Sun, June 19, 2025

Winning Images

For 30 years, New Times Media Group has been asking Central Coast photographers to send their best moments our way. Animal moments, people moments, floral moments, and more. This year, they submitted 333 images for our annual Winning Images contest, which our judges narrowed down to the top three in each of eight categories and honorable mentions. Crack open this week’s issue to check out all the great things that locals can capture from behind the lens [10].

Also, read about the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce’s money problems [4]; a local photographer inspired by landscapes and color [34]; and a Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club wine and food event [37]

Lanham

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Joe Maloney was an employee of Jack and Winnie (our founder’s daughter) Malone. He purchased the funeral home from the Malone Family in 1975 and our name became Magner-Maloney Funeral Home. Joe was a kind, giving, and caring man who was cherished by many. He brought these qualities in his service to the families of the Santa Maria Valley. Joe showed his commitment and trustworthiness in many ways. One was his decision to offer families guaranteed prearranged funeral plans. This truly showed his kind and giving nature and was pivotal in assisting families with future planning. Joe passed away in 2021.

E. Stowell Road, Santa Maria (805) 925-2753 www.magnermaloney.com

grifo es una fuente segura de agua potable y menos costosa. ¡Y no hay botellas de plástico que dañen el medio ambiente!

Tues–Sat 10am–4pm

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Joseph “Joe” Maloney, Owner Service at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 1970 - 2021

• On June 12, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) was forcibly removed from U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles, while “exercising his duty to perform congressional oversight in the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California,” according to a statement from Padilla’s office. “[Padilla] tried to ask the secretary a question and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground, and handcuffed. He is not currently detained,” the June 12 statement reads. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Padilla “should be ashamed of his childish behavior,” in an X post on June 12. “He crashed the middle of an official press conference being held by a cabinet secretary, recklessly lunged toward the podium where [Noem] was speaking, and then refused to leave the room and follow the directions of law enforcement officers,” Leavitt stated. In a June 15 press release, Padilla described his experience at the conference. “I was at a scheduled briefing with representatives of Northern Command just a couple doors down the hall in the same federal building when I learned of the press conference,” Padilla stated. “My briefing delayed because the folks I was supposed to meet with were at the press conference. So I asked if we could listen in. I was escorted over.” On the topic of his forcible removal, Padilla stated: “If that’s how this administration responds to a senator with a question, don’t just imagine what they’re capable of, but what they are doing when the cameras are not there, to people without a title like [U.S.] senator.” According to Padilla, when Noem’s office offered him a meeting after the incident, “I took it,” he said. Padilla stated that he didn’t receive substantive or informative answers to his questions during this meeting.

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) cosponsored U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-Maryland) Truth in Tariffs Act, which would require large retailers to clearly display the portion of an item’s price attributable to tariffs. The bill was designed to give Americans full transparency on the hidden costs of tariffs and protect consumers from price-gouging “by ensuring that large retailers do not use President Trump’s chaotic tariffs rollout as an excuse to hike up prices even further,” according to Carbajal’s office. “Instead of delivering on his promise to lower costs for families, Trump is recklessly imposing new tariff taxes that will have the opposite effect,” Carbajal said in a June 10 statement. “Families who carefully budget every dollar deserve to know how this administration’s trade policies are driving up prices. That’s why I’m cosponsoring Rep. Raskin’s bill to ensure large retailers provide full transparency on tariff costs—so families can make informed decisions.”

• In a June 13 statement, U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) commented on the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. “DACA is becoming a teenager, a reminder that many of our Dreamers are now fully grown adults who have worked hard, excelled in school, and built full lives in the only country they have ever called home thanks to the program that has meant hope and opportunity for so many,” Schiff stated. “DACA recipients, one of every four of whom live in California, are part of the fabric of our communities. And at a time when the Trump administration is using indiscriminate immigration enforcement through mass raids, these friends and neighbors remain at great risk. Now more than ever, we need to provide a clear pathway to citizenship for these young people who have always called America home.” m

CHAMBER OF CONTENTION: Lompoc City Council members engaged in a passionate debate about whether to decrease funding to the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce at its June 3

Lompoc chamber of commerce announces closure

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce will close June 30, according to a June 10 Facebook post from the chamber, which blamed the City Council’s decision to “abruptly and drastically cut funding.”

“This is more than a budget cut. It’s the potential loss of a vital community pillar,” chamber President/CEO DeVika Stalling wrote. “We are calling on YOU … to show up and speak out.”

At its June 3 meeting, the Lompoc City Council voted 4-1 to decrease the city’s annual contribution to the chamber by about 30 percent. Councilmembers Victor Vega, Dirk Starbuck, and Steve Bridge and Mayor Jim Mosby supported the move while Councilmember Jeremy Ball didn’t.

“I’m not an advocate of the chamber going away. Chambers fund themselves in lots of cities,” Bridge said at the June 3 meeting. “I am an advocate of protecting funds so we can pay the police, and that’s kind of where we’re at. … I’m not trying to be a jerk here.”

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Mayor Jim Mosby told the Sun that he’s tried to reach out to the chamber but hasn’t heard back. He said members of the chamber walked right by him with their heads down outside his office when they came in to see the city manager.

“That was weird,” Mosby said. “I’ve been by the chamber five times in the last couple months. There’s nobody there. I’ve been the mayor for over six months now. They haven’t reached out to me once. I’m not sure what’s going on.”

Mosby said he has concerns with how the chamber is spending “the people’s money.”

“In their contract, they’re supposed to have an annual audit every first and third year and a financial document on the even years,” Mosby said. “The last audit I have is from 2022. I have no ’23 or ’24 numbers. I don’t know if we can legally give them money until they have these financial statements.”

The chamber generated $265,000 in revenue and spent $381,000 on expenses in the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to ProPublica’s NonProfit Explorer. The chamber’s 990 form for that year— the most recent available—lists $100,020 in administrative and management expenses.

“What were those?” Mosby asked.

The chamber had $146,270 in non-interestbearing cash in June 2023, according to that 990. Mosby wondered what happened to that money and why the chamber can’t use it to make up for the funding cut.

“I’m not trying to be a jerk. I’m just trying to dig into it,” Mosby said. “The council is still finalizing negotiations with the police officer association. We only have $300,000 to $400,000 to give the whole department raises. So, we sit there and weigh this out. We know we lose officers because they say we don’t pay them enough. Do we want to lose police officers, or do we want to support the chamber? I was hoping everybody would work together, but they just want to throw in the towel, and now they’re starting to bash us online, calling us the ‘Good Ol’ Boys.’ I don’t get it. That’s the way they want to do it? That’s not how you’re supposed to operate and get along—calling people names.”

Not everyone sees it the same way as Mosby. Councilmember Ball said that suggesting the chamber should fund itself is “ridiculous.”

“The balance of businesses being able to step up and pay enough to provide for the chamber just doesn’t work the same way here,” Ball said. “That doesn’t mean we get rid of it, because they can’t fully fund themselves.”

Unlike many cities who have to “put their future on a credit card,” Lompoc is operating with a balanced budget, Ball said. He said any narrative that the city can’t afford to contribute to the chamber is “just B.S.”

“It wasn’t that long ago that we were going through the pandemic and Lompoc was sitting in negative when it came to reserves,” Ball said. “Now, we have $8 million in reserves. Anyone saying that we’re unhealthy financially is just wrong. We do have the funds. We do have the discretion to do the right thing, period.”

Ball disputed those who question the chamber’s absence.

“Their board showed up the last time we had this meeting, and they were not asked to talk to City Council. They were literally shut up. One person made open comments, and that was it,” Ball said. “If I was in the chamber’s shoes, I would be hesitant to just give a soundbite here and there. They want everything to be public and transparent.”

He said he fears the message that not having a chamber of commerce will send to visitors.

“It doesn’t say, ‘Lompoc is open for business.’ It says the opposite,” Ball said.

The chamber posted updates on Facebook urging community members to voice their support at the June 17 council meeting, which took place after the Sun went to press.

“The Lompoc Valley Chamber has become a cornerstone of the city, not only producing some of Lompoc’s most successful and inclusive community engagement events, but [also] serving as a vital bridge between local government, residents, and businesses,” chamber board president Chuck Madson said at the June 3 meeting. “My dedication to the chamber comes from witnessing firsthand something no other nonprofit in this area can replicate: the chamber’s unique ability to bring the community together.”

—Reece Coren

Local advocacy groups respond to reported ICE activity in Santa Maria

Four months after leading an ICE protest outside of Santa Maria City Hall, 17-year-old Cesar Vasquez adorned a cap and gown a few

blocks away at Santa Maria High School’s June 12 graduation ceremony

Vasquez said it was difficult for him and some of his peers to enjoy the accomplishment because of recent reports about ICE activity in Santa Maria.

“I wasn’t able to focus on my graduation,” Vasquez told the Sun. “For a few of my friends, actually, their parents weren’t willing to attend this graduation out of fear that they would be picked up, or that there would be an ICE raid.”

While many students stood for the national anthem during the ceremony, Vasquez and a handful of others kneeled instead as an act of protest. A video clip of Vasquez kneeling went viral on TikTok. The post has more than 15,000 likes as of June 17.

“At this point, there isn’t a lot I can do, … other than organize [protests] and fight against the current administration,” said Vasquez, who plans to organize another ICE protest at Santa Maria City Hall in early August.

The day before Vasquez’s graduation from Santa Maria High School, the Central Coast Alliance United for Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) reported that a total of at least 40 farmworkers were detained in areas across Ventura County and Santa Barbara County on June 10.

The nonprofit has bases in Santa Paula, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria.

“This number would have been much higher if it hadn’t been for powerful organizing and informed employers,” CAUSE co-executive director Hazel Davalos said in a June 11 statement. “CAUSE was in touch with workers at nine ranches that ICE attempted to enter; fortunately employers denied entry at these workplaces.”

Claire Wineman, president of the GrowerShipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, said that the nonprofit aims to keep its partnering farm owners informed on various property rights, including rights related to granting law enforcement access to their property.

“There are certain restrictions on private property access, and that’s something we’ve provided outreach on for a long time,” Wineman said. “There are situations where there’s limitations on those restrictions, … depending on the specific facts and circumstances.

“We try to help members navigate those nuances as well,” Wineman continued. “Private property access restrictions are an important piece of maintaining a safe and orderly workplace.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

meeting, ultimately voting 4-1 to cut support by about 30 percent.

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

WALK THE WALK: In February, Santa Maria resident Cesar Vasquez organized a school walkout and march toward City Hall where participants protested federal immigration enforcement. Vasquez told the Sun he plans to hold another protest outside of City Hall in early August.

The

Santa Maria Joint Union

High School District

Special Education - Child Find

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

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

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria

Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes

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

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

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Planning Commission recommends urban/rural boundary revision for Orcutt project

A rodeo arena, dog groomer, and trade school surround the rural 4-acre parcel where Famcon Pipe and Supply hopes to build a new Orcutt facility.

Located outside of Santa Maria’s city limits near the Elks Event Center, the project’s proposed site raised “no objections from our immediate neighbors,” Famcon agent Gelare Macon told the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission during its June 11 meeting.

Macon and other representatives of Famcon attended the hearing to support the local company’s request for a rezone and to amend Orcutt’s urban/rural boundary— both necessary for the 11,000-square-foot project (which includes a 7,200-square-foot warehouse and a 3,800-square-foot office) to move forward, county planner Steve Conner explained.

“A rezone is needed because the proposed project includes an outdoor storage and sales use that is not allowed in the highway commercial zone district,” Conner said at the meeting. “An adjustment to the urban/rural boundary is also needed because the site [is] outside of the urban boundary.

“Rural lands are generally limited to agriculture and related uses,” Conner continued, “whereas wholesale and heavy commercial uses and services, such as the proposed project, are allowed within the urban boundary.”

If Famcon’s request meets the Board of Supervisors’ approval, Orcutt’s urban/rural boundary will be updated to allow urban extension in designated rural parcels “served by existing public water and sewer utilities,” according to the staff report. As part of the proposal, the project site would also be rezoned from highway commercial to general commercial.

A 5-0 vote secured the Planning Commission’s recommendation for the Board of Supervisors to grant Famcon’s request.

“This is a beautiful fit for that area,” 2nd District Planning Commissioner Laura Bridely said. “Long ago, … there was a rigid belief that your urban/rural boundary line never should change. I mean it was solid. It was a point at which environmentalists would lay down their life to protect.”

While reviewing Famcon’s request, Bridely said she had to remind herself that “the way the state and now the county and all the agencies therein is doing planning is 180 degrees different than what it was doing five years ago.” Before the Planning Commission’s vote, both staff and Famcon’s representatives commented on the proposed pipe supply facility’s potential to benefit students of the Mark Richardson Career Technical Education Center and Agricultural Farm, which neighbors the project site, through future workshop offerings.

“This is a complementary use to the existing technical school because they’re likely synergistic opportunities for students to gain practical experience with a large supplier of irrigation materials and technology,” county planner Conner said. m

—Caleb Wiseblood

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!

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Aside from dialing Veggie Rescue’s phone number, local growers don’t need to lift a finger to gift surplus food to community members in need of a helping hand.

Based in Santa Ynez, Veggie Rescue travels via box truck to multiple farms and businesses across Santa Barbara County for pickups of excess fruits and vegetables on a regular basis.

Within a 24-hour span of each pickup, the nonprofit delivers the produce it grabs to one or more of 50-plus organizations on the Veggie Rescue’s donation recipient list.

“Our primary goal is to reduce hunger through the food that we donate to nonprofits serving the food insecure,” said Eryn Shugart, Veggie Rescue’s executive director since April.

She originally joined the nonprofit as its development director in late 2024. But her introduction to Veggie Rescue was a few years prior, after inquiring about the group’s scope and reach, Shugart told the Sun over email.

“I learned about the organization when I was working with a physician in Lompoc to open what is now our county’s only free health clinic for the uninsured,” said Shugart, former executive director of Savie Health, established in 2022.

During her time with the Lompoc clinic, Shugart reached out to Veggie Rescue “about receiving food donations for some of our patients.”

A handful of Lompoc organizations are among Veggie Rescue’s current donation recipients, including the BridgeHouse Emergency Shelter and the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. Santa Maria, Orcutt, Los Alamos, Guadalupe, Santa Barbara, and Goleta are among the other areas where Veggie Rescue regularly arranges food pickups and deliveries.

Local food producers can schedule weekly surplus pickups if there’s consistent excess or contact Veggie Rescue when unexpected surpluses occur.

Groups interested in becoming future recipients of food donations can fill out a form on Veggie Rescue’s website. The nonprofit accepts monetary and in-kind donations as well to support its operations.

When founder Terry Delaney launched Veggie Rescue in 2010, one of the first farms to sign up for surplus pickups was Folded Hills in Gaviota. In celebration of Veggie Rescue’s 15th anniversary in May, Folded Hills lent out its spacious ranch to the nonprofit for a festive fundraiser dinner.

The Gaviota venue also provided wine and food at the May 1 event, which raised more than $100,000 for Veggie Rescue, according to Shugart.

“About a third of the funds raised came from ticket sales,” she said. “Nearly half came from event sponsorship, and the remainder of the income was from paddle raise and live dessert auction donations.”

Some of the event’s lead sponsors included Solomon Hills Estate ($5,000), New Frontiers Natural Marketplace ($2,500), and the Allan Hancock College Foundation ($1,000).

While redistributing surpluses from local producers to groups across the county that host food drives or food service events for individuals and families in need, Veggie Rescue aims to alleviate issues tied to both hunger and environmental sustainability, Shugart explained.

“Most people don’t know that surplus food frequently winds up in landfills where it releases methane, which is a greenhouse gas,” said Shugart, who described one of Veggie Rescue’s tenets as “ensuring that fresh food feeds people, not landfills.”

In early June, Veggie Rescue added a staffer to its team through a newly created position. As Veggie Rescue’s first appointed program director, David Roberts will oversee the nonprofit’s expansion efforts to increase its list of partnering organizations.

This goal goes hand in hand with Veggie Rescue’s aim to help reduce Santa Barbara County’s cyclical poverty rate, Shugart explained.

“Poverty is a key driver of food insecurity, and food insecurity can deepen poverty,” she said. “[That] point gets to the heart of Veggie Rescue’s work.”

Highlight

• June 22 will mark the end of a local organizer’s Filipino immigration history exhibition after a 10-month run. On display in Santa Barbara’s Casa de la Guerra, the exhibit—titled Manongs on the Central Coast: Forming Communities Across Generations—includes photographs and other contributions from Lompoc native Bing Aradanas, a Filipino American who’s taught history courses at both UCSB and Cal Poly. Visit sbthp.org for more info. m

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK: Founded in Santa Ynez by Terry Delaney in 2010, Veggie Rescue has partnered with several local farms over the past 15 years to deliver donated produce to groups that hold hunger drives and food service events for unhoused individuals and families in need.

Should Sable Offshore be starting up its onshore oil production pipeline?

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2% Maybe. It needs to pay the Coastal Commission’s $18 million in fines first. 151 Votes

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Grow up

Democrats who make fun of Trump motivate his sense of vengeance

BY MARGIE SLIVINSKE

TACO Trade? Seriously?

Democrats just never learn. And thus, we are where we are right now. And, if Trump’s vengeful personality has anything to do with it, things are going to get a lot worse, thanks in large part to Democrats who just can’t get out of their own way.

According to some of his closest advisors and confidants at the time, the decision Trump made to run for president in 2016 occurred at a White House correspondents’ dinner in 2011. And his decision had absolutely nothing to do with any responsibility Trump felt about serving his country. We all know he’s never felt that responsibility in any way. It had nothing to do with any great experience and wisdom of governance that led Trump to run for president. We all know he has neither and is a known antiintellectual. And it had nothing to do with being a life-long Republican committed to lifting up his party and country. Trump’s political views have changed almost as often as he changes underwear. He’s been registered as a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, and not affiliated with any party at least several times each since the late 1980s.

Trump is motivated by vengeance. Period. And that was definitely triggered during Obama’s little attempt at humor at Trump’s expense

When youth are the target: we must stand up to immigration raids on the Central Coast

Across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, a deeply disturbing pattern is unfolding—one that echoes the violent immigration enforcement actions taking place in Los Angeles.

Even more disturbing is that they are not

during his five-minute speech at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ dinner, addressing 2,600 journalists and Washington power brokers, with this to say about Trump:

“Donald Trump is here tonight and I know he has taken some flak lately. But no one is happier, no one prouder, to put this birth certificate to rest than the Donald. And that’s because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter like, Did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?”

Did Trump deserve this dig after months of publicly accusing Obama of falsifying his birth certificate and not being a U.S. citizen? Probably. But unfortunately for us, it was this moment and that public insult that resulted in Trump deciding to run for president, according to his closest friends and confidants.

So thank you, Obama, for activating Trump’s petty and vengeful nature enough to make him run for president ... and win. And we all know what has happened since Trump became president in 2016. His vengeance was not quite as evident in his first term, which I believe is mostly because winning surprised him as much as it did everyone else, and therefore, he was totally unprepared to manage a successful revenge tour. Although he tried his best to undo Obama’s legacy, the Affordable Care Act, he never accomplished it, thankfully for the millions of Americans who can afford health insurance because of Obamacare. But after losing to Biden in 2020 and having four more years to learn and plot, in less than six months into his second presidency, he is fully immersed in his successful personal vengeance tour.

You’d think that Democrats would fully understand by now that it is not a sense of duty or

isolated incidents. A Massachusetts high schooler was detained after appearing in court. A 9-year-old child from California is now in deportation proceedings. And here, in our own neighborhoods, youth who should be learning, playing, and growing are instead bracing for the next knock on the door.

As the executive director of a youth-led and youth-serving organization, I see firsthand the pain and fear inflicted on young people simply

humanity or even thinking that he alone can save us all from ourselves that motivates Trump. He is motivated only by words and actions that he feels humiliate him in some way, and now, he has the knowledge and the power to get his revenge. So what do Democrats do?

Just when we think that Trump has backed off on his devastating global tariffs and instead is beginning to take a more reasonable approach and markets are starting to recover and we can breathe a little easier, what can Democrats do to screw it up?

They publicly mock him with their new, oh-so-clever nickname, TACO Trade, with TACO standing for Trump Always Chickens Out. Seriously? What grade are these people in? Does he deserve the name? Maybe. But that’s not the point. The point is that Democrats should have learned that stirring up the hornets’ nest of Trump’s vengeful wrath with public stupid jokes and memes designed to humiliate him is not good for any of us.

Trump is already lashing out at this gradeschool nickname and, true to his vengeful nature, he will now have to even more aggressively attack other countries with his high tariffs, which in turn will cause Americans more financial hardships, just to prove to us all that he does not chicken out. And he will crash our markets and ruin our economy with glee, because it will make him feel better about himself. Because that’s what this president is all about: himself. Period. So thanks, Democrats, for encouraging his vengeance yet again. Hopefully, the little chuckle you get from your TACO Trade joke is worth it. m

Margie Slivinske writes to the Sun from Arroyo Grande. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

for existing in the only home they’ve ever known. These ICE raids, carried out without due process and driven by politically motivated quotas, violate the most basic standards of dignity and justice. The federal response has only intensified this crisis. The use of military resources—including National Guard deployments—has escalated trauma in our communities, particularly among immigrant youth who are already disproportionately vulnerable to poverty, displacement, and systemic neglect. We cannot remain silent.

Youth are not collateral damage. They are our future. And when a government treats their lives as expendable, it’s not just a policy failure—it’s a moral one.

In this moment of crisis, we must act:

• Donate to the 805 UndocuFund and the Immigration Legal Defense Center to ensure families have access to emergency resources and legal support.

• Call on our elected leaders to do more than issue statements—demand they advance policy that protects immigrant families and halts these violent enforcement tactics.

• Volunteer with the 805 Immigrant Response Network to support rapid response efforts and offer aid directly to impacted families.

• Amplify the truth. Lift up the voices of youth and families who are speaking out and demanding justice.

To the immigrant youth and families who are watching this unfold: You are not alone. You are not invisible. We see your strength, your fear, your joy, and your dreams. We will keep fighting—relentlessly—until you are safe, until your rights are respected, and until your future is secure.

We belong to one another. And no matter how loud the injustice, our unity and resistance will always be louder.

Gloria Soto executive director

Chamber danger

How much does it take to fold a chamber of commerce?

In Lompoc, apparently, it takes a little less than $50,000. The Lompoc City Council decided to cut into the amount of funding it provides to the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce—both in cash and in-kind.

The result of that is about a net $60,000 benefit for the chamber rather than the more than $100,000 it usually gets. And with that cut, the chamber—which reported to the IRS that it closed the fiscal year 2022-23 with more than $140,000 on hand—took to the internet.

It announced on Facebook that it was going to cancel this year’s Old Town Market before also announcing that it was going to have to close because of the move “to abruptly and drastically cut funding to the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce—without any prior discussion or opportunity for response.”

“This is more than a budget cut. It’s the potential loss of a vital community pillar that has stood beside our local businesses, youth, and families for decades,” chamber President/CEO DeVika Stalling wrote. “We are calling on YOU—our members, neighbors, and partners—to show up and speak out.”

Stalling, however, did not respond to the Sun’s requests for comment. And she rarely does. Mayor Jim Mosby also said he hasn’t been able to chat with anyone from the chamber either. I do get it, he’s a tough one, but he is the city mayor.

We don’t really have an understanding about what’s happened to the chamber’s finances between June 2023 as the last publicly available tax document is from the 2022-23 fiscal year. So. The question becomes: Can losing out on $48,000 really sink the chamber? And if that’s the case, what’s happened since 2023? And, should the city suck it up and give it to them?

Maybe we’ll find out at the council’s June 17 meeting, the one the chamber is rallying the troops to show up and speak out at. Meanwhile, Mosby is complaining that Lompoc only has $300,000 to $400,000 to give out police raises and that’s the reason why the chamber isn’t getting the funding that it’s used to.

“Do we want to lose police officers or do we want to support the chamber?” Mosby said.

On the other hand, Councilmember Jeremey Ball is touting the city’s $8 million reserve fund, pointing to it and saying that it’s ridiculous for people to claim that the city’s broke and doesn’t have $48,000 measly dollars to share with the local business advocacy organization.

“We do have the funds. We do have the discretion to do the right thing, period,” Ball said.

And I don’t really know what to believe. But I do believe in transparency.

Maybe everything will get aired out at the meeting, and the chamber will tell everyone why that cut would push it over the edge and its show of force will force the city’s hand into making a difficult decision.

Maybe it won’t.

Politics is dicey these days. I don’t know who or what to believe, but I do know that half of what everyone says is spin. Spin. SPIN. m

The Canary is dizzy. Send facts to canary@ santamariasun.com.

DIAMANTES JULY 26 BEAR REDELL AUGUST 9 THE NANDOS MIRIAH AVILA PEPE MARQUEZ JUNE 14 THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT JUNE 28 KNEE DEEP JULY 12 + AUGUST 23

Winning Images 2025

Captured

Local photographers share moments caught on camera

BY CAMILLIA LANHAM

Every moment can be a snapshot in time. Some of those moments translate better than others through a camera lens. And depending on the person behind it, those images can convey so much more than a simple moment. Those are exactly the kind of moments that Central Coast photographers share with us for our annual Winning Images contest. Since 1994, New Times Media Group has asked for those images. This year, local photogs shared 333 images and captured moments with us. Our judges narrowed them down to three winners in eight categories, plus honorable mentions. Every entry also came in with a $10 fee, which was rolled back into prize money for the winners, who also receive awards form the contest’s sponsors. The winning photographs will be on display at The Photo Shop (1027 Marsh St., SLO) through July 14. Check out the winners from 2025 on the following pages.

Contact Editor Camillia Lanham at clanham@santamariasun.com.

JUDGES

Jayson Mellom began his photojournalism career at the Marion Chronicle-Tribune in Indiana before moving on to the Athens Daily News and then The Atlanta Journal/Constitution before eventually settling in San Luis Obispo. He worked for the SLO Tribune for 16 years and has been New Times’ photographer since 2016. Along the way, he’s won state, regional, and national awards for his photojournalism; has been published in National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, In Touch, and Der Spiegel magazines; and has had photos in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times

San Luis Obispo native and perennial Winning Images judge Peggy Mesler is a photographer and the owner of The Photo Shop in SLO, where she shares her appreciation for—and knowledge of—photography with customers, clients, and friends. Peggy earned a journalism degree from Cal Poly, and she opened her shop in 1995.

Stephanie Secrest has a master’s degree in photojournalism from Ohio University. She’s been a freelancer for more 15 years and was with the press for 21 years before that. Stephanie was invited to attend the exclusive Eddie Adams Workshop, a top honor for photojournalists. She was also a pre-qualification judge for Adobe with its ADAA contest. She’s been published in Newsday, The London Sunday News Magazine, The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, The Baltimore Sun, and San Francisco Chronicle among others and was chief photographer and photo

for two newspapers. m

JIM L. MCKINNISS , BEST OF SHOW, Two Tulips

editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAYSON MELLOM

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY MESLER

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE SECREST

GARY O’NEILL , SECOND PLACE, In Motion, Oak Leaf in Motion

MARLIN HARMS , THIRD PLACE, In Motion, Sunset Whoosh

TIM BENNETT, HONORABLE MENTION, In Motion, Cutting Wave

DANNA JOY DYKSTRA-COY, THIRD PLACE, Landscape/Seascapes, Cayucos Front Street JONATHAN SHAPIRO, HONORABLE MENTION, Landscape/Seascape, Rocket Launch

Winning Images 2025

MARLIN HARMS , FIRST PLACE, Landscape/Seascape, The Drive Past Windy Cove

DAN BAUM , SECOND PLACE, Open, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog

JOHN MANDEVILLE , THIRD PLACE, Flora, Queen of the Night Cactus Flower

GALE OWEN, THIRD PLACE, People, Witch on the Water

KEVIN MEDICI, HONORABLE MENTION, People, Blonde Ambition

MARLIN HARMS , FIRST PLACE, Flora, Rain Drops as Magnifying Glasses

MICA GROSS , SECOND PLACE, Flora, Gladiolus @ SLO public works

PETRA STEVENSON , HONORABLE MENTION, Flora, After the Conflagration

VINCENT SHAY, HONORABLE MENTION, Animals, Big Gulp

WYATT STAPP, HONORABLE MENTION, Youth, In My Backyard

Winning Images 2025

WAYNE ANGELOTY, FIRST PLACE, In Motion, Wish I Could Do This!

VINCENT SHAY, THIRD PLACE, Animals, Do Whales Smile?

JIM JEFFREY, SECOND PLACE, Animals, A Closer Look

RON MEAD, SECOND PLACE, Travel, Casting a Shadow

MICHAEL V. MESSINA , SECOND PLACE, People, The ‘Supe’

JARED WEINTRAUB , THIRD PLACE, Travel, Yosemite Grandeur

ANDY SAMARASENA , THIRD PLACE, Open, Stop and Smell the Flowers

ISABEL HULS-HUTTON , THIRD PLACE, Youth, Stacks

JIM L. MCKINNISS , FIRST PLACE, Travel, Thierry and Carmela at the Doges Palace #1

RICHARD JACKOWAY, FIRST PLACE, People, Terrace Hill Friends

Winning Images 2025

ISABEL HULS-HUTTON , FIRST PLACE, Youth, Heron Flying

MICHAEL V. MESSINA , HONORABLE MENTION, Open, The Escape

ANDREW WALDRION , SECOND PLACE, Landscape/Seascape, San Simeon Pier

MICA GROSS , HONORABLE MENTION, Travel, River Lodge Motel

WYATT STAPP, SECOND PLACE, Youth, Spring in the Carrizo Plains

Omar Velasco, Antonio Barret, Nydia Gonzalez, Velvet Binx

JUNE 20

Restaurant & Music Club, Santa Barbara

Hot Stuff

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

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/.

HOLMES AND WATSON Join Dr. Watson in a twisty mystery as he navigates a deadly guessing game to uncover the truth behind three men claiming to be Sherlock Holmes June 26, 7-8:45 p.m., June 27, 7-8:45 p.m., June 28 1:30-2:45 & 7-8:45 p.m. and June 29 1:30-2:45 p.m. $25. (805)922-8313. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.

HOLMES AND WATSON (SANTA MARIA)

A twisty, tantalizing mystery that keeps its characters and audience alike guessing until the final moments. June 26, 7-8:30 p.m., June 27 7-8:30 p.m., June 28, 1:30-3 & 7-8:30 p.m. and June 29, 1:30-3 p.m. Starting at $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org/ events/holmes-and-watson. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING

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

AN INVITATION TO DANCE The Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Company presents its 36th season of “An Invitation to Dance.” This presentation showcases the elegance and refinement of ballet, lyrical and pointe, the excitement of jazz and tap, and hip-hop. Get tickets and more information at the link. June 20 7 p.m. and June 21 , 7 p.m. (805) 688-8494. fossemalledancestudio.com/. Santa Ynez High School Little Theater, 2975 CA-246, Santa Ynez.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT KAENA Paint amongst the sprawling landscape of Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang with a glass of wine in hand. Head to the link for more information. June 28 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Kaena at the Ranch, 800 E. Hwy 246, Solvang.

WAITRESS Indulge in Sara Bareilles’s delectable musical, Waitress, which serves up a heartfelt tale of love, liberation, and the pursuit of dreams. June 19, 8-10:30 p.m., June 20 12-10:30 p.m., June 21 8-10:30 p.m., June 22 , 8-10:30 p.m., June 25 8-10:30 p.m., June 26, 8-10:30 p.m., June 27 8-10:30 p.m., June 28 8-10:30 p.m. and June 29, 8-10:30 p.m. $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.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG NATURAL PERFUME-MAKING WORKSHOP AT SANTA RITA HILLS LAVENDER FARM Embark on a journey into the enchanting world of natural

perfumery surrounded by the beauty of the lavender fields. June 21 1-4 p.m. $120. Natural Perfume-Making Workshop at Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, 1900 Tularosa Road, Lompoc, (805) 886-5538, solaromatics.com.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

25 YEARS AND STILL ROCK & ROLL TO ME Presented by The Studio of Performing Arts. June 28 , 6-8 p.m. $17. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/shows/sopa-25years/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA

The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its monthly meeting. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 15 Free. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN: TO WONG FOO Kick off the summer with the screening of To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar under the stars. June 20 8-10 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m.

Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid.com/ aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON

Complete with a saloon setting, card games, duels, and more. June 20 - Aug. 12 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

STARSTRUCK Starstruck is a thrilling dance showcase where iconic films meet electrifying performances by FLEX dancers, including FLEX Force, Moxi, and our inspiring staff and families. June 20 6-8 p.m., June 21 1-3 & 6:30-8:30 p.m. and June 22 , 12-1 & 3-5 p.m. $10-$31.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AARON FOSTER “MOSTLY JOKES”

STAND UP COMEDY Comedian Aaron Foster is set to bring his award-winning and darkly funny “Mostly Jokes” show to Humdinger Brewing in San Luis Obispo. Hear him perform live! June 25, 12-9:30 p.m. $10. (323) 302-3908. aaronfoster. myshopify.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/gallery-

Art Spot on Wheels is hosting its Painting in the Vineyard class on Saturday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang. Tickets are $89 and include a tasting of Kaena wine and all art supplies. More information can be found at artspotonwheels.com.

artists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK

This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolor-based course, but one that branches out into other media. Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

DEANNA BARAHONA California artist Deanna Barahona’s work centers her lived experiences, identity, and personal objects in intimate and domestic spaces through the creation of sculpture, and installation. Through Aug. 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/deanna-barahona/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

DOGS, CATS, OR WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR GOAT! COLLAGE CLASS WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM Create a tribute to your furry friend at this workshop, which will guide you through the process of using handmade papers for a mixed media collage. June 28 12-4 p.m. $55. (805) 478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ESTEBAN CABEZA DE BACA: REMEMBERING THE FUTURE Ranging from 2015 to 2024, the eleven paintings in the gallery explore issues of belonging and identity, activism, and joy and celebration. Through June 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

HIDDEN CREEK AT THE PALM The Palm Theater will screen Hidden Creek , the winner of the 2025 SLO Film Festival Jury Award for the Best Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase Feature. The plot follows a widowed rancher Jimmy, who has spent a lifetime protecting his land, but as dementia takes hold of his mind, so does paranoia. Learn more at the link. June 20, 4:15 p.m. hiddencreekmovie.com. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.

ILLUSTRATING WITH WATERCOLOR MARKERS & INK PENS WITH JASON KNOX Have a brilliant time learning to create vibrant, colorful illustrations using watercolor markers and ink pens. June 21 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25. (805) 471-8189. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo. OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Get over two hours of personalized guidance by Drew Davis and all materials for painting your flower scene. More info can be found at the link. June 28 1-3:30 p.m. $120. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

ROBIN HOOD (FULL-LENGTH BALLET)

The legend of Robin Hood is brought to life on stage through a vibrant three-act ballet with themes of adventure, romance, merriment, and honor. June 21 7-9 p.m. and June 22 2-4 p.m. $22-$58. (805) 756-4849. bt-slo.org/nextproduction. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

SLO REP’S ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS

Registration is open for the summer theatre camps at SLO REP. They are week-long camps for ages five to 18. Scholarships are available. Mondays. through Aug. 4 $230. (805) 781-3889. slorep.org/education/act-theatre-camps/. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 3533 Empleo St., San Luis Obispo.

PALETTE AND POUR

—Angie Stevens

A Legacy of Care, A Future of Coexistence

Every year, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network rescues and rehabilitates thousands of wild animals - giving them a second chance to thrive and helping our community live in harmony with the wild world around us.

Proudly sponsored by:

MEET THE WILDLIFE CENTER THAT’S CHANGING THE WAY WE TALK ABOUT CARING FOR NATURE

WELCOME TO THE SANTA BARBARA WILDLIFE CARE NETWORK

For over 35 years, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing thousands of wild animals each year - from pelicans and opossums to hawks, squirrels, and seabirds. Our wildlife center operates 365 days a year, serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to coexistence.

But caring for wildlife goes beyond rescue and rehabilitation. That’s why we launched Wild Welcome - a growing initiative to help communities live in harmony with the wild world around them. Whether it’s planting native species, choosing safer alternatives to rodenticides, or understanding who to call when you find an animal in need, Wild Welcome offers practical tools and simple steps to support wildlife where you live.

Because every neighborhood is a wild one and every choice we make can help it thrive.

WHY WILD WELCOME MATTERS

Every day, we receive calls from people who want to do the right thing whether they’ve found an animal in distress, need safer alternatives to pest control, or want to make their yards more wildlife friendly. Wild Welcome was created to meet that need.

This initiative is designed to provide clear, practical tools that make it easier to live in harmony with wildlife. From cohabiting with raccoons and skunks to helping pollinators thrive, Wild Welcome offers pathways to better understanding in the hopes of having better outcomes for wild animals and people alike.

When we coexist with wildlife, we all thrive.

SBWCN is 501(c)(3) orgainzation that functions soley because of the generosity of our community.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Discover how you can protect wildlife, connect with your community, and be a part of something bigger.

DISCOVER THE PLATFORM

We’re proud to launch the Wild Welcome website: the centerpiece of a long-term effort to build a culture of care for wildlife. This digital hub offers accessible, engaging, and empowering resources to help individuals, families, and communities take meaningful action.

Whether you're curious about the birds in your backyard, looking for wildlife-safe gardening tips, or hoping to bring wildlife education to your school or workplace, this platform is for you.

We invite you to explore, learn, and join a growing movement. Together, we can create a region— and a world—where people and wildlife thrive side by side.

Website: www.sbwcn.org I www.wildwelcome.com

MOVIE premiere

By joining our biggest fundrasing event of the year, you’re helping make wildlife rescue possible - 365 days a year.

Lobero Theatre, SANTA BARBARA july

31, 2025

Film Premiere @ 7pm VIP Reception @ 5:30pm with Dessert and drinks Post film

Scan the QR to become a sponsor or reserve your seat

STORYTELLING USING MARKERS & INK PENS WITH JASON KNOX Do you have a story that you have always wanted to make into a reality with writing and illustrating? This is the workshop for you. June 21 2-4 p.m. $25. (805) 471-8189. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

STUDENT SHOWCASE AT THE BUNKER

Cheer on the Beginning and Advanced students of Central Coast Comedy Theater as they take the stage for a night of unscripted performance. More info is available at the link. June 26, 6:15-8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

SUMMER KICK-OFF SIP & PAINT Join for a relaxing and creative evening to welcome the summertime! Your ticket includes all painting materials, guided instruction, and a glass of wine. June 27 5:30-7:30 p.m. $55 (before June 1st) $62 (after June 1st). (805) 594-1318. stephenrosswine.com. Stephen Ross Wine Cellars, 178 Suburban Road, San Luis Obispo.

TRISH ANDERSEN Combining fibers gathered from field, sheep, and those developed in a factory, Andersen proves that there is always room for both the vibrant and muted. June 28 - Sept. 14 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/trish-andersen/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING

WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. WednesdaysSaturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through June 29 $20-$37. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY ART LIFE COACHING:CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS: ART JOURNALING

Blending expressive art with gentle life coaching principles, this class invites seniors to explore their stories, values, and dreams through mixed media art journaling. Get tickets and more info at the link. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon through July 15 $20. my805tix.com. Lor Coaching Studios, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay.

DRAWING ABSTRACT AND PATTERN PLAY: FOCUS ON ZENTANGLE® AND CREATIVE FLOW Unleash your creativity and experience the joy of drawing in this 6-week course designed especially for seniors. Drawing for Joy and Discovery invites participants into a world of abstract art, expressive mark-making, and meditative pattern play rooted in the Zentangle® method. Each week, you’ll explore drawing techniques that promote relaxation, focus, and personal expression. No prior drawing experience is needed. Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. through July 15 $20. my805tix.com. Lor Coaching Studios, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay.

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER CATHY

RUSS Russ’ distinctive and evocative streetscape and landscape photography captures unique moments from her many global travels, exhibited inside Gallery at Marina Square. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at

COLLEGE SUCCESS

Allan Hancock College will host Bulldog Express workshops to give free enrollment support to students starting June 23 at both the Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center. In Santa Maria, workshops will be held at the Student Services Building A, Mondays and Tuesdays, from June 23 to Aug. 12, from 3 to 6 p.m. In Lompoc, they will be held in Building 1 on June 30, July 15, July 21, and Aug. 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. Students can find help for admissions, financial aid, and more. For more information, visit hancockcollege.edu.

Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FIBER AND TEXTILES BY DEBBIE

GEDAYLOO Gedayloo’s richly textured and touchable fiber, felt, and mixed media art depicts dimensional landscapes and objects. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. IMAGINATIVE CERAMICS BY ANNE GRANNIS Grannis’ imaginative and hilariously precise sculptural ceramics

merge human and animal forms with whimsical storytelling. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

By The Sea Productions presents Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which is a satirical look at Victorian society’s emphasis

on appearances and social standing. Performances are running through June. June 20, 7 p.m., June 21 , 7 p.m., June 22 3 p.m., June 27, 7 p.m., June 28 7 p.m. and June 29 3 p.m. $28. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

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

WATERCOLOR PAINTING: EXPRESSIVE TECHNIQUES FOR ALL ABILITIES

Discover the beauty and versatility of watercolor in this 6-week class designed for all experience levels—from beginners picking up a brush for the first time to seasoned artists looking to expand their expressive range. Each 3-hour session will blend guided instruction, hands-on exercises, and open studio time to help you build skills and confidence. Get tickets and more info at the link. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. through July 14 $20. my805tix.com. Lor Coaching Studios, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS APPLICATION ASSISTANCE: DRIVING CLEAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (DCAP) Get one-on-one support for the Driving Clean Assistance Program. Ayudá para el programa de Asistencia para Conducir Limpio. June 25 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 730-0209. cecsb.org/events/dcap-7. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

We accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long.

Entries submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2025 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 24, 2025.

For more details: bit.ly/55Fiction A brief story, fifty-five words or less, with a headline no longer than seven words.

The class of 2025 is almost here, and we’re looking to fill the pages of the Best of Northern Santa Barbara County yearbook. We need you to help us by voting for the most popular kids in school. Cheer on your favorite coffee shops, bars, restaurants, dentists, salons, and more— we’ve got categories for all of them!

You don’t even need to talk to an adviser for help with this one. And don’t forget to keep in touch.

Vote online at santamariasun.com. Remember, you need to complete at least 25 categories to make the cut. Return this ballot to the Sun office or finish filling one out online by Monday, June 23, at 5 p.m., and keep an eye out for our biggest issue of the year memorializing the winning class of 2025 on Aug. 21.

—Camillia Lanham

JACK’S ALL-AMERICAN PLUMBING

59. Best Bar

60. Best Bartender (name & location)

61. Best Dive Bar

62. Best Sports Bar

63. Best Craft Cocktail

64. Best Michelada 65. Best Margarita

66. Best Place for a Beer 67. Best Place for a Cup of Coffee 68. Best Juice Place 69. Best Boba Tea

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

70. Best Community Event (name & city)

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Michele Kielty, D.O.

Leachman, D.O. Lynn Peltier, C.P.N.P. Jessica Prather, C.N.P. Geronna Leonards, N.P.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Drew Davis Fine Art, SLO

Ringwald Project

SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach

Hot Stuff

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. June 23 - Aug. 12 3-6 p.m. Free. hancockcollege.edu/. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

FAMILY TOOLS+ FamilyTools+ is geared towards parents of youth, ages 5 to 18, with ADHD, autism, Tourette’s to focus on the needs of neurodiverse youth. Get more info at the link. Thursdays, 12-1 p.m. through July 1 Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/groups. Online (Santa Barbara County), Visit website, Countywide.

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

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

JUNE NATURE TALK: “REAPING THE REWARDS OF REPLACING YOUR LAWN” Hear from a variety of guest speakers from the California Native Plant Society. Topics include lawns, native plants, how to remove one’s lawn, native garden design, and plant consideration. June 21 3-4 p.m. (805) 614-0806. smnaturalhistory.org/. Shepard Hall Art Gallery (Santa Maria Public Library), 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. JUNK JOURNAL BOOK CLUB Junk Journaling Book Club combines crafting and reading into one fun club! June’s book is The Becoming by Nora Roberts. Registration is required for this event, for patrons 18 and older. June 21 , 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994 ext.8562. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

ORCUTT PRIDE BLOCK PARTY Join for a weekend celebrating Pride with Lark + Sparrow, Old Town Wine & Brew, and Naughty Oak. This block party will be packed with fun, music, and love for the LGBTQ+ community. June 28 -29 $60. my805tix.com. Naughty Oak Brewing Company, 165 South Broadway, Orcutt. POETRY FOR SELF CARE Looking for a new form of self expression? Explore your reaction to a poem through writing or illustration with facilitator Dot Winslow. Registration to this event is required. June 22 , 2-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994 ext.8562. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC FLOWER FESTIVAL Features carnival rides and games, arts and craft exhibitors, food booths and commercial vendors, musical entertainment, and more fun for the whole family, June 26-29 explorelompoc.com/lompoc-flowerfestival/. Ryon Park, 800 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

NATURAL PERFUME-MAKING

WORKSHOP Create an artisan natural perfume surrounded by the beauty of the lavender fields. June 21 1-4 p.m. $120. solaromatics.com. Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, 1900 Tularosa Road, Lompoc, (805) 325-8092.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

17TH ANNUAL CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SHOW AND SALE The Central Coast Cactus & Succulent Society is hosting its 17th Annual Succulent Show and Sale, featuring a dozen vendors and hundreds of specimen plants. More info is available at the link. June 20 10 a.m.-noon Free. centralcoastcactus.org. Nipomo High School, 525 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

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.

SUMMER SENIOR BASH WITH BRIDGE OF HOPE AGING IN PLACE SOLUTIONS Head to Edwards Barn in Nipomo for Bridge of Hope’s Summer Senior Bash. There will be vendors, food, games, music, and a silent auction. June 28 , 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 878-0063. abridgeofhope.org/ summer-senior-bash/. Edwards Barn, 1095 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.

SURF LESSONS ALL SUMMER LONG Learn to surf with Sandbar Surf School. All equipment is provided, including a surfboard, wetsuit, and leash. You must pre-register. Through Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $60. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com. Addie Street Surfer Parking Lot, Addie Street, Pismo Beach. WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO BARS & BOUNCE CLINIC Bars & Bounce is a sneakily fun workout. Build wholebody strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary, for this camp, for children 5 to 17 years old. June 21 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BEGINNERS HOUSE DANCE CLASS

DUNE DETECTIVES –– LITTLE RANGER

PROGRAM Join CA Park Staff to reveal the mystery of the dunes. The program includes a guided walk and activity stations. The event is geared towards ages 3 to 6, but all are welcome. RSVP at the phone number provided. June 21 3-4 p.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS

FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

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

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

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

Learn the foundations of House Dance in a fun, beginner-friendly vibe—groove to soulful beats, unlock dynamic footwork, and flow with freedom. No experience is needed. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through July 30 $20. 805- 457-2848. christianamarie.com. Studio de Myriam, 3563 Sueldo St., suite N, San Luis Obispo. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible 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. 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. CENTER STAGE SINGING CAMP This singing and performing summer camp is geared towards kids ages 8 to 12. It is greatest showman-themed, and kids will learn how to own their space and use their voice. June 23 , 9 a.m.-noon, June 24 9 a.m.-noon, June 25 , 9 a.m.-noon, June 26 9 a.m.-noon and June 27, 9 a.m.-noon $275. (805) 458-6440. angelakristinevocalcoaching.com/ programs/. Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, 1401 San Luis Bay Dr., San Luis Obispo.

CIRCUS GYMNASTICS CAMP Dare to fly with gymnastics, circus-themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. All levels are welcome to this camp, geared towards ages 4 to 13. Customizable schedules are available. June 23 -27, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $45-$396 depending on which options you choose. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

(ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

NATURE CONNECTION SUMMER

CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

These weeklong nature camps held on SLO Wild Lands are filled with memorable hikes, epic games, earth arts, skills, stories, song, new friends, and more. Get more info at the link. Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 4 (805) 541-9900.

outsidenow.org/summer. State Parks and Wild Lands, P.O. Box 15918, San Luis Obispo.

OPEN FARM DAYS 2025 Tour, taste, and learn along the SLO County Farm trail during the open farm days. The weekend will also include tastings and barnyard fun. More info is available at the link. June 20 5-8 p.m., June 21 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and June 22 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $30. my805tix.com. Locations throughout SLO County, Call or visit website for event info, San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

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

TOUR AND TASTE

Join the weekend fun of Open Farm Days, where you can taste, learn, and tour along the SLO County Farm trail. The event begins on June 20, with a Friday Night Farmers Marketplace from 5 to 8 p.m. at Downtown City Park in Paso Robles. The weekend farm days will follow, on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A weekend pass is $34. More information can be found at my805tix.com and farmsteaded.com.

—A.S.

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

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB

MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY

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

SLOCA LEGO AND MAKERSPACE

SUMMER CAMPS Join us with your imaginations for days of play using LEGOS and Makerspace supplies. This is for 1st6th graders. June 23 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. (805) 458-8700. sloclassical.org.

SLO Classical Academy, 165 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SLOCA PRESCHOOL AND KINDER

Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SUMMER SOLSTICE DRUMMING

MEDITATION / CROW’S END SLO

Experience drumming, song, movement, and ring in the Summer solstice at this event. Holistic educator and guide Dee DiGioia will facilitate the drumming gathering. More info is available at the link. June 20 6-9 p.m. $34. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SUMMER SOLSTICE WINEMAKER DINNER Chamisal Vineyards is delighted to invite you to their enchanting Summer Solstice Winemaker Dinner, an evening of exquisite culinary delights and exceptional wines. June 20 6-8 p.m. $225. (805) 5419463. chamisalvineyards.com. Chamisal Vineyards, 7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

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

SUPERSONIC S.T.E.A.M. GYMNASTICS

POPULAR CELEBRATION Get ready to twirl, giggle, and glow at this magical event, that invites your little ones to step into a storybook world with five of their favorite princesses — Rapunzel, Snow White, Belle, Elsa, and Anna. Get info online. June 22 2:30-4:30 p.m. $33. my805tix.com. Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Around 7,500 books will be on sale for children, teens, and adults. SLO FOL members can receive early access. June 19 -21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. slofol.org. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

SUMMER CAMPS This is a six-week summer camp for those going into preschool and kindergarten. Get tickets and more info at the link. June 23 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $270-450. (805) 548-8700. sloclassical.org. SLO Classical Academy, 165 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin

CAMP Jumpstart your summer with gymnastics, STEAM-themed crafts, games, and educational trivia. All levels are welcome for children 4 to 13 years old. Through June 20, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $45-$396 depending on which options you choose. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 30

SYCAMORE FREE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA In honor of International Day of Yoga, enjoy a complimentary class in the natural serenity of Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. The 60-minute session will be taught in a “Vin-Yen” style, a thoughtful blend of Vinyasa flow and Restorative Yen. More details can be found at the link. June 21 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. my805tix.com. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE

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

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

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

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

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own.

Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

WHAT THE FRACK? Dr. David Chipping has shared his wealth of knowledge about fracking with LLCC members and friends in a previous class and will update again with recent information. Join the discussion! More info at the link. June 24 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.

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.

ORCUTT PRIDE DRAG BRUNCH Celebrate pride month at this event, which will be at Naughty Oak and Old Town Wine & Brew.

Buy your table or seat at either venue, and enjoy a drag brunch experience, hosted by Santa Maria native, Missy Vee. BB Delusional, Daphne J, and Pam Cakez will also be there, along with DJ Suz. More info at the link. June 29 noon $15. my805tix. com. Naughty Oak Brewing Company, 165 South Broadway, Orcutt.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on

the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

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

VINE 2 WINE BREWS AND BITES Around 22 Central Coast wineries will be sharing their local flavors. Along with wine tastings, you can expect a beer garden, olive oil tasting, epicurean small plates, and entertainment. Get tickets and more info at the link. June 21 , 6 p.m. $72. my805tix.com. Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, 429 Leslie St., Los Alamos. WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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Hot Stuff

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

JUICY’S B-DAY TAKEOVER DRAG

BRUNCH Join the celebration of local favorite Juicy CW’s birthday, featuring Juicy CW, Nala Diamond, Nova Cane, and Fae Fatale. A ticket includes one drink. June 21 noon $29. my805tix.com. La Casita Cantina and Restaurant, 1572 West Grand Avenue, Grover Beach.

OUT & SAVVY PISMO BRUNCH EVENT

Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch with ocean views. For additional event details, check out the link. June 22 , 9:30 a.m.noon $83. my805tix.com. Ventana Grill, 2575 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.

WORLD MUSIC

IN BALANCE, VALUES HERE, NEW TOMORROW, THE ONLY OCEAN AND DOOMER Join us at Harmony Haven in Santa Maria with In Balance, New Tomorrow, Values Here, The Only Ocean, and doomer! June 27 6 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Harmony Haven, 550 Betteravia Road, Santa Maria.

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

LIVE MUSIC 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) 6235129, stellerscellar.com.

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO

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

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

SISTER NANCY LIVE Sister Nancy, a Jamaican dancehall DJ and singer, will perform live at Blast 825 Brewery and deliver authentic reggae vibes to her audience. Visit the link to get more information and purchase tickets. June 27, 1-5 p.m. $24. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

JEFFREY EAST LIVE A singer-songwriter currently splitting his time between Los Angeles and Nashville, East has had his songs recorded by artists like Matchbox Twenty and more. June 22 , 3-5 p.m. $37. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/ show-listing. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

Bring your own picnic and lawn chairs and listen to live Celtic, folk, and world music by Four Shillings Short at this outdoor house concert at Astara in Atascadero. The Picnic Concert is set for June 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. For additional details, visit my805tix.com and 4shillingsshort.com. —A.S.

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

HOLLYWOOD’S GREATEST HITS

Presented by the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, led by conductor Brian Asher Alhadeff. June 22 , 4 p.m. lompocpopsorchestra.com/index.html. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc.

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) 8190723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

JAZZ, BLUES, AND SOUL AT PUFFER’S WITH SUNNY WRIGHT, JAKE ODELL, AND ALEX MORRISON Puffer’s is the place for live music! Hear live jazz, blues, and soul from Sunny Wright, Jake Odell, and Alex Morrison. June 22 5-8 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 773-6563. facebook.com/ PuffersofPismo/. Puffers of Pismo, 781 Price St., Pismo Beach.

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.

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

SAN

CCMP PRESENTS “THROWAY// MONKEYFLOWER AND MORE!” Hear live sets from Throw Away, Monnkeyflower, Necessary Noise, and Farewell Dylan. This is a 21+ event. June 21 6 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: AFTER PARTY SERIES Enjoy free live music in downtown SLO every Friday, immediately following the Concerts in the Plaza. The concerts are 21+. June 20, 8:30 p.m. and June 27, 8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

E-FEM.URL, MARSYAS, FREQUENT WEAVER Head to The Bunker to hear live sets from three bands and enjoy an evening of drinks. Tickets are available at the link. June 22 , 7-10 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. FLAVOR PACKET Flavor Packet is a California jazz band that stirs up an imaginative sound with their contemporary and world-beat-influenced jazz music. Hear them live at Krobar Craft Distillery. June 21 , 6-9 p.m. Krobar Craft Distillery, 10 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, krobardistillery.com.

IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE BUNKER Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza—the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! Come cheer on your favorite teams, or discover new ones, in this show of back-to-back sets. Tickets are available at the link. June 21 6:15-8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE & VINTAGE RENEGADES AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Hear Vintage Renegades and Moonshiner Collective play live. There will be an after party at Libertine Brewing Co. with Big Wheel Cobra at 8:30 p.m. June 20 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

OPEN-MIC CELTIC CABARET Come gather with Celtic Cabaret to play your party-piece, poem, toe-dance, or whatever you got! Audiences are welcome. June 22 , 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 710-3309. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY See a packed lineup of great live music, as well as 30 featured nonprofits who will be there to share all they have to offer. Get tickets and more info at the link. June 21 , 2-10 p.m. $18. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. m

LUIS OBISPO

Vote Today! Vote Today!

ARTS BRIEFS

Oak Ridge Boys celebrate July 4 with farewell concert at Chumash Casino

Iconic American vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys will celebrate the United States’ 249th birthday with a farewell concert at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom.

Along with Ben James, who joined in 2023, longtime members Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban will sing hits like “Elvira” and “Bobbie Sue” when they take the stage July 4 at 8 p.m. as part of their American Made Farewell tour.

Known for their unique blend of country, gospel, and pop, The Oak Ridge Boys have sold more than 40 million albums over 50 years of touring.

After winning a Grammy in 1971 for Best Gospel Performance with “Talk About the Good Times,” The Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

Tickets for the event are between $49 and $79 and can be found in person at The Club at Chumash or online at chumashcasino.com.

Demetria Estate announces summer movie nights, live music

Demetria Estate will welcome summer to Los Olivos by hosting Live Music Sundays and Movie Nights in the Vineyard. The film screenings will take place summer evenings at 6:30 p.m. starting in July. Tickets are $220 per couple—$75 for kids—and include a buffet-style dinner, a glass and a bottle of wine, and unlimited popcorn and candy. To RSVP, email inquiries@demetriaestate.com.

Located at 6701 Foxen Canyon Road, the 213-acre familyowned and biodynamically farmed vineyard estate also invites guests to join local musician and vinyl record dealer Ray Fortune on the estate patio every Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. for live guitar sets and at the winery on Friday afternoons to hear him spin vinyl.

Reservations are required and can be made at exploretock.com/demetriaestate.

Known for its old-world Mediterranean aesthetic, Demetria Estate can be found on Instagram @demetriaestate and Facebook under Demetria Estate. For questions, call (805) 686-2345.

“Our estate in Los Olivos has always been about more than just wine,” Demetria Estate owner and general manager Alexis Zahoudanis said in press materials. “It’s a place where visitors can slow down, reconnect with nature, and create meaningful memories. We’re thrilled to welcome guests to the property this summer for incredible wine, great company, fun tunes, and a little bit of magic under the stars.” m

Chasing rainbows

Photographer Kayla Marie highlights natural beauty with landscape pictures

BY REECE COREN

Growing up in Pismo Beach, a young Kayla Marie would watch the sunset from her balcony every night. At the age of 9, she received her first camera as a gift from her father.

“My dad saw me out there watching all the time,” Marie said. “He decided to get me a camera and told me to start taking pictures. It became a passion. From that moment on, I didn’t stop.”

Marie has since been snapping pictures across Santa Barbara County for decades. Rather than shooting people or objects, she photographs landscapes. Her portfolio includes beaches, mountains, fields, skies, hills, natural parks, and more.

Her images of the pastel pink, yellow, and purple flowers in Lompoc provide a rich contrast to the bright blue sky and vibrant green plants, while highlighting the white of the clouds just enough to draw attention to the shaded mountain silhouettes on the horizon.

At sunset, Marie captures skies of such bright orange and yellow they look like they’re on fire.

As a photographer, Marie prioritizes color in her photos and balances the bright and the subtle. Even when she’s photographing hillsides, she’ll find a yellow flower or an orange leaf for the perfect pop of distinction among her landscapes.

“Those iPhones can do great work, but not as great as an actual, professional camera,” Marie said. “I use Canons most of the time, but I also have a Sony camera. I like to switch. It depends on what I’m shooting.”

Marie said she currently uses a Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera to photograph sunsets. For portrait shots, she said she grabs her Sony Alpha 7 II.

As someone who has photographed across the Central Coast, Marie isn’t a photographer who plans out her schedule months at a time. Instead, she said, her gut tells her when she needs to get out of town and go take pictures.

“I just start looking up places I haven’t been before and try to make a fun little trip,” Marie said.

When shooting, Marie is especially careful to ensure she takes more pictures than she needs. She said she sometimes takes the same picture more than 50 times just to make sure she got the shot.

Just as she did as a child in Pismo, Marie still constantly watches the sky, waiting for pretty sunsets. During a given shoot, she said she usually takes anywhere between 500 and 1,000 photos.

Always trying to capture the right mood, Marie wears headphones while

she photographs. She said she’ll sometimes correspond her Instagram posts of her photographs with the songs she was listening to when she took them.

Her music taste varies. Whether it’s pop, punk, country, rap, or techno, Marie said she listens to whatever she feels in the moment when taking pictures. She said she listened to Morgan Wallen’s “Smile” while capturing photos off Highway 46 recently.

After photographing, it’s time to edit. Marie said one of her favorite aspects of being a photographer is the nearly unlimited number of different lenses and editing techniques she gets to choose from to accentuate her pictures.

“It’s not just about shooting the photo,” she said “It’s about the hours spent behind the computer editing. You can’t do that with an iPhone. The quality won’t be the same.”

After she photographs, Marie compiles her collection of pictures and carefully inspects the most minute details of each picture, individually. From the hundreds of pictures she usually takes during a given shoot, Marie finds about 50 to 100 she likes best. Those are the pictures she edits.

Marie said she tries not to play with the color

Picture perfect

Kayla Marie has been photographing Santa Barbara County’s landscapes since she was 9 years old. Now a mother of two young children, she shares her pictures, hoping to inspire the next generation. Find her photos on Instagram under @_kayyyyylaaaaaaa_. Find her portfolio online at kaylamariephotography.smugmug.com.

of her photos too much while editing. Instead, she said she focuses on trying to highlight as many fine details as she can.

“A lot of people mess with the color too much, and it makes the quality go down,” Marie said. “I like my pictures to be kind of as is. I try to make sure what I’m capturing already has a lot of color in it. I do a lot more editing on photo shoots, but, when it comes to my landscapes, I’m only going to touch a few things up.”

Marie said the 50 to 100 pictures she compiles usually take her about two to three hours to edit, noting that she’s spent up to six hours editing in the past.

As a mother of two young children, Marie said the patience she’s learning while raising them has made her a more patient photographer and more careful editor. As someone with a tendency to occasionally be a homebody, she said photography provides a nice push to get outside when she feels like snuggling on the couch.

Of all the places she’s been to photograph, Marie said Kauai and Yosemite are her two favorites.

“I usually go to Yosemite multiple times a year,” she said. “It’s so beautiful. There’s no way you can get a bad picture.”

Marie doesn’t just take pictures for herself. She said she’s also done photography work for companies’ social media pages, engagements, weddings, showers, and family photo shoots.

“She takes somewhat of a whimsical approach,” Marie’s friend Luke Tyree, himself a 13-year photography veteran, said. “Instead of saying ‘I’m here to do a job,’ she’s more like, ‘Let’s just see what materializes once I get out there.’ She may go in with an idea of what she’s looking for, but she lets the environment speak to her once she’s out there.”

HILLSIDE CHILL VIBE: Kayla Marie doesn’t only photograph beaches and sunsets. Marie was just as much in her element when taking this hillside photo as she is standing atop mountains or in piles of sand.

Marie and Tyree became friends during the pandemic when they would get together to go on photography shoots. Tyree said Marie is always happy to share her expertise with the next generation. He recalled the time a couple of years ago when he and Marie brought a couple of kids onto West Cuesta Ridge for an impromptu photo session.

“The majority of the work I see Kayla put out is just kind of an extension of her personality and the things that bring her joy,” Tyree said. “She’s a resilient person who is good at taking accountability when she needs to and can be assertive when it’s appropriate.” m

Share your creative passion with Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@ santamariasun.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTA YNEZ BAND OF CHUMASH INDIANS

MAGICAL MOMENTS: Kayla Marie has been photographing sunsets since she was a 9-year-old shooting from her balcony in Pismo Beach with her first camera.

PHOTO BY ALI BECK

COURTESY PHOTOS BY KAYLA

FLOWER CHILD: This spring, Kayla Marie photographed the Lompoc flower fields. “They’re so pretty,” Marie said. “Every year when they come out, I have to go see them.”

Indifferent world

Writer-director Tyler Perry (Diary of a Mad Black Woman, The Six Triple Eight) helms this psychological crime drama about single mother Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson) living handto-mouth in a rundown apartment with her often-ill daughter, Aria (Gabby Jackson). Things go from bad to worse as her day spins out of control and lands her in an untenable situation. (108 min.)

Glen: Tyler Perry may be best known for his Madea movies, whose comedy feels a bit too broad for my tastes, but his movies always offer insightful commentary on being Black in America. For Straw, a tragedy through and through, Perry eschews crossdressing and comedy in favor of raw, powerful, affecting emotion. Janiyah’s life is a constant struggle. Poor, Black, overworked, disrespected, and misunderstood, she’s a woman on the edge, and this day-in-the-life story starts out difficult, becomes hard, then brittle, and finally breaks. Straw paints a compelling picture of someone reaching her breaking point and doing something unforgivable; yet, in Perry’s story, we can understand and forgive Janiyah. We sympathize because she so clearly needs help, and instead, she’s too frequently ignored and dismissed.

STRAW

What’s it rated?

Unrated

Anna: This Tyler Perry film feels far away from the world of Madea. Those films feel very mid 2000s to me. This story is unfortunately timeless. Janiyah has had the worst day imaginable, and then it keeps on spiraling. Imagine a day where everything has gone wrong, and then multiply that 24/7, all day and every day. Her daughter’s school is harping her for $40 of lunch money, and Janiyah can’t catch a break to go pay it. This film is terrifying with its portrayal of the banality of Janiyah’s situation, the grind of everyday poverty and what it looks like. With skillful mastery, Perry turns it all on its head in the third act, and the complications of being human are thrust upon us in an even more affronting way. This film can’t help but grab you; it’s electric from start to finish.

What’s it worth, Anna?

Full price

What’s it worth, Glen?

Full price

Where’s it showing? Netflix

THE STUDIO

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Apple TV+

Hollywood gets a thorough skewering in this ensemble satirical comedy about struggling film production company Continental Studios. Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) is the newly appointed studio head, a self-described cinephile who wants to make important films. Continental’s CEO, Griffin Mill (a hilarious and unhinged Bryan Cranston), has other ideas. He wants Continental to make a billion-dollar box office smash with a product tie-in. Think Barbie . Soon, much to his chagrin, Matt is trying to get a Kool-Aid movie made. “Oh, yeeaahhh!!” Most of the action happens between Matt and his team: Sal Saperstein (Ike Barinholtz), Continental’s vice president of production; Quinn Hackett (Chase Sui Wonders), Matt’s former assistant that he promotes to junior executive; Maya Mason (Kathryn Hahn), Continental’s head of marketing; and an always welcome Catherine O’Hara as Patty Leigh, the studio’s former head and Matt’s mentor. Their dialog is witty and rapid fire.

You’ll also see an endless stream of cameos by Hollywood A-listers playing versions of themselves, everyone from Charlize Theron to Zac Efron to Martin Scorsese to Ron

HITS FROM:

Gone with the Wind

Ben-Hur

James Bond 007

Exodus • Superman

Cinema Paradiso

Glen: This is certainly careerdefining work for Henson. She’s been amazing in so many films, from Hidden Figures (2016) to Hustle & Flow (2005) to The Color Purple (2023). Her Janiyah struggles to fit into her world.

At her grocery store job—one of two she works—she tries to be kind when she explains to a customer that her WIC card (Women, Infants, & Children) doesn’t allow her to make certain purchases. She stoically takes abuse from her boss, Richard (Glynn Turman), who’s indifferent

UNDER PRESSURE: Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of fictional Continental Studios, who’s struggling to balance his desire to make artful films with the studio CEO’s demand of profitability, in The Studio, streaming on Apple TV+.

Howard. Everyone seems to be having a blast making fun of their industry. If you don’t mind seeing how the filmmaking sausage gets made, it’s cringingly hilarious. (10 22- to 44-min. episodes)

—Anna

to her struggles. She gives change she can’t afford to give to Benny (Sinbad), an unhouse disabled man in her neighborhood. She’s a woman who’s trying to do right, but her situation is untenable. When things go wrong, thankfully there are people like Detective Kay Raymond (Teyana Taylor) and bank manager Nicole (Sherri Shepard) who see Janiyah for what she is and sympathize. In a selfish and self-centered world, sometimes one person’s kindness can make a difference.

Anna: Janiyah’s life is like constant pounding waves beating against the rocks. You can’t help but feel the effect of that in Henson’s

HIDDEN CREEK

What’s it rated? Unrated When? 2025?

Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo, Friday, June 20, through Thursday, June 26

In their directorial debut, Darien Jewel and Julian Mercado helm this family drama written by Cambria-based clinical psychologist Steve Brody about Jimmy Tucker (John Henry Richardson), an elderly widowed rancher who seems to be experiencing signs of dementia. Jimmy’s starting to believe his adult children—son Hal (Mark Ricketson) and daughter Emerson (Abi Renner)—are scheming to wrest control of his ranch from him. Are Alzheimer’s disease and paranoia at work, or is his family truly turning against him?

The central tension is complicated by clear evidence that Jimmy’s memory is failing but also evidence that his son has a hidden agenda regarding the family ranch. What are Hal’s intentions? What’s driving him? Dementia’s a horrible disease, and it’s hard watching Jimmy fade away. The story also examines the tension between preserving and developing land.

Deftly shot in bucolic Cambria, the film won Best Indie Feature at the Los Angeles Film Awards and Best Central Coast Feature at the SLO International Film Festival.

performance. There’s no way up for Janiyah, just through, and even that direction is only met with roadblocks and barriers at every turn. I can’t say this is a particularly pleasant film to watch; in fact, it’s heart sickening. I can’t give enough praise to Henson in this role, and in her career generally. What she has done here is special, humanizing, and raw. Her performance alone is worth the emotional tax this film takes from you. m

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

THE PRICE OF PROGRESS: Widowed rancher Jimmy Tucker (John Henry Richardson) worries he might lose his property to developers, in Hidden Creek, playing June 20 to 26 in the Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo.

Its cinematography by Nick Conocenti is impressive, Richardson’s Jimmy Stewart-esque third act speech as Jimmy is stirring, and the film’s emotionally charged conclusion is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking. (99 min.) m

FINAL STRAW: Desperate to rescue her ill daughter from Child Protective Services, single mother Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson) navigates a series of escalating events, in Straw, streaming on Netflix.

Wine and dine

On June 21, Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club will host Vine2Wine, Brews & Bites at 429 Leslie St. at 6 p.m. About two dozen wineries will fill glasses to pair with food served by local eateries. Tickets are available at my805tix.com for $65. Any remaining will be sold at the door on June 21 for $75. For more information,

Raising glasses and funds

BY REECE COREN

Vendors serving the finest local wine, beer, and fresh food will fill the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (LAVMC) on June 21.

Seeking to raise funds for this year’s Old Days celebration, Los Alamos’ 79th annual three-day community festival starting Sept. 26, the LAVMC will host Vine2Wine, Brews & Bites at 429 Leslie St., starting at 6 p.m. About two dozen local wineries will pour their finest reds and whites to compliment fresh food from five local eateries.

“Spring Fling is usually our biggest fundraiser,” LAVMC director Larry Barbro said. “We’re hoping this comes close.”

Barbro said LAVMC is expecting about 250 people for Vine2Wine.

Santa Barbara County wineries set to pour range from college to boutique, including the Allan Hancock College Winery, Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, Amada Cellars, Demetria Estate, Lumen Wines, Presqu’ile Wines, Story of Soil, Zaca Mesa Winery, and several more.

For those in search of food to pair with their wine, Donna’s Rustic Scones, Full of Life Flatbread, Pico Los Alamos, Plenty on Bell, The Station by Whiskey & Rye, and Whiskey Bent BBQ will serve delectable bites. Guests will also be treated to a beer garden and Olive Hill Farm olive oil tasting station as local guitarist Manny Mestas adds a touch of elegance to the affair with some soft strums.

“Everybody involved is local,” Barbro said. “It’s all about keeping everything local and enjoying the flavors of the Central Coast with some great wine, brew, food, and music.”

Started in 1946, the LAVMC emphasizes community-based fundraising events to generate charitable contributions.

“You don’t have to be a member to come to our events,” President Ray Williams said. “It’s just something for the community.”

Along with big events and trivia nights, the LAVMC also hosts “cook your own,” Williams said.

“For about $25, you get a steak and all the sides you want,” Williams,

POUR IT UP: The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club will host about a dozen local wineries, including Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, for a fundraiser on June 21.

OLD DAYS, NEW FACES: Allan Hancock College’s wine will be on hand at Vine2Wine to help raise money for the Old Days festival, which will mark the 79th annual when it kicks off Sept. 26.

who also owns Whiskey Bent BBQ, said. “We get the barbecue pits going and you cook your own steak, hang out, and enjoy a couple cocktails.”

The LAVMC may be called a men’s club, but Williams said he started participating as soon as he could walk.

“My parents have been involved with the men’s club and different groups in Los Alamos since the late ’70s, early ’80s,” Williams said. “The men’s club is where I learned how to barbecue.”

These days, Williams said his kids hang out at the men’s club and pitch in a helping hand, just like he used to do. He said it’s rewarding to see the cycle come full circle.

“As a kid, it was so much fun,” Williams said. “I always wanted to be [at the men’s club] hanging out.”

Williams said the knowledge he gained from his men’s club mentors as a youth was invaluable. He welcomed interested kids to consider joining.

“We’re always looking for new members,” Williams said. “You can be involved as little or as much as you want.”

Citing himself as an example, Williams told those hesitant about joining the LAVMC because of its name not to worry.

“Women have been involved in the men’s club since it opened,” he said. “The majority of our board is [made up of] women. Over half of our club is wives and spouses.”

The LAVMC meets at the club on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Williams said dinner is usually provided. The nonprofit organization has sign-up sheets at the club for people who want to join. He said anyone interested can also sign up at lavmc.org. The annual membership fee is $40.

“We’re pretty much an open door,” Williams said. “We try to be as inclusive as possible.” m

Share your favorite drink or bite to eat with Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@ santamariasun.com.

805-310-8180