SUN_26.18_06.26.25 by New Times Media Group, San Luis Obispo

28 Years Later: It’s stellar [20]

Targeted tactics

Northern Santa Barbara County cities try to get a handle on illegal fireworks in the sky and on the ground [8]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Apair of Guadalupe residents took on the challenge of illegal fireworks by trying to appeal to people’s sense of compassion. Their tagline? The gift of quiet. Lompoc decided it was best to target those setting off illegal fireworks with the help of unmanned aerial vehicles flying above the city. Both cities have issued illegal fireworks citations in past years and plan to do it again this year. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood talks to both about how they’re trying to tackle the issue [8]

Also, read about what happened with the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce [4]; a local artist who uses surrealism to depict what it’s like to be trans [18]; and Tacos El Pirata Mayor—a food truck off North Broadway [21]. Camillia Lanham editor

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

• State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), vice chair of the California Legislative Central Coast Caucus, was recently selected to serve as the 53rd president pro tempore of the California Senate. Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) and Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), the co-chairs of the California Legislative Central Coast Caucus, issued statements on June 11 in support. “We are proud to congratulate one of our own, Sen. Limón, for being elected by her peers as the next Senate president pro tempore,” Addis stated. “Sen. Limón has served as a champion for Central Coast issues—fighting for environmental justice, women’s rights, and many other urgent issues in our region. As the first Latina and the second woman ever to hold this position, she continues her trend of making history and bringing others along with her. We look forward to working together to serve California.” Hart described Limón’s selection as Senate president pro tempore as “a reflection of her exceptional leadership, deep integrity, and ability to build consensus on the most pressing issues facing Californians,” according to a statement from the Central Coast Caucus. “Her historic appointment is a proud moment for the Central Coast and a meaningful step forward for our state during this challenging time,” Hart stated. “We are confident she will continue to lead with thoughtfulness and strength and elevate the voices of communities that have too often gone unheard.” Limón stated that she is grateful for the support of her colleagues. “At this critical time in our state, I am committed to working with my colleagues and remain dedicated to defending our California values and uplifting all of our communities,” she stated. “As someone born and raised on the Central Coast, I am proud to represent our communities and look forward to continuing the work on behalf of all Californians in this new role.” Limón is expected to assume the position in early 2026, according to the Central Coast Caucus.

• On June 20, U.S. Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and Don Bacon (R-New England) introduced two bipartisan bills—the Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act and the Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act—in an effort to improve public safety nationwide, according to Carbajal’s office. The package aims to address staffing shortages in local law enforcement departments and remove limitations on Medicaid funding for patients in an institution for mental disease in order to improve behavioral health. “The Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act and Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act are bipartisan commitments to strengthening our communities by addressing critical law enforcement staffing shortages and expanding access to behavioral health care,” Carbajal said in the press release. “By investing in these essential resources, we are ensuring that local communities have the support they need to safeguard both people’s physical safety and mental well-being.” The Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act aims to provide an emergency boost to the federal grant program that gives funding to departments for recruitment and hiring. The Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act would remove the Medicaid institutions for mental disease payment prohibition for states that have submitted a plan to increase access to outpatient and community-based behavioral health care; increase availability of crisis stabilization services; and improve data sharing and coordination between physical health, mental health and addiction treatment providers, and first-responders. “Law enforcement staffing shortages and lack of access to behavioral health care are negatively impacting our communities and these two bipartisan bills will help address those gaps,” Bacon stated in the release. m

Lompoc to continue funding chamber of commerce after public speaks out

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce isn’t going anywhere.

Following outcry from local residents, Lompoc City Council reversed course on a decision to decrease funding for the organization. Council members unanimously decided to continue providing the chamber $108,000 annually for the 2025-27 fiscal years at the June 17 meeting.

In response to a June 3 vote to cut Lompoc’s annual chamber contribution by about 30 percent, 42 different speakers spoke during public comment on June 17 in protest.

Ann McCarty, Lompoc Valley woman of the year in 2018; Allan Hancock College President Kevin Walters; C4 Lompoc Collective Cultures Creating Change Executive Director and cofounder Yasmin Dawson-Salim; Pot Mamas Jasmine Gonzalez and Anna Look; True Vine Bible Fellowship Church Pastor James Earl Cray; and Lompoc Theatre Project Executive Director Mark Herrier were just some of the local leaders who spoke up.

“The chamber is more than an office. It’s a symbol of connection, a space for innovation, and a partner in our future,” Dawson-Salim said at the podium. “Let us not let short-term decisions create long-term setbacks. Let’s work together to ensure Lompoc is a space where families thrive, children see a future, and businesses are proud to call home.”

The line to speak was so long Mayor Jim Mosby limited comments to a minute each.

“For those of you guys who haven’t been to a meeting before, it’s not a free-for-all,” he said to the crowd. The meeting got so intense he had to remind first-time audience members not to cheer and boo speakers.

LeAnne Woolever was the only one who spoke against funding the chamber. She argued for the money to go to the police and fire departments.

Two weeks prior, Jeremy Ball was the only council member who voted to continue funding the chamber the same amount of money each year.

Although the City Council is allocating $108,000 in each of the next two fiscal years for the chamber of commerce, the chamber will have to meet certain contractual terms that haven’t yet been explicitly defined before it can receive the money. The plan is for council to review the chamber’s contract and performance by Jan. 6, 2026.

“If the chamber can’t come up with a good answer [to the terms], we’ve already set the [annual $108,000] aside, let’s put it to the murals

and do the right thing,” Ball said, reassuring Councilmember Victor Vega, who fought to fund the Mural Society.

All five council members voted to adopt the biennial budget for fiscal years 2025-27.

“We’re not fat over here on the money,” Vega said. “We’re trying to make things work and be so we’re not in the hole fiscally like some other cities.”

—Reece Coren

Solvang renews Goleta Library partnership with $100,000 fee increase

For the past six years, the city of Goleta has operated, staffed, and furnished the Solvang Library thanks to a county decree. Prior to the summer of 2019, Santa Barbara County managed the facility before contracting with Goleta to take the helm of Solvang’s library and three others across the Santa Ynez Valley.

The current contract expires on June 30. During its June 23 meeting, the Solvang City Council approved its renewal, along with a $100,000 annual fee increase attached to it.

“That’s a big nut,” Mayor David Brown said at the meeting. “That’s almost a 50 percent increase. … [Struggling] to justify that.”

Goleta Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer told the council that when the original 2019 contract went into effect, there was an expectation that the annual fee would be reassessed “year after year, then lo and behold, we had the pandemic. So that never happened.”

“There was no increase in what the city of Solvang paid to operate those services,” Plummer continued. “We’ve had no adjustments whatsoever.”

The new contract bumps up Solvang’s annual fee from about $185,000 to $285,000, City Manager Randy Murphy said at the meeting.

After members of the council discussed the possibility of postponing a vote on the contract to explore alternative routes, Murphy described the fee increase as a legitimate request and said that Goleta satisfied staff’s inquiries about the increase.

“I would encourage council to approve the contract for at least one year so that we can keep the library open. We don’t have

another meeting until July 14,” Murphy said. “[Solvang’s] finance staff has been in discussion with their finance staff and determined that this is a legitimate amount. … Goleta’s been a good partner. The finance staff poured over this.” Murphy said that one of the only ways staff could bring back a less expensive contract would be to plan to close the library on more days of the week. It’s currently closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Shortly before the council approved the new contract 4-0 (Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent), Plummer agreed to return sometime after October with an update on programs and services that Goleta plans to fund as part of the increase.

Plummer said the fee increase is mostly due to increased costs of business and living in Santa Barbara County and increased fees for the Goleta Library to keep its membership with the Black Gold Cooperative System. The system enables the library to pull books from other libraries within the system.

“In the last five years, when there were other agencies that pulled out of that Black Gold Cooperative, that escalated our costs significantly,” Plummer said. “We’ve had to spread that around.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Santa Maria postpones decisions on spending thresholds and three employment contracts

Proposed inflation adjustments and contract renewals raised red flags for Santa Maria City Council members, who spent most of their June 17 meeting dissecting the consent calendar. Councilmember Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez pulled one item, while Councilmember Gloria Flores pulled two. The council ultimately tabled their decisions on all three—each of which were related to city spending—until its first meeting of July.

Aguilera-Hernandez motioned to postpone entering into new employment agreements with City Manager David Rowlands and City Attorney Thomas Watson while requesting more time for review.

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: Nearly four dozen public comments convinced Lompoc City Council members to reverse course on its June 3 decision and continue funding the local chamber of commerce the same annual amount. Mayor Jim Mosby limited speakers to a minute each.

FILE

PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

DAIS DELAY: The Santa Maria City Council recently scrutinized a handful of consent calendar items related to city spending. The council ultimately decided to delay decisions on each of them until early July.

2ND ANNUAL WARRIOR GOLF CLASSIC

“I just got the contract regarding the city manager and the city attorney on Monday,” Aguilera-Hernandez said, referring to June 16. “Based on not getting the contract until Monday, not really being able to look at the percentages and all that’s in there, and not having conducted a performance and compensation review, I can’t vote on this. I can’t move forward with this item.”

Aguilera-Hernandez said she was out of the state when the council held closed session performance reviews for both Rowlands and Watson in early June.

Her request to revisit the proposed compensation packages—which would put Rowlands’ salary at $365,799 and Watson’s at $348,380—at the next council meeting passed with a 4-0 vote. Councilmember Gloria Soto was absent.

The council also voted 4-0 to delay an update of Santa Maria’s purchasing guidelines. The update included threshold increases to adjust for inflation and streamline certain purchases and projects. Santa Maria Budget Manager Rick Kirkwood outlined a few examples.

“There are a number of purchases the Public Works Department might have to go out and make for repairs, and under the current guidelines, they might have to buy something that five, six, seven years ago might have cost less than $1,000,” Kirkwood said. “They would not need to go through our requisition process that would require the review of accounting staff and the review of the department director making decisions on each of these things. But now, in today’s world, some of those same materials might cost more

than $1,000. So that increase in inflation alone has resulted in more burden and workload.”

Aguilera-Hernandez asked staff when the last update to adjust purchasing thresholds for inflation took place.

“I can’t give you an exact date,” Recreation and Parks Director Alex Posada told the council. “I can tell you that the purchasing policy limits are very old. … Probably well over 15 years old.”

Aguilera-Hernandez said she couldn’t vote to increase the thresholds until she had that information. She then asked staff for a more thorough breakdown of each proposed threshold increase.

“I’m not opposed to increasing the purchasing thresholds,” she said. “We just want a mechanism that we can explain to the taxpayers. Even if it’s $500 or $1,000, it is taxpayer money. … We’re spending money that doesn’t belong to us. It belongs to the taxpayers.”

The last consent calendar item the council postponed was a services agreement with J.D. Humann Inc. for citywide landscape maintenance services.

Councilmember Flores pulled the item and requested that staff research alternative landscaping options for the city to consider in the future, including a potential in-house approach with city or park employees taking over landscape maintenance rather than hiring contractors.

“I have a concern because a lot of my constituents in District 2, in the south area, [say] it’s neglected. … I get a lot of phone calls,” Flores said. “Why would I agree to go into a contract with a landscaping company that’s not doing what they’re supposed to be doing. … I think we should look at this in a different manner.” m

—Caleb Wiseblood

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Changing tactics

Local agencies gear up for the Fourth with new tools to target illegal fireworks

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Whether the risk of being fined $1,000 discourages illegal fireworks use in Guadalupe or not, two longtime residents said they’re hoping to make the city feel like less of a “warzone” when July 4 rolls around by targeting offenders’ hearts rather than their wallets.

“We sort of went with the approach that we appeal to the compassion of those who are doing this rather than confront them and say, you know, ‘Stop doing this,’” local graphic designer Deborah Sykes told the Sun.

During the summer of 2024, Sykes teamed up with fellow Guadalupe resident Tish Harris to create a series of social media posts centered on images of crying infants, dogs peeking out from under blankets, and other distressed subjects.

One of them contains a poem Sykes wrote with stanzas about firework screeches strong enough to drown out “a baby’s cry,” mothers cradling their frightened children, and four-legged family members that “hide in fear” each Independence Day. Both Sykes and Harris are pet owners. The duo’s informal meetings to discuss ongoing efforts of the Guadalupe Illegal Firework Team (GIFT)—of which they’re the two sole members—often double as dog walks.

The group’s tagline is:

“the gift of quiet.” Less than a year after launching its social media campaign, GIFT gained attention from elected officials. In February, the Guadalupe City Council agreed to attach printed flyers from the group in residents’ utility bills twice this year ahead of the Fourth.

City staff initially advised against pairing the flyers with utility bills, partly to avoid setting a precedent for other groups to consider future bills as a “public forum” route. But the council took GIFT’s stance with a 5-0 vote. It’s among the newest tactics cities in northern Santa Barbara County are using to tackle illegal firework activities this year.

“A lot of people enjoy fireworks, and we get that. We don’t want to be [known as] the old ladies in the community who want to take away all the fun that everybody’s trying to have,” Harris said with a laugh. “What we don’t want to do is create conflict or be aggressive toward our community members in any way over this. It’s not worth it.”

GIFT’s city-approved illegal fireworks awareness flyers were mailed out with utility bills once in spring and again earlier this summer. The spring inclusion was crucial, Sykes said, because GIFT’s goal with the proposal was to raise awareness about illegal fireworks ahead of as many potential purchases as possible.

In response to GIFT’s activity, some people wrongly assume that the group wants to “eliminate fireworks entirely,” Sykes said.

“We don’t. … We’re not opposed to ‘safe and sane’ fireworks,” she said. “Legal fireworks are a fundraiser for a lot of groups.”

Sykes said that one of the reasons she and Harris formed GIFT in September 2024 was to try to prevent a repeat of their Independence Day experiences that year.

“This last year was the absolute worst in my memory,” said Sykes, who’s lived in Guadalupe for more than three decades. “It’s been a problem since we moved here, but it’s gotten worse.”

According to the Guadalupe Police Department, the illegal fireworks citations issued across the city on July 4, 2024, totaled 15, more than double the previous year’s seven. The department reported eight on the holiday in 2022, and nine in 2021.

“We’ll see how this Fourth of July goes, but we’re getting to the point where we might start the next phase of this,” Harris told the Sun. “When [Sykes and I] first started talking, we thought we could go to schools and educate kids … about the effects that fireworks have on wildlife and people with PTSD.

“But we wanted to build a little momentum before we started asking [schools] to come and present,” she added.

While 2025 marked Guadalupe’s first printed flyer collaboration with GIFT, the city of Lompoc is embarking on a new partnership with a non-city entity of its own this July to assist with illegal fireworks enforcement.

Headquartered in one of the Santa Maria Airport’s corporate hangars, Overwatch Aero specializes in providing unmanned aircrafts to agencies across the country for various data collection tasks.

Established in 2018, the company has been employed by a handful of cities in California and Oregon to pinpoint illegal fireworks activity during Fourth of July patrols, CEO and cofounder Jordan Hahn told the Sun

At a Lompoc City Council meeting in February, some officials referred to the city’s new service agreement with Overwatch as partnering with a drone service. Although they’re unmanned, Overwatch’s aircrafts differ from traditional drones in size and flight capabilities, Hahn explained.

“[These] aren’t your standard ‘hey I went to Best Buy and bought a quadcopter’ type of drones,” he said. “Those are fun, don’t get me wrong. I love playing around with those smaller drones.”

Overwatch’s aircrafts, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, can fly up to about 6,000 feet in the air. Size-wise, they’re 10 feet long with a 16-foot wingspan, Hahn said. Weight-wise, they’re about 150 pounds, while most recreational drones aren’t heavier than 10, he added.

Accustomed to working some late-night fireworks monitoring shifts over the past few years, Hahn said that some people associate this kind of work as “raining on someone’s parade,” but don’t always realize it could help prevent a wildfire.

Last summer, Lompoc Fire Chief Brian Fallon told the City Council that “a rogue firework” caused a fire in the Lompoc foothills on July 4.

“It was a resource hog,” Fallon told the council. “It pulled all of our Lompoc resources to that area.”

Overwatch CEO Hahn said that the company “in general takes a lot of pride in being able to help our first responders.”

“They’re doing the dangerous and dirty work, and it’s our job to get them the data they need to make their jobs safer,” Hahn said. “We’re just proud to be able to help.” m

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

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EYE IN THE SKY: What began as a startup company out of a Solvang barn in 2018 eventually grew into Overwatch Aero, an unmanned aerial system and data collection provider based at the Santa Maria Airport with clients across the country.

Fields of love

BY REECE COREN

Tucked away along the Tularosa Road offramp of California Highway 246 lies a quaint purple slice of heaven.

Buried deep within the greens of the Santa Rita Hills, a field of bushes showcases violet buds so densely packed that from a distance they look like an amethyst-colored sheet.

Lizards scurry, bees buzz, and hummingbirds and butterflies flutter at each bush—a family of quails even nested in one—as gophers and squirrels pop up from across the field. A slight breeze flies in from the surrounding wineries and provides just the right amount of moving air to counter the sun’s beating rays.

Welcome to the Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm.

After starting in 2020, mother-and-son team Denise and Lucas Neumann waited three years for their lavender to reach full maturity before they opened to the public. On July 12, they will celebrate the culmination of their second yearly peak bloom season by hosting a lavender festival from 12 to 5 p.m.

Artisan vendors selling pizza, barbecue, tacos, salads, ice cream, handmade jewelry, custom hats, pottery, purses, and more will line the perimeter of the front field complemented by Luke Metzler’s live acoustic guitar performance. Lavender lemonade will also be available for anyone in need of a refresher.

Along with Lucas’ lavender essential oil distillation demonstration early in the afternoon, lavender wreath-making classes are scheduled throughout the day. Tickets are $55 and include a 10-inch wreath frame, all necessary materials, and instructions.

Off-site parking with a shuttle to and from the farm is available at La Purisma Golf Course and the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. Denise said the Marriott will also have lavender drink specials and food.

As a family-friendly operation, Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm welcomes children, Denise said. It’s open every day except Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment at santaritahillslavender.com/farm-tours.

From their 2 acres of lavender, the Neumanns produce about 15 gallons of essential oil each year, Lucas said.

The farm is currently divided into two fields: Grosso lavender for essential oils in the front and Provence culinary lavender in the back. Instead of dirt, the Neumanns plant their crops in sand for better drainage.

Their lavender mist, made of distilled water and essential oil, repels mosquitoes and fights odors naturally, without unpleasant chemicals.

In addition to honey, which comes from the bees that pollinate their lavender plants, the farm sells lotion, candles, perfume, body butter, bar soap, bath bombs, shower steamers, and more.

For the culinary-minded, the

catalog also includes balsamic vinegars, extra virgin olive oil, syrup, coffee, honey, cocktailrimming sugar and salt, seasoning salt, cooking salt, sugar, and plant buds.

With lavender always on their minds, the Neumanns won’t just celebrate peak bloom on July 12. They’ve organized events all month long to capture the season’s full scope.

Check out santaritahillslavender.com for a complete calendar. Pre-sale tickets are available for $12 at exploretock.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on July 12 for $20 each.

Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm is located at 1900 Tularosa Road. Find it on Instagram and Facebook under its name. For questions, call (805) 395-6568, email goldenstateapothecary@ gmail.com, or visit santaritahillslavender.com.

Highlights

• The Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County’s Dedicated Dads Alumni

Club hosted a food and craft-based Father’s Day celebration on June 3. Children designed personalized cards and—with their moms’ help—presented them to their dads at the nonprofit’s Lincoln Street office in Santa Maria. Family Service Agency Health and Human Services Grants Manager Yeimi Arias said in press materials that the organization’s goal was to create a space where dads could connect and feel celebrated, build community, and strengthen parenting skills. For parents who couldn’t attend, Family Service Agency offers free classes in English and Spanish designed to enhance parents’ relationships with their children. Child care and dinner are provided. To inquire about upcoming classes, visit fsacares.org/class-inquiry-form/ or call (805) 965-1001, Ext. 1433. m

Reach Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@ santamariasun.com.

Celebrate Independence Shine Bright &

PRETTY IN PURPLE: Artisan vendors will surround the front Grosso field on July 12 for the second annual Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm Lavender Festival. Pizza, tacos, salad, ice cream, and lavender lemonade are just a taste of what the vendors will offer.

Which category in Winning Images do you most look forward to seeing each year?

50% Animals, duh!

38% People.

12% Landscape/seascape.

0% Flora.

8 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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Reborn, again

Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex 6 is on the cusp of being repurposed to better support Falcon 9 launches

BY RON FINK

Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) on south Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) was first developed in the early 1960s to support the manned orbiting laboratory program.

According to the National Museum of the Air Force, the manned orbiting laboratory “never reached fruition, but a great deal of developmental work was accomplished before it too was canceled in June of 1969.”

When the military cancels a project, they “abandon it in place,” meaning that no maintenance is performed on the buildings. That was the condition SLC-6 was in when I was originally assigned to Vandenberg in 1975.

According to Space Flight Histories, it was repurposed during the early space shuttle program. “NASA and the Air Force decided the vehicle would support military missions that operated in polar orbits. In 1972, they chose SLC-6 since it was already partially built to support crewed missions. It was ultimately approved in 1975.”

The shuttle program was terminated in 1989 after spending an estimated $4 billion to construct and partially activate numerous

Some protest signs have gone too far

On Saturday, June 14, when we drove to Walmart with my grandchild at Central and H streets, we caught the light twice and watched the demonstrators for about a minute or so each time. As I scanned the crowd, I was shocked to see three handmade signs and a few more printed signs that said “86 47.” Some were being held in what appeared to be family groups of grandparents,

facilities on both the north and south base. It is encouraging that all the facilities that were constructed have been repurposed for other uses since the program was canceled and are still in use today.

Space Flight History continues, “It was subsequently used briefly by Athena rockets before being remodified to support the Delta IV family of unmanned launchers, which have used the pad since 2006. Launches from SLC-6 fly southward into a polar orbit, not eastward as is typical of launches from Florida.”

Now it’s going to be repurposed again to support SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy operations, including launch and landing at Vandenberg.

According to the draft environmental impact statement, they are analyzing “an increase in Falcon 9 launches, landings, and static fire tests at VSFB and the addition of Falcon Heavy launches, landings, and static fire tests at VSFB. Redevelopment of SLC6 would include constructing commodity storage tanks, a vehicle erector, water tower(s), ground supporting equipment, a transport road with rail system from an existing horizontal integration facility to the launch pad, and two new landing pads adjacent to SLC-6.”

This is a big project, not as large as the space shuttle effort, but larger than other repurpose efforts. Several large structures, such as the 25-story mobile service tower, a 23-story mobile assembly shelter, and the 18-story umbilical

parents, siblings, and the family dog. Even more distressing was the other demonstrators who applauded these signs. What was most astonishing was these signs were being held and applauded by my fellow citizens and neighbors.

We lost Lincoln, McKinley, JFK, RFK, and MLK to the assassin’s bullet. We almost lost Teddy Roosevelt and Reagan to the assassin’s bullet.

We welcome submissions. Please accompany them with a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. All letters to the editor become the property of the Sun. © 2025 Sun Speak up! Send us your views and opinion to letters@santamariasun.com.

On June 14, a Minnesota politician and her husband were assassinated for their political beliefs. Assassination is never a way to solve our

tower, would be scrapped in favor of a less laborintensive launch system. Hundreds of workers will be needed to deconstruct these massive buildings and build new facilities.

Some in the community have spoken out against short periods of time that noise occurs during launch operations. The Space Force recently announced a major study to collect and analyze data during each launch.

So, instead of using “what if” scenarios or speculation by naysayers, it will use actual data collected using calibrated instrumentation, according to Noozhawk, from a network of 25 high-tech monitoring stations across 500 square miles. “The various stations have been positioned from the beaches between Isla Vista and Malibu to the hills of Ojai to capture information about what experts have dubbed the complex sonic boom patterns created by rockets in flight.”

This effort is truly “rocket science,” since there are so many factors that contribute to how much noise each launch creates. It will be interesting to see what they discover during these tests.

Since it is the Space Force that’s the approval authority for this project, neither the California Coastal Commission nor local “anti-anything useful” environmental groups can stop it. VSFB has had a robust planning process for decades, and I feel confident that they will consider outside comments and take the appropriate mitigation measures if any are needed. m

Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

political differences and is never acceptable.

Those who carried the 86 47 signs sadly show that your parents, your teachers, and the rest of us in civilized society have failed. While you have the right to carry such signs, it is a very sad day for America that you believe, support, and want an assassination to solve our political differences instead of the ballot box.

Steve Pepe Lompoc

Voting rights are being attacked

A current bill in Congress aims to make voting harder for everyone.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act has the potential to disenfranchise millions of American voters. SAVE would require a passport or a birth certificate to register to vote or update voter registration information.

It is currently illegal for noncitizens to register and vote, and voter fraud is exceedingly rare.

Even if you have voted in every election, you may be among the millions of eligible voters who do not have the documentation required by this law. Of San Luis Obispo County’s approximately 219,000 citizens of voting age, as many as 53,000 married women who changed their name upon marriage could be at risk of losing their vote.

Married women who changed their surname may be required to secure updated documentation to match their married name. A birth certificate, marriage license, or Real ID alone would not suffice as proof of citizenship. Under the SAVE Act voters must show citizenship documentation every time they register.

SAVE will deny eligible voters their rights. The League of Women Voters urges you to tell our senators, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, to strenuously oppose this dangerous bill. Ann

Manak

Opinion

Insane fireworks

Fireworks are already popping off in northern Santa Barbara County, and we’re still a couple of weeks away from the Fourth of July. Surprised? Nope.

Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Lompoc—not to be dramatic, but the city streets turn into a bit of a war zone as darkness descends on Independence Day. You have to be careful where you’re walking so you don’t get blasted with a mortar.

It’s ridiculous! It’s fun! It’s dangerous! It’s insane! It’s illegal.

And at least one group of two wants you to knock it off with the non-safe and nonsane fireworks.

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These two ladies from Guadalupe are much nicer than I am. They’re appealing to your compassionate side: Give the gift of quiet. It’s a nice sentiment, amirite?

They formed their group after last year’s fireworks display.

“This last year was the absolute worst in my memory,” Deborah Sykes said. “It’s been a problem since we moved here, but it’s gotten worse.”

Sykes is a 30-year resident of Guadalupe, and she wants people to understand that they don’t want to “eliminate” fireworks—safe and sane fireworks are legal, after all—they just want the city to feel like less of a war zone on the Fourth. Their messages are simple. Don’t make babies cry. Don’t trigger people’s PTSD. Don’t scare pets. Be considerate!

These arguments against illegal fireworks have been made repeatedly. People put signs up on their lawns. They make pleas on social media. But, repeatedly, people prove that they aren’t compassionate at all if it means ruining their fun.

People are, in fact, assholes who won’t cave to the polite pressure.

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Somebody had to say it! If $1,000 fines don’t discourage the behavior, a plea for compassion certainly isn’t going to do it.

Guadalupe cited 15 people in 2024 and seven in 2023. Santa Maria launched a drone program to help pinpoint culprits and targeted more than 60 people for citations in 2024. That was double the previous year’s citations. People don’t seem to care, as the fireworks show has already started.

In Lompoc, an errant firework started a fire last year, so the city is stepping up its enforcement game with unmanned aerial vehicles, aka giant drones.

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These cities have got an eye on you scofflaws. Maybe it’s time to increase the fines and the pressure.

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce ratcheted up the pressure on the City Council to continue paying the share it’s been paying to keep the chamber functioning as it should. A threat to close rallied residents to the June 17 council meeting, where dozens spoke in favor of keeping the chamber solvent.

But the city isn’t giving the chamber money without strings—those strings just have yet to be determined. The strings don’t already exist?

This seems like a repeated offense with the city, which ran into no-strings-attached issues last year with Explore Lompoc, a tourism organization funded by guests staying in Lompoc hotels.

A Santa Barbara County grand jury report accused the city of not exercising enough oversight and the organization of lacking transparency. I’m not sure the chamber is doing any better. m

The Canary is ready to exert some more pressure. Send impolite comments to canary@santamariasun.com.

Sinsheimer Park Baseball Stadium

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Michele Kielty, D.O.

Hot Stuff

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

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

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING

DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery 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.

GALLERY LOS OLIVOS SPECIAL ARTIST

SHOWS MONTHLY Head to Gallery Los Olivos for monthly featured artist exhibits from April to the end of June. See work from artists Patti Robbins, Terri Tabor, Carol Talley, Morgan Green, and Susan Kounanis. More info at the link. 1st of every month, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT KAENA

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

SUMMER CAMP WEEK 2: MAGICAL

LANDS Join for a week of fun, creativity, and artistic expression. Spend a summer’s day creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, weavings, and more. More info at the link. June 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $405. (805) 3258092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang. WAITRESS Indulge in Sara Bareilles’s delectable musical, Waitress which serves up a heartfelt tale of love, liberation, and the pursuit of dreams. June 26 8-10:30 p.m., June 27, 8-10:30 p.m., June 28

8-10:30 p.m., June 29, 8-10:30 p.m., July 1

8-10:30 p.m., July 2 8-10:30 p.m., July 3

8-10:30 p.m., July 5 8-10:30 p.m. and July 6, 8-10:30 p.m. $25. (805)922-8313. pcpa. org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

25 YEARS AND STILL ROCK & ROLL TO

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

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

HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON Complete with a saloon setting, card games, duels, and more. Through Aug. 12 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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 Anam Cre is a pottery studio 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. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40.

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

ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BYO CRAFT NIGHT! Bring any craft: crochet, paint-by-number, diamond dots, embroidery, watercolor, rock painting. Come together to connect in a multigenerational, inclusive space. July 1 , 6-9 p.m. Free. (714) 336-5768. facebook. com/groups/876399651120300/. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.

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) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, 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

FIRE FOURTH

Solvang Rotary’s annual July 4th Parade is set to return to downtown Solvang on Friday at 10 a.m., followed by Santa Ynez Valley Rotary’s Festival and Fireworks at Old Mission Santa Inès until 10 p.m. The parade is free to watch, and festival tickets are $15. Visit solvangusa.com for more details.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/ book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Get over two hours of personalized guidance by Drew Davis and all materials for painting your flower scene. More info can be found at the link. June 28 1-3:30 p.m. $120. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. 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. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

SLO REP’S ACADEMY OF CREATIVE THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS Registration is open for the summer theatre camps at SLO REP. They are week-long camps for ages five to 18. Scholarships are available. Mondays. through Aug. 4 $230. (805) 7813889. slorep.org/education/act-theatrecamps/. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 3533 Empleo St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

TRISH ANDERSEN Combining fibers gathered from field, sheep, and those developed in a factory, Andersen proves that there is always room for both the

—Angie Stevens PHOTO

FLOWER POWER

Celebrating Lompoc Valley’s flower-growing heritage, the 72nd annual Lompoc Flower Festival will take place at Ryon Park in Lompoc from Thursday, June 26, to Sunday, June 29. Food and drink will be available, along with arts and craft exhibitors, carnival rides, games, vendors, and musical entertainment. Admission is $7 for ages 12 and up. More information can be found at explorelompoc.com.

—A.S.

vibrant and muted. June 28 - Sept. 14 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma. org/exhibition/trish-andersen/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

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

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ART LIFE COACHING:CREATIVE

EXPRESSIONS: ART JOURNALING

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

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS JEWELRY & ART BY HOPE

MYERS Award-winning artist Hope Myers blends her love of watercolor and jewelry. Her work recently has been focused on more elegant, refined pieces. See it in the gallery, open daily. June 30 -July 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS OIL PAINTINGS BY PATRICIA

NEWTON Patricia Newton loves the Central Coast; its green rolling hills and endlessly crashing waves always provide inspiration for her oil paintings. Her work will be displayed daily at the Gallery at Marina Square. June 30 -July 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Oil Painter Patricia Newton’s current body of work

has been inspired by the powerful movement of the sea and its magnificent coastline. See Newton’s work at the gallery, which is open daily. June 30July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY SIRAGUSA Photographer Greg Siragusa captures scenes from around Morro Bay and beyond. Discover his photography of otters, birds, landscapes, and seascapes at the gallery, which is open daily. June 30 -July 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

By The Sea Productions presents Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which is a satirical look at Victorian society’s emphasis on appearances and social standing. Performances are running through June. June 27 7 p.m., June 28 , 7 p.m. and June 29 3 p.m. $28. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

JEWELRY, SMALL WORKS, AND ART BY HOPE MYERS Hope Myers has been creating art, jewelry ,and more on the Central Coast for a long time. Rediscover her great many artworks at the Gallery Gallery at Marina Square. June 30 -July 30 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY SIRAGUSA

Greg Siragusa is eternally searching for the sublime, and his photography represents life as he sees it –– colorful, dynamic, interesting, and mindful. See his work at Gallery at Marina Square. June 30 -July 29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

BULLDOG EXPRESS WORKSHOPS

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

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB

Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

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

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

ORCUTT PRIDE BLOCK PARTY Join for a weekend celebrating Pride with Lark + Sparrow, Old Town Wine & Brew, and Naughty Oak. This block party will be packed with fun, music, and love for the LGBTQ+ community. June 28 -29 $60. my805tix.com. Naughty Oak Brewing Company, 165 South Broadway, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

NATURE JOURNALING AT GAVIOTA

STATE BEACH A short introduction to nature-journaling, a group warm-up activity, and an invitation to either walk the beach or examine findings at the CalNAM nature-artifacts table. July 6 2-4 p.m. calnatureartmuseum.org/news/ nature-journaling-july-2025. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

SOLVANG JULY 4TH PARADE AND FIREWORKS Solvang Rotary’s annual July 4th Parade returns to downtown Solvang, followed by Santa Ynez Valley Rotary’s Festival and Fireworks at Old Mission Santa Ines. July 4 , 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Parade is free to spectate; festival is ticketed. (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/solvangevents-calendar. Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.

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

THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY DOGGIE

PARADE Spend your 4th of July afternoon at the doggie parade and costume contest. Visit the site to register your dog into the parade and get more info. July 4 , 11 a.m.-noon $8. (805) 6271997. avilabeachcc.com. Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., Avila Beach. BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

CLASS Do something good for yourself

A PAINTED COAST

The work of oil painter Patricia Newton will be on display all month at the Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay, from Monday, June 30, through Wednesday, July 30. Newton derives inspiration from the Central Coast’s green rolling hills and endlessly crashing waves. For more information, visit galleryatmarinasquare.com.

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

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY

Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. FIND WALDO LOCAL IN ARROYO GRANDE Staring July 1, join the hunt to find Waldo in local businesses in Arroyo Grande. To participate, pick up a stamp card from Monarch Books. The first 125 seekers who get 10 stamps can return to Monarch Books for a Waldo sticker and a coupon. Seekers who collect 20 or more stamps will have the opportunity to enter a grand-prize drawing. July 1-31 , 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (805) 668-6300. monarchbooks805.com. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande.

FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app. galabid.com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY The fireworks will be launched off the Pismo Pier for all to enjoy. July 4 9 p.m. pismobeach.org/1013/ Fourth-of-July. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

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

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility,

strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach. org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

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

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

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BEGINNERS HOUSE DANCE CLASS Learn the foundations of House Dance in a fun, beginner-friendly vibe—groove to soulful beats, unlock dynamic footwork, and flow with freedom. No experience is needed. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through July 30 $20. 805- 457-2848. christianamarie. com. Studio de Myriam, 3563 Sueldo St., suite N, San Luis Obispo. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

Hot Buttered Rum with The Doohickeys

Agoura Hills

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions

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

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN

TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

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

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT

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

HOW WE MET: A COMEDY DATING SHOW

This is not your average stand-up show or typical reality dating format. Instead, it’s a spectacle where people go on real blind dates in front of a live audience. This show blends “chaos, chemistry, and comedy into one unforgettable night.” June 28 8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

LET THERE BE LESBIANS PRESENTS:

THE GAY AWAKENING Gay Awakening is about “honoring the moments that helped us realize who we are, the movie scenes, music videos, late-night confessions, and quiet truths that shaped our queer

identities.” You can expect a cocktail hour, queer DJs, drinks, and a sea of queers. Get additional details at the link. July 5 7 p.m.-midnight $30. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. NATURE CONNECTION SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS These weeklong nature camps held on SLO Wild Lands are filled with memorable hikes, epic games, earth arts, skills, stories, song, new friends, and more. Get more info at the link. Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 4 (805) 541-9900. outsidenow.org/ summer. State Parks and Wild Lands, P.O. Box 15918, San Luis Obispo.

ONE DAY RETREAT WITH THE VENERABLE HOL WYE SUNIM Enjoy meditation and dharma talks on “Craving & Ignorance” with Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Hye Wol Sunim, who has a meditation center in Pearblossom, CA. June 28 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 709-2227. Crows End Retreat Center, 6430 Squire Court, San Luis Obispo.

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

SLO PHILATELIC

SOCIETY

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

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

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

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. 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 non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

WOMEN’S HOLISTIC HEALTH EVENT

Hear from local practitioners and exhibitors who will share valuable holistic health strategies to empower women in achieving optimal whole health. June 28 , 1-4 p.m. $20. (310) 780-8393. my805tix. com. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

POST 4TH OF JULY CLEANUP Join the Estuary Program for our annual post-4th of July cleanup in Morro Bay! For more information, visit the link. July 5 10 a.m.-noon Free. eventbrite.com/e/july5th-cleanup-tickets-1393082109089?aff= oddtdtcreator. Centennial Parkway, Front Street, Morro Bay. WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND EVENT Enjoy the three-day holiday weekend and show your favorite Central Coast local vendor some love. There will be over 30 vendors throughout the market. July 4 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m., July 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 402-9437. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

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

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

ORCUTT PRIDE DRAG BRUNCH Celebrate pride month at this event, which will be at Naughty Oak and Old Town Wine & Brew. Buy your table or seat at either venue, and enjoy a drag brunch experience, hosted by Santa Maria native, Missy Vee. BB Delusional, Daphne J, and Pam Cakez will also be there, along with DJ Suz. More info at the link. June 29 noon $15. my805tix. com. Naughty Oak Brewing Company, 165 South Broadway, Orcutt.

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

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com.

Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

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

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER

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

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check

Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head

Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Enjoy a pancake breakfast prepared by members of the Board of Directors of the Avila Beach Civic Association and volunteers. Get tickets and more info to this morning celebration at the link. July 4 8:30-10 a.m. $13. 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 VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

MUSIC continued page 17

TICKET WITH US ·

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

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van

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

SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

4TH OF JULY SUMMER CONCERT

CELEBRATION of July at the free Arroyo Grande Summer Concert Series! There will be a flag presentation, along with a performance of the National Anthem, two live bands, food, drinks, and more! 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

JUNE 26 - JULY 6, 2025 we raised our voices: We want to grow our member base—and we’d love for you to join!

SCAN TO CONTRIBUTE TODAY

Explore Our Ocean’s Wonders on Stearns Wharf!

Feel the tickle of a sea anemone’s tentacles and the smooth shell of a cowrie snail. Marvel at baby sharks still nestled in their translucent egg cases, and explore interactive exhibits that reveal the Santa Barbara Channel. Discover how we study the ocean. Learn more

www.santamariasun.com

Arts

ARTS BRIEFS

PCPA celebrates summer under the stars by hosting Waitress, Holmes and Watson musicals

The Pacific Conservatory Theater (PCPA) welcomes the summer season with outdoor performances of Waitress: The Musical with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, singer of the 2013 hit “Brave” and 2007 hit “Love Song.”

The show will play through July 6 at the Solvang Festival Theater.

Through the two-and-a-half-hour show, a waitress named Jenna embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Viewers travel with the talented pie maker through trials of passionate romance and liberation as she frees herself from her small town and rocky marriage.

From June 26 through 29, PCPA will host five performances of Holmes and Watson (pictured) in the Marian Theatre, and the play will then take the stage at Solvang Festival Theater from July 11 through 26.

Three years after Sherlock Holmes’ death, his best friend and sidekick, Dr. Watson, investigates three men claiming to be Holmes who are being held in an asylum on a remote island. The mystery turns into a deadly guessing game for Watson as he seeks to uncover the truth in this hour-and-a-half show.

Ticket prices for both shows start at $25. To purchase tickets for either show, visit pcpa.org or call the box office at (805) 922-8313.

Monster trucks to mash at Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles

Don’t have plans for the last weekend of July yet? The California Mid-State Fair has you covered.

Tickets to the July 26 805 Country Rodeo Finals and July 27 Monster Truck Takeover are on sale now on the Mid-State Fair’s website. Both shows start at 7 p.m. inside the Main Grandstand Arena.

Rodeo finals tickets are $30 for general admission and $25 for kids ages 3 to 12. Day-of-show and reserved seating tickets are available for $40.

Following a parachute flag drop, Brinson James Harris will entertain audience members throughout the evening.

The monster truck will include a best trick contest, sideby-side racing, and a no-rules freestyle. Day-of-show and reserved seating tickets go for $35 each. General admission is $25 and $20 for children ages 3 to 12.

Located at 2198 Riverside Ave. in Paso Robles, the 2025 California Mid-State Fair takes place from July 16 to 27. Seating maps for the shows and more information can be found at midstatefair.com. m

Art with heart

Santa Maria artist Tommy Ruiz highlights unconventional beauty with bright colors, surrealistic imagery

BY REECE COREN

Tommy Ruiz was lying in bed as a 13-year-old girl when he suddenly realized he was transgender.

It was July 2015. Caitlyn Jenner had just come out to the world with her “I am Cait” Vanity Fair cover.

“I remember the day,” Ruiz said. “Before that, I knew I was a part of the LGBTQ-plus community, but I wasn’t quite aware of what the T in LGBT meant. Once I realized what trans was, I said, ‘Oh my God, that could be an option for me.’ It was immediate—like, ‘Oh, that’s what I’ve been looking for my whole life.’ From that point on, I always felt most comfortable and happiest with the label trans man.”

Now 23 and an artist, Ruiz depicts unconventional beauty by illustrating ordinary people with surrealistic body parts. A shavedheaded person with mushrooms sprouting from their face, a woman with two sets of eyes, and a girl with devil horns bulging from her forehead are just some of the creations he’s brought to canvas.

“When I was young, it was really hard for me to express myself in any manner,” Ruiz said. “Being able to create art, especially while experimenting with the surrealist element, has been a great way to talk about how I experience being within my own body.”

Ruiz’s Pink piece showcases his out-of-thisworld thinking. The goth vibes of a black goat head contrast with the bubbly energy of its Barbie doll body and the pink background behind it.

Ruiz said being able to define and describe beauty to himself allows him to express what he can’t with words. He shares his illustrations on Instagram under the username @bunniesaregay.

“Art has been my main coping mechanism pretty much my whole life,” Ruiz said. “Being able to create art and share with other queer people has [provided me] a little joy where otherwise it can be pretty hard to find. When I was still figuring out, ‘Am I a lesbian? Am I actually a gay man,’ art helped me come to terms with who I was attracted to.”

Ruiz doesn’t just depict surrealist imagery

Trans-forming narratives

As a trans man, Santa Maria artist Tommy Ruiz illustrates conventional people with bizarre body parts to highlight unorthodox forms of beauty. You can find him on Instagram @bunniesaregay.

FACE CARD: This grayscale acrylic on canvas portrait illustrates Candy Darling, a trans woman and Andy Warhol’s muse. Artist Tommy Ruiz said he expresses his love for his trans identity through the people he portrays.

to showcase unconventional beauty. He also illustrates eccentric portraits of queer people like himself using neon colors to catch eyes. His drawing of Instagram user @ froglady444 depicts the goth singersongwriter with bright, rainbow hair, layered from roots to ends, as streams of bright green liquid fall from his right eye and mouth. Large metal spikes protrude from Froglady’s green choker necklace, while another two bulge out from the root of his nose. The clutter of rainbow dots below his eyes sit just above his silver septum hoop ring with a heart in the middle.

Another portrait, this time of @coralkilll on Instagram, accents the DJ’s neon green eye shadow with a background of the same color.

After he came out as trans, Ruiz said he suddenly started dressing more masculinely, cutting the hair on his head short, and letting the hair on his legs grow long. In classes like physical education, Ruiz said he would see peers staring at him and hear others talking about him behind his back.

“From that point on, even though I was aware, I did try to stuff it down,” Ruiz said. “I hoped I could push those feelings away or just appear normal to people. I dressed incredibly femininely for a long period of my teen years.”

Ruiz also uses his art to highlight gender as a spectrum. His drawing of Tristan Cole Wildey from Pancho and the Wizards bursts with color and blurs any dividing lines.

Wildey’s blond hair and purple nails pop off the white background. A white sparkle illuminates the turquoise stone on his bolo tie. Wildey’s red eyeshadow accents his neon green eyebrows and moustache, bordering the orange powder and black star on his nose.

“Even though it might have looked like I was unsure what I was feeling from the outside, inside, I knew the whole time,” Ruiz said. “I just wasn’t sure exactly how to go through with it without making others completely isolate me.”

Although Ruiz experienced sudden physical changes at first, his full transition didn’t happen overnight. He said he would alternate between rapid and gradual physical changes like a swinging pendulum.

“I had periods of trying to be super feminine, and then some shorter periods of trying to be more masculine,” Ruiz said. “I still wanted to be attractive to people.”

Just because he’s a trans man doesn’t mean he can’t channel his femininity. Ruiz frequently draws portraits of female faces using the tints and shades of just one color.

And Ruiz isn’t just an artist. He constantly shares local community organizations and events on his Instagram and volunteers for local organizations like Corazón del Pueblo. He’s also volunteered for La Cultura Del Mundo and designed the Pride posters for House of Pride and Equality both this year and last.

Suzette Lopez, the executive director for House of Pride and Equality, said Ruiz’s beautiful soul shines through his art. She said the diversity he includes in his pieces shows that his inclusive spirit extends to everyone.

“As trans people, we are always going to find ways to be our true, authentic selves and help anybody who feels like they need to express themselves more authentically,” Ruiz said “There’s nothing that can be done to simply just get rid of us—especially [not with] laws made by another human. I know we can fight through anything.” m Reach Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@ santamariasun.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR

A WORK OF ART: Tommy Ruiz was born and raised in Santa Maria. At age 13, he realized he was trans after seeing Caitlyn Jenner on the cover of Vanity Fair. Now 23, he is an artist and queer community leader.

COURTESY PHOTO BY DARWIN BRYAN

COURTESY PHOTO BY BRITTANY APP

COURTESY IMAGE BY TOMMY RUIZ

GOAT BARBIE: This acrylic on canvas painting, titled Pink , depicts a black goat’s head on a brown Barbie doll’s body. Artist Tommy Ruiz said painting the white lace border was especially trying.

COURTESY IMAGE BY TOMMY RUIZ

Hard knock life

Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire) directs this third installment of the zombie franchise. Original writer Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Civil War) returns to pen this coming-of-age threequel about Spike (Alfie Williams), a 12-year-old living on a protected isle with a small community of Rage Virus survivors. His father, Jamie (Aaron TaylorJohnson), decides it’s time for his son to face and kill one of the infected on the mainland, so, against Isla’s (Jodie Comer), Spike’s ill mother, wishes, Spike and Jamie set off across the low-tide causeway for Spike’s rite of passage. Once there, however, Spike begins to unravel secrets that may offer hope for his sick mother. (115 min.)

28 YEARS LATER

What’s it rated? R

Glen: Technically, it’s only 23 years later from the 2002 original film, but who’s counting when a horror film is this engaging? This story is very much focused on the kiddos. It opens with a group of children being overrun by flesh eating zombies, with one little boy escaping with his minister father’s gold cross. He shows up again later. The main story is Spike’s, and we see his horror-filled world through his eyes. Intrigued by a distant fire on the mainland, he learns that it continually burns thanks to Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), who Spike’s dad assures him is crazy as a loon. But Spike, desperate to help his mother,

CLEANER

What’s it rated? R When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Max

What’s it worth, Anna?

Full price

What’s it worth, Glen?

Full price

Where’s it showing?

Regal Edwards RPX

Santa Maria, Movies

Lompoc, Regal Arroyo Grande

is determined to seek out Dr. Kelson, which begins the film’s central adventure. Lots of gore, lots of heart, and lots of tension await. This is a worthy entry into this groundbreaking series that reinvented the zombie genre. Anna: Spike’s earnest hope to help his mom drives the story and drives his gutsy but arguably foolish decision to head to the mainland. Spike’s story starts with his rite of passage—killing an infected on the mainland—with his father. The two barely make it back home, but their village is ready to celebrate. Spike is soon disheartened by his father, who he realizes is boasting about falsehoods and sneaking around behind his ailing mother’s back. It seems Spike needs to distance himself from his dad in order to gain the gumption to save his mom, and his journey to do so is earnest and heart-pounding as they meet infected and uninfected along the way. Isla slips in and out of mental clarity, and their journey to Dr. Kelson is full of danger. Along the way they meet Erik (Edvin Ryding), a Swedish soldier who’s the last of his troop to survive. There’s also a new breed of infected out there: Alphas. These dudes are seriously hard to kill. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland know what they’re doing with these films, and this follow-up proves to be a worthy third helping of the 28 franchise. I’m ready for more.

Michael Campell has directed terrific films such as GoldenEye (1995), The Mask of Zorro (1998), and Casino Royal (2006), but his latest isn’t among his best. Cleaner is, however, a serviceable action adventure in the vein of Die Hard (1988). Former soldier Joey is having a rough day. She’s late for work when she gets a call that her autistic brother, Michael (Matthew Tucker), is being kicked out of another care facility for hacking their system and exposing fiscal malfeasance. She has no choice but to bring Michael to Agnian Energy Company, where she’s a skyscraper window cleaner. Things go wrong when Earth Revolution, an environmental activist group led by Marcus Blake (Clive Owens), infiltrates a shareholder gala, holding everyone hostage and demanding they admit their environmental misdeeds. Things go from bad to worse when Noah (Taz Skylar), a member of Earth Revolution who had been posing as Joey’s fellow window cleaner, escalates the situation into potential terrorism by setting explosives wearing a dead man’s switch. With Joey trapped outside the building in repelling rigging and her brother inside, can she find a way in and save the hostages? Yes, duh. But getting there is fun. (97 min.)

—Glen

Glen: That’s good, because there are two more coming. Director Nia DaCosta (Candyman 2020) is releasing the Garland-written 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple in January of 2026, and Garland also signed on for another so far unnamed sequel, this one directed by Boyle. The Bone Temple must refer to the macabre but oddly poignant memento mori constructed by Dr. Kelson from all the bones he collects and cleans for display. He’s wrapped trees in femur bones and created a tower of human skulls. Fiennes is terrific as Kelson, who’s gently resigned to the state of the world. He knows he, like everyone, will eventually die, but his Bone Temple is a way to remember the dead.

ECHO VALLEY

What’s it rated? R When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Apple TV+

Julianne Moore gives a quiet, simmering performance as Kate, a woman in the wake of tragedy who’s isolated herself into a life of training horses and awaiting the next time her daughter, Clair (Sydney Sweeney), shows up looking for drug money. When Clair arrives on her doorstep with a body and a story of abuse, Kate jumps into action to keep her daughter out of trouble, instead putting herself in the line of fire.

Kate’s story gets more complicated when shady characters start showing up at her door, threatening to reveal her secrets. She’ll stop at nothing to protect her daughter, but we begin to question whether her daughter deserves such unwavering devotion. What does Clair know that she doesn’t, and at what point do you trust an untrustworthy character because they’re your child?

This dark, mysterious tale unfurls as a slow burn and leaves its audience unsettled and hollowed. How much Kate cares for Clair and how little Clair considers her mother battle each other. Echo Valley is certainly worth a stream when you’re in the mood for a moody murder mystery. Sweeney and

Anna: Fiennes and Williams are both stellar. I’m looking forward to the next installment. As for this film, it’s worth seeing on the big screen. m

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

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES: Twelve-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams) and his father, Jamie (Aaron TaylorJohnson), must elude flesh-eating zombies in 28 Years Later, screening in local theaters.

Moore both give nuanced performances, and the twists are truly surprising. (104 min.) m —Anna

PHOTO

DIE HARDISH: When activists hijack a shareholder gala in a high-rise, Joey (Daisy Ridley, left), former soldier turned window cleaner, must rescue the hostages, including her autistic brother and tech wiz, Michael (Matthew Tuck), in Cleaner, streaming on Max.

JUST SAY NO: When her drug addict daughter, Clair (Sydney Sweeney, left) comes asking for help, Kate (Julianne Moore) must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her, in Echo Valley, streaming on Apple TV+.

Wednesdays through Sundays.

Striking gold

Tacos El Pirata Mayor food truck offers unmatched Mexican cuisine

BY REECE COREN

Buried in the back of El Gallo Market’s parking lot, lies a hidden treasure that doesn’t require a scavenger hunt.

Inside the white trailer labeled with bright gold letters and a cartoon chef smiling behind his signature goatee, a family serves up five-star flavors in under five minutes.

Luis Gutierrez owns and operates the Tacos El Pirata Mayor food truck, alongside his wife, Veronica. Together, they serve authentic Mexican food loaded with flavor ready to wow your taste buds.

The quesabirria is a must-try.

Cheese melted to the ideal viscosity joins forces with beef tenderized to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The combination tacoquesadilla comes with a consomé

parking lot at 1203 N. Broadway.

Keep your eyes out

The Tacos El Pirata Mayor food truck parks at 1203 N. Broadway in Santa Maria and is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Fridays from 5:30 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 4 to 10:30 p.m. Find Tacos El Pirata Mayor on Facebook and Instagram. For questions, call Luis at (805) 345-6966 or Veronica at (805) 210-4986.

broth made from the juices the meat cooks in. The soup/dipping sauce elevates each bite of mouthwatering beef. Luis cooks it to a well-done temperature and adds three seasonings to the beef.

The recipe is Luis’ mother’s original.

Tacos El Pirata Mayor started with Luis catering for family and friends with his mother’s famous recipe in 2017. The reception was so overwhelmingly positive, he started the food truck in 2021. With his mom now passed on, sharing her food is how Luis keeps her spirit alive.

Tacos El Pirata Mayor offers patrons four main dishes: burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and tortas— Mexican sandwiches.

Customers can choose from about 10 different meat options.

For pork options, there’s asada, classic grilled marinated pork; al pastor, thin pork shavings marinated with dried chile peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and pineapples; chorizo, a spicier minced pork ground with paprika, garlic, oregano, and sometimes dried chile; and carnitas, crisp, tenderized pork, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Along with shrimp, which goes by its Spanish name, camarón, customers can also choose cabeza cow’s head—lengua, its tongue.

The mar y tierra provides another journey to Flavortown. It includes shrimp, asada pork, and cheese.

A keen observer might notice an orange-yellow hue to the tortillas in Tacos El Pirata’s dishes. Luis dips

HIDDEN TREASURE: The Tacos El Pirata Mayor food truck parks in El Gallo Market’s

Operated by the Gutierrez family, it’s open

SIGNATURE STAR: Quesabirria—shredded beef and melted cheese in a taco—is Tacos El Pirata Mayor’s specialty, and it comes with consomé.

SAY CHEESE: Luis Gutierrez mimics the pose of his cartoon avatar in front of the Tacos El Pirata Mayor food truck. The cartoon even sports Luis’ signature goatee. EATS continued page 22

Bacon Wrapped Bourbon Shrimp

SB County Fair

the tortillas in a secret sauce to give each dish even more flavor.

“It tastes like Mexico,” said his daughter, Ellianna, who helps out when she can. “That’s the best way to explain it.”

The food truck also offers keto tacos, as Luis and Veronica both follow the keto diet.

Instead of traditional corn or flour, they come in a tortilla made of cheese.

Along with three salsas—green, red, and yellow in order of increasing spiciness—Tacos El Pirata Mayor offers horchata and Jamaica aguas frescas.

The meat for Tacos El Pirata Mayor comes from right next door— Mercado y Carniceria la Mia at 112 E. Grant St. Luis proudly displays La Mia’s name, address, and phone number on both sides of the truck for any interested customers.

Tacos El Pirata Mayor isn’t the only company Luis manages. He also runs his own landscaping business.

On weekdays, he works from 6 a.m. and stays until 2:30 p.m. before going right to the food truck. That means he works more than 16 hours every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before finally making it to bed around midnight.

Luis said he wouldn’t run the food truck if he didn’t love it. Feeding people brings him fulfillment, and he puts the same love he has for his mother into every dish he cooks.

Now that the cycle has come full circle for Ellianna and she’s the one serving her family’s recipe alongside her parents, she said she’s proud to carry on the tradition.

Along with asada burritos, she recommended the torta ahogadas—the famous dish of her parents’ hometown in Mexico’s Guadalajara, Jalisco. Ellianna said the torta ahogadas are only made on Sundays and include carnitas, beans, and a chile sauce. She said the love her father puts into his food gives it a quality nobody else can match.

“It’s something new, something fresh, and something you’ll absolutely love,” Ellianna said. “You’ll regret it if you don’t come.” m

Reach Staff Writer Reece Coren at rcoren@ santamariasun.com.