Sun, July 30, 2026

A courthouse divided

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

YOUR SONG. YOUR STAGE. YOUR SHOT. [3]

Judges now have more power in criminal cases where mental health issues play a role. New legislation amended the state’s mental health diversion statute to give the judicial system more power to decide an alleged criminal’s fate when it comes to diverting them into mental health treatment over going to trial or entering a plea in the case. A Santa Barbara County public defender calls the new language vague, while the district attorney says it’s a muchneeded change. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood speaks to both about the issue [6]

Also, find stories about a Solvang developer’s suit against the city [4]; a gallery show benefitting the Artist Advocacy Foundation [16]; baked goods and other treats served in a Los Olivos backyard [18]

Camillia Lanham editor

• During the House of Representatives’ July 21 debate on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) criticized an amendment that would authorize the secretary of defense to use federal eminent domain to acquire permanent easements across California-owned lands and submerged lands under the Las Flores Pipeline System This amendment—which the House passed with a 215-214 vote—would preempt California law by eliminating state permitting requirements and blocking state injunctions. It also requires the secretary of defense to grant the operator a license that cannot be revoked by California courts, state agencies, or future administrations, except under extremely limited circumstances, according to Carbajal’s office. “We know that the military does not need this provision to ensure a stable supply [of oil],” Carbajal said at the hearing. “We already are the largest oil producer in the world, producing nearly 14 million barrels of oil a day. So, let’s be clear: This is not about energy independence or national security. It is about giving Big Oil special treatment at the expense of California.” During the debate, Carbajal described the amendment as unlocking unprecedented legal protections for fossil fuel projects. He also drew attention to the fact that Sable Offshore the operator of the Las Flores Pipeline System, is based in Houston, Texas, since U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Houston, Texas), sponsored the amendment. “This amendment would allow the company to avoid accountability by … preventing any court from issuing an injunction against this project. So let me be clear again: This isn’t about national security. It is a bailout for polluters,” Carbajal said. As of July 28, the bill was stalled in the Senate.

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) introduced the Stop Harassment and Intimidations in Elections through Legal Defenses (SHIELD) Our Elections Act on July 23. This legislation would provide the state attorney general and voters with a private right of action to enforce federal anti-election interference laws that protect polling locations and election sites. The SHIELD Our Elections Act would also restrict the seizure of ballots and election equipment from election officials, especially prior to the final resolution of election outcomes.

• On July 27, U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) introduced the Promoting Authenticity with Influencer Disclaimer (PAID) Act. This legislation would require clear and prominent disclaimers on posts by online influencers that have been paid for by political committees or candidates. Specifically, the PAID Act would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act to require any person paid by a political committee or candidate to post a clear disclaimer that they were paid to post. “As more and more information in American life is shared through informal communicators like influencers, we need to recognize the risks of proliferating paid political speech without the guardrails that apply to all other forms of political advertising,” Schiff said in a statement. “An influencer can reach far more than a billboard or even a broadcast ad in 2026, but people deserve the same understanding of who is behind that post and if they are paid for it. The PAID Act is a bicameral solution to apply the same bipartisan standards we’ve applied to other advertising to this new class of political speech.” Supporters of the PAID Act include Common Cause, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), and other organizations. “Content creators hold immense trust with their audiences, so when influencers are paid to shape our elections, the public has a right to know who is footing the bill,” Abigail Bellows senior policy director for anti-corruption and accountability at Common Cause. “Voters deserve full transparency on political spending, whether they are watching television or scrolling social media.” m

Judge rejects Solvang’s request to dismiss a developer’s lawsuit

Solvang’s legal advisors have until Aug. 3 to respond to a civil lawsuit after a judge rejected the city’s argument to throw out the case.

In mid-July, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge James F. Rigali overruled Solvang’s petition to dismiss local developer Ed St. George’s suit against the city for issuing a stop work order at the site of an unfinished hotel and commercial project on Mission Drive.

St. George accused the order—which halted the project’s construction in late 2025—of being politically motivated.

As part of the order, Solvang cited deviations between the incomplete project as it stands and its city-approved plans. In court documents, the city argued that St. George refused to correct the deviations and didn’t follow the proper steps to appeal the order.

“He should have appealed [the order] by submitting written notice to the City Council within 10 days of receipt of the order. Petitioner failed to do so,” Zoe Liebeskind, attorney for Solvang, said in court documents.

“Petitioner disregarded the administrative appeal process entirely, opting to file an action directly with this court. [St. George] failed to exhaust his administrative remedies,” Liebeskind continued, “and has not sufficiently pled any valid excuse for that failure.”

St. George’s attorney, Robert B. Forouzandeh, argued that any hypothetical attempt from his client to undergo the city’s administrative appeal process would be “futile” because the council allegedly already showed bias against St. George.

“The unlawful and improper [stop work order] was issued to further respondents’ political agenda,” Forouzandeh wrote. “Members of the City Council do not agree with [St. George’s] political positions and beliefs, … [he’s] been informed by various members of city staff that he is being singled out, and the project is being singled out for scrutiny.”

The complaint alleges that when St. George received the stop work order in August 2025, members of city staff indicated to him “that they did not agree with the decision and would have handled it differently, and that the project and petitioner had been … treated poorly by the city in a fashion they had never seen before.”

At one point when construction was

still active, Forouzandeh wrote, St. George allegedly observed a clear example of Solvang Councilmember Claudia Orona’s bias against the hotel and commercial development.

“One of the proposed tenants at the project, once it is completed, is an ice cream parlor, [which] will compete directly with Councilwoman Orona’s ice cream parlor,” the complaint states, before noting that Orona’s family also owns the Solvang Trolley.

“On multiple occasions while the trolley has been parked in front of the project, the [tour] narrator … comments about the project using derogatory terms,” the complaint alleges, “including that the project is ugly and that the owner of the project has done everything wrong.”

Solvang’s defense referred to this claim and similar allegations as part of “a vague conspiracy theory” that fails to show that St. George’s only legal remedy was to sue the city for damages due to construction delays, which St. George anticipates would exceed $1 million.

However, Judge Rigali concluded that “futility has been adequately alleged,” he explained in his ruling to deny Solvang’s demurrer.

“Whether petitioner will be able to demonstrate this at trial is an entirely different matter, but the allegations as made are sufficient to withstand demurrer,” Rigali wrote. “Administrative review to challenge a decision made earlier by the final decision-maker where the decisionmaker will not be called upon to consider different evidence on the ultimate issue is truly a waste of time.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Lompoc changes how it bills wastewater customers

A new method of calculating wastewater rates caused a slippery debate at the Lompoc City Council meeting on July 21. Residents and businesses will still be paying based on water usage, Management Services Director Bob Cross explained, and customers who see an increase in cost would’ve seen one under the previous calculations, too.

“I think that they are able to impact their rate faster,” Cross told the council. “Doing a one-year average, it’s a lot easier to make an impact on your bill faster.”

Taking effect on Oct. 1, customers will be billed for the year based on their three-month

winter average. Cross said the new calculation and implementation will be simpler than the previous method, which billed based on an average from the past four years.

The new measurement will be recorded between January and April depending on when the customer’s water meter is read. Then the customer will pay that average amount every month for the fiscal year starting in July.

The vote passed 3-2 with Councilmembers Victor Vega and Jeremy Ball dissenting.

The goal is to better determine each customer’s impact on the sewer system. By taking the read in winter months when there’s less landscape irrigation, the measurements are intended to be more accurate reads of the amount of water that ends up in the sewer. If customers report any leaks during the three months, the city will adjust their rate down to the anticipated usage.

While most customers would see no change or a decrease in cost, staff estimate that around 40 percent will see an increase, according to the staff report. That figure represents residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Ball asked Cross about the demographics of the residential customers who’ll have to pay more.

“Devil’s in the details,” Ball said. “Is that apartment complexes or individuals? Is that lower income? Median? Do we have any idea about that?”

“We don’t,” Cross replied. “It could be both. It could be apartment complexes. It could be low income. We don’t track customers based on seniors or low income, so I don’t know that data.” Sharing similar thoughts as Ball, Vega maintained that he couldn’t support the change.

“What do we tell our constituents what to expect? People on fixed income. You guys don’t have them in as a factor,” Vega said. “How would we respond to someone like that? Because your numbers are based on something else other than people.”

During public comment, a volunteer with 805 Undocufund spoke in frustration about residents already struggling with the high cost of living.

“I can’t believe that I’m going to agree with Vega, like great job, Vega. You are thinking of the people,” the commenter said. “Mr. Cross, do you know what type of people live here in the city? Multi-family homes, right? Immigrants, farmworkers, low income. Those are the people that are going to be affected.”

A minimum charge for five units of water remains for all customers, no matter if they use less than that. The rates per unit, circa 2017, will also stay the same: a little more than $9 per unit for residential, $12 for commercial, and $13 for industrial.

Resident Diana Diaz, a “very low water consumer,” said she felt charging a minimum number of units is unfair.

“That’s like punishing people who took to heart our drought issues and use as less as possible,” Diaz said.

Next year Lompoc plans to conduct a rate study because prices haven’t been adjusted for almost a decade. Ball explained that the city needs more revenue to cover the utility.

“I find it somewhat comical because it makes sense [to] turn off your sprinklers, use less water.

SUITS AND LADDERS: Halted construction of a nine-suite cottage hotel and commercial development in Solvang is at the center of an ongoing civil lawsuit developer Ed St. George filed against the city.

WATCH

Bill goes down. And then the mayor’s been telling us to flush the toilet as often as we can, to take more showers,” Ball said.

“Yeah. You’re right,” Mayor Jim Mosby responded. “I am trying to sell more water because we need more money at the plant. We’re either going to make more money by selling more water or raise the rates. So, take your pick.”

—Madison White

Lompoc prison reports a ‘walkaway’ inmate

Often set to polka or waltz-style melodies, songs labeled as narcocorrido—or drug ballad— are banned from radio use in several states in Mexico due to the subgenre’s reputation for glorifying cartel activity and drug culture.

About four years before being incarcerated in Lompoc, convicted drug trafficker Omar Briceno-Quijano was the subject of the 2021 ballad titled “El de la Super Duty,” by Alameños De La Sierra.

Lyrics that reference Briceno-Quijano’s “freight” transport operations across Colorado and other states eventually ended up in federal court documents tied to his conviction and 14year prison sentence for meth distribution and money laundering.

On July 23, Briceno-Quijano escaped from Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Lompoc II’s minimum security satellite camp, the camp’s acting warden confirmed.

“This was discovered after conducting a total of three counts,” Acting Complex Warden J. Pino explained in a July 24 letter to the U.S. District Court for Colorado.

Pino said that prison staff first reported Briceno-Quijano as “not present” during the camp’s official daily 4 p.m. count. After two additional counts that day, including a bed count, the camp’s operational lieutenant ordered “a search of all internal and appropriate areas,” and Briceno-Quijano was placed on “escape status.”

In a statement from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Public Information Officer Celeste Lancaster described Briceno-Quijano as a 35-year-old Hispanic male “walkaway”— approximately 5-foot-7 and 197 pounds—who was “discovered missing” from custody on July 23.

Lancaster encouraged anyone with information about Briceno-Quijano’s whereabouts to call the U.S. Marshals Service’s local line at (805) 346-2728.

She added that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies were notified about Briceno-Quijano’s escape.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Raquel Zick told the Sun via email that the Sheriff’s Office is “aware of the wanted subject,” but declined to comment on local authorities’ apprehension efforts in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Sun also reached out to the city of Lompoc for comment but did not receive a response before press time.

As of July 28, Briceno-Quijano remained out of custody and on escape status, BOP spokesperson Donald Murphy confirmed via email.

According to the BOP’s website, FCI Lompoc II has a population of about 1,800 inmates, while the minimum security satellite camp’s population is less than 400.

Both FCI Lompoc I—which currently houses about 800 inmates—and FCI Lompoc II are classified as low security correctional institutions. m

—Caleb Wiseblood

Hoffman Mortuary was founded in Santa Maria in 1876.

year we mark our 150th year serving the families of the Central Coast. We are deeply rooted in community and fully dedicated to care.

FREE TICKETS!

New mental health standard in criminal cases stirs division among local attorneys News FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKTICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKFREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICK-

Divided on diversion

health diversion statute, where judges felt like their “hands were tied” while weighing certain diversion applications.

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Bipartisan support from legislators helped push a new directive forward that changes how courts throughout California decide whether to grant criminal offenders diagnosed with a mental illness a treatment-based alternative to jail time.

Recently signed into state law, California Assembly Bill 46 redefines a judge’s discretion when considering a defendant’s application for mental health diversion.

In Gov. Gavin Newsom’s words, AB 46 essentially “removes a narrow legal standard that restricted court’s abilities to deny diversion,” he stated in late June after signing the bill.

That standard, enacted in 2018, directed court judges to reject a diversion request when the applying offender poses an unreasonable risk of committing a “super strike” offense, such as murder or rape.

Denise M. Hippach granted Ginter diversion during pre-trial proceedings that followed his arrest in 2024 for alleged arson, while deeming his symptoms at the time of the offense consistent with schizophrenia.

As part of his ongoing treatment plan, Ginter needs to attend mental health court hearings every other month to assure the court and the public of his compliance. If caught deviating from the program or his prescribed medications, his arson charge would be reinstated and “the case goes forward,” Sutherland said.

“There’s tons of hoops they have to jump through, and they have to work with mental health professionals the entire time,” she said about those who are granted diversion. “If they mess up at any time, then diversion gets revoked and they go back to the trial department.”

In a statement from the California District Attorneys Association, CEO Greg Totten praised AB 46 as “restoring common sense, … by allowing judges to use their experience, knowledge, and judgement when evaluating a defendant’s dangerousness.”

Introduced by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove), AB 46 passed the Assembly floor in late June with 60 yes votes, including an aye from Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay).

Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) was among the 18 Assembly members who did not vote on the legislation.

“The bulk of this bill is just empowering judges to do what we trust judges to do every day. … Judges have not only a duty but a desire to keep the public safe,” Savrnoch said. “They don’t want to see people get hurt. They want people to get help, but they don’t want to see others suffer.”

The new bill strikes out that language and instead asks judges to consider any “substantial and undue risk to the physical safety of another person” when reviewing a diversion application.

“This is real muddy,” Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy Public Defender Erica Sutherland told the Sun. “A substantial and undue risk? What is that? How is that defined? … It’s super vague, so this is how district attorneys are going to jump over every single case.”

ETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS!

Before the law was passed, AB 46’s opponents included the California Public Defenders Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, while district attorneys across the state, including Santa Barbara County’s, favored the legislation.

“The modifications will give [prosecutors] more teeth to persuade a court to deny diversion, which I think is counter to a shared goal of public safety,” Sutherland said. “When mental health illness is the motivating factor behind a criminal act, and if you can address the mental health illness, you can prevent recidivism.”

Diversion cases with local ties include the 18-month residential treatment program former Orcutt resident Rockie Daren Ginter—represented by Sutherland in court—is currently completing at the Los Angeles Transition Center.

Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge

Ginter’s last mental health court hearing took place on July 16. His next is scheduled for September.

“He’s doing great. He’s in full compliance,” Sutherland said. “He’s in court all of the time, every other month. That’s intensive [and] significantly more rigorous than your standard probation.”

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch was vocal about his opposition to Hippach’s ruling back in 2025. His office argued that Ginter wasn’t fit for a residential treatment program outside of incarceration because of the risk that he could start a worse fire that injured or killed someone.

“I don’t know any prosecutors that disagree with the thought of getting people with serious mental illnesses out of the traditional criminal system. … The issue is when an individual is in fact dangerous and they’re released into the community,” Savrnoch told the Sun in mid-July. “Generally, we at the DA’s Office are going to default to public safety. That is our guiding principle, and that’s what we will default to.

“There are cases where reasonable minds can differ as to whether or not an individual possesses a public safety risk,” Savrnoch continued. “That’s why we have judges to make that call.”

Savrnoch described AB 46 as addressing unintended consequences of the original mental

One of Sutherland’s biggest frustrations in her experience as a public defender is when a prosecutor argues against a defendant’s application for mental health diversion while also offering probation for a guilty plea, she said.

While neither route removes the defendant from the public, only the latter guarantees a conviction.

“That’s not about public safety. … They’re not saying this person needs to be locked up. They’re saying, ‘I want my conviction. I filed this case. You did bad. You get a conviction,’” Sutherland said. “It’s ironic to me.”

Sutherland said she’s currently working with a client who is adamant about seeking mental health diversion, even though the jail time he’s already served exceeds the amount the District Attorney’s Office offered him for a guilty plea.

“His offer from the prosecution is prison. But he’s already served all of that time, so he’d be out of custody, he’d be back on the street. But instead, he is remaining in jail and he’s fighting for mental health diversion,” Sutherland said. “If he just took their deal, he’d be out. He’d be done. But instead, he wants diversion so passionately that he is sitting in jail while we fight for it.

“How does that opposition advance public safety,” she continued, “when if he took the deal, he’s back on the street without any resources?” m

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

AT WHAT COST: Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) (right) introduced Assembly Bill 46 to broaden California judges’ discretion when weighing public safety risks in mental health diversion cases. Local legislators who supported the new bill included State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay).

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Rustic. Enduring. Knee-length. The timeless overalls best known as lederhosen were among the first outfits on display at The Velvet Rut, a new storefront in downtown Solvang. Two child-sized pairs of the traditional German breeches once occupied a prominent corner of the shop, where only one set remained in July. Owner Shona Stargill said she partially hopes it stays that way long enough to see her 4-month-old grandson fit those pants in a few years.

“I almost wouldn’t want to sell it,” Stargill joked. “I would love to see him in it someday.”

Unlike The Velvet Rut’s lederhosen, the venue’s broad selections of vintage dresses, jeans, hats, shirts, jackets, boots, and silk scarves aren’t in short supply.

If there’s one umbrella her intimate shop—a charming suite with a Dutch door on First Street near Solvang Park—falls under, it’s heritage wear, Stargill said.

“I buy, I trade, and I offer consignment. So, it’s a little bit of everything,” she said of her store’s eclectic and sustainable offerings. “Fast fashion is kind of clogging our landscape, so I’m really not trying to support fast fashion at all. I want to support quality heritage wear, brands that are lasting.”

Stargill uses a handful of mottos to sum up her philosophy, including: “If you’re not wearing it, start sharing it,” and “Support resale, free up the landfill.”

For anyone curious about selling, trading, or consigning an item for resale purposes at The Velvet Rut, Stargill offers different routes, ranging from offering cash on the spot for said item to trading for in-store credit—typically at a higher value than the cash offer.

When it comes to consignments, those who consign can choose between getting back 40 percent of the end selling price or in-store credit worth 50 percent of the end selling price.

In many cases, Stargill said that stains, rips,

and other signs of wear aren’t deal-breakers when considering whether to add a piece to her store.

“If it’s worn in, it has this story. Every little fiber tells a story,” Stargill said. “That’s the great thing about vintage, it has a story, and you get to add to that story and carry it on. … I like to say, ‘It’s not your sister’s hand-me-downs, it’s your bestie’s hand-itovers.’”

One of Stargill’s personal favorite pieces currently available for sale at her shop is a Ralph Lauren leather jacket she priced at $625.

“It’s a high-ticket item, but it’s a beautiful leather vintage piece. That’s probably the gold star of the shop right now,” Stargill said. “It’ll be great to see who takes that home.”

About four months after its soft opening, The Velvet Rut will host its official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Email shopthevelvetrut@gmail.com for more info. The venue’s located at 475 1st St., suite 5, Solvang.

Outside of attending the free event, another great way to meet with Stargill about the store’s resale options is to simply stop by the shop with any items you’d like for her to consider acquiring (drop-ins are asked to bring up to 10 items per visit). The store’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“If you feel like you have an item that’s like your favorite thing, but you outgrew it, bring it by,” Stargill said. “If you’re ready to pass it on, let’s see if we can make an arrangement.”

Highlights

• Allan Hancock College Community Education plans to launch its tuition-free barbering program this fall. The new noncredit program provides students with the technical knowledge and hands-on training needed to

pursue barber licensure in California, according to the college. Students who successfully complete the program will satisfy the 1,000 hours of instruction required by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before taking the state licensing examination. For more info, visit hancockcollege.edu.

• After winning two regional qualifiers, the Santa Maria Westside Little League 11U All-Stars earned the chance to compete in the California State Championship Tournament in San Diego in late July. Support from organizations like Safelife Health Services, Santa Maria Elks Lodge, West Coast Roofing, Michael B. Clayton and Associates, BMW of Santa Maria, and other team sponsors helped offset the team’s travel expenses. m

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

DENIM DEN: Behind a Dutch door, Solvang’s The Velvet Rut—owned and operated by Shona Stargill—champions vintage apparel made from natural fibers and handcrafted leathers. The new shop’s ribbon cutting will take place on Aug. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.

What’s your favorite 55 Fiction genre?

50% Point of view twists—pets, babies, otherworldly entities.

25% Romance and relationships—anything happily ever after.

25% Mini mysteries! Give me a good thrill.

0% Murder and mayhem. Chaos reigns! 4 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING | 805-347-1968

E-MAIL mail@santamariasun.com

WEB | www.santamariasun.com

FOUNDER | Steve Moss 1948-2005

EDITORIAL

EDITOR | Camillia Lanham

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Andrea Rooks

SENIOR STAFF WRITER Caleb Wiseblood

STAFF WRITER | Madison White

CALENDAR EDITOR Angelena Stevens

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | Pieter Saayman

ART DIRECTOR | Alex Zuniga

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS | Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad

CONTRIBUTORS Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield

ADVERTISING

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | Kimberly Rosa

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES | Katy Gray, Tyler Dunavan, Hollie Delgado, Kelly Wollschlager

PRODUCTION

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Mary Grace Flaus

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Ellen Fukumoto, John Nygaard

Business Cindy Rucker

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR | Malia Jandra

CIRCULATION Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez, Joe Brice

PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga

OFFICE MANAGER Sarah Visconte

SUBMITTING LETTERS

WRITE Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Include your name, address, and phone number. FAX | (805) 546-8641 E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com, letters@santamariasun.com

TO ADVERTISE

DISPLAY ADS | Rates and special discounts are available. Call our ad department at (805) 347-1968. CLASSIFIEDS | Call (805) 546-8208, Ext. 208. Visa and MasterCard accepted. ONLINE

Visit the Sun web site at www.santamariasun.com. Our site was developed and designed by Foundation, a website development company (www.newspack.com).

The Sun is published every Thursday for your enjoyment. One copy of each issue is available free to Northern Santa Barbara County residents and visitors. Subscriptions to the Sun are $208 per year. The entire contents of the Sun are copyrighted by the Sun and cannot be reproduced without specific

Innovation meets the field

Cal Poly’s research helps ensure a healthy future for California strawberries

BY SHASHIKA HEWAVITHARANA

When people bring home a carton of California strawberries, they probably aren’t thinking about plant diseases, soil health, or the students spending long days collecting samples in a field.

As a plant pathologist, I do.

Because behind every strawberry is years of research, countless hours of fieldwork, and a shared commitment to finding better ways to grow food. Every improvement we make today helps ensure that future generations can continue enjoying fresh, healthy strawberries while responsibly caring for our natural resources.

That is why the work happening at Cal Poly’s Strawberry Center matters.

The Strawberry Center is unlike most research programs. It is where science meets the realities of farming. Students, faculty, engineers, and California strawberry growers work side by side to tackle the challenges that will shape the future of agriculture—from emerging plant diseases and water efficiency to soil health, automation, and new strawberry varieties that can thrive under changing conditions.

What makes this work so valuable is that it doesn’t stop in the laboratory.

Ideas are tested where they matter most: in commercial strawberry fields, under real growing conditions, alongside the growers who understand these challenges firsthand. Research only creates value when it leads to

Diablo Canyon is preparing a massive bait and switch

As public hearings continue regarding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, San Luis Obispo County residents must confront a terrifying reality. While regulators use rare loopholes to

practical solutions farmers can confidently adopt.

That partnership is what makes the Strawberry Center so unique.

For decades, California strawberry growers, through the California Strawberry Commission, have invested in research because they know farming requires constant innovation. Their commitment has created an environment where scientists and growers learn from one another, where Cal Poly students gain learn-by-doing experience solving real-world problems, and where discoveries move quickly from research plots into commercial fields.

As researchers, we investigate questions that consumers may never think about but that affect every berry they purchase. How can we identify a soilborne pathogen before it damages a crop? How can stronger strawberry varieties naturally withstand disease? How can farmers use water more efficiently? How can new technologies improve precision while supporting the people who grow our food?

These aren’t academic exercises. They’re questions that influence food security, environmental stewardship, farm productivity, and the long-term sustainability of California agriculture.

Our students are central to this work. Undergraduate and graduate researchers aren’t simply learning science from a textbook— they’re helping generate new knowledge. They work alongside growers, collect field data,

bypass environmental rules for a supposedly brief five-year extension—this is the bait—the truth is a multi-decade push to secure power for a surging tech sector and unpublicized AI data centers is already in the works—that is the switch. We are gambling our coastline on a company with a dark history. Pacific Gas &

evaluate emerging technologies, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to solve tomorrow’s agricultural challenges.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching those students become future leaders and our collaborators.

I’m especially encouraged by the growing number of women pursuing careers in agricultural science. Across the Strawberry Center, women serve as faculty members, graduate researchers, laboratory leaders, and technical specialists who are advancing plant science and sustainable farming. Their leadership strengthens both our research today and the future of agriculture.

Ultimately, the Strawberry Center is about much more than strawberries.

It’s about ensuring that future generations have access to safe, nutritious food grown with care. It’s about preparing the next generation of scientists and agricultural leaders. And it’s about demonstrating what is possible when universities, researchers, and California strawberry growers work together with a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

The next time you enjoy California strawberries, I hope you’ll remember that behind every berry is a community of farmers, students, researchers, and innovators working every day to build a healthier, more sustainable future for the food we all depend on. m

Dr. Hewavitharana leads the Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s Plant Pathology Program, including research on emerging and recurring strawberry diseases, field sanitation, and alternatives to soil fumigation. She also supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.

Electric (PG&E) is a convicted corporate felon, found guilty in federal court of multiple felony counts following past fatal safety failures. Entrusting a nuclear facility sitting near active seismic faults to an operator that has historically cut corners for corporate profit is a dangerous risk we cannot afford to take. We know how this story ends when convicted felons are put in charge of our safety and well-being.

The environmental fallout extends far beyond daily marine ecosystem damage. Like the catastrophic wastewater crisis at Fukushima, where more than a million tons of radioactive water has overwhelmed storage capacities, Diablo Canyon faces its own mounting waste crisis. Right now, highly radioactive spent fuel assemblies are packed into temporary dry storage casks on our coast. What happens when these concrete and steel canisters degrade over time? The United States still has no permanent repository for high-level nuclear waste, meaning these dangerous materials are stranded on our shores indefinitely.

If we allow a convicted felon to expand operations and generate even more permanent waste to feed power-hungry AI databases, we are cementing a toxic legacy for future generations.

We demand full safety compliance and transparency now.

Jean’ne

Blackwell San Luis Obispo

No gloves

Solvang lost some of its Danish charm in a battle over one partially developed lot with nine almost-built little cottages on it. A fight over what the developer calls whimsical and how closely it resembles the permit granted to him by the city landed the two sides in court.

The gloves came off, and the Americans have taken over.

Ed St. George is accusing the city of allowing political bias to taint its treatment of the project, while the city’s accusing St. George of filing a lawsuit too quickly— without “exhausting” all “administrative” remedies first.

The fight, which started last year, involves what one might call artistic license on St. George’s part when it comes to the color choices of his cottages and the city’s choice to shut him down over that and what it claims are a handful of other things.

“The project is being singled out for scrutiny,” court documents allege.

The support? City employees told St. George as much. Plus, Solvang City Councilmember Claudia Orona of Solvang Ice Cream and Trolley fame isn’t a fan because a competing ice cream parlor was set to become a tenant in one of the cottages, according to the lawsuit.

But remember, just because it’s in a court document doesn’t mean it’s true (even though, legally speaking, it’s illegal if it isn’t true). To add more credence to St. George’s bias claims, the documents add this little nugget:

“On multiple occasions while the trolley has been parked in front of the project, the [tour] narrator … comments about the project using derogatory terms, including that the project is ugly and that the owner of the project has done everything wrong,” the lawsuit claims.

Solvang referred to the claims as part of “a vague conspiracy theory,” which is what it sounds like. But a judge seemed to think otherwise. Judge James Rigali ruled against the city’s motion to dismiss the case, concluding that the lawsuit did enough to show that any appeal of the city’s decision to shut St. George down could have met the same fate: A halted project.

Whether St. Goerge “will be able to demonstrate this at trial is an entirely different matter,” Rigali wrote in his ruling. True, true. In Lompoc, one person who was unable to demonstrate his innocence during a trial just walked away from prison on July 23. Convicted drug-trafficker Omar Briceno-Quijano was “discovered missing,” according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, after missing for three consecutive counts in a row.

Why does it take three counts to establish whether someone is missing from prison? It feels like Shawshank Redemption over there.

After that third missed tally, the federal penitentiary complex conducted “a search of all internal and appropriate areas” before placing the 5-foot-7 Houdini on “escape status.” He’s a “walkaway.” As in, he just walked away from minimum security prison.

So how minimum is this minimum security facility?

Low enough that someone sent to a 14-year prison sentence for meth distribution and money laundering can just walk away after serving four years. I guess he was done!

Should we be concerned? Is he a “dangerous” felon?

No idea! But feel free to call the U.S. Marshals Service with any information you might have on this guy’s whereabouts as he’s on a walkabout. m

The Canary loves a good walkabout. Send tips to canary@santamariasun.com.

Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

“ALONG THE HIGH EMBANKMENTS” AT PRESQU’ILE Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Presqu’ile present Cole Sternberg’s work along the high embankments, a free, self-guided installation. Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m. through Sept. 20 Free. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

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

DANCE AND MUSIC CLASSES

KleinDance Arts offers various dance and music classes for a wide variety of ages! Visit the link for info! Mondays-Saturdays, 4-8 p.m. (805) 268-2530. kleindancearts.com. KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

“POST-WILD: NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY” The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to

present Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, a juried exhibition featuring artworks by 34 emerging and established Santa Barbara County artists. Co-curated by Allan Hancock College Professor of Fine Arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the Office of Arts and Culture, the exhibition highlights artists working across painting, ceramics, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 1 Free. sbac.ca.gov/post-wildnature-in-the-21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria. VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery display their works at the airport. See website for details on exhibits and list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

BEEHIVE: THE ‘60S MUSICAL Beehive is a toe-tapping, heartwarming celebration of the songs, style, and sisterhood of the ‘60s—guaranteed to have you singing and dancing along. Wednesdays-Sundays, 8-9:55 p.m. through Aug. 23 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

GO WEST THREE-ARTIST EXHIBIT AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Three Artists will share artwork inspired by icons of the American west, including Robin Deshayes, Deborah Kalas, and Linda Lewis, at Gallery Los Olivos. The gallery is open daily. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

through July 31 Free. (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT

KAENA Join us at Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang to spend the afternoon sipping delicious wine and capturing the beauty of the landscape on canvas! Aug. 1 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Kaena at the Ranch, 800 E. Hwy 246, Solvang.

SUMMER CAMP 4, JULY 27-31: MAGICAL

WONDERS Join for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression! This summer, we will be creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, clay, and more! July 30 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 31 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $425. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

55 WORDS NOT ENOUGH? SUBMIT TO THE GOLDEN QUILL CONTEST Submit your story, poem or essay to the SLO NightWriters’ Golden Quill contest. Winners receive $250 for first, $100 for second, $50 for third. July 31 $35. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

“CRAFT”ERNOON AT ART CENTRAL Art Central would like to open their gallery doors to artists who need workspace!

Bring your own supplies and try out some sample supplies too. July 31 4-6 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. ART AFTER DARK AT THE MONDAY CLUB See seven featured Monday Club artists, and enjoy some wine, music and lots of free parking! Registration is free and appreciated for planning. Aug. 7, 5-8 p.m. Free. themondayclubslo.org/ event-6732863. The Monday Club San Luis Obispo, 1815 Monterey St,, San Luis Obispo, (805) 242-1076.

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) 7474200. artcentralslo.com/gallery-artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEGINNING JUNK JOURNALING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS

Part scrapbooking, part journaling, and a whole lot of fun, this workshop is sure to get you hooked on this popular craft, Junk Journaling. Aug. 8 2-5:30 p.m. $135. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.

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

BUILD A JUNKBOT WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Build your own one-of-a-kind JunkBot using vintage and found objects, then assemble, personalize, name it, and receive a hand-stamped brass tag to

Send event information to

complete your creation. Aug. 1, 2-4:30 p.m. $110. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.

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

SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, SLOgallery.com.

CENTRAL COAST WOODTURNERS

Turners of all levels welcome! Bring work to share if you like. Bowls, boxes, hollow forms, segmented vessels, multi-axis: whatever you can do on lathes! Second Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m. Free. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

COLORS OF CONSERVATION ART SHOW

Come enjoy original landscape paintings of conserved SLO County lands, artist demonstrations, wine, and light bites.

A portion of the art sales will benefit The Land Conservancy. Aug. 7 5-8 p.m. and Aug. 8 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 544-9096. lcslo.org. The Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.

ELEMENTS OF ART FOR TWEENS AND TEENS WITH CAROLINA LUNA Join Carolina as she guides your young artists through the fundamentals of art. Each week will focus on a different element.

All materials are provided. Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. through Aug. 5 $200. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART

Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

MARCIE BEGLEITER AT SLOMA See Marcie Begleiter’s solo exhibition “Chimera: the Future of Nature” at SLOMA. Animation, photography and a large nature diorama. Mondays, ThursdaysSundays. Free. San Luis Obispo Museum

WEST COAST COOL

The Altons and Thee Sinseers (pictured) will hit the stage at Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria on Thursday, Aug. 6, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $47. All ages are welcome to enjoy the two groups’ soulful voices blend Latin sounds with nostalgic, classic rhythm and blues. Visit presquilewine. com for additional information.

—Angie Stevens

of Art, 1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (310) 920-1656, sloma.org/exhibition/ marcie-begleiter/.

NOT FOR SALE: BARTER EXCHANGE

This is your chance to negotiate a sweet trade for art by a collection of established California artists! Intrigued? Come find out! Mondays, Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Aug. 28 Free. (805) 546-3201. cuesta.edu/about/calendars/index.html? trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventi d%3D1407112356. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. OIL PAINTING: IMPRESSIONISTIC REALISM WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint lively, expressive paintings with alla prima style techniques. This class is great for the intermediate or advanced. Inquire via email. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Aug. 11 $295. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. SAN LUIS OBISPO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM WITH BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US Looking for a chance to squeeze the last drop out of summer? The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum has exciting new exhibits! Aug. 1 and Aug. 2 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. about.bankofamerica.com/en/makingan-impact/museums-on-us-partners. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis

(805) 545-5874.

Obispo,

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESQU’ILE WINERY

UBU’S OTHER SHOE STAGED READING:

THE DESIGNATED MOURNER In a near-future authoritarian state, three intellectuals grapple with their changing world and their own values, navigating themes of art, politics, and survival. Aug. 7 7-9 p.m. and Aug. 8 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. $18-23. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org. SLO Rep, 888 Morro 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.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

“PEACEFUL HARBOR” : A GROUP

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Nine gallery photographers explore Central Coast waterscapes and sunsets in “Peaceful Harbor,” a group show capturing the ocean’s calm and the wildlife along its shoreline. July 30 -Aug. 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

4TH ANNUAL CAMBRIA JADE FAIRE

Divers, carvers, and jewelry designers will be selling Jade and more. Live local musicians will be playing throughout the day. Aug. 1 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 904-4547. jadestudiocambria.com.

Jade Studio, 2601 Main St., Cambria.

AUGUST OPENING RECEPTION IN GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE Come

meet artists Virginia Mack, Alia Warden and the featured photographers of “Peaceful Harbor” at the artist’s reception. Aug. 8 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

BRUSHSTROKES 2026 AND OFF THE WALL Brushstrokes 2026 and Central Coast Sculptors’ Off the Wall present paintings and sculptures. First Monday-Sunday of every month, 12-4 p.m. through Aug. 3 Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

THE BUTLER DID IT Enjoy this comedy whodunit by Tim Kelly, directed by Samvel Gottlieb. Mystery writers are invited to

SOLVANG SUMMER

Enjoy an End of Summer Family Day with the California Nature Art Museum in Solvang on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will allow participants to browse local nature-inspired booths, see animals from the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, marvel at a live beehive, and get their faces painted. More details can be found at calnatureartmuseum.org. —A.S.

impersonate their fictional detectives at an event...and then a murder happens.

July 31, 7 p.m., Aug. 1 7 p.m., Aug. 2 , 3 p.m., Aug. 7 7 p.m., Aug. 8 7 p.m. and Aug. 9 3 p.m. $30. (805) 776-3287. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

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

CELEBRATE COSTA GALLERY’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THREE EXHIBITS

Visit the 6th anniversary and artist reception, with musician Jill Knight and refreshments. View three new exhibits until Sept. 6, titled “Legends,” “Body,” and “Explosive.” Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.4 p.m. through Sept. Free. (559) 799-9632. facebook.com/events/s/celebrate-costagallerys-6th-a/2190641115065150/. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FEATURED ARTIST ALIA WARDEN’S PRINT MAKING Relief Printmaker Alia Warden carves woodblock and linoleum

prints of wild shorebirds, animals, sea otters, and tide pools found along San Luis Obispo County’s coast. July 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FEATURED ARTIST VIRGINIA MACK

Watercolorist Virginia Mack paints the Central Coast’s shifting light and color, drawing on decades of kayaking the bay and teaching studio art in the region. July 30 -Aug. 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

IN THE SHADOW EXHIBIT Artists have woven together the visual and emotional richness of shadow, from intimate and introspective studies to bold, dramatic compositions that captivate and unsettle.

Aug. 6 - Sept. 14 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

MORRO BAY COMEDY NIGHT See comedian Chris Cruz give a stellar performance here in SLO County. Chris has been a comedian for 14 years and performs all over the country sharing his Latino upbringing and relationship advice.

July 31 , 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com.

The Nauti Anchor Bar, 2940 Main Street, Morro Bay.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

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

FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike

offerings. (805) 343-2455. dunescenter. org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

SANTA MARIA CAMERA CLUB MEETING

The Santa Maria Camera Club is a welcoming community of photographers who share a passion for creating and enjoying great images. Join us soon! First Wednesday of every month, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. through Aug. 5 (805) 478-3057. santamariacameraclub.org. Merrill Gardens, 1350 N. Suey Rd., Santa Maria. SMKA 2026 KART RACING SEASON

Participate in this local kart racing series, featuring kid karts, LO206, and two-cycle classes, delivering competitive sprint racing, driver development, and familyfriendly events for all skill levels. Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. smka.org. Santa Maria Karting Association, 3951 S Blosser Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 464-6114.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

END-OF-SUMMER FAMILY DAY Join CalNAM for a free-admission, end-ofsummer Family Day. Aug. 9 10 a.m.-2 p.m. calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang. GOING BATTY AT THE NATURE CENTER Going Batty consists of weekly talks and observation of hundreds of native California Myotis bats. Fridays, Saturdays. through Sept. 6 Free. (805) 693-0691. clnaturecenter.org. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc. THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER WITH NIPOMO’S BEST BAKERS! Join us for a delightful bake sale, we are amazing

Music at the Point

Sat, Aug 1 Leslie & the Soul Shakers

Sun, Aug 2 Dani Cole

Sat, Aug 8 Spanky Paul Band

12:30 - 3:30

Sun, Aug 9 Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeňo Jam

Sat, Aug 15 Rockin B’s Trio Sun, Aug 16 Earls of Tuesday Sat, Aug 22 Hazard Canyon

Aug 23 Jill Knight Band

Hot Stuff

bakers! The Community Wide Yard Sale is also happening at our Center. Aug. 8 , 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.

And between sets, DJ AV Green will be

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.

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.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence. net. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

BIG DITCH MARKET Enjoy fantastic homemade items from local vendors, amazing food, and live music! First Friday of every month, 4-8 p.m. through Oct. 2 Free. (714) 390-9142. arroyogrande.org. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande. COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. 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, Arroyo Grande. 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.

EPIC DJ TRIVIA Don’t miss DJ Trivia. It’s free to play, and prizes for the top three teams will be awarded. Bring your family and friends! Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. Grover Station Grill, 170 W Grand Ave #101, Grover Beach, (805) 489-3030, EpicDJTrivia.com.

HEALING HEROES FOURTH ANNUAL GALA

Join us for an evening of fine dining, auctions, and entertainment supporting local Veterans and horses through programs that foster healing, connection, and second chances. Aug. 8 3:30-10 p.m. $150. (805) 868-7634. heroeshorses.org/events/. Thousand Hills Ranch, 550 Thousand Hills Rd., Pismo Beach.

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/ index.php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano. PICTURE PERFECT GENEALOGY Turn your boxes of old family photos into stories, not mysteries. Learn to identify, organize, digitize, and preserve them practical tips you can use immediately. Aug. 1 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. (805) 215-0750. slocgs.org. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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. and Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $15 per class or $60 for five-class card. (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.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 9046615. 819 Tempus Circle, 819 Tempus Circle, Arroyo Grande.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. STEAM FOR GIRLS CAMP Join the STEAM for Girls Camp. Register by July 28 to receive a camp shirt. Aug. 3 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. $175. (805) 550-4819. steamtrunk.org. Camp Arroyo Grande, 250 Wesley St., Arroyo Grande.

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

LA CONVERSACIÓN La Conversación is a group for practicing Spanish. There’s no homework or lessons, just conversation. Beginners to native speakers, all levels are welcome! Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (805) 748-9123. Coffee Bean, 354 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach. Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A prorecovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgmentfree support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other.

First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, 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.”

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

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

GARDEN FOUNDER

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

WATERCOLOR WORK

See the work of watercolorist Virginia Mack on display from Thursday, July 30, to Saturday, Aug. 29, at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay. From decades of kayaking the bay and teaching studio art in the region, Mack paints the lights and colors of the Central Coast. Visit galleryatmarinasquare.com for additional information.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardeners of SLO County extend an invitation to the public to visit our demonstration garden. See what’s in bloom and learn something new. First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 2 Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr.edu. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

MONTHLY DEATH CAFE (EVERY FIRST TUESDAY AT 11 A.M.) Join this relaxed, groupdirected conversation about death and dying with no agenda—just open, respectful dialogue to increase awareness and help us live more fully. First Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/services/ death-cafe. Hospice SLO County, 1305 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo.

OBON FESTIVAL This cultural event will include hula and taiko drumming presentations, food and soft drinks for purchase, Asian marketplace, a silent auction, and traditional Japanese folk dancing. Aug. 1 , 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 595-2625. slobuddhistchurch.org. San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Obon, 6996 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo.

REDEFINING WOMEN’S HEALTH - A COTTAGE

VIRTUAL EVENT Physicians will share the vision behind the Cottage Center for Women’s Health and how it unifies primary and specialty care in a coordinated, patient-centered model. July 30 4-5 p.m. Free. cottagehealth.org/ womenshealth. Live Webinar, online, SLO County, (805) 489-1488.

ROCKEROS CONTRA ICE: CENTERPOINT

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. MondaysFridays $160-$190. (805) 481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA WITH SLO COUNTY LIBRARIES Enjoy free entertainment, carnival games, character meet-and-greets, photo booth, food trucks, and other fun activities. Aug. 1 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com. Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

Rockeros Contra ICE is a benefit concert series that fundraises for Colectivo Mariposa. Colectivo Mariposa is a local mutual aid group based in Santa Maria that serves over 200 families by providing food, diapers, and miscellaneous small items to families who have had a family member kidnapped by ICE. Proceeds from this event go to purchasing these items. For this particular show, we are also conducting a back-to-school drive in which attendees who bring school supplies (i.e. backpacks, binders) will be entered into a raffle to win Colectivo Mariposa merch. July 31 7 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

SERENITY SOUND JOURNEY Your journey begins with gentle, integrative practices— mindful breathing, soft vocal toning, subtle movement—designed to soothe the nervous system and invite presence. As you settle, an exquisite and immersive soundscape unfolds around you. Aug. 4 6-7:15 p.m. $23.27-$33.98. my805tix.com. La Lomita Ranch, 1985 La Lomita Way, San Luis Obispo.

SLO NATURE RHYTHMS AT CROW’S END: MINDFUL DRUMMING AND NATURE CONNECTION Nature Rhythms is a welcoming circle where we gather to slow down, drum, sing, and reconnect with ourselves, with nature, and

with one another. Join us at Crow’s End Retreat Center, a quiet and serene rural setting nestled in Squire Canyon. Aug. 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $13.63$25.41. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

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

SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP Join for a week of robotics, science, engineering, physics, education, and more! The camp is taught by real aerospace and mechanical engineers. Aug. 3-8 $697. (805) 242-8257. roboticsmastery.com. San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo. TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

TRANSFORMING AN UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS INTO A DREAM: THE GARDEN AT DINOSAUR CAVES PARK PRESENTED BY MAGGIE WAGNER This presentation will guide participants through the journey of creating a public garden, beginning with the initial inspiration and continuing to the ongoing plantings at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach. Aug. 4 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo. UNITED WAY’S STUFF THE BUS RETURNS FOR 18TH YEAR TO SUPPORT THOUSANDS OF SLO COUNTY STUDENTS Join United Way’s 18th annual “Stuff the Bus” back-to-school drive, benefitting 1,000’s SLO County students. Aug. 7 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 8 , 9 a.m.-noon and Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 541-1234. unitedwayslo.org/ stuffthebus. Target, Los Osos Valley Rd., San Luis Obispo.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30.

—A.S.

(805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors

in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

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

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

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

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

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS

A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

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

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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

SOURDOUGH AT BUELLTON FARMER’S MARKET Shop from Urban Homesteadings, the female, veteran-owned sourdough specialty shop, at Buellton Farmer’s Market. Mondays, 3-7 p.m. through Oct. 5 Free. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, Buellton.

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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing. com/classes/. Join to expand your knowledge of the fermentation process and get started fermenting at home. We alternate between demonstration and hands-on classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach. NATIONAL BEER DAY AT THE SECRET GARDEN August 7 is officially National Beer Day and The Secret Garden at Sycamore is throwing a free-entry public celebration in honor of the mighty brew! Aug. 7, 3-6 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

THE ALTONS & THEE SINSEERS LIVE Hear two of the most compelling voices in the modern soul revival, together on the Presqu’ile amphitheater stage for one night. Aug. 6, 6 p.m. $47. presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Enjoy Concerts in the Park 2026, with live music, summer nights, and community fun. Aug. 8 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0951. anc.apm. activecommunities.com/santamaria/activity/ search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_ category_ids=35&viewMode=list. Pioneer Park, 1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt.

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

Pour House, Paso Robles

Ted Z & The Wranglers

AUGUST 1 Club Car Bar, Templeton

Rockin’ the Ranch: Critical Mass

HAWAIIAN DANCE Santa Maria Valley

Senior Citizens presents a Hawaiian Dance with Riptide Big Band and dancer Yuka Freeman. Aug. 9, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van

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

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR

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

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

OASIS 6TH ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT AND COMEDY BENEFIT NIGHT Enjoy the Oasis Center 6th annual Summer Concert and Comedy Benefit Night at Presq’uile Winery. Aug. 8 5-9 p.m. $45. (805) 9379750. oasisorcutt.org. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria.

STOCKYARD SUMMER AND FALL CONCERT SERIES FEATURING THE SWEET SPOTS Aug. 1 1 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt.

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

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m.

Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT REFUGIO RANCH VINEYARDS TASTING

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

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING

CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays,

MIND

AND BODY

Join Dee DiGioia, founder of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity, during a Serenity Sound Journey at the Pavilion at La Lomita Ranch in San Luis Obispo on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Start with mindful breathing, vocal toning, and gentle movement to calm the nervous system, and enjoy an immersive soundscape to follow. Participants should bring a yoga mat, as well as anything else needed to feel comfortable on the pavilion floor. The class fee is on a sliding scale of $20 to $30. More details can be found at my805tix.com.

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

LIVE ON THE ROCKS FEATURING THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT FT. THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT Live on the Rocks is a beloved free oceanfront concert at The Cliffs Hotel and Spa! Dance to a fabulous live band, and enjoy fantastic food. Aug. 9, 1-5 p.m. Free. (805) 773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach. 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. NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Celebrate summer at Nipomo’s free Concerts in the Park series, with live bands, local food, dancing, and unforgettable evenings with friends, family, and neighbors every week. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 Free. (805) 929-5437. nipomorecreation.com/. Nipomo Regional Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.

RESONANCE PRESENTS: ALL THINGS NEW Join the 35 voices of Resonance this August for “All Things New: Music of Endings and Beginnings”. Aug. 9, 3-4:30 p.m. $20-$30. Saint Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, 301 Trinity Avenue, Arroyo Grande.

RESONANCE PRESENTS: ALL THINGS NEW MUSIC OF BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS Resonance, SLO County’s premier a cappella choral ensemble, presents All Things New, a powerful choral experience featuring music with themes of endings and beginnings. Aug. 9 3-4:30 p.m. $20-$30. resonanceslo.com/. St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 301 Trinity Way, Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE ART OF JAZZ Come out and enjoy the visual beauty of the gallery and the sounds of jazz and R&B! July 30 6:45-9 p.m. $39.34. my805tix.com.

EDNA Contemporary, 967 Osos St, San Luis Obispo, (805) 459-1711.

BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY AT CENTRAL COAST BREWING First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Central Coast Brewing Bakcyard in SLO and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. It’s a musical journey that promises to be unforgettable, so make sure to wear sensible shoes for the danceworthy beats. Aug. 7 6-10 p.m. $25.41. my805tix.com. Central Coast Brewing, 6 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

THE QUINTET OF THE HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO IN CONCERT AT ANDERSON SOCIAL America’s Longest-running and most popular gypsy jazz band in concert! The HCSF never fails to dazzle and delight! Don’t miss their rare Central Coast appearance. Aug. 6 7-9 p.m. $35. (415) 931-0909. anderson.social. Anderson Social, 951 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo. ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: CRITICAL MASS Aug. 2 , 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. m

with

&

ARTS BRIEFS

Seniors star in the latest Orcutt Community Theater production

Fabulous. Fed up. Flippin’ funny.

That’s a good description of the protagonists in Orcutt Community Theater’s The Hallelujah Girls, directed by L. Chatel. Join the girl gang at the OASIS Senior Center to watch their trials and tribulations, evoking emotions across the spectrum.

“An old flame struts back into town, a surprise proposal turns heads, a surprising solution for a stale marriage, a renegade son, and a certain ‘bless-her-heart’ villain plotting chaos,” the theater stated about the play, which was written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten.

The group of locals cast in The Hallelujah Girls are all seniors. Only one actor has yet to reach 50 years old.

Traci Mettler-Bradbury plays lead character Sugar Lee Thompkins, and this is her first ever community theater production, she told the Sun via email. However, she’s no stranger to the stage, having performed with professional theaters for many years.

The production runs from Aug. 14 to 30. Showtimes are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and on Sundays at 4 p.m. Doors open half an hour prior at 420 Soares Ave. in Orcutt.

Purchase tickets for $20 at the door or online at my805tix. com. Find more information about the rest of the theater’s season by visiting orcuttcommunitytheater.org.

Discuss

a book with local ties at Bob’s Well

Bread Bakery

If you don’t have three hours to spare at your local movie theater watching Christopher Nolan’s rendition of an epic poem from more than 2,000 years ago, perhaps a shorter conversation about a contemporary odyssey will tickle your fancy.

Author Irena Smith penned Troika published in April, about a California road trip with her mother and daughter. Scenes in Buellton, Solvang, Ballard, and Paso Robles breed discussion about pop culture, Greek mythology, memes, and Russian proverbs in pursuit of delicious coffee and pastries.

“The result is an ode to migration—both the stirring immigration story of Smith’s own Soviet Jewish family to the U.S. and Smith’s modern-day odyssey as she shuttles her family through a literal storm, determined to get along,” according to press materials.

One stop on the journey is Bob’s Well Bread Bakery, which is hosting an upcoming book talk. On Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m., Smith will talk about the story with New York journalist Sandee Brawarsky followed by a question-and-answer segment with the audience.

The event is free to patrons, and Bob’s Well Bread will serve complimentary snacks and beverages. It’ll be held at the bakery’s Ballard location at 2449 Baseline Ave. Call (805) 6919549 with questions. m

‘Pay it forward’ Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez raises funds for the Artist Advocacy Foundation

BY MADISON WHITE

At the opening reception for Bridging Worlds at the Indah Gallery, many of the 100-plus gallery visitors asked artist Max Gleason, “What’s going on with this one?”

They stood in front of Entering the Arctic, a 6-foot-tall painting blending blues, greens, oranges, and pinks. It’s not just the colors that turn heads, though.

Viewers inquired about the missile icons, oil wells, methane and carbon dioxide molecules, and radiation symbols scattered across Gleason’s depiction of the North Pole. He mapped them out with geographic accuracy on the canvas at sites in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Russia.

“All these missile icons are where there are military bases. All of the oil wells are where there’s active drilling going on,” Gleason told the Sun, pointing to the canvas. “These radiation symbols are nuclear waste disposal sites—where they’re actually located—which is very disturbing. Until I dug into this project, I had no idea there were so many nuclear waste disposal sites, and a lot of them are offshore in the ocean.”

The painter doesn’t usually conduct such intense research for a project, but in the name of collaboration, a cartographer friend asked Gleason to create his own interpretation. It led him down a rabbit hole of information about how the changing global climate has impacted the North Pole.

Entering the Arctic is one of the pieces in Gleason’s first solo exhibit at the Indah Gallery, which he opened in early 2025 next to his personal studio at Roblar Winery and Vineyards. It’s the 11th show Gleason has displayed at the gallery in the vineyards, as it’s called. He’s excited to donate half of his proceeds to the local nonprofit Artist Advocacy Foundation, which grants funds to working artists for their basic needs.

Bridging Worlds will be up through Aug. 9, also the date of Gleason’s artist talk about the show.

As the gallery owner, he’s usually the interviewer, but this time he’ll be on the other side of the conversation answering questions from his sister. Guests are invited to see the exhibit one last time and hear the discussion at 3 p.m.

Gleason enjoys talking about the themes in his artwork. He created all but one of the Bridging Worlds paintings in the past couple of years, and most reveal figurative imagery with mythological ties. There are multiple references to indigenous stories and gods in Entering the Arctic. Find Sedna the Inuit goddess of the sea and native shamans, called to heal the warming region.

Another painting, Personal Mythology, depicts Gleason’s life story through symbols. He tapped into a lifelong interest in folklore and is almost finished with a master’s degree program that’s heavily rooted in mythology.

“I deal a lot with mythological themes and themes that are kind of personal to my life story but that also have a more universal application,” Gleason said.

The title Bridging Worlds holds a double meaning for the gallery owner. He spends a lot of time thinking about bringing to life the dimension that can’t be seen. Spirituality, ancestry, the psyche.

“Those are all things that we experience, but you can’t really point to it and say, ‘There it is. It exists.’ And I think that’s one of the very cool things about art, and especially visual art, is that you can kind of bring those ethereal, ephemeral things into the here and now, into the physical realm,” Gleason said.

Another bridge he’s forming connects creatives and their patrons, the mission of the Artist Advocacy Foundation. Gleason appreciates that there’s a local organization helping artists survive and thrive financially.

He chose to donate 50 percent of his sales to the Artist Advocacy Foundation. Normally, if he were showing his work elsewhere, the gallery would take that percentage as a standard fee. Since he owns the gallery, he wanted to put that portion to good use.

“At this point in my career

Bridge your worlds

Visit the Indah Gallery (2190 N. Refugio Road in Santa Ynez) Friday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The last day to see Bridging Worlds is Aug. 9, with an artist talk held at 3 p.m. Find more about upcoming exhibits at indahgallery.org or check out @indah_syv on Instagram.

as an artist, and with what I’ve been able to accomplish, it feels important to help other artists who might need assistance,” Gleason said. “I’ve been very blessed at this point in my life to have this space and to be able to put on shows, so it seems important to pay it forward.”

Without professional artists, every community would look a lot different. Yet, it’s so difficult for them to make a living from their craft, even though they contribute to the vitality of society.

“As somebody who’s not a musician, if I didn’t have any access to go see live music, you wouldn’t want to live in that world,” Gleason said. “So, we have to find ways to support [artists].”

The painter said he first heard about the Artist Advocacy Foundation a few years ago from its cofounder Ron Colone.

Mainly based in Santa Ynez, the nonprofit first formed in 2007. Its board also has members in the Detroit, Michigan, area, where Colone grew up, and the committee convenes regularly to decide which artists receive grants. Last year, it handed out funds to people in 14 states, but it tries to deliver local fundraising dollars close to the Santa Ynez Valley.

The foundation donates educational, medical, and venue grants, for example, to help dedicated creatives stay on their feet. One artist couldn’t afford to frame her pieces to enter a juried exhibit in LA, but with a little help from Colone’s team, she got them framed and won best of show. One musician was able to buy hearing aids after suddenly becoming hearing impaired.

“We did it as a way to really acknowledge and support people who have done this their whole lives,” Colone said.

When artists like Gleason donate back to the organization, Colone appreciates the additional “fuel in the tank” to assist more folks. Besides the monetary donation, the executive director added that the acknowledgement is more important. It’s cyclical. Gleason honors the nonprofit, which recognizes other artists.

“For forever, people have been trying to articulate the benefits of art, and it almost always falls short,” Colone continued.

But, as Gleason says, who would want to live without it? m

Staff Writer Madison White enjoys the serenity at the gallery in the vineyards. Send wine and paint to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORCUTT COMMUNITY

SUPPORTING ARTISTS: Artist Max Gleason has his first solo exhibit up at the Indah Gallery, a Santa Ynez spot he opened more than a year ago. He’s donating half of his sales to the Artist Advocacy Foundation.

IMAGE COURTESY OF JANNIS SWERMAN AND COMPANY

A RESEARCH RABBIT HOLE: For Entering the Arctic, Max Gleason painted a narrative of climate change’s impact on the North Pole. Creating true geographic landforms, he plotted dangers like oil wells and military bases amid indigenous symbols.

Cinderella story

Created by Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, and Chris Henchy, The Hawk follows Lonnie

“The Hawk” Hawkins (Ferrell), a former No. 1 ranked golfer who years ago exited the pro ranks in disgrace, as he attempts a return to pro golf by working his way up to play the U.S. Open. If he wins, he’ll complete the career Grand Slam that eluded him in his heyday. (10 28-to-37-min. episodes)

THE HAWK

What’s it rated? TV-MA

What’s it worth, Anna?

Full price

What’s it worth, Glen?

Full price

Glen: If you’re a fan of Will Ferrell, he’s bringing his Ricky Bobby, Ron Burgundy, Chazz Michael Michaels machismo to the part of Lonnie Hawkins. Lonnie is full of exaggerated swagger, but somehow Ferrell always manages to imbue these characters with heart, making them sympathetic despite their boorish insufferableness. Molly Shannon stars as Stacy, Lonnie’s ex-wife, and their son, Lance (Jimmy Tatro), is an ascending PGA golfer who ends up competing against his father. Keith David is Old Henry, Lonnie’s former caddy and longtime best friend. Fortune Feimster is Sam, Lonnie’s new and completely inexperienced caddy. Luke Wilson stars as Golden Fisk, Lonnie’s longtime rival. This is a great cast delivering a funny underdog story that’s very bingeable.

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Anna: I find Ferrell to be very funny and watchable, and whether he’s in his wheelhouse of comedy or stretching his dramatic muscles in

72 HOURS

What’s it rated? R When? 2026

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Take a bro-cation with Kevin Hart as Joe and a bunch of young punks who jokingly invite him to their Florida bachelor weekend after an accidental addition to their group chat.

Joe is a career-driven marketing exec, but he’s quickly aging out of his job, and despite hitting his 40s, he’s reticent to commit to his hot doctor girlfriend, Jennifer (Teyana Taylor). In a desperate swing to understand the younger demographic, Joe offers to fund the trip if he can come along. The younger dudes (Marcello Hernandez, Mason Gooding, Kam Patterson, Ben Marshall) are suspicious of Joe’s motives, but also broke and willing to play along.

films like Stranger Than Fiction and Everything Must Go—I love both films and have watched them countless times—he’s got charm and charisma. It’s a tough cast to beat in The Hawk Lance is a spoiled nepo baby in the world of golf, Sam is bumbling and desperate in a way the Feimster has perfected, and Shannon is comedy royalty in whatever project she touches, including this portrayal of the put-upon ex. It’s hard not to compare this to Stick, Jason Keller’s show from last year that features Owen Wilson as an aging golfer as well. While Stick had a bit more sentiment and deeper storylines, The Hawk plays into Ferrell’s whimsical, over-thetop character portrayals but still manages to have a lot of heart. Glen: When we first meet Lance, he and his fiancée, Natalie (Katelyn Tarver), have their eyes on the prize. She’s a “wellness influencer,” and Lance supposedly treats his body like a temple. Training is tantamount. Wouldn’t it be funny to discover the muscle-bound cocksure jerk has a bunch of bad habits just itching to get out? Ferrell and Shannon are great together as always. Stacy loathes Lonnie, and his mere presence usually unleashes a profane diatribe. This series also marks the first return of Ferrell and Wilson working together since Old School (2003). The whole thing is a breezy, silly, goofy romp that revels in making fun of male bravado. I don’t

This film has four writers, and it sure feels like it—it’s so buck wild in premise, the physical gags border on groan-worthy, and the jokes may produce a chuckle here or there but fall far from hilarity. That said, Hart knows what he is doing, and he knows how to find the funny. He holds this film together as watchable. Filmmaker

Tim Story put all his chips on Hart, and without the blustering short-tempered star, this film would have been a true waste of time. (105 min.)

—Anna

know what it is about the game, but golf seems ripe for comedy, from Caddyshack (1980) to Happy Gilmore (1996) to Tin Cup (1996), there’s something funny about men (it’s always men, right?) in ridiculous pants trying to hit a tiny ball into a tiny hole in the ground. If you don’t mind lowbrow, it’s watchable.

Anna: Good point. Golf seems to be a wellused sport when it comes to comedy—long games and big egos tease out pretty well. There was also Dink that came out this year about a washed-up tennis star who goes into the competitive world of pickleball. I’ve not seen that one yet, but it’s next on my list when I’m

BOTTLE SHOCK

What’s it rated? PG-13 When? 2008

Where’s it showing?

Le Vigne Winery, 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, Saturday, Aug. 8 (doors at 6:30, film at 8 p.m.; 21-and-older; $22.84 at pasopictureshow.com)

Randall Miller (Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School Nobel Son , CBGB ) directs this quirky comedy-drama he co-wrote with Jody Savin and Ross Schwartz about the early days of California winemaking and the now-famous 1976 blind winetasting known as the “Judgment of Paris,” in which a Napa Valley chardonnay won, proving French wines can be beaten and ushering in the celebrated California wine industry.

itching for a low-stakes comedy about a sport I know virtually nothing about. There’s no lack of content out there, as we all know, but if shutting your brain down for a bit and watching some of the best well-seasoned comics out there, The Hawk is worth a binge. If Ferrell isn’t your thing, I don’t think you’ll make it through this one, but personally I find his over-the-top characters to be quite charming. It was worth the watch to me. m

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

The ensemble comedy boasts an all-star cast including Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman, Chris Pine, Rachael Taylor, Freddy Rodriguez, Eliza Dushku, Dennis Farina, and Bradley Whitford. It also includes a bumping ’70s soundtrack with hits by The Doobie Brothers, Bad Company, Foghat, The Allman Brothers Band, Harry Nilsson, America, and more.

The story, a fictionalized version of real events, is centered on a struggling vineyard called Chateau Montelena deeply in

PREENING: Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, a washed-up formerly No. 1 pro golfer, makes a comeback bid, in The Hawk , streaming on Netflix.

debt and run by fictional Jim Barrett (Pullman) who worries about his lazy son, Bo (Pine). In Paris, wine shop owner Steven Spurrier (Rickman)—based on a real person—comes up with the blind tasting idea to hopefully introduce wines from other parts of the world. That the French accepted tells you everything about their hubris at the time. Fun vineyard flick! (110 min.) m

—Glen

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

HAVE A LITTLE HART: Ad exec Joe (Kevin Hart, second from left) joins a 20-something bachelor party in a bid to learn about the younger generation, in 72 hours, streaming on Netflix.

NICE LEGS: Alan Rickman stars in the 2008 dramedy Bottle Shock , screening at Le Vigne Winery on Aug. 8, as part of the Paso Picture Show summer pop-up series.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FREESTYLE RELEASING

Savor your Saturdays

BY MADISON WHITE

When Tracy Fleming started her first catering business, there was no social media.

“It was word of mouth and a little bit of advertising and treat your clients really well because you need to keep them,” Fleming remembered.

So, she “cracks up” at the fact that because of social media, two women appeared at her gate a couple of months ago who had driven four hours to visit The Bakery Farmstand.

“They were so excited. They’ve been following me on Instagram for two years, and then they got in their car from San Diego,” she continued. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God!’ It was so sweet. I

loved it, so that makes me happy.”

Fleming and her husband, Glenn Landon, opened The Bakery Farmstand on their Los Olivos property in 2013. It started with a table in the driveway and a “guerrilla marketing” chalkboard sign out front. One still stands today.

The Bakery Farmstand’s first summer looked different than it does today, but the concept remains the same: serving freshly baked goods to visitors near and far from her rustic backyard on Saturday mornings.

This season—each typically lasts from March to December— she implemented a couple of new elements. She made permanent an art

table for kids (and grown-ups) covered with butcher paper and set with markers, crayons, and stickers.

Landon also finished building The Pantry. It holds children’s books by a local author, paintings created by artists in the area, The Bakery Farmstand coffee mugs and T-shirts, and more.

“It’s way more than I thought I needed, but now I love it,” Fleming said. She’s worked her way through many scenes within the Central Coast culinary industry, from attending pastry school to being a chef at UC Santa Barbara sorority houses to running a cookie and marshmallow company alongside her mom.

Now in her “retirement,” The Bakery Farmstand is a perfect gig. Fleming gets to work out of her home and curate a weekly menu of goods that excites her, using fresh, local produce.

Often, the menu lists quiches with rotating options for fillings, muffins, homemade Pop-Tarts, a breakfast casserole, scones, and pies, Fleming’s soft spot.

“I love pie. Pie is one of my most favorite things. It was one of the few desserts my mother would actually make when we were growing up,” the baker said.

Whole pies are available for preorders and so are cookie dough, loaf cakes, marshmallows, and granola. However, visitors can also show up on Saturday to snack on whatever Fleming has on the menu. She suggests arriving early to have more choices. Beverages might include lemonade, chocolate milk, and Landon’s famous coffee.

“My husband is the coffee guy,” Fleming said. “I take no credit. Everyone loves the coffee.”

She serves beverages in vintage teacups she collected during her catering days. Collection bins wait for

Start your weekend here

Place orders by Wednesdays at 5 p.m. to pick up at The Bakery Farmstand. Email tracy@ thebakeryfarmstand.com to pre-order off the weekly menu or request gluten-free options. Grab your goods on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The stand is located near the corner of Santa Barbara and Olivet avenues in Los Olivos. Visit thebakeryfarmstand.com for more.

dirty dishes when customers finish their last sips.

“It’s really simple, rustic. It’s not complex,” Fleming said.

After a long career, Fleming feels that landing at The Bakery Farmstand is where she’s meant to be.

“I have 30-plus years of experience in food service, but it still felt weird not to go borrow money, not to rent a building, not to have a business plan,” Fleming said.

It’s easier than catering, which required a van and additional staff members to help build a kitchen at random, inconvenient spots in LA. It’s also easier than finalizing plans to buy a brick-and-mortar. All the host has to do, which is still no small feat, is walk some platters from her home to the outdoor setup, put them on the counter, open the gates, and chat with everyone who comes through.

The idea is to spend a peaceful Saturday morning with community members while eating good food and drinking good tea and coffee.

A Solvang retirement home takes regular field trips to The Bakery Farmstand, and a lot of young families pass through, too.

Fleming has heard that nearby vacation rentals list her business as something to do in the area.

Customers also include international interns who work at the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center down the road.

Fleming and Landon are happy to keep the crowd local. They want to avoid becoming too much of a trendy Instagram spot.

“Seeing all the parents with their little kids who can run around and get dirty and pet the cat, talk to the dog,” Fleming said. “The lovely retirees sitting around a table laughing. That really makes me happy, too. I have to say, it’s still such a compliment creating a space where someone enjoys coming on a regular basis. Delightful.”

People often ask Fleming how early she wakes up to prepare everything.

“Tuesday!” she replies.

That’s when she does her supply and grocery run. Wednesdays she gets help from an employee to make crusts for pies and quiches, as well as the PopTart bottoms and bulk cookie dough. Thursdays she does more production on her own, and then gets help on Fridays to package everything up.

“On Saturday mornings we just get up. We’re warming up the quiche, slicing it. Warming up the scones and glazing them. Slicing up the breakfast casserole, and then just getting everything out to the farm stand,” Fleming said.

When the clock hits 8:30 a.m., the first visitors start flocking through the gates, grabbing their food and drinks, sitting in the warm sunshine, and enjoying the company. Dogs take their own seats beneath tables, and children search for Fleming’s dachshund to pet.

Then, at noon, Fleming closes shop and begins preparing for next Saturday. m

Catch Staff Writer Madison White at The Bakery Farmstand or send her an email at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

HELPING HANDS: Denisse Macias (left) and Hazel DeLongpré (right) work at The Bakery Farmstand serving pastries and hot beverages to guests from near and far.

OPEN THE GATES: Located at the corner of Santa Barbara and Olivet avenues in Los Olivos, The Bakery Farmstand welcomes groups on Saturday mornings for coffee, tea, and brunch.

A GATHERING SPACE: In warmer months, visitors at The Bakery Farmstand relax in the shade underneath trees. When it cools down, hosts Tracy Fleming and Glenn Landon roll out the heaters.