165 S. Broadway St. suite 102, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

COPENHAGEN COUNTDOWN Ring in the New Year alongside Denmark (3:00pm) at this family-friendly countdown to ‘midnight.’ The Molly Ringwald Project tribute band will perform live, and food and drinks will be available. Dec. 31, 2-4 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/ things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE MAVERICK SALOON Ring in the New Year with food, drinks, and dancing. Get tickets and additional details at the link. Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. my805tix.com. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, (805) 686-4785.

SOLVANG JULEFEST Solvang Julefest is a month of lights, celebratory happenings, and holiday cheer. There will be a tree lighting ceremony, parade, Santa visits, outdoor Christmas markets, New Year’s

JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 11, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS JESZECK

Eve event, and more! Through Jan. 4, 2026, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com. Downtown Solvang.

SOLVANG JULEFEST LIGHT, MUSIC & SNOW SHOWS Every night during Solvang Julefest, Solvang Park will sparkle with a 10-minute light and music display on the hour, ending with a “snow” flurry!

Through Jan. 4, 2026, 5-9:15 p.m. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/things-to-do/ solvang-julefest. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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

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

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

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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.

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities.

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

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

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

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

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Cypress Gallery in Lompoc is displaying a new show, titled Simple Pleasures, from Friday, Jan. 2, to Sunday, Jan. 11.

Featured artists, from local painters to artisans, explore themes of nature, evoking the simple pleasures of a cozy, slow pace. A variety of media include sculpture, jewelry, cards, and more. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Thursday to Sunday. Visit lompocart.org for more details.

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

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

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

MULTICULTURAL DANCE FOR ADULTS Experience dance from 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 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 3623739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

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

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

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT THE CLIFFS Make this night yours! Grab your friends, your partner, or your favorite dance partner to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 in pure style. Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $100-$150. (805) 773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

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

QI GONG: 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.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

(559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning.

Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month.

(646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong.

Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

(805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/services/ death-caf%C3%A9. Hospice SLO County, 1304 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

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

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

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

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. MondaysCULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 15 Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale.

www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 13

The Last Class with Robert Reich

MONDAY, JANUARY 12

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

&

Knights Templar Presentation

Paso Robles Taco Fest & Tacos & Vatos Car Show

The Anderson Paso, Paso Robles

Estrella Warbird Museum, Paso Robles

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Goddess Church: What’s Your Divine Feminine Archetype?

Advanced Healthcare Directive Workshop

Full Moon Ceremony & 2026 Intention Setting

What’s the Big Deal About Bird Watching?

MONDAY, JANUARY 5 Odd Fellows Hall, SLO

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Kids Creatives Club Weekly Art-n-Craft Classes

Crystal Clarity Sound “Bath” Journey FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 Mystic Nature, Nipomo

Always Patsy Cline

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 Santa Maria Civc Center

Resilience Sound Journey Cancer Support

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 Adventist Health-Sierra Vista, SLO

Serenity Sound Journey

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 Gala Pride & Diversity Center, SLO

Intention Setting Collage mini-Retreat

Just Ducky Sound Bath

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 CC Body Therapy Center, Los Osos

Brass Mash Live at the Pour House

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 835 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach

VHS Fest 2.0

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

LSD & the Search for God

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Wealth, Women & Woo

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Crows End Retreat, SLO

Bob & Wendy

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

New Beginnings

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 ACi Jet, SLO

Babes Against the Machine

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

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

Giafunni’s Comedy in January

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Giavanni’s Pizza, Santa Maria

Monte Mills & The Lucky Horseshoe Band

The Freddie Ravel Trio

Award-Winning Film Screening: Immediate Family

One Day Improv Festival

Jagg with The Airwaves & Ultraviolets

Scoundrel, Captive State, Perception

WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 7 - 28 Lor Coaching Studio, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 The Bunker SLO

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 Goddess Temple, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

14 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 Los Osos or Morro Bay

MONDAY, JANUARY 26 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 9th Limb Yoga, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 San Luis Obispo Grange Hall

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 The Bunker SLO

From the Stage

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 525 Harbor St, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

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

Brass Mash First Friday in January

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 SLO Brew, SLO

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Proxima Parada in Downtown SLO

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Hot Stuff

JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 11, 2026

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

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery.

We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/.

Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 1118. 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.

QI GONG AT SPIRIT WINDS PHYSICAL THERAPY This class will lay a foundation for health and vitality by integrating joint mobility, flowing movement, energizing breathwork, and mindfulness practices.

Join now! Wednesdays. through Dec. 31 $23. my805tix.com. Spirit Winds Physical Therapy, 1422 Monterey Street, Suite C-102, San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5100.

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. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

Tickets on sale now at My805Tix.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTI BELLE

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 13

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

The Love Show

NEW MEDIA

Zoe Basha with Miss Leo

Somatic Magic Retreat

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 835 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach

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, Atascadero

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Mininova-Love Will Conquer All

Raise Your Glass Pink Tribute

Savage Master

A six-week kids art class will be held at Art Spot on Wheels in Solvang for children ages 7 to 12. Every Wednesday, from Jan. 14 to Feb. 25, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., the artists can explore new media and receive guidance from instructors as they unleash their creativity. The class costs $285. More details can be found at artspotonwheels.com.

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

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

Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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.

GODDESS CHURCH: WHAT’S YOUR DIVINE FEMININE ARCHETYPE? Join for Goddess Church, the first Sunday of every month, where we share HERstory of the Goddess, remember her ancient rituals, and invoke her presence from within us.

At each gathering, we celebrate a different face, archetype, and expression of the Divine Feminine. RSVP at the link. Jan. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $33. my805tix.com. Goddess Temple Central Coast, 550 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Gathering House at UCC, SLO

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Roy Orbison Returns

SLO Craft Beer Fest

Santa Barbara Winter Wedding Expo

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Templeton Performing Arts Center

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Santa Barbara Women’s Club

Renaissance, Baroque & Beyond: Sacred & Profane

From the Barrel

Central Coast Jazz Guitar Fest!

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 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

DENTAL CARE for the whole family!

NEW Patient

SPECIAL!

129

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 United Methodist Church, SLO

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 Paso Robles

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Buellton

The House at Pooh Corner

Learn to Sail

13th Annual Ventura County Farm Day

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A $400 Value!

IMPLANT SPECIAL

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DR. LEE & STAFF 1558 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach

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$2,900 SPECIAL (REG. $4,300) CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION INCLUDES: Implant, Abutment & Crown

Open Mon, Tues & Thurs 8am-5pm and Wed 8am-12pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Santa Maria Civc Theatre

POWERED BY:

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SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Morro Bay Yacht Club

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Multiple Locations, California

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

www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 15

Hot Stuff

JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 11, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF GODDESS TEMPLE

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 15

WE WE ARE ARE THE THE OFFICE OFFICE TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS EXPERTS ON ON THE THE CENTRAL CENTRAL COAST COAST

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Supporting Local Events of All Types

TICKET WITH US! CONTACT US FOR A DEMO TODAY!

805-546-8208 or info@My805Tix.com

My805Tix.com 16 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

MAIDEN TO CRONE SISTER CIRCLE Connect deeply with other women.

Sharing the things that are close to our hearts creates a space of shared vulnerability that leads to deep connection. First Sunday of every month, 9-11 a.m. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.

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/.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT THE LODGE Ring in the New Year at the Cambria Pines Lodge! Celebrate in style with live music, festive flavors, handcrafted drink specials, and a sparkling night.

Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-midnight (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com/events/onsite.

Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

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.

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/.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more.

Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

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

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats.

Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

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

(805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com.

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

DIVINE FEMININE

The Goddess Temple Central Coast in Morro Bay will host Goddess Church on Sunday, Jan. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Study ancient rituals and celebrate a different face, archetype, and expression of the Divine Feminine. RSVP and donate online at my805tix.com.

—A.S. TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

TAP THURSDAY Head to Tap Thursdays at NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT MARISOL Savor the final hours of 2025 with a the Wine Stone Inn every week, featuring curated three-course menu! Call the $5 draft beers and $5 Cava’s. Thursdays, number provided to make reservations.

3-9 p.m. through April 16 Free. (805) 332Dec. 31, 4-9 p.m. $95-$110. (805) 5563532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., 3316. cliffshotelandspa.com/event/ Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/. new-years-eve-dinner-at-marisol-2/. The THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Call venue or visit website to find out Pismo Beach. about featured vintners. Thursdays NEW YEARS EVE DINNER & stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. CELEBRATION AT SEAVENTURE Clark Ave., Orcutt.

Welcome in 2026 with oceanfront WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check elegance at SeaVenture Restaurant!

Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the Countdown to a “New York Midnight” complete list of classes, for various ages. and a champagne toast at 9 p.m. Dec. 31, ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ 5-10 p.m. $75-$89. (805) 773-3463. orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt seaventure.com/event/new-yearsRoad, suite 105, Orcutt. eve-dinner-celebration/. SeaVenture WINE BINGO WEDNESDAYS Join Wine Restaurant, 100 Oceanview Ave., Bingo Wednesday at the Wine Stone MUSIC Pismo Beach.

Inn –– the original bingo night in Old TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a Orcutt. The event will occur weekly witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 with the purchase of an adult beverage.FLAVOR/EATS to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. through April 29 second place teams. Kitchen is open until (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/. INFO and non-alcoholic options available. First

Spread the word!

Send event information to calendar@ santamariasun.com.

Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

(805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com.

CALENDAR

Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

OPINION

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head STROKESfestive than a piñata? Join for some Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing brunch drinks and a couple of good hits Company every Tuesday night. Teams to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy ARTS can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and prices promised. Turns will be determined bragging rights. Kekas will be serving on a first come, first served basis. their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages.

First Sunday of every month Free.

Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723.

SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast San Luis Obispo.

Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., SLO GRANGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST Lompoc.

Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good oldfashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee will be MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES served, and proceeds will benefit local Join to expand your knowledge of the non-profits. Second Sunday of every fermentation process and get started month, 8-11 a.m. $10. (805) 543-0639. fermenting at home. We alternate slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange between demonstration and hands-on Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/.

BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second New topics each month with a thorough Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy demo and explanation of the process a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. and nutrient-dense fermentations.

Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.Leave the class confident and prepared 1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. with recipes to make your own at home. chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, Limited seating; reserve spot prior to 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. class by phone/email. Second Sunday HOT STUFF continued page 17 of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30.

Hot Stuff HOT STUFF from page 16

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda.

Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.

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

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

(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.

WE LC OME TO T HE S O U N D T R A C K OF F REEDOM L A SEPTIMA BANDA F R I D AY, J A N U A R Y 16 / 8 P M T I C K E T S S TA R T AT $39

F E L I P E E S PA R Z A F R I D AY, J A N U A R Y 23 / 8 P M T I C K E T S S TA R T AT $55

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.

MARCO FLORES Y L A #1 B A N D A J E R E Z A N D B A N D A Z E TA

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.

F R I D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 3 / 8 P M T I C K E T S S TA R T AT $60

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE HIT MEN OF COUNTRY Get ready for a boot-stomping, heartstring-tugging night of pure country gold. The Hit Men of Country brings together five of Nashville’s finest musicians. Jan. 3, 2-4 p.m. $45-$59, Platinum $65; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

EASTON EVERETT, Hear Easton Everett, the writer and performer of guitar-woven music in distinctive stylistic shapes.

It is music that is easy to listen to but also surprises. Jan. 11, 1-4 p.m. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo.

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

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

NEW YEAR’S DAY JAZZ AND BLUES WITH SUNNY WRIGHT, JAKE ODELL, AND DAVID KEIF Hoppin’ John, Cornbread, Jazz, and Blues this New Year’s Day at Puffer’s of Pismo. Hear great music with a little soul! Jan. 1, 4-7 p.m. $5. (805) 773-6563. puffersofpismo.com/. Puffer’s of Pismo, 781 Price St A, Pismo Beach.

TAY L O R D AY N E

F R I D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 7 / 8 P M T I C K E T S S TA R T AT $45

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY IN JANUARY 2026 Don’t miss this first Friday of the new year with this all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and immerse yourself in the eclectic mix of classic rock and pop songs. Jan. 2, 6-10 p.m. $26.05. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT LIBERTINE Get ready for a night packed with high-energy hits and non-stop dancing as we countdown to midnight. Tickets include champagne toast at midnight, charcuterie, and small appetizers. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $66.12. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

W. TERRENCE SPILLER PIANO RECITAL Music professor Emeritus W. Terrence Spiller will perform Mozart’s famous “Turkish Rondo” sonata, followed by works by Mendelssohn, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff. Jan. 9, 7 p.m. $22 general, $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/special/.

Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. and Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223.

The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos. m

Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.522.4700. ©2025 Chumash Casino Resort.

Senior Dial-A-Ride HELP WANTED $500 BONUS! The Bright Choice for ALL your Electrical Needs in Santa Maria and Surrounding Areas • FREE Estimates • Residential & Commercial • Panel Upgrades • Vehicle Ports • Troubleshooting & Diagnostics

Voted BEST Electrician

Contact the Experts at Power and Lighting Service

(805) 621-6755 powerandlightingservice.com

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!

An Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer

SMOOTH, Inc. 240 East Roemer Way, Santa Maria · 805-922-8476 www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 17

Arts

YEAR IN REVIEW FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA NATURE ART MUSEUM

FILE PHOTO BY REECE COREN

ARTS BRIEFS Santa Maria Civic Theatre puts on a Patsy Cline-inspired musical

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATRE

Performances pick back up at the Santa Maria Civic Theatre (SMCT) with Always, Patsy Cline, which runs every weekend from Jan. 9 to 25.

“The show combines humor, sadness, and heartfelt moments, providing a nostalgic look back at Cline’s life and career,” according to the theater. “The funny and heartwarming script is perfect for the intimate setting at SMCT, and the live band onstage is sure to have audiences laughing, clapping, and singing along.”

Based on a true story, Always, Patsy Cline tells the tale of friendship between the singer and a devoted fan, Louise Seger, until Cline’s death in a 1963 plane crash.

The show is directed by Kyle Ruiz-Hawkins. Actors Andrea Hilbrant and Sally Buchanan assume the roles of Cline and Seger, respectively.

Musical director Rachel Mello will oversee the live band featuring a guitar, harmonica, fiddle, bass, and drums.

Performances are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Buy tickets online at my805tix.com.

Call (805) 922-9444 or email smctheatre@gmail.com with additional questions. Santa Maria Civic Theatre is located at 1660 N. McClelland St. in Santa Maria.

Lompoc artists and businesses host first community Art Walk of the year

Making a mark Take a look at the creative communities that shined in 2025

LOTS TO TALK ABOUT: Corazón del Pueblo hosted the Nuestra Lotería exhibition in May for students of Ernest Righetti and Santa Maria high schools to express their views on culture and social justice. High schoolers depicted personal experiences of ICE’s presence on the Central Coast. One Righetti sophomore, who remains anonymous, was concerned about her and her parents’ safety as ICE agents targeted undocumented immigrants.

The student said, “It’s frustrating—having to be like, ‘Should I worry about school? Am I even going to be in this country tomorrow?’”

BY MADISON WHITE

I

Send your community’s goals to Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSE DUMADARA KOERNER

The monthly Lompoc Art Walk is planned for Jan. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s hosted by the Lonely Plover Social Club, an organization that supports local businesses and artists.

“Our mission is simple but impactful: to celebrate and elevate Lompoc’s vibrant arts community,” according to the organization’s website.

Residents, businesses, and artists come together for the Art Walk every month to celebrate the city’s creativity.

Downtown Lompoc transforms into an outdoor gallery featuring performances, artwork displays, live music, and interactive activities. The Lompoc Art Walk increases foot traffic in town and allows people to meet the artists and business owners who are active in the community.

Organizers suggest starting off at the Cypress Gallery (119 E. Cypress Ave.) to see the featured exhibit, make crafts, and grab some produce at the Route One Farmers Market truck.

From there, people can visit participating stores, including Silly Bee Thrift, Eye on I, The Wicked Shamrock, Jupiter’s Spark Collection, Southside Coffee, Bella Florist, and Fortified Tattoo.

Artists are encouraged to contact participating businesses if interested in setting up exhibits. Email thelonelyplover@gmail.com with inquiries or visit thelonelyploversocialclub.com.

Art Walks are planned for Feb. 5 and then the first Thursday of each month. Check out @thelonelyploversocialclub on Instagram for more details. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send information to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

18 • Sun • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

in Revi ar

COURTESY FILE PHOTO BY GRACIELLA RODRIGUEZ

ew

’m amazed by how locals foster so many arts communities in northern Santa Barbara County. Creative circles come to life in small towns and bigger cities, rounding up eager residents and seasonal visitors.

There’s not nearly enough space to capture all the impactful work we saw in 2025. I think back to the Lompoc muralist who returned to his elementary school—where he did his first mural—to paint more; the first-time novelist who employed local businesses for design and print; and the artist who opened a contemporary gallery in a barn among the vineyards.

No matter if you’re an art creator, aficionado, or a little bit of both, I think it’ll serve us all well to take part in a community that strikes our fancy. We’re much stronger together. m

Ye

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASMINE GONZALEZ

LIVELY LULU: In February, the California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) installed a troll designed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. She’s called Lulu and sits inside the Solvang museum, curled up in a small room next to CalNAM’s entrance. Lulu is Dambo’s first permanent troll in the state. The artist is known for working with recycled materials, like Lulu’s wooden pallets and old wine barrels. Troll enthusiasts from across the country travel to CalNAM to be in Lulu’s presence as part of their hunts to find Dambo’s more than 100 trolls around the world.

2025

IN THEATERS ONLY: Two Santa Maria residents made names for themselves in the world of independent film and brought some of that recognition back to the valley. The Filipino-American movie, Umbag (meaning punch), tells the story of estranged sisters who fight inside and outside the boxing ring for forgiveness and redemption. Producer Rose Dumadara Koerner organized screenings of Umbag in Santa Maria in August and December. Her daughter, Marie Dumadara, starred in the film, which was shot in the Philippines from 2022 to 2023. Umbag won multiple awards at film festivals in the U.S. and internationally.

COURTESY FILE PHOTO BY KYLE SULLIVAN

ARTISTRY MEETS ECOLOGY: Block printer Angelina LaPointe lived part time in a cabin at Jalama Canyon Ranch for two months as the first official artist in residence, an initiative organized by the White Buffalo Land Trust. The nonprofit’s goal is to support stewardship of the land, bringing in an artist to help connect the community to its mission. During her residency, LaPointe hiked through the Lompoc hills, sketching and photographing scenes to make prints. “This is a really special experience because I get to actually make work in the ecosystems that I’m familiar with,” LaPointe said.

A CHALK REPUBLIC: Hosted by the Lompoc Theatre Project, the sixth Lompoc Chalk Festival drew more than 40 professional and amateur artists to the Veterans Memorial Building one weekend in October. “Chalkers” spent hours sketching and coloring their designs, which is why artist Katherine Taylor called them “the athletes of the art world.” Taylor illustrated her square with an underwater scene of a turtle and fish swimming through seaweed. “The purpose of my work is to create spontaneous smiles that make the world happier,” Taylor said.

www.santamariasun.com • January 1 - January 8, 2026 • Sun • 19

Film

SUN SCREEN

Sweet goodbye I

Anna: Mirren’s June has battled cancer before, and unfortunately the last-ditch effort at chemo left her worse for wear. She doesn’t have long, and while the doctors have broken the news to the family, her kids can’t tell whether she’s in denial or not. She declines going home or to one of her children’s homes for her last act, and in doing so, she decides on a central destination for everyone’s lives in the time remaining—by her hospital bed.

Molly and Julia are especially at odds, and while the reasons why remain murky for most of the film, we do get reasons for their hurt toward the end. The list of actors in this film Glen: Everyone deals with grief, even is stunning, and—sure—it may hit a bit on impending grief, in their own way, the sentimental side, but the best and Goodbye June is a rumination Christmas movies do. I applaud GOODBYE JUNE on processing grief as well as a Winslet for taking on this project.

What’s it rated? R tender examination of complex Glen: It’s certainly an assured What’s it worth, Anna? family dynamics. The threat of directorial debut. Winslet’s been Matinee maudlin cliché is real! Both Winslet in front of the camera for so long What’s it worth, Glen? and Joe Anders (Winslet’s son with and worked with so many great Matinee director Sam Mendes) are making directors that she’s clearly absorbed Where’s it showing? their directing and writing debuts, how to set up a shot and create Netflix respectively, and they’re working in effective pacing. At first, the film familiar family drama territory. Yes, felt a little slow, but it’s worth there are some missteps and implausibility, sticking with it because by the second act, the pacing felt just right. In addition to Molly and but hey, it’s a Christmas movie about a family Julia, the story busies itself with Connor and coming together in their shared time of his complicated feelings for his dad, not to need. It’s a bit cheesy, but most emotional mention Bernie’s own difficulties preparing moments ring true, and Winslet has amassed for a life without June. Connor thinks his dad an impressive list of British A-listers to bring doesn’t care, but Bernie has his own way of the overly sweet story to life. The acting is coping. The real wild card is Helen, who feels amazing.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

n her directorial debut, Kate Winslet brings her son Joe Andres’ story to life about four semi-estranged siblings reuniting over their mother’s illness over the Christmas holiday.

Failure-to-launcher Connor (Johnny Flynn) lives at home with his mum and dad, June (Helen Mirren) and Bernie (Timothy Spall), and a couple of weeks before Christmas, June takes ill.

Connor calls his three sisters, cranky and jealous Molly (Andrea Risenborough), successful but unhappy Julia (Winslet), and free-spirited New Agey Helen (Toni Collette), who all arrive with their respective emotional baggage. (114-min.)

A FAMILY’S LOVE: Connor (Johnny Flynn) reads to his ailing mother, June (Helen Mirren), in Goodbye June, streaming on Netflix.

her life slipping away. She’s a spiritual guide by trade, but her own spirit needs guidance. In a sweet touch, Molly and Julia’s kids bring June end-of-life joy, and though some of it struck me as implausible, I found the film touching. Put the jaded part of your heart on pause and soak up this bit of holiday treacle.

Anna: You see true joy and sorrow in these performances, and with Mirren especially. It must be odd to know your timeline is so short, to tidy up the last bits of life that you can. That’s what June wishes for most—for her family to

PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV+

HOLLYWOOD CON QUEEN

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Apple TV+ I listened to the podcast Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen when it came out a few years ago, so when I saw the title flash across our “New on Apple TV” screen, I knew I wanted to watch it even if I knew the ins and outs. This docuseries interviews many victims of the person who defrauded hundreds of people, mostly in the entertainment business.

Posing as women of power for the most part, the Queen lured targets to Indonesia with promises of a big project, fame, and a big payout. The only catch was veiled in something that happens in Hollywood all the time—you’ve got to pay up front and await reimbursement, but the victims never saw their money come back. What is truly shocking is how big of a ring one con artist was able to create, and the many characters and names they were able to pull in.

This story’s been around for a bit, so true crime devotees are likely familiar. However, hearing from the victims as well as the journalist who finally exposed the truth makes for a compelling watch. If you’re unfamiliar with the tale, you’re in

be OK when she’s gone, to not be the one tether between them all. When Molly and Julia finally have an airing of grievances, it feels so poignant.

They’re both mad at each other for things the other cannot change, for the way life unfolds, and for the paths they chose. It’s sentimental and sad but ultimately a heartwarming journey through the hardest part of life. m Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

IMAGE COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH

ON THE HUNT: Journalist Scott Johnson traveled to Indonesia in search of a prolific and crafty con artist, in Hollywood Con Queen, streaming on Apple TV+.

for a wild ride. (Three 44- to 60-min. episodes)

—Anna

What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2025 Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande Director and co-writer James Cameron returns with this third installment in his Avatar franchise, and I’ll start by saying it’s absolutely visually stunning but absolutely derivative in its storytelling. All three Avatar films—Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and this new one— have the same plot. Humans have destroyed their planet and are now trying to colonize Pandora, an inhabited moon orbiting a gas giant. Pandora is populated by the Na’vi, 10-foot-tall, blue-skinned humanoids who live in harmony with nature. Think Manifest Destiny and white Europeans wiping out indigenous people and you’ll understand the basic story. Yes, we’re the bad guys.

At the center of each film is Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic former Marine who in the first film is placed inside a Na’vi-human hybrid avatar to help colonize the planet. Instead, he meets and falls for Na’vi princess Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), and Jake learns to appreciate the Na’vi way of life and switches alligences. Dances with Wolves, anyone?

If you’re expecting something new in Fire and Ash, you’ll

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VILLAINNESS: Varang (Oona Chaplin) is the leader of the volcano-dwelling Mangkwan Clan, who collaborate with the human invaders trying to colonize Pandora, in Avatar: Fire and Ash, playing in local theaters.

be disappointed. But if you’re here for the incredible visuals these films create and simply want to immerse yourself in the sumptuousness, it delivers. (3-hours and 17-min.) m —Glen

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Eats

YEAR IN REVIEW FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSE WINE MANAGEMENT

Bites and delights Let’s remember the people who served impeccable food and beverages last year

BY MADISON WHITE

A

llow me, the Sun’s Eats writer, to make a toast.

We’ve made it through a quarter of the century, and that alone is worth a bit of cheer.

Gathering around a table to break bread is one of life’s great pleasures, and it’s even better with a fun drink in hand and a spoonful of something yummy. Before we get caught up in the swing of 2026, join me on a trip back in time to five memorable Eats stories of 2025.

We covered a wide range of new establishments, meaningful business anniversaries, and a fair share of wine festivals. We saw bartenders make their own spirits to create delicious cocktails and others who invented their own nonalcoholic selections. There was no shortage of sweetness either, including mid-afternoon treats from Drover’s Doughnuts and British-inspired tea and scones from a Lompoc café.

None of it would be possible without the brains behind each and every operation. I’m talking about the people who grow our produce, raise our meats, harvest our grapes, and take part in every hospitable step afterward. m

FILE PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE

in Revi ar

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FILE PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE

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Send more food and drink lore to Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

LOTS OF LABELS: It was a memorable year for the Miller Family Wine Company. In early 2025, the winery was named Grower of the Year by the California Association of Winegrape Growers. Shortly after, the company launched an AI sommelier service online, which suggests wines based on a customer’s desired tasting notes. The Millers produce the wines of Bien Nacido Estates, J. Wilkes, Ballard Lane, and more.

2025

ON A NEW MISSION: Jason Mergenov served in the military for more than 20 years and then found a therapeutic outlet in winemaking, which he turned into a second career.

He makes rosé and sparkling pinot noir under his label Rockets Red Wines. Having experienced PTSD and intense therapy, the winemaker knew he wanted to share his story to help others. Mergenov now uses his online platform as a small wine producer to advocate for mental health support. “It’s not just about making wine anymore,” he said. “I’m making wine with a message.”

THE ONLY SPOT IN TOWN: As of November, Solvang is now home to a Thai restaurant.

Born and raised in Thailand, owner Preaw Chamchoi opened Kanok Thai Cuisine to give locals and visitors some culinary variety in the famous Danish village. For lunch and dinner, her chefs whip up mouthwatering pad thai, drunken noodles, curry, fried rice, and more.

Authenticity extends beyond the plate, too. The owner hand-selected décor and shipped it from Thailand to the U.S. so she could adorn her restaurant with golden accents.

EATS YEAR IN REVIEW continued page 22

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Eats

YEAR IN REVIEW COURTESY FILE PHOTO BY SHELBY WILD

EATS YEAR IN REVIEW from page 21

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SAUCE BABY

New Menu Items!

SOME LIKE IT HOT: A Santa Maria couple, Michael and Diana Muranaka, celebrated one year of their hot sauce company called Sauce Baby. Hot Lil Mama is the brand’s signature product made with Fresno, serrano, and Thai chilis, plus the tang from hibiscus tea. “We tried it, and it perfectly rounded the hot sauce out,” Michael said. He’d been experimenting with recipes at home, leading to the inception of Sauce Baby. Look out for an even spicier version in the future.

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FARM FRESH: Guadalupe’s farmers market is set to begin in February after community groups spent months straightening out fees and other details with the City Council. Organizer Shelby Wild explained that there are few opportunities for Guadalupe residents to buy locally grown food despite living in an agricultural region. The market will change that. “Our mission is equally local-food access, both in the community’s ability to access the food and in our farmers’ ability to sell the food to the community and make a living,” Wild said. The Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market is planned to pop up on Sundays at LeRoy Park.

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Got Ants, Black Widows, Rodents?

L CAL US

Billy Burger & Deep Fried Burrito Small order of fries & small drink

9.99 + tax

$

Family Owned & Operated

SPECIAL $69 Monthly Service or $99 Every 2 Months

Bill’s Take Out

Free Gopher & Rodent Estimates Same Day Service M-F

Look for the ANT on the Door

Santa Maria’s Original Fast Food Place!

805-925-8711 • 734-4355

523 NORTH BROADWAY • SANTA MARIA

www.oconnorcentralcoast.com

P

• ENE E OP L E

R GY • P

We Service ALL Gas, Wood, and Pellet Units

3 per coupon. No substitutions. Exp. 1/31/26

General Pest Service Only. Gophers & Rodents Excluded.

One Year Term Minimum. Homes up to 1,000 sq. ft.

SOLAR ELECTRIC BATTERY BACKUP SOLAR POOL HEATING $0 DOWN FINANCING SERVICE & UPGRADES

Wood, gas, pellet, Stoves/Inserts SALE.

TVs – BEER – WINE – GOOD VIBES

CALL TODAY-

805.934.4665

MELENA ROOFING PARTNERSHIP

No Job Too Small • Free Estimates

RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL All Phases of roofing including HOT ASPHALT, TPO, PVC, and ALL Metal roofs!

LIABILITY & WORKMANS COMP INSURED Over 30 Years in Business Proudly Serving the Santa Maria Valley

Family owned and operated Call Jimmy, Billy Melena or Victor Sedillos

23 CRAFT BEERS ON DRAFT

L AN E T

805.937.6200 JCMELENA@VERIZON.NET

(805) 922-3774 • CSLB# 391670 • SINCE 1975

LIC. NO#937929

Happy New Year!

MELBY’S Sun’s Best of Winner, JEWELERS

et Your Game Day Favori G e m tes Co

At the COLLECTIVE Santa Maria 3546 Skyway Drive

4850 S Bradley Rd. #D1 | Orcutt, CA 805.938.1965 | backporchflowers.net

13 years!

Sun’s Best of Winner, 16 years!

1140 E. Clark Avenue · Suite 190 Santa Maria, 93455 1140 E. Clark Ave•CA Suite 190 (805) 925-1678 Santa Maria, CA 93455 (805)Store 925-1678 Our Hours Tues Fri: 9:30-5:30 Our -Store Hours

10-3 TuesSaturday: - Sat: 10:00-3:00 www.melbys.com

Mention this ad for a Military discount

Order your holiday décor today!

More than Just Hot Dogs

DRIVE THRU

DELIVERY THROUGH

DOOR DASH

1311 Nicholson Ave, Santa Maria (805) 998-0265 • 11am – 8pm Daily

STRAIGHTEN YOUR SMILE

• Digital Orthodontic Experts • 3D-Printed Brackets • Central Coast’s Most Experienced Invisalign Doctor!

Voted BEST ORTHODONTIST in Northern Santa Barbara County 7 years in a row! *Diamond Plus Provider

Visit us on Facebook & Instagram

Central Coast Orthodontics

1311 South Miller St, Ste. 201, Santa Maria (805) 347-4444

Shop Local reserve your space today

ld Town Orcutt In O

Custom Design — Expert Repairs Beautiful Jewelry...

225 East Main St, Santa Maria (805) 928-4108 OPEN TUES-SAT 10AM - 4PM

plus extra holiday hours!

Member AGS, AGTA, JBT, CJA

ASSISTED LIVING for PERSONS with MEMORY LOSS Margie Halsell, Owner 4620 & 4630 Song Lane magnoliaprimrose.com Lic# 425801520 & 425801723

805.347.1968 www.santamariasun.com