Sun, July 31, 2025

Fantastic Four: sweet retro goodness [20]

Safety first

Caltrans increases roadwork protections for workers [6] BY

CALEB WISEBLOOD

Caltrans pours a lot of thought into each section of asphalt and concrete under our tires. From using more durable materials that require less maintenance to engineering and installing reinforcement bars in landslide-prone areas, the agency is set on saving taxpayers’ money and saving the lives of its workers. For this week’s cover story, Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood attended the recent Caltrans worker memorial honoring those who’ve been killed on the job, and he spoke with local officials about the need for increased safety measures in highway construction zones [6]

Also, read about division surrounding a proposed private school in Buellton [3]; breathtaking photos of Yosemite on display in Solvang [18]; and Cal Poly’s annual showcase of the latest strawberry-growing technology [21]

We’ve only begun spreading the word over the past year, but Sun’s membership program has enabled readers like you to support our journalism since 2020. It’s about time we raised our voices: We want to grow our member base—and we’d love for you to join!

• On July 25, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, announced legislation to expand a pathway to lawful permanent residency for millions of long-term U.S. residents, according to Padilla’s office. Section 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, also known as the Registry, gives the secretary of homeland security the discretion to register certain individuals for lawful permanent resident status if they have been in the country since a certain date and meet other requirements. Section 249 was first codified in 1929, and Congress has modified it four times, most recently during the Reagan Administration in 1986. No changes have been made since 1986, and the cutoff date for eligibility remains Jan. 1, 1972. Padilla’s Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 would update the existing Registry statute of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by adjusting the Registry date to meet current circumstances so that an immigrant may qualify to apply for lawful permanent resident status if they have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least seven years before filing an application, do not have a criminal record, and meet all other current eligibility requirements to receive a green card. This update would provide a pathway to a green card for more than 8 million people, including Dreamers, forcibly displaced citizens, children of long-term visa holders, essential workers, and skilled workforce members, such as H-1B visa holders. According to estimates from a FWD.us Inc. report, if the undocumented individuals covered in this bill eventually became citizens, they would contribute approximately $121 billion to the U.S. economy annually and about $35 billion in taxes. “Americans know there’s a better path forward than the Trump administration’s cruel scapegoating of hardworking immigrants and fearmongering of California communities,” Padilla said in a July 25 statement. “We believe that if you’ve lived here for over seven years, paid taxes for years, contributed to your community for years, and you don’t have a criminal record, then you deserve a pathway to legalization. My bill is a common-sense fix to our outdated immigration system and the same kind of reform that Republican President Ronald Reagan embraced four decades ago, calling it a ‘matter of basic fairness.’” Padilla added that the legislation “creates no new bureaucracies or agencies—it’s simply an update to a long-standing pathway to reflect today’s reality and provide a fair shot at the American Dream for millions of Dreamers, TPS holders, and highly skilled workers who have faced delays and uncertainty for decades.”

• U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) recently urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins to ensure the agency delivers disaster assistance from the American Relief Act of 2025 to California farmers. In the July 23 letter, Schiff emphasized the importance of ensuring that disaster assistance is fairly distributed among states, including for California agricultural communities, to get the help they need to recover from natural disasters. “The natural disasters that California faced in 2023 and 2024 significantly impacted crop yields, damaged infrastructure, and contributed to the spread of pests,” Schiff wrote. “Disaster assistance for California producers would provide direct financial relief to farmers and facilitate the replacement of infrastructure and equipment, ultimately ensuring the continued production of crops to support the domestic food supply.” Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership previously made verbal and written commitments that they will work to fairly distribute USDA federal assistance, according to Schiff’s office. m

Buellton City Council overturns Planning Commission’s denial of Waldorf school project

Less than an acre in size, a vacant sliver of Dairyland Road in Buellton bookended the month of July for city officials who couldn’t agree on a private school proposed for the site.

During its July 3 meeting, the Buellton Planning Commission voted on back-to-back motions for the Hundred Hills School project’s approval or denial, which both failed 2-2. Without a consensus, city policy mandated that no action was taken, which counts as a project denial.

The Buellton City Council recently overturned that ruling at its July 24 meeting, with a 3-1 vote; Mayor David Silva dissented.

“I would say that this has probably been the most torn I’ve ever felt on a position. I don’t think I’ve ever heard as much public input,” Silva said at the hearing, following more than 40 speakers who participated in public comment.

“[There’s] a lot of people living next to this site really concerned about it,” Silva continued. “I am trying to be mindful of that when walking through the neighborhoods and talking with everyone.”

Some opponents of the project—a privately funded, four-classroom campus for preschool through eighth grade that could accommodate a maximum of 50 students—argued to preserve the city-owned site as an open space for the community, while others were open to developing some kind of public use there in the future.

“Let me be clear. This is not a debate about education. We can all support early learning without sacrificing public trust. What this is about is fairness,” public speaker Katie Hawk said. “It’s about protecting a shared asset that belongs to every Buellton resident.”

Hawk said she lives two houses away from the project site, which husband and wife Sundeep and Whitney Chanana plan to rent from the city—with a five-year lease—and build their proposed Waldorf school.

“I’m here tonight because public land should serve the public good. Not private interests, not exclusive access, but all of us,” Hawk continued. “Leasing this, … public asset purchased with taxpayer dollars to a high-tuition private preschool may seem like a quick solution, but it sets a dangerous precedent. If this is approved, the message is loud and clear: Public land is available to the highest bidder, not protected for the highest good. … I urge you, don’t settle for a short-term solution dressed up as a feel-good project.”

While Councilmember Hudson Hornick

supported leasing the site to the Waldorf project, he said he would like to see a long-term plan to revert it back to open space in the future.

“I think that letting a Waldorf school take roots here would be a fantastic addition to Buellton. … We have a big need for preschools,” Hornick said. “Having said all of that, I love the green space. I love the open space. I don’t want it to go away. … It’s a concern. To me, that is mitigated by the fact that it’s a five-year lease.”

Applicant Sundeep Chanana described the project as a way for the city to “collect fair market value rent, connection fees, and monthly service fees” on a property that’s been idle for more than five years, “all the while buying residents time to finally reach consensus on what to do on that site.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Assemblymember Dawn Addis proposes Monarch Protection Week

As monarch numbers continue to decline, California could have a week dedicated to the butterfly’s preservation if a Central Coast legislator’s resolution passes the Senate.

Over the last 25 years, the Western monarch population has declined by at least 80 percent, dropping from what was once 1.2 million to an estimated 233,000 last year—the Pismo State Beach Monarch Preserve saw only 400 of those in November.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) told the Sun she has fond memories of monarch butterflies from her childhood, having grown up near a preserve in Northern California. Then, when she moved to the Central Coast, she took her children to the Pismo State Beach Monarch Preserve.

“I think people go and see them, but don’t necessarily know the role that they play within the ecosystem and just how they’re somewhat of a bellwether for what’s happening with the climate and environmental issues,” she said.

That’s when she decided to introduce Assembly Concurrent Resolution 103 to make the week of July 14 to 18 California Western Monarch Protection Week, which passed the Assembly on July 15.

“The resolution is basically to name the week for the monarch butterfly—to raise awareness that way, to put the name of the Central Coast [Legislative] Caucus behind this effort, and then to continue to support ways that we can get the butterfly listed and work in a state, federal partnership to get the butterfly listed,” she said.

In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, after it determined that amid decades of

habit loss, pesticides, and climate change, the vital pollinator faces a 99 percent chance of extinction by 2080. The listing would designate approximately 4,395 acres of critical habitat for the monarchs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Ventura counties.

With the required public comments on the matter closed, Fish and wildlife Services Media Officer Joanna Gilkeson told the Sun via email that biologists are currently reviewing the submissions before any decision on the species’ fate is determined.

“We will continue to review and address all public comments received, which will inform a final decision. Protections would not apply until the effective date of the final rule,” she said.

National efforts to preserve the monarch continue, she said, including the Ventura office of Fish and Wildlife Services receiving a $500,000 Installation Resiliency Grant from the Department of Defense in early 2024 to complete butterfly resilience projects on military lands like Camp Roberts and Camp San Luis Obispo, both of which are labeled as high priority monarch butterfly overwintering and breeding zones by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

“So far in 2025, the partners—Monarch Joint Venture, Xerces Society, Environment for the Americas, Upper Salinas Las-Tablas Resource Conservation District, California Conservation Corps, Camp Roberts, and Camp San Luis Obispo—have prepped the sites for restoration by completing prescribed burns and laying down mulch to prevent invasive grasses,” she said. “The California Conservation Corps has also been contracted to head-start nectar plants by growing them in containers from seed so that they’re ready to plant in the fall with a greater chance of success.”

Assemblymember Addis said it’s reaching a “critical point” to take action amid the federal administration rolling back environmental protections and heavily leaning into oil and gas production on land that’s critical for the monarch’s survival.

“Just to link it all back again to the monarch, we know that if we’re not addressing climate change, we are making the existence of monarchs very difficult,” she said, “and so with this resolution, it’s really meant to forward the movement to encourage people to keep pressing forward and hopefully supporting the federal movement to make sure they’re an endangered species and a protected species. … Then, lay a foundation for future years where we can start to allocate more funding if needed for conservation efforts.”

—Libbey Hanson

Guadalupe considers improving oversight on the Royal Theater project’s progress

In Guadalupe Councilmember Whitney Furness’ experience, the only way to get clear info on the Royal Theater project’s status is with “quite a bit of pointed questions,” she told the council during its July 22 meeting.

The kind of questions that sparked a heated discussion between her and the multi-year renovation effort’s project manager Tom Brandeberry back in May, after Furness scrutinized Brandeberry’s latest summary of soft cost estimates.

She noted that the report’s line items added up to less than $2.2 million, although Brandeberry’s projected total for all soft costs was $2.9 million.

“I don’t feel confident in the numbers you sent. … This is not a full accounting. This is a generalized number,” Furness told Brandeberry at the council’s May 22 meeting. “I think that the project needs to be audited from top to

FROM DIRT TO YURTS: Rejected by the Buellton Planning Commission in early July, the proposed Hundred Hills School project recently won over the City Council, after council members reviewed and approved an appeal to overturn the commission’s decision.

August 1-3, 2025

Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm

NIPOMO HIGH SCHOOL 525 N. Thompson Ave Nipomo

• Over 60 Dealers

• Displays

• Lapidary Arts

• Demonstrations

• Kid’s Activities

• Food Trucks

• Treasure Chest (Winners announced on Sunday at 3pm)

bottom. … I just don’t see how there’s no oversight.”

Exploring some kind of additional oversight for the Royal Theater project was one of the Guadalupe City Council’s goals while revisiting the issue at the council’s July 22 meeting.

To achieve the kind of transparency Furness was seeking, City Attorney Philip Sinco asked council members if they would consider forming a new Brown Act committee, similar to the city’s Recreation and Parks Commission—complete with agendized meetings and minutes available to the public— except solely dedicated to the Royal Theater project.

WHO WATCHES THE WATCHMEN: Established in 1939, Guadalupe’s Royal Theater has been the subject of longtime efforts to revitalize and reopen the historic venue. During its July 22 meeting, the City Council weighed in on possibly establishing a new Brown Act committee—similar to the Recreation and Parks Commission— dedicated to the project.

RAINBOW OF GEMS SHOW

“It’s likely that it would have to comply with the Brown Act. … Minutes would be shared to publicly ensure transparency,” Sinco said. “It would be an advisory and monitoring body working collaboratively with the project manager and reporting both to the City Council and the campaign committee, and the GCAC [Guadalupe Community Action Coalition].”

Sinco clarified that while the latter two agencies already work on initiatives tied to the Royal Theater project, “right now there isn’t a community body that could advise the council.”

“The capital campaign committee was designed to function on one thing, which is

raising money for the project,” Sinco said. “The GCAC is not involved in anything other than just accepting the money, but it obviously has potential function in the long-term for the Royal Theater itself. One of the reasons it was created [was] to assist with historic tax credits.”

The council ultimately directed Sinco and staff to look into the Brown Act committee option along with potential alternative routes toward a more informal ad hoc committee.

“When I first read through this and I looked at the proposed makeup of the committee, it looked pretty cumbersome,” Councilmember Amelia M. Villegas said. “Another committee doesn’t quite sit well with me, … but I would strongly support some degree of oversight simply because of the scope of this project, and we’re a small town.

“Everybody’s looking at it.” m

—Caleb Wiseblood

Rolling deep

Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria raises funds for youth programs through its annual Bunco Bonanza

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Regardless of where the dice fall during an upcoming bunco tournament in Santa Maria, the real winners are the beneficiaries the annual event supports.

Proceeds from Bunco Bonanza and other programs hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria throughout the year benefit several local causes, scholarships, and groups, including Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County, the Allan Hancock College Foundation, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

“Each year, we raise funds through various fundraisers to support our work in the community,” Club President Donna K. Beal told the Sun via email.

Around this time of year specifically, some money the local Kiwanis Club chapter raises goes toward the nonprofit’s Back to School Shopping Spree, scheduled for Aug. 2 this year.

“We will take 125-plus children on a shopping spree at Old Navy,” Beal said about the event, which also gives a donated backpack full of school supplies to each child.

Santa Maria’s Old Navy on Betteravia Road shares the Enos Ranch West plaza with ChickFil-A, where kids at the spree will also get a free breakfast that day, Beal added.

While there are plenty of ways to support the Kiwanis Club’s ongoing efforts through monetary donations or volunteer work, events like Bunco Bonanza offer community members the chance to make a difference by paying an entry fee to compete with fellow donors over one of history’s most enduring dice games.

Seasoned bunco aficionados and first-time players alike are encouraged to attend the Aug. 16 event, from noon to 3 p.m., at Santa Maria’s Minami Community Center, which Beal described as a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon of gaming, eating, and drinking.

Tickets are $40, which includes a hot dog and hamburger lunch, while wine, beer, and mimosas will be available separately for purchase.

Attendees of the event can also look forward to a drawing and a prize lineup set for dispersal among some bunco winners—and losers, as there’ll be a special prize for most bunco losses

awarded by the end of the afternoon.

As of July 24, Beal said that the club is “still recruiting prizes for the event and would love some local sponsors to provide gift items.”

The Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria’s goal for this year’s Bunco Bonanza is to raise $15,000, “which will make a tremendous impact on youth programs throughout Santa Maria,” Beal said.

Some of the nonprofit’s ongoing initiatives include leadership and life skill learning programs at Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria High School, Pioneer Valley High School, Arellanes Junior High School, and Bonita Elementary School.

One fundamental of these programs is “learning leadership through service,” as some young participants will take part in a range of activities from assisting at community food drives to helping elderly locals with chores and other daily tasks.

Beal, who’s served as the club’s president since October 2024, said that bunco has been a mainstay game at Santa Maria chapter events for a while, but not always as an annual fundraiser tradition.

“I believe we held our first bunco party during our 2018 Elks Rodeo queen campaign,” Beal said. “We revitalized it during our 2023 campaign, … and we have been doing it annually since.”

Highlights

• Vehicle pre-registration for Solvang’s third annual Viking Classic Car Show opened in late July, a few months ahead of the event itself scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11. More than 200 cars usually participate in the show, hosted by the Vikings of Solvang. Proceeds of the event go toward the volunteer-run nonprofit’s efforts in providing medical assistance to individuals through different health care groups across Santa Barbara County.

• The Lompoc Library and Moms Club of Lompoc will co-host a fun and informative Books and Bubbles at the Park event on Friday, Aug. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Ryon Park. The event’s focus will be car seat safety. Members of the Lompoc Fire Department and other special guests at the program will discuss the topic and answer questions about car seat safety checks. m

Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb

HIGH ROLLERS: Attendees of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria’s annual Bunco Bonanza compete for prizes, while their entry fees go toward the nonprofit’s various programing for children, teens, and college students.

Taking the high roads

Caltrans officials and local leaders aim to reduce injury risks for highway repair crews

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

The whooshing breeze of freeway traffic

“whizzing by” is occasionally powerful enough to fling Caltrans workers’ hard hats from their heads, District 5 Maintenance Manager Micah Gammons said.

Once while crack-sealing a stretch of U.S. 101 near King City, Gammons said that a car skidded into the construction enclosure he was working in, but no one was hurt.

“That’s the closest I ever got [to being hit],” he said. “It was pretty scary.”

Gammons was among dozens of Caltrans employees who attended District 5’s annual worker memorial ceremony at the district’s San Luis Obispo headquarters near the end of April. The Caltrans division Gammons works for covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. The 2025 event’s keynote speaker was Marjie Kirn, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) executive director.

“I’m here today not just as a regional transportation partner, but as someone whose life was forever touched by a moment just like the ones we are remembering today,” Kirn said at the April 30 vigil. “Over 30 years ago, I was nine months pregnant, just about to welcome my first child into the world. I just started my maternity leave and was waiting for my husband to come home. He was a Caltrans maintenance worker at the time.”

The day before her baby’s due date, Kirn received “a call that nobody wants to receive,” she said. Her husband was hit by a car while operating a loader on a center divide of Highway 152.

“The driver that struck him that day died,” Kirn said. “Eventually my husband did come home, injured but alive. … He was in therapy for months. Rehab. But he was alive.

“Not every family gets that outcome,” she continued. “Let’s remind our Central Coast residents and drivers: When you see the orange cones, the flashing lights, those are workers in those medians and on the side of the road. Slow

New norms

One of Eades’ biggest takeaways about the district’s work on Santa Barbara County’s ongoing U.S. 101 multimodal corridor project is that construction efforts were notably smooth in 2020—from a safety and productivity standpoint—thanks to a niche circumstance: lower traffic volume at the start of the pandemic.

While countless employers across the U.S. and abroad pivoted to meet COVID-19 mandates during and following the spring of 2020, Caltrans’ plans for the Santa Barbara County project weren’t heavily altered that year, he said.

“Construction started, actually, right when COVID hit,” Eades told the Sun. “We were actually just about to get the project out to construction when the whole world shut down. … We were able to have the contractors’ personnel and our personnel working outside. So we just kept working.”

“We were able to get a lot done through the COVID years,” he continued. “It was a great time because there were fewer people on the road.”

Project reconstruction efforts run through Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, and Summerland. Eades was referring to the Summerland construction segment of the corridor project, which began in 2020 and wrapped up earlier this year in April. This part of the project established 7 miles of new carpool lanes on Highway 101 and other revisions to alleviate traffic congestion for daily commuters between Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

SBCAG and Caltrans secured $134 million in state funds to support the final phase of the project on July 21, effectively stamping an estimated 2028 finish line on the project.

down. Move over. Give them the space they need to do their job and stay alert, because behind every hard hat is a person with a family.”

District 5’s aim to keep work zones as safe as possible for workers and the public aligns with Caltrans’ statewide goal of lowering employee fatalities and serious injuries to zero per year by 2050. Across District 5, there have been 28 work-related injuries this year as of July 22, Safety Coordinator Susana Cruz told the Sun via email. In 2024, there were 12.

The last District 5 employee who died while on duty, after an errant driver crashed into his work truck, was Michael Feliciano in 2004. Feliciano’s name is engraved on a stone monument outside of the district’s base in San Luis Obispo

along with the seven other fallen workers it commemorates.

Between Feliciano’s death in 2004 and 1980, two District 5 workers—Thomas M. Sanders and Manuel S. Leon—lost their lives on the job. Like Feliciano, both were struck by errant drivers.

“We really need the public to slow down and pay attention to the people that are out there. These are real people that we need to help go home to their families,” District 5 Director Scott Eades told the Sun. “It’s easy to feel frustrated when you come up in the back of a queue and you’re wondering what’s going on and you’re trying to get through your day. But that sense of frustration isn’t helping our folks that need to maintain the roadway.”

Aside from tackling bottleneck traffic issues, the ongoing corridor project presented Caltrans, SBCAG, and other agencies with the opportunity to reduce the probability of District 5 workers being injured in the future, thanks to infrastructure improvements that’ll require less frequent maintenance than in the past, Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) explained.

Some old parts of the 101 tied to the project require regular maintenance and repaving about once a decade “because the potholes really get out of control.” The new lanes are made of continuously reinforced concrete pavement rather than asphalt, Hart said.

“It doesn’t have that wear, and it’s never going to need to be repaved, like the asphalt structures do,” he told the Sun. “This is going to eliminate having to go and close the freeway to repave it every 10 years.”

BEEP BEEP: Spearheaded by SBCAG and Caltrans District 5, the ongoing U.S. 101 multimodal corridor project improves and widens various segments of the highway in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and other communities partly to help alleviate commuter traffic congestion.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SBCAG

PAST LIVES: On April 30, Caltrans District 5 held its annual worker memorial ceremony outside of the division’s headquarters in San Luis Obispo.

PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

“Those future maintenance expenses oftentimes can be more expensive than the original project with inflation,” he continued. “So by eliminating those additional maintenance events, we’re going to save taxpayer money too.”

As work continues, Hart said that the project feels closer to completion than ever thanks to the $134 million grant secured through Senate Bill 1 funding programs.

Without it, Hart said the estimated 2028 finish date would have been more than a decade off.

“I don’t know that we’d ever honestly get there,” he said. “You can imagine how long it would take—$10- and $20-million increments over many, many, many years.”

One big component of the multi-year corridor project some “folks don’t naturally recognize” from the get-go is the number of creek crossings it encompasses, Hart added.

“All of the creek crossings in those 16 miles have been expanded to allow more flow from storm events to go under the freeway without backing up and causing flood slides and debris flows,” he said. “So it’s a safety improvement from a flooding standpoint as well.”

Hart said that this segment of the project originated with the 2018 Montecito mudslides and debris flow that resulted in 23 deaths and made the highway impassable.

“This is intentionally designed to provide more flow, so we don’t have those kinds of events in the future,” he said.

Uphill and downhill battles

On another side of District 5, in Big Sur, Caltrans workers continue dealing with the aftermath of landslides that have kept a 7-mile stretch of Highway 1 closed since February 2024. Through-travel across the Big Sur coast has been impossible one way or the other for Highway 1 drivers since January 2023 due to a slew of winter storms and the landslides that followed them.

In August 2024, the region’s latest landslide enveloped a Caltrans work site at Regent’s Slide, where District 5 crews have led repair efforts since a February 2024 slide.

“In the 75-mile stretch of the Big Sur coast from San Carpoforo Creek Beach up to Carmel River, there are 1,500 mapped landslide areas,” District 5 Public Information Officer Kevin Drabinski told the Sun. “The priority in the repair of this slide is to do it in a way which provides for worker safety. And to that end, it’s one of the most measured and monitored mountains anywhere in California right now.”

Drones make up part of “the vast array of surface monitoring equipment” District 5 currently uses to map Regent’s Slide on a daily basis, Drabinski explained.

“We’re able to assess every day whether or not it’s safe to be out there,” he said. “What we have to be alert for is the possibility that there could be spontaneous, catastrophic slides that could take place. That’s always an ever-present concern. That’s the reason we have the monitoring equipment.”

The height, steepness, and overall instability of Regent’s Slide led District 5 to work with Caterpillar Inc. after the August 2024 slide to outfit two bulldozers and one excavator with remote control capabilities.

“[This] is the first time that Caltrans has done this on such a large scale,” Drabinski said.

Since mid-April, the new remote-controlled equipment has allowed District 5 maintenance

crews to perform tasks at Regent’s Slide that would raise major safety concerns if the dozer or excavator in question were manned.

While traditional dozers with drivers in the cab continue pushing material “up to the hedge” of Regent’s Slide, “we have the remote-controlled equipment drive that material onto what we know is an active slide and continue with the excavation down the mountain,” Drabinski explained.

Sometime in mid-September, Drabinski said, Caltrans will have a better picture of when the 7-mile stretch of Highway 1 below Regent’s Slide should be able to reopen.

As District 5 crews gradually bring the slide slope down, “we will be going back and installing shear dowels in the slope behind us,” he explained. As of July 23, nearly 2,000 of the roughly 60-foot steel bars have been installed. “That gives us two benefits. It enhances the

safety of the crews that are working on the slope,” Drabinski said, “and then when the highway does reopen, the slope above the highway will have greater stability. That will protect the traveling public.”

Class in session

Like absorbing a new language, it’s best to get a handle on California’s Move Over Law at a young age, District 5 Public Information Officer Heidi Crawford told the Sun. California’s Move Over Law applies to both emergency and maintenance vehicles. When switching lanes isn’t an option, the law requires vehicles to slow down before becoming parallel with anything on the side of the road that’s flashing red-, blue-, or amber-colored lights.

Outside of donning her bright orange Safety Sam—Caltrans’ official mascot— costume at District 5-led community events geared toward children, Crawford periodically visits Arroyo Grande High School to educate older students “about what Caltrans does, everything from environmental to infrastructure, to safety being our top priority.”

The benefit of engaging with teenagers specifically is that “they’re just now learning how to drive,” said Crawford, who tries to encourage the students she meets to “get in the habit of slowing down when you see those amber lights and pay attention.”

Crawford hopes that these programs instill a sense of patience in young drivers ahead of their first or early encounters cruising past roadside work zones on the freeway.

“In California, … I feel like our mentality is, ‘Hurry up, we have so much to do. Places to be. Places to go,’” the Shell Beach resident said. “Sometimes, I’ve even seen people holler [at Caltrans crews]. It’s obnoxious. … I’m not sure exactly what that is and what’s sped people up so much without realizing they’re human beings that are working their job.

“If you think about them as … a person that you care about deeply, you’d be very careful driving around them. You would move over. You would slow down. You would be patient,” she continued. “That’s what I try to emphasize.” m

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

WORKING REMOTELY: Caltrans District 5 uses both traditional bulldozers manned by workers and dozers with remote control capabilities during repair efforts at Regent’s Slide.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALTRANS DISTRICT 5

SURVEY SAYS: Regent’s Slide is among 1,500 mapped landslide areas Caltrans District 5 has identified and monitored over the years across the Big Sur coastline. PHOTO COURTESY OF CALTRANS DISTRICT 5

What’s your favorite 55 Fiction genre?

60% Anything with a twist at the end.

20% Murder and mayhem all the way.

20% The love stories always get me.

0% The political ones—short, sweet truth to power!

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thought I’d take a break from all of the grievances, divisions, and outrage of our culture wars, and write about how, despite all the opportunistic goading by our politicians and media, we actually all get along with each other pretty well. This allows me to recount a few of my favorite stories from my long and undistinguished career in rugby that illustrate my belief that the social contract is stronger than we give it credit for.

The parade

Rugby players are an ethnically and culturally diverse bunch united by our love of the game, and by beer. At the Old Boys (seniors) level where I mainly played, we geriatrics claimed to still be fit enough to play, but mostly just wanted a chance to drink beer and regale each other with tales of “how good we used to be.” Our exploits grew ever more glorious with each retelling and with each beer.

In San Francisco, most rugby is played at the Polo Grounds, a vast oval containing six playing fields, enclosed by a track, and then by bleachers. On a fine spring day in 1985, we gathered for a tournament at a couple of the fields at the end of the oval, with the idle players gathering in the bleachers between their games to drink from the kegs provided and watch the other games. Sipping a beer, I noticed a group gathering at the distant end of the oval and heard drumbeats and brass instruments. They soon began to march around the track in our direction.

As the band approached, I noticed that most

The Constitution guarantees due process for our undocumented workers

We’ve been seeing the relentless march of ICE officials.

First, they hunted undocumented workers in Los Angeles, then Oxnard, Ventura, and Carpinteria.

The workers that they are hunting are essential

of the marchers wore brightly colored tutus, tights, or other flamboyant gear, and were led by a prancing bearded baton twirler. I correctly surmised that they were the Gay Freedom Day Marching Band of local fame.

My amusement quickly turned to concern as I contemplated the likelihood of homophobic jeering from some of the hundreds of drunken ruggers in the stands as the band passed. While players tend to be a pretty decent bunch, this was the mid-1980s and the band was pretty “over the top.” And did I mention we were drunk? Even sober, ruggers are not a group particularly known for filtering. Others probably shared my concern.

The tension grew as the band approached, stopped, turned to face the stands, and played a tune. The crowd applauded, and then in the most fraught moment, one of the teams in the stands stood up to sing a reply. The singing of profoundly bawdy songs that would surely traumatize today’s woke is a long tradition at rugby parties, and we braced ourselves for something appalling.

To our utter relief, they then sang an a capella rendition of Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” The band then applauded, pivoted, struck up a tune, and continued their march around the track, and we returned to our beer drinking.

The showers

At another tournament at the Polo Grounds, my team was eliminated early on, and we slouched back to the locker room to clean up. As we showered, we were surprised when a women’s rugby team entered, stripped, and joined us in the showers. What followed was the most impressive display of nonchalance I have ever seen. No

to our economy, often doing vital yet low-paying jobs. What’s more, they are protected by the U.S. Constitution. The Fifth Amendment clearly states: “No person shall … be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” The courts have affirmed that “person” applies to everyone on U.S. soil, not just citizens. Even Founding Father James Madison stated that non-citizen “aliens,” since they are obligated to obey the laws of the

rugger wanted to be thought priggish or be seen fleeing from the room shrieking about an affront to their modesty. We all reckoned that since there was only one locker room, the women’s team was every bit as entitled to use it as we were. It was one of the few instances in which having a stranger ask, “Can I borrow your shampoo, dear?” wouldn’t be terrifying.

The memorial

Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, my club played the San Francisco Fog, a new team with a gay identity. One of their members, Mark Bingham, had been one of the heroes on Flight 93 who fought back and prevented the plane from reaching Washington, D.C. The party afterwards was a relatively somber affair, with toasts and reveries of Mark as we shared our common admiration for his heroics at a time when we were all Americans together.

My point?

We have a lot more in common than we have differences, and we can usually work through our differences respectfully and without supervision or intervention. We largely agree on what is reasonable and fair. Despite vast differences in culture and background, we generally get on well together. Perhaps the concept of “microaggressions” was created by those needing to be outraged by something but who were disappointed by the lack of objectively offensive interactions in their day-to-day lives. Let’s keep it up and not let the voices in politics and the media turn us against each other to serve their own purposes. m

John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who spent more time at the keg than on the field. Send a response for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

Constitution, “are entitled, in return, to their protection and advantage.”

Even if one thinks that entering the United States illegally and working here is a crime that merits deportation, those workers are legally entitled to due process, with a trial and the full protection of the U.S. legal system, just like anybody else.

George R. Hansen Arroyo Grande

We need to protect ourselves from the unimaginable

I attended the July 11 California Coastal Commission meeting to support the Mothers for Peace request for a hearing on relicensing the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The aging plant and its radioactive waste sit atop a thrust earthquake fault. PG&E has been granted a five-year extension but is now asking for 20 more, saying five isn’t enough time to build solar and wind replacements. (Note, the current article in The Atlantic on China’s rapid surge past the U.S. in clean, really clean, energy!)

I am dismayed at the number of speakers who cited loss of jobs and tax revenue if the plant closes. Several do work there, but most disappointingly, SLO County 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding added his endorsement. I was dismayed at myself for not having submitted a speaker’s slip, as I thought of parallels with Texas’ “flash flood alley,” where officials ignored calls for an alarm system as too expensive and, anyway, a 100-year torrent won’t happen again.

The unimaginable happens. Can we picture the gridlock on Highways 1 and 101 if we did get timely warning from our sirens? Mothers for Peace has demanded accountability since before Diablo was built, forcing PG&E to rectify some issues. Many more at least deserve a hearing.

Rosemary Wilvert San Luis Obispo

LETTERS

Slow your roll

While flying over Northern Santa Barbara County’s neighborhoods, I can’t help but notice the signs: Slow down. Drive like your kids live here. Children at play.

There are already speed limit signs on residential streets telling drivers not to go faster than 25 mph (only a bit faster than the average airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, I might add).

Even if there aren’t speed limits posted in neighborhoods, narrow streets and a basic understanding of state laws should slow drivers’ roll. Right?

Apparently not. And it’s worse, much worse, on the highways. Though this Caltrans district has gone more than two decades without a worker losing their life to an errant driver, the agency annually honors those who’ve been killed while on the job. At the late-April ceremony in San Luis Obispo, eight hard hats sat atop orange cones honoring the district workers who’ve died since 1921. Caltrans reported that last year, there were 12 work-related injuries of its employees. As of July 22, there have been 28 such injuries, according to Caltrans Safety Coordinator Susana Cruz. More than double last year’s total already! What’s going on?

Well, Caltrans, including the Central Coast’s District 5, is aiming to reduce those stats to zero by 2050.

“We really need the public to slow down and pay attention to the people that are out there. These are real people that we need to help go home to their families,” District 5 Director Scott Eades told the Sun. “It’s easy to feel frustrated when you come up in the back of a

queue and you’re wondering what’s going on and you’re trying to get through your day. But that sense of frustration isn’t helping our folks that need to maintain the roadway.”

This should go without saying. Yet, there are drivers who yell at Caltrans workers on the side of the road. They holler. At the people who are fixing potholes, widening roads, mowing weeds, smoothing the asphalt we speed upon.

“In California, … I feel like our mentality is, ‘Hurry up, we have so much to do. Places to be,’” District 5 Public Information Officer Heidi Crawford said. “It’s obnoxious. …

I’m not sure exactly what that is and what’s sped people up so much without realizing they’re human beings that are working their job.”

Caltrans has gotten smart in its approach by taking the message to new drivers. Crawford goes to Arroyo Grande High School to tell teens what those amber lights and orange signs are all about, and to empathize with the folks behind the hard hats.

Besides, in California, it’s the law. Move over or slow down for any emergency vehicles or construction workers.

“If you think about them as … a person that you care about deeply, you’d be very careful driving around them. You would move over. You would slow down. You would be patient,” she continued. “That’s what I try to emphasize.”

Let’s make some new signs and pay attention: Drive like your parents/friends/spouses/siblings work here. m

The Canary’s average airspeed velocity is more like a laden swallow. Send coconuts to canary@ santamariasun.com.

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

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

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

END-OF-SUMMER FAMILY DAY This

annual CalNAM event invites visitors to bring the whole family and enjoy free admission to the California Nature Art Museum. Join the fun to participate in art and nature inspired activities. Aug. 3 10 a.m.-3 p.m. calnatureartmuseum. org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

RHAPSODY IN HUE ARTISTS NEIL ANDERSSON AND VICKI ANDERSEN

Vicki Andersen and Neil Andersson are set to return for a duo show at Gallery Los Olivos. See their display, “Rhapsody in Hue” until August 31. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 31 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

RHAPSODY IN HUE ARTISTS NEIL ANDERSSON AND VICKI ANDERSEN See the work of artists Neil Andersson and Vicki Andersen at Gallery Los Olivos through August 31. Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 805 -6887517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SOMETHING ROTTEN Blends sixteenthcentury wit with twenty-first-century Broadway flair to prove that stardom requires kicking up your heels and staying true to yourself. Wednesdays-Sundays, 8-10:45 p.m. through Aug. 23 Starting at $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Blends sixteenth-century wit with twenty-firstcentury Broadway flair to prove that stardom requires kicking up your heels and staying true to yourself. ThursdaysSundays, 8-10 p.m. through Aug. 23 Starting at $25. (805)922-8313. pcpa.org/ events/something-rotten-solvang. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

SOMETHING ROTTEN The Bottom Brothers are on a riotous quest to outshine Shakespeare in this uproariously entertaining musical. WednesdaysSundays, 8-10:45 p.m. through Aug. 23 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

YOSEMITE: SANCTUARY IN STONE A solo exhibition by award-winning nature and landscape photographer William Neill. Through Sept. 1 California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, calnatureartmuseum.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY AIR PLANT MOBILE WORKSHOP In this workshop, you’ll get several air plants, grapewood pieces, and all the other supplies and instructions to create your own hanging air plant mobile. Aug. 3 2-3 p.m. $40. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach. 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.

GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA: 50TH

ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR Full of songs, dance, and comedy to celebrate the milestone, with loads of opportunities to boo and cheer. Aug. 8 -Sept. 20 americanmelodrama.com. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON

Complete with a saloon setting, card games, duels, and more. Through Aug. 12 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

IMPROV YOUR LIFE This fun applied improvisation class helps participants tap into their creativity through interactive exercises that build confidence, reduce stress, and ease social anxiety. Second Sunday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 24 $15. (805) 556-8495. improvforgood. fun/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.

SECOND SATURDAY IMPROV MEETUP

Have you ever wanted to try improv? Or are you an experienced player looking for opportunities to practice? Join to play

DUO SHOW

The artwork of Neil Andersson and Vicki Andersen will be on display beginning Friday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gallery Los Olivos. Their duo show, titled Rhapsody in Hue, features Andersson’s abstract paintings mixed among Andersen’s landscape pieces and will be viewable until the end of the month. Visit gallerylosolivos.com for more details.

short-form games and share smiles in the supportive environment of improv. Second Saturday of every month, 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 13 improvforgood.fun/. Flex Performing Arts Studio (Studio D), 1820 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

6-WEEK BEGINNING WHEEL SERIES

A great intro to the pottery wheel! Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate and glaze. Book on our website to save spot. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Aug. 19 $275. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=77943567. A great intro to the pottery wheel! Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate and glaze. Book through the link to save a spot. Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 19 $275. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=77943668. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEGINNING WATERCOLOR WITH JAN

FRENCH Come be introduced to the personality and potential of this tricky but dynamic medium. Geared for beginners or watercolor artists who would like to freshen up. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through July 31 $130. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/06/Beginner-WC-FrenchJuly25.jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CAT VIDEO FEST 2025 CatVideoFest is a theatrical compilation of the best cat videos, raising funds for local shelters and animal charities to help cats in need. Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 $10. slofilmcenter.eventive.org.

Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST SHAKESPEARE

FESTIVAL Enjoy The Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare’s tale of trickery, and revenge on an overconfident swindler. Through Aug. 10 centralcoastshakespeare.org/ themerrywivesofwindsor. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

CLAY AND CONNECTION: A HANDS ON ART CLASS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES Whether you’re brand new to pottery or have some experience, this welcoming space invites you to shape, create, and connect in a supportive environment. Aug. 2 2-3:30 p.m. $10. (805) 747-4200. eventbrite.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CREATIVE KIDS: OVEN BAKE CLAY Sign up for the Polymer (also known as oven bake clay) class! Kids can make figurines or magnets. Aug. 3, 1-2:30 p.m. $20. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo.com/ wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CK-polymerclay.jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

HIGH TIDE A group exhibition of all your favorite local artists celebrating the spirit of community and mutual recognition along the Central Coast. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Aug. 22 Free. (805) 546-3201. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, cuesta.edu/student/ campuslife/artgallery/.

MYLR GALLERY OPENING NIGHT

PARTY Join the opening night party for the art installation “Break the Cycle” by artist Vanessa Morrow. A photo booth, music, and exclusive merchandise will be featured. Aug. 1 12-8 p.m. Free. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-1611, mylrgallery.com.

RESONANCE PRESENTS: MAGNIFICAT Resonance is a 30-voice choral ensemble based in San Luis Obispo, under the direction of Paul Osborne. Hear “Magnificat” live, and purchase tickets at the link. Aug. 2 7:30 p.m. $30. my805tix.com.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. ROSEMARY BAUER AND ART AFTER DARK AT JUNKGIRLS Rosemary will have paintings of local scenes on display during Art After Dark at this popular and fun location. Aug. 1 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo. STORYTELLING USING MARKER AND INK PENS WITH JASON KNOX Come with your ideas and Jason will guide you as you bring your characters and story to life in an illustrated book! Wednesdays, 4-5:30 p.m. through Aug. 27 $25. (805) 471-8189. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/04/Storytelling-wMarkers-and-Ink-Knox-Wednesdays-1. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY FINDING YOUR CREATIVITY WITH ACRYLIC MIXED MEDIA Join this fun, acrylic mixed-media demonstration on Saturday with Debra Piazza at Art Center Morro Bay. Aug. 2 3-5 p.m. Free. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504, artcentermorrobay.org.

FORGING: SPREADERS AND OTHER HOR D’OEUVRES FLATWARE In this two-day workshop, you will design and make several pieces using basic hand forging techniques. No experience is required. Visit the website for more details. Aug. 2 , 1-5 p.m. $365. (805) 237-8632. randystromsoe.com. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County. MICHAEL JOHNSTON SHOWS HER FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY IN GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE Michael Johnston loves horses, traveling, exploring, and nature itself. Her camera captures what she sees, and brings them home for you. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PROOF See the production, Proof at By The Sea Productions until August 24. Get information at the link. Fridays-Sundays. through Aug. 24 $28. my805tix.com. By

—Angie Stevens

PHOTO COURTESY OF VICKI ANDERSEN

Attention local singers, songwriters, musicians, & bands... Become a legendary New Times Music Award (NTMA) recipient!

Enter to win amazing prizes including a custom NTMA Newtie, your name/band name on all NTMA merch, and a performing spot at the New Times Music Awards and Showcase at SLO Brew Rock on Friday, November 21, 2025.

GENERAL RULES

Entries must be received between Thursday, July 24, 2025 and Monday, August 11, 2025 by 5 p.m. to be considered for the 2025 New Times Music Awards (NTMA).

• $20 entry fee for each song, songwriter, and album entry.

Enter 2 songs and get the 3rd FREE.

Participants may enter a maximum of 13 songs (10 genre category, 3 songwriting category) and 1 album.

ONLINE ENTRIES ARE PREFERRED FOR SONGS Fill out the entry form, upload songs, and pay for your entries with a credit card at NewTimesSLO.com. Best Album entries must be entered in person or by mail.

If you wish to pay with cash or check, you may drop off your entries at either the New Times or Sun offices. Bring your music entries on a CD or USB drive along with your completed entry form. Checks should be made payable to “New Times.”

All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County.

All entrants must be able to play at the showcase event at SLO Brew Rock in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Nov. 21, 2024.

All entrants under 18 years of age must select the Youth category and must have a parent or guardian sign the entry form.

By entering the contest, all entrants give permission to New Times Media Group to reproduce submissions on compact disc and on the web. All entries remain the property of performers.

New Times Music Awards is not responsible for lost, damaged, incomplete, or late entries.

The top 3 songs in each category need to provide high-quality versions of their songs (16 Bit, 44.1 Sample Rate).

Songs may have multiple co-writers, but please designate one contact name only on entry form.

Winners will be chosen by a select panel of judges.

Songs will be judged on overall performance.

Live performers will share the ‘Back Line.’

Check NewTimesSLO.com or contact NTMA@NewTimesSLO.com for more information.

The New Times Music Awards Showcase and Competition is an all-ages show. Performers agree to eliminate explicit lyrics during their performance.

GENRE CATEGORIES

The Youth category is for musicians entering music who are under the age of 21 as of July 24, 2025.

The Open genre includes reggae, world beat, jazz, classical, new age, electronic, etc.

Each song submission must have a genre selected. If nothing is selected, the song will go into the Open genre.

If judges determine a song to be a better fit with a different genre category than what was originally submitted, they reserve the right to recategorize it.

SONGWRITER CATEGORY

You may enter up to 3 songs in the Songwriting genre, which is being judged separately.

Upload a .txt or .doc file or include a printout of lyrics with your entry.

ALBUM CATEGORY

Albums must have been released between November 21, 2024 and July 24, 2025 to be eligible. Please deliver a hard copy to either the New Times or Sun office along with a completed entry form by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 for consideration.

The entire presentation will be judged, including quality of songs, sound, and packaging. Only 1 album per entrant total.

until Monday, August 11, 2025 @ 5 pm

SCAN TO ENTER

ARTIST NAME

NAME OF PERFORMING ARTIST(S) EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD APPEAR ON CD (BAND NAME, STAGE NAME, ETC.)

SONG ENTRY BY GENRE

ENTER UP TO 10 SONGS • FILL OUT THE INFO BELOW FOR EACH SONG ENTERED

SONG TITLE

PLEASE CHECK ONE BOX PER SONG TITLE TO INDICATE SONG GENRE: Rock/Alternative County/Americana/Folk R&B/Blues Hip-Hop/Rap  Youth  Jazz

Enter online or use additional entry forms if entering more than one song

SONGWRITER ENTRY

ENTER UP TO 3 SONGS • FILL OUT THE INFO BELOW FOR EACH SONG ENTERED

Upload a .txt or .doc file or include a printout of lyrics with your entry SONG TITLE

Enter online or use additional entry forms if entering more than one song

BEST ALBUM ENTRY ONLY 1 ALBUM MAY BE ENTERED

ALBUM TITLE

Enter Best Album by mail or drop off at New Times or Sun office

LOCAL LEGEND AWARD NOMINEE

The Local Legend Award recognizes an individual or group who has contributed to help enrich, support, and further music’s reach in our community; someone whose ideas, inspiration, and dedication to this art scene have helped nurture and grow the music scene—whether it’s bringing new sounds to the area or giving people the tools they need to create their own. We would love your input! Please use this space to nominate an individual, group, or organization you feel should be considered for this award:

I certify that I am the writer or co-writer of the song(s) or lyrics submitted. *Except for Cover Genre. I also certify that I have read, understood, and accept the rules and regulations of the New Times Music Awards. If entrant is under 18 years old, the signature of a parent or guardian is required.

Name: Phone:

Signature:

Date:

Email: TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES (14 MAX POSSIBLE) _____________ x $20 = $

ONLINE ENTRIES ARE PREFERRED FOR SONGS, BUT YOU MAY ALSO MAIL OR DROP OFF SUBMISSIONS AT EITHER OF OUR OFFICES BEST ALBUM ENTRIES

Hot Stuff

The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

VIRGINIA MACK EXHIBITS HER FINE ART WATERCOLORS IN GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE Virginia Mack is a teacher, artist, and birder. Her paintings reveal the colors of the winter and summer light, and nature. July 31 - Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

BULLDOG EXPRESS WORKSHOPS

Bulldog Express workshops will be available to assist Allan Hancock College students with free enrollment support and financial aid information starting June 23 at both the Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center. Workshops will be held at the Student Services Building A on the Santa Maria campus, on Mondays and Tuesdays, from June 23 to August 12, from 3 to 6 p.m. At Lompoc Valley Center, they will be held in Building 1 on June 30, July 15, July 21, and August 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. More information can be found at the link. Through Aug. 12, 3-6 p.m. Free. hancockcollege.edu/. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

STEAM FOR GIRLS CAMP There will be explorations in science, tech, engineering, art, and math, along with swimming, licensed lifeguard, local mentors in STEAM. This is geared towards ages 8 to 12. Every 4 days, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $175 with sibling discount. (805) 710-7681. steamtrunk.org. Indah Gallery, 2190 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HANCOCK HELLO ORIENTATION

(LOMPOC) Join Allan Hancock College for Hancock Hello, an in-person orientation for new students and their families. Aug. 5 4-6:30 p.m. Free. hancockcollege.edu/ hello/index.php. Lompoc Valley Center Allan Hancock College, One Hancock Dr., Lompoc, 735-3366.

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.

SUMMER “MOVIES IN THE PARK”

SERIES The city of Lompoc’s Parks and Recreation Division will host three free movies for community members throughout the summer at Ryon Memorial Park. The first will be Moana 2 and screened in June, followed by Dog Man in July and Minecraft in August. Aug. 2 8 p.m. (805) 736-1261. cityoflompoc.com. Ryon Memorial Park, Lompoc, CA, Lompoc.

FAMILY DAY

Join the free End-Of-Summer Family Day at California Nature Arts Museum in Solvang on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Create art using recycled materials, befriend reptiles from Mahni’s Reptiles and pets from SYV Humane Society, and see live honeybees in an observation hive from Santa Barbara Hives. For more details, visit calnatureartmuseum.org.

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

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. 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.

CAMP TACANNEKO Camp Fire Central Coast Council is hosting its 59th annual Camp Tacanneko. It is week-long traditional day camp for kids K-11th grade, who can participate in music, arts-n-crafts, swimming, and more. To get more info and register now, visit the link. Aug. 4-8 $260. (805) 235-0819. campfirecentralcoast.org. Camp Arroyo Grande, 250 Wesley 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. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.

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

FAMILYTOOLS+ SUPPORT GROUP –YOUTHWELL This event is for parents and caregivers of youth, ages 5 to 18, with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette’s, and uniquely-wired brains. Thursdays, 12-1:30 p.m. through Aug. 29 Free. (805) 770-1930. youthwell.org/groups/. SBCC Wake Center, 300 N Turnpike, Santa Barbara.

FIND WALDO LOCAL IN ARROYO GRANDE Staring July 1, join the hunt to find Waldo in local businesses in Arroyo Grande. To participate, pick up a stamp card from Monarch Books. The first 125 seekers who get 10 stamps can return to Monarch Books for a Waldo sticker and a coupon. Seekers who collect 20 or more stamps will have the opportunity to enter a grand-prize drawing. Through July 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 668-6300. monarchbooks805.com. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande. FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFÉ Get free repairs of household appliances, clothing, phones, laptops, toys, bikes, game consoles, outdoor gear, and apparel. Bring your garden abundance to share. Aug. 9, 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (650) 367-6780. repaircafe5cities. org. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. 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. NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER FUNDRAISER 2025 Indoors, you will find arts, crafts, business vendors, along with a huge bake sale and raffle! Outdoors, there will be 23 rummage sale vendors. Gift certificate sponsors needed. Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 931-0841. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo.

PISMO BEACH SPEED NETWORKING Join this in-person Pismo Beach Speed Networking Event, geared towards business professionals, business owners, executives, and sales reps who are looking to expand their business network and social circle. July 31 , 6-8 p.m. $60. my805tix.com. SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, 2241 Price St., Pismo Beach, (805) 773-4608.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.

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

STROLL AND ROLL Stroll and Roll is a guided nature walk, for adults with disabilities, led by a State Park Interpreter along the scenic Guiton Trail. Aug. 2 , 10 a.m.-noon Free. (530) 338-6913. eventbrite.com/e/stroll-and-roll-tickets-1366514665149?aff=o ddtdtcreator&utm-source=cp&utm-campaign=social&utmcontent=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano. SURF LESSONS ALL SUMMER LONG Learn to surf with Sandbar Surf School. All equipment is provided, including a surfboard, wetsuit, and leash. Must pre-register. Through Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $60. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com. Addie Street Surfer Parking Lot, Addie Street, Pismo Beach. WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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, San Luis Obispo. BINGO LOCO Bingo Loco has taken the world by storm with sold-out shows in 200 locations around the globe from Dublin to Sydney. We’ve flipped the traditional game of bingo on its head and turned it into a 2.5-hour long interactive stage show complete with dance-offs, lip sync battles, throwback anthems, confetti showers, and prizes ranging from cars to lawnmowers. See it for yourself at the Fremont! Aug. 2 6:30 p.m. $41.17. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

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. COMMUNITY FARM TOUR Join at the farm on the first Saturday of each month and get a public tour of the regenerative farm! First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. through Dec. 6 (805) 769-8344. cityfarmslo.org/community-tours. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/ week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FREE PET VACCINE CLINICS With the support of Petco Love, Woods is providing free vaccines for cats and dogs during vaccine clinics in August and September! Aug. 2 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/spay-neuter/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo. GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. PARK PALOOZA 2025: COLOR RUN AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Join the second annual event, brought to you in benefit of the SLO Noor Foundation and Surfing For Hope. Participate in the 5K color run, hear live music from The Main Squeeze, and enjoy vendor booths. More info can be found at the link. Aug. 2

Midwife and Wiccan Ceremonialist. More info can be found at the link. Aug. 3 11 a.m. $125. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO BUDDHIST CHURCH OBON Join for the Obon Festival, a Japanese cultural event, at the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church . Aug. 2 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 595-2625. San Luis Obispo Buddhist Church Obon, 6996 Ontario Road, San Luis Obispo, slobuddhistchurch.org.

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. Stamp Collector? The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets in the SLO UMC Conference Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@gmail.com. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. (805) 801-9112. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, slocity.org/seniors.

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

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., 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. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

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

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

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or 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/.

TAP THURSDAY Head to Tap Thursdays at the Wine Stone Inn every week, featuring $5 draft beers and $5 Cava’s. Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. through April 16 Free. (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 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.

WINE BINGO WEDNESDAYS Join Wine Bingo Wednesday at the Wine Stone Inn –– the original bingo night in Old Orcutt. The event will occur weekly with the purchase of an adult beverage. Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. through April 29 (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

RHONE RANGERS TWILIGHT TASTING Join the Rhone Rangers for an evening twilight wine tasting with 24 wineries on the lawn at Rideau Vineyard in Solvang. Aug. 1 , 5:30-7:30 p.m. $55. (800) 467-0163. rhonerangers.org/event-calendar/event/ twilight-tasting-1. Rideau Winery, 1562 Alamo Pintado Rd., Solvang.

FOOD & DRINK continued page 17

WELCOME

TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM

HOT VALLEY NIGHTS

FREE CONCERT SERIES NEXT SHOW AUGUST 9 / BEAR REDELL

HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 / 6PM TICKETS START AT $55

MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 / 8PM TICKETS START AT $49

SHEILA E.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 / 8PM TICKETS START AT $49

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.

TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO BUTCHER SHOP

Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR

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

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday & Saturday night. 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.

SUMMER DANCE PARTY Santa Maria

Valley Senior Citizen Club presents “Summer Fun Dance” with Riptide Big Band and vocalists at the Elwin Mussell Sr. Center. Aug. 10, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775)8135186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

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

FARM FEAST

Freedom Farm Feast will host this year’s vegan sanctuary dinner for the animals at Freedom Farms in Creston on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $210.73 and include a vegan dinner, live music, beer and wine, and a guided tour of the farm. To purchase a ticket or get more information, head to my805tix.com.

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.

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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

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.

MEREDITH WILLSON’S THE MUSIC MAN

Players West presents The Music Man — a heartwarming tale of charm, music, and unexpected love in small-town Iowa. Aug. 7, 7 p.m., Aug. 8 7 p.m., Aug. 9, 2 & 7 p.m. and Aug. 10, 2 p.m. $28.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

REEL TOO REAL HITS THE BEACH!

REEL TOO REAL will hit Harry’s with ‘80s and ‘90s alternative rock that will totally jibe with your weekend beach vibe. Aug. 2 3-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 773-1010. harryspismobeach.com. Harry’s Night Club And Beach Bar, 690 Cypress St., Pismo Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2025 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES Head to the Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach for Saturday afternoon concerts. Get tickets and more info at the link. Through Oct. 11 $28. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach. ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES These free concerts will begin on July 4 and run every Sunday until September 21. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. through Sept. 21 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande. BIG VARIETY NIGHT WITH TED WATERHOUSE Ted Waterhouse hosts multiple local musicians, singersongwriters, and ensembles, each doing a short set. Hear up to eight performers in an evening. First Sunday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 3 Free. (805) 7736563. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach, puffersofpismo.com.

KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY

FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

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

BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY IN AUGUST 2025 First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity 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 dance-worthy beats. Aug. 1 6-10 p.m. $26. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.

JUNIOR TOOTS: TRIBUTE TO TOOTS & THE MAYTALS Junior Toots, born and raised in St Mary, Jamaica, is stopping through SLO. Hear him live at SLO Brew and get tickets at the link. Aug. 2 7 p.m. $33. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

LOS YESTERDAYS Los Yesterdays, the a Chicano soul band from Los Angeles, are set to take the Fremont Theater stage. Hear them live and get tickets at the link. July 31 $37. fremontslo.com/events/losyesterdays-1/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

RAYLAND BAXTER & LANGHORNE

SLIM Two modern troubadours, one unforgettable night. Rayland Baxter and Langhorne Slim will share the stage for an intimate co-headline evening of soul-stirring songs, poetic grit, and raw Americana spirit. Let the lyrics linger and the night unfold. Aug. 3 7 p.m. $49.35. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. m

ARTS BRIEFS

Head to Solvang for a musical about brothers who take on Shakespeare

Something rotten is happening in Solvang starting on Aug. 1. The PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theatre joins the Bottom brothers on a “riotous quest to outshine Shakespeare” at the Solvang Festival Theater with Something Rotten! a musical showing through Aug. 23.

Nick and Nigel Bottom aim to pen the world’s first musical, targeting Shakespeare as the bard to beat, but along the way the Bottom brothers realize that “stardom ultimately requires kicking up their heels and being true to thine own self,” according to press materials. Blending 16th century wit with 21st century Broadway flair, the musical penned by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell opened on Broadway in 2015.

“ Something Rotten! is, at its heart, a love letter to Shakespeare’s plays and to musical theater. Full of quotes from Shakespeare and moments from the classics of musical theater, it is smart and irreverent with an unbridled excess of old-school razzle dazzle,” PCPA directors Roger DeLaurier and Kennon Hooks wrote in a director’s note. “Set in 1595, it was a time when the London theater scene was full of competing theaters, companies, and playwrights, all struggling to survive and desperately vying for patronage and audiences. … Shakespeare was breaking new ground at every turn. How to compete?”

The play contains mature humor, innuendo, and language that may not be suitable for younger audiences and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

For more information and showtimes, visit pcpa.org, where you can also purchase tickets. Find the Festival Theater at 420 2nd St. in Solvang.

Focus on LGBTQ-plus literature with the Rainbow Reads Book Club

Rainbow Reads Book Club Saturdays made a comeback this summer at the Santa Maria Public Library. In June, members discussed No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull. In July, The Pairing by Casey McQuiston. On Aug. 9, members will talk about Samuel Burr’s The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers at 3 p.m. inside the Learning Loft. Every month the Rainbow Reads book club reads and discusses literature that focuses on LGBTQ-plus characters and themes. Registration is required to join, which is for patrons who are at least 18 years old. For more information, call the library’s information desk at (805) 925-0994. Find the library at 421 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria. m

Showtime!

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

Finding magic

Solvang’s nature and art museum displays William Neill’s photos in Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone through August

BY ANGIE STEVENS

William Neill commuted from El Portal to his job as resident photographer at The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley five days a week for five years. During this time, from 1977 to 1984, through each changing season, the landscapes opened up to him.

Noticing the towering granite formations and breathtaking passing scenes through his windshield, he began to revisit and capture them through his camera.

Yosemite has since become the awardwinning nature and landscape photographer’s muse, and his solo exhibit, Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone, captures his burgeoning relationship with the area.

More than 40 of Neill’s photographs spanning four decades are currently on display through Aug. 31 at the California Nature Art Museum (CALNAM) in Solvang. Some depict the swirling spray from a waterfall or the snowy shadows in a forest; others are zoomed out to capture the most iconic monoliths.

A larger look into his extensive portfolio can be found in his newest photography book, also titled Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone.

Attempting to showcase his distinctively unique style among the countless other Yosemite Valley photographers, Neill said he wanted his images to be less descriptive of the place and more about “an artist’s journey.”

The artistic and intimate act that Neill described, of surveying a scene unfolding before one’s eyes and affording a certain detail the spotlight, is what he has done since he received his first camera in 1974. It had a 50mm lens and allowed him to “make small details the big picture.”

Memories as a college student at University of Colorado Boulder also surface, of commuting to work earlier than need be, to spend time at Boulder Creek “looking for photographs.”

There, with his camera sloshing around in his pack next to school books, he began shooting close-up images of crystalline forms— similar to the ones featured in his Sanctuary in Stone exhibit, taken along the Merced River in Yosemite, which Neill now coins his “go-to location for ice imagery.”

He admits wide photos have a role to play but believes a body of work that includes a mixture of scale can better describe an area. He said

Valley magic

Located at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang, the California Nature Art Museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. William Neill’s Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone exhibit is on display until Aug. 31. For more about the exhibit, visit calnatureartmuseum.org.

Ansel Adams himself, but all the other fine art photographers involved with the gallery and their workshops.

While leading camera walks for groups of tourists as part of his job, Neill said he would take aspiring photographers out to the meadow and teach them how to teach themselves. Because beyond the camera basics, Neill believes discovering what settings and techniques to use is a personal endeavor.

A similar approach was taken by Adams himself, Neill explained, having attended some of his iconic, two-week annual photography workshops and listened to his lectures on his days off.

“He wasn’t teaching people to be Ansel,” Neill said. “He was adamant on finding your own way and responding to what struck you the most.”

Neill recounted a memory of absorbing Adams’ complex relationship with Yosemite one summer afternoon at the infamous Tunnel View pullout, where millions of tourists park and take photos each year.

he’s learned to think in themes, pairing images with similar feelings together—whether that be moods, colors, or contradicting seasons—in his various books and online portfolio collections.

Many of his Yosemite photographs were taken using the intentional camera movement technique, which involves moving one’s camera while taking a shot with a long exposure. The effect creates painting-like images, with vibrant details akin to brushstrokes on a canvas.

In one corner of the exhibit, three photographs of this blurry, abstract nature hang together, including Aspen Impressions #2 and Winter Forest

“He’s an artist and it shines through,” said CALNAM visitor and gift shop manager Mya Mantilla, noting the joy it brings her to gaze at the exhibit’s photographs—including the giant print of Rainbows over Lower Yosemite Falls while at work.

“It’s almost a spiritual relationship with the land,” she said of Neill’s connection to Yosemite.

Neill said his keen eye for photography can be traced back to his childhood years traveling to national parks on vacations with his family, and later working in those parks each summer during college.

The day after he graduated high school in Virginia, Neill recounted, he hopped on a train and a plane to Glacier National Park to work as a dishwasher, exploring the backcountry, and taking photos on his days off.

Come graduation in 1977, Neill landed a job in Yosemite Valley cleaning bathrooms— work that was not glorious by any means, but gave him the money he needed to continue purchasing film and processing it at The Ansel Adams Gallery.

Three years later, at 26, Neill landed a job as resident photographer at that very gallery, which exposed him to what he deems “the sphere of Ansel”—not just the knowledge of

Adams was there testing out a large Polaroid camera, Neill said. The light overhead was not ideal, and Adams announced to the crowd gathered around him that it was not the right time to photograph. He took note of the clouds and weather pattern, and anticipated that an hour later they would move to the perfect spot, and it would be time to shoot.

Neill waited around, and just like Adams predicted, the clouds positioned themselves beautifully. He said he can remember “the way the walls cast shadows” and how the light “highlighted different sections of the valley.”

Neill stepped away from the gallery and became self-employed in 1984. A year prior, Adams approved his prints to be represented in his gallery, and thus Neill remains the last person to be selected by Adams himself.

Since then, he’s worked to get his photographs published in magazines, books, calendars, and make money off print sales. In recent years, he’s hosted his own workshops to share his photographic knowledge with others. This fall, he will teach a workshop in the Eastern Sierras and next spring, one in Yosemite.

Neill said someone once asked him how he can continue photographing in Yosemite after more than four decades. The answer is simple: He doesn’t see the park’s landscape and the photo opportunities it affords as finite.

“Every time I go,” he said, “I’m amazed by something.”. m

Calendar Editor Angie Stevens loves being amazed. Reach her at astevens@newtimesslo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR

TRANSPORTED TO THE VALLEY: Many visitors of the Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone exhibit spend minutes at each photograph, getting lost in the painting-like qualities of some, and the sharp, vibrant colors of others.

PHOTOS BY ANGIE STEVENS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: William Neill’s photograph titled Rock, Water and Tree hangs next to another, titled Ice patterns and grasses along the Merced River. “I like to explore around for quiet images, ones that don’t shout too loud,” he wrote in a Scott Kelby blog post.

The Thing

Moss-Bachrach)

Do the right thing

Matt Shakman (Cut Bank) directs this reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise about four superheroes—Reed Richards/ Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn)—who must protect Earth from planet-eating Galactus (Ralph Ineson). (114 min.)

Glen: We’re well into the summer blockbuster season, and I have to say, I’m feeling some superhero overload. Even so, I enjoyed this new reboot of the superhero team that always flops at the box office. The film’s already broken the curse and more than recouped

STICK

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Apple TV+

Created by Dan Keller (Machine Gun Preacher, Ford v Ferrari ), this engaging comedy TV series puts Owen Wilson center stage as Pryce Cahill, a pro golfer reduced to golf lessons and selling golf clubs. He and his old caddy, Mitts (Marc Maron), also occasionally run a bar scam for quick cash. Pryce’s wife, Amber-Linn (Judy Greer), is divorcing him, he drives an old, beat-up yellow Corvette, and he’s got zero prospects … until he meets Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), a kid who’s a natural.

The series follows Pryce, Mitts, Santi, and Santi’s mom, Elena (Mariana Treviño), as they take an RV trip to various amateur golf tournaments to train Santi to go pro. Along the way, they also pick up Zero (Lilli Kay), who becomes Santi’s girlfriend. Naturally, things don’t go as planned.

The show has a lot of laughs, a lot of heart, and enough drama to keep it interesting. Wilson is exuding his usual hangdog charm. Even though Pryce is an absolute disaster, he’s impossible to hate. Even his ex-wife still wants the best

its $200 million cost after the opening weekend. It’s an amazing looking film, with retrofuture sets and costumes and a mid-century

modern 1960s vibe. It’s also set on an Earth that’s post war and post conflict … except for planet-eating entities and supervillains like Doctor Doom. This film is all about family, and with Sue Storm carrying Reed Richards’ bun in her oven, a fantastic five is on the way. It’s actually sweet and upbeat.

Anna: This one was all about the style for me, and the message was sweet. This sort of atomic, futuristic retro world is total eye candy, and we got to spend a lot of time eating up the scenery. Helpfully, the film doesn’t assume its audience knows the premise of the Fantastic Four going in; I certainly didn’t. All I knew is that previous attempts at adding these characters to the list of big

UNTAMED

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Netflix

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Arroyo Grande, Fair Oaks

hitters have flopped. I didn’t know much about them, and I always thought of them as B-list superheroes, but it turns out all this team needed was a good cast and a message that resonates with audiences. We all have families, whether chosen or traditional, and this tight team of Sue and Reed, Sue’s brother Johnny, and Reed’s BFF Ben all have a deep commitment, and not just to each other but to the world. I’m also a bit on superhero burnout, but between a fairly tender storyline and some truly beautiful sets, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is gratifying enough to recommend to everyone. Glen: I thought it was smart and fit perfectly into the film’s vibe when we get their backstory through a TV talk show called The Ted Gilbert Show, with an episode honoring their four-year anniversary of returning from a space mission as changed beings. Ted Gilbert (Mark Gatiss channeling Dick Cavett) shows clips of their mission, return, and their superhero adventures, so it’s a mini origin story tucked inside this larger story of Galactus and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Marvel is clearly planning a full return of the Fantastic Four. They’re scheduled to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The Marvel Universe continues to expand.

Anna: Filmmakers were able to snag a great cast here as well. The four team members gave it their all and played their characters with conviction. Ben is funny and a softie in a tough shell, Johnny is Peter Pan looking to grow up, Reed is tortured by what he perceives to be his mistakes, and Sue is the strong, maternal compass that keeps them grounded. If you’re going to sneak in one more blockbuster with the kids before school starts again, I recommend you consider this one—it’s a good-hearted film about family. m

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

National Parks are beautiful, but all hold deadly secrets. Entire podcast series are based on true stories of missing people, murder, and nefarious acts that happen within park borders.

for him. If you like sports shows like Ted Lasso —and no, it’s not that good, but it’s fun enough—you’ll probably like Stick (10 29- to 45-min. episodes) —Glen

Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) is a troubled man, prone to drink and anger. It takes a bit to settle in on the why, but we soon learn that Turner is stuck in grief, and every inch of ground in Yosemite reminds him of what he’s lost. The series opens with an adrenaline-spiking shot of climbers on the face of El Capitan when suddenly a young woman’s body plummets from the peak and opens up a dark and twisty trail for Turner to follow as he tries to piece together who she was and why she fell. His mentor and Chief Park Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill) reluctantly lets Kyle investigate, but only if he does so alongside rookie transplant Ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) who moved to town with her young son to escape a sinister ex. The two soon uncover deadly secrets, ones that put lives at risk. We watched this over the course of a couple of evenings—it’s propulsive and layered. Anyone who likes a bit of grit and a good crime drama will eat this up. (six 42-

How it Works:

On-Demand wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) brought to you by Care Connection Transport Services powered by Santa Barbara County

Service Hours:

Mon-Fri: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Sat-Sun: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Service Details:

Scan the QR code to download the app or book online $2.00 per mile

SAVE THE WORLD: Left to right, Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), and

(Ebon

must save Earth from a planet-eating entity, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps , screening in local theaters.

to 51-min.

MEAL TICKET: Washed-up pro golfer Pryce Cahill (Owen Wilson, right) and his former caddy Mitts (Marc Maron) hope they’ve struck gold when they discover and mentor a young golf prodigy, in Stick , streaming on Apple TV+.

MURDER MYSTERY: National Parks Service investigator Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) is assigned rookie park ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) as he works to unravel a brutal murder, in the Netflix miniseries Untamed.

Innovation station

Cal Poly’s Strawberry Center provides farmers with careful research they can take back to their fields

BY CAMILLIA LANHAM

In eight years, the cost of growing strawberries in California has increased by 40 percent.

In 2016, farmers spent about $62,000 per acre of the red berry. By 2024, they were paying $105,000, according to Mohammad Amir Aghaee, who leads the entomology program at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center.

“When you have a situation like that, every cent matters,” Aghaee said. “Anywhere they can save money, they are looking for it.”

Aghaee studies insects—specifically the pests that can do so much harm to strawberry fields, including lygus, which can deform the fruit; the spotted wing drosophila, which lay eggs in the berries that eventually become tiny maggots; and two-spotted and Lewis mites, which can cause yield losses. He presented his research as part of the annual Strawberry Field Day on July 24, when growers, product manufacturers, students, and others in or interested in the industry toured the work the center has been doing in partnership with the California Strawberry Commission.

The entomology program researches how effective conventional and organic products are in helping to manage those pests.

“At the core of it, it’s to save the grower money, increase efficiency, and hopefully reduce inputs,” Aghaee said. “The goal, at least for the entomology program, is to make sure that the products that are being sold to growers are doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”

“I just let the data speak for itself,” he added. “I have to be neutral, … and the growers … will make their own decision.”

Strawberry Center Director Gerald Holmes said that farmers have a need—whether it’s more effectively treating pests and diseases or addressing labor shortages or costs—and the center can address that need through careful research. As the director since its inception 11 years ago, Holmes said about 150 Cal Poly students have gone through the program either through part-time work or as part of a masters’ degree. Currently, about 50 students participate in the center’s programs every year.

“You have a need, ability to address that need through research, and facilitate adoption,” Holmes said.

In addition, students have the opportunity to work closely with the industry, learn leadership skills, find their passions within farming, and lend their ideas to the future.

As groups walked down to the 3 acres of strawberry fields behind Cal Poly’s Technology Park off Mount Bishop Road, each person was required to snap a pair of green fabric booties around their shoes. No soil pathogens allowed in and none allowed out.

The smell of ripe strawberries wafted up as unmanned tractors and other devices rolled down the rows between tables and tents showcasing studies on pests, fungus like powdery mildew, automation, and new technologies.

“They can do a lot that we can’t,” said Jeff Quaglino with Quaglino Farms in Santa Maria. “We just don’t have the ability to do the testing, especially on the efficacy of different sprays. …

Grow yourself

The California Strawberry Center is located on Cal Poly’s campus. Find outmoreabouttheprogrambyvisiting strawberry.calpoly.edu. Learn about the California Strawberry Commission at californiastrawberries.com.

They can get very granular and specific.”

He added that farmers like him can take what they need from the work done at the Strawberry Center and apply it or phase it into their own operations. For instance, multiple years showing one fungus treatment is better than others could give farmers an opportunity to apply fewer chemicals, which is the best outcome for the berries.

“If we can spray every 10 days instead of every seven, it’s beneficial over the lifetime of the crop,” he said, as an example.

Quaglino’s been farming for about a decade and focused on strawberries for the last three. He described the market as “really rough” over the last few years.

Strawberries were Santa Barbara County’s top commodity crop in 2024, netting more than $860 million, according to the most recent Santa Barbara County crop report. While San Luis Obispo County hasn’t released its crop report for 2024 yet, in 2023, strawberries were second to winegrapes, netting more than $274 million that year.

On July 1, Santa Barbara County Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Matthew Maiten told the county Board of Supervisors that the numbers in the report only reflect gross values of the commodities—not profits.

“It does not consider the costs associated with labor, planting, irrigation, distribution, among other production activities,” Maiten said.

The market value of strawberries on store shelves has not kept up with the cost of what it takes to grow them, Quaglino said.

DEMO: At the Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s annual field day on July 24, TRIC Robotics demonstrates an automated machine that uses UV light to treat strawberry pests and vacuum them up afterward.

BERRY GOOD: With 3 acres of strawberries to conduct research on and access to an additional 10, the Cal Poly Strawberry Center studies pest and fungus management, automation, and new technologies in partnership with the California Strawberry Commission.

“Over the past few years, strawberry growers have struggled to make enough money to cover our costs to grow the crop. Just as people have seen their cost of living go up over the past few years. The agricultural industry has not been immune either,” Quaglino told the Sun in a follow-up email after the field day. “To add to that, the sales price has been stagnant and/or lower than five-year historical averages week after week. Maybe it’s because the strawberry is not en vogue at moment like it once was or we just have too many acres producing.”

The big takeaway from the annual field day as a grower, he said, is being able to glean what they can and implement it on the farm “to save money and still produce a top quality berry.”

The California Strawberry Commission funds the center to the tune of about $1 million a year, which can be leveraged for federal and state research grants, commission President Rick Tomlinson said.

“We’ve been growing every year. It’s something that builds on itself,” he said. “The industry is

doing this because we’re constantly searching for innovation.”

One example of how the center has helped innovate automation is increasing the efficiency of something called a bug vacuum.

The device rolls over crop fields and vacuums bugs off the berry plants. But with the help of research dollars, a collaboration with Driscoll’s, and students, the center was able to increase the machine’s efficiency by 400 percent. TRIC Robotics demonstrated a device that uses UV lights to kill pests before vacuuming them up, zapping the pests as it rolls through the fields, then sucking them into a catchment.

It’s the second year that the center has demonstrated that machine at the field day. While the device is still fairly new, and there aren’t many on the market yet, the center is the place where ideas like that can take root, Tomlinson said.

“You have the science to say, does this really work or how does this work,” Tomlinson said. “So a farmer can have an informed choice.” m

Editor Camillia Lanham loves a ripe strawberry. Send some to clanham@santamariasun.com.

FIELD DAY: Strawberry growers, distributors, product manufacturers, politicians, students, and more attended the Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s annual demonstration day on July 24.