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losses Horseback ride and petting zoo operator alleges pony’s death caused by nearby construction [6]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

NEWS

Lompoc Theatre project keeps moving forward [4]

ARTS

Local music teacher releases EP [18]

EATS

A mission to spread bubbles [22]

Contents

Your Dream Home Awaits!

M AY 2 1 - M AY 2 8, 2026

L

VOL . 2 7

NO. 13

ast year, construction on a parking lot was detrimental to Bob Sweeney’s business, according to the Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides owner. That work also may have led to the death of one of his ponies, he said in public comments and a letter written to the city of Buellton requesting reimbursement for his losses. The city hasn’t yet made a decision on Sweeney’s request but discussed it in mid-May. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the issue [6].

Also, find stories about the Lompoc Theatre Project’s plan for outdoor vibes [4]; a Santa Maria music teacher with a studio and a new EP [18]; and spreading bubbly across the Central Coast [22].

Camillia Lanham editor

ANIMAL JUNCTION: Along with trail ride options for adults, Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides offers pony rides to children ages 2 and up. There’s also a petting zoo with miniature horses, sheep, and goats, owner Bob Sweeney (pictured) told the Sun.

Cover photo by Pieter Saayman > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

News Briefs ..........................................................................4 Political Watch....................................................................4 Spotlight.................................................................................7

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May 21 - May 28, 2026 RENDERING COURTESY OF THE CITY OF LOMPOC

POLITICAL WATCH •On May 11, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal conducted an oversight visit to the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility to meet with detainees, three of whom are Central Coast residents. The detained constituents are from Santa Maria, Goleta, and Ojai, according to Carbajal’s office. “The stories shared by these Central Coast residents reflect the disastrous reality of the Trump administration’s immigration policies,” Carbajal said in a May 14 statement. “Their stories echo what other detainees from facilities across the U.S. have consistently reported: substandard medical care, inadequate facility maintenance, and a lack of some basic essentials like blankets. … While ICE may argue that the issues I saw at the facility could be fixed with more funding, I argue that the solution is to stop the mass detention policies that have overcrowded these facilities, separated families, and inflicted terror across our country.” The Adelanto ICE facility is California’s largest immigration detention facility and currently holds more than 2,000 detainees. The facility is privately operated by the GEO Group. This month’s Adelanto visit marks Carbajal’s third tour of an ICE facility since the current Trump administration began. He previously visited the Santa Maria ICE processing facility twice in 2025. “I will continue to block additional federal funds for ICE,” Carbajal stated, “and will not stop showing up at these facilities until we see comprehensive reform.”

•Authored by State Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Senate Bill 931 advanced from the Senate Appropriations Committee to the Senate floor on May 14 for consideration. Laird drafted this legislation to ensure continued funding for communities impacted by the ongoing operation of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. If passed, SB 931 would extend authorization for the Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2030, aligning the program with the recently extended operational timeline for Diablo Canyon. “Extending Diablo Canyon’s operations without extending support for the surrounding communities would have left local governments and public services carrying the burden alone,” Laird stated. “SB 931 helps ensure the state follows through on its commitment to the Central Coast communities that continue to host this facility.” The Essential Services Mitigation Fund was originally established to help offset local impacts associated with the plant and provide funding support for affected jurisdictions and services in San Luis Obispo County. While the state extended Diablo Canyon’s operations through 2030, the associated community funding authorization was not extended alongside it, according to Laird’s office. The bill under consideration will address that gap by continuing the program through the updated operational period.

• On May 13, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) joined U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts) for a press conference to condemn the Trump administration’s proposed rollbacks of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, intended to save drivers money by improving gas mileage and reducing oil consumption. “Overall, basic goods have an inflation rate right now of 3.8 percent. That’s higher than it’s been since 2023. All because of a president who promised to lower prices and tackle inflation, when he’s in fact making things worse,” Padilla stated. “So the last thing this administration should be doing is forcing families to pay even more at the pump. But that’s exactly what’s going to happen if the Trump administration succeeds in rolling back our fuel economy standards.” Earlier in May, Padilla and other legislators co-introduced the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act in order to crack down on petroleum market manipulation and protect consumers from unjustified price spikes at the pump, according to Padilla’s office. m

SHALL WE SET THE STAGE? Lompoc planning commissioners granted a conditional use permit and a certificate of appropriateness for updates to the Lompoc Theatre. The project includes this outdoor event space, a building add-on, and partial demolition of the rear façade.

Lompoc Planning Commission ushers theater project forward Quinceañeras, weddings, and festivals are a few of the potential uses for a future event area outside of the Lompoc Theatre.

On May 13, city Planning Commissioners gave the go-ahead for the space, a building addition, and a partial demolition that’ll support the long-planned project meant to help revitalize Old Town Lompoc.

The Lompoc Theatre Project nonprofit took the building under its wing in 2012. It’s been a little more than one year since the organization broke ground on the second phase of renovations on N. H Street.

Fundraising for the third and final phase is underway. Over the past 10 years, high-profile supporters like actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus have donated to the project. More recently, a donation from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians added $500,000 to the pot.

Mark Herrier, the nonprofit’s executive director, told commissioners the project will “transform this community” with additional revenue streams, prompting new businesses and restaurants to pop up in the area. Instead of driving home to San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara after a show, Herrier described how visitors might spend the night in Lompoc and patronize local spots.

“This theater is going to quite literally change the arc of how people perceive this community,” Herrier said.

Designers want to demolish 1,200 square feet total, including the rear façade, which will aid in constructing the outdoor event area. It’ll also make way for ADA-compliant entrances from there directly into the auditorium, Herrier explained.

A storage shed and a ticket booth will also be torn down. The structures are not significant to the historic character of the theater, according to the staff report.

Portions of the building’s 1954 renovation will also be replaced with parts mimicking the theater’s original style. New architectural plans are careful to restore the building close to its 1920s appearance. Next year, it turns 100.

“We will be partially open then,” Herrier said at the meeting. “I had hoped to be entirely open by then, but I’ll take whatever victories I can get.”

Going up on the property will be a 2,300-square-foot addition made for dressing rooms, restrooms, and a bar.

Though the municipal code doesn’t require it, the site will have parking for eight bicycles and 54 vehicles. Three stalls will be sectioned off for electric vehicle charging and three will be ADA accessible.

4 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

“We have been planning this for a long time,” Herrier said. “We have crunched the numbers, and it’s going to be really wonderful.”

“We’re excited for this project,” Commissioner Brianna Gonzales added.

Ahead of the vote, commissioners Brandon Bridge and Gary Cox recused themselves due to potential conflict-of-interest concerns. The motion passed 3-0 with a round of applause.

—Madison White

St. Joseph High School puts principal on leave

home. … It was public school behavior. People do not pay $15,000 a year for that. It was completely unacceptable. It was disgusting.”

Near the end of the four-minute audio clip, the speaker tells someone: “For the love of God, don’t let them record each other, because now our white trash tomfoolery—where we look like absolute trash—is all over the internet. That’s a fantastic look for the school.”

The Sun reached out to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for comment on the recording and Dougherty’s administrative leave.

“We cannot comment on the details,” Media Relations Director Yannina Diaz stated via email on May 18. “That said, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Department of Catholic Schools is working closely with the school to address this matter.”

“The school has taken steps to ensure that all end-of-the-year processes, graduation requirements, and festivities will remain on schedule, and that every student successfully meets their final milestones,” Diaz continued.

“We are grateful for the efforts of the school community and offer our prayers for a good rest of the school year.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

A few weeks shy of St. Joseph High School’s summer break, the proverbial bell rang early for Principal Erinn Dougherty.

In mid-May, the private school’s superintendent announced that Dougherty “has been placed on administrative leave pending a review of reported verbal comments made in a meeting of students.”

“Please know that the well-being and care of our students remain our highest priority, and we are working to review and address this matter carefully and responsibly,” Michael Ronan, superintendent of the Santa Barbara Pastoral Region, stated. “In the meantime, Tom Mott will serve as the lead administrator of the school to NEWS continued page 5 ensure continuity of school operations.”

FILE PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN On May 8, the Sun received an audio file via email from someone who signed off as “a concerned parent.” The person described the file as a recording of Dougherty “reprimanding an entire class for a fighting incident that was posted online.”

Email addresses associated with multiple media outlets that cover the Orcutt area were copied on the email, including the Sun, KSBY, and KEYT. “If I were your teacher from here on out, I would never let you out of your seats, because obviously you act like wild animals,” the speaker—allegedly Dougherty— said in the recording. “What I saw in that video was some of the most white trash public school behavior I have ever seen.

“That behavior is not becoming of a St. Joseph Knight,” the speaker continued. “It is not becoming of INTERIM MEASURES: Following an ongoing dispute a person at a Catholic school. That with neighbors over St. Joseph High School’s softball field, is for the people who are not going Principal Erinn Dougherty is on administrative leave for comments she allegedly made to students on a different to going to own the businesses. matter. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles put Assistant That is for the little workers. That’s Principal of Athletics Tom Mott in charge while the for the people who will never own comments are under review. a home. They’re going to rent a

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“However,” the report added, “staff believes that enclosing the covered parking spaces with garage doors would encourage their usage as storage Guadalupe approves space, … resulting in more on-street parking.” new family housing with Before the council voted 5-0 to approve carport caveat Gonzales’ design review permit with staff’s proposed carport caveat, the developer asked Porch swings. Picket fences. Homeowners officials to reconsider the garage route. associations. Among the tropes often associated “Accept it the way it is. Accept it with the with quiet, suburban neighborhoods, the garage doors,” Gonzales said. “I don’t want a concept of an enclosed garage seemed like a bunch of loitering people hanging out down given for some attendees of the Guadalupe City there, drinking beer in their carports and Council’s May 12 meeting. hanging out. That’s not the idea. … Put the Against the wishes of a local developer, garages in there and close them up, so someone however, the council decided that evening to can come home to their castle. That’s what I feel approve his new 15-unit single-family housing like my house is, where I live. I close that door off project under the condition that he replace his to everything out in the world and secure myself initial designs for accompanying garages with inside there. That’s the whole idea.” covered carports.

Councilmember Amelia Villegas told “It wouldn’t give you that family feel that Gonzales: “I understand what you’re saying in we’re shooting for,” developer Gilbert Gonzales terms of having a garage to have more of a family argued at the hearing. “We didn’t go crazy on feel—more of a ‘your house’ kind of a thing—but this place. It’s only 15 units. I think it’d be more … not everybody uses a garage to park a car.” secure and more beautiful [with garages]. If you “So, there’s the potential of having a lot of have kids living in that place, you would want cars just parked in the general area,” Villegas garages there.” continued. “So, if we were to take a vote and say While both the council and city staff carport or garage, I’m inclined to say a carport complimented the project—set for a 3-acre site would be more appropriate for the area.” on Gularte Lane, with 15 proposed two-toAlthough Councilmember Eugene Costa Jr. three-bedroom units—the council ultimately was part of the 5-0 vote to move forward with sided with staff’s recommendation to require the carports, he initially argued that on-street carports. parking congestion will increase regardless of “In some respects, the apartments have the which option got the green light. attributes of condominiums, [as] each apartment “I see it either way: Carport or garage, you’re has two levels,” the staff report states. “The still going to have cars parking on the street,” applicant has expressed the intent to provide Costa said. “There’s no [way] garage doors to enclose the around it. Families move in. covered parking. On one With four or five people in hand, staff concurs that the Send any news the house, you have three, garage doors would likely or story tips to four cars. That’s like the improve the appearance of the news@santamariasun.com. norm now.” m units as well as enhance their desirability for future tenants.

—Caleb Wiseblood

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PAVED PARADISE? The nearly yearlong construction to complete Buellton’s new 100-space city parking lot on Sycamore Drive was detrimental to day-to-day business operations at a horse riding facility and petting zoo next door, the company’s owner alleges.

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Should Buellton pay for the loss of Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides’ pony? m It’s still unclear whether the construction was directly responsible for Marshmallow’s death. m Yes. The horse seems to have been poisoned as a result of Buellton’s construction. m No. The city is not responsible. m The city should at least offer restitution for other hardships the construction caused.

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Hard pill to saddle Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides asks Buellton for $50,000 in alleged damages to business, animals’ health

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

R

unny noses. Swollen eyes. Rashes. Hives. A wave of illness that plagued Bob Sweeney’s horses last summer, he said, coincided with construction work happening adjacent to his stables in Buellton.

Sweeney described the city’s nearly yearlong construction of a new 100-space parking lot on Sycamore Drive in 2025 as detrimental to his business—SYV Horseback Rides, a riding facility and petting zoo—for multiple reasons. Buellton’s legal advisors are currently investigating.

Among them was the death of Sweeney’s 13-year-old pony, Marshmallow, due to “sudden onset liver cancer,” he said.

“She was a dear horse and companion,” Sweeney told the Sun. “From a financial point of view, she was [a] moneymaker because of the daily pony rides, but I don’t want to categorize or look at her that way.”

Last fall, Marshmallow went from “healthy and productive to dead” in the span of three weeks, Sweeney wrote in a recent letter to the city of Buellton.

“Her bloodwork showed multiple morbidities that … resembled some type of poisoning that manifested into liver cancer,” Sweeney wrote.

“I do not know if the environmental study conducted prior to construction indicated amounts such as DDT or Roundup in the soil, a likely occurrence since the field was a decadeslong hay and crop farm.”

Both Sweeney’s business and the new parking lot are located on a city-owned 24-acre parcel near River View Park that formerly housed the historic Willemsen barn (established during the 1950s), dairy infrastructure, and a herd of cows.

The parking lot was part of a development package the city approved when it decided to retrofit the preserved Willemsen family residence into Buellton’s new library.

Marshmallow’s passing in October 2025 was the only pony fatality Sweeney listed in his damages letter, but he believes the parking lot project’s impact on air quality caused all of his horses to break out in hives and suffer from other allergic reactions during July 2025.

His employees who look after the horses adopted a new daily antihistamine treatment routine to alleviate their symptoms, Sweeney stated in writing, and reiterated to the Buellton City Council at its May 14 meeting.

“Did we ever monitor the air?”

6 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Councilmember John Sanchez asked staff after hearing Sweeney’s comments.

Councilmember Hudson Hornick immediately interjected: “Can I interrupt and ask, if this is going to potentially go the way of litigation, is this not something we should discuss in closed session?”

Assistant City Attorney Stephanie Gutierrez then urged the council to table the discussion until staff looked into Sweeney’s complaint further.

“Just based off of the comments Mr. Sweeney has been making, … my recommendation would be to continue this item,” Gutierrez said. “I would like a chance to review the CEQA documents that he’s referencing.”

Before the postponement, the council was set to weigh in on Sweeney’s request for reimbursement funds as part of the May 14 agenda.

“I’m being very fair with my ask,” Sweeney told the Sun. “I’m asking for half of what was taken from me.”

Sweeney’s ask: a minimum of $50,000, while claiming $100,000-plus total in lost income due to alleged hardships the parking lot’s development caused.

Aside from the animal health concerns, he cited substantial interruptions to his business throughout the year starting in April 2025, when construction began.

Because the work site essentially blocked the horseback ride facility’s front entrance to drivers between April and November 2025, the city directed contractors to create a new, temporary access road for Sweeney’s employees and patrons to use.

“We quickly realized that customers were unwilling to cross the two large metal grates placed by [contractors] to knock the mud off the tractor tires, or to navigate through the long and winding dirt road that now led to the back of our compound,” Sweeney said. “The access road became nearly impassable during inclement weather, with only four-wheel drive vehicles able to ascend the dirt hill into the park.”

Sweeney said that there were multiple occasions where his on-site manager, who resides at the riding facility, couldn’t drive herself into town due to the temporary route’s conditions.

“She couldn’t leave for days at a time. I had to go get her in my four-wheel drive to go to the store,” Sweeney recalled. “She was literally trapped. … I was told by [the contractors] that they were going to upgrade that dirt road; widen

it and put in some kind of waterproof surface. But they didn’t.”

According to Sweeney’s breakdown of business income, his revenue was between 15 and 33 percent lower in 2025 than in 2024 for each month between April and November.

In his total loss summary that he sent to the city, Sweeney listed $26,000 as lost projected revenue from patrons, as well as a $10,000 loss due to large group cancellations, and a $70,000 loss from canceling Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides’ summer camps and annual Cowboy Christmas event in 2025.

“Thirty people didn’t get a Christmas bonus because of that,” Sweeney said. “It was a huge blow.”

Sweeney also listed a $10,000 line item to replace his late pony, Marshmallow. In his letter, Sweeney alleged that physician Ed Hamer at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center “said he had never seen anything like it” after examining Marshmallow’s bloodwork.

The Sun reached out to the equine hospital for comment but did not receive a response before press time.

Sweeney filed a formal claim with the city’s insurance provider, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, in November 2025. Five months later, he received a notification that the carrier rejected his claim in March.

“I got a letter in the mail saying it was declined, … and no information as to why. Just, ‘If you want to sue us, have your lawyer contact us,’ basically,” Sweeney said. “So, that’s the boat I’m in at the moment.”

As soon as Sweeney filed that claim, he said he also stopped paying monthly rent to the city.

He said he assumed that the city would honor some kind of rent abatement as part of the reimbursement he applied for.

“I withheld the rent to keep the pressure on them, to not pretend this doesn’t exist. … To say, let’s remedy this,” Sweeney explained. “When I was rejected [in March], I started paying rent again, … for April and May so far.”

At the City Council’s May 14 meeting, Mayor David Silva asked Sweeney why he decided to only request $50,000.

Sweeney responded: “I’m just trying to be a team player. … I love my relationship with the city.”

City Manager Scott Wolfe asked council members to forward him any questions or concerns about the case they have.

“In this case, the [city’s] insurance claims examiner denied the claim. The City Council may choose to pay the claim … if it deems such payment appropriate,” Wolfe wrote in the staff report.

“However, staff notes that such payment following the denial of a claim would be very unusual.” m Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

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Chakra zone

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN MERCADO

“All of my clients that I coach, I require them to have a journal because it’s so important,” the Santa Maria resident said. “There’s so many golden nuggets you shouldn’t forget.”

Yoga instructor and self-care author Journaling is part of Mercado’s “nourishment of the spirit” practice she hosts free monthly wellness workshops walks participants of her Nipomo Senior in Nipomo Center program through, along with other nourishment principles she upholds as crucial MUSIC

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD health and wellness tenets.

“I go over the different nourishment that ot long after St. Patrick’s Day rolled around this year, Marilyn FLAVOR/EATS for the mind, we need. … Nourishment Mercado felt it was fitting to teach the attendees of her new yoga nourishment for the body, nourishment for series’ debut class about clover breathing. our emotion, and then nourishment for our This breathwork technique includes four simple steps, or “clover spirit,” MercadoINFO explained. “For nourishment leaves” as they’re nicknamed: inhale, hold, exhale, and pause. of the body, we’ll do some yoga movements.

Casually structuring some segments of her monthly sessions at … For nourishment of the mind—since our the Nipomo Senior Center around different holidays and seasons is CALENDAR mind is always active—we will do a guided an informal trend she’s enjoyed maintaining since premiering the meditation.” program in late March.

Mercado saidOPINION she also likes to talk about “Our energy’s different each season,” said Mercado, whose Nipomo series—called Health, Wellness, and You—takes place every topics related to literal nourishment, such as using your senses to appreciate meals in a fourth Tuesday of the month. Walk-ins are welcome and admission NEWS different way, and taking ample time to eat is free. More details are on nipomoseniorcenter.org.

CHANNEL SURFER: Born and raised in Hawaii, Santa Maria resident Marilyn mindfully rather than rush Tips on incorporating short, easy-to-learn selfMercado wears many hats, including yoga instructor, substitute school teacher, hula toward an empty plate. care and stress reduction activities into daily life dancer, certified life coach, published author, and more.

STROKES“You need at least 20 is at the heart of Mercado’s program, which also minutes. … Most people includes yoga movements and other flexibility Send business and Highlights will eat in like five minutes and be done,” and strength exercises. nonprofit information to ARTS Mercado said. “Use all of your senses when you’re May 26 will mark the series’ third class, • Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria will celebrate its spotlight@santamariasun.com. eating. Look at your food, smell it, stimulate your graduating class of 2026 with a commencement ceremony on focused on chair yoga, from 1 to 2 p.m. A digestive system. And breathe. Breathing helps substitute instructor will fill in for Mercado Friday, May 22, at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will take place on the push all this food around your body for the nutrients.” during this event while she’s away on a yoga retreat. Mercado knows college’s football field. The class of 2026 marks the college’s 105th Different from what some may assume based on the location of more than a thing or two about substitute teaching herself. That’s her class overall. The in-person ceremony will also be streamed live Mercado’s new monthly program, her series at the Nipomo Senior day job with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. online. For more info, visit hancockcollege.edu.

She’s also a certified life coach, longtime hula dancer, and published Center is open to anyone 18 and older. So far, there’s been attendees • In partnership with MOVE Santa Barbara County, the Santa hailing from various generations at the events she’s hosted, author, with her latest self-care book set for release before the end of Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies, the city of Mercado said.

June (for more info on all of her books, visit wise-warrior.net).

Buellton is hosting an e-bike community workshop on Wednesday, Mercado is in her 60s but said she feels more like she’s in her 20s Writing and journaling have been part of Mercado’s life since May 27 (at 6 p.m. in Jonata Middle School’s gymnasium) to discuss thanks to yoga and other wellness practices she commits to on a her teen years, while growing up in Maui, Hawaii. She moved to topics related to e-bike safety for riders and pedestrians. m daily basis.

California’s Central Coast in the early 2000s.

“I’ve read that those who do yoga feel younger than they are,” she Some of her boxes from that move have remained unopened in Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ storage for the past two decades, including her oldest journals she’s kept. said, “and it’s true.” santamariasun.com.

N

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This festival will provide an opportunity for universities and community colleges in California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona to showcase their wines and winemaking programs. Wine tastings will be provided by representatives from colleges and local wineries. Small bites will be served by local restaurants.

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Tickets are available for purchase for $40 if purchased by June 12, 2026.

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Tickets will be available for purchase for $50 at the door.

SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY For questions, please contact Grace Wearda at grace.wearda@hancockcollege.edu.

For more information visit our website: hancockcollege.edu/winery/festival.php

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Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly 801 S Broadway Suite 3 Santa Maria, CA 93454 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING | 805-347-1968 E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com WEB | www.santamariasun.com FOUNDER | Steve Moss 1948-2005 EDITORIAL EDITOR | Camillia Lanham ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Andrea Rooks SENIOR STAFF WRITER | Caleb Wiseblood STAFF WRITER | Madison White CALENDAR EDITOR | Angelena Stevens STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | Pieter Saayman ART DIRECTOR | Alex Zuniga EDITORIAL DESIGNERS | Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad CONTRIBUTORS | Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | Kimberly Rosa ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES | Katy Gray, Tyler Dunavan PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Mary Grace Flaus GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Ellen Fukumoto, John Nygaard Business Cindy Rucker CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez, Joe Brice PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga OFFICE MANAGER | Noelle Wasson SUBMITTING LETTERS WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [9]

Toxic exposure Local veterans shouldn’t have to prove that their illnesses are a direct result of their service

BY CRISTINA JOHNSON

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across military branches, its microscopic fibers have unfortunately placed exposed veterans at risk ational Military Appreciation Month— of chronic illnesses. celebrated every May—serves as a reminder Consistent with this, national data indicate that of Americans’ commitment to honoring the this population currently comprises around 30 sacrifices and contributions of troops and their percent of the 3,000 mesothelioma cases reported families in Santa Barbara County, California, and annually. Furthermore, in the broader Santa beyond. Through an array of events, communities Barbara County area, asbestos-related diseases come together to express gratitude to those who have likewise taken a tragic toll, with more than willingly devoted their lives to safeguard the 400 lives lost between 1999 and 2017. nation.

Similarly, over the past decades, attention has But what has often been overlooked is that such turned to the enduring presence of PFAS, artificial appreciation must also be reflected in the level chemicals engineered to resist heat and repel of attention for critical issues affecting veterans water and grease. Because of these properties, long after their retirement. Such an urgent need is such compounds have easily found their way best underscored by the experiences of countless into military operations, primarily through personnel facing long-term health conditions the widespread use of a specialized firefighting linked to toxic exposure. agent called aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

Fortunately, this growing concern has begun to However, as with asbestos, PFAS are notorious for receive renewed traction in Congress—leading to their ability to defy natural degradation, making the advancement of legislative efforts such as the them exceptionally dangerous to humans. proposed bipartisan Veterans Exposed to Toxic Consistent with this, researchers revealed (VET) PFAS Act, which aims to ease barriers to health care and benefits for retirees affected by per- that consuming them may lead to drastic health effects—most notably various types of cancer. and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure.

Even the Environmental Protection Agency has The bill seeks to alleviate the ongoing struggle for veterans who must individually prove that their underlined this peril, stating that trace amounts can also be detrimental to the public’s well-being. health issues are a direct result of their service, Prior to this guidance, high concentrations even as scientific evidence increasingly highlights MUSIC been discharged in the of PFAS had already the dangers associated with PFAS exposure. environment, contaminating more than 700 For the approximately 15,000 veterans in Santa military bases nationwide—including Vandenberg Barbara County, life after service is often marked FLAVOR/EATS Space Force Base. by the long-term health consequences of their Science and public health consensus have frequent contact with hazardous substances, such already emphasized that toxic exposure is an as Lewisite, mustard gas, asbestos, volatile organic INFO inherent risk of military service. However, compounds, Agent Orange, burn pit fumes, lead, recognition of this danger has not always and radiation. translated intoCALENDAR timely or consistent delivery of Asbestos, in particular, has been pervasively care and benefits, mainly entrenched in numerous since many veterans are still World War II naval vessels OPINION required to undergo an often and installations like Point complicated process to access Mugu. And while this natural Send us your the assistance they direly need. mineral has facilitated excellent views and opinion to NEWS To date, the Honoring Our insulation and fireproofing letters@santamariasun.com.

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STROKES

ARTS

of Veterans Affairs has already made significant strides by extending presumptive status to more than 20 conditions related to toxic exposure— including cases linked to Agent Orange and burn pits. At its core, such an initiative has lessened the evidentiary burden for affected veterans, which is a commendable step forward.

However, despite this progress, the country must recognize that its commitment to ensuring adequate support for veterans remains incomplete, as other conditions—specifically those tied to PFAS exposure—still lack the same recognition.

The VET PFAS Act would strengthen how the Department of Veterans Affairs responds to illnesses associated with PFAS exposure by, among other provisions, establishing presumptive service connection for certain PFAS-related conditions and expanding eligibility for health care and benefits for veterans exposed in military environments where these chemicals were extensively used.

Now, as National Military Appreciation Month continues, the legislation also serves as a reminder that the long-term consequences of military service extend far beyond active duty. For veterans in Northern Santa Barbara County and across the country, the continued advancement of measures such as the VET PFAS Act may shape how effectively scientific understanding is translated into meaningful institutional support for those living with the enduring effects of toxic exposure. m Cristina Johnson is a veteran advocate with the Asbestos Ships Organization, which raises awareness of veterans’ exposure to toxic substances. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

LETTERS Vote for Supervisor Paulding I’m a 13-year resident of Nipomo, which has no city government. The SLO County Board of Supervisors is very important, as this is our only political representation. Jimmy Paulding continues to be my choice as our South County supervisor. He is honest, hardworking, well informed by involvement with citizens to work on county problems. He studies issues thoroughly to come up with reasoned decisions. He turns away contributions from developers so he will not be influenced by them and has even turned down the salary increase voted on by previous Board of Supervisors members. Vote based on facts, not false political attacks.

Vote for Jimmy Paulding so he can continue his service to SLO County.

Dorothy Modafferi Nipomo

My vote is with Adam Verdin Public safety is the most fundamental duty of county government, yet it often feels like our law enforcement and firefighters are being asked to do more with less.

When our first responders lack the resources they need, it’s a failure of accountability by the SLO County Board of Supervisors.

Adam Verdin has made public safety a cornerstone of his campaign. He understands that a safe community is the foundation for everything else, from a healthy economy to a high quality of life. Adam will prioritize ensuring that those who protect us have the staffing, training, and equipment necessary to keep SLO County’s 4th District safe. He isn’t interested in political grandstanding; he’s focused on the practical reality of keeping our neighborhoods secure. We need a supervisor who will hold the line on the budget while making sure public safety is never a secondtier priority.

Adam Verdin is the clear choice for anyone who values a safe and secure San Luis Obispo County.

Linda M. Austin Oceano

8 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Opinion

Spiritual problems

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ow might be the time for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to take a long hard look at the way St. Joseph High School Principal Erinn Dougherty has managed the Orcutt Catholic school over the past eight years.

Dougherty’s on administrative leave pending a decision the archdiocese will make after reviewing what she told students—allegedly—while reprimanding them for some social media video circulating of a fight between students.

Here’s what she supposedly said, according to a “concerned parent” who sent the Sun a hot tip and the alleged recording: “What I saw in that video was some of the most white trash public school behavior I have ever seen,” the speaker—allegedly Dougherty—said in the recording.

“That behavior is not becoming of a St. Joseph Knight,” the speaker continued. “It is not becoming of a person at a Catholic school. That is for the people who are not going to own the businesses. That is for the little workers. That’s for the people who will never own a home.

They’re going to rent a home. … It was public school behavior. People do not pay $15,000 a year for that. It was completely unacceptable. It was disgusting.”

Umm, wow. What did public school ever do to you? That’s some elitist reprimanding!

High school kids are stupid. Yes, even private school students. Maybe especially entitled private school students, if we’re going to get into stereotypes here.

What is “white trash public school behavior” exactly, anyway? And “little workers”? Like, tiny people? Shouldn’t a Catholic school be talking about basking in the glory of God instead of

bashing those who either can’t or won’t pay to go to a private school?

This comes after the whole beg-forforgiveness-but-don’t-ask-for-permission construction of a softball field that’s dangerously close to some condos. And in the midst of a lawsuit filed against Dougherty and the archdiocese in 2024 over alleged pressure to falsify student athletes’ grades and whistleblower retaliation.

St. Joe’s and the archdiocese apparently felt that the school qualified for a religious exemption when it came to the lawsuit!

But the judge wasn’t down with that.

I guess we’ll see if the archdiocese gets up to its old tricks, supporting its own no matter what they do. I’m not convinced that this purported recording of the principal spewing a bunch of nonsense at students is going to sway the powers above. The person who’s in charge while the school’s big bosses figure it all out is also named as a defendant in that lawsuit: Tom Mott.

He’s the athletic director.

Looks like things are going to stay status quo!

The status quo is a no-go in Guadalupe, where the city is actually requiring a developer to put carports instead of garages on the 15 two-tothree-bedroom units he’s building. The concern?

People will use the garages for whatever they want to use them for and not cars!

“Not everybody uses a garage to park a car,” Councilmember Amelia Villegas said. “So there’s the potential of having a lot of cars just parked in the general area.”

Hmm. So, even though the developer wants his apartments to look more “private school,” the city’s aiming for more of a “public school” vibe. m

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Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: MAY 21 - MAY 31, 2026

PRETTY IN PINK

Dance the night away with The Molly Ringwald Project, during the Pretty in Pink ’80s Prom at Presqu’ile Winery on Saturday, May 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. The band will perform live at the hillside amphitheater, and there will be wine available by the glass and bottle, as well as local food trucks and a throwback photo booth. Tickets are $26. Visit presquilewine. com for additional information.

—Angie Stevens

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT

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

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

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

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

ARTIST ANN WIRTZ PRESENTS LIMITLESS Wirtz’s figurative works consider the stories and relationships between people and their environment, offering paintings that speak to human connection in our daily lives. Through May. (805) 698-0084. annwirtz.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SIP, SCIENCE, ART! - SHARKS Learn the truth about sharks, and their beauty and importance in healthy ecosystems.

This offering is free, and no registration is required! May 27, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. calnatureartmuseum.org. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., 45 Industrial Way, Buellton, (805) 694-2252.

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

EVOLVING The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Evolving”, an exhibition by artists C. Wood and Chuck Klein. ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 24 (805) 737-1129. lompocart.org/events. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

TO CLIMB A GOLD MOUNTAIN FILM EVENT To Climb a Gold Mountain is a documentary film tells the stories of four women of Asian descent in America from the 1850s to today. May 23, 2:30-4 p.m.

Free. (805) 929-3994. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo, slolibrary.org.

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

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

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group

lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options.

Beginners welcomed. (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

MAMMA MIA! Enjoy ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island. May 21, 7 p.m., May 22, 7 p.m. and May 23, 2 & 7 p.m. $23.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

(805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEGINNING WATERCOLORS WITH JAN FRENCH Come be introduced to this tricky but dynamic painting medium!

The class is for beginners or advanced who’d like to “loosen up.” Inquire via email.

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through May 26 $130. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/.

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

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for

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

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

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

10 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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

CAL POLY CHORAL CONCERT: WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? Cal Poly’s Chamber Choir and Cantabile will present Benjamin Britten’s “Cantata Misericordium” and other works. May 22, 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/choirs/#neighbor. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY’S SOUNDINGS WITH SWITCH ENSEMBLE Music technology and composition students partner with contemporary repertory dancers to create an evening of original music and choreography in collaboration with visiting artists. May 28-29, 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly. edu. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

FILM SCREENING: OMOIYARI WITH KISHI BASHI Head to this special screening in partnership with SLO Film Center, featuring a Q&A with Composer and Director Kaoru Ishibashi (Kishi Bashi). May 28, 7:30 p.m. (805) 541-5161. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours.

Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/visit/ tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

INDEX Arts...................................... 10 Culture & Lifestyle ...........12 Food & Drink ......................15 Music ...................................16

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45.

(702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

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.

MAGICANS CLUB This is a non-profit club where magicians from the local areas meet, exchange, share magic ideas, and showoff. Last Monday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 720-1164. SLO Elks Club, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

NEUROGRAPHIC ART WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn Neurographic art, a relaxing drawing method that uses flowing lines and watercolor pens to process emotions, reduce stress, and create beautiful abstract patterns. May 23, 2-4:30 p.m. $65. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls. com. Learn neurographic art, a meditative drawing method that processes emotions and reduces stress. Create flowing lines, neural-style patterns, and color using brush pens. May 23, 2-4:30 p.m. $65. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo.

ONCE UPON NOW: ART BRIDGES COLLECTION The nine diverse works of American art in this exhibition span from 1915 to 2020, representing a remarkable slice of American art history. ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through May 30 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ ab-collection/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

PETER KRASHES: PASSAGE THROUGH New York–based artist Peter Krashes’ first solo exhibition on the West Coast, uses paintings of daily experience in an

ever-changing world. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through June 28 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/peterkrashes/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

RAFAEL MONTERO AND JOHN SLOBODA RECITAL: THE SONGS OF PEDRO XIMÉNEZ ABRIL TIRADO Guest artists Rafael Montero on tenor and John Sloboda on piano will present a recital of the songs of Pedro Ximénez Abril Tirado. May 21, 11:10 a.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

TO CLIMB A GOLD MOUNTAIN To Climb a Gold Mountain is a documentary film tells the stories of four women of Asian descent in America from the 1850s to today.

May 22, 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 781-5994.

San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors.

To enroll contact Mack via email: vbmack@ charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTS continued page 12

SCAN FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION

Fluttering back

MAY 23– SEP 7 Experience a dazzling array of tropical species in a nationally acclaimed butterfly garden.

Photos by Gary Robinson www.santamariasun.com • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • Sun • 11

Hot Stuff ARTS from page 10 WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

his acrylic abstract paintings. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. ORANGE CRUSH EXHIBIT Come to the gallery and explore the emotion of orange: the energy, heat, joy—expect to see diverse artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Through June 22, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

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

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

BACKYARD COMPOSTING PRESENTED

BY UCANR MASTER GARDENERS Interested in cutting down on garden waste? Join Master Gardener Sarah Kass’s informative guide! Registration is required on both websites; for ages 18 and over.

May 23, 11 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

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.

SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SIP, SCIENCE, SHARKS

Learn all about sharks and their importance in healthy ecosystems from photographer Richard Salas during a free Sip, Science, Art talk at the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. in Buellton on Wednesday, May 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy food and drinks at the brewery throughout the hour lecture. A Q-and-A with Salas will follow. Visit calnatureartmuseum.org for additional details.

—A.S. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

BEAUTIFUL NATURE CONNECTING Come explore the joys of connecting to nature spirits, beings, and non-physical energies in nature . We will practice methods and be delightedly nourished and healed. May 23, 4-5:30 p.m. $10. (928) 848-9828. Bob Jones Trail, 7009 Ontario Road, Avila Beach.

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

FLYING MIZ DAISY VINTAGE MARKET Flying Miz Daisy Vintage Market heads to Buellton with 60+ vendors, antiques, vintage finds, live music, and food trucks.

Free admission and parking. May 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. flyingmizdaisy.com.

Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, Buellton.

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes.

(510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

st th th thth May May May May 1st1st-1st1-June -June -June June 1313 13 13

ART IN THE PARK MORRO BAY Join us at Art in the Park, a celebration of the creative community and one of the longest-running outdoor art festivals on the West Coast.

May 23-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. artcentermorrobay.org. Morro Bay Park, 750 Harbor St, Morro Bay. COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials.

Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary.

Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. MAY FEATURED ARTIST HEMA SUKUMAR, FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS FROM THE COAST TO THE HILLS From shorelines to mountaintops, Hema Sukumar catches California and beyond in acrylic with warmth and a sharp eye for color. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

(805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. MAY FEATURED ARTIST JARI DE HAM, EXHIBITING SCULPTURES AND SMALL WORKS From Chinese brush painting to stone sculptures, Jari de Ham’s work finds the Central Coast in an ancient artistic tradition. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

(805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. MAY FEATURED ARTIST NATHAN TOOLE, WHERE COLOR FINDS ITS OWN ORDER Find color and form that feel right before you know why. Nathan Toole exhibits

MAY 21 - MAY 31, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF CALNAM

12 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information.

Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net.

Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free.

(970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

Professional Live Theatre! Fun for ages 5 to 105!

Professional Live Theatre! Fun for ages 5 to 105!

Professional Live Theatre!

Fun for ages 5 to 105!

(805) 489-2499 (805) 489-2499 Professional Live Theatre!

Fun for ages 5 to 105!

1863 HWY 489-2499 1 ~ OCEANO, CA (805) 1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA 3 miles south of Pismo Beach (805) 489-2499 HWY 1 ~ CA 31863 miles south of OCEANO, Pismo Beach 1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA 3 miles south of Pismo Beach SHOW TIMES SHOW TIMES 3 miles south of Pismo Beach Wednesday -TIMES Friday: 7pm SHOW Wednesday - Friday: 7pm Saturday: 2pm to 7pm SHOW TIMES Wednesday Friday: 7pm Saturday: 2pm to 7pm Sunday: 6pm Wednesday Friday: 7pm Saturday: 2pm to 7pm Sunday: 6pm CLOSED: Monday & Saturday: 2pm toTuesday 7pm Sunday: 6pm CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday 6pm CLOSED:Sunday: Monday & Tuesday www.AmericanMelodrama.com CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday www.AmericanMelodrama.com

www.AmericanMelodrama.com www.AmericanMelodrama.com

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility.

Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher.

Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month.

(646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies.

Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.

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

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. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid.com/ aglibrary/items. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish.

There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m.

Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.

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 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 3623739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

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

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

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.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 13

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Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 12 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.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot.

Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227.

Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe.

Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190.

(805) 481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy.

Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:30-

MAY 21 - MAY 31, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF JARI DE HAM

7:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.

(805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com.

Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

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

CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org.

San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

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

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted

by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

MONTHLY MEETING FOR CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS Join Mended Hearts of San Luis Obispo for Empowering Monthly Meetings for Cardiovascular Patients. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30 p.m.

Free. mendedhearts.org. French Hospital Copeland Health Education Pavilion, 3rd Floor, 1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo.

ART IN STONE

The work of the Gallery at Marina Square’s May featured artist Jari de Ham is on display through May 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Head to Morro Bay and see Jari’s array of Chinese brush paintings and stone sculptures. More details can be found at galleryatmarinasquare.com.

—A.S. PARADISE FOUND AND LOST: JAPANESE AMERICAN IMMIGRATION, INCARCERATION, AND RESETTLEMENT Author-historian Shizue Seigel and former WWII incarceree Margaret Cooper share stories and images of the Japanese American struggle. May 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

(805) 471-5913. slolibrary.org. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person.

Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/.

Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

November. Free. sloflowercollective.com.

Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO FOOD BANK OPEN HOUSE The SLO Food Bank Open House gathers and celebrates volunteers, donors, partners, and community leaders who bring our mission to life. May 30, 3-5 p.m. Free.

(805) 238-4664. donate.slofoodbank.org.

SLO Food Bank, 1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo.

SLO RANCH SECOND ANNUAL BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL! Enjoy a full weekend of family-friendly festivities.

There wil be U-pick blueberries, live music, line dancing, and more! May 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. sloranchfarms.com.

SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace, 871 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-0210.

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.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors.

Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

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.

A RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER? May 31, 1-3 p.m. (412) 4773064. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Oceano.

THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing weekly fresh flower market, open to the public. Enjoy the historic gardens with local blooms from nine local flower farmers.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 15 Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through

May 22-24, 2026 S ANTA M ARIA California

Cruising only for Participants Spectators Welcome

S ANTA M ARIA“C ITY C RUISE” Friday Night on Broadway..

Saturday and Sunday at the Fairpark

L OTS O F V ENDORS • L IVE B ANDS • M ODEL C AR S HOW S UNDAY A UTOMOTIVE S WAP M EET

FOR EVENT INFO: click on westcoastkustoms.com or call: 951-488-0413

Saturday & Sunday at the FAIRPARK

Meet Butch Patrick “Eddie Munster”

www.santamariasun.com • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • Sun • 13

Best of the West Antique Equipment Show

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 22-24

Sinsheimer Stadium, SLO

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach

Just Some Cool Jazz

&

First Friday at SLO Brew Rock!

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Brass Mash Rod & HammerJUNE Rock, SLO FRIDAY, 5 Rod & Hammer Rock, SLO

MONDAY, MAY 25

Free Movie Night Wall-E

Bitterwater Road Country Music Dance Party

Dance Club Dance Fitness

Pulp Vixen-LA’s #1 All-Female Cover Band

FRIDAY, MAY 22 The Pour House, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, MAY 23 The Cliffs Hotel & Spa, Pismo Beach

SATURDAY, MAY 23 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Science After Dark

Improv Extravaganza

THURSDAY, MAY 21 Odd Fellows Hall, SLO

THURSDAY, MAY 21 Region Winery Event Center, SLO

FRIDAY, MAY 22 Sycamore Mineral Springs, SLO

Taste & Sculpture Tour

Stockyard Party to Support Morgan Frasse SUNDAY, MAY 24 Blast 825-The Stockyard, Orcutt

Fuse Live for a Sunday Funday

SUNDAY, MAY 24 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Hip Transplant & Cool Sax Trio SUNDAY, MAY 24 The Bunker SLO

TUESDAY, MAY 26 Central Coast Aquarium. Avila Beach

THURSDAY, MAY 28 The Bunker SLO

The Wave Forward-Women Accelerating Business

Sing: Come What May Vocal Arts Ensemble

Club DV8 live for Mariann’s Going Away Party FRIDAY, MAY 29 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Scott Amendola Trio

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Anderson Social, SLO

Let’s Go to the Movies

FRIDAY, MAY 29 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach

The Alex Lucero Band

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Gallivant

Giafunni’s AsianPac Comedy Night

The Barrelhouse Wailers Raider Jazz Ensemble

Out & Savvy-Live Jazz Brunch

41st Annual Jazz Piano Showcase

SATURDAY, MAY 23 Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Ventana Grill, Pismo Beach

Spring Wine Walk 2026

SATURDAY, MAY 30 Paso Robles Downtown Wine District

The “Hidden Money” Most Seniors Leave Behind WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 Hilton Garden Inn, Pismo Beach

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Trinity, Nipomo

SATURDAY, MAY 30 The Pour House, Paso Robles

CCSPA Movie Night: The Last Forests Project WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 Palm Theatre, SLO

14 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

SATURDAY, MAY 30 Giavanni’s Pizza, Santa Maria

SUNDAY, MAY 31 Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building

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

SUNDAY, MAY 31 Oceanfront Venue, Pismo Beach

SUNDAY, MAY 31 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

Extortionist/Brat/Fr3ak/ Blind Equation

Love Letters

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 By the Sea Productions, Morro Bay

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

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

Live on the Rocks Concert: Zongo All-Stars

FRIDAY, MAY 22-SUNDAY, JULY 26

Santa Margarita Ranch

End of Life Choices presented by Valerie Ferrario

SLO Blues Baseball 2026 Season

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Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 13 TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own.

Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m.

Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning.

Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m.

Free. thecambriaconnection.org/.

Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

DISCOVERY SATURDAY: SANCTUARY RECREATION Join the Coastal Discovery Center and Cambria Fishing Club for guided recreational pier fishing, ocean themed art, and learn about NOAA’s recreational fishing best practices!

May 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon, (805) 927-2145.

GREENSPACE SPEAKER SERIES: LIVING AMONGST GIANTS: MANKIND VS. ECOSYSTEMS- PAUL C. WILLIAMS, WILLIAMS PEST MANAGEMENT, INC. Williams Pest Management, Inc. is a local company specializing in integrated pest management, urban forest biology, ecosystem-focused pest and disease management, soil health and more!

May 24, 4-6 p.m. $10. (805)927-2866. greenspacecambria.org/f/greenspacespeaker-series--paul-williams--may-24.

Unitarian Universalist Community of Cambria, 786 Arlington St., Cambria.

LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club.

These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALE AT CAMBRIA NURSERY Kick off Memorial Day weekend at Cambria Nursery with 20% off storewide. May 22-25, 9 a.m.-5

MAY 21 - MAY 31, 2026 p.m. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton go online to make a reservation to taste at Rd., Cambria. the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. presquilewine.com/ MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., DISCUSSION GROUP A group of Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come years now in the Coalesce Chapel. cozy up inside the tasting room and listen Club offers a supportive metaphysical to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. based community. Members discuss (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. a different topic each week. All are Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) coalescebookstore.com/.

332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER topic, book, or article you wish to discuss Visit website to find out about featured with interested and interesting people? vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com.

Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. or simply contribute your experiences WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the instructions on entering the Chapel area. complete list of classes, for various ages.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. ongoing. wineanddesign.com/orcutt.

Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, Morro Bay. suite 105, Orcutt.

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY The Waterfront Market returns for its 9th LOMPOC/VANDENBERG summer season in Morro Bay. This open-MUSIC HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO air market features over 30 local vendors TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head from SLO County. May 23-25, 10 a.m.-5 Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing p.m. Free. (805) 402-9437. facebook.com/FLAVOR/EATS Company every Tuesday night. Teams waterfrontmarketmorrobayca. Giovanni’s can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay. bragging rights. Kekas will be serving INFO their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages.

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

Tickets on sale now at My805Tix.com SELL TICKETS WITH US! IT’S FREE! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO. 805-546-8208

Featured Events

Best of SLO County Winners Party

If I Only Had a Song

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

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Community Presbyterian, Cambria

Next to Normal

21st Annual Pinot and Paella Festival

Cambria Center for the Arts

550 Crocker St, Templeton Park

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 22-31

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Spread the word!

Send event information to calendar@ santamariasun.com.

OPINION

SAN LUIS OBISPO

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, NEWS Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

SIP ROSÉ, ENJOY FRESH SEAFOOD, AND SUPPORT LAND CONSERVATION STROKES Enjoy the Rosé Release Party with Croma Vera Wines and SLO Land Conservancy.

Try the new 2025 Rosé, along with a ARTS seafood pairing by Big Wave Sushi, local art, and conservation. May 31, SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS 1-6 p.m. $14. (805) 946-1685. resy.com/ BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us cities/san-luis-obispo-ca/venues/ Thursdays to meet and chat with the croma-vera-wines/events/rose-releasewinemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. with-the-land-conservancy-2026-05(805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark 31?date=2026-05-08. Croma Vera Wines, 3183 Duncan Road, Suite D, Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

San Luis Obispo.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE SLO GREEK FESTIVAL Enjoy the ORO Featured vendors in the series SLO Greek Festival, with authentic include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. and family fun. May 30, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays May 31, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5. (805) 546-8337.

(805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. greekfestivalslo.com/. Madonna Expo Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Center, 100 Madonna Road, Ave., Santa Maria.

San Luis Obispo.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE SLO RANCH SECOND ANNUAL INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL Enjoy a full 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, weekend of family-friendly festivities. winestoneinn.com/.

Enjoy u-pick blueberries, live music, line FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ dancing, and more! May 23, 10 a.m.-6 Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen p.m. Free. sloranchfarms.com. SLO Ranch stays open late. Come out and sing Farms & Marketplace, 871 Froom Ranch your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-0210.

Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, HOT STUFF continued page 16 Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

FOOD & DRINK

Post HumanX & Bone Crown

Uptown Jazz Night

dadweed Live at Club Car Bar

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 The Gathering Place, SLO

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 508 S. Main Street, Templeton

Ice Cream Zoofari

SLO Wine Mixer

How We Met

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Sans Liege Wines, Pismo Beach

Bee Gees Fever Live!

That’s So Pride: A Late Night Drag Dance Party SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Elvis: In Person

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 Templeton Performing Arts Center

Atascadero Lakeside Winefest

Storytelling with Music

Hope After Dark: 9th Annual Drag Show

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 The Pour House, Paso Robles

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13 St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Cambria

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria

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

SMOOTH, Inc. 240 East Roemer Way, Santa Maria · 805-922-8476 www.santamariasun.com • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • Sun • 15

Hot Stuff

Saturday, May 23 – PTFS (Play That Funky Sound) Sunday, May 24 – Joy Polloi Monday, May 25 – Jill Knight Band Saturday, May 30 – Spanky Paul Band Sunday, May 31 – Dani Cole Saturday, June 6 – Paul Hayward* Sunday, June 7 – Rough House Saturday, June 13 – James River Band* Sunday, June 14 – Electric Lavender Train Saturday, June 20 – Cocktail Shorty Sunday, June 21 – Spanky Paul Band Saturday, June 27 – Quadtones Sunday, June 28 – Lunar Radio* Saturday, July 4th - Jill Knight Band Sunday July 5 – Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeno Jam Saturday, July 11 – Earls of Tuesday Sunday, July 12 – Rough House Saturday, July 18 – Leslie & the Soul Shakers Sunday, July 19 – Dave Tate Trio Saturday, July 25 – Cocktail Shorty* Sunday, July 26 – Electric Lavendar Train Saturday, Aug 1 – Leslie & The Soul Shakers* Sunday, Aug 2 – Dani Cole Saturday, Aug 8 – Spanky Paul Band* Sunday, Aug 9 – Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeno Jam Saturday, Aug 15 – Rockin’ Bs Trio Sunday Aug 16 – Earls of Tuesday* Saturday, Aug 22 – Dani Cole Sunday, Aug 23 – Jill Knight Band Saturday, Aug 29 – Joy Polloi Sunday, Aug 30 – Electric Lavender Train Saturday, Sept 5 – Jill Knight & Eric Williams Sunday, Sept 6 – Bobby Santa Cruz & Jalapeno Jam Monday, Sept 7 – Burning James Band

Black = Lawn: Red = Plaza * 12-3:30

19019 CA Highway 1 • Ragged Point, CA (805) 927-4502 raggedpointinn.com 16 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

MAY 21 - MAY 31, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF BRYANT BAKER

BIRD WATCHER

Learn about birding in San Luis Obispo at the Cerro Alto Campground in Morro Bay during a Guided Birding Walk on Saturday, May 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The walk, through one of the country’s top birding locations, will be led by experienced local birders and is open to new and seasoned birders. The birding excursion is $40 for Los Padres ForestWatch members and $50 for nonmembers. Visit forestwatch.org for more details.

—A.S.

HOT STUFF from page 15

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings.

Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

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

LIVE JAZZ SATURDAYS Hear live jazz, featuring swing jazz guitarist Edwin Hite. May 23, 2-4 p.m. Free.

(805) 925-0860. instagram.com/ Crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various local musicians rotate each Friday.

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

LIVE MUSIC AT THE 45TH WEST COAST KUSTOMS CRUISIN NATIONALS CAR SHOW Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend around beautiful classic custom cars, listening to live classic oldies music by Faultline on the Main Stage at the Santa Maria Fairpark. May 23, 12-2 p.m. $20.

(925) 963-8223. westcoastkustoms.com/ showinfo.html. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more.

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons.

(805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

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

PRETTY IN PINK ‘80S PROM Get ready to dance the night away in ‘80s style with The Molly Ringwald Project, bringing all the hits (and the nostalgia) to our hillside amphitheater. Expect great wine by the glass and bottle, local food trucks, a throwback photo booth, and plenty of Aqua Net, shoulder pads, and synth.

May 30, 6-10 p.m. $26. presquilewine. com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

STOCKYARD PARTY TO SUPPORT MORGAN FASSE WITH MOLLY RINGWALD Come on out to The Stockyard in Old Town Oructt and join the party to help support Rodeo Queen candidate Morgan Fasse and she campaigns for the title. May 24, 3-6 p.m. $33.98. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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

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

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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

LEGENDS OF THE CANYON ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS: PETTY PARTY: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS Petty Party is L.A.’s premier tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, featuring six of the top tribute musicians in the industry.

May 30, 7:30-9 p.m. $49.99-$59.99. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21

and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com.

Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo.

SOLEFFECT AT BLACKLAKE GOLF COURSE Join Sōleffect for a sunny afternoon of live music at Blacklake Golf Resort. May 30, 1-4 p.m. soleffect. bandzoogle.com. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BACKROADS OF THE AMERICAS: AN INTIMATE SPANISH GUITAR CONCERT An intimate Spanish guitar concert rooted in the musical traditions of Spain and the Americas — a rare, expressive listening experience in a beautiful acoustic. May 21, 7-8:30 p.m. $29–$45. (929) 385-6109. facebook.com/ events/965759255949132. Unitarian Universalists Church, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY JAZZ COMBOS SHOWCASE Cal Poly’s jazz combos will perform classic jazz repertoire as well as original student compositions. Dylan Johnson will be the director. May 21, 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ jazz/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY WOODWINDS STUDENT RECITAL Enjoy this free recital, presented

by Cal Poly Music Department student woodwind players. May 26, 7:30 p.m.

Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/free/#woodwinds. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. May 24, 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Sextant Wines, 1653 Old Price Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 542-0133.

RAFAEL MONTERO AND JOHN SLOBODA RECITAL: THE SONGS OF PEDRO XIMÉNEZ ABRIL TIRADO The guest artists will present a free recital of the songs of one of Latin America’s most prolific composers of the early 19th century. May 21, 11:10 a.m. Free.

(805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu.

Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

GALLIVANT LIVE Short shorts, tube socks, long hair, and good ol’ fashioned rock n roll! Gallivant is a three-piece, riff-based groove rock band, that sets a high bar for the new age of rock and roll music. They bring a high energy, arenasized rock show to stages all across the country. May 22, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. m

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www.santamariasun.com • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • Sun • 17

Arts

ART SCENE IMAGE COURTESY OF CHRISTINE FOGH

ARTS BRIEFS The paranormal circus brings frights back to Santa Maria

Use those cords

Christine Fogh offers piano and voice lessons for all ages. The group’s next recital is scheduled for June 20 at the Santa Maria Civic Theater. Sign up for summer camps or a free trial class by visiting christinefoghmusic.com. Stream Fogh’s new songs on various platforms by visiting christinefogh.hearnow.com. Follow the school on Instagram @christinefoghmusic.

COURTESY PHOTO BY MALAKI LEONARD

The wheel of death. Aerial hoops. Narrow beams.

Performers at Cirque Italia’s Paranormal Voodoo show will navigate all this and more on the evenings of May 29 to June 1. Head to the Santa Maria Fairpark for a thrilling and wickedly dangerous sight.

“You will fall into a parallel world and end up surrounded by monstrous creatures with hidden talents that will amaze you with the circus arts,” according to press materials. “This show is not for the faint of heart. You may have to catch your breath or try to stop your heart from racing during this adrenalinefilled performance.”

The horror circus makes regular stops in town and was last here in September. With multiple touring groups, the company shares all kinds of acts with audiences across the U.S. and Canada.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase online at black.cirqueitalia.com. Call or text (941) 704-8572 for a $5 promotion code per ticket. Audience members must be 13 years or older. Ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

The Santa Maria Fairpark is located at 937 S. Thornburg St. Look for the big white and black tent. Arrive early to see the haunted walk before the circus.

See this month’s solo show at Gallery Los Olivos before it’s gone FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY ANN WIRTZ

There’s but one limit to the current Gallery Los Olivos exhibit, titled Limitless. It’s only up until May 31.

Ann Wirtz is the painter responsible for the solo exhibit featuring abstract, figurative canvases that express the relationships people have with their environments. Themes include play and risk but really anything that’s a result of letting go of expectations. “[Wirtz’s] idea of the Limitless is something open, unbounded, and full of potential,” the gallery announced in press materials. “A space where imagination, discovery, and connection can unfold freely.”

The artist has been part of the gallery since the fall of 2024.

She told the Sun in January 2025 that as soon as she walked through the gallery doors, she knew the space was a great fit for her work. Wirtz’s portfolio reflects her curiosity to explore the endless possibilities in her imagination, according to her website.

See the collection before it’s taken down at the end of May. Gallery Los Olivos is located at 2920 Grand Ave. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (805) 688-7517 with questions and follow @gallerylosolivos on Instagram for updates. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send your events to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

“Eventually in 2018 I converted my garage to the studio that I have now, and it’s amazing,” Fogh said. “I literally love my studio.”

She filled the 450-square-foot space with seven keyboards along the walls, a baby grand piano, and a regular upright one. The center remained empty for dancing with the littles.

Unlike some music schools that begin at 6 months, Fogh accepts everyone aged “0 to a million.” Adults must accompany infants 0 to 4 for half-hour lessons of movement, singing, games, and percussion.

Four- and 5-year-olds start on smaller keyboards with group lessons that have rotating themes every 12 weeks. Ages 5 to 7 learn to play longer compositions and improvise.

“The 8-and-up [class] is so much fun,” Fogh said. “We always start off the class with a theory game, like an ear-training game to help them with whatever we’re focusing on that week. And then we go to the keyboards, and they work on their music.”

Fogh has similar programming for voice lessons, too. Right now, she’s teaching some Taylor Swift hits.

Trained in contemporary commercial music, Fogh believes in sharing the joy of non-classical songs ranging from musical theater BELTING FOR DAYS: Santa Maria music teacher Christine Fogh released a threeto R&B, although she teaches some classical courses, too. song album, The Long Way Home, in April. She recorded the copyright-free tracks in “It’s great to learn [classical], but depending on what your goals her home studio. are, if you just do that, it’s not going to get you there,” the teacher said.

Contemporary style breaks away from traditional beliefs that singing classically was the only way to protect one’s voice, which has been scientifically proven wrong, Fogh explained.

Her own influences are Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Today she teaches singers who are inspired by celebrities like Ariana Grande, which means lots of work on belting.

One popular voice lesson Fogh offers is a one-time pop

BY MADISON WHITE workshop. In an hour and a half, one to four singers focus on one song of their choice and record the final product in the booth. Like real pop stars. n a 1992 episode of Golden Girls, Dorothy sat at a table inside a bar. Next to In her ongoing classes, the teacher likes to record her students every her a piano player led her in song. Dorothy started singing the melancholic month so they can hear how their voice is improving. Seeing them reach “What’ll I Do” by Irving Berlin. Dorothy rose to her feet midway through, accomplishments is the most rewarding part of running the business. completely serenading the crowd.

Fogh gets to be silly in her classes, so it feels like she’s performing every day.

When Christine Fogh watched the scene on TV as a young girl, she longed to She wouldn’t want to tour stadiums, but the small audience in her studio is play “What’ll I Do.” Normally, she could immediately copy a song on her pink just enough.

Casio keyboard just by listening to it, (the skill even inhibited her ability to read “I think I have to have the best job ever,” the singer said. music) but at the time, she didn’t have the chops to mimic the tune.

Everyone deserves access to music, she added. Fogh works with the Music “It was such an emotional song,” Fogh told the Sun. “I remember having the feels, and I was like, ‘I’m going to record that one day.’ That’s been on my mind for Link Foundation to offer affordable lessons to underprivileged students. The mission is close to her heart. years and years.”

In April, Fogh released an EP called The Long Way Home. The third and final “I want to make sure that no matter if people can afford it or not, that they’re song in the collection is “What’ll I Do.” getting music education,” Fogh said.

Fogh was thrilled that the track was listed in the public domain, copyright She knows how music can fill a void, especially after not pursuing it for so free. That was also the case for the other two on the list: “After You’ve Gone” and many years. The small business allows her to funnel her talents into one space, “Sunshine of Your Smile.” combining all her musical passions to serve her hometown community.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE FOGH The musician recorded the songs “I felt like I was missing that in my life,” Fogh said, in her home studio over the course “and this was the perfect thing.” m of four months. It felt good, she remembered, like she should’ve been Send sharps, flats, and everything in between doing it for her whole life. The feeling to Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ gave her the idea for the EP’s title, The santamariasun.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE FOGH Long Way Home.

“I arranged everything, and I did the vocals, the background vocals,” Fogh said. “I had my friends do little things here and there, and they were amazing.”

The artist hasn’t been the only person taking advantage of the recording booth. Her piano and voice students do, too.

After taking a break from music to raise her children, Fogh wished to get back into music. She always loved to write songs, sing, and play piano, even earning a music degree from Cal Poly. It had been a while since Fogh released her 1999 debut album, End of the World.

Eleven years ago, she started teaching piano and voice lessons in her sunroom under Christine Fogh ONTO THE MIC: The Christine Fogh Music Music. The original 20 students have TINY HANDS: Students as young as 4 years old learn to play studio houses a recording booth that gives increased to a school of 80, just about the keyboard at Christine Fogh Music in Santa Maria. Their students a professional glimpse into the as many as the entrepreneur can little fingers only tickle 66 keys instead of the traditional 88. commercial business. handle.

Solfège studies A Santa Maria music teacher released her first EP in more than 25 years

I

18 • Sun • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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LOBERO.ORG / 805.963.0761 www.santamariasun.com • May 21 - May 28, 2026 • Sun • 19

Film

SUN SCREEN

Sweet relief

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

O

job Cameron’s doing as her replacement. But maybe, just maybe, they have lessons for one another to learn.

Anna: Tova is struggling with the thought of a loss of independence. She’s in the house her father built, but stairways and repairs aren’t agreeing with her age. Filmed in Vancouver but set in Washington’s Puget Sound, this charming seaside town is idyllic but not great for someone who just wants to be left alone. Tova has a group of friends, the “Knitwits,” who seem to not take their knitting as seriously as they do their gossip, which Tova has no interest in. Except, that is, when she’s talking to Marcellus, Glen: Sally Field is a national who has a fondness for her too. This treasure, and Lewis Pullman—son is a really sweet story, and both REMARKABLY of veteran actor Bill Pullman— BRIGHT CREATURES Field and Pullman are so endearing exudes the same soulful hangin their roles. It may burst from the What’s it rated? PG-13 doggedness as his father. They’re seams with sap, but we all need a What’s it worth, Anna? both perfectly cast as people little sweetness in this bitter world, Full price carrying pain. Tova has experienced so I’ll take it where I can. It’s like What’s it worth, Glen? loss and has a prickly demeanor watching Free Willy and knowing Full price that there is no Keiko suffering on because of it, and Cameron has Where’s it showing? the other side of the camera. We a chip on his shoulder, feeling Netflix get all the joy and none of the latent abandoned by his parents. He’s in guilt of animal flicks of yore. town searching for his father not Glen: I have to say, the octopus CGI is because he hopes to have a relationship but incredible. They based Marcellus on Agnetha, because he feels his father owes him 18 years of a real giant Pacific octopus residing in the child support and he wants his money. At first, Vancouver Aquarium. A visual effects team they rub each other the wrong way. Tova would filmed Agnetha doing various activities, and rather talk to an octopus than connect with the real-life footage is seamlessly interchanged the townsfolk. She’s also very judgmental of the livia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing, First Match) directs this script she co-wrote with John Whittington adapting Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 novel of the same name about Tova Sullivan (Sally Field), an elderly cleaning lady at an aquarium in Sowell Bay, Washington.

Her best friend is Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), an arrogant and dismissive octopus.

When she injures her leg and a drifter named Cameron (Lewis Pullman) ends up stuck in town with a van in need of expensive repairs, he subs for Tova to make money. As they interact, their pasts and families are slowly revealed. (111 min.)

KINDRED SPIRITS: Cleaning woman Tova Sullivan (Sally Field) connects with a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), in Remarkably Bright Creatures, streaming on Netflix.

with CGI. When we visited the Central Coast Aquarium at Avila Beach a few years ago, they had a giant Pacific octopus, and we were told they return them to the ocean after a year or so because they’re as intelligent as a human 4-yearold and get bored in their tank. Part of the story is about Marcellus growing old and knowing, like Tova, his time on earth is growing shorter.

Anyone want to guess his outcome? This is a sweet crowd pleaser. Loved it.

Anna: I’ve heard the book is a great read as well.

Instead of distracting, the CGI is impressive.

The townspeople are endearing; the setting

PHOTO COURTESY OF HULU

#SKYKING

What’s it rated?

Not rated When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Hulu Richard “Beebo” Russell knew the ins and outs of SEA-TAC airport—after all, he was ground crew. He knew the hierarchy, that the pilots frequently made dismissive remarks about the “ramp rats.” The hours were long and the pay meager, but Beebo was a glass-half-full guy. He had a family that loved him, a wife he loved, and a real desire to live life to its fullest.

No one knew what Beebo was struggling with when it came to mental health, and one day, he wheeled out a plane SEA-TAC HEIST: Using cockpit voice recordings, this and took off. Not some little personal plane, documentary follows the strange case of Beebo Russell, a this was a Horizon Airlines passenger Horizon Air groundworker, who steals an empty commercial plane—and he was taking it for a joyride. plane, in #Skyking, streaming on Hulu.

Built through interviews with Russell’s family as well as the air traffic controllers without repercussions, so he stays in the air a little longer. who were on the job that day, this tragically epic journey of When you get to know him through the lens of those who one man, one plane, and one utterly impossible barrel roll is loved him, you see that he’s much more than a meme. (91 min.). both fascinating and crushing.

—Anna Once in the air, Beebo knows there’s no coming down

is brimming with Pacific Northwest charm.

Instead of overstuffing the characters with charm, both Field and Pullman come about it naturally, even with Tova’s and Cameron’s prickly nature. Each needs the other to show them how to heal, and to grow—and Marcellus is the glue that finally cements them together. His journey is theirs, and vice versa. I loved it. It’ll be in my feel-good movie rotation for sure. m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOCUS FEATURES

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

What’s it rated? R When? 2005 Where’s it showing?

Palm Theatre of FROM THE San Luis Obispo on Saturday, May 23, at 1 p.m.

Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Life of Pi) directed this groundbreaking 2005 neo-Western romantic drama adapted by screenwriters Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry from Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story about two young cowboys—Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal)—who in 1963 Wyoming fall in love one summer when they’re hired to herd sheep.

Both Ledger and Gyllenhaal turn in committed LOVE IS LOVE: Cowboys Ennis Del Mar (Heath performances, as do their characters’ respective Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) fall in love eventual spouses, Michelle Williams as Ennis’ wife, despite themselves, in Brokeback Mountain, screening Alma, and Anne Hathaway as Jack’s wife, Lureen. at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, in the Palm Theatre.

Both marriages slowly deteriorate as Ennis and Jack continue to pine for one another. OK, let’s get it out Some critics accused the Academy of homophobia for passing there: “I wish I knew how to quit you.” It’s a mediation on the the film over for Best Picture. In 2015, The Hollywood Reporter pain of closeted homosexuality, and it’s a tragedy. polled Academy members on controversial past decisions, and The film’s considered landmark LGBT cinema, and it was the film won Best Picture in a revote. (134 min.) m nominated for Best Picture—it lost to Paul Haggis’ Crash, but it —Glen won for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score.

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Eats

Pop! The duo on a mission to make the best bubbly on the Central Coast

BY MADISON WHITE

L

WINE MUSIC

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egend has it that when Elizabeth STROKES Stilson first interviewed with her now-business partner, she said, “If ARTS I never have to make another red wine again, I’ll be happy.”

As soon as the statement came out of the winemaker’s mouth, PasoSecco founder Chris Kern knew she was the perfect candidate for his sparkling brand.

“That sold me,” Kern said.

The pair made it clear they have nothing against reds, but their specialty is bubbly whites. They originated PasoSecco in early 2023 with three wines: their flagship grenache blanc, a luscious rosé, and a dry, crisp sauvignon blanc. The trifecta is still going strong.

The 3,000 cases of the 2025 vintage are sent to club members and distributed in dozens of locations from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles.

With experience running wine clubs and a wine shop, Kern called himself a serial entrepreneur. The one thing he’s never taken on is winemaking.

“Chemistry is the only class in high school I ever got a C in,” Kern said over lunch in Paso Robles. “So, it’s not my alley.”

After 20 years, PasoSecco is like his Ph.D. dissertation in wine. He THE PROBLEM SOLVER: Winemaker Elizabeth Stilson joined PasoSecco PROSECCO FROM PASO: It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to enjoy during the winery’s beginning, in 2023. She’s found her home crafting sparkling PasoSecco. The “best bubbles in Paso” are meant to be savored while binging researched, networked, and taste tested. wine on the Central Coast, where she grew up. a TV show, catching a sports game, or soaking up the summer sun.

He made spreadsheets and pitch decks.

He found the gap in the Paso Robles Kern has noticed a continued steady growth of sparkling market. bubbly for a few reasons.

Kern graphed out every sparkling wine His theory is that people are naturally drawn produced in the region by its varietal content, to carbonated beverages, and sparkling wine is price point, and the technique used to a lighter option compared to a lot of stills. Aside make it. Few, if any, wineries were making from heavy reds, even some oaky chardonnays it in the Charmat method, how Prosecco is feel thick and too heavy for a warm California made. There was also a gap in the $25 to $40 afternoon. It’s also an easier transition for younger per bottle range. Thus, PasoSecco’s grand drinkers who might already be accustomed to the entrance on the scene. bubbles of hard seltzer.

PasoSecco grapes grow in Northern San Luis PasoSecco still faces challenges. One is Obispo County, but as the business continues to convincing the masses that bubbles can be popped expand, Kern hopes to source from the Solomon any time, not just for celebrations.

Hills area and other Santa Barbara County “We want to be your everyday bubbles, the hot spots. Kern sends his wine up to Napa for bottle that you open up on a Wednesday if production because no wineries around here have Charmat facilities, but he’s hoping to one day build you’re going to binge watch Love Is Blind,” Kern described. “Or, if your boyfriend or husband is his own local production. watching a football game, is drinking a beer with “It’s like making wine in an Instant Pot or a his friends, but beer is a little too heavy. You can pressure cooker because basically you’re taking all pop open a bottle of PasoSecco.” your still wine, putting it into a huge pressurized Stilson agrees. While Kern tries to overcome the stainless-steel tank, adding in the sugar and yeast challenges that occur outside the bottle, Stilson’s to start that secondary fermentation, then sealing are all under the cork. Problem solving is her that tank up and bringing the pressure up,” the favorite part of being a winemaker. vintner said.

“I love that part of my job and just putting Charmat is a speedy process. Instead of six months to two years, fermentation only takes six to things into place and connecting the dots because GOOD LUCK, GRAPES: Chris Kern, founder of PasoSecco, blessed his grapes with a bottle of sparkling wine after the first harvest in Templeton. The tradition is a good omen before the grapes go sometimes winemaking really feels like a big eight weeks for PasoSecco wines. Drinkers’ noses into the press. puzzle,” Stilson said. “Sometimes you’re the only will find more aromatics, and their taste buds will person that can see the pieces and where they’re sense more fruitiness. they build their own production facility on the PasoSecco wines are 100 percent vegan, unlike supposed to go.”

“For a lot of people, it’s a more satisfying Central Coast and add more wines to the list, the most bubbly. Additives derived from animal The Templeton native grew up surrounded sparkling experience,” Kern said. products are sometimes used to filter or clarify. Egg ball will start rolling even faster. by grapes and eventually found her way into It’s not a bad time to be in the business of “It’s just crazy to look back at our first meeting whites and isinglass, aka fish bladder, are common. the industry excitement. Stilson fell in love bubbles either. Despite a plateau of still wine sales, and interview, just talking about this idea,” Stilson Stilson uses plant-based solutions like bentonite with harvest and the atmosphere that makes said. “I’m very proud that we’ve done amazing clay and potato protein instead. winemaking the gritty, heartfelt business that it Everyday bubbles Kern commended her adaptability. Stilson’s skills work.” m is. Plus, she’s “super passionate” about making Join PasoSecco for its Low Country Bubbles soiree on have evolved, and it’s only been three harvests. sparkling wine.

June 14 at The Backyard in Paso Robles. Buy tickets online Staff Writer Madison White is happy to hear The partners have big dreams to mark Paso Working with Kern was the first time Stilson had and see a list of locations carrying PasoSecco wines at sparkling wines aren’t a dying breed. Reach her at been exposed to the Charmat method, though she’s Robles as a premier sparkling destination. They pasosecco.com. Follow on Instagram @pasosecco. mwhite@santamariasun.com. see tons of potential for PasoSecco’s future. Once always been interested in working outside the box.

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