Whoever wins Buellton’s upcoming special election will help decide what Parks Plaza will become [6]
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Superman is super good [20]
Vacancy
Pali Wine celebrates 20 [22] Birds at
[18]
n August, voters in Buellton’s 4th District will get to choose their next representative as part of a special election to fill the seat, which has been vacant since former councilmember and now Mayor Dave Silva beat out Dave King for the city’s top spot. King is now running for the 4th District against newcomer Carla Mead, and they have similar thoughts when it comes to the vacant Parks Plaza Theatre and ways to improve the city. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the election and who the candidates are in this week’s story. [6]
Also, read about the woman arrested for allegedly stealing from Ulta Beauty [3]; bird photographs in Los Olivos [18]; and a birthday party to ring in two decades of Pali Wine [22]. Camillia Lanham
Summer Membership Drive
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• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) released a statement about the July 10 ICE raid in Carpinteria. “Today, I was at Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria where ICE was conducting a raid using disproportionate displays of force against local farmworkers and our agricultural community,” Carbajal said in his statement. “As a member of Congress and representative of the Central Coast, I have the right to conduct oversight and see firsthand what ICE was doing here. As soon as I walked up, I was denied entry and was not allowed to pass. This was completely unacceptable. There’s been a troubling lack of transparency from ICE since the Trump administration started, and I won’t stop asking questions on behalf of my constituents.” Carbajal added that he “will be demanding answers” from the Department of Homeland Security to find out who was detained and where the detainees were taken. “Let me be clear: these militarized ICE raids are not how you keep our communities safe,” Carbajal stated. “This kind of chaos only traumatizes families and tears communities apart. They are also a gross misuse of limited resources and a betrayal of the values that define us as Americans.” Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) also addressed the Carpinteria raid in a July 10 statement. “I am outraged over the immigration raid targeting agricultural workers in Carpinteria earlier today. Designed to intimidate and instill fear, operations like this harm families and weaken public safety,” Hart stated. “As our community stands united to support impacted families, we call for an end to the president’s campaign against immigrants, which betrays the core values of our nation.” State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) also issued a July 10 statement regarding ICE activity in Carpinteria and Camarillo. “Today, we are witnessing masked National Guard troops with rifles and armed military vehicles aiding immigration officials in raids and checkpoints in Carpinteria and Camarillo,” Limón stated. “These actions are terrorizing to our communities—documented or not.”
•U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Adam Schiff (D-California) announced on July 9 that 18 California airports were awarded a combined $81.3 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bolster aviation infrastructure. The funding comes through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which invests in airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, noise cancellation, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings, according to Padilla’s office. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is among the 18 airports that were awarded funds through the AIP. The $8.71 million awarded to the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is associated with an Airport Infrastructure Grant that funds an eligible portion of an ongoing rehabilitation project, according to Padilla’s office. This project will rehabilitate 6,101 feet of existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport also benefited from the AIP funds with a $226,650 grant to support a new pavement management plan and initial pavement study. “Californians and the millions of people who visit our state each year deserve a safe and easy airport travel experience. That starts with modernizing and rehabilitating outdated airport infrastructure,” Padilla said in a statement. “These critical investments will not just make travel smoother for passengers but will reduce noise pollution in neighboring communities.” Schiff described the infrastructure investments as aiming to “enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors and travelers, improve safety, create more jobs, and boost our local economies.” m
Lompoc police apprehend alleged serial Ulta Beauty shoplifter
Suspected of multiple thefts at Ulta Beauty branches across the country, Jennifer Hurtado was recently arrested in Lompoc for allegedly stealing more than $7,000 worth of cosmetics from three different Central Coast stores.
According to a July 10 statement from the Lompoc Police Department, Ulta Beauty management told local authorities that Hurtado is linked to shoplifting incidents in various cities and states that total to approximately $152,000 in company losses.
Lompoc police pulled over the 29-year-old Van Nuys resident a few blocks away from the city’s Ulta Beauty shop on July 10 around 6 p.m., shortly after local employees phoned law enforcement.
“Store management called the LPD while Hurtado was leaving the store and provided officers with the description and license plate of the vehicle she was driving,” Sgt. Scott Morgan wrote in a release about Hurtado’s arrest.
“As officers were arriving, they witnessed the vehicle and conducted an enforcement stop.”
Officers found Hurtado in possession of more than $1,600 worth of Ulta products from the Lompoc location, as well as merchandise “she had stolen earlier in the day from the Goleta and Oxnard Ulta Beauty stores,”
Morgan stated.
Lompoc officers seized approximately $7,600 worth of goods during Hurtado’s arrest, according to the release.
After Hurtado was transported to the Lompoc Police Department Jail, she confessed to “multiple thefts across Ultas in different counties and even states,” Morgan told the Sun.
“There’s going to be some further investigation as to how to handle the actual prosecution of that,” Morgan said. “There’s going to need to be follow-up in order to coordinate with each [police] department and the respective district attorneys in each of these counties.”
Since Lompoc’s Ulta opened in 2018, Morgan said that the Lompoc Police Department has arrested some individuals suspected of shoplifting there, but never “anyone of this magnitude.”
The next step for local investigators, Ulta Beauty’s team of internal investigators and loss prevention officers, and other agencies connected to the case is tying “it all together,” said Morgan, who’s been with the Lompoc Police Department for 21 years.
“We want to get thorough details of how many stores she’s been involved with, and to get surveillance from each of these stores, and then how much product she’s actually stolen, to get an accurate amount,” Morgan said. “We have a detective that’s doing a lot of follow-up right now.”
In December 2023, CBS reported that a 27-year-old resident of Woodhaven, New York, named Jennifer Hurtado was arrested in Shelby County, Alabama, and charged with firstdegree theft of more than $2,500 worth of Ulta merch.
“Oftentimes the people that are doing these thefts are not from the area. … We suspect they are part of a larger theft ring, which we believe [Hurtado] is as well,” Morgan told the Sun. “[When] they’re part of a ring, they may be taking [stolen products] to Los Angeles or San Francisco, or out of the area.”
In 2024, the Lompoc Police Department issued a handful of announcements that asked the public to help officers identify individuals suspected of shoplifting from the city’s Ulta location.
One release in April 2024 included photos via store surveillance of three suspects who allegedly left the Lompoc shop “after walking through the store for less than five minutes” with more than $4,500 in unpaid goods.
About a year later during Lompoc’s State of the City hearing on April 24, Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin said that crime statistics showed a 21 percent decrease in property crimes (including robbery and burglary) in Lompoc between 2023 and 2024, from 581 crimes to 459.
“Santa Barbara PD and Santa Maria PD [robbery stats] both are higher than us. Now, I don’t show these stats in any way to take away or throw mud at my partner agencies,” Martin said at the meeting. “But if there’s anything you take away from my presentation today, I want it to be this, … people’s perception of our community is so wrong.”
—Caleb Wiseblood
Guadalupe takes steps to hold future farmers market
LeRoy Park should be the site for the Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market by January 2026, if everything goes according to plan.
On July 8, the Guadalupe City Council temporarily waived the park’s $650 per day rental fee for the market’s first six months— clearing the way for the market to apply to become a certified farmers market with the state.
Before the Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market could apply with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for certification, it needed to nail down its location, Stephanie Krouse told the council. She’s been working on the effort since 2021.
“We’re at the point where we can’t move forward. We have to have a designated location,” Krouse said. “Once we know the location is secure, then I can apply.”
She told the Sun that the organization isn’t sure exactly how long the application process will take, but it’s hoping to be up and running by the first of next year. Using the Route One farmers markets in Vandenberg Village and Lompoc as a model, Krouse said the market is also aiming to eventually accept EBT and Market Match—but can’t apply to do that until it becomes certified.
Guadalupe’s market is going to be organized and operate under the Guadalupe Business Association, a nonprofit that’s helping with the certification application.
Association President Judy Wilson spoke at the July 8 City Council meeting.
“I can absolutely see this as being something that in long-term would benefit the city” she said. “We are definitely thinking about things long-term. This is not something that we wanted it to start and then a few years down the line having it stop.”
City Council members opted to approve a temporary fee waiver and reassess things after the market’s operated for a few months.
“We all know we need a farmers market,” Councilmember Amelia Villegas said. She and others had questions about how the market planned to operate and asked if city staff could include those concerns in a future memorandum of understanding with the market. Mayor Ariston Julian said the market should have a plan to address health and safety emergencies and stay in contact with the city’s public safety staff.
“Talk with the chief and have him look at your design, flow,” he said, adding that it would be good for the department to know the market exists, “and that they need to get down there that quick,” in case of an emergency call. Other concerns included use of public restrooms and other city resources, which City Administrator Todd Bodem said could all be assessed and addressed later, when the market gets closer to being a reality.
—Camillia Lanham
CONCEALED CONCEALER: After arresting Van Nuys resident Jennifer Hurtado, Lompoc police officers seized approximately $7,600 worth of products—allegedly stolen from Ulta Beauty locations in Lompoc, Goleta, and Oxnard on July 10—from Hurtado’s vehicle.
PET PHOTO CONTEST
County supervisors comment on recent ICE activity across the Central Coast
Santa Barbara County supervisors echoed one mutual frustration while discussing the July 10 ICE raids at Glass House Farms sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo: a lack of information.
“I think this the first time in 15 years that I don’t even know who to go to for information. That’s the scary thing,” 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino said at the Board of Supervisors’ July 15 meeting.
Lavagnino described a recent trip he took with 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson and U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) to the Santa Maria ICE office on Century Street.
“We just wanted to go and find out what’s going on, … and honestly left there with not a lot of information,” Lavagnino said. “We were assured, … that at least the Santa Maria ICE facility was supposedly going to target or had been targeting only folks that were either coming out of the federal prison or that had a warrant out for their arrest. Violent criminals.”
One ICE agent he spoke to “kind of shrugged his shoulders” in response to some questions though, Lavagnino added.
“He said, ‘Look, I can tell you what I’m doing, but I don’t know what Border Patrol’s doing. There’s another group that just came up from LA. They have different orders than [our] orders,’” Lavagnino recalled. “I want to be part of the solution, but I also feel like we’re blocked out, and I don’t really understand why.
“There’s a lot of chaos going on, and it’s very frustrating to kind of ‘be in charge,’” Lavagnino said while gesturing air quotes, “and not know what’s going on.”
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents and U.S. Customs
and Border Protection officers executed federal warrants during the July 10 raids, while arresting “at least 361 illegal aliens” collectively from both Carpinteria and Camarillo.
“At least 14 children have been rescued from potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking,” a press release from Homeland Security said.
In terms of the federal arrests, Nelson said he believes “there’s a lot more to that story that will be told over the coming months.”
“I think there’s going to be a lot more information coming out,” Nelson said during the meeting. “There’s a lot of things that are being conflated out there, … a lot of rumors and anecdotes sometimes lead to people’s thoughts on policy, and I think that’s something we need to be careful about—making sure we have as much information as possible before we jump to certain conclusions.”
“There is a significant amount of people that are criminals that are undocumented,” Nelson continued. “I think it’s 5 to 10 a week that are coming out of the Lompoc prison. … These are people we don’t necessarily want re-released back into our community. These are people that have harmed our immigrant community. People who don’t have the privilege to stay here.”
Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann said there’s “a myth” perpetuating that ICE is “apprehending violent people, gang members, ... but we are seeing in our county that it’s masked ICE officers. I mean, that is creepy. In unmarked vehicles, and they’re detaining people without identifying themselves.
“We recognize that federal government has a role in immigration, but this conduct really crosses a dangerous line,” she continued. “It’s chillingly reminiscent of the brown shirts in Germany, operating in secrecy, unchecked by oversight, and traumatizing entire communities.” m
—Caleb Wiseblood
Jack and Winifred Malone
Clarence, Julia, and Winifred Magner
The Magners at our original Funeral Home on Lincoln Street
Joe and Ruth Ann Maloney
Joe and Linda Maloney
Ben Pirkl and Geri Coats
Carla Mead and Dave King campaign for Buellton’s 4th District seat, vacant since January
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
In the final weeks of his first term as a Buellton City Council member, Dave King lost his 2012 re-election campaign and gained something he “wouldn’t have traded for anything.” It was a new job he couldn’t have accepted if he remained on the dais.
“That was kind of a godsend to me,” said King, who spent the following four years touring across the U.S. with Jeff Bridges and the Abiders. “Talk about adventures. That was something.”
The band hired King, a longtime California Highway Patrol officer who retired in 2008, as a security administrator. Before and after several concerts, he escorted Bridges from place to place as his bodyguard. “I only had to push someone out of an elevator once,” King recalled with a laugh.
The tour brought King to “all but seven states in the country,” which made it easy for the 21-year Buellton resident to view losing his City Council seat as a “blessing in disguise.”
He was back on the council in 2016 and later won his race for mayor in 2022. Although he lost his mayoral re-election to former city councilmember David Silva in 2024, Silva’s win opened a different window for King.
Both Silva and King are residents of Buellton’s 4th District. When Silva became mayor, he left a mid-term vacancy for the 4th District seat. King threw his name in the hat when the council initially planned to appoint a new council member rather than elect one.
The four-person council changed its tune in January after reaching a stalemate. While 1st District Councilmember Hudson Hornick and 3rd District Councilmember John Sanchez supported King, Mayor Silva and 2nd District Councilmember Elysia Lewis vouched for applicant Carla Mead at the council’s Jan. 30 meeting.
By the end of the hearing, the council decided to hold a special mail-in election for 4th District residents as soon as possible: Aug. 26, city staff determined. Mead and King are the sole candidates listed on the upcoming ballot.
“Everyone knows this is my first foray into politics,” Mead told the Sun. “I would never pretend that I’ve done this before.”
A former middle school teacher and current board chair of the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, Mead would be a newcomer to the council if she wins the August election. But she’s no stranger to interacting with Buellton officials.
In late 2023, she filed a formal appeal against an In-N-Out development approved by the Buellton Planning Commission and planned for the vacant Parks Plaza movie theater—shuttered since its 2020 closure.
“A lot of people think I’m against In-N-Out, and that’s not true at all,” Mead said. “It would be great financially for Buellton. I just did not think the location that they wanted was appropriate for the city, especially for this district, and especially for my neighborhood.” Mead lives in Vineyard Village, a housing development across the street from Parks Plaza and other businesses along McMurray Road. In her appeal, she argued that the traffic at the intersection between McMurray Road and Highway 246 is already severely congested and a new In-N-Out drive-through would only worsen it.
When Mead’s appeal was brought before the City Council at its final meeting of 2023, some public speakers said they worried that overturning the In-N-Out project’s approval would give Buellton an anti-business reputation among developers.
During deliberations, King, who was mayor at the time, sided with Mead’s stance and was part of the 3-1 vote that upheld her appeal (Silva recused himself due to living within 500 feet of the project site, while Sanchez dissented).
“I love In-N-Out. I’m not going to deny that. … But every way that I have looked at this, this will make an absolute disastrous mess of the traffic on the 246 and McMurray,” King said at the council’s Dec. 21 meeting. “I’ve lived here for 20 years, and over the past five years, that intersection has become increasingly more difficult to traverse. … I wish this particular location and this particular spot were viable.”
Earlier this summer, the Buellton Planning Commission held a preliminary hearing for a new proposed project at Parks Plaza without any dinner rush traffic projections attached to it: a Cottage Health medical facility—“which, quite honestly, I think this town, this valley, this area needs more than another fast food chain,” Mead told the Sun. Mead said she’s open to the idea of Buellton getting an In-N-Out somewhere else in the city where there’s less traffic concerns.
One of her platforms while running for the City Council’s 4th District seat is focused on fostering economic growth by attracting new restaurants, shops, and other businesses to Buellton, especially in the Avenue of Flags area.
“I want businesses to feel like they’re lucky to be here. … That’s the shift that I’m going for,” said Mead, who plans to push for city-led public relations and social media campaigns that showcase Buellton’s small-town charm with engaging content aimed at locals, tourists, and potential investors.
“Making an identity for Buellton is going to be really important over the next couple of years. I’m not saying it’s going to happen overnight,” Mead continued. “It takes a lot of work to define what the
vision of a city is. But I’m here for it. I’m here for the work.”
One mutual focus Mead and King share is to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists on Highway 246. While door knocking recently, Mead said one 4th District resident she spoke with complained about the lengthy process of coordinating projects with Caltrans. “I said, ‘Well, nobody makes a better squeaky wheel than me, and squeaky wheels get the grease,’” Mead recalled, “‘and if I have to squeak up and down the 246, so be it.’ It got a really big chuckle out of him, and he was not the kind of guy who chuckles.”
Like Mead, King wants to see certain bike lanes in Buellton expanded to protect bicyclists and also reduce speeding in certain areas.
“We have had several incidents in crosswalks on the 246.” King told the Sun. “We get constant complaints about people speeding on the 246, … and I think a lot of bike riders don’t want to ride down the shoulder of the 246 because cars are going by 55, 60 miles an hour, and they [bicyclists] are on this little skinny shoulder.”
If elected as Buellton’s next 4th District representative, King said he’ll jump back into the discussions he was having with city staff, Caltrans, and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) to widen shoulder space by narrowing down and restriping some stretches of the highway.
“I know things can become buried at the bottom of the pile, and sometimes we need to remind people, ‘Hey, can you put that back at the top?’” King said. “I know how to talk to people; how to lobby people. … I’m very persistent.” m
Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.
RETURN OF KING: Former Buellton Mayor Dave King has lived in the city’s 4th District since 2004. In late August, King’s name will be on a mail-in ballot to elect Buellton’s next 4th District council member.
BALLOT DEBUT: Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society board chair and former middle school teacher Carla Mead’s campaign to join the Buellton City Council marks her first foray into politics, she told the Sun
PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLA MEAD
AND WIDE: Lori Shirran
Museum mantra
Unroll your yoga mats at CalNAM for a multi-sensory mindfulness experience
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Trees and mountains come in many forms at Solvang’s California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM). Paintings. Photographs. Yoga poses.
Unlike the various artworks that occupy the museum’s walls, Santa Ynez-based yoga instructor Lori Shirran’s new program takes up the two-story venue’s floorspace.
“Right now we’re in the upper gallery. Depending on the number of participants— when we get over eight participants, we go to the downstairs gallery,” Shirran told the Sun
The 15-person limit requires students of Shirran’s ongoing summer series, Yoga in the Galleries (Tuesday mornings, from 9 to 10 a.m., through July 29), to reserve their spots in advance. Entry is $10, and attendees are asked to bring their own yoga mats.
Participants of these beginner-friendly classes get the privilege of stepping into the museum (open Thursday through Monday) on one of the days it’s closed to regular visitors— when CalNAM’s resident giant, wooden troll named Lulu usually has the place to herself.
Lulu’s size and stature makes the museum’s tower gallery an unlikely candidate for additional yoga floorspace during potential future classes, Shirran explained.
“We want there to be enough space for everybody to kind of spread out,” Shirran said with a laugh. “That’s a small room.”
An avid hiker and travel enthusiast, Shirran has hosted outdoor and indoor yoga classes, both inside and outside of the U.S., throughout her 20-year career. But the CalNAM program marks her first time leading sessions in an art gallery.
Shirran currently teaches yoga at the SHiFT Studio and Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, both in Santa Ynez. One of her longtime students is Rachel Metz, assistant director at CalNAM.
“She asked me how I would feel teaching in the gallery,” said Shirran, who jumped at the chance to pair yoga with the kind of naturecentric art the museum is best known for.
“My vision for this project comes from a Zen mindfulness practice that I was exposed to while living and studying in Japan. The concept is wabi-sabi,” Shirran explained. “Wabi-sabi is a way of life that promotes mindfulness, simplicity, and a deeper connection with nature and the present moment.”
Shirran’s goal to “bring the outdoors in” during her indoor CalNAM classes correlates with the transportative and scenic
vistas currently on display at the museum.
“In the gallery, we’re surrounded by nature-inspired art. For example, there’s one right now on Yosemite,” Shirran said. “The images surrounding us during our practice are all from Yosemite.”
The photography exhibit Shirran referenced was Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone, on display at CalNAM through Aug. 31. The solo show opened in March and features more than 40 pieces that prolific nature and landscape photographer William Neill captured in Yosemite over the course of more than four decades.
“There are some beautiful photographs of waterfalls,” Shirran said. “It’s absolutely beautiful and calming. It’s wonderful to be able to reflect and meditate on nature.
“I also bring in other nature elements,” the yoga instructor added.
Sounds of flowing water and birds chirping have amplified a few immersive installations at CalNAM over the years. Shirran’s program is the museum’s newest offering to follow that tradition.
Along with ambient audio clips, yoga participants can also look forward to hearing poetry during the classes.
“I often incorporate readings into my yoga classes,” said Shirran, whose favorite nature poems to recite were written by Pulitzer Prizewinning author Mary Oliver (1935-2019).
When it comes to her selective recitals, Shirran said she’ll usually settle her students “into a pose, and if there’s a poem that’s applicable, let’s say when we’re doing a tree or mountain pose, then I may pull one out relating to a tree or a mountain.” Shirran also incorporates aromas into her classes at CalNAM, offering her students samples of scented oils during yoga sessions.
“Some people are sensitive toward aromas, so there’s the option for them to avoid it,” she explained. “Basically I’ll say, ‘Keep your right palm facing up if you want a drop of the oil, turn your palm down if you don’t.’”
Highlight
• Santa Barbara Humane is hosting an open house program at its Santa Maria campus on Saturday, July 19, from noon to 3 p.m. The event will include guided tours of the shelter, the chance for guests to meet adoptable animals, a giveaway of gently used pet supplies (collars, leashes, toys, and more), light refreshments, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the nonprofit’s new mobile veterinary unit. m
Reach Senior Staff
Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.
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is a big fan of outdoor yoga—whether it’s a solo session in her own backyard or during travels to Mobius Arch and other hiking destinations—and indoor yoga. She currently teaches yoga classes at three venues across the Santa Ynez Valley.
Still at risk
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Regional Water Quality Control Board because the cows could contaminate the creek water. If a mountain lion is killing calves, he would have to obtain a depredation permit from the state Fish and Wildlife Department to protect his livestock.
BY ANDY CALDWELL
Ihave written previously about California’s war on energy, which is destroying our economy. Yet, the war on energy is but one facet of the war on our liberties and freedoms.
I sat in on a meeting decades ago with members of the Santa Barbara County Cattlemen’s Association as they listened to a warden of the California Fish and Game Department explain to them the diktat that “you may own the land, but we own the resources.” What did she mean by that?
Unfortunately, what she meant by that is no mystery, especially, these many years later. The state lays claim to air, land (including trees, brush, and wildlife), and the use of water (both surface and below-ground) on so-called private property.
For instance, if a rancher wanted to clear his land to plant something, he could run afoul of the law protecting trees, brush, wildlife, and animal migration paths referred to as “wildlife corridors,” not to mention the need to get a permit to “grade,” that is to adjust the scope and lay of the land.
If he wants to water the crop, he will soon have to give the state the authority to monitor his water well to make sure he is not using more water than the government says he is entitled to via the state Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). If he needs to burn the brush he cleared off the land, he will have to get a permit from the Air Pollution Control District. If he allows his cows to access a creek for water or to move from one pasture to another, he will have to reckon with the
A plea to stop arming Israel
History has proved that Israel is guilty of both apartheid and genocide.
“Apartheid is a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on the grounds of race.”
This describes what Israel has been doing to the Palestinian people for decades.
“Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.”
No one can doubt this is true who sees what Israel is doing to the Palestinians in Gaza, the West
All this reminds me of the quote: “When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get rich more easily by graft than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you … you may know that your society is doomed.” Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged
When the Brits were coming, we had to look for them by land or sea. The assault on our freedoms these days is by way of air, land, and sea. For the air, we have the California Air Resources Board, which has set up draconian and far-reaching regulations affecting air quality in the state, including flatulence from cows! For the coast lands, we have the California Coastal Commission, which is the most unaccountable regulatory body in the country. They are experts at regulating things of minutia such as maintaining stairs to the beach.
Then there is the infamous state and local water quality control boards that are trying to force farmers and ranchers to somehow maintain water quality standards so strict that the pure driven snow in the Sierras can’t meet the standards.
Farmers and pest management companies also must contend with the state Department of Pesticide Regulation, which keeps taking away the tools needed to protect our food and homes from dangerous and deadly pests. The oil industry now suffers from the fiats from CalGEM (California Geologic Energy Management Division) that are regulating the oil industry to death by arbitrary and capricious
Bank, and all that was once called Palestine.
Israel kills Palestinians with bombs and drones, and by cutting off the delivery of essential food and medical supplies. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) does it by destroying hospitals, universities, or tented camps.
All this happens while the U.S. government, complicit in the current genocide, provides the money and bombs needed to destroy 100,000 innocent Gazan men, women, and children.
Meanwhile, 170 nongovernmental organizations recently called for the U.S.-backed Gaza
standards that involve prohibitions against drilling. Besides all that, we have Proposition 65, which regulates the storage, use, and disposal of most all chemicals in our state because of their potential to be hazardous. Then there is the Americans with Disabilities Act, which in California has been used to bludgeon the business community by way of serial litigants allowed to sue businesses time and time again for minor infractions. Proposition 65 and the ADA, plus several other laws—including PAGA lawsuits (Private Attorneys General Act), which allow private attorneys to sue private companies for violating various laws—means that California is always listed as the No. 1 or 2 judicial hell hole in America, year after year, because our businesses get sued and prosecuted more than in any other state. Time and space don’t enable me to mention the black hole of environmental review, which also leads to the paralysis of analysis and unlimited lawsuits, aka, the California Environmental Quality Act, also known as CEQA. Then there is the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, which in California are used as excuses to control the use of land and water in a most draconian fashion. Our complaint against King George this past July 4 holiday week comes to mind, “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government. He has erected a multitude of new offices and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.”
That, my friends, was the original No Kings movement that needs to be revived. m
Andy Caldwell is the executive director for the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
LETTERS
Humanitarian Foundation to be dismantled, after the killing of more than 500 Palestinians seeking food since it launched operations.
Now, Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, has laid out plans to force all Palestinians in Gaza into a concentration camp on the ruins of Rafah. He has ordered Israel’s military to prepare the camp, which he ironically calls a “humanitarian city.”
“Palestinians would go through ‘security screening’ before entering, and once inside would not be allowed to leave,” Katz said at a briefing for Israeli journalists.
“Israeli forces would control the perimeter of the site and initially ‘move’ 600,000 Palestinians into the area—mostly people currently displaced in the al-Mawasi area,” Haaretz newspaper reported.
We must not let this caging of Palestinians happen. The Israeli military must not be put in charge of hundreds of thousands of people in need of all life’s necessities. History shows that at the hands of the IDF, they would not receive all they need.
America has paid 70 percent of Israel’s military costs since Oct. 7, 2023.
It is time to stop the flow of bombs, planes, and armaments to Israel and to change our focus to rebuilding Gaza for the Palestinians. America can stop this concentration camp and help create livable homes for Palestinians instead.
Israel’s plan is to rid Gaza and the West Bank of Palestinians, and to create for themselves a greater Israel that includes parts of Syria (like Golan Heights) and parts of Lebanon.
More and more Americans see that Israel is a destabilizing force in the Middle East. It is time for us to reach out to our senators and representatives with a clear message. “Stop arming Israel.” If they refuse to hear us, we need to take to the streets. Create a sign and join us at a weekly protest at the corner of Main and Broadway, every Monday between 4 and 5:30 p.m. to raise the consciousness of Santa Marians. Help stop the genocide and Israel’s apartheid state.
If we don’t try, who will?
Gale McNeeley Santa Maria
Squeaky, squeaky
How will Buellton’s 4th District voters choose between their two candidates in August’s special election?
Former Mayor Dave King and newcomer Carla Mead seem pretty similar when it comes to policy—and they both seem to think they’ve got what it takes to get Caltrans to pay attention to some of Highway 246’s biggest safety issues, including a lack of bike lanes.
“Nobody makes a better squeaky wheel than me,” Mead told a constituent, “and if I have to squeak up and down the 246, so be it.”
She told the Sun that got a chuckle out of a non-chuckler. Although, I’m not really sure how anyone could tell whether someone chuckles on first impression. I chuckle, you chuckle, we all chuckle—but I also have resting-beak face, so first impressions are not a strength if you know what I mean.
King, on the other hand, neither squeaks nor chuckles.
“I know how to talk to people; how to lobby people. … I’m very persistent,” he said.
Both lobbied against letting an In-N-Out restaurant take over the space occupied by a very empty and nonfunctioning Parks Plaza movie theater. Mead filed the appeal against the Planning Commission’s project approval, and King was one of the votes that nailed the project’s coffin shut.
But Mead insists that she’s not anti-In-N-Out. “A lot of people think I’m against In-N-Out, and that’s not true at all,” she said. “I just did not think the location that they wanted was appropriate for the city, especially for this district, and especially for my neighborhood.”
And King said that he loves In-N-Out.
But I guess we can all agree that In-N-Out’s drive-through line poking out onto 246 maybe wouldn’t be the best idea.
So what separates these two? Well, King lost his mayoral seat to Dave Silva last year, but he also pushed someone out of an elevator to protect Jeff Bridges. This is Mead’s first foray into politics, but she’s also all about helping animals. So, you decide!
Decisions are hard. And so is finding the information you need to be informed and make more decisions.
Santa Barbara County is finding it hard to be squeaky enough when it comes to getting information out of the federal government about what the hell is going on with all of these immigration raids.
At least that’s what everyone said at the July 15 Board of Supervisors meeting, where the topic du jour was the ICE and Customs and Border Patrol raid at Glass House Farms resulting in hundreds of arrests, a near riot, and lots of tear gas.
Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino was candid with his comments.
“I think this is the first time in 15 years that I don’t even know who to go to for information. That’s the scary thing,” he said at the meeting. “I want to be part of the solution, but I also feel like we’re blocked out, and I don’t really understand why.”
“There’s a lot of chaos going on, and it’s very frustrating to kind of ‘be in charge’ and not know what’s going on,” he said.
Chaos is how the Trump administration operates. And sharing information is not on the to-do list. m
The Canary has resting-beak face. Send smiles to canary@santamarisun.com.
We’re saving you a SEAT in SLO’s new downtown theatre!
San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre’s campaign to build a beautiful new venue in downtown SLO has nearly reached the finish line. Now YOU can help make this dream a reality!
NAME A SEAT • NAME A STALL • PLAY A PART!
Imagine having your name, or the name of a loved one, proudly displayed on a personalized plaque attached to a comfy seat in our beautiful new theatre. OR you can add your name to a stall door in our generous new restrooms!
All donations — large and small — will help bring this new theatre to life. Please join us in making this dream a beautiful reality. Find out more and make your donation
Hot Stuff
DIRTY CELLO
San Francisco-based band Dirty Cello will perform live at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang on Friday, July 25, beginning at 8 p.m. Hear them seamlessly blend blues, rock, and Americana with their own unique twist. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at lostchordguitars.com.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE
CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria. DANCE CLASSES: 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/.
SOMETHING ROTTEN Join the Bottom Brothers on a riotous quest to outshine Shakespeare in this uproariously entertaining musical romp. Get tickets and more info at the link. July 17, 7-9:30 p.m., July 18 , 7-9:30 p.m., July 19, 7-9:30 p.m., July 20 1:30-3:45 p.m., July 23 1:303:45 p.m., July 25 7-9:30 p.m. and July 26, 1:30-3:45 & 7-9 p.m. $25. (805)922-8313. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, 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
HOLMES AND WATSON (SOLVANG) A twisty, tantalizing mystery that keeps its characters and audience alike guessing until the final moments. WednesdaysSundays, 8-9:30 p.m. through July 26
Starting at $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org/ events/holmes-and-watson-solvang.
Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.
PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD OF GAINEY’S HISTORIC BARN In need of something to do in Santa Barbara County Wine Country? Head to the picturesque Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez for a day of painting and wine. July 20 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Gainey Vineyard, 3950 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, California, 93460, United States, Santa Ynez.
SUMMER CAMP 5: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Children 7 to 13 can enjoy a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression. There will be painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, and more. July 21 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $405. (805) 3258092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.
YOSEMITE: SANCTUARY IN STONE A solo exhibition by award-winning nature and landscape photographer William Neill. Through Sept. 1 California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, calnatureartmuseum.org.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
INK BRUSH PAINTING WORKSHOP Paint bamboo, swallows, and orchids in the Manner of Chinese Artists. Follow step-bystep exercises, then combine subjects to create life filled paintings. July 26 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $40. (805) 739-1129. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, lompocart.org.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four
classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its monthly meeting. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 15 Free. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON Complete with a saloon setting, card games, duels, and more. Through Aug. 12 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
IMPROV YOUR LIFE This fun applied improvisation class helps participants tap into their creativity through interactive exercises that build confidence, reduce stress, and ease social anxiety. Fourth Sunday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 24 $15. (805) 556-8495. improvforgood.fun/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA
Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
6-WEEK BEGINNING WHEEL SERIES
A great intro to the pottery wheel! Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate and glaze. Book on our website to save spot. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Aug. 19 $275. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=77943668. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey 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.
BEGINNING WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH Come be introduced to the personality and potential of this tricky but dynamic medium. Geared for beginners or watercolor artists who would like to freshen up. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through July 31 $130. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo. com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ Beginner-WC-French-July25. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST SHAKESPEARE
FESTIVAL Enjoy The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare’s tale of trickery, and revenge on an overconfident swindler. July 18 -Aug. 10 centralcoastshakespeare.org/ themerrywivesofwindsor. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN: THE FAST & THE FURIOUS (2001) Bring a blanket, grab your favorite Secret Garden snacks, and settle in for this feel-good road trip full of fierce fashion, big laughs, and even bigger heart. It’s the perfect way to kick off a summer evening,
bold, joyful, and totally fabulous. July 18 , 8-10 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.
HIGH TIDE OPENING RECEPTION
Celebrate with a diverse array of artists from the Central Coast, each invited to nominate another local artist that they admire to participate. July 18, 5-7 p.m. Free. (805) 546-3201. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, cuesta.edu/ student/campuslife/artgallery/.
HIGH TIDE A group exhibition of all your favorite local artists celebrating the spirit of community and mutual recognition along the Central Coast. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.4 p.m. through Aug. 22 Free. (805) 546-3201. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/ artgallery/.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).
Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
SLO REP’S ACADEMY OF CREATIVE
THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS Registration is open for the summer theatre camps at SLO REP. They are week-long camps for ages five to 18. Scholarships are available. Mondays. through Aug. 4 $230. (805) 781-3889. slorep.org/education/acttheatre-camps/. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 3533 Empleo St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their
knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS JEWELRY & ART BY HOPE MYERS Award-winning artist Hope Myers blends her love of watercolor and jewelry. Her work recently has been focused on more elegant, refined pieces. See it in the gallery, open daily. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS OIL PAINTINGS BY PATRICIA NEWTON Oil Painter Patricia Newton’s current body of work has been inspired by the powerful movement of the sea and its magnificent coastline. See Newton’s work at the gallery, which is open daily. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Patricia Newton loves the Central Coast; its green rolling hills and endlessly crashing waves always provide inspiration for her oil paintings. Her work will be displayed daily at the Gallery at Marina Square. Through July 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY
SIRAGUSA Photographer Greg Siragusa captures scenes from around Morro Bay and beyond. Discover his photography of otters, birds, landscapes, and seascapes at the gallery, which is open daily. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805)
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FRIDAY,
JEWELRY, SMALL WORKS, AND ART
BY HOPE MYERS
Hope Myers has been creating art, jewelry ,and more on the Central Coast for a long time. Rediscover her great many artworks at the Gallery Gallery at Marina Square. Through July 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY SIRAGUSA
Greg Siragusa is eternally searching for the sublime, and his photography represents life as he sees it –– colorful, dynamic, interesting, and mindful. See his work at Gallery at Marina Square. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
BULLDOG EXPRESS WORKSHOPS
Bulldog Express workshops will be available to assist Allan Hancock College students with free enrollment support and financial aid information starting June 23 at both the Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center. Workshops will be held at the Student Services Building A on the Santa Maria campus, on Mondays and Tuesdays, from June 23 to August 12, from 3 to 6 p.m. At Lompoc Valley Center, they will be held in Building 1 on June 30, July 15, July 21, and August 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. More information can be found at the link. Through Aug. 12, 3-6 p.m. Free. hancockcollege.edu/. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. (805) 343-2455. dunescenter. org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
GUADALUPE BUDDHIST CHURCH OBON
FESTIVAL This Japanese cultural event will feature chicken teriyaki dinners, sushi, assortment of Japanese cuisine, along with obon dancing, a raffle, martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, bonsai, and a silent auction. July 27 12-6 p.m. Free. guadalupebuddhistchurch.org/obonfestival. Santa Maria Veterans Memorial Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria.
SANTA MARIA FAMILY FUN OPEN HOUSE
Celebrate 10+ years in Santa Maria with demos, tours, adoptable pets, pet portraits, and more. Join us for a fun, family-friendly afternoon! July 19, 12-3 p.m. Free. Santa Barbara Humane - Santa Maria Campus, 1687 W. Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 9644777, sbhumane.org.
SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club
meeting. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
FAMILY FUN DAY ON THE RANCH
Take a break this summer from your daily routine and immerse yourself in nature, reconnecting with family, friends, and loved ones. July 19 9 a.m.-7 p.m. $55. (805) 736-6528. sunburst.org/familyretreat/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
17TH ANNUAL CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SHOW AND SALE
The Central Coast Cactus & Succulent Society is hosting its 17th Annual Succulent Show and Sale, featuring a dozen vendors and hundreds of specimen plants. More info is available at the link. July 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 20 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. centralcoastcactus.org. Nipomo High School, 525 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo.
AYURVEDIC HERBAL TEA
CLASS Take a journey through Ayurvedic herbalism, and discover the miraculous healing powers of delicious everyday herbs. Complimentary teas and cookies and a take-home gift are included. July 19, 1-2 p.m. $35. (805) 2704083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS
Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
BARN ART
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
FIND WALDO LOCAL IN ARROYO GRANDE Staring July 1, join the hunt to find Waldo in local businesses in Arroyo Grande. To participate, pick up a stamp card from Monarch Books. The first 125 seekers who get 10 stamps can return to Monarch Books for a Waldo sticker and a coupon. Seekers who collect 20 or more stamps will have the opportunity to enter a grand-prize drawing. Through July 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 668-6300.
Head to Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez for a day of painting and wine. The class will be held on Sunday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the vineyard’s historic barn. Tickets are $89, and can be found at artspotonwheels.com, along with additional information.
monarchbooks805.com. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande.
JIMMY PAULDING’S CAMPAIGN
KICKOFF EVENT Join us at Heritage Square Park on Friday for an exciting afternoon, as we launch Jimmy Paulding’s campaign for County July 26 2-5 p.m. Free. (805) 994-0025. jimmypaulding.org/ news/events/. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
A docent-led tour of the buildings
and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY
Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This
is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
STRIDE WITH THE TIDE Race start is 8:30 a.m. with registration from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at the pier. No pre-registration is required, and walkers are welcomed! Rain or shine! July 26 7:15 a.m. $35 with shirt; $20 for race only. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach.org/73/Recreation. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.
SURF LESSONS ALL SUMMER
LONG Learn to surf with Sandbar Surf School. All equipment is provided, including a surfboard, wetsuit, and leash. You must pre-register. Through Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $60. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com. Addie Street Surfer Parking Lot, Addie Street, Pismo Beach.
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) 481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
39TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Step into the captivating allure of the Elizabethan era with two days packed with shows and performances. Visit site for tickets and more info. July 19 and July 20 $39. ccrenfaire.com. Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Silks is a great way to learn flipping safely. Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at the aerial silks clinic, for ages 7 to 17years old. July 19 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
BEGINNERS HOUSE DANCE CLASS
Learn the foundations of House Dance in a fun, beginner-friendly vibe—groove to soulful beats, unlock dynamic footwork, and flow with freedom. No experience is needed. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through July 30 $20. 805- 457-2848. christianamarie.com. Studio de Myriam, 3563 Sueldo St., suite N, San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible
How it Works:
On-Demand wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) brought to you by Care Connection Transport Services powered by Santa Barbara County
Service Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Sat-Sun: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Service Details:
days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FAMILY CLIMB TIME Family Climb is a parent-child structured silks class for ages 5 and over! Together you’ll build strong muscles & memories. No experience necessary, and members and nonmembers are welcome. July 19 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. $15/ 1st child, +$10/ additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/family-funplay. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. GROWING AVOCADOS AND CONTAINER CITRUS Register today for the July Advice to Grow By workshop hosted by the UC Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County. For more information or to register, visit the website. July 19 10 a.m.noon ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-5939.
HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT
GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. MELLOW YOGA FOR EVERYONE Stretch into yourself under the beautiful oaks and fresh air of this idyllic country setting. Suitable for all levels, these classes emphasize the gentler side of yoga and adapt to participants’ needs. Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for five-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Tiber Canyon Ranch, 280 W Ormonde Rd, San Luis Obispo.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
NATURE CONNECTION SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS These weeklong nature camps held on SLO Wild Lands are filled with memorable hikes, epic games, earth arts, skills, stories, song, new friends, and more. Get more info at
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)
Hot Stuff
STEEPED IN WELLNESS
An Ayurvedic Herbal Tea Class will be held at The Planted Parlour in Grover Beach on Saturday, July 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. Learn from artist and Ayurvedic practitioner Kamanda Forest, who has been studying the yogic tradition since 2021. There will be an interactive lecture followed by an open Q-and-A. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through theplantedparlour.com. Complimentary teas, cookies, and a take-home gift are included.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 12
the link. Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 4 (805) 541-9900. outsidenow.org/ summer. State Parks and Wild Lands, P.O. Box 15918, 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 SPEED NETWORKING Speed
Networking is a fast-paced and fun way to make a lot of initial contacts, and it’s strictly for the Business to Business crowd! You talk for a minute, listen for a minute, exchange cards, and then move on to the next person. If you feel like you made a good contact, reconnect with the person later and schedule a coffee, lunch, ZOOM or a simple phone call. It’s that simple! July 17, 6-8 p.m. $60. my805tix. com. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
SLO WILD CAMP - CREEK LANDS
CONSERVATION Creek Lands
Conservation’s SLO Wild Camp program welcomes Central Coast youth to get outside and connect with our home watersheds. Kids will learn through lenses of nature connection, western science, traditional ecological knowledge, holistic land stewardship, and our own curiosities. This camp is open to children ages 12 to 14. Through July 18 $550. my805tix.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+
AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS
MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous
(CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT
CLUB Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school, with the goal of getting comfortable commanding your own sailboat. There will be a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Register at the link. Through Aug. 3 $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS
DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/. SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.
WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY:
MID-SUMMER EVENT We hope you are enjoying your summer. Don’t roast in the heat! Come to the Central Coast this weekend, and stop by the mid-summer market, open all weekend. July 19, 10 a.m.5 p.m. and July 20 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 402-9437. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.
FOOD & DRINK
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com.
Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE
INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
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. TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER 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 Varies. 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 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.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS GROWING GROUNDS FARM 25TH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Growing Grounds Farm celebrates its 25th Anniversary with live music, food, local vendors, farm tours, and a special chopped food challenge! July 19 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 934-2182. Growing Grounds Farm’s 25th Anniversary features local vendors, food trucks, live music, and farm tours. This event is free and open to the public. July 19, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 934-2182. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria, t-mha.org. 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
—A.S.
Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO
BUTCHER SHOP
Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR
Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY
Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
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
DIRTY CELLO LIVE Hear the San Francisco-based blues, rock, and Americana band Dirty Cello perform a live set at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang. July 25 8 p.m. $20. (805) 331-4362. lostchordguitars.com/shows/dirty-cello.
Lost Chord Guitars, 1576 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang.
LEFT ON TENTH Left on Tenth is a group of friends who started playing music together on 10th Ave. in Bozeman, MT in 2016. Hear them live at the Solvang Festival Theater. July 20 3-5 p.m. $37. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/ show-listing. 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.
THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT If you haven’t experienced our Sunday afternoon concerts in our beautifully renovated Lobby Garden, come find out for yourselves— and come ready to dance! July 27 3-5 p.m. $37. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/show-listing. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING
CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.
YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
2025 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES Head to the Point
MONARCHS ON CANVAS
Join this Monarch Butterfly Acrylic Workshop at Drew Davis Fine Art in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, July 26, from noon to 2 p.m. An $88 ticket includes all acrylic paints along with a canvas, brushes, an apron, and two hours of personalized instruction from Davis. More information is available at my805tix.com.
—A.S.
San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach for Saturday afternoon concerts. Get tickets and more info at the link. Through Oct. 11 $28. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES These free concerts will begin on July 4 and run every Sunday until September 21. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. through Sept. 21 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.
DIRTY CELLO LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE
Enjoy a magical Saturday afternoon at the lighthouse with live music from Dirty Cello. Food, wine, and beer will be available for sale. Visit site to learn about ticket options and get more info about the band. July 26, 2:30-5 p.m. $29. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk,
Central Coast Renaissance Festival, 504 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo.
THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS: ROB
MAGILL & ABE GIBSON Ojai based saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Rob Magill will play with Morro Bay based percussionist Abe Gibson. July 19, 8-10 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
CHAMBER CONCERT 1: OPENING NIGHT
The 2025 Summer Music Festival opens with an exciting and varied chamber music program. July 18 , 7:30 p.m. festivalmozaic.org. Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: AFTER PARTY SERIES Enjoy free live music in downtown SLO every Friday, immediately following the Concerts in the Plaza. The concerts are 21+. July 18 8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
DUANE BETTS & PALMETTO MOTEL
neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. His unique sound stands out from the mainstream. Hear him live. July 18 5-8 p.m. Cape Cod Eatery and Taphouse, 1127 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, (805) 295-6919.
KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY
FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover 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 afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
39TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Laguna Lake Park will turn into a bustling 16th-century English village when the Central Coast Renaissance Festival returns. July 19 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and July 20 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $30 - $35. (805) 550-9177. ccrenfaire.com/.
Backed by his band, Palmetto Motel, Betts delivers a “dynamic live show filled with searing guitar solos, heartfelt storytelling, and a mix of classic influences with fresh energy.” Hear them live at SLO Brew! July 20, 6 p.m. $32. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
JACUZZI BOYS, SNACKS, AND JOONE’S
LIVE Jacuzzi Boys are an American rock band based out of Miami, Florida, composed of Gabriel Alcala on vocals and guitar, Diego Monasterios on drums and Danny Gonzales on bass. Hear them live as they perform on the SLO Brew stage! July 19, 7 p.m. $21. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
LISTENING PARTY WITH CRAIG NUTTYCOMBE & DAMON CASTILLO Join for an intimate and interactive afternoon at The Bunker, celebrating the release of Craig Nuttycomb’s newest album, “Limestone Wizard”. Craig will be joined by his friend and producer Damon Castillo as they take you on a behind-the-scenes journey through the making of the album. Experience the music, hear the stories, and engage in a unique live listening session with the creators themselves. July 20, 3-5 p.m. $24. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
LIVERPOOL LEGENDS “THE COMPLETE BEATLES EXPERIENCE!” Grammynominated and internationally-acclaimed Liverpool Legends will be at Fremont Theater. Hear him live! July 19, 8-10 p.m. $39.11-$94.22. prekindle.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600. m
Arts
ARTS BRIEFS
Cypress Gallery hosts Creating Through Vhaos exhibition
Jasmine Gonzalez’s Creating Through Chaos exhibition will be on display at the Cypress Gallery in Lompoc from July 31 to Aug. 24.
“It’s a bit of a mixed media fever dream,” Gonzalez told the Sun “I have a collection of eccentric masks, interactive assemblage, layered collage, odd photography, and interactive photo books.”
Both messy and joyful, Gonzalez said that Creating Through Chaos balances the intensity of the lost souls that each person carries around with the absurdity that being alive in the present moment entails.
Instead of trying to fix what’s broken in society, Gonzalez said she prefers to build a circus in the middle of the apocalypse and call it home. She creates with humor, torn paper, found objects, memory, and intuition, as demonstrated by her “There’s nothing to do in Lompoc” window display at South Side Coffee Co.
On Aug 1., the gallery will host Gonzalez for a reception from 4 to 7 p.m.
“Everything is on fire, and the show must go on,” Gonzalez said in press materials.
Located at 119 E. Cypress Ave., the Cypress Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, visit lompocart.org or call (805) 737-1129.
Lompoc
Public Library announces dates for Books and Bubbles, Edible Books Contest
The Lompoc Public Library’s Charlotte’s Web Bookmobile expanded its Books, Bubbles, and Family Fun Fridays at Ryon Park.
A bilingual story time with play in mind, the free summer program brings stories to life with special guests and crafts. Lompoc police cadets and Lompoc firefighters will be stopping by this summer to read.
Books and Bubbles will be held July 18, July 25, and Aug. 1. Families are invited to stay after each story and participate in a craft activity starting at 11 a.m. Craft activities include making musical instruments, puppets, and rock buddies, respectively.
On July 25, the Bookmobile will host the 2025 Edible Books Contest as part of the program.
Kids between the ages of 8 and 12 are invited to create an edible masterpiece inspired by their favorite book or literary character. Entries can take any form, as long as they’re edible. Interested participants should bring their edible books to Ryon Park at 10:30 a.m. for public display. Register online by July 24 at 5 p.m. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ EdibleBooksContest2025.
For more information on the contest, email Youth Services Librarian and Bookmobile Manager Rachell Frazian at r_frazian@ci.lompoc.ca.us. m
Bird’s-eye view
Gallery Los Olivos displays photographer Deborah Kalas’ avian exhibition
BY REECE COREN
Lying on her stomach in mud, Deborah Kalas shivered for hours as she photographed American avocets to get the right shot.
Along with trudging heavy, long lenses through fields to capture the feathered vertebrates without disturbing them, Kalas also had to maintain her patience.
“The bird might sit in a spot for quite a while and not do anything, and then, all of a sudden, it does something,” she said. “There’s a lot of work that goes into [photographing each one].”
All month long, Kalas’ Between Earth and Sky exhibit at Gallery Los Olivos will showcase the avocets she photographed as well as other birds from across the country.
“I like to include the environment, so the photo gives you ideas of who this bird might be and where it is,” she said. “[Each photo tells] the story of this little bird you might not have stopped to notice.”
Kalas said about half of her images consist of birds native to the Santa Ynez Valley.
“The rest are from all over the country,” she said. “Even though I photographed them in different places, some of those birds can be found in California.”
Kalas followed another bird photographer on tours to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah to capture different species. She said the exhibit features hummingbirds, a hooded oriole, cardinals, a black phoebe, a hooded merganser, wood ducks, American widgeon, American goldfinch, and yellow-headed and red-winged blackbirds.
“In Utah, I photographed the American avocet and the black-necked stilt,” Kalas said. “You can find those in Southern California.”
For other birds like the green jay, one of her personal favorites, Kalas said similar species can be found locally.
“The green jay’s got a rainbow of green, blue, turquoise, and yellow feathers,” she said. “It’s kind of similar in body size to the scrub-jays we get up here. The call is kind of similar. The behavior is similar. But you’re probably not going to find a green jay in California.”
Spreading her wings
Find Deborah Kalas on Instagram and Pinterest or at deborahkalas.com. Located at 2920 Grand Ave., Gallery Los Olivos is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit gallerylosolivos.com or call (805) 688-7517.
After getting her start doing documentary photography for Life and People magazines and moving on to capture wild horses for her 2019 coffee table book, Kalas has been photographing birds for more than three years now.
“You do find yourself mentally, telepathically, talking to the birds as you’re observing them,” she said. “Whether they hear [me] or not, I don’t know, but you have to have fun with it.”
Fully committed to being as thorough as she can in her work, Kalas has gone as far as New York and Florida to photograph the avian creatures.
“Catching American avocets mating right in front of me with dawn light 12 feet away was pretty magnificent,” she said. “A week or two ago, I came across an abandoned sunflower field. I was looking at one and thought, ‘Wow, that one would look awesome if an American goldfinch landed on it.’
Two seconds later, an American goldfinch landed on it, and I got a great shot.
“Unfortunately, I can’t use that power all the time, but that was one time where it was successful.”
As someone who also had a successful portrait photography business in the Hamptons, New York, for more than four decades, Kalas said she likes faces and looks for expressions in birds in almost the same way she did with people.
“All my life, I’ve looked for the relationship between people and animals,” Kalas said. “[Birds are] these little creatures to explore and find their expression. I find the movements of their bodies and wings pretty interesting.”
Unlike people, birds can be a little more difficult to photograph, she said.
“Birds are hard to find,” Kalas said. “They move quickly. If they’re in bad lighting, on a perch that’s not pretty, or in front of a background that doesn’t work, you [can’t] photograph them.”
Kalas said bird’s songs and colors elevate ordinary walks in the park into magical, movie-like moments. She said she hopes people start to listen and look for birds when they’re out in nature after visiting her exhibit.
“Every morning, I walk my dog on a path, and I notice the different birds that are there in the morning and the afternoon, and how they change, and which ones come in at which times of year, and which ones have bright feathers, and which ones are so teeny you can barely see them,” she said. “There’s a lot of variety out there.” m
Reach Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@ santamariasun.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JASMINE GONZALEZ
THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM: Deborah Kalas’ photographs of birds from across the country are on display now at Gallery Los Olivos. Dedicated to her craft, Kalas is usually out photographing before dawn to get the perfect shot.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH KALAS
CAUGHT RED-BEAKED: Deborah Kalas photographed these northern cardinals eating berries that match their beaks in Texas.
FLOCKING TOGETHER: After arriving before sunrise and lying in mud for hours, Deborah Kalas photographed these two American avocets mating at dawn. As part of their mating ritual, the birds cross beaks and walk in a full circle before parting, according to the photographer, who said the birds just finished their circle when she took this shot.
SITTING DUCK: Deborah Kalas captured this wood duck in New Mexico at dawn. She said the temperature was so cold, parts of the pond were frozen over.
COURTESY PHOTOS BY DEBORAH KALAS
Identity crisis
Writer-director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad) helms this new take on Superman and other characters from the DC Universe. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, who’s struggling to reconcile his alien Kryptonian ancestry with his adoptive human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. (134-min.)
Glen: When conservatives start calling James Gunn’s Superman “too woke,” I know he’s made a movie that matters. The film—set in a retrofuture ’50s milieu—certainly taps into the contemporary zeitgeist. Clark Kent is in the middle of an identity crisis. He’s an alien on Earth but raised by human parents. He’s the “other,” but his actions are driven by his very human set of morals. As the film opens, he’s suffered his first defeat at the hands (and fists) of a heavily armored super strong being called the Hammer of Boravia. He lives in a world where metahumans exist (think X-Men) with extraordinary powers who fancy themselves the protectors of humanity, so what’s his worth now? His nemesis, the billionaire egomaniac Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) is green with envy that Superman is super loved, so much of the film concerns itself with Luthor’s scheme to destroy his reputation. Clark is really at a crossroads, and even Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) begins to question what drives him.
THE MORTICIAN
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? HBO Max
SUPERMAN
What’s it rated? PG-13
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande, Fair Oaks Theatre
Anna: If I’m going to be talked into a superhero flick, it has to have some heart behind it, and luckily this one does. Sure, there’s buildings crashing down and big monsters terrorizing the streets of Metropolis, but the story is just as internal as it is external for Clark. He’s always thought he was sent to this Earth to be a beacon of light, to be a helper, to live in kindness and compassion for all living things. He just saved the people of Jarhanpur from annihilation at the hands of Boravia, but while he thinks what he did should be seen as a universally humanitarian move, others are questioning it as overreach by the “alien.” Add in Luthor’s dogged determination to take the hero he hates down, and Superman’s image soon needs a makeover. Lies spread, Luthor’s evil plan falls into place, and even Kent’s relationship with fellow reporter Lois Lane gets rocky. But it wouldn’t be a hero’s journey if there wasn’t a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, and when your hero is fighting for what it means to be human—he can’t lose. But he can certainly have a hard road to the win.
Glen: You can really feel Gunn setting up a new path for the DC Universe. We get to know the “Justice Gang,” abrasive Guy Gardner/ Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion sporting an atrocious haircut), pompous Michael Holt/ Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), grumpy Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and later
empathic Rex Mason/Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan). Superman’s obnoxious hardpartying cousin, Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock), makes a late and funny appearance. Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) also gets a bigger than usual part in the story. I’m looking forward to where Gunn takes the franchise.
Anna: We also get a taste of Krypto the dog, whose naughty behavior winds up being a real asset to the good guy team. It certainly feels like we’re in the thick of summer blockbusters, and Superman is just that. I’m just happy that even though we do have a “gang” of heroes
in this film, it isn’t the bloated mess that The Avengers became. This is Superman’s story, and it’s rare that I look forward to second installments of films like this one, but I am. Keeping the story focused on Clark’s inward struggle—alongside all the fun, big-action scenes—gives it a nice balance. Well done, Gunn. Let’s hope the next one has as much heart as the first. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
The business of death can be a lucrative one, and no one knows that better than David Sconce. His family’s funeral home in Pasadena became the subject of a scandal back in January 1987. David’s parents ran the funeral home while David took over the crematorium side of the business. Weaving interviews with David himself, former employees, and family members of some of the cremated, this three-part series spins a ghastly tale of greed and bad deeds.
Packing their ovens full of bodies while family members thought their loved one was getting a sole cremation, David soon had skyrocketing profits—but that wasn’t enough for him. Pulling gold teeth from bodies was common practice, as was taking anything of worth off the bodies before they burned. Ashes were given to loved ones that very well may not have contained any ashes of their lost loved ones. He was eventually convicted of some of his crimes, including conspiracy to hire hitmen to take out other funeral
directors, theft, and assault. Anyone with a penchant for true crime docs will probably enjoy this quick dive into a dark little secret from the streets of quaint Pasadena. (Three approximately 1-hour episodes.)
—Anna
MY MOM JAYNE
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? HBO Max
Mariska Hargitay is best known as Detective Olivia Benson on the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit series, but she’s also the youngest child of 1950s and early-’60s pinup and starlet Jayne Mansfield, who tragically died in a car accident in 1967 when Hargitay was 3. Using family archives and historical materials, as well as interviews with her siblings, other family members, and those who knew Mansfield, Hargitay directs a fascinating portrait of the woman known as Hollywood’s “smartest dumb blonde.”
There are revelations galore, and I won’t ruin the surprises, but at its heart, My Mom Jayne is a child’s attempt to understand the mother who passed before she got to know her. Mansfield had a complicated legacy. She leaned into her looks and voluptuous figure to make a living in Hollywood, and Hargitay has clearly struggled with public versus private sides of her mother, who was a polyglot and talented musician known mostly for her body.
I came away with a newfound respect for Mansfield and her talents and accomplishments. It’s often a painful journey for Hargitay, but also a cathartic one. What begins as a
MAN OF STEEL OR FLESH? Rachel Brosnahan stars as Lois Lane and David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, in Superman, screening in local theaters.
biography grows into a fascinating mystery, with Hargitay at its heart. Must-watch! (105-min.) m
MONEY OVER MORALS: The HBO Max documentary The Mortician chronicles the misdeeds of David Sconce when he assumed control of his family’s funeral home, putting profits over ethics.
PERFECT FAMILY: Actress Mariska Hargitay (the infant), whose mother Jayne Mansfield (left) died when she was 3, directs the HBO Max documentary My Mom Jayne, digging deep into her family history.
Wine and dine
Pali Wine Co. announces 20th anniversary celebration, expands winery, alters tasting appointments
BY REECE COREN
Pali Wine Company’s 2024 Market Price orange wine blend bursts with pineapple, mango, and tangerine. The 2023 P.C.H. rosé of pinot noir has a zip of acidity and a refreshing wave of delicate red fruit flavors. The 2021 Jetty red wine offers up raspberries, strawberries, and cherries.
“Making wine accessible, not overpriced, and fun, not intimidating, has been an important part of the program since day one,” Director of Winemaking Operations Aaron Walker said. “We have tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara, Anaheim, and San Diego. We like to create a fun, inviting atmosphere
with no pretentiousness. We’re happy to teach our guests if they want to learn, and we don’t make anybody feel stupid for not knowing about wine.”
Known for its Santa Barbara County pinot noir, Pali was founded in 2005 by Tim and Judy Perr as a tribute to their hometown of Pacific Palisades. Pali Wine Co. will celebrate its 20th birthday on Aug 3. From 12 to 3 p.m., guests will be treated to new and vintage wines at Pali’s Lompoc winery, located at 1036 W. Aviation Drive Lompoc’s own Jacob Cole will perform live music to complement Oak & Smoke BBQ’s Santa Maria-style barbecue.
“We’re going to dive deep into our
You’re invited
Pali Wine Co. will celebrate 20 years in business with an Aug. 3 party from noon to 3 p.m. at its 1036 W. Aviation Drive winery. Tickets are available at exploretock.com for $84 each. Find Pali online at paliwineco.com or on Instagram @ paliwineco. For more information, call (805) 736-7200 or email winery@paliwineco.com.
six different wines, and you get to sit and look out into the cellar from our kitchen area.”
After beginning by just producing pinot noir and chardonnay, Pali started its Neighborhood Winery brand in 2019 to focus on more fresh and natural-style wines, according to Walker.
“We make some fun, unique wines that no other wineries produce,” he said. “We have a white wine that we add hops to, so it mimics a beer. We produce a little bit of wine from a grape called dornfelder, which is a German variety that is only planted at one other vineyard in Santa Barbara County. We make a red wine out of it and a chillable red made through carbonic maceration.”
Seeped with dry hops to infuse flavor, the 2023 vintage Aaron’s Revenge introduces sauvignon blanc to citrus. Also from 2023, Pali Vineyard’s dornfelder combines the tartness of berries with the sweet aroma of cocoa and a kick of pepper. Like the 2021 Jetty, Neighborhood Winery’s 2024 Blood Moon melds strawberry and raspberry and is meant to be enjoyed cold, making it ideal to pair with salad or pizza.
Pali also produces wines through its Tower 15 Winery, which focuses on grapes from warmer climate vineyards. Pali, on the other hand, is known more for classic wines, Walker said.
library and pull out some vintage wines to share,” Walker said. “We have wines going back to our first couple vintages in 2005 and 2006. We also have some brand new wines from our estate vineyard to debut, including a Syrah that’s 2023 vintage [and] a 2021 vintage Champagnestyle sparkling wine made entirely from chardonnay grapes.”
In January, Pali took over the
building it’s occupied a portion of since 2008, expanding from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet, Walker said.
With the expansion, Pali closed its 1501 E. Chestnut Court tasting room. Tastings are now offered at the winery. They’re usually 60 to 90 minutes and include a few light bites.
“These are very intimate tasting experiences that I host,” Walker said. “We take you through five or
Pali’s 2020 vintage White Cap blends viognier, marsanne, roussanne, and grenache blanc grapes, while its 2021 merlot unites cherry, cocoa, and hazelnut. Its 2020 Pali Vineyard pinot noir evokes raspberry, cherry, black tea, and vanilla.
“Although we are very serious about the pinot noirs we produce, we don’t just produce one kind of wine,” Walker said. “We like to play around with a lot of other varieties and techniques and keep things fresh.” m
Reach Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@santamariasun.com.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Director of Winemaking Operations Aaron Walker said Pali’s goal is to make wine accessible, not overpriced, and fun, not intimidating.
COURTESY PHOTO BY SARA PRINCE
COMING OF AGE: Pali Wine Co. will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Aug. 3 at its Lompoc winery with live music, barbecue, and new and vintage wines.
COURTESY PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
AGING LIKE FINE WINE: Founded in 2005, Pali Wine Co. is celebrating two decades of making wine this summer.
