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Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed: twisty series [32]

Going home New rules attempt to facilitate the return of ancestors and artifacts taken from Native American graves [5]

BY CHLOË HODGE

NEWS

County wins grocery store suit [4]

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Free community classes at Hancock [14]

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or more than 30 years, federal law has required institutions to return Native American ancestors and artifacts to where they belong. But many have not complied. Recent changes at both the state and federal level have facilitated better compliance, but tribes still grapple with red tape and institutional malaise. In the first of a two-part series, New Times Staff Writer Chloë Hodge, from our sister paper, speaks to local tribal officials, museums, and universities about repatriating what was stolen and the legacy of how tribes were treated in the United States [5].

Also, find stories about the county’s suit against Kroger stores [3]; the tuition-free community classes at Allan Hancock College [14]; and the magical, floral drinks and more at Tribe Coffeehouse [17].

Camillia Lanham editor

POLITICAL WATCH

JUNE 18 - JUNE 2 5, 20 26

F

YEARS

1876

2026

DUDLEY HOFFMAN Dudley Hoffman Mortuary was founded in Santa Maria in 1876.

This year we mark our 150th year serving the families of the Central Coast.

We are deeply rooted in community and fully dedicated to care.

NEWS

VOL . 2 7 NO. 18

News Briefs ..........................................................................3 Political Watch....................................................................3 Spotlight.................................................................................6

• In response to the California Senate’s passage of the 2026-27 budget, Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) issued a statement on June 15. “The California State Senate remains committed to our communities, which is why this budget prioritizes the needs of Californians. This Senate vote brings us one step closer to protecting health care, child care, and the long-term fiscal health of the state,” stated the Senate president pro tempore, who thanked Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) for his work as budget chair as well as other budget subcommittee chairs.

BELONGING: Salinan Tribe of Laird described the budget as working toward Monterey and San Luis Obispo mitigating federal cuts to hospitals, food banks, Counties artifacts are on display and other state resources. “California can’t replace at the Rios-Caledonia Adobe in San Miguel. every federal dollar that may be cut to medical care, food support, and public education. But within our state’s limited resources, we can make responsible choices,” Laird said in a June 15 statement. “In a time Cover photo by Pieter Saayman > Cover design by Alex Zuniga of growing uncertainty, it protects Californians today while putting the state on stronger fiscal footing for the future.”

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff .................................................................................9

• On June 18, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) was among the eight legislators who introduced the Protect Our Polls Act. Padilla’s office described Arts Briefs............................................................................14 the legislation as aiming to protect the integrity of American elections from federal interference Commentary ........................................................................7 by armed military or federal law enforcement. “No Letters .....................................................................................7 American should have to pass a line of federal troops, Web Poll .................................................................................7 Reviews ................................................................................16 ICE agents, or armed officers to exercise that right. The Mayfield..................................................................................7 Protect Our Polls Act will make sure they never have Canary .....................................................................................8 to,” Padilla said in a statement. “The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy.” While strengthening an existing federal law that restricts the deployment of military forces and armed federal agents to polling places, the Protect Our Polls Act closes “any potential loophole” the Trump administration might try to 00 0 2 E C SIN create by requiring Congress to pass a joint resolution of approval before President Donald Trump can send troops or federal law enforcement to election sites, according to Padilla’s office. The legislation also requires the president to provide Congress with intelligence, legal justification, and evidence that a state or local government cannot handle a threat on their own at least 48 hours before deploying forces.

Padilla’s fellow legislators behind the Protect Our Polls Informative, accurate, and independent Act are U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), journalism takes time and costs money.

Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Jacky Rosen Help us keep our community aware (D-Nevada), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan). “From 2016 until just and connected by donating today. last week, President Trump has worked to sow doubt www.santamariasun.com in our election results, and I am glad to be joined by senators from across the country,” Slotkin stated.

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• U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) recently introduced legislation that would prohibit anyone convicted of offenses related to the Jan. 6 insurrection or interference in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections from receiving payouts funded by taxpayer dollars. Known as the Preventing Payouts for Insurrectionists Act, the legislation follows the president’s “comments this weekend refusing to rule out a so-called ‘anti-weaponization fund’ to allow the government to pay out the president’s allies,” a June 9 press release from Schiff’s office said.

“President Donald Trump still wants to pay off violent insurrectionists who attacked police officers on Jan. 6, despite claims from members of his administration that say otherwise. Our taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay out criminals, and we can pass a law right now to prevent this president or any future administration from paying off their friends and political allies,” Schiff said in the release. m

➤ Native return [3]

June 25 - July 2, 2026

➤ Spotlight [4] PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

CALORIES COUNT: The Kroger Company—which owns multiple grocery stores across the Central Coast, including Foods Co. in Santa Maria—was recently penalized with a $1.2 million fine from Santa Barbara County Superior Court on false advertising charges.

County lawsuit ends with $1.2 million penalty for Foods Co. parent company Questionable and inconsistent calorie counts on some food products’ packaging were at the heart of a multi-year civil suit filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court.

That suit concluded in early June when Judge Thomas Anderle ordered the Kroger Company, which owns Foods Co. stores in Lompoc and Santa Maria, to pay $1.25 million in civil penalties.

In court documents, Anderle described his judgement as “adequate to protect the public from the occurrence in the future of the conduct alleged.”

His verdict followed about two years of court proceedings that began in May 2024 when three district attorney’s offices—Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Riverside—jointly sued the Kroger Company for violating state laws regarding false advertising and unfair business competition.

Their complaint outlined instances from as early as 2018 where Kroger “misled consumers and gained an unfair competitive advantage by falsely representing the calorie content on multiple bread products advertised under the Kroger Carbmaster name,” Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy District Attorney Morgan Lucas wrote in court documents.

“California consumers—particularly those on specialty diets—care about the nutrition content of the products they purchase. As a result, many companies, including the Kroger Co., have developed products specifically targeting dietconscious consumers,” the complaint states. “In most instances, defendant understated the calorie content of Carbmaster bread and related products by 20 percent to 50 percent, misleading consumers to believe they were purchasing a product that was considerably healthier than it was.”

The district attorney’s offices alleged that consumers began complaining in 2018 about some Carbmaster packaging, including hamburger buns marketed as 50 calories per bun when they were allegedly 100 calories per bun.

By 2022, some disputed calorie counts were amended on the back of Carbmaster bread products, “however, defendant continued to advertise inaccurate and false nutritional information on the consumer-facing portions of the packaging.”

In June 2022, a Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office investigator visited a Ralph’s store—owned by Kroger—in Santa Barbara to observe how certain Carbmaster products were marketed and displayed.

One display that the investigator photographed showed loaves of Carbmaster classic white bread neighboring loaves of Dave’s Killer Bread.

According to their consumer-facing, front sides, Dave’s Killer Bread was marked at 70 calories per slice while Carbmaster advertised 30 calories per slice. A look at the latter’s back nutrition panel,

however, showed a different number: 50 calories per slice.

“Unless enjoined by the court, defendant will continue its wrongful practices,” the complaint stated. “The court should issue a permanent injunction and such other orders as may be necessary to prevent future acts of unfair competition by defendant.”

With a June 19, 2026, deadline, Judge Anderle directed the Kroger Company to pay the $1.25 million penalty—including $334,000 to each district attorney’s office involved.

The remaining funds were split between the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office (to cover court filing and additional costs) and the California Consumer Protection Prosecution Fund, created by the state in 1989 to help enhance investigation and enforcement of consumer protection actions in California.

In court documents, one of Kroger’s Los Angeles-based defense attorneys, Jacob M. Harper, described the district attorney’s offices’ “efforts to ‘fix’ alleged packaging errors” as “overreaching.”

“This case raises a discrete issue of federal preemption: the district attorneys may not, as a matter of law, enforce federal standards regarding FDA [Food and Drug Administration] Panel labeling,” Harper argued in court. “Given that the FDA allows any of six prescribed methods for calculating caloric content, there is no single ‘accurate’ caloric content figure for a particular packaged food.

“A caloric content statement that complies with federal law may be ‘accurate’ under one method and ‘inaccurate’ under another,” Harper continued. “What matters is whether the statement complies with the federal standard—not whether they could be construed as misleading or false under general alternative standards supplied by state law.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Lompoc changes zoning designations to make way for more housing Three Lompoc properties along Ocean Avenue could be the sites for future housing developments thanks to the City Council’s decision on June 16.

Council members approved zoning changes that turned commercial designations into high-density residential uses.

In May, the city Planning Commission approved zone changes for around 3.88 acres of vacant land at 1308, 1316, and 1406 East Ocean, as well as 1220 West Ocean. At the request of the property owner, 1406 East Ocean was included, but the City Council excluded it from the plan in part because of feedback during the June hearing.

Dr. Michael Harris, owner of the Lompoc Veterinary Clinic located at 1416 East Ocean, spoke out against the zoning changes because of public safety concerns. Harris purchased the practice in 1996 and has observed dangerous traffic patterns

at the intersection of 7th Street and Ocean Avenue, according to his public comment letter.

“I don’t see how high-density residential is going to make things better or safer,” Harris said at the meeting. “I don’t think it would be a better situation when it comes to public safety.”

Another community member said Harris’ claims were valid but was interested in the idea of new housing potential in Lompoc.

“Housing that doesn’t chew up farmland and is within the city limits is good,” the speaker told the council. “We need more housing, and I’m glad you’re thinking about using areas that are not on farmland.”

Since the sites are now considered residential, they count toward Lompoc’s numbers for the statemandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which requires that jurisdictions plan how to meet local housing needs.

Lompoc’s current RHNA cycle lasts until Feb. 15, 2031, by which time the city will need to have identified land suitable to construct around 2,248 housing units, according to the city’s housing element.

“Last year we built zero homes,” Mayor Jim Mosby said at the meeting. “The year before that we built two single-family residences. We have a few ADUs and garage conversions. We’re going to get a few hundred this year.”

The city fears that if it doesn’t meet its RHNA goals, the state could come in and take control of housing. “[How] I’m trying to look is proactive so that we don’t get our butts in a ringer and the state come in and mandating and doing this,” Mosby continued.

Councilmember Jeremy Ball backed Mosby’s opinion, agreeing that it would be best for the city to maintain control over managing its properties.

“My biggest fear is that if we don’t at least make the gesture for trying to appease the state to some degree, they have a lot of leverage,” Ball said.

Councilmember Victor Vega dissented, but the high-density residential designations were adopted 4-1.

—Madison White

Solvang discusses copyright protections for city assets Over the past four months, conversations surrounding Solvang Mayor David Brown’s tourism app—an independent business venture not affiliated with the city—warranted his recusals from several public hearings.

His latest departure from the dais was during the Solvang City Council’s June 22 meeting, when his peers took part in a discussion about increasing copyright protections for certain city assets, such as photos and videos on the city’s website.

When Councilmember Elizabeth Orona first raised her concerns about Brown’s app, Solvang Passport, in early March, she mentioned video footage of downtown Solvang that appeared to have been lifted directly from Solvang’s city website.

Discussions between city staff and Brown about that specific concern prompted the mayor to inform City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan via email on March 16 that he removed the video footage from his app.

That same week, Brown added the following disclaimer to the app: “Solvang Passport is not connected, authorized, sponsored, funded, or endorsed by the city of Solvang. The city neither expresses nor implies any approval, association, or endorsement of Solvang Passport. Play at your own risk of having fun.”

At the council’s June 22 meeting, Elizabeth Orona proposed that staff take steps toward registering Solvang’s city website for formal copyright protections, while Councilmember Claudia Orona (no relation to Elizabeth) suggested that adding additional language to the

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Their comments followed a presentation from a visiting consultant and copyright lawyer, Matthew J. Smith, who informed the council that it would need to comb through different aspects of the website while seeking individual protections for each item.

Logos, for example, would need different types of formal protections than photos or videos. New content added to the website in the future would need to undergo separate protection applications, he said.

“Is it really worth it if in six months or one year we’re going to have to do it again, when in the history of the city—being a tourist destination since the 1960s—this [issue] has come up one time,” Claudia Orona said. “And the public shame, I think, took care of the problem.”

Councilmember Mark Infanti agreed with Claudia about simply adding new disclaimers to

the city website about basic copyright protection, which Smith assured the council is automatic for the works it creates, such as its website.

“I’ll go along with Clau, I don’t want to do a whole lot more than that right now. I don’t think HANDLED WITH CARE: Jonathan Malindine—Santa Barbara Natural History Museum’s NAGPRA officer—looks at a breastplate made using vibrant feathers. it’s worth it,” Infanti said.

Councilmember Louise Smith said she was also in favor of the disclaimer additions “without having to go a lot more deeper on this.”

“I’m hearing three of you say—which would be a majority—you would like to direct staff to ensure there’s proper disclaimers for copyright protection on all of the city’s websites,” City Central Coast tribes push to reclaim their ancestors’ remains Attorney O’Sullivan said. “And if a city asset that and belongings we own is being used without permission, that we send a letter to say stop using it.”

Elizabeth said she disagreed with the majority BY CHLOË HODGE American remains and objects to the tribes shortly before Mayor Brown walked back into the Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series. they belong to. UC Berkeley, for instance, has room. the fourth largest collection in the country. The The second part is scheduled to run July 9.

“I hope no one steals any of our stuff,” she institution has reported that the remains of at said. m ome of the shelves at UC Berkeley and other least 4,700 Native Americans have not yet been —Caleb Wiseblood made available for return to tribes. institutions are kept from public view, but Marshall described the university storage Kathy Marshall has seen them. spaces as feeling like waiting rooms—places “When [I] visit schools and universities, [I’m] just like, I bet none of these kids know that they where ancestors remain long after they were meant to be at rest. For her, these are not are walking by, you know, 300 of our ancestors Presented by: distant histories but family members still sitting in a room downstairs,” the vice chair waiting for return. of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians “There’s no reason to keep our ancestors Elders Council said. “These were mothers. sitting on these shelves,” she said. “Some of These were fathers. These were grandparents. them are just in plastic in boxes. Some of them These were babies. You know, I mean, there are just sitting on shelves, exposed. It’s not OK, were so many babies in collections. It’s just and it’s hurtful, and it takes a lot out of us.” horrifying.”

In 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Confronting history was passed to ensure that these ancestors and other tribal items no longer sat in The work of bringing ancestors home asks institutions. The law created a framework for tribes to carry a difficult truth that generations tribes to reclaim human remains and cultural of people accepted: It was OK to unearth belongings from federally funded institutions. certain human beings and keep them.

But compliance moved slowly.

Marshall said Chumash burial sites became particular targets because ancestors were The remains of more than 110,000 Native Americans were still in institutional collections buried with belongings intended to accompany For information call them after death. more than 30 years after that federal law “For Chumash people, we were buried with required their return, according to a 2023 all of our items. So we were prime for these ProPublica analysis. www.partnersincaring.org grave looters to come, and they knew, they By 2024, the law was updated with new knew we had a lot of stuff in our graves,” she regulations imposing stricter guidelines, said. deadlines, and penalties for not repatriating— Those burial sites drew collectors and or returning—these people and tribal explorers searching for “artifacts.” Marshall belongings.

“NAGPRA is, at its core, a human rights law,” pointed to the history of French ethnographers Leon de Cessac and Alphonse Pinart, who Jonathan Malindine, Santa Barbara Museum excavated Chumash sites and removed of Natural History’s NAGPRA officer, told Model A Ford Club belongings and ancestors. the Sun. “We’ve always had, as white people, Cars exhibit “Actually, a lot of Chumash collections are in protections about desecration of our ancestors’ France,” Marshall said. “They just came and just graves. You know, there’s laws about that. And Magic by Central really … ravaged through all of our cemeteries, for a long time, Indians weren’t afforded that Coast Conjurers and they were greedy.” benefit. And so their bones were dug up and Marshall said she still struggles to brought all over all corners of the world into Free Haircuts by understand how generations of people allowed museums and universities.”

Cosmoton Academy it to happen.

At Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, the remains Free goody bag for “I think people thought of us as really not of 10 Native Americans had been in the being human,” she said. “I don’t think that they university’s possession for years. The university the first 500 to enter would allow anybody to go through their graves returned all of them to the Santa Ynez Band of Lots of great Chumash Indians within the past year, Cal Poly in their cemeteries in France or in anywhere in information & services Europe.” confirmed on May 13.

The legacy of those actions remains deeply Other California public universities have to discover! personal. Marshall said repatriation work forces more to do when it comes to returning Native

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tribal communities to repeatedly confront difficult questions.

“How did they let this happen?” she said. “I mean, it’s just insane, and why has it taken so long to get these ancestors back?”

Still, Marshall said the updated federal rules and shifting attitudes have created what feels like a new era.

“There is this revolution of, ‘We understand these are yours,’” Marshall said.

That shift matters because repatriation, Marshall said, isn’t about possession. It’s about return.

“We are just caretaking, and we are the venue and the avenue to getting these ancestors back to where they need to be. My focus is reburial, putting them back where they belong,” Marshall said.

“That is the ultimate.”

Compliance push In November 2025, the California State University (CSU) system adopted its first NAGPRA policy, creating a standardized approach for all 23 campuses to return ancestors and belongings. It also prohibits using Native American remains and cultural items for teaching, research, and public display.

To support the changes, the CSU allocated $3.7 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year to campuses with Native American collections. The funding supported repatriation coordinators, tribal travel reimbursements, reburial costs, and other expenses associated with returning ancestors and cultural belongings home.

The CSU policy came in response to Assembly Bill 389—a 2023 amendment to California’s own NAGPRA law. Before then, repatriation efforts had largely been left up to individual campuses.

“Tribes were getting very frustrated that every campus was kind of doing things slightly different,” Samantha Cypret, executive director of the CSU Office of Tribal Relations, told the Sun. “They wanted something that was more consistent and streamlined in compliance.”

Following the federal NAGPRA update in 2024, Cal Poly hired Dr. Kent Spiers to coordinate the university’s compliance with the law.

In April 2025, Spiers completed an inventory of Cal Poly’s collections and identified the remains of eight Native American individuals.

According to a notice in the U.S. Federal Register, “the human remains are presumed to have been unearthed in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA, as noted in a newspaper clipping from 1958 that was provided with the human remains and given to Cal Poly.”

A second inventory was completed on Feb. 11 of this year, identifying two more ancestors in the university’s possession. Both inventories determined the remains were culturally affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Historically, Native American remains and cultural belongings entered university collections through archaeological excavations, field schools, donated private collections, construction discoveries, and materials acquired for teaching or research purposes, Cypret told the Sun. Systemwide, according to the most recent CSU collection inventory, campuses collectively hold the remains of more than 2,000 Native Americans and more than 1.57 million cultural items. Another 500,000 items remain in storage awaiting tribal review and cataloging.

“We recognize the harm that we have caused in our lack of compliance and that we continue to cause,” Cypret said. “We are still causing harm by having ancestors in our possession, on our shelves, and we are actively working to really change that.” m Reach Staff Writer Chloë Hodge at chodge@ newtimesslo.com.

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SPOTLIGHT

All through the town

knew the concept would transfer well.

“I just kind of fell in love with the place, thought it was so whimsical and quirky,” Leslie said.

Secret Solvang tour guides show visitors and locals He blended his knack for storytelling with the fantastical elements of the popular tourist destination. the best spots in the city Within the past year, the food and culture tour has taken off.

BY MADISON WHITE Guests hear untold stories of the town’s history while meeting restaurant owners and tasting food from places like Ramen Kotori ecret Solvang, an infamous Instagram and TikTok page, went and Peasants Deli and Market. viral for revealing all the charming bits of a town that some “Our goal is to help skip the lines at most of these places, meet people view as two-dimensional.

“I think people think of Solvang as being a monolith,” Wes Leslie the chefs and owners where possible, and just expose people to a lot of the things they would want to experience in told the Sun. “A town of bakeries and windmills Solvang,” Leslie said. and architecture and wine, maybe. But I think From the professionals MUSICThe founder formed partnerships with many there’s a lot more to it than that.”

For more information about of his personal favorite places in town. Customers On his social media sites, Leslie has interviewed booking Secret Solvang tours, enjoy the personal touch, and everything is Mayor David Brown, chatted with restaurant visit secretsolvang.com. Follow accessible for families and kids, too. owners, and explored funky small businesses. He FLAVOR/EATS @secretsolvang on Instagram and “The food tour used to have a lot more focus on started Secret Solvang as a tour guide company TikTok for all the behind-the-scenes wine, but now wine is an optional add-on, which I a little more than a year ago, walking with people fun. Email info@secretsolvang.com INFO changed so that people understand it’s a familythroughout the city to expand their perceptions with questions. friendly tour,” Leslie said. and posting about his discoveries.

Though there’s a big market for tourists, Secret In March, the company introduced Viking CALENDAR Solvang guides also love showing locals around. Leslie said one tours geared toward kids. couple has taken the tour multiple times, bringing different family “As much as Solvang seems like a kid-friendly town, there members out during their visits. weren’t a lot of definitive children’s activities,” Leslie explained. “I OPINION “It’s fun to see that locals are excited about the tour when they wanted to create a really fun, immersive experience where kids get hear about all of the places we go,” Leslie said. to be the star of the show. Parents get to relax for a little bit.”

On social media, Best for ages 5 to 12, kids begin their experience by decorating NEWShe enjoys sharing all the positive things Solvang has to offer, although the city needs a Viking crown they get to wear for the next no help with branding. People have started to hour and 15 minutes. Then the tour takes them STROKES recognize him around town and thank him for to the Solvang Viking Museum, a bakery for celebrating the Danish Capital of America. a fresh aebleskiver, and the arcade at Peasants Send business and If you ever catch Leslie roaming the streets Deli and Market. Along the way the tour guide nonprofit information to ARTS of Solvang, don’t forget to ask him for a piece shares stories of Solvang and leads students on a spotlight@santamariasun.com. of his favorite town lore and a Secret Solvang scavenger hunt. sticker.

Viking tours start at Solvang Park. One adult is required per booking, and there are two sessions available to Highlights choose from on Saturdays.

Four tour guides currently work for Secret Solvang. Leslie had • A new Humvee exhibit in partnership with the Santa Maria the idea to bring the concept to town after leading tour groups in Police Department was revealed on June 17 at the Children’s San Francisco and Los Angeles. When he first visited Solvang, he Resource and Referral Discovery Museum in Santa Maria (705

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FOR THE YOUNGSTERS: Secret Solvang launched Viking tours for kids in March this year. Tour guides weave in local history while taking students to many of the town’s popular destinations for young visitors.

S. McClelland St.). The interactive learning exhibit is meant to evoke curiosity while exposing kids to careers in public service, transportation, and engineering. “Your local police department is always looking for positive ways to engage with our community, and this is a great opportunity to do that,” Police Chief Christopher Williams said in a press release.

• Join the community for a rock ’n’ roll bingo fundraiser on June 26 at the Boys and Girls Club of the Mid Central Coast in Santa Maria. Food, drinks, and a live dessert auction are also part of the fun, which benefits Good Samaritan Shelter. For more information, call Kirsten Cahoon at (805) 354-9307. m Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

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8 Votes

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Will accessory dwelling units impact your quality of life?

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off-street parking spaces for the primary unit be replaced.” ll you people out there who worked hard When one of the ADU units is occupied by two all your lives to live in a single-family adults you can bet two vehicles will follow. Thus, neighborhood or think you’re safe streets will become more congested with parked from increased congestion in a homeowners vehicles. And where will the original occupants association (HOA) managed development, get put their RVs, boats, or other toys they have ready for a relatively new state law that can accumulated? impact your quality of life.

“Are certain ADUs exempt from parking On June 10, the Lompoc Planning Commission requirements? Yes. A local agency shall not debated a change to the Lompoc municipal code impose parking standards on any of the following to address an evolving and misguided effort ADUs, pursuant to government code section by the California Department of Housing and 66322, subdivision (a): 1) ADUs located within Community Development (HCD) to address the lack of housing. The HCD says, “Accessory dwelling one-half mile walking distance of public transit (a bus stop).” This will lead to an increase in onunits (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units street parking, which is already at a premium.

(JADUs) are innovative and effective options for If you think that because you live in a gated adding much needed housing in California.” community or HOA managed project, you’re safe The city staff report explains that “an ADU from this program, you’re not. Again, quoting is a dwelling unit that is accessory to a primary from the state accessory dwelling handbook: residence and has complete independent living “Homeowners associations (HOAs), can CC&Rs facilities for one or more persons. A JADU is a prohibit the construction or use of an ADU or specific type of accessory unit that is contained JADU? No.” entirely within an existing or proposed singleOn June 10, the Lompoc Planning Commission family residence and is limited to 500 square feet.” approved a resolution stating, “City staff This all sounds like a good idea to the political recognizes that state law will control over the class but will ultimately lead to a substantial city’s municipal code and further recommends increase in population density in areas originally inclusion of new language acknowledging that designed for single-family living.

When originally developed, the environmental in the event of a conflict between the LMC and California Accessory Dwelling Law, that state law impact reports required by the California will control.”

Environmental Quality Act for these projects In other words, “local control” is an inoperative only envisioned much less water, wastewater, phrase, and MUSIC previous zoning and development and electric use, but now those systems will standards regarding housing are null and void. need to handle an increased need. And the “The state” knows better, so suck it up. And these traffic circulation system was designed for far laws apply toFLAVOR/EATS all local jurisdictions in the state. fewer vehicles. But the staff report says that But some areas may be exempt because property “the proposed amendments are exempt from owners don’tINFO want all that congested living.

California Environmental Quality Act review.”

Folks living on estates in the Santa Ynez Valley, What about parking? Quoting from the state Montecito, and Hope Ranch, many who strongly accessory dwelling handbook: “When a garage, CALENDAR support the elected officials who carport, uncovered parking space, promoted this idea, have lots of or covered parking structure is OPINION Speak up! open space available that could demolished in conjunction with Send us your accommodate hundreds and the construction of an ADU, or views and opinion to NEWS perhaps thousands of new homes converted to an ADU, the local letters@santamariasun.com. to relieve the “housing problem,” agency shall not require that those STROKES

ARTS

MAYFIELD

but they will be content to let the “little people” absorb the additional congestion.

So, keep voting for the same old political party and your quality of life and the things you worked for will continue to deteriorate while the hypocritical idle rich look down on you from their lofty perches. m Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Respond with an opinion of your own by emailing it to letters@santamariasun.com.

LETTERS New federal mail rules will prevent voters from exercising their rights Earlier this month, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a proposed rule that would erect barriers to mail voting. The proposed amendments create unnecessary barriers to voting that could prevent eligible voters from receiving and returning their mail-in and absentee ballots and could disenfranchise eligible voters who are unable to vote in person.

Under the rule, USPS would need to verify that mailed ballots are being sent only to approved voters on a list supplied by states. This gives USPS a role in election administration that rightfully belongs to state and local election officials.

We all agree that election mail must be secure.

But these new federal requirements would create barriers that could prevent eligible voters from exercising their right to vote.

Voting is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed. Voting by mail is part of that right and a critical part of the election process throughout the United States.

USPS is accepting public comment on the proposed rule until July 2 at 5 p.m. ET. Defend the right to vote, protect mail voting, and ensure the role of states in the election process. Email your comment to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with the subject line “Ballot Mail.” Be sure to include your name and address.

Janice Langley Joanne Schultz Wendy Brown League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County

Hikers and bikers need separate trails With only a fast-approaching rattling noise from behind to warn me, I leapt off the trail to my right to avoid being struck by the mountain biker sailing by me. He was first in a group of what would be eight young adult riders who would go by in quick succession, none with warning bells.

Pleased to be uninjured this time, I continued on. Though, this scare caused me to reflect on the ways mountain biking has changed since I used to ride area trails, some 15 years back. The equipment has advanced significantly, but the style of riding has changed as well, particularly on the downhill. Today’s riders skim the tops of the higher rocks and features and descend down the single track at breakneck speed. It’s impressive but hugely unsafe for hikers.

This near-miss happened on the upper section of the Lemon Grove trail on Cerro San Luis.

When San Luis Obispo city administrators were designing trail rules for this trail and others some 20 years and longer ago, the average style of downhill riding was slow and methodical. It is entirely different today with riders cruising at speeds that were unimaginable when decisions were made to allow both mountain bikes and hiking on the same trails.

With the high number of older hikers, as well as young families and kids hiking the trails, an approaching tragedy is entirely foreseeable. The city must reevaluate the SLO greenbelt trails and decide which will be assigned for mountain biking and which to hiking.

Jim Slade San Luis Obispo

www.santamariasun.com • June 25 - July 2, 2026 • Sun • 7

Opinion

Reach or overreach?

L

WE TAKE PRIDE IN CARING for both the physical and emotional needs of your child.

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ocal governments have been making and/or crossing some interesting boundaries lately.

Lompoc is trying to prevent the too-long arm of the state from taking away the city’s control over where it puts new housing, which hasn’t really been happening in the city of arts and flowers.

“Last year we built zero homes,” Mayor Jim Mosby said at the June 16 meeting.

“The year before that we built two singlefamily residences.” And this year, he said, they’ve got a few accessory dwelling units planned.

The city needs to pick up its pace: The state says Lompoc must plan to build 2,248 units by February 2031. Otherwise Sacramento will come in and overrule its objections to expansion. So, the City Council just approved some denser infill construction on Ocean Avenue and is trying to set precedent for more such plans. “[How] I’m trying to look is proactive so that we don’t get our butts in a ringer and the state come in and mandating and doing this,” Mosby said.

In other corners of the Central Coast, there are a few new flavors of overreach: homestyle lowcarb bread and salty-spicy trademark protection.

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office teamed up with the DAs from Ventura and Riverside counties to sue Kroger two years ago over labeling on a store brand of bread.

Consumer complaints about inconsistent and false labeling of Kroger’s Carbmaster bread somehow reached the ears of the county DA’s Office, prompting an investigator to take photos of the labels. Sure enough, the bread’s front label didn’t match the back, and it advertised fewer calories than it really contained per slice.

Is this really in the DA’s jurisdiction? Kroger didn’t think so.

One of Kroger’s Los Angeles-based defense attorneys, Jacob M. Harper, described the district attorney’s offices’ “efforts to ‘fix’ alleged packaging errors” as “overreaching.”

“The district attorneys may not, as a matter of law, enforce federal standards regarding FDA [Food and Drug Administration] Panel labeling,” Harper argued in court.

Nevertheless, the county Superior Court judge sided with the counties earlier this month and ordered Kroger to pay $1.25 million in civil penalties.

Meanwhile in Solvang, our little Danish town that could, a recent City Council discussion delved into copyright issues connected to Mayor David Brown’s app that invites people to “play at your own risk of having fun.”

Back in March, Councilmember Elizabeth Orona noticed that drone video footage on the Solvang Passport app looked like it was lifted from the official city website. Brown later removed the video from the app and added fine print stating that his app isn’t affiliated with the city. But that wasn’t enough.

At the June 22 council meeting, Orona wanted the city to officially copyright everything, which would have cost thousands plus $900 per hour in attorney’s fees.

Turns out, adding some basic fine print will cover their copyright. The council majority went that route, but not before Orona made a last jab.

“I hope no one steals any of our stuff.” m The Canary can’t reach very far. Send an Inspector Gadget appendage to canary@santamarisun.com.

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

What’s Your Take?

Ryan Leachman, D.O.

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8 • Sun • June 25 - July 2, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Geronna Leonards, N.P.

Monday – Friday

Roblar Winery and Vineyards in Santa Ynez is hosting a Fourth of July Barbecue on Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day in fashion, with a buffet from Chef Terri Buzzard and wine by renowned winemaker Max Marshak. The Gamble plays live from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

General admission is $85. Reserve a spot at roblarwinery.com.

—Angie Stevens

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBLAR WINERY

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

Michele Kielty, D.O.

We know you’ve got an opinion.

Everybody’s got one!

How should institutions approach Native American remains and artifacts in their collections? m They should be given back to the appropriate tribes ASAP. m They should be held until the tribes approach the institutions. m They should remain on display and studies as they have been. m I don’t have an opinion on the issue.

This week’s online poll: 6/25 – 7/02 Enter your choice online at: SantaMariaSun.com

10-DAY CALENDAR: JUNE 25 - JULY 5, 2026

THE FOURTH AT ROBLAR

ARTS

Call to schedule your child’s well exam today.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Hot Stuff

“ALONG THE HIGH EMBANKMENTS” AT PRESQU’ILE Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Presqu’ile present Cole Sternberg’s work along the high embankments, a free, self-guided installation. Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m.

Free. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

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

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

DANCE CLASSES There are weekly dance classes, from ages 2 to adult, at KleinDance Arts . Mondays-Saturdays, 4-8 p.m. (805) 268-2530. kleindancearts.com. KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Classes available for all skill levels.

Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17.

First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/

departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

GIAFUNNI’S FRIDAY FUNNI’S Your Friday’s just got funnier with exciting standup comedy, delicious food and cozy seating! Featuring Touring Comedians and our famous $15 Buffet, this show is sure to Rock the start of your weekend!

June 26, 8:30 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com.

Giavanni’s Pizza, 1108 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, (805) 934-8555.

LA DOLCE VITA: SOURDOUGH PASTA MAKING Urban Homesteadings & Oak Folk Studios presents La Dolce Vita: Sourdough Pasta Making. Sign up with a friend before the 20th to save $30! June 27, 6-8:30 p.m.

(805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com.

Oak Folk Studio, 4850 South Bradley Road, Suite B, Santa Maria.

LUCHADORA! BY ALVARO SAAR RIOS A vibrant, family-friendly tale of love, identity, and the courage to step into your own power. Thursdays-Sundays, 7-8:25 p.m. and Wednesdays-Sundays, 7-8:25 p.m. through July 3 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.

“POST-WILD: NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY” The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to present Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, a juried exhibition featuring artworks by 34 emerging and established Santa Barbara County artists. Co-curated

by Allan Hancock College Professor of Fine Arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the Office of Arts and Culture, the exhibition highlights

artists working across painting, ceramics, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 1 Free. sbac.ca.gov/post-wildnature-in-the-21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

ART FROM THE HEART Gallery Los Olivos presents new paintings from award winning local artists’ Sheryl Knight and Linda Mutti. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.4 p.m. through June 30 (805) 688-7517.

GalleryLosOLivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

COME FROM AWAY A powerful, uplifting celebration of human kindness and the community we create when we welcome the unknown. Tuesdays-Sundays, 8-10 p.m. through June 27 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com.

Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval.

Contact Calendar Editor Angelena Stevens directly at astevens@newtimesslo.com.

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

“WHEN THE EARTH WHISPERS BACK: NATURE’S HOPE” Woman Painters West, an organization of juried professional woman artists (100 + years old) were invited to exhibit at this museum creating paintings that answered their theme.

See 48 paintings juried from 100 entries on view at the museum. Through Sept. 16 Canatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents.

All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts.

Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/.

Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

INDEX Arts........................................9 Culture & Lifestyle .......... 10 Food & Drink ...................... 11 Music ...................................13

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD Hooray for Hollywood is the annual summer recital presented by The Studio of Performing Arts. June 27, 6 p.m. $23.50. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SCIENCE AFTER DARK JUNE SCUBA NIGHT Science After Dark is a lecture series at the Central Coast Aquarium. An evening for those 18 and older, held on the last Tuesday of each month, January through May. June 28, 5:30-8 p.m. $23.27-$33.98. my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7280.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint pre-made pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING Celebrate the timeless music of Rodgers and Hammerstein in a charming and elegant revue that reimagines the legendary duo’s most beloved songs, leaving audiences spellbound! Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through June 25 $28$50. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/ a-grand-night-for-singing/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design.

Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com.

Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES A pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions,

but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40.

Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

BATIK STYLE WATERCOLOR WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this four-hour workshop, Linda will demonstrate one of the many Batik methods to use on watercolor paper.

June 27, 12-4 p.m. $50. (805) 478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel.

Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece.

Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages.

Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com.

Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTS continued page 10

www.santamariasun.com • June 25 - July 2, 2026 • Sun • 9

Hot Stuff ARTS from page 9 LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257. Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All welcome. Call for info.

(805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/ book-online. SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! For all ages. Prices are based upon size. Mondays, WednesdaysSaturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30-$75. app. acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php ?owner=22676824&appointmentType =35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age.

Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Familyfriendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance.

Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SEWING PAJAMA PANTS CAMP Campers will start with the basics of machine sewing and will leave camp with their own pair of pajama pants they made! June 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and July 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $255. (805) 439-1022. slolifestudio.com. SLOLife Studio and Mercantile, 12340 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ART IN THE PARK: MORRO BAY Visitors can expect a mixture of painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, and more, along with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Morro Bay! July 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., July 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/artinthepark.

Morro Bay City Park, Corner of Morro Bay Blvd. and Harbor St., Morro Bay. MURAL RESTORATION CELEBRATION Gather to celebrate Morro Bay Friends of the Library’s restoration of the library’s

JUNE 25 - JULY 5, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF GUADALUPE-NIPOMO DUNES CENTER

iconic mural and unveil a plaque honoring original artist, the late Peter Ladochy. The 650-square-foot, 125,000-piece mural was one of the first large public art projects in the region, designed by Ladochy and installed in 1985 with the help of 100 community volunteers. June 26, 2-3 p.m.

Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay, -(805) 772-6394.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

805 RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION IN SANTA MARIA Join the 805 Rapid Response Network! Register to participate in a new volunteer orientation in Santa Maria.

Location will be shared via email. June 30, 6-8 p.m. Free. 805undocufund.org/alerts.

Santa Maria, Citywide, Santa Maria.

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

BRUNCH AND BROWSE Shop and explore, while supporting amazing local talent. June 27, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 925-0951 ext 1635. cityofsantamaria.org/.

Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free.

(805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

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

FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/.

Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17.

First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

June 19 ~ August 1

10 • Sun • June 25 - July 2, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

MORNING HIKE

Join the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center during the Point Sal Community Hike on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The group will meet at the Point Sal Trailhead on Brown Road 10 to 15 minutes early, before exploring the stunning area, which is part of the ancestral territory of the Chumash people. Members can hike for $5, and it’s $10 for non-members. Visit dunescenter.org for additional details.

—A.S. LARGE CHURCH PARKING LOT SALE Don’t miss this large church parking lot sale, with many quality items, on the corner of S Bradley & E McCoy Lane. June 27, 8-1 a.m. (805) 925-2671. Ric Skamfer -volunteer worker, 605 E. Mc Coy Lane, Santa Maria.

POINT SAL COMMUNITY HIKE Join the Dunes Center to explore the beautiful Point Sal! Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to get ready for this scenic adventure. June 27, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5-$10. dunescenter. org/. Point Sal Trail, Brown Rd, Guadalupe.

PRIDE SPEED FRIENDING MIXER Hosted in partnership with House of Pride and Equality, this free mixer is designed to help you meet new friends in a fun, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Whether you’re single, partnered, new to town, or simply looking to expand your social circle,

everyone is welcome. June 26, 6-8 p.m.

Free. my805tix.com. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt, (805) 934-2771.

SANTA MARIA LIFEWALK 2026 Join the annual gathering and march to support the sanctity of life from its earliest stages. The theme for this election year: “Vote Pro-Life.”

June 28, 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 478-6359.

Santa Maria City Hall, 110 E. Cook St., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA WOMEN’S NETWORK: INSTLLATION OF OFFICERS Join us for a networking meeting celebrating leadership networking and women helping women! The meeting includes lunch. July 1 $35. (805) 478-3057. Santa Maria Country Club, 505 W. Waller Lane, Santa Maria.

Welcome to the rip-roaring Wild West town of Roaring Gulch, CA, where Hilda Heartfelt, the newfound gold mine heiress, has both Marshal Wyatt Winchester swooning and sneaky golddiggers Bart Black and Calantha scheming. Saddle up for a musical melodrama that'll have your boots tapping and your heartstrings twanging!

Yeehaw!

SANTA MARIA-BONITA SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB EXPO The Santa MariaBonita School District (SMBSD) is hosting a comprehensive, two-day Job Expo to recruit and hire new personnel. June 26, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and June 27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

(805) 361-8122. smbsd.org. Souza Center, 708 South Miller Street, Santa Maria.

WARHAMMER WEDNESDAYS AT THE LIBRARY Calling all Warhammer fans!

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Provided in partnership with Nerdvana. July 1, 3-6:30 p.m. Free.

(805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

Hot Stuff

JUNE 25 - JULY 5, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO LIFE STUDIO AND MERCANTILE

BEGINNER’S BONSAI WORKSHOP The CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 10 workshop is for beginners to learn how to (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). shape plants in the bonsai style with an easy-to-care-for plant that you’ll get to take Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover home. June 27, 2-4 p.m. $85. (805) 2704083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, a BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No no homework or lessons, just conversation. previous experience needed.

Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739.

(805) 825-1345. La Conversación is a Spanish grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. Conversation group. There’s no homework, no lessons, just conversation. All levels of BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation speakers are welcome. Todos son bienvenidos!

Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (805) 748-9123. instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish Coffee Bean, 354 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y to begin a practice or seek to deepen LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GOING BATTY AT THE NATURE CENTER an existing one. Flexible days and times.

GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A proGoing Batty consists of weekly talks Certified with IMTA. Email or text for recovery group offering space to those seeking and observation of hundreds of native information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We California Myotis bats. Fridays, Saturdays.

6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. understand recovery isn’t linear and judgmentthrough Sept. 6 Free. (805) 693-0691. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be clnaturecenter.org. Neal Taylor Nature Arroyo Grande. part of a community building up each other.

Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara.

First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free.

CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY IN OCEANO Oceano Plaza galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, LOMPOC/VANDENBERG as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday Arroyo Grande.

LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms and the 50th Anniversary of Bicentennial MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS into a celebration and showcase of Park. June 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. vaco805. Experience dance from continents around the local artists during this monthly event, org/events. Oceano Plaza at 17th and earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. which features live music, art, exciting Beach Street, 1909 Front Street, Oceano, Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the exhibitions, performances, and a variety (916) 798-6809. context and history of cultures of the world.” of unique vendors. First Thursday of every COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover I St., Lompoc.

Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This including pathways maintenance, litter Grover Beach. event is for the whole family. There will patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS be vendors selling their wears, music, irrigation system expansion/repairs, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station.

Come out and spend part of your Saturday bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, Check website for more details. Wednesdays, supporting local vendors. First Saturday and tools related to the above activities. of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/.

Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Vandenberg Village Community Services Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. Avila Beach.

Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ the early riser or commuter, every SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y and questioning youth between the ages of weekday morning. Maintain or improve AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY DOGGIE 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, concentration, balance, and flexibility.

PARADE The Doggie Parade and Doggie cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class Costume Contest is a $5 donation. All dogs Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, with more practices. Led by certified must be registered to walk in the parade.

Arroyo Grande.

Awareness Through Movement teacher.

July 4, 11 a.m.-noon $7.20. my805tix.com.

Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong Avila Beach.

280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. through simple standing movements BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp increased energy. Suitable for all ages and DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE packages available daily. All equipment FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches included. ongoing Starts at $70. your life. An outdoor class overlooking the artistic expression and exercise, using a (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. wide range of styles and genres of music ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. and Mondays, Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $15 per class or $60 for five110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 11 class card. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org.

Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

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

SOLSTICE CIRCLE: MINDFUL DRUMMING AND SONG The Solstice Circle is a homecoming to the self—a joyful invitation to ground your feet, open your heart, and find your unique pulse within the collective rhythm. Nestled within the high-vibration sanctuary of Mystic Nature—a hidden gem of crystals, rocks, and inspired artistry—we honor the longest day and Professional Live Theatre! joyful season through connection, creativity, and the primal language of the drum. This is a Fun for ages 5 to 105! space to shed the noise of daily living and sink 1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA into the rhythms that reside in us all. June 26, 6-8 p.m. $18.98-$31.84. my805tix.com.

3 miles south of Pismo Beach Mystic Nature, 330 W. Tefft, Unit E, Nipomo.

THE GREAT AMERICAN

www.AmericanMelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

SHOW TIMES

Wednesday - Friday: 7pm Saturday: 2pm to 7pm Sunday: 6pm CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday

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

Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12.

(805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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,

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m.

Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender nonconforming, 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.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

MAKE SOME PANTS

SLOLife Studio and Mercantile is offering sewing and fiber arts summer camps for those entering fourth grade and above. Sewing Pajama Pants Camp runs from June 29 to July 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($255).

Led by London Delicath, owner of SLOLife Studio, and Emily Benson, campers will start with the basics and leave camp with a pair of pajama pants they made for themselves. Fiber Arts Sampler Camps and a Back to School Sewing Camp are coming up in July and August. Visit slolifestudio.com for more information.

—A.S. attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access.

Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/.

Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info.

Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances.

Last Monday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free.

(805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask.

First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST PRIDE 2026: PRIDE IN THE PLAZA Join the Gala Pride and Diversity Center for the annual Pride in the Plaza celebration with live music, vendors, and community! June 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. instagram.com/thegalacenter/&ved=2a hUKEwj0j57uztqUAxXqH0QIHcVNCLYQFn oECCoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2iY-A5_O2C3Z ghbpqijV-a. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST PRIDE 2026: TRANS PRIDE IN THE PARK Join the Gala Pride and Diversity Center for the annual Trans Pride in the Park celebration, with music, vendors, and community! June 28, 1-6 p.m. instagram.com/thegalacenter/&ved=2a hUKEwjcxa3Rz9qUAxWPL0QIHePsHowQ FnoECB8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2iY-A5_O2C 3ZghbpqijV-a. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

EVENING IN THE GARDEN Visit the Garden of the Seven Sisters for a free Sunday evening open garden. June 28, 6-7:30 p.m. and July 5, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 781-5946. ucanr.edu.

Garden of the Seven Sisters, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

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

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardeners of SLO County extend an invitation to the public to visit our demonstration garden.

See what’s in bloom and learn something new.

First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 2 Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr. edu. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

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 RHYTHMS AT CROW’S END: MINDFUL DRUMMING & NATURE CONNECTION Nature Rhythms is a welcoming circle where we gather to slow down, drum, sing, and reconnect with ourselves, with nature, and with one another. Join us at Crow’s End Retreat Center, a quiet and serene rural setting nestled in Squire Canyon. July 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $13.63-$24.34. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

NOT YOUR PARENTS PLANNED PARENTHOOD PRESENTED BY ARIANA BARRERA This class will explore identity, language, and health in a course designed to inform and empower. Participants will learn inclusive, up-to-date terminology around gender identity, sexual orientation, and selfexpression, building confidence in how they understand and describe themselves and others. June 25, 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com.

Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

PUNK ROCK DRAG SHOW Punk Rock Drag is a combination of live bands and performing drag artists. This is a benefit concert series that is currently fundraising for Colectivo Mariposa.

Colectivo Mariposa is a local mutual aid group based in Santa Maria that serves roughly 200 families across the Central Coast by providing food, diapers, and miscellaneous small items to families who have had a family member kidnapped by ICE. June 26, 7 p.m. $15. my805tix. com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

ROD & HAMMER’S SURF BLOCK PARTY 2026 Come to the Surf Block Party and enjoy local vendors, food, drinks, and live music! June 27, 12-7 p.m. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

2026 GREENSPACE ADVENTURE AUCTION Greenspace presents live auctions for adventures and experiences, silent auction, plated dinner, local wines all to support our work in conservation, reforestation, education and advocacy! June 27, 5-9 p.m. $125.

(805) 927-2866. greenspacecambria.org.

Joslyn Center, 950 Main St, Cambria.

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

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY The Waterfront Market returns for its 9th summer season in Morro Bay. This open-air market features over 30 local vendors from SLO County. Through July 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free. (805) 402-9437. facebook.com/ waterfrontmarketmorrobayca Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

FOOD & DRINK

Can I crash on your couch for awhile?

Ask us about our Foster Program FOSTER • SPONSOR • VOLUNTEER • DONATE

Anyone can help!

Meet Xena, a glorious 8 month old pup with a brave and gentle soul.

This affectionate and smart girl is always up for an adventure and is incredibly playful and curious. Xena is good with other dogs, cats, kids and simply loves everyone she meets. With her sweet and gentle nature, she is sure to capture your heart. She’s at the perfect age to add her to your family for a lifetime of cuddles and adventures!

Xena

PO Box 2952, Orcutt, CA 93457

Email: centralcoastSPCA@yahoo.com

centralcoastspca.org (805) 937-1766

This ad provided by

The Maxim in Real Estate

(805) 878-0807

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

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

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

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty.

With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song.

Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

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

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

SOURDOUGH AT GROWING GROUNDS FARM Urban Homesteadings, your local female veteran owned sourdough specialty shop is at GrowingGroundsFarm. Veterans and first responders get a free cookie! Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. through June 30 Free. (805) 865-6318.

UrbanHomesteadings.com. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria.

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

Adoptable Pets of the Week

Sara Lee

Age: 3 years, 2 months Breed: Smooth Collie/Shepherd mix Sex: Female Weight: 77 lbs.

Campus: Santa Barbara

Russell

Age: 7 Years, 2 months

Breed: Domestic

Shorthair

Sex: Male Weight: 10 lbs.

Campus: Santa Maria

All animals are health checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

1687 West Stowell Road (Santa Maria)

(805) 964-4777 • sbhumane.org Adoption Center Hours are:

12:00-4:30pm, every day except Wed. AD PROVIDED BY

(805) 878-0807

FOOD & DRINK continued page 13 www.santamariasun.com • June 25 - July 2, 2026 • Sun • 11

SLO Blues Baseball 2026 Season

NOW - SUNDAY, JULY 26 Sinsheimer Stadium, SLO

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 Odd Fellows Hall, SLO

Giafunni’s Friday Funni’s

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Giavanni’s Pizza, Santa Maria

Rock Lord Debut Show

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Meditate with Dawn

FRIDAY, JULY 3 Aurora Sacred Events, Morro Bay

The StrawberryRed Carpet Screening Event MONDAY, JULY 6 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

2026 C10 SLO Down

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 18-19

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 25 & 26

Laguna Lake Park, SLO

Improv Extravaganza

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 The Bunker SLO

Greenspace Adventure Auction 2026 SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Joslyn Center, Cambria

Rockin’ the Ranch: Electric Lavender Train SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Filipponi Ranch, SLO

First Friday at Libertine

FRIDAY, JULY 3 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Roots, Resonance, Radiance TUESDAY, JULY 7 La Lomita Ranch, SLO

Avila Beach Golf Course, Avila Beach

Punk Rock Drag Show

Mad Town w/Members of Lulu & the Cow Tippers

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Stevie Nicks Illusion

Pollinator Palooza! Bee, Butterfly, Bat & Street Faire

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Blast and Brew, Atascadero

San Lyon & The True Stories

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Burton Dr at Center St, Cambria

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Pismo Beach Vet’s Memorial Building

Motley 2 Live at the Pour House

FRIDAY, JULY 3 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Orcutt Pride Drag Brunch

SUNDAY, JUNE 28 Naughty Oak & Lark & Sparrow, Orcutt

Avila Beach 4th of July Pancake Breakfast

SATURDAY, JULY 4 Avila Beach Community Center

Scan QR code to sign up for the weekly Ticket Wire newsletter and get all the latest events each Wednesday.

Matilda The Musical

FRIDAY, JULY 31 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 Templeton Performing Arts Center

Shamanic Morning Rituals for Vitality

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Aurora Sacred Events, Morro Bay

Experiencia Bamboo: Fine Dining in Bamboo Forest SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Paso Bamboo, Paso Robles

Science After Dark June Scuba Night

TUESDAY, JUNE 30 Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

Avila Beach 4th of July Doggie Parade

FOOD & DRINK from page 11

SATURDAY, JULY 4 Avila Beach Community Center

Solstice Circle - Mindful Drumming & Song

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Mystic Nature Gems & Crystals, Nipomo

Live at the Lighthouse Concert Series

SATURDAYS, JUNE 27 - OCT 10 Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach

Nature Rhythms: Mindful Drumming, Song, Nature

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 Crow’s End (Squire Canyon) SLO

Rockin’ the Ranch: Jane’s Gang SUNDAY, JULY 5 Filipponi Ranch, SLO

SELL TICKETS WITH US! 805-546-8208 INFO@MY805TIX.COM

Not Your Parents Planned Parenthood

40th Annual Renaissance Festival

Hot Stuff

&

FEATURED EVENTS

FEATURED EVENTS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT MY805TIX.COM

POWERED BY:

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

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. wineanddesign.com/orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

4TH OF JULY BBQ AT ROBLAR WINERY Don’t miss the ultimate Independence Day celebration at Roblar Winery! Gather with friends and family as we mark our country’s 250th birthday in style! July 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $85. (805) 686-2603. Roblar Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez, roblarwinery.com/.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages.

Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by members of the Board of Directors of the Avila Beach Civic Association and volunteers that consists of pancakes, bacon or sausage, strawberries, orange juice, and coffee.

July 4, 8:30-10 a.m. $12.56. my805tix.com.

Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach.

TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo.

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

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

250TH ANNIVERSARY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT THE STOCKYARD WITH THE MIGHTY CASH CATS Join the Stockyard and the Mighty Cash Cats: Johnny Cash. This incredible band is back after 4 years to help make this celebration of America’s 250th anniversary the best 4th of July bash around! July 4, noon Free. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, S Broadway St, Orcutt.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Enjoy Concerts in the Park 2026, with live music, summer nights, and community

JUNE 25 - JULY 5, 2026 fun. June 27, 6-8 p.m. and July 4, 12-4 WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS p.m. Free. (805) 925-0951. anc.apm.

Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn activecommunities.com/santamaria/ Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_ (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. select_param=2&activity_category_ LOMPOC/VANDENBERG ids=35&viewMode=list. Pioneer Park, 1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt.

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, DEL CUMBIA AL PERREO BRUNCH and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, June 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. my805tix.com.

6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt.

118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live coldcoastbrewing.com. music at the winery most Friday evenings.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming Check site for concert schedule. Fridays environment for first time performers and an presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, opportunity for kids and teens to showcase 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, their talent. Prizes awarded every month for (805) 937-8110.

Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/.

Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc. delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 4TH OF JULY WITH FREE LIVE MUSIC AT (805) 623-8866.

THE SECRET GARDEN Dance it out to live LIVE JAZZ SATURDAYS Enjoy live jazz music from the Quadratones band while MUSIC featuring guitarist Keegan Heitman celebrating the 4th of July at Sycamore. and friends. June 27, 2-4 p.m. Free.

July 4, 3-6 p.m. Free. my805tix.com.

(805) 925-0860. instagram.com/ The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral FLAVOR/EATS Crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, (805) 595-7302.

Santa Maria.

INFO AMERICA TURNS 250! PATRIOTIC POPS AND VETERAN’S TRIBUTE Opera San Luis Obispo Presents: America Turns 250!, a Patriotic Pops and Veteran’s Tribute CALENDAR June 28, 3-4:45 p.m. $40-$50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Send event information to calendar@ OPINION Arroyo Grande. santamariasun.com.

ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT NEWSSERIES Check out the lineup for the City of Arroyo Grande’s Summer Concert Series!

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR There will be free concerts every Sunday Various local musicians rotate each Friday. from 1 to 3 p.m., and a double show on STROKES Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, July 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472.

400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, arroyogrande.org/rec. Heritage Square stellerscellar.com.

ARTS Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ BSR PRESENTS: SAN LYON AND TRUE and karaoke every Friday and Saturday STORIES Parisian Gypsy Swing meets night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Central Coast Jazz Heritage. June 28, Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s non-members. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, (805) 623-8866.

San Luis Obispo.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY LIVE ON THE ROCKS FEATURING THE Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, TOMMY MOON BAND Live on the Rocks ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. is a beloved free oceanfront concert ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. at The Cliffs Hotel and Spa! Dance to a com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho fabulous live band, and enjoy fantastic Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., food. July 4, 1-5 p.m. Free. (805) 773-5000.

Santa Maria. cliffshotelandspa.com. The Cliffs Hotel and OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

All are welcome. Call for more details.

NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m.

Celebrate summer at Nipomo’s free (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, Concerts in the Park series, with 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria. live bands, local food, dancing, and SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend unforgettable evenings with friends, family, with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van and neighbors every week. Wednesdays, Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 929-5437.

Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, nipomorecreation.com/. Nipomo Regional Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.

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

ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: ELECTRIC LAVENDER TRAIN June 28, 6 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. m

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Featured Events

Best of SLO County Winners Party

If I Only Had a Song

FRIDAY, MAY 8 The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Community Presbyterian, Cambria

Fight Night XI - presented by Beatddown Promotions

Pops by the Sea: Symphony Remix

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Avila Beach Golf Course, Avila Beach

Man of La Mancha

Rachel Baiman + Special Guest Natalie Del Carmen

Royal Pain Central Coast Follies

Janes Gang Live

Chakra Meditation & Breath-work

Nature Rhythms in Harmony

FRIDAY, JULY 10 835 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach

FRIDAY, JULY 10 SLO Brew Rock, SLO

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Studio de Myriam, SLO

SATURDAY, JULY 11 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Aurora Sacred Events, Morro Bay

SUNDAY, JULY 12 Town of Harmony

Vets in the Vineyard 2026

Creative Club Camps

Chakra Flow Sound Journey

SUNDAY, JULY 12 Biddle Ranch Vineyards, SLO

TUES, JULY 14 - THURS, JULY 30 Lor Coaching Studios, Morro Bay

FRIDAY, JULY 17 Mystic Nature, Nipomo

SLOFunny Comedy Show

M-80’s Live in Paso!

Del Cumbia al Perreo Brunch

FRIDAY, JULY 17 Dracaena Wines, Paso Robles

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FRIDAY, JULY 17 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SUNDAY, JULY 19 The Stockyard, Orcutt

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Arts

ART SCENE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE

ARTS BRIEFS Lompoc invites the community to its 73rd Flower Festival

An educated community

Allan Hancock College’s Community Education Department is located in Building S of the Santa Maria campus (800 S. College Drive). Business hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about programs, call (805) 347-7553 or visit hancockcollege.edu/communityed/index.php.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EXPLORE LOMPOC

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JUNE Saturday, June 27 QuadraTones Sunday, June 28 Kyle Huskey

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WELC OME TO T HE S O U N D T R A C K OF F REEDOM

the Jalapeno Jam Saturday, July 11 Earls of Tuesday HARD AT WORK: Most community education courses at Allan Hancock College are free.

Some require a materials fee, but students get to keep their creations when class is over.

Sunday, July 12 Rough House Saturday, July 18 Leslie & the Soul Shakers

H O T VA L L E Y NIGHTS

Sunday, July 19 Dave Tate Duo

RICK SPRINGFIELD

FREE CONCERT SERIES

J U LY 3 1 / $ 6 5 +

M O L LY R I N G WA L D P R O J E C T J U LY 1 1

The Elverhoj Museum celebrates the 100th birthday of a Danish American painter

SCREENSHOT FROM ELVERHOJ MUSEUM INSTAGRAM

Artwork by Roland Petersen is up at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art through Aug. 9. The Danish-born American artist is best known for his Picnic series, defined by geometric abstractions and striking colors.

“This exhibition celebrates Petersen’s 100th birthday and honors a remarkable life in art that continues today through his ongoing dedication to painting,” according to press materials.

Petersen’s career spans more than five decades, and he spent most of his time working in the Bay Area. His work is also represented in the Whitney Museum of American Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. On July 11 at 2 p.m., Professor Emeritus John Seed of Mount San Jacinto College will give a talk at the museum on the Bay Area Figurative Art movement, which Petersen is involved in.

The revolution brought back recognizable human shapes and landscapes, shifting away from abstract expressionism.

“With decades of experience as an educator, writer, and curator, Seed offers valuable insight into the enduring power and relevance of Petersen’s work,” the museum announced.

Petersen’s pieces are on display during regular museum hours, Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the center at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. Call (805) 686-1211 with questions. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send upcoming events to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

STEMS AND ALL: One of the many tuition-free courses that Allan Hancock College offers is floral design. Instructors even partner with some of the school’s organizations, and students create arrangements for events.

What’s next?

Residents learn a variety of skills in tuition-free Community Education courses at Hancock

BY MADISON WHITE

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“We want to build possibilities for students, offer opportunities for students,” Paniagua explained. n a lifelong learning class, Nick and Deborah She likes to say community education offers Carpenter crafted pieces of jewelry that can also something for everybody, no matter how old they last a lifetime: their wedding bands. are or what their background is. The department The couple has spent the past two decades exercising their creative muscles in tuition-free arts is even working on changing one of the course prefixes, OLDR, to something more inclusive that courses at Allan Hancock College, they told the represents the sentiment of lifelong learning rather school. While shaping their rings, the Carpenters than an age range. engaged with other like-minded people eager to The dean and her team are constantly continue growing and maintaining a commitment collecting feedback from students and to the arts. collaborating with faculty to make changes that Their journey through Hancock’s Community best help individuals grow.

Education Department is similar to many other “Santa Maria, being a large agricultural students. Alicia Paniagua, the department’s dean, community, has folks that want to be able to believes the courses offer exciting ways for adults to keep busy at various stages in life. And they keep support their students with their homework, but the language barrier is there,” Paniagua said. coming back.

“A lot of our students are students that have been “So, we offer low beginning classes, intermediate classes, advanced classes, not only grammatical with us for over 10 years, so the feedback that we hear is that they are making friends here,” Paniagua classes, but also conversation classes.”

After building greater English skills, there told the Sun. “They appreciate the creativity that are continued pathways for students to learn is being brought to the community, whether it’s about child care opportunities or working as an painting classes, whether it’s photography classes, instructional bilingual aid. Just like after taking or jewelry making classes, or sewing classes.” non-credit and tuition-free fashion courses, there’s There are dozens of classes students ages 18 and older may register for, and most are tuition-free with the option to enter Hancock’s degree program for the subject. Hancock is a starting point for lots of the exception of exercise classes and College for Kids summer camp. Some no-cost classes require a future pathways. fee to cover the cost of supplies, but it’s given back to the students in the form of their creations. For example, an $80 fee is collected for the floral design class, which divides out to $10 per session.

Not all classes are directly based in the arts. Some instructors teach students how to do their income taxes, speak conversational English, improve computer skills, study for the GED exam, and interview to become a U.S. citizen. The STARTING POINT: Computer literacy courses are popular at Allan department’s newest Hancock College. Students can also learn other practical skills like how to course beginning in do their income taxes and pass driving exams. the fall is barbering.

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805-927-4502

MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME: Two Allan Hancock College students made their own wedding bands in a jewelry class. They’ve been taking tuition-free arts courses at the school for two decades.

The importance of community education is in its name: building community. Students make friends and establish new support systems.

“I think it’s for well-being,” Paniagua said. “I mean, we recognize that during COVID it was hard to just be at home. And so, oftentimes we seek that human connection.”

For the dean, community education opportunities hit close to home. Paniagua grew up as an English language learner and remembers her family grappling with the same situations that many of her students find themselves in.

“I see students, and I see my family. I see myself,” Paniagua said. “I saw my parents with that same struggle. … For me, really, it’s seeing family in the work that I do.”

Delicia Navarette has been a community education coordinator for three years and oversees programs including career preparation, U.S. citizenship, computer literacy, art and fashion, and home economics.

“We offer estate planning, investment, and stock market basics, a woman’s guide to finance, and those are just the programs that I support,” Navarette said. “We have other programs in the department as well, but those are supported by other coordinators.”

The community education classes don’t impact transcripts or GPAs. There aren’t lengthy admissions processes or strict qualifications.

Everyone is welcome.

“Students are always really happy with the programs. They love to share photos of their designs and artwork,” Navarette said. “We love to hear success stories when they’ve become employed and have changed their lives with taking our program.”

She added that the department is searching for new instructors and hoping to expand opportunities to students in Guadalupe, Lompoc, and Santa Ynez.

Team members are available to make registration as easy as possible for students. Interested participants will fill out a short, standard application form with basic information about their goals and previous experiences.

“Just the formality of the application, and then logging into their My Hancock portal,” Navarette said, “and then the possibilities are endless.” m Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

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The annual hometown tradition and quintessential Lompoc experience returns to the valley from June 25 to 28. This year’s Flower Festival in Ryon Memorial Park also recognizes the country’s milestone birthday with a theme titled America in Bloom: 250 Years.

“It is a long-standing community event honoring the region’s deep roots in the flower-growing industry,” according to press materials. “With the event’s origin dating back to the 1950s, the Flower Festival acknowledges the area’s agricultural heritage while bringing community members together.”

Expect four days filled with games, carnival rides ($40 for unlimited rides), crafts, and music. Access entertainment on the main stage through paid admission. Pets aren’t permitted in the park during the festival.

More than 20 food vendors will set up at the park with a variety of cuisines like barbecue, Thai, Mexican, and Filipino food, as well as ice cream and shaved ice for dessert. Vendors are scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Catch the parade on June 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. It’ll feature floral floats starting south on H Street, heading west on Ocean Avenue, and then concluding along South O Street.

The festival is organized by the Lompoc Valley Festival Association. For more details visit lompocvalleyfestivals.com/ home or follow on Instagram @lompocvalleyfestivals.

Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time without notice. Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1.800.522.4700. ©2026 Chumash Casino Resort.

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Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys: The Brotherhood Tour Saturday, August 1 • 8:00pm

Death Cab for Cutie: I Built You a Tower Tour Friday, August 7 • 8:00pm

OLE 60 Off the Grid Tour Saturday, August 8 • 7:00pm

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SantaMariaSun.com www.santamariasun.com • June 25 - July 2, 2026 • Sun • 15

Film

SUN SCREEN

Maximum stressors

PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV

Eats

COFFEE PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMY LEMUS

C

Anna: I hadn’t really heard anything about this series until it was already rolling, but boy, has it delivered. I’m getting Pluribus vibes without the body snatching. It’s slick and the main character in it, Paula, like Carol from Pluribus, is messy but smart—while also lacking some compulsion control. Sometimes we shouldn’t walk into potential crime scenes that we are Glen: This series doesn’t conclude until July rogue investigating. That doesn’t always go well, 15, so we’re only a bit more than halfway girl. But she’s determined to keep her daughter in through, but if you’re not on board with it yet, her life, and not in a secondary role. Jake Johnson I highly recommend it. It’s a super engaging has a podcast I listen to called We’re Here to Help black comedy, and Tatiana Maslany as Paula alongside comedian Gareth Reynolds (definitely Saunders is terrific. She’s a divorced mom to recommend for my comedy podcast peeps), and Hazel (Nola Wallace), and her they have been having the ex-husband, Karl (Jake Johnson), actors in this show on as guests is threatening to sue for full recently—and I can tell you, it MAXIMUM PLEASURE custody. Karl and his new wife, sounds like this cast had a blast GUARANTEED Mallory (Jessy Hodges), are making the series, and you can What’s it rated? TV-MA also contemplating a move to see it on-screen. Known as a What’s it worth, Anna? Full price the other side of the country. nice guy but willing grump on What’s it worth, Glen? Full price Meanwhile at work, Paula’s boss, TV, Johnson plays Paula’s ex, Where’s it showing? Apple TV Suzie Tell (Tara Summers), is and man, he’s not a fun one to trying to get her to cut corners have. He’s found the end of his in her fact checking, and her co-workers—Rudy rope with her and he’s moved on, and not in a nice (Charlie Hall) and Geri (Kiarra Hamagami way. This is a good series, folks—don’t sleep on it.

Goldberg)—are less than supportive but very We want a season 2 if there’s meant to be one! funny. And to top it off, Trevor, the webcam Glen: My favorite supporting character is boy Paula has been interacting with online, Detective Sofia Gonzales (Dolly De Leon), the is blackmailing her and giving Karl the wry, wise, methodical investigator looking into information he needs to cut her out of Hazel’s Paula’s role in a murder. She’s deadpan funny, life. The first episode is a doozy, and if you’re not and Gonzales is an excellent foil to her younger reactionary partner, Detective Baxter (Jon immediately hooked, I’ll be surprised. reated by David Rosen (Us & Them, Citadel), this series follows divorced mom and fastidious magazine fact checker Paula Saunders (Tatiana Maslany) as she becomes involved in murder and blackmail connected to webcam boy Trevor (Brandon Flynn). (10 33-to40-min. episodes)

BLACKMAIL BLACK COMEDY: After interacting with a webcam boy (think OnlyFans but male), divorced mom Paula Saunders (Tatiana Maslany) finds herself involved in a murder and blackmail plot, in Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, streaming on Apple TV.

Michael Hill). There are police procedural aspects to the show and family drama aspects, but the fun is watching Paula get herself into hot water.

The series also has a role for Murray Bartlett as Frank Budkin, Trevor’s older boyfriend. You may recall him as the hotel manager Armond from The White Lotus. Great cast!

Anna: Definitely a great cast! It’s funny, but there’s also murder, mystery, and a quick pace that makes every episode fly by. Frank turns out to be quite the … character, and who Trevor really was behind the webcam-boy persona

gets twistier. The messy mystery and Paula’s involvement and curiosity soon put her in the eyes of Trevor’s killer, even though Detective Baxter is sure they should be looking at her.

While I would love to binge this show, I’m glad to know that I’ll still be getting new episodes for the weeks to come. I can’t wait to see what our girl Paula gets herself into (and out of) next! m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY EMILY ARAGONES/NETFLIX

BODY DOUBLE

BLAST

What’s it rated? R When? 1984 Where’s it showing? FROM THE The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo, Friday, June 26, at 7:15 p.m.

Brian De Palma directs this 1984 neo-noir erotic thriller about struggling actor Jake Scully (Craig Wasson), who becomes ensnared in a murder plot. With themes like obsession, voyeurism, illusion, and panic attacks, the film is an homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s films Rear Window, Vertigo, and Dial M for Murder.

It stars Melanie Griffith as porn actress Holly Body, who Jake falls for; Gregg Henry as Sam Bouchard, a fellow actor who meets Jake in an VOYEURISM: Craig Wasson stars as Jake Scully, who acting class; and Deborah Shelton as Gloria becomes ensnared in a murder plot, in Body Double, Revelle, a beautiful neighbor who Jake watches screening as part of the Flickerhead Friday series on through a telescope from the posh home he’s June 26 at SLO’s Palm Theatre. housesitting.

Upon its release, it was a commercial films of Hitchcock and De Palma, and it’s reached into failure and got mixed reviews, but over time, the film has popular culture. Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, American become a cult classic; its aesthetic indulgences are an apt Psycho, about serial killer, references the film as the killer’s reflection of ’80s excess. It’s also got a thumping new wave favorite because of a ghastly but iconic murder-by-powersoundtrack, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood performs their drill scene. (114 min.) m hit “Relax.”

—Glen It was included in a college class I took examining the

Walk through the front door and you’ll quickly realize Tribe isn’t trying to be the trendiest coffee shop on the Central Coast. It’s trying to be something rarer: a place with a soul.

“I wanted something unique to this area that didn’t exist here before,” owner Amy Lemus told New Times.

The café opened in 2019, born from Lemus’ love of coffee and her desire to create a gathering space that felt warm, inviting, and deeply personal.

Raised in Nipomo, Lemus is the oldest of four sisters and a self-described creative at heart. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a studio art degree and spent more than 11 years working for Anthropologie as a visual manager and artist. She also worked in restaurants for decades and spent several years designing wedding flowers.

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desert pear, coconut, lavender, and steamed milk into a drink that STROKES Visit Tribe Coffeehouse at 1355 E. Grand somehow manages to taste both Ave., Arroyo Grande and follow the magic on beachy and botanical.

Instagram @tribecoffeehouse. Visit the next Each season brings a completely ARTS makers market on July 18, or stop by for a tarot new theme. reading every Saturday by Decked Tarot.

One year it might be flowers.

Another might be tarot cards. This summer, it’s seashells. The goal isn’t In many ways, Tribe feels like all simply to create another seasonal of those experiences folded into one latte—it’s to build an entire world colorful, caffeine-fueled package. around a collection of flavors.

“I love curating and merchandising “We kind of go with a theme for each products too,” Lemus said. “I really take the time to hand-select special items to season,” Lemus said. “Our customers sell here. And I just choose things that I really like it. They have fun with it.”

Lemus develops the menus alongside like and that I want to buy.” manager Meggan Clark, whom she That same artistic instinct shapes calls her “right-hand woman.” the drink menu, where flavors are Together, the pair dream up layered together less like recipes and combinations that often sound slightly more like color palettes. unhinged on paper but somehow work This summer’s collection draws beautifully in a cup. inspiration from the ocean.

“We have a lot of fun just kind In the Moonshell, Earl Grey tea is of coming up with different infused with brown sugar, mango, combinations, you know, trying and lavender. The Junonia combines different things out and just kind mocha, toasted marshmallow, and of seeing what works,” she said. coconut before arriving topped with “Sometimes we’ll kind of reinvent the a chocolate-dipped marshmallow coated in graham cracker crumbs. The wheel or sometimes we might bring something that [was] really successful Ammonite swirls together espresso,

Brewed magic

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the year past and kind of bring that back or alter it and fine tune it.”

That willingness to experiment has earned Tribe a devoted following.

The Honey Rose Latte remains one of the café’s best sellers, combining floral sweetness with rich espresso.

The Pistachio Rose Latte has become something of a local legend. The Lavender Honey Latte offers a softer, more herbal profile.

And then there are the zodiac drinks.

Every astrological season gets its own beverage and tea, available for roughly 30 days before vanishing until next year. Customers can even purchase matching zodiac stickers designed in-house by Clark.

The current Cancer latte features blackberry, frosted mint, coconut, espresso, and milk. Its companion tea combines silver needle white tea, green tea, ginger, and turkey tail mushroom.

Despite the whimsy, the café takes coffee seriously.

Lemus partnered with Shawn Clark of Cacti Coffee Roasters from the beginning, sourcing high-quality

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spresso, strawberry rose, coconut, mint and guava with steamed milk, topped with strawberry dust— sounds like a potion brewing in a witch’s kitchen. But in reality, it’s a cup of coffee in Arroyo Grande.

At Tribe Coffeehouse, magic is on the menu.

Here, espresso mingles with rose petals and lavender. Matcha arrives infused with seasonal fruits and florals. Tarot cards inspire drink specials. Zodiac seasons are marked not by horoscopes alone, but by limited-edition lattes and teas that disappear with the stars. The shelves are stocked with oracle decks, books on herbalism, and tiny treasures sourced from women-owned makers across the country.

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Tribe Coffeehouse in Arroyo Grande serves seasonal lattes, floral drinks, and a creative coffee menu

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POTION POUR: At Tribe Coffeehouse, seasonal lattes blend espresso, florals, and whimsy into drinks that feel more like OPINION SPELLBOUND: Every Saturday, Decked Tarot brings card readings to the crafted spells than café orders. coffeehouse.

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What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025-present Where’s it showing? Netflix The gang is back for season 2, and some high tensions and satisfactory resolutions are headed your way. If you haven’t watched season 1, first of all, get it together. Tough love? Maybe, but have you seen this cast list? Go watch it before you cannonball into season 2.

The gang is one fewer after the passing of Nick (Steve Carell), but since his younger girlfriend, Ginny (Erika Henningsen), is pregnant, they’ll be seven again soon. Kate (Tina Fey) is furious with Danny (Colman Domingo) for moving to Italy with his husband, Claude (Marco Calvani), and Ginny is furious with Anne (Kerri KenneySilver) for what she sees as her late love’s ex hoarding control over his estate out of spite. It’s FEELIES: On an adventure to scatter ashes, a group not a great time for the old gang to see each of longtime friends navigates the ups and downs other, but conflict be damned, tradition overrides. of their complicated group dynamics, in The Four Plus, they need to scatter Nick’s ashes, even if Seasons season 2, streaming on Netflix. they aren’t happy with each other.

As with the first season, the second’s and the tender moments still feel authentic. (16 27-to-35episodes cluster into seasons, places, and life stages over min. episodes) the course of a year. Four different locations, hardships —Anna and triumphs, mourning and celebration. The cast is funny,

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Turquoise floors brighten the space.

Plants spill from beans and focusing on corners. Books about consistency behind herbal remedies, the bar. manifestation, and “It’s all about the intentional living fill details for us,” Lemus shelves. Weekly tarot said. “Each shot is readings draw curious weighed and timed visitors, while monthly to ensure consistency makers markets bring with every drink.” local artisans, jewelers, The nitro cold brew and creators to the is brewed and kegged front patio. in-house before being Lemus describes infused with nitrogen herself as spiritual and poured from rather than religious, the tap. The result and that influence is silky, creamy, and gently weaves through powerful enough to the shop without convert even the most overwhelming it. devoted energy drink “I just wanted a place enthusiast. that created serenity Tea drinkers fare and calmness and equally well. Tribe’s connection to other ceremonial-grade FLORAL FUEL: Colorful teas rotate with the seasons, layering bright fruit, florals, and people,” she said. matcha arrives in small botanicals that look just as vibrant as they taste.

The result is a batches from Japan and coffeehouse where serves as the foundation college students work alongside retirees, where for many of the café’s seasonal creations. first dates unfold over lavender lattes, and where Then there are the pastries. regulars greet one another like old friends.

Every morning, fresh baked goods arrive from “It’s kind of a melting pot of everyone,” Lemus SLO Baked bakery in San Luis Obispo. Depending said. “That’s what I wanted to create.” on the season, customers might find strawberry The name Tribe reflects that vision. crunch muffins, ube scones, almond croissants, For Lemus, coffee has always been about morning buns, brownies, or savory croissants more than caffeine. It’s about ritual. It’s about stuffed with spinach and feta. community. It’s about carving out a small Of course, the food and drinks are only part of moment of joy in an increasingly chaotic the story. world. m The café itself feels like stepping into a particularly charming aunt’s living room if Reach New Times Staff Writer Chloë Hodge, from that aunt happened to collect tarot decks, read the Sun’s sister paper, at chodge@newtimesslo.com. astrology charts, and make excellent coffee.

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