Sun, July 16, 2026

Demolition pending

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Buellton designated Pea Soup Andersen’s as a historic building in 2020, a title the City Council removed in July to make way for the landmark’s pending demolition. The situation was untenable for council members, who said the building had deteriorated enough to become a safety issue, as squatters move in and others roam through the dark corridors filming videos for social media. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the issue, what comes next, and the potential to save part of the building [6]

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Also, find stories about Lompoc’s push toward building more housing [4]; a plein air painter who recently snagged a spot at Gallery Los Olivos [18]; a Swell spot for sandwiches in Pismo Beach [22]

Camillia

Lanham editor

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Dudley Hoffman Mortuary was founded in Santa Maria in 1876. This year we mark our 150th year serving the families of the Central Coast. We are deeply rooted in community and fully dedicated to care. dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com • 805.922-8463 • FD-56

• Having passed the state Senate Public Safety Committee and state Senate Local Government Committee, Assembly Bill 2257—authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara)— will advance to the Senate floor in August. Focused on county jail accountability, the bill would give boards of supervisors throughout California the option to exercise confirmation authority over a sheriff’s top jail administrator. When deciding to confirm or deny a nominee for a three-year term, a board of supervisors could consider certain relevant factors, such as a nominee’s experience overseeing correctional health and mental health care, proficiency in public budgeting, knowledge of rehabilitation best practices, and commitment to advancing the civil rights of the incarcerated. “For the benefit of the public, incarcerated people, and the correctional workforce, this bill gives county officials a focused tool to promote greater accountability and cooperation from sheriffs in addressing jail issues,” Hart said in a July 1 statement. “California’s county jails are in crisis. Deaths are occurring at record-high levels, people with mental illness are languishing without care, and costs are skyrocketing without improved outcomes.”

Santa Barbara County 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps said in a statement that she’s grateful to Hart for “his leadership in advancing this commonsense reform” and “restoring greater accountability and balance in jail oversight.”

• The Bureau of Land Management ’s 30-day public scoping period to receive public input on potential oil and gas lease sales in San Luis Obispo County and other parts of California will end on Aug. 1. U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) commented on the scoping period in a July 8 statement. “I remain strongly opposed to the Bureau of Land Management’s actions and will continue working with state and local partners to stop any attempt to build new oil wells on our public lands,” Carbajal said. “The Trump administration continues to favor Big Oil at the expense of our environment and public health. While this 30-day public scoping period does not mean new oil wells will spring up tomorrow, it represents yet another reckless step toward handing public lands over to the oil industry. Californians have been clear from the start: We do not want any more oil drilling on public lands—especially areas close to our state’s natural treasures such as the Carrizo Plain National Monument .” Carbajal argued against claims that expanding oil drilling is necessary for California’s energy security. “Just last month, [the Trump administration] blocked a wind energy project in Morro Bay that would have provided the state with a new source of clean power,” he stated. “These actions reveal a pattern of favoritism toward Big Oil.”

• State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that a lawsuit settlement in late June ended with three major egg producers agreeing to donate more than 8 million eggs collectively to California food banks, including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County The settlement resolved allegations that Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, and Hickman’s conspired to raise the cost of eggs nationwide in violation of antitrust laws, according to Bonta’s office. The producers agreed to pay $3.3 million to each of the 17 states included in the lawsuit and donate more than 53 million eggs to food banks in those states. “As Californians scrambled to feed their families, three egg producers conspired to act illegally and hatched a plan to raise the cost of eggs nationwide,” Bonta stated. “My office is committed to cracking down on companies that run afoul of the law and unlawfully conspire to raise prices for Californians who are already struggling with a crisis of affordability.” m

Lompoc begins environmental review for possible housing project annexation

The Bodger Meadows housing project near Lompoc has bounced between city and county staff for the past two and a half years, but the city’s been trying to obtain the property from the county for decades.

After the City Council discussed the project’s latest news, Mayor Jim Mosby joked dryly about the saga. He referenced a sewer line that was installed along Bailey Avenue intended to serve the area’s future developments.

“Woo,” Mosby cheered around 11 p.m. near the end of the council’s July 7 meeting. “Sixtyfive years in the making, like a big old Timex.”

In August last year, Lompoc City Council members voted to move forward with the project, which will eventually need a green light from the county and the Santa Barbara Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). The county recently started its environmental review process.

If the project continues to progress, around 200 single-family homes and 140 apartment units will be built on 45 acres of land off Olive Avenue. Another 40 acres of the Bodger Meadows property will remain agricultural but with some infrastructure upgrades.

From the city’s perspective, absorbing the parcel is the way to go. The move would bring around 270 acres into the city for residential development.

One major challenge for such annexation has been the reduction of agricultural land, but the city maintains that the lengthy timeline is typical for a project of this scope.

Bringing the land into the city will help with issues like the project’s drainage basin. It’s already been cause for pause—engineers redesigned it in recent submittals—and might prove to be a headache if the city can’t annex it.

“If it’s dual jurisdictional, meaning if the basin is in the county and the development is in the city, it becomes a conflict,” Mosby said. “Let’s say for weed abatement or other levels of mitigation.”

Another change Lompoc staff requested be considered by the county includes an access point at Ocean Avenue. The street marks the project’s northern border, and adding another exit could reduce traffic at Miguelito Elementary School, located to the south on Olive Avenue.

“There’s a lot of concern raised by the school and community that having one of the main accesses on Olive conflicts with the school activities that are happening right across the street,” Contract Planner Laurie Tamura explained at the meeting.

More progress came as the city compiled letters from various departments for the

county’s review. For example, the Community Development Department advocated for additional pedestrian access, the Fire Department wrote that a second access road should be added to West Ocean, and the Solid Waste Division outlined traffic circulation for its collection trucks.

“We are at the table with the county,” Tamura said. “We are also at the table with LAFCO because this environmental document will be used for subsequent decisions … for pre-zoning and annexation to the city or an outside uses agreement.”

After the environmental review is completed, county planning commissioners will discuss a potential approval of the project next year before handing it off to the Board of Supervisors. Then the city can attempt the annexation process with LAFCO.

—Madison White

County increases parcel taxes for neighborhoods in Orcutt, Vandenberg Village

A flat rate since 2011, the parcel tax for residents of Providence Landing—a neighborhood in the unincorporated Vandenberg Village area—will jump from $672 to $692. These funds go toward upkeep at the Providence Landing Park, an arrangement Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson noted as unlike any other tax collected across the county.

During the Board of Supervisors’ July 14 meeting, Nelson was part of the 5-0 vote to jointly approve both the Providence Landing increase and a 3 percent parcel tax increase for residents of the Orcutt Community Facilities District (CFD). But not before fleshing out his intention to advocate for reforming both tax formats in the future.

“If they’re paying more, we should give them additional services,” Nelson said. “If they’re already paying property taxes … for those [same] types of things.

“Something that’s always been a conversation in Orcutt is residents are paying multiple times for the same services,” Nelson continued. “There are places where that doesn’t necessarily happen. I just wanted that on the radar.”

While 80 percent of the Orcutt CFD tax goes toward Sheriff’s Office and County Fire services, the majority of Providence Landing funds go directly toward park maintenance at the neighborhood’s 12-acre public park.

“In recent years, Providence Landing has experienced increased park operation and maintenance costs,” County Finance and Administration Assistant Director Andrew

Myung said, “which is driving the need to increase the assessment for the first time in 15 years.”

Nelson asked Myung if Providence Landing Park was only accessible to residents of Providence Landing. Myung said the park is open to all members of the public.

“Some of this is a little rhetorical,” Nelson said. “So, it’s a county park paid almost 100 percent by the surrounding property owners in that neighborhood?”

“Yes,” Myung replied. “That’s correct.”

On the topic of the Orcutt CFD parcel tax increase, Nelson asked staff: “Do you know of anywhere else in the county where any residents pay on top of their [regular taxes] for additional Fire and Sheriff services?”

County Community Services Department Director Jesús Armas said the reason the Orcutt CFD and Providence Landing CFD assessments are so unique is because they’re the two sole CFDs in the county.

“This is a unique situation. It is not unique, however, in other governmental agencies,” Armas said. “Cities and counties frequently rely on CFDs as a way of lessening impacts on general fund operations.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Solvang uses state exemption to buy gasoline-fueled buses

Set to expire at the end of this calendar year, a temporary waiver from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) allowed the city of Solvang to add two new gasoline-fueled buses to its public fleet that travels across the Santa Ynez Valley.

Without the waiver, addressing the city’s recent bus shortage would have left leaders with fewer feasible ways forward, according to Solvang’s transit consultant.

“If we had not been able to secure that, our fleet acquisition or replacement options would have been on the battery/electric vehicle path exclusively,” Joe Moore, of Moore & Associates, told the Solvang City Council.

“At this point in the city,” Moore continued, “we don’t have supporting infrastructure for that.”

During the council’s July 13 meeting, Moore mentioned the waiver—which temporarily exempts Solvang from CARB’s Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulations—as part of staff’s reasoning in recommending a one-time departure from the city’s formal bidding policy. Historically, according to the staff report, Solvang’s use of a purchasing cooperative to buy new or replacement vehicles requires a 12-to-18-month lead time. To avoid missing the

LONG ROAD AHEAD: Before the Bodger Meadows project can be fully approved, it needs cooperation from the county and the city of Lompoc. Then, the final decision would be made by the Santa Barbara Local Agency Formation Commission.

state waiver deadline, staff asked the council to consider authorizing the purchase of two new gasoline-powered buses “in an amount not to exceed $350,000,” with “immediate” delivery within 30 to 45 days.

Mayor David Brown was the sole dissenter in a 3-1 vote (Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent) to give staff the green light.

“I’m trying to look at this methodically. While I don’t know buses, I do know math,” Brown said at the hearing. “I don’t understand the math here and the overage.”

Brown was referring to the buses’ preliminary base prices of $115,000 each (not including taxes, registration, and other fees), in comparison to the staff’s ask for $350,000. Moore told Brown that

staff “wanted to err on the side of every possible expense, rather than have to come back to the council,” when determining the $350,000 total. City Manager Randy Murphy agreed and described that sum “as much more than we anticipate to spend.”

“I don’t want to get a pig in a poke,” added Brown, who also questioned staff’s description of the Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) program— administered by the city of Solvang—as

currently facing “fleet shortages.”

“We’re down one bus,” Brown said. “What’s the true urgency in this? … I don’t want to be antagonistic here, I apologize.”

While the staff report identified two out of the six current SYVT buses as out of commission, one due to a “not at fault” accident in early June and the other due to a damaged wheelchair lift, staff revealed during the hearing that the latter went back in service after being repaired on July 8.

As for the bus in the June traffic accident, city staff is currently assessing repair options with different contractors.

news or story tips to news@santamariasun.com.

“We expect by the end of this week that we’ll have a response from [a] possible vendor,” Moore said at the July 13 meeting. m

—Caleb

Wiseblood

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eatery’s unkept interiors to “shoot videos” and “quite a few unhoused individuals who decided to find shelter in there.”

What differentiates this part of Pea Soup Andersen’s from the rest is it meets certain thresholds of historic significance, while other parts of the restaurant originated as renovations to the property.

“With Pea Soup Andersen’s, we have tons and tons and tons of changes, and we have a little piece that has stayed the same,” local architectural historian Amber Long told the Sun. “This is the last piece that’s in its original orientation.”

Long—the consultant behind a recent historical resource evaluation of Pea Soup Andersen’s—was referring to a section of the property that originated in 1928 as the Bueltmore Hotel. This development neighbored the restaurant’s earliest iteration, known at the time of its founding in 1924 as Andersen’s Electrical Café. Both the café—renamed Pea Soup Andersen’s in 1947—and the hotel shared the same ownership.

Formerly used as a hotel, the “Bueltmore” portion eventually encompassed about one third of the Pea Soup Andersen’s main building—a two-story structure as it currently stands that housed both the restaurant and a gift shop.

In her recommendation to the Buellton City Council, Long described this section of the property as “likely the last remaining original part of the Andersen’s development” and deemed it as individually eligible for a historic listing on the California Register.

“Future development of the property should retain the front section of the hotel building and remove and demolish the rear of the hotel building and other buildings,” Long wrote in her evaluation, commissioned by the site’s current owner. “The complex as a whole has been highly altered and changed over time which has been confirmed through review of both old photographs and historic aerial photographs.”

Long also used newspaper clippings dating back to 1926 while compiling her report, which noted that Andersen’s Electrical Café quickly became a popular pit stop upon its 1924 debut thanks to positive write-ups in Hearst newspapers from reporters who frequented the eatery while traveling.

Within a few months of operating, the restaurant added split pea soup to its menu. Four years later, the diner reported an average of serving more than 400 bowls of pea soup per day, according to a Morning Press article from 1930.

Buellton strips Pea Soup Andersen’s of its city landmark title, paving the way for demolition

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Aformer Buellton hot spot for fans of split pea soup, bread bowls, and quirky memorabilia began attracting a different kind of crowd once the 100-year-old venue shut off its stoves for good in 2024.

Trespassers of the shuttered Pea Soup Andersen’s—with some walls and patio spaces now enveloped in thick, green overgrowth— range from long-term squatters to TikTok vloggers curious about exploring the abandoned property.

Videos of the latter make the rounds on social media, while broken glass and other remnants of drinking and drug use help illustrate potential hazards to public safety, Buellton City Manager Scott Wolfe explained.

“We could very easily have a serious injury or death in the building,” Wolfe told the City Council at its July 9 meeting. “We want to avoid a catastrophe. … God forbid should someone be in there and a fire starts.”

Over the past two years since the restaurant’s abrupt closure, Pea Soup Andersen’s grew into “a very attractive location for folks who really didn’t belong there,” Wolfe said.

As examples, he listed people who break into the former

The hearing ended with the City Council making a crucial decision tied to the property’s future, aiming to preserve parts of its legacy while letting go of others.

“The longer the building remains there, the fewer aspects of historical significance will remain,” said Wolfe, while urging the council to “accelerate” the process of demolishing most structures on the property.

“That would leave a smaller footprint for the property owner to have to secure,” Wolfe said, referring to repeat break-ins increasing in recent months at the site “so persistent that securing it from such intrusion has proven ineffective.”

Before any kind of demolition could proceed, Buellton needed to rescind the restaurant’s 2020 designation as a historic city landmark—which the council carried out with a 5-0 vote.

“I appreciate the expedience,” Councilmember John Sanchez said before the vote. “I actually went in there today. I trespassed. The door was kicked down.”

“Is there any public comment before Councilmember Sanchez incriminates himself further?” Mayor David Silva joked, drawing some laughs from the dais.

As a caveat, the City Council resolution mandated that one identified portion of the restaurant either remain standing or become subject to a separate City Council review prior to any proposed demolition in the future.

Originally from Los Angeles County, Long attributes her earliest personal memories of Pea Soup Andersen’s to the famous billboards along Highway 101.

“I came up here to go to Cal Poly. So driving back and forth to my family, I passed the signs all the time,” said Long, who’s called the Central Coast her home since 2000.

Her recent deep dive into the history of Buellton’s famed soup purveyor opened her eyes to the restaurant’s cultural significance outside of fandom or nostalgia for the food it once served.

“There’s a hidden historic importance to the property beyond the sort of familiarity of the restaurant,” she said. “The things that surprised me the most about the property are the things related to the Andersens’ son, the gentleman they called Pea Soup Junior.”

Robert Andersen, aka Robert “Pea Soup Junior” Andersen, was the son of restaurant co-founders Anton and Juliette Andersen. According to a Santa Ynez Valley News article from 1946, Robert claimed to have developed the first soup to ever be commercially shipped out as a frozen soup product.

Using a commercial kitchen in San Luis Obispo, Pea Soup Andersen’s produced 50 tons of split pea soup a month under Robert’s watch, according to the article. The soup was then frozen and packaged at a refrigeration plant for mass distribution.

“One of the struggles with what I do is being careful about rabbit holes, … especially when you’re going through the newspapers,” Long said with a laugh. m

Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

BLEEDING GREEN: Closed since 2024, Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton has become home to unkempt, overgrown vegetation and frequent trespassers, including unauthorized occupants or squatters who break into the property’s interior spaces, according to Buellton city staff.

PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN

Peer prowess

People Helping People nurtures

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

As the end of summer break draws nearer, so does a new beginning for the Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People Youth Coalition.

Dedicated to educating youth about the harms of alcohol and drug misuse through periodic visits to school campuses, this local initiative is taking a more collaborative approach with its programming this year, Director of Youth Programs Selene Sandoval explained.

“One of the things I really wanted to see was a stronger, more unified coalition. Prevention works best when everyone is at the table—especially young people,” Sandoval said in an email interview. “Youth are the experts on what they’re experiencing in schools and among their peers, so it didn’t make sense for them to simply be recipients of prevention efforts. They needed to be leaders in shaping them.”

While recognizing that middle school and high school students “understand what’s happening in their schools and among their peers far better than any adult can,” Sandoval said that teens in the coalition’s ongoing summer training are preparing to lead substance use prevention programs throughout the upcoming school year, “in a powerful peer-to-peer format.”

“We hope to expand opportunities for youth-led presentations and peer education because we know that young people often respond best when messages come from their peers,” Sandoval said. “While school partnerships for the upcoming year are still being finalized, our intention is to continue working with schools throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.”

When recruiting students for the role, Sandoval said there are some prerequisites People Helping People considers, but none related to academic performance or work background.

“One of the things I love most about the coalition is that students don’t need prior experience to get involved. We

aren’t looking for students with perfect grades or previous leadership experience,” Sandoval explained. “We’re looking for people who care about their community, want to make a difference, and are willing to learn.”

Recruited students receive training in a variety of focus areas, including substance use prevention, leadership development, public speaking, advocacy, and peer-to-peer education, which Sandoval described as including tips for youth on facilitating conversations and delivering presentations in “a way that resonates with their peers.”

“My goal is to empower students with the skills and confidence to become leaders and advocates within their schools and community,” she said. “Often students join feeling a little nervous and leave realizing they have a powerful voice and the ability to create meaningful change.”

Anyone interested in joining the coalition can email Sandoval at selenes@syvphp.org.

People Helping People is also spearheading its school supply donation drive this summer.

Through July 31, the program invites people to donate backpacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, and other supplies, which they can drop off at various donation bins located in Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Buellton.

“We’ve partnered with several local businesses that are hosting our yellow community donation boxes throughout the valley,” said Sandoval, who listed First Bank in Solvang, the Buellton Chamber of Commerce, and Buellton Garage as examples.

Another option is to make a financial donation, which People Helping People will use to pay for additional backpacks and pack them with school supplies. The recommended donation is $90.

Highlights

• On July 9, Solvang Theaterfest announced the appointment of Kathryn Rohrer to its board of directors. A Los Olivos resident since 2018, Rohrer has a career background working with local organizations in roles dedicated to nonprofit leadership,

education, advocacy, and community service, according to Solvang Theaterfest. “Her experience in governance, grant writing, and strategic planning will help strengthen our mission as we continue preserving this historic venue and expanding opportunities for our community to enjoy exceptional live entertainment,” Solvang Theaterfest Executive Director Chantel Green said in a statement.

• The Orcutt Mineral Society will host its 58th annual Rock and Gem Show at Nipomo High School on July 31 and Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit omsrockandgemshow.org to find out more about the event, which is set to include more than 60 featured rock and gem dealers, demonstrations, kids activities, and more. Nipomo High School is located at 525 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo. m

Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

POWER POINTS: As part of their summer training, Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People Youth Coalition members Lupita Alvarado (left) and Bella Sim (right) recently presented a slide project to the organization’s adult staffers.

Should Santa Maria adopt protections for senior mobile home parks?

89% Yes, but the city needs more protections for all renters.

11% Yes! Senior residents need assurance of affordable homes.

0% This doesn’t affect me; I’m not a renter.

0% No. Let the owners do what they need to do.

9 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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Because

Spin cycle

BY BOB SMITH

Housing is one of the most pressing issues facing the Central Coast. So when Congress passes a bipartisan housing bill, it should be good news.

But instead of simply telling the truth, politicians too often turn good news into campaign spin.

That is what Congressman Salud Carbajal is doing through the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. His June 25 press release claims “Carbajal-backed policies to reduce housing costs” passed Congress. That wording was crafted carefully. The average voter would have no reason to know the difference between the DASH Act and the ROAD Act.

But the difference matters.

The bill that passed Congress was the bipartisan ROAD Act. It passed with support from Republicans and Democrats. It was negotiated by congressional housing leaders and led by Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), with House leadership from Rep. French Hill (R-Arkansas) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California).

Americans should be proud!

It’s finally happened: actual American athletes and American fans singing our National Anthem at the World Cup! From what I’ve observed, in every other country in the world other than the United States, fans sing their anthems with pride and gusto at sporting events! Maybe this might spur our nation’s fans to follow suit!

Rather than having a band or celebrity perform, we all stand up and sing our anthem. Football, baseball, basketball, NASCAR, IndyCar racing—any event that opens with our anthem! Yes, I do sing it even though I don’t have a good voice; who cares, so what, I’m not embarrassed, I’m proud!

We all should be proud!

It was not Carbajal’s bill. He did not co-sponsor the ROAD Act. He did not lead the ROAD Act. He did not even vote on the final House passage.

The housing bill Carbajal referenced in his press release was the DASH Act, a Democratled subsidy bill authored by Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Oregon). Carbajal was a co-sponsor.

In Congress, being a co-sponsor can mean many things. It can mean a member was deeply involved in shaping legislation. It can also mean they agreed with a bill and signed their name to it. Many bills have co-sponsors who simply add their name in support. In fairness, it would be impossible for any representative to intimately work on every bill they support.

sponsoring a failed bill into credit for a bipartisan bill he did not lead and did not vote for.

So here is the real question for Congressman Carbajal: What major legislation for the Central Coast are you actually leading? Where is the bill to reduce the regulatory burden that makes housing so expensive in California? Where is the bill to protect DACA recipients and Dreamers who grew up here, went to school here, work here, serve here, and know no other country? Where is the bipartisan legislation you are personally driving that can pass both chambers and become law?

Instead of simply telling the truth, politicians too often turn good news into campaign spin.

The DASH Act did not pass the House. It did not become law.

A small piece of DASH language was included in the bipartisan ROAD Act. Those DASH provisions primarily addressed rural rental housing preservation and rural housing voucher rules.

If those provisions help rural families, great.

But that is not the same thing as saying Carbajal’s housing bill passed Congress.

This is exactly why people are tired of politics. Half-truths. Inflated involvement. Election-year press releases that turn co-

• For negotiating peace in the RussoJapanese War, Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize. Nobel winner María Corina Machado of Venezuela gave Trump hers.

• Roosevelt invited Black intellectual Booker T. Washington to a White House dinner in 1901. On a campaign stop, Trump once pointed and shouted, “There’s my Black guy!”

• Roosevelt loved his children. Trump once hit Don Jr. with his fist for not wearing a suit to a Yankee game. His love for Ivanka is disturbing.

Bob Orach

Santa Maria

Trump’s dedication of Theodore Roosevelt Library highlights major contrasts

On July 1, Donald Trump flew to the Theodore Roosevelt Library in a jet gifted to him by the Qatari dictator, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This is unprecedented. What was typical is that, once at the new library, Donald Trump spoke only about Donald Trump.

A few contrasts between the two men:

• Theodore Roosevelt wrote books. Donald Trump doesn’t read.

• Roosevelt was a soldier. Donald Trump only salutes like one, a violation of flag etiquette.

• Under Roosevelt, numerous laws were passed to protect American consumers, such as the Pure Food and Drug Act. Trump believes that, for American consumers, affordability is fake news.

• Roosevelt sought to limit the power and wealth of American corporations. The Trump family seeks to increase their own power and wealth, amassing $2.2 billion so far in his second term.

The Central Coast does not need more press releases. We need results.

If a bipartisan bill passes, give credit to the bipartisan process. If a small piece of your bill is included, say that honestly. But do not pretend that cosponsoring a failed partisan bill is the same thing as leading the bipartisan bill that passed.

That is politics as usual. And people are tired of it. m

Bob Smith is running for the 24th Congressional District. He writes to the Sun from Carpinteria. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

• The barrel-chested Roosevelt lived a life of exercise—judo, vigorous walking, horseback riding, and outdoor adventures. Trump drives his golf cart over greens, and sportswriter Rick Reilly’s book about his golf is titled Commander in Cheat. And Trump’s dinner guests watch as he gets the biggest slice of chocolate cake for dessert.

• Roosevelt believed that the presidency was a sacred trust. Trump believes the presidency is his personal property.

It’s true that Roosevelt was an ardent imperialist. Unlike Trump, he was a successful one.

Jim Gregory Arroyo Grande

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)

The city of Buellton no longer considers Pea Soup Andersen’s an official city landmark.

After hemming and hawing this spring over what exactly it was going to allow the current landowner to do to the building, the Buellton City Council came up with a solution to the problem it had inadvertently created: Pull the historic landmark status it granted the property in 2020.

And bing, bang, boom, just like that, Pea Soup is no longer protected.

Let the demolition commence!

Before you get all bummed out about Buellton’s biggest eyesore—once, the hippest place in town—going bye-bye, hear the city out.

“We could easily have a serious injury or death in the building,” City Manager Scott Wolfe told the council on July 9. “We want to avoid catastrophe. … God forbid should someone be in there and a fire starts.”

In the last two years, the building has fallen into a sort of no man’s land, with windows boarded up and bushes growing through cracks in the pavement. Apparently, it has grown into “a very attractive location for folks who really didn’t belong there,” Wolfe said—for TikTok vloggers and squatters alike.

I’m sure the copycat Pea Soup Andersen’s hotel next door really appreciates the riff-raff! What’s with all the soup!?

No one is paying attention to the “no trespassing” signs hung up on random fences around the original Pea Soup property. Even City Councilmember John Sanchez thought he should take a peek at what’s happening in there.

“I actually went in there today, I trespassed,” he told the council on July 9. “The door was kicked down.”

Not good!

Mayor David Silva took his cue: “Is there any pubic comment before Councilmember Sanchez incriminates himself further?” he joked.

Good one!

So, something needed to be done. The council’s rather intense conversation from the spring, over preserving portions of the property (The city actually talked about potentially propping them up on the Avenue of Flags median. I mean, whose bright idea was that?) so future Buellton residents could stare at them in wild wonder thinking about the area’s past attraction as a pea soup hot spot, was placed on the back burner.

Don’t worry though, Pea Soup enthusiasts, preserving a limited part of the building is still on the table.

A local architectural historian believes the portion of the property that originated in 1928 as the “Bueltmore” Hotel (Get it, Biltmore?) is “likely the last remaining original part of the Andersen development.” It could potentially be eligible for historic listing on the California Register, which I imagine would be a lot harder to remove than Buellton’s city landmark status.

The historian, Amber Long, said she fell down a few rabbit holes in her research. For instance, by 1930, the restaurant was serving more than 400 bowls of pea soup per day. That’s cray cray!

Like I said, pea soup hot spot.

All the buzz was thanks to positive write-ups in Hearst newspapers. But back then it was called Andersen’s Electrical Café. I just can’t believe people ate that much soup— so much soup that they eventually renamed the restaurant for it in 1947. m

The Canary isn’t into pea-green soup. Send angry letters to canary@santamariasun.com.

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: JULY 16 - JULY

MORNING AT MUSSEL

Join the Dunes Center for a morning hike to Mussel Rock on Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m. Meet the crew at Rancho Guadalupe State Beach and take the scenic trail along the rugged coastline while enjoying sprawling ocean views and discovering local wildlife. Spend $5 as a member, or $10 if you’re not. Find more details and a place to register at dunescenter.org.

—Angie Stevens

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

“ALONG THE HIGH EMBANKMENTS”

AT PRESQU’ILE Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Presqu’ile present Cole Sternberg’s work along the high embankments, a free, self-guided installation. Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Free. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

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

DANCE 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/.

“POST-WILD: NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY” The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to present Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, a juried exhibition featuring artworks by 34 emerging and established Santa Barbara County artists. Co-curated by Allan Hancock College Professor of Fine Arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the Office of Arts and Culture, the exhibition highlights artists working across painting, ceramics, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5

p.m. through Nov. 1 Free. sbac.ca.gov/ post-wild-nature-in-the-21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, 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 VALLEY

DISNEY’S FROZEN With magnificent music, heart, and a flurry of fun, Frozen is an unforgettable celebration of love and letting go. Tuesdays-Sundays, 8-10:15 p.m. through Aug. 2 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

GO WEST THREE-ARTIST EXHIBIT AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS JUL1 -31 Three Artists will share artwork inspired by icons of the American west, including Robin Deshayes, Deborah Kalas, and Linda Lewis, at Gallery Los Olivos. The gallery is open daily. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through July 31 Free. (805) 688-7517. .GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT VEGA VINEYARD AND FARM Join at Vega Vineyard and Farm in Buellton to spend the afternoon sipping delicious wine and capturing the beauty of the landscape on canvas! July 19 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Vega Vineyard and Farm, 9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton.

SUMMER CAMP 2, JULY 13-17: UNDERWATER Join for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression! This

summer, we will be creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, clay, and more! July 16 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $425. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SUMMER CAMP 3, JULY 20-24: OUT OF THIS WORLD Join for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression! This summer, we will be creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, clay, and more! July 20 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 21 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 23 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 24 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $425. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

WATERCOLOR IN THE VINEYARD AT BUTTONWOOD FARM & VINEYARD Join us at the picturesque Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard to grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush! July 25 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard, 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, California, 93463, United States, Solvang.

“WHEN THE EARTH WHISPERS BACK: NATURE’S HOPE” Woman Painters West, an organization of juried professional woman artists (100 + years old) were invited to exhibit at this museum creating paintings that answered their theme. See 48 paintings juried from 100 entries on view at the museum. Through Sept. 16 Canatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes

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.

available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

EMBRACE: FLEX ELITE COMPANY

SHOWCASE Embrace is a studentdirected dance production created by the Phoenix Company. Featuring original choreography by members, it highlights their creativity and leadership as emerging artists. July 21 , 7-8:30 p.m. $25. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

FINDING NEMO Explore the big blue world with this lively new stage musical based on the beloved film! Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and July 16 7-9 p.m. through July 19 $23-$30. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/finding-nemo/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., 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.

BODYTRAFFIC: SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL 2026 Presented by Cal Poly Arts and Festival Mozaic, Bodytraffic has taken the contemporary dance world by storm with powerhouse performers, technical brilliance, and bold repertoire. July 16 7:30 p.m. (805) 7813009. calpolyarts.org/20262027-season/ bodytraffic. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

DEYO DANCES DEYOdance offers an emotional ride blending gravity with whimsey. Never been to a dance show? This is the perfect introduction. A gift to the community. July 18 7-9 p.m. and July 19 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 540-1081. deyodances.com. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

DRAWING FOR REAL! WITH LURY NORRIS In this workshop ,you will start to develop your ability to see and draw more accurately and with more structure. July 17 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $20. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY ART CLASS: BASQUIAT WITH JESSAMYN Learn about artists through making art like they made! In this session, learn to paint in the style of Jean-Michel Basquiat. All ages and experience levels are welcome. July 18 1-3 p.m. $45 for one person or $80 for two. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey 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. OIL PAINTING: IMPRESSIONISTIC REALISM WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint lively, expressive paintings with alla prima style techniques. This class is great for the intermediate or advanced. Inquire via email. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Aug. 11 $295. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. 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. VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you

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, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CALL OF THE WILD EXHIBIT The Call of the Wild exhibt embraces of energy, passion and freedom of the world around us in vivid, dynamic, or whimsical ways. Through Aug. 3, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS FINE ART OIL PAINTINGS

BY PATRICIA NEWTON Enjoy representational oil paintings of California’s waves, coastline and rolling

of tellers sharing wildly true, personal stories about regrets and second chances. July 17, 7-9:15 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ the.reboot4u. Red Barn at Los Osos Community Park, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BRAVER ANGELS: BECOMING A COURAGOUS CITIZEN Let’s Make Civil Discourse Normal Again! Polarization is affecting our relationships, families, friendships, and workplaces. Come learn what you can do about this! July 21

5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 937-9750. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center,

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

MUSSEL ROCK COMMUNITY HIKE

This is a perfect way to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and experience the beauty of the Central Coast. The hike is moderate, with sandy trails and coastal breezes ahead! Secure your spot by registering with the link below. July 25

11 a.m. $5-$10. dunescenter.org/. Mussel Rock, 113 060-012, Guadalupe.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2026 C10 SLO DOWN Don’t miss

The West Coast Destination Classic GM Truck Show, powered by Choppin’ Block Chassis Products. Enjoy chill tunes all weekend with a live DJ, @lilmansreggae, setting the vibe both days. July 25 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 26

9 a.m.-3 p.m. $15-$25. my805tix.com.

Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.

2026 SUCCULENT AND CACTUS SHOW AND SALE Shop from rare plants and handmade pottery sale,

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

FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET

GARDEN: LUCA Between gelato, Vespas, and a hidden life beneath the waves, Luca captures the thrill of a summer you never want to end. Catch it in The Secret Garden this July. July 24 7-9 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302. FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE LIBRARY

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deep into a sanctuary of restoration for a profound inner exploration a “soul-cation”!

Located just blocks from the rhythmic, grounding pulse of the Pacific Ocean and nestled within the vibrant, crystal-infused space of The Portal at Living Energies, Sacred Sounds Portal is a monthly morning retreat designed to realign your mind, body, and spirit. July 25 9-10:30 a.m. $25. my805tix.com. The Portal at Living Energy, 649 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach, (805) 433-7685.

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

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

SUMMER BLAST CAMP 2026 Join us for our full week of Camp which includes tennis lessons, pickleball lessons, swimming, arts and crafts, marital arts class, and much more! Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 7 $395-$445. (805) 595-7600 ex 113. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, avilabayclub.com.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS

Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

ZOO TO YOU Grover Beach Discovery Center is having the Zoo come to us. Come check out the animals up close. July 18 , 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 698-7351. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY

FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

40TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Immerse yourself in the most authentic festival, where an Elizabethan village comes to life with vibrant characters dressed in period attire. July 18 -19 $44.69. my805tix.com. Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

ALL-AGES ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

EVENT AT PREFUMO CREEK Join the Estuary Program and Creek Lands Conservation for a morning of ecological restoration in Prefumo Creek. All ages are welcome! July 22 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 772-3834. San Luis Obispo.

CIRCUS VARGAS PRESENTS

“MASQUERADE!” Circus Vargas proudly unveils its dynamic, new and highly anticipated 2026 edition… “Masquerade!” in San Luis Obispo at Madonna Inn now through July 20! Mondays, WednesdaysSundays. through July 20 $25 - $90. circusvargas.com. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. EVENING IN THE GARDEN Visit the Garden of the Seven Sisters for a free Sunday evening open garden. July 19 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 781-5946. ucanr.edu. Garden of the Seven Sisters, 2156 Sierra Way, 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.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

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

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER Built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

HOW WE MET: A LIVE COMEDY DATING SHOW Get ready for another unforgettable night of unexpected connections at How We Met at SLO Cider! Featuring an all-new lineup of contestants and introducing our newest co-host, Kaylene Black, joining Justin Cross for an evening of laughs, surprises, and real chemistry. July 18 7:30 p.m. $17. my805tix.com. SLO Cider, 3419 Roberto Court, San Luis Obispo.

MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DOCENTS

ORIENTATION MEETING Mission SLO

Docents give free daily tours for visitors of all faiths. Orientation for new docentshelp share the special story of Mission SLO! Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 657/465-9182. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

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

PARTY FOR A PURPOSE Hear live music by B & The Hive, and enjoy raffle giveaways, games, information booths, and an Assistance League Thrift Store Pop-Up. July 23, 5-7 p.m. Free. Court Street Terrace, 999 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo.

LADY OF THE WAVES: LOVE IN THE TIME OF CLIMATE CHANGE BOOK READING AND DISCUSSION A selected reading from, and discussion about, Sharon D. Sheltzer’s book Lady of the Waves: Love in the Time of Climate Change July 18 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 528-5565. Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop, 1016 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos.

THE BLUES BROTHERS FUNDRAISER SCREENING FOR THE ROCK COMMUNITY RADIO The Rock Community Radio invites you to a night of classic cinema, local drinks, and high-energy fun with a fundraiser screening of The Blues Brothers July 20 6 p.m. $15. (805) 769-8458. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. BOOK LAUNCH FOR LADY OF THE WAVES: LOVE IN THE TIME OF CLIMATE CHANGE Don’t miss this book launch with author Sharon D. Sheltzer and guest panelist Simryn Regehr, Cal Poly Environmental Sciences major and student president of The Sierra Club. July 18 3-4:15 p.m. Free. (805) 528-5565. volumesofpleasurebookshoppe. com. Volumes of Pleasure Bookshop, 1016 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos.

GET INTO YOUR SANCTUARY Join us for a day of family-friendly activities, including a sanctuary 360-degree virtual dive, ocean-themed arts and crafts, and explore exhibitor booths! July 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon, (805) 927-2145.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

Hot Stuff

SLO DOWN

The West Coast Destination Classic GM Truck Show, C10 SLO Down, powered by Choppin’ Block Chassis Products, is set for Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. See more than 1,000 trucks on display and enjoy chill tunes all weekend with a live DJ, @lilmansreggae. Get day or weekend passes for $15 or $25 at my805tix.com.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 15

HIKE-IN OPEN HOUSE Enjoy the scenery on an easy hike to the Piedras Blancas Light Station and learn about the light station’s history and local ecology. July 22 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 927-7361. piedrasblancas.org/hike-in-open-house. Piedras Blancas Light Station, 15950 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon.

LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT

CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY

DEL CUMBIA AL PERREO BRUNCH July 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com.

The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt.

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.

bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

SICHUAN KITCHEN Chef Garrett of Sichuan Kitchen, voted Best Chef in SLO three years in a row by New Times, presents a plant-based buffet at Shindig Cider. July 22 , 6-8 p.m. $25. (805) 204-6821. facebook.com/ events/1473903421089905. Shindig Cider, 3055 Duncan Road, San Luis Obispo.

The Waterfront Market returns for its 9th summer season in Morro Bay. This open-air market features over 30 local vendors from SLO County. Through July 19, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Free. (805) 402-9437. facebook.com/ waterfrontmarketmorrobayca. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

WHALE CODES: MEDITATION AND SINGING WHALE WATCHING EXCURSION

This is an intentional whale watching excursion where we will connect and drop in with ourselves, mother ocean, and our whale friends. This three-hour trip is for those of us who wish to bring spiritual and energetic intention to whale watching. July 19, 12-3:30 p.m. $120.81. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Whale Watching, 699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

SOURDOUGH AT GROWING GROUNDS

FARM Urban Homesteadings, your local female veteran owned sourdough specialty shop is at GrowingGroundsFarm. Veterans and first responders get a free cookie! Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. through June 30 Free. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria.

TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m.

Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Enjoy Concerts in the Park 2026, with live music, summer nights, and community fun. July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and July 25 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0951. anc.apm. activecommunities.com/santamaria/ activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_ select_param=2&activity_category_ ids=35&viewMode=list. Pioneer Park, 1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt. 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.

2026 JAPANESE OBON FESTIVAL The street festival includes Obon dances, martial arts demonstrations, Bonsai instruction, and taiko drumming. Food includes chicken teriyaki dinners, Udon noodles, Kushiyaki, Sushi, Strawberry Shortcake. There will be a raffle and silent auction. July 26, 12-6 p.m. Free. (805) 3431053. guadalupebuddhistchurch.org/obonfestival. Santa Maria Veterans Memorial Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. 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.

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

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check

Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing. wineanddesign.com/orcutt.

Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head

Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and

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

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

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

MUSIC continued page 17

—A.S.

coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html.

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

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

THE AMANDA CASTRO BAND The Amanda Castro Band blends vintage jazz, swing, and timeless classics with style and sophistication. July 19, 3-5 p.m. $35. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT REFUGIO RANCH

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

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MAN OF LA MANCHA Man of La Mancha is a classic musicalwithin-a-play about Miguel de Cervantes, who entertains his fellow prisoners in the Spanish Inquisition by acting out the story of the idealistic, “mad” knight Don Quixote. July 17 7 p.m., July 18 7 p.m. and July 19 2 p.m. $20. my805tix.com.

The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377.

BRASSCALS AND FULL SWING | BASIN STREET

REGULARS

JAZZ CONCERT

The Brasscals from Santa Barbara bring an explosion of acoustic joy to the hall as our feature band. This lively, multigenerational fifteen-plus piece powerhouse packs woodwinds, brass, a banjo, a washboard, and a bullhorn to smash the barrier between performer and audience, promising an energetic mix of funk, jazz, Balkan, Latin, and pop with plenty of crowd participation. Opening the show is Full Swing, a stellar quartet of seasoned professionals from Los Osos on a mission to deliver premium listening and dancing pleasure. Their massive repertoire features swung standards, Great American Songbook classics, blues, funk, and vibrant Latin rhythms like mambo, tango, and samba. Free for members! July 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, Pismo Beach. 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.

THE MAGICAL MUSIC OF MOTOWN Don’t miss this Superband tribute to The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, Four Tops, Jackson Five, and many more legends. July 18 7:30 p.m. $58.50-$68.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Celebrate summer at Nipomo’s free Concerts in the Park series, with live bands, local food, dancing, and unforgettable evenings with friends, family, and neighbors every week. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 Free. (805) 929-5437. nipomorecreation.com/. Nipomo Regional Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: REEL TOO REEL July 19 1-4 p.m. $5. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

TAKE THE MIC AT MISTURA Take the Mic at Mistura is a monthly vocal showcase unlike anything else in San Luis Obispo. Each third Tuesday, Angela Kristine — vocal coach and creator of The Living Instrument framework — hand-curates an intimate evening of six performers: rising vocalists and locally beloved singers who are ready to share their voices fully. July 21 6-8 p.m. $75. my805tix.com. Mistura, 570 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-3292.

TMHA PRESENTS: ROOTS & RHYTHM LIVE MUSIC & STORYTELLING AT GROWING GROUNDS DOWNTOWN, HOSTED BY YNANA ROSE This new SLO music series aims to raise awareness and invite conversations around mental health and wellness with live music in a beautiful downtown setting Every other Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Sept. 23 Free. (805) 544-4967. facebook.com/events/2159625194608460/. Growing Grounds Downtown, 956 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo. m

ARTS BRIEFS

The Santa Maria Camera Club presents its finest June submissions

Right before pausing for its month-long summer hiatus, the Santa Maria Camera Club announced the winning images from its June competition.

“Each photographer brings a unique vision and artistic perspective, demonstrating the talent and skills that have earned recognition in club, regional, and national competitions,” according to press materials.

The group’s monthly competition meetings are held over Zoom on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Photographs by Ed Powell, Jeanne Sparks, Jim McKinniss, Frank Tromp, and Elaine Calvert were recognized in June.

Join the club for meetings on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Members will hear from a guest speaker and may share their work with the group in a supportive atmosphere. Club meetings are held at Merrill Gardens in Santa Maria, and guests are asked to RSVP to santamariacameraclub@gmail.com for entry instructions.

Beginners and experienced photographers are welcome.

“Whether you’re interested in landscapes, wildlife, portraits, street photography, travel, macro photography, or simply taking better pictures, you’ll find support, inspiration, and friendship at the Santa Maria Camera Club,” the club announced.

See more images taken by club members at the Santa Maria Public Library on the second floor. Visit at 421 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria or view online at santamariacameraclub.org.

Build your own wreath at annual lavender festival in Lompoc

Catch the last two weekends of the Lavender Festival in Lompoc on July 18 and 25. The event, hosted by Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, is free to the public from noon to 5 p.m. both days.

The highlight will be a lavender wreath-making class. For a $55 fee, participants will receive all the necessary supplies and instructions to craft a personalized 10-inch wreath from flowers that grew in the Lompoc field. There are multiple time slots available, but registration is encouraged before the farm sells out. Visit santaritahillslavender.com/workshopsexperiences to sign up.

Also, find goods at the festival made by local artisans including lavender sachets, bath and beauty products, leather works, wood carvings, jewelry, and edible delights. Hear live music by Dave Tate on July 18 and Daniel Vera on July 25, and don’t miss essential oil distillation demonstrations scheduled throughout the weekends.

This year marks the third annual festival at the farm after its grand opening in 2023. Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm sells culinary products like lavender coffee, salt, sugar, olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar.

Representatives from the farm remind visitors to wear closed-toe shoes and be aware that lavender attracts bees. The property is located at 1900 Tularosa Road in Lompoc and open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. m

New member alert Joe

BY MADISON WHITE

Though he now calls himself an artist, Joe McFadden spent his career in the tech industry. While he was advising software companies by day, McFadden found balance by slathering oil paints on canvases in his free time.

“I wanted something I could develop over many years and maybe develop someday into a real skill and also have a creative element at the same time,” he told the Sun.

McFadden looks at art with a perspective gained from his business background. It takes practice and discipline to improve. Spending time in front of the easel is the best way he knows how to get better, and he’s proud to have concrete proof of that.

“I have a body of work now. I can actually claim that, and now is the right time for me to look for gallery representation,” McFadden said.

In June, the painter claimed his spot at Gallery Los Olivos. His work had been accepted earlier this year, but McFadden patiently waited for space to open.

Residing in San Luis Obispo with his wife, McFadden has as much time as he wants in retirement to dedicate to the craft. Gone are the years of sneaking painting time in on the weekends during the 30-plus years of his professional life in the South Bay. Today he enjoys long stints in his home studio any time of the week.

His ideal painting day starts with a couple of cups of coffee at his trusty spot in front of the easel. Then he likes to make progress on a project he’s started working through in his head, stopping to take a TV or hiking break in the middle of the day.

“It’s a motivational thing to have a plan and the process and sit down and dive into it, start painting,” McFadden said. “That’s a good day, and that day will end up with good outcomes because I’ll have made the right progress and gotten to a point where I felt good about the painting.”

McFadden describes his style as painterly. He embraces brushstrokes and texture, with a tone somewhere in between impressionism and realism. Painters refer to the work as representational art because it’s not an imagined abstraction.

back,” McFadden said. “Same thing with me and landscape painting. My interest was always in supporting the preservation of land, since that’s fundamentally what I’m painting and what I enjoy doing.”

“It’s pretty straightforward, whether it’s landscape or portrait or still life,” McFadden explained. “With landscapes, I’m not just trying to represent a scene or objects in the scene, but the lighting and the mood or the color values in that scene.”

Landscapes need drama, and drama comes from light. The effect can be enhanced with colors, but McFadden likes to capture what he sees with the naked eye.

A little more than half of his work time is spent in the studio, but at heart McFadden is a plein air painter. He spends time in the field to find exactly the right colors, study the scenes, and build up his reference inventory for larger pieces.

“Sometimes I feel like painting is a contact sport if I’m standing outside for four hours painting,” he joked. “At my age, you might have some aches and pains.”

From the High Sierras to the Big Sur coastline, McFadden will paint anywhere. He loves the great outdoors. While searching for a spot, the gallery member prioritizes optimal conditions above a precise location. A stormy scene or a beautiful sunset will do, if there’s good lighting.

A few years ago, the artist joined San Luis Obispo Painters for the Environment (SLOPE), a group of charitable creatives who capture the beauty of nature and encourage the community to protect outdoor spaces. Before moving to the Central Coast, McFadden donated 10 percent of his proceeds to land conservation organizations in the Bay Area. He’s kept up that practice since moving and contributes the same percentage from his sales to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo.

“It’s like a biker or a hiker. You get to use these beautiful lands and developed trails, and it’s nice if you could pay

Joining SLOPE and Gallery Los Olivos was a juried process. McFadden enjoys this kind of judgement from fellow artists and has been submitting to juried exhibits for about a decade.

“There’s nothing better to push yourself and motivate yourself to do better than to look at peer review as the incentive and motivation,” McFadden said.

One memorable accomplishment for the artist includes being accepted into a show at the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York City, an art club that’s been operating since 1871. McFadden’s entry was on its way back to California in mid-July, and he wants to put the painting up on his wall at Gallery Los Olivos when it returns.

As a member of Gallery Los Olivos, McFadden has the responsibility of volunteering during visiting hours every month or so. He enjoys greeting guests as they come through and was pleasantly surprised to see almost 60 visitors in the gallery the last time he volunteered.

Joining his first gallery has been a rewarding experience, and McFadden said he feels more connected to the Central Coast art community.

“It’s an opportunity to engage with my peers, my tribe,” he added, “and advance my art because I’m engaging and learning with those other artists.” m

Staff Writer Madison White is much better at painting a scene with a keyboard than a paint brush. Reach her at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY ED POWELL

A GALLERY NEWCOMER: Plein air painter and Gallery Los Olivos member Joe McFadden began his creative journey in the studio, but as he gained more experience, he ventured out in the field. McFadden’s love for the great outdoors continues to inspire him.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM

LIVELY LIGHTING: The 12-by-16-inch Sunrise Over Pismo Beach is one of Joe McFadden’s pieces that he “particularly loves” hanging at Gallery Los Olivos. PHOTOS

SKY’S THE LIMIT: A painter of more than 30 years, Joe McFadden recently joined Gallery Los Olivos after retiring with his wife in San Luis Obispo. Next time you see him working the gallery, ask for the story of how one of his paintings ended up on the moon.

IMAGE COURTESY OF JOE MCFADDEN

The wrong man

Created by Robert Hull based on the 2023 Harlan Coben novel of the same name, this crime drama follows David Burroughs (Sam Worthington), wrongly imprisoned for his son Matthew’s (Jasper Rainn Larence) murder. After five years of a life sentence, David learns from his ex-wife’s sister, Rachel (Britt Lower), that Matthew (now played by Ashton Cressman) may be alive, so he escapes from prison to find the truth. (eight 37-to47-min. episodes)

Glen: This is the sort of twisty, red herring-filled mystery designed to lead you down one dead end after another before finally revealing “the biggest twist of all!” It’s very contrived but also clever, and the fact that 12 of Coben’s novels have been adapted for TV or film is proof positive that people eat this stuff up. Even though I found a lot the miniseries groan-inducing, I was curious to learn the truth, often vexed by the twists, but unquestionably entertained. David is a compelling protagonist—a man who knows he’s innocent but is also resigned to the fact that his son is dead and he couldn’t protect him. This chance at redemption— and maybe discovering his son is somehow alive—is deeply motivating, and he’s willing to do anything it takes to succeed. He’s easy to root for. Anna: It definitely strays into some plotlines that force you to suspend your disbelief if you want to enjoy the series. That said, the overarching theme

THE MURDER OF RACHEL NICKELL

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2026

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Rachel Nickell was a young mother to her son Alex, and the two were inseparable. So inseparable that when her bloody body was found with 49 stab wounds in Wimbledon Commons, 2-year-old Alex was found clinging to her corpse, covered in Rachel’s blood.

Through interviews with Rachel’s boyfriend and Alex’s father, André, detectives, reporters, psychologists, family, and footage from the family camcorder, we explore both Rachel’s life and death, and the painfully long time it took to find her killer. Over 16-plus years, various agencies, suspects, and trials, André and Alex were dealing with unrelenting media, requests for interviews with Alex to rehash his memories of the tragic day, and inept agents and agencies at the investigation’s helm. While justice was finally found, Rachel’s was not the only life lost to the hands of her killer. André moved his young son to the countryside of France to escape the media’s prying eyes and has since been a fierce advocate for privacy laws for victims. In the years since, Alex has grown into a young man who in 2017 wrote a book discussing the tragedy, his life since, and how he’s dealt with the trauma and grief. (95 min.)

—Anna

and plot are compelling. David has been stewing in prison, hardening and becoming less and less human. But when Rachel shows up and drops the bomb of Matthew’s possible kidnapping, not death, he’s on a mission. Ex-wife Cheryl (Erin Richards) has spent the time after Matthew’s death trying to heal, trying to move on. She’s an accomplished pediatric surgeon, now married to hospital administrator Ronald Dreason (Aaron Ashmore), and soon expecting a baby daughter. Cheryl still struggles, though, and fears a new child will feel like replacing her first child. Initially, she dismisses her sister’s theory that Matthew is still alive, but when shown the picture of a look-alike older child with the exact same facial birthmark, she’s rattled. David’s fast-paced race to the truth may just bring them all peace.

Glen: The cast is solid, and there’re a lot of characters to keep track of. Rachel, an exinvestigative journalist, is close with Hayden Payne (Milo Ventimiglia), her former boyfriend and scion of the Payne family, whose matriarch, Gertrude (Madeleine Stowe, looking preternaturally young for an almost 68-year-old), is giving off Lady Macbeth vibes. Hayden is endlessly helpful, and aids Rachel and David after he escapes from prison. David is son to retired Boston police detective Lenny Burroughs (Hugh Thompson), who’s close with prison warden Philip Mackenzie (Peter Outerbridge), whose

HAPPINESS DESTROYED: In the new Netflix documentary, The Murder of Rachel Nickell, we follow the police and Rachel’s boyfriend, André Hanscombe, as they struggle to solve the mystery of who killed her in front of her son, Alex.

own son, Adam (Jonathan Tucker), is a Boston police sergeant and David’s former best friend. In pursuit of David are FBI agents Max Williams (Chi McBride, who’s perfect in the role), and Sarah Greer (Logan Browning), Max’s daughter. Fat chance that would be allowed. It’s thorny as heck.

Anna: Gertrude is one of those women whose mere presence in a room could make you shiver— well done, Madeleine Stowe. Once you get your

THE BLUES BROTHERS

What’s it rated? R When? 1980

Where’s it showing? Bay Theatre of Morro Bay on Monday, July 20 (doors at 5 p.m.; screening at 6; $17.91 at my805tix.com)

Here’s your chance to see a cult classic on the big screen and support your local radio station when The Rock Community Radio (97.3/107.9 FM) hosts The Blues Brothers fundraiser screening at Bay Theatre.

Directed by John Landis (National Lampoon’s Animal House An American Werewolf in London , Trading Places ¡Three Amigos! ) from a script co-written with Dan Aykroyd based on SNL characters developed by Aykroyd and John Belushi, The Blues Brothers follows recent parolee Jake Blues and his brother Elwood as they stop the foreclosure of the Catholic orphanage they grew up in by “putting the band back together” and making money to pay back property taxes.

It’s a laugh-out-loud wild ride with amazing musical performances by James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and John Lee Hooker. It co-stars Carrie Fisher as Jake’s murderous former fiancée, Henry Gibson as a hapless American Nazi, John Candy as Jake’s parole officer, and ’60s fashion icon Twiggy. It’s also notable for the outrageous chase scene through a mall that destroyed both the mall and more than 100 cars—all real stunts. This was pre-CGI.

head around how everyone knows each other and what their history is, it’s easy to dive deep into the storyline, no matter how convoluted it gets. I was entertained, and that’s what I was looking for. It is worth the watch. m

New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

TWISTER: Convicted child murderer David Burroughs (Sam Worthington) escapes prison and is aided by his ex-wife’s sister, Rachel Mills (Britt Lower), in searching for his son, who may not be dead, in I Will Find You, streaming on Netflix.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best black suits, fedoras, and sunglasses for a pre-show costume contest. (133 min.) m

—Glen

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

ON A MISSION FROM GOD: Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) and Jake Blues (John Belushi) put the band back together in the riotous 1980 musical comedy The Blues Brothers, screening at the Bay Theatre on July 20, as a fundraiser for The Rock Community Radio.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL

just swell

BY MADISON WHITE

When Geneva Franciskovich finally struck a deal to purchase an old boba spot on Pomeroy Avenue, she thought, “Holy shit. This is crazy.”

That night she was out to dinner with her family, reveling in the feat. She’d just pushed six years’ worth of savings into buying space on one of the most competitive streets in Pismo Beach.

Franciskovich’s journey wasn’t linear, though. Before reaching the deal, she had a few frustrating trials. Some ideas didn’t fit into the Pomeroy atmosphere and one deal soured. But it all prepared her to open Swell Sandwich Shop in April this year.

“I’ve grown in ways that I never thought that I would have, even though I knew I would grow as a person through this,” Franciskovich said.

The 23-year-old dreamed of being an entrepreneur for years. Her parents were always selfstarters, teaching her the ins and outs of small business life during dinnertable conversations.

Franciskovich even worked for their retail business for about a year leading up to the debut of Swell. Her parents “hammered in” lessons about logistics and decisionmaking, priming Franciskovich to one day be her own boss.

“It’s something I knew I wanted to do. Even when I was 19, 20 [years old],” she said. “So, I kind of

knew I wanted to do something on my own for sure.”

A couple of years at Cuesta College convinced her that she enjoyed the hustle and bustle of professional life much more than sitting in a classroom.

Growing up in San Luis Obispo County, Franciskovich’s first food industry gig was a three-year tenure at Rosa’s Italian Restaurant in Pismo. She showed up as a high schooler with her résumé and started work the next day.

“I got kind of catapulted into this restaurant life,” Franciskovich remembered.

She was then on staff at Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana, and without recognizing it, the seeds of Swell Sandwich Shop were planted.

Franciskovich found herself wanting to grab a quick lunch during long shifts but was met with lines of tourists at the downtown Pismo restaurants. A half-hour break wasn’t long enough for a sit-down meal, either.

She said she wished a place like Swell had been open back then.

“Everybody pretty much on this street in particular is tourist-forward. I’m going to do it the other way, and I’m going to go local-forward,” Franciskovich said. “And still, of course, be super cool with the tourists and have them in. I love having them in, but I was like, ‘I want to make this a local spot since I am local too.’”

from Edna’s Bakery in San Luis Obispo. Diners mark their orders on a paper form, hand it over, and watch Franciskovich assemble.

“Especially the tomatoes and the lettuce, I try to slice that almost per order,” Franciskovich said.

Nobody ordering in the late afternoon will be eating tomatoes sliced when she opened at 11 a.m.

It’s almost like going over to a loved one’s house for lunch, if they lived in an elevated, chic surf shack. Her two boards are propped up in the back of the shop. She had to remove a ceiling tile to stand the long board up straight.

Visit Swell Sandwich Shop daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 231B Pomeroy Ave. in Pismo Beach. Follow on Instagram @swellsandwichshop.

So far, the business owner has noticed a large part of her customer base is people who work at the nearby restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. She enjoys serving them because she was in their shoes not long ago.

Even when they’re not mid shift, local employees come by for a quick lunch. It’s a classic beach town move: grab a deli sandwich, chips, and soda to take to the beach. Franciskovich has done it countless times.

“Going to get a sandwich on a day off and then going to the beach with my book and then jumping in the water without the surfboard, … like, this is the life,” Franciskovich said. “It makes me super stoked because some people do the same when they come in here.”

As it was, the options for a sandwich near the pier were slim.

Swell Sandwich Shop specializes in the buildyour-own masterpiece.

Franciskovich makes near daily grocery and bakery runs. Keeping a simple menu means less food waste and a higher level of execution.

“It’s just me in here. Every day, it’s just myself,” she explained. “If I get somebody else, it would be super easy to train them.”

Ingredients are limited but fresh. Salami, turkey, and ham. Provolone cheese. Lettuce, pickles, pepperoncini, onions, and tomatoes, along with French bread

One wall is dotted with covers from vintage surfing magazines, and the inside pages are cut up in collage form on the opposite side of the store. Jack Johnson and Sublime are likely heard over the speaker.

“It’s been the most easy and fun part for me,” Franciskovich said about decorating the shop. The name Swell evokes a coastal vibe, too, matched by cool blue and yellow tones inside.

However, it was never all sunshine and easy breezes. The young business owner overcame a heavy dose of external doubts and arched eyebrows. Who opens a sandwich shop at 23? Franciskovich did. m

Staff Writer Madison White’s perfect day off also includes a sandwich at the pier. Share yours with her at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE

A GO-GETTER: Owner Geneva Franciskovich (right) opened Swell Sandwich Shop in April this year after watching her parents operate small businesses since she was a child. She said she got the entrepreneurial genes from her dad.

PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE

FOR YOUR NEXT PISMO ADVENTURE: At Swell Sandwich Shop, the namesake creation includes all the fixings: three kinds of deli meat, provolone, and fresh veggies.

PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE

RIDE THE WAVE: Beachy décor fills Swell Sandwich Shop, inspired by owner Geneva Franciskovich’s passion for surfing and her Central Coast upbringing.

SURFSIDE VIEWS: Swell Sandwich Shop is located on the Pomeroy Avenue strip, offering custommade sandwiches, chips, and drinks.

Coastal cold cuts

More than Just Hot Dogs

MONTHLY MUSIC LINEUP: