Sun, November 13, 2025 by New Times Media Group, San Luis Obispo

Perfect Neighbor: spotlight on entitlement [22]

Permit rejection

Santa Barbara County supervisors aren’t sold on Sable’s plans to restart its oil pipeline [6]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Longtime oil supporter 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino switched up his vote on Nov. 4, when he opted to support three of his fellow Santa Barbara County supervisors in their bid to deny Sable Offshore Corporation a permit transfer for the Santa Ynez Unit and its associated oil pipelines. His reason? The list of grievances against Sable’s aggressive push to restart the unit was long and included criminal charges filed by the county District Attorney’s Office. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood talks to Lavagnino about the decision [6]

Also, read about what Lompoc’s trying to do about longterm RV parking [4]; one man’s quest to bring the performing arts to Buellton [20]; and Clean Slate Wine Bar’s everevolving menu [24]

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Michele Kielty, D.O.

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

• U.S. Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and Lloyd Smucker (R-Pennsylvania) recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving housing access and affordability for U.S. veterans. The Home for the Brave Act would exempt veterans’ disability benefits from counting toward total income when determining their eligibility for housing assistance programs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “No veteran should be punished for receiving the very benefits they earned through their service to our country,” Carbajal, a Marine Corps veteran, said in a Nov. 10 statement. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to end this unfair practice in our country’s housing assistance system and ensure veterans have access to the safe, affordable homes they deserve.” Financial benefits for service-connected disabilities are currently counted as income when determining eligibility for housing assistance programs through HUD. As a result, many veterans are determined ineligible for these housing programs because their disability benefits are placing them at a higher income level, according to Carbajal’s office. Some agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), do not consider veterans benefits for serviceconnected disabilities income. “Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom and safety, and they should not lose access to housing assistance because they receive disability benefits for injuries sustained in service,” Smucker stated. “Our community has worked hard to end veteran homelessness, and I’m honored to support this important mission alongside my constituents.”

• On Nov. 6, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) issued a statement on Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi ’s announcement to retire at the end of her current term. “For nearly four decades, Nancy Pelosi has fought for fundamental rights and freedoms not just for her beloved city of San Francisco, but for all Americans. And as a torchbearer of Democratic and California values, Speaker Pelosi stood as our nation’s chief defender against Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy,” Padilla said. “From her roots in San Francisco through her trailblazing tenure in Congress, Speaker Pelosi was a champion for LGBTQ-plus rights, fighting to guarantee the right to marry who you love and helping lead San Francisco through the AIDS crisis that devastated the city.” Padilla added that he feels honored to have served alongside her. “She always called on us to ‘organize, not agonize.’ Now it’s up to us to carry on her legacy.”

• U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to push forward adding 74 names to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. “The 74 service members who sacrificed their lives during the Vietnam War while aboard the USS Frank E. Evans deserve the same honor and recognition as all others on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,” Schiff said in a Nov. 6 statement. In 1969, the USS Frank E. Evans sank off the coast of Vietnam after being accidentally struck by an Australian aircraft carrier. Because the Department of Defense maintains the sinking took place outside of the declared war zone, the sailors who perished—including 22 Californians—have been deemed ineligible for inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., despite the fact that these men were deployed to the region for the war. The USS Frank E. Evans Act would direct the Department of Defense to have the sailors’ names added to the memorial. U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-New York) and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) are among the bill’s co-sponsors. m

Lompoc considers altering fee program that regulates RVs

A new parking rule in Lompoc inadvertently clashes with a separate protocol that allows RVs on streets in residential neighborhoods, one city official recently argued.

In late October, the Lompoc City Council amended the city’s parking restrictions to require any vehicle parked on the street to move at least 150 feet every 72 hours. Lompoc’s municipal code prior to that enforced the 72-hour limit, but without a clear distance requirement.

The new rule was meant to prevent people from moving “only a few inches or a foot every 72 hours” to evade being cited or towed, City Attorney Jeff Malawy told the council.

Staff’s original suggestion was to enforce a 300-foot threshold. Councilmember Victor Vega asked for a 150-foot limit instead. His requested amendment passed 5-0. Following the vote, Vega asked staff to agendize a discussion about the city’s current RV policies.

At the council’s Nov. 4 hearing, City Attorney Malawy outlined “an unintended conflict or discrepancy” between the new parking restriction and Lompoc’s fee procedure for residents to register RVs for legal parking.

For $55, Lompoc residents can obtain a twoyear permit to park an RV on the street within 100 feet of their homes.

“With 100 feet on either side of your house that you’re allowed to park your RV with your permit, if you have to move it 150 feet in 72 hours, it only gives you a little 50-foot window for you to move your vehicle,” Malawy said.

After Malawy told the council that he’ll “look into figuring out how best to fix that,” Vega proposed amending the city’s RV policy further with an incentive that exempts RV permit holders from the 72-hour protocol.

“Give them some feeling that they’re doing something right,” Vega said, “and that there’s some sort of exception compared to someone who just has a broke-down RV on the street that hasn’t been moved in a long time.”

Vega said he believed it was unfair to require RV permit holders to move their RV every three days while also paying the $55 fee every two years.

“I’m not advocating for permanent storage on the streets. What I wanted was some sort of separation,” Vega said. “There has to be a little bit more of a benefit.”

Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin told the council that those who buy the city’s RV permits are informed that having a permit does not bypass the 72-hour parking law for the state of California.

“I think sometimes we get into these conversations and we lose track of what the

ordinances were intended to do in the first place,” said Martin, who described the permit fee procedure as not meant to punish RV owners.

“It was meant to give them the benefit of having them close to their homes as long as they can prove that the RV belonged to them,” Martin continued. “How many times have we driven down the outskirts of the city and have seen RVs that do not belong to residents parked on our streets, and we see gray water being poured out. We see illegal utility hookups. We see all those things.”

The fee policy helps law enforcement make RV owners “accountable who are not residents of this community, in the sense of owning a property,” Martin said.

“And I don’t think anything less of anybody that decides to live like that,” he clarified, “but they need to do it within the confines of the law.”

With a 5-0 vote, the council directed City Attorney Malawy to look into ways to improve Lompoc’s RV permit procedure while staying consistent with state law and to bring back a comprehensive presentation on Lompoc’s parking restriction policies related to all types of vehicles.

Malawy suggested limiting the presentation to RVs, box trucks, and oversized vehicles, before Councilmember Steve Bridge requested a deep dive on all vehicles.

“That gets pretty broad if we’re going to talk about all parking rules for all vehicles,” Malawy said. “But if that’s what you’d like us to bring back, then we can.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Olive Grove Charter School approved for five more years

Superintendent Meg Rydman’s fondest experiences at Olive Grove Charter Schools are seeing students at their graduation ceremonies.

With the charter school’s Santa Maria location set to continue educating through June 2031, she’ll have the opportunity to see future classes graduate there, too. The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) approved Olive Grove’s renewal petition at a Nov. 4 board meeting.

“We serve a diverse population of students, including those facing health or safety challenges, families in transition, and learners balancing personal, family, or professional goals and needs,” Rydman said in an email interview with the Sun. “Olive Grove teachers have the opportunity to support a student for multiple years, and individualized weekly meetings afford them the time and space to really get to know their students as people.”

In Santa Barbara County, Olive Grove also has campuses in Buellton, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara, which are authorized by other districts.

Its center in San Luis Obispo permanently closed in April, according to its website.

The tuition-free, public charter schools offer students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade personalized learning plans and online independent study. During the 2024-2025 school year, 153 students attended the Santa Maria center, according to the staff report, and the majority were in high school.

Students complete coursework online at home with parents or guardians supervising, according to Olive Grove’s website. It’s meant to be an alternative for students with learning styles and schedules that aren’t suitable for traditional education.

Alma Hernandez, the SMJUHSD school board member representing area 3, said she’s looking forward to the opportunities for local students at Olive Grove.

“I’ve heard a lot of really good experiences at the school, and I just wanted to share my appreciation,” Hernandez said before the vote. The charter school sought approval from the SMJUHSD because of a 2019 state law requiring Olive Grove to submit a renewal petition to its local district instead of the State Board of Education, according to the staff report. The State Board of Education authorized the charter through June 2026.

One item in the law, AB 1505, allows communities to consider the impacts of charter schools in their region, according to press materials from the state.

“I firmly believe that when the district and the charter school work together, we won’t just expand opportunities, we will strengthen outcomes for all learners,” Rydman said on Nov. 4. Olive Grove submitted the petition in July, the high school district board held a public hearing on Sept. 9, and staff published the report in October. During the September hearing, community member Nona Matthews spoke about her daughter’s experiences at Olive Grove.

“We can already see a significant difference over the other public school that she has been a part of for six years,” Matthews said at the Sept. 9 meeting. “My daughter is challenged. She’s able to self-pace, be more independent.”

On Nov. 4, the motion passed 4-0. Board member Magdalena Serrano, who represents area 4, recused herself because her child attends Olive Grove.

After the renewal was granted, the SMJUHSD board also passed a memorandum of understanding between the district and the charter school, including a section addressing academic performance, the district’s executive director of teaching and learning, Matt Fraijo, explained.

“One of the things [Rydman] agreed to was that they would find and independent team that has charter school experience and knowledge because some of their internal data was looking good but some of the state stuff not so much,” Fraijo said. “We will support them, but they’ve also agreed to have a team of coaches support.”

With the petition renewed, Rydman said the school will seek to extend its lease at the facility on S. Bradley Road.

“And with that,” Rydman said, “we can look forward to many fruitful years of working together on behalf of the students and families in the Santa Maria Valley.”

—Madison White

Santa Maria homelessness stats spark mixed feedback from city officials

After hearing an annual update on Santa Maria’s homelessness response efforts, 3rd District City Councilmember Gloria Soto echoed many of the concerns she raised last year.

“We need to do more, and I know what’s something we keep reiterating,” Soto said at the

HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Lompoc currently charges residents who’d like to park an RV on the street within 100 feet of their homes a $55 fee, which lasts for two years.

council’s Nov. 4 meeting. “I’m deeply worried that our local governments will not be prepared for the influx that we may see in the next two, three years because people are in very real risk of losing housing assistance.”

Soto said she was referring to potential future federal policies she’s worried will cut or reduce housing assistance programs across the country by 2027.

Santa Maria Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu’s 2025 report tallied about 450 individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Maria, based on January’s point-in-time count, with more than 200 currently sheltered, 160 unsheltered, and 55 living in their vehicles.

Although last year’s point-in-time count was lower, with about 420 individuals experiencing homelessness, the total for people living in their cars was higher at about 100.

After Wu’s presentation, which also outlined some enforcement efforts in the Santa Maria Riverbed, Soto asked to hear any steps city staff has taken to be more “proactive in preventing homelessness” outside of enforcement actions at the riverbed.

“Our work has primarily been on the enforcement side,” said Wu, who clarified that Santa Maria Police Department officers and city rangers who patrol the riverbed always offer to connect homeless individuals with local services, such as the Good Samaritan Shelter, before taking enforcement steps.

Second District City Councilmember Gloria Flores described a recent ride-along she took part in with some Santa Maria city rangers who monitor the riverbed twice a day.

“I was quite impressed with the work,” Flores said. “The way [they] showed the men and women out there compassion.”

While discussing individuals in the riverbed who decline housing or mental health assistance before 72-hour notices to vacate are issued, Soto asked staff “if there’s anything we can do to offer them services that are humane rather than asking them to leave.”

“One thing that came to mind was, I don’t know if we have potable water out there, is that something we could do?” asked Soto, who brought up an example from staff’s presentation that described some individuals making money by taking water from Preisker Park and selling it to other riverbed inhabitants.

Soto said she would like to continue that conversation at a future meeting.

Before the end of the discussion, Mayor Alice Patino directed staff to draft a letter about riverbed efforts to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors that she intends to personally deliver.

“I have no problem going to the Board of Supervisors … and saying we really need your help. This is not just for Santa Maria to do,” Patino said. “These people are living in San Luis Obispo County and impacting our city.”

One part of Wu’s riverbed presentation outlined jurisdiction boundaries between the city of Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County. He said a memorandum of understanding on riverbed monitoring and enforcement funding between the three jurisdictions is close to the final review stage.

“There’s just some final edits that need to be made, but Santa Barbara County has committed to contributing 50 percent of the cost of the rangers monitoring the riverbed,” Wu said. “Santa Barbara County [has] kind of been the liaison between ourselves and San Luis Obispo County, but more direct engagement would help, so we’ll do that.” m

—Caleb Wiseblood

Fun, effective dog training right here in Santa Maria! Group classes and private classes available.

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Orcutt Academy Enrollment for 2026-2027 School Year

Information Nights & Campus Tours

The Orcutt Academy will begin taking online enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, November 3, 2025 All prospective parents/guardians should attend a live public information night on the Orcutt Academy. At each of these nights, Academy staff will present information on the school and its two sites: Orcutt Academy High School and the Orcutt Academy K-8 campus Staff also will describe procedures for the enrollment lottery and admissions.

For the convenience of prospective families, all of the Orcutt Academy’s information nights will be conducted virtually, via the Zoom platform for online meetings. Specific Zoom meeting links are posted below We also have scheduled in-person tours of the OAHS and OAK-8 campuses in January.

Following is the schedule of events leading up to the February 4, 2026, enrollment lottery for the 2026-2027 school year. The deadline for enrollment applications is at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Weekday Date Time Event

Monday December 1, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Information Night (Link)

Thursday January 15, 2026 6:00-7:00 p.m. Information Night (Link)

Friday January 16, 2026 7:30-8:30 a.m. OAHS Campus Tour 610 Pinal Avenue, Old Orcutt

Friday January 16, 2026 10:30-11:30 a.m. OAK-8 Campus Tour 480 Centennial Street, Los Alamos

Monday January 26, 2026 6:00-7:00 p.m. Information Night (Link)

Wednesday February 4, 2026 6:00 p.m. Enrollment Lottery (Link)

For information, contact OAHS Principal Rhett Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net or 805938-8590, or OAK-8 Principal Cher Manich, cmanich@orcutt-schools.net or 805-960-5530

EXAMINING THE EVIDENCE: Sable Offshore’s plan to restart the Las Flores pipeline system—idle since one of the lines burst and caused 2015’s Refugio oil spill—was the focal point at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ Nov. 4 meeting, which ended with a preliminary 4-1 vote to deny some permit transfers needed to clear the reboot.

Permit pipeline

County supervisors change their vote after reevaluating Sable Offshore’s capacity to operate safely and lawfully

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Nine months after a stalemate prevented Santa Barbara County officials from taking action on a controversial oil pipeline’s proposed restart, 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino moved from one side of the vote to the other.

In February, Lavagnino supported Sable Offshore’s pursuit of the permit transfers needed to revive the Santa Ynez Unit, which includes the pipeline system that caused 2015’s Refugio oil spill. Although the Texas-based oil producer currently owns the unit, the county permits to resume production operations at the site are under the name of previous owner ExxonMobil.

Lavagnino’s recent shift in stance on Sable “caught most people by surprise,” he told the Sun

“I have, my entire career, supported the oil industry. And I still do,” Lavagnino said. “I support all the jobs that they create and the revenue they generate, but at the end of the day, they still have to follow the rules that these guys [at Sable] just blatantly disregard.”

On Nov. 4, Lavagnino was part of the 4-1 vote that directed Santa Barbara County staff to draft what’s needed for the Board of Supervisors to formally deny the permit transfers, which the board will revisit at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Lavagnino, who volunteered to speak first during the board’s deliberations, described a promise he once made to his wife, to “never

back down to a crowded hearing room,” and “simply do what I thought was right.”

“And in February, that’s what I did. I voted to approve the transfer of permits to Sable. I’m going to vote my conscience again today, but the landscape has changed dramatically since February,” he said during the hearing. “To me, the following are facts, not emotions: Since February, Sable has been charged criminally 21 times, with five of those charges being felonies.”

He clarified that although September’s charges from the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office have not been adjudicated, “they are still part of the evidence” that puts Sable’s ability to comply with county standards while operating the Santa Ynez Unit into question.

Among the 21 criminal counts, the five felony violations are centered on three waterways—Asphaltum Creek, Nojoqui Creek, and Arroyo Quemado—which the county District Attorney accused Sable of knowingly polluting during excavation and repair work tied to its Santa Ynez Unit efforts.

“I have many friends in the oil industry, and I will continue to support efforts to access our natural resources, but it has to be done responsibly by operators who put safety above profits,” Lavagnino said. “The evidence in this case is overwhelming. There is something wrong with the strategy of Sable’s leadership. Trying to simply bulldoze through the permitting process has not been helpful and is not the way we expect businesses in Santa Barbara County to conduct themselves.”

Lavagnino’s flipped vote wasn’t the only big difference between

February and November’s board meetings. Nov. 4 was 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann’s first opportunity to weigh in on the matter, months after voluntarily recusing herself from voting.

“The pipeline runs through the northeast corner of my property,” Hartmann said before gathering her things and exiting the dais at the Feb. 25 meeting.

That hearing ended with two failed motions: one to deny the permit transfers (2-2, with Lavagnino and 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson dissenting) and the other to approve them (2-2, with 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee and 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps dissenting).

In June, the California Fair Political Practices Commission reviewed Hartmann’s circumstances and concluded that she was fit to vote on the permit transfers. With November’s 4-1 vote, Nelson upheld his original standpoint.

“I’ll be the contrarian today,” Nelson said at the meeting. “As for my colleagues, I feel for them because I think they’ve also been painted somewhat into a corner here, as though this might be some type of litmus test on whether they care about the environment or not.

“Unfortunately, I believe, as I did back in February, that this is political theater,” Nelson continued. “The public has been led to believe that this denial today will somehow stop the restart. … I believe it will not.”

Sable Offshore doesn’t believe the Board of Supervisors’ vote will impact its restart plans either, according to a Nov. 5 statement from Environmental and Governmental Affairs Vice President Steve Rusch.

“Sable will continue to defend our vested rights to pursue domestic energy supplies that are critically needed to make California more affordable and prevent our state’s energy infrastructure from collapse,” Rusch said in an email to the Sun Rusch attended the board’s Nov. 4 hearing, which attracted dozens of public speakers on both sides of the debate.

Those advocating for the county to deny the permit transfers included the Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit headquartered in Arizona with offices across multiple states and one in Mexico.

One of the center’s senior attorneys, Rachel Mathews, said that she flew in from Virginia to attend both the February and November hearings in person.

“It’s not often that local county decisions have national importance. But in this case, it absolutely does,” Mathews told the Sun. “In general, our position is that all offshore drilling needs to stop, and we need to move away from fossil fuels and move toward climate-friendly, wildlife-friendly solutions as fast as possible.”

Mathews described Sable’s reboot plan for the Las Flores pipeline system as inconsistent with the Board of Supervisors’ recent directive for staff to develop an ordinance to phase out oil and gas operations throughout the county.

“Restarting the Santa Ynez Unit and continuing to drill for oil only keeps us on the path that we’re on, committed to fossil fuels long into the future,” Mathews said. “We should be investing our time, and our resources, and our energy, and our brain power into the sustainable solutions that can carry us into the future.”

Lavagnino described the likelihood of a countywide phaseout as “more rhetoric than reality.” He and Nelson dissented in October’s 3-2 vote for staff to begin developing the ordinance, which Lavagnino doesn’t believe will move forward.

“At the end of the day, when we get a report back that tells us how many millions of dollars it’s going to cost to do that, nobody’s going to be interested in that,” he told the Sun. “Staff’s trying to go and put all that together. … It’s going to be months and months. That’s not coming back anytime soon.” m

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

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BY MADISON WHITE

In one word, Gale Dodds called her Lompoc consignment store “eclectic.” Even though it’s called The Garden Shoppe, vendors sell a little bit of everything, not just greenery.

“It’s kind of hard to describe because we do have all of the handmade treasures that local people make … but then there’s all the other really cool things that most of the vendors do a lot of work to find, things that are really worth some money,” Dodds told the Sun “So, it’s really diversified.”

Before she had her own space, Dodds first opened in 2012 sharing a building with a shop owner one street over. Then her business grew so much that The Garden Shoppe moved to its current location in 2022.

“There were just so many people in town that wanted spaces to sell their stuff,” Dodds said.

Now the almost 6,000-square-foot space is roughly divided into three sections filled with locally made goods, garden accessories, collectibles, and vintage clothing. More than 70 vendors display their products, Dodds said, some who have worked with her since the beginning.

“We started out being locally handmade stuff,” Dodds said. “We turned into something much bigger than that.”

Most vendors come in every week to refresh their station with new goods for sale. Shoppers might find jewelry, soaps, cutting boards, vintage shoes and clothes, plants, and wind chimes. Odds are the selection will be different the next week. Some customers even drive from the Ventura area to see what’s new.

“We have a lot of people that are just so happy to come in all the time because it’s always different,” Dodds said. “It could take you two hours to wander around the whole thing.”

As part of the deal for displaying their work at The Garden Shoppe, each seller volunteers time working at the store during business hours. Vendor spots can

be hard to come by. There’s a list for people waiting to claim a spot if someone else leaves, but that’s an unusual scenario.

Dodds said that a lot of customers come in looking for gifts, like during the store’s holiday open house that took place on Nov. 8 and 9 when the Garden Shoppe offered sales and extended hours.

“We have all kinds of really unique and awesome gift-type things because much of what’s in there, especially in the vintage stuff, is one of a kind,” Dodds explained.

While Dodds has always been a crafty person, the gardening section is her “thing.” She sources plants from the Santa Ynez Valley to sell at the shop and likes to make garden signs when she has the time.

Her favorite part about running the shop is seeing the vendors succeed.

“It’s really satisfying to see everybody do well because it’s like everybody has their own little business in there,” Dodds said.

Vendors are passionate about their businesses and how they make their goods, she added.

“The customers are just really happy that we’re there.”

Highlights

• Race over to the Santa Maria Speedway on Nov. 22 for monster truck shows at 1 and 7 p.m. Buy tickets online at santamariaspeedway. net. The track is located at 1900 Hutton Road in Santa Maria.

• The city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is holding its annual Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights decorating contest for homes and businesses. Make a nomination by emailing up to three photos, the address, and contact information to rpinfo@cityofsantamaria.org. Nominations are accepted through Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. m

Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

LOCAL DEALS: With more than 70 vendors inside, The Garden Shoppe in Lompoc offers plants, vintage items, handmade goods, and more.

Have you ridden a new electric bus yet?

49% I support electric buses, but I’m not a transit user.

17% Yes! Santa Maria’s fleet is amazing.

17% Not yet!

17% Why the switch from diesel?

Falling short

Lompoc’s school district is failing the community

BY RON FINK

T6 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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he Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) is failing our community when objectively measured against the state of California education standards. Keep in mind that California rates in the bottom third of the nation, and the LUSD performance is well below that.

A recent report in the Santa Maria Times put it this way, “Results from the 2024-25 Smarter Balanced Assessments in English language arts and mathematics, released this month by the California Department of Education, show that just 32 percent of students in grades K-8 and 11th met or exceeded state standards in English Language Arts (ELA), compared to 49 percent statewide,” (“Lompoc Unified test scores trail state average, remain stagnant in latest CAASPP results,” Oct. 27).

That means that 68 percent of the kids in the LUSD are below the standard.

Because a significant portion of my property tax is funneled to the LUSD to educate the young students, I have a right to demand better performance from our well-compensated district employees. If I could shop for a place to educate kids, it wouldn’t be in the public school system because it has consistently offered a substandard product.

Again, the Santa Maria Times reports, “But despite targeted investments in intervention

programs, tutoring, and expanded career-technical and STEM options, Lompoc’s scores have remained largely flat since returning from pandemic-era disruptions in 2021-22.”

Nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base has a need for well-educated technicians and engineers to work on the many projects that dot the base, and businesses in the community need workers who can understand written instructions. Ideally that workforce would come from the local community.

But if the stock for that workforce leaves the public education system unable to perform at the minimum education standards of California, then they won’t be a good fit for the highly technical needs of space programs or any other business.

In other words, the LUSD is denying 68 percent of its students the opportunity to succeed at obtaining a place in the workforce simply because they can’t read well enough to understand the policies and procedures of the business.

So how did the LUSD compare to other school districts in the county? The Santa Maria Times reports that, “The district’s overall performance places it near the bottom among Santa Barbara County districts.”

This is pathetic. The LUSD is supposed to have competent leadership. Those leaders need to assess the situation and come up with a better plan for success. In this case, success isn’t measured by filling classroom seats, spending more money, or graduating students who don’t meet state standards.

Educating the current generation is paramount

Enemies lists

Trump’s campaign against detractors smacks of repeated history

BY JUDITH BERNSTEIN

Iam old enough (barely) to remember the era when Joseph McCarthy declared that there were communists within the government, the military, and Hollywood. He claimed that he was going to ferret them out and put them on trial. And he did, not in secret but on television, ruining numerous lives.

Finally, when McCarthy charged that the Army’s lawyer, Joseph N. Welch, employed a man who had once belonged to a communist front group, Welch responded, “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?” Then, in 1954, journalist Edward R. Morrow produced an exposé of McCarthy on his news program, See It Now. The public turned against McCarthy, and the Senate censured him; finally, he was stopped.

I don’t suppose saying the same words to President Trump would stop his relentless search for people to punish.

I remember that President Nixon had an “enemies” list, and, in fact, my father was on it. In the late 1960s, I was a government employee, working for the newly established National Endowment for the Arts. As the Vietnam War dragged on and protests began, I was asked to sign a petition that appeared in The Washington Post whose title was “Government Employees Against the War.”

Older staff members cautioned me that if I signed that petition, I surely would end up on someone’s enemies list and probably never get another government job. Perhaps I was on a list but didn’t find out about it. I went on to work for various city, county, and state governments in California and Oregon.

So, I get a sense of déjà vu as the nightly news keeps showing the latest Trump “enemy” as each one is either fired or indicted though none as yet have been tried or jailed.

Although the shock of ICE terrorizing anyone with brown skin has somewhat diminished, I am still appalled that we, the people, haven’t been able

to the future success of our city; failing to provide strong leadership in the classroom and focused management attention to achieve considerably better results should provoke a very strong reaction from the elected trustees of the LUSD board of education.

According to the board’s webpage, “Trustees of the Lompoc Unified School District, the board of education is committed to the highest level of professionalism and active engagement in district events and activities.” Responsibilities include “setting the direction of the district.”

Direction in this case should mean producing a sustained improvement plan so taxpayers like me can be assured that our money is being well spent so future generations can become productive citizens. Finding excuses such as blaming parents or “inadequate teacher pay and benefits” isn’t the answer; finding an effective solution is.

Shoveling money at the problem such as increasing teachers’ pay or feel-good programs hasn’t worked in the past and should be avoided as a “solution” this time. Teachers’ unions would oppose any effort to hold teachers accountable for student outcomes or establish any performance metrics as a means of determining employee pay/benefit increases, but this method has proved successful in private industry, so why not try it on this problem. Parents and taxpayers living within the district deserve better than “placing near the bottom” when it comes to education. Affirmative action to improve student outcomes is an absolute necessity or new leadership is needed. m

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

to stop labeling such people as “enemies,” although there have been strong protests in Los Angeles and Chicago. These raids remind me of Soviet Russia in the 1950s and ’60s when the KGB knocked on innocent people’s doors and whisked them away, with no fair trials to defend themselves. They were declared “enemies” of the state.

My years of protesting against enemy lists and denial of human rights have made the current

situation seem like a repetition of this country’s past mistakes. When I hear some Republicans in Congress calling Democrats “communists, socialists, and Marxists,” I hear echoes of the McCarthy era. There is the saying (attributed to Winston Churchhill) that those who fail to learn from history are bound to repeat it. But I do hope that we are learning, will continue to learn, and do what we can to stop the making of enemies lists and labeling people “enemies.” m

Judith Bernstein writes to the Sun from Arroyo Grande. Respond to letters@santamariasun.com.

Rhetoric or reality?

The thin ice that Sable Offshore Corporation skates by on just keeps getting thinner.

Ramming this overly aggressive push to get oil flowing through its pipelines down California’s throat isn’t really helping the Texas-based company’s case. And a reliable Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors oil vote switched sides because of Sable’s seemingly never-ending chain of bad faith actions.

I’m shocked. But not appalled!

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino has supported oil companies in this county for as long as I’ve been fluttering around, but he’s not impressed with Sable—which has attempted to “go around” the state’s environmental regulations since it took over the Santa Ynez Unit and its associated pipelines from ExxonMobil early last year.

regardless of state and local regulations, but it helped make the board’s decision on Nov. 4 stronger than a simple majority.

The board voted 4-1 to have staff work up findings to deny the company from receiving permits that ExxonMobil used to operate the Santa Ynez Unit and its affiliated pipelines.

PUBLIC NOTICE UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS

Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) is inviting the public to a workshop on Unmet Transit Needs and DBE.

PUBLIC NOTICE UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS AND DBE MEETING

Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) is inviting the public to a workshop on Unmet Transit Needs and DBE.

WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Meeting

WHEN: Thursday December 4, 2025. First meeting will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Second meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Santa Maria Public Library Shephard Hall, 1st Floor 421 S. McClelland Street Santa Maria, CA 93454

WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Meeting

The California Coastal Commission levied an $18 million fine against Sable for doing work without approval, the county District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against the company for allegedly knowingly polluting local waterways, and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board sued the company for not getting discharge permits for its work.

WHEN: Thursday December 4, 2025. First meeting will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Second meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

It probably helps that this is Lavagnino’s last term as supervisor. I’m not so sure that the righty-tighty side of politics sees Sable’s moves as offensive, which is unfortunate.

WHERE: Santa Maria Public Library Shephard Hall, 1st Floor 421 S. McClelland Street Santa Maria, CA 93454

Meanwhile, the liberal 3-2 majority is hellbent on making things as difficult for one of the county’s legacy industries as possible with its recent vote to have staff draw up an ordinance that would phase out oil operations.

If you cannot attend the workshop, but would like to provide comments, please mail comments to the City of Santa Maria at 110 S. Pine Street, Suite 221, Santa Maria, CA 93458. Comments may also be emailed directly to smrtcomments@cityofsantamaria.org with subject “Unmet Transit Needs.”

And Lavagnino, who’s previously supported Sable’s attempts to work with the county, was sick of those shenanigans!

“I have, my entire career, supported the oil industry. And I still do,” Lavagnino told the Sun “I support all the jobs that they create and the revenue they generate, but at the end of the day, they still have to follow the rules that these guys [at Sable] just blatantly disregard.”

Despite Lavagnino’s change of heart on Sable, he’s not down with that and described the likelihood as “more rhetoric than reality.”

You can also call (805) 925-0951, ext. 2170 for more information or to provide comment. The last day to submit comments is Friday, December 12, 2025.

“When we get a report back that tells us how many millions of dollars it’s going to cost to do that, nobody’s going to be interested in that,” he said.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact SMRT at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 928-5624.

I’m not sure that him joining the vote against Sable’s permit transfer request will do anything to waylay the company’s quest to get oil pumping

But we live in a world where rhetoric becomes reality, somehow. I wouldn’t hold my breath that the majority will care about the cost to taxpayers or the economy. m

The meeting will be Spanish and Mixteco language accessible if requested. Las reuniónes serán accesibles en Español y Mixteco si se solicita. Favor de llamar a SMRT al (805) 925-0951 ext. 2170, para más información de la reunión o para solicitar un intérprete.

The Canary is grounded in reality. Send thoughts to canary@santamariasun.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDED

New Times Media Group is looking for its next photographer—someone with a knack for capturing the candid, an expert in the art of taking environmental portraits, and a passionate advocate for photojournalism.

We’re looking for a curious soul who’s interested in capturing the images that will help us tell the stories that our community needs to hear, a photojournalist who can encapsulate the essence of the news with a single image. Our next photographer should understand why local journalism is important, shoot with an eye for details big and small, believe in honesty and integrity, and have the ability to hit a hard deadline.

This is a part-time, assignment-based position (with hours that vary from week to week) that shoots photos for two weekly newspapers, the Sun and New Times, with a coverage area that stretches through San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County. Other assignments may include shooting photos for our Menus Magazine.

If you’re into AI, no need to apply! If you think using Adobe Photoshop is the only way to craft a perfect image, you’d best look elsewhere.

Please send a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of published images to crucker@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

DANCE CLASSES 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/.

FEATURED ARTIST ESTHER SERNA BARTLETT 97-year-old Esther Serna Bartlett is the Valley Arts Gallery featured artist. Stop by the gallery, open daily, to see her work. Through Nov. 30, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. (805) 922-0663. valleygallery.org/. Valley Art Gallery, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT Don’t miss this production, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Tickets and additional details are available at the link. Nov. 15 7 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com.

Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

STOP KISS There are only three chances to see this show! Get tickets and more info at the link. Nov. 14 , 7 p.m. and Nov. 16

1:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

GARRETT SPEIRS: FIVE O’CLOCK SHADOWS (PAINTINGS FROM THE GOLDEN HOUR) Santa Ynez-based contemporary landscape painter Garrett Speirs works in oils, gouache, lithography, and ceramics, exploring the intersection of realism and abstraction. See his work on display at the gallery through November. Through Nov. 30 (805) 6887517. gallerylosolivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

WILD IN CALIFORNIA SOLO EXHIBITION

See the exhibition Wild in California, a solo exhibition by Museum Founder, conservation advocate, and artist Patti Jacquemain. A array of woodcut prints and mosaics will be showcased, highlighting the bioregions and species that make up California’s rich biodiversity. Through Feb. 23, 2026 calnatureartmuseum.org/news/ wild-in-california-2025. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA

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

EVERYDAY IMPROV: SKILLS FOR LIFE

These interactive, welcoming workshops use the tools of improvisational theater—

like play, spontaneity, and “yes, and”—to build real-life skills for communication, confidence, and connection. Every other Sunday, 6-7:30 p.m. through Nov. 16 $15 each or $75 all. theagilemind.co/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 270-5523.

IT’S ONLY A PLAY Don’t miss this two-act comedy set in modern times with a stellar cast of local actors. Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Nov. 21 , 7 p.m., Nov. 22 2 p.m. and Nov. 23 2 p.m. $25. my805tix.com. Studio of Performing Arts, 805 West Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo.

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.

WORLD BALLET COMPANY PRESENTS:

CINDERELLA The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadwaystyle production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance, and the majesty of classical ballet. Nov. 20, 7-9 p.m. $45-$95. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

3-WEEK BEGINNING WHEEL SAMPLER

Curious about pottery? Try this 3-week intro series. Book on our website to save your spot. Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

through Nov. 24 $165. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ARGENTINE TANGO WEEKENDER WITH CHRISTY COTÉ Experience an unforgettable weekend of Argentine Tango with world-renowned instructor Christy Coté from San Francisco! Nov. 21 , 12-5 p.m. $35. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

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, San Luis Obispo.

CHICANOS AT CAL POLY: WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE SHOW UP This exhibition honors the history of Chicane students at Cal Poly, focusing on their expressions of cultural identity while recognizing the challenges of placemaking. MondaysFridays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 12 Free. (805) 756-2305. library.calpoly.edu/ events/chicanos-cal-poly. Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

LIFE’S ART

Artist Esther Serna Bartlett’s body of work is on display at the Valley Art Gallery inside the Santa Maria Airport until Sunday, Nov. 30. At 97, Bartlett has experimented with various art media over the years—including sculpture and stained glass—but has stuck with painting. The gallery is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more details, visit valleygallery.org.

Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

KCPR: THE MAGIC OF COLLEGE RADIO

This exhibition narrates a history of KCPR, Cal Poly’s home-grown radio station, focusing on the impact students have had building and sustaining the station. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 12 Free. (805) 756-2305. library. calpoly.edu/events/magic-college-radio. Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE!

Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/ schedule.php?owner=22676824&appoin tmentType=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

“PERMISSION STRUCTURES” BY KERRI

CONLON SF-based artist and educator

Kerri Conlon will display her work titled “Permission Structures” at the Cal Poly University Art Gallery through Dec. 5 artgallery.calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly University Art Gallery, Cal Poly Art & Design, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 93407-0321, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-1571.

SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS

This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS FIBER ART BY DEBBIE GEDAYLOO Debbie Gedayloo creates

playful, sculptural works in wool using needle and wet felting techniques. Join the reception on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS FINE ART OIL PAINTINGS BY NANCY DAVID Nancy David’s oil paintings celebrate Central Coast landscapes with vibrant seasonal colors and natural beauty. See her work on display in the gallery, open daily. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS PASTELS BY JIM TYLER Award-winning pastel artist Jim Tyler captures bold light and shadow in stunning coastal scenes. See his work in the gallery, open daily. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

OIL PAINTING WITH ANITA HAMPTON Students will paint still life set-ups while learning color theory, value, perspective, lighting, design, composition, and more with well-respected teacher Anita Hampton. Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m. through Nov. 20 (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BABY STORY TIME Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies. Mondays, 10 a.m. through Nov. 17 Free. (805) 925-0951. engagedpatrons.org/

—Angie Stevens

GOLDEN HOUR

Gallery Los Olivos will display the work of Santa Ynez-based contemporary landscape painter Garrett Speirs until Sunday, Nov. 30. Speirs explores the intersection of realism and abstraction through the use of oils, gouache, lithography, and ceramics. Additional details can be found at gallerylosolivos.com. —A.S.

EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=9521&Eve

ntID=566028&PK=918016. Santa Maria

Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

COLLECTIVE ACTION NOW! Face the challenges of today and to build a more equitable and promising future for all; co-sponsored by AAUW Santa Maria and the City. Nov. 15, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY AND COMMUNITY BANK OF SANTA MARIA

INVITE YOU TO A FRAUD AWARENESS AND PREVENTION SEMINAR Family

Service Agency is partnering with Community Bank of Santa Maria to host the Fraud Awareness and Prevention Seminar. Protect yourself and guide loved ones in recognizing threats, practicing healthy skepticism, and building strong security habits. Nov. 13 , 10-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 928-1707. give.fsacares.org/ Fraud2025. 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.

FLIRTY FICTION BOOK CLUB This is a book club for readers of contemporary romance fiction. November’s novel is Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. Registration is required. Nov. 17 5:15-6:15 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

HOLIDAY MARKET Shop from an array of local vendors with unique gifts. BBQ in the Stix food truck and Woven Coffee will be on site throughout the day. Nov. 22 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 922-8479. firstchristianchurch-ca.subspla.sh/ m9yh2fw. First Christian Church, 1550 S College Drive, Santa Maria.

JUNK JOURNAL BOOK CLUB November is The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. Please call the reference desk at the number

CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE TURKEY

TROT AND FUN RUN Turkey Trot is geared for children, preschool to 8th grade. Register online now or at the event. Nov. 16, 2-4 p.m. $5. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/rec. Arroyo Grande High School, 495 Valley Rd., 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 Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com for details and reservations. (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

FREE YOUTHWELL PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS: FAMILY TOOLS+ This gropu is for parents and caregivers of youth, ages 5 to 18, with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette’s, and uniquely-wired brains. Thursdays, 12-1:30 p.m. through Nov. 21 Free. (805) 770-1930. youthwell. org/groups/ SBCC Wake Center, 300 N Turnpike, Santa Barbara.

provided to reserve a seat. Nov. 15 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA COIN CLUB: MONTHLY MEETING Coin collectors of all ages invited. Bring coins for free appraisals. Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. Yearly membership: $20-$25. (805) 9373158. Cornerstone Church, 1026 E. Sierra Madre Ave., Santa Maria.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CALNAM HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE This free admission day invites visitors to enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping featuring talented local artisans and unique gifts that celebrate nature, wildlife, and the outdoors. Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. calnatureartmuseum.org/news/holidaymarketplace-2025. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang. FOOD FOR THOUGHT SPEAKERS SERIES: SOLVANG’S RICH HISTORY OF DANISH BAKING Head to The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma to hear Bent Olsen, owner of Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Nov. 16 2-4 p.m. Donation. (805) 693-0691. clnaturecenter.org. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

CAL POLY PIER OPEN HOUSE Join the Cal Poly’s Center for Coastal Marine Sciences for the Pier Open House, where guests can view marine species through microscopes, and learn with interactive displays, and talk with Cal Poly professors and students. Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. marine.calpoly.edu/pier-open-house. Cal Poly Pier, Cal Poly Pier, Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, (805) 756-5376.

FREE YOUTHWELL PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS: TEENWELL Join our support group for incoming 9th-12th graders, where you’ll learn valuable skills to regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and improve relationships. This is a space to talk about and work through life problems and give and get support with peers and leaders who have your back. Mondays, 5-6:15 p.m. through Nov. 18 (805) 500-3131. openminds.clinic/group. Open Minds, 1919 State St., Santa Barbara. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP & POTLUCK Bring a dish to share and join for a potluck, along with general meeting updates and local informative guest speakers. Third Wednesday of every month, 12:30-2 p.m. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo.

OPENING THE INTUITIVE GATE

Uplifting, philosophical, musical, and both challenging and reassuring, this is a workshop that can change lives and work wonders on the human heart. Nov. 23, 121:30 p.m. (805) 345-0832. unity5cities.org. The Victorian, 789 Valley Rd., Arroyo Grande.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

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

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

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

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

RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER

POTLUCK Returned Peace Corps Volunteer? Join us for a Thanksgiving Potluck in Oceano. Email for location and info by Nov. 14. Nov. 22 , 1-3 p.m. Free. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Oceano, Oceano, (412) 477-3064.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2025 GIS DAY EXPO

Join us on GIS Day for exhibits, a map gallery, and networking opportunities. Share, learn, and be inspired! Nov. 19 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. slocity.org/Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/14136/18. San Luis Obispo Library

Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-5991.

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, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

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) 9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY: LIFE

BEYOND CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

People moving beyond the impact of active cancer treatment are welcome to join to gain connection and discuss common life-after-cancer issues. Every other Tuesday, 5-6 p.m. through Dec. 14 Free. (805) 238-4411. csc-ccc. gnosishosting.net/Calendar?eviid=10874.

Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

A CHRISTMAS STORY Packed with holiday mischief, childhood dreams, and nostalgic charm, A Christmas Story captures the magic of the season with wit, warmth, and plenty of laughs. Nov. 21 , 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 21 $28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/achristmas-story-2025/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

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

FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS This Family Friendly Line Dance Class will include the most popular line dances for all ages, meant to be danced together as a family. Nov. 21 5:30-7 p.m. $10. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428. FAMILY TO FAMILY CLASS Family to Family is a free, eight-session educational program for family and friends of people with mental illness. Call or email to register! Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Dec. 6 Free. (805) 748-1889. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE YOUTHWELL PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS: GRUPO DE PADRES Grupo de apoyo para padres de jóvenes hispanohablantes, de 10 a 18 años, que se lleva a cabo semanalmente en persona en Santa Bárbara. Nov. 18 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 770-1930. youthwell.org/groups/. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

PIER TOUR

Cal Poly’s Center for Coastal Marine Sciences will lead a 1.2mile round-trip walking tour of the Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. The Pier Open House will offer opportunities to learn about local ocean environments and marine life, experience interactive displays, and chat with Cal Poly professors and students. For more information about this free event, go to marine.calpoly.edu.

—A.S.

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

LIGHT UP A LIFE Remember. Reflect. Reconnect. Head to this free event with music and poetry. Donate to have a loved one’s name read during the ceremony. Nov. 18 6 p.m. Suggested donation $25/ name. (805) 544-2266. hospiceslo.org/ events. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

MAKING SPACE DISCUSSION PANEL AND BOOK SIGNING MYLR is hosting author Lili Weigert for a discussion panel and book signing following the release of her book Making Space: ADUs for Modern

Living Nov. 14 6-9 p.m. Free. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-1611, mylrgallery.com.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 1118. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. SHOW YOUR INNER SHOWGIRL BURLESQUE WORKSHOP Unleash your inner showgirl in this fun burlesque workshop with Miss Belle Voilé! Learn struts, shimmies, glove peels, and more. Open to all levels. Nov. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $50. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome.

Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups.io/g/lezbfriends Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are welcome.

Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.

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

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS

MASTERMIND Join for an exciting evening of connection, collaboration, and growth at the Women Mean Business Mastermind, a program designed by women for women entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders serious about leveling up their business. Nov. 18 , 5:45-7:30 p.m. $28.62. my805tix. com. ACI Jet, 4751 Aviadores Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 555-1212.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

s e a

F r o m t h e f o o t l i g h t s t o t h e l o b b y , f r o m t h e v i l l a i n ’ s s n e e r t o t h e h e r o ’ s

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.

CREATIVE QUILLS POETRY COLLECTIVE

Creatives Quills fosters a supportive and inclusive platform for local poets to share their creative works. Sign up by emailing creativequillsmb@gmail.com. Third Sunday of every month, 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 21 Free. Top Dog Cafe Bar, 857 Main Street, Morro Bay, (805) 725-1024. MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS

DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

PUMPKIN PATCH Our Pumpkin Patch is officially open for the season! All of our pumpkins are thoughtfully grown by 46 Ranch and come in various sizes. Mondays-Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/ events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

WHIMSICAL WINTER WONDERLAND Step into the Whimsical Winter Wonderland at Cambria Nursery—where the magic of the season comes to life through light, design, and imagination. Through Jan. 15, 2026 (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

g l a s s t o o u r w o n d e r f u l c o m m u n i t y . M a y y o u r d a y s b e m e r r y , y o u r h e a r t s l i g h t , a n d y o u r s t o r i e s f i l l e d w i t h j o y ! Nov. 14 ~ Dec. 31 ov. ( 8 0 5 ) 4 8 9 - 2 4 9 9 1863 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY OCEANO, CA

c h e e r — e v e r y m o m e n t a t T h e G r e a t A m e r i c a n M e l o d r a m a i s b r i g h t e r

b e c a u s e o f y o u ! T h i s h o l i d a y s e a s o n , w e t i p o u r t o p h a t s a n d r a i s e a

g l a s s t o o u r w o n d e r f u l c o m m u n i t y . M a y y o u r d a y s b e m e r r y , Nov. 14 ~ Dec. 31

A New Day of Recovery in Santa Barbara

Our Primary Purpose

New House dedicates itself to providing a clean, sober, and healthy environment that allows men with alcohol and other drug problems to begin their journey of recovery and to reclaim their dignity, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.

The experience of New House Santa Barbara is that successful sobriety is achieved through the support of others in the common goal of recovery. New House is therefore sta ed entirely by clients. Regular meetings are o ered on-site by community 12-Step groups, and 12-Step sponsorship is required. The brotherhood and friendships that develop in New House are lifelong and are a gift of sober living.

While no treatment services are provided, many men participate in outside treatment programs while living at New House New House encourages full outside employment as soon as possible for those entering the program. The program provides three nutritious meals daily and well-maintained living quarters. Clients share the responsibility of some housekeeping duties.

There are no restrictions on length of stay at New House II or III, but many clients building a solid foundation stay between 6 and 12 months and become able to solve problems in sobriety without having to return to alcohol or drugs as their solution. Men who achieve 6 months of successful sobriety are eligible to apply for admission to the Grad House, which o ers increased independence, autonomy and self-su iciency in preparation for returning to their home or new living space.

New House is open to any male over the age of eighteen who has a desire to remain clean and sober. Due to licensing restrictions, New House is not able to admit men who are not ambulatory or who have severe mental illnesses. Applicants are required to be able to test clean to be eligible for admission and may request a screening interview at either of our main facilities.

While all clients are required to pay client fees, being unable to pay in advance is rarely a barrier to admission. Scholarships may be available but are contingent on the financial position of the organization at the time. Serious individuals needing some help to get started may be granted a scholarship for short periods while they find work or a source of income.

Dave’s Story

I entered New House III in May 2013. I had just been a two-year sentence. I was 38 years old and had been times than I can count. Drugs and alcohol had completely the lives of those who loved me. I was scared, terrified wanted to stop but didn’t know how. New House III a safe and structured environment full of like-minded I look back at my time at New House III as some of to laugh, trust, forgive, and (perhaps most importantly) and have been sober since walking into New House license, and a car. I am a productive member of society; important thing I have today is my sobriety and recovery.

David’s Story

When I arrived at New House II, I was nervous about struggled with addiction and felt that my sexuality However, I quickly found a sense of brotherhood and The community was diverse and inclusive, with people other through our shared struggles. Quick to find that free to be myself without fear of judgment. The other supported me through my setbacks, and I quickly experienced before. Truly, friendships to last a lifetime! of the fellow residents of New House II, I had been recovery and start to heal from the wounds of addiction

New House Old Navy Collaboration, preparing lunches and care packages for those in need.

Collaboration with Old Navy at Old Navy to prepare (Pictured in the middle, David

been released from Solidad prison after serving had been in and out of jail and institutions more had completely devastated my life and, as a result, terrified that I would drink and use again. I House III was the beginning I needed. I was provided like-minded men, all trying to stay sober and recover. some of the best times of my life. I learned how importantly) become accountable. Today I am 48 House III. I have a job, an apartment, a driver’s of society; I even pay taxes. Lol. But the most and recovery. New House III made this possible.

to prepare school supplies for those in need

David S from testimonial 2)

about how I would fit in as a gay man. I had sexuality was another obstacle to my recovery. brotherhood and acceptance among the other residents. with people from all walks of life supporting each find that my sexuality was a non-issue, and I felt The other residents celebrated my successes and quickly felt a sense of belonging that I had never lifetime! Through the camaraderie and support been blessed to build a strong foundation for my addiction and isolation.

Testimonial by Anonymous:

My journey to sobriety came late in my life. I was in my late sixties when my alcoholism became unmanageable. I was in the position of authority of a small business, and I made the decisions that held the lives of the employees subject to my alcoholism. I hurt and embarrassed the most important people in my life due to my alcoholism and for this I will never be able to remove these thoughts from my memory.

My doctor was my Eskimo she told me if I did not get help and I did not stop drinking I would be dead within a brief period. I went to recovery at Cottage rehabilitation clinic to begin the recovery from alcoholism. This was my first attempt to deal with alcoholics in me. I was one of the oldest participants in the recovery class. Giving up my will, which was primarily my job description, was not easy. But seeing the other members of the group so young and with such futures ahead of them I thought I needed to make this work. After I completed thirty plus days of recovery at CRC it was suggested I go to sober living to continue my education on my alcoholism. I visited a number of sober living facilities in Santa Barbara. I was fortunate enough to be accepted at New House II.

I went directly from CRC to New House II where a new journey in sobriety began. My time at New House II was enlightening, challenging, and eventful. The ability to be a sober individual with compassion, camaraderie, and sobriety with a large number of other recovering alcoholics was thought provoking. I attended meetings with the intent of being sober, emotionally sober, spiritually sober and to become part of the sober community. I integrated into my new life at New House II because I was all in to be a sober member of society. I developed a newfound reality at New House II that I carry with me to this day.

The men in charge at New House II were former alcoholics. The AA program and the responsibilities of a one for all and all for one made sense. The men all had chores and work together for the betterment of the house and the residents.

My time at New House II taught me that no matter what station in life you have achieved we are all the same people deep down. I was fortunate to learn this and at an extremely late stage in my life, but I will not forget what I learned at New House II. I carry those lessons to this day and hope to never forget what I learned and enjoyed during my time at New House II. I’m still sober and have not relapsed, I believe due to my time at New House II. My family life has been returned but not without a lot of hard work and constant living amends on a daily basis.

Collaboration with Future Youth For Lompoc. We receive a large shipment of Bomba Donation Socks every year and go out and distribute them to those in need.

• Client fee $37.00 per day

• 3 meals daily prepared by sta

• Bag lunch or late plates if working

• High Speed internet

• Cable TV

• Employment resources

• Spanish speakers

• 2 Man rooms with bathroom Scholarship* or Assistance

• Admission

• Hardship

• Dental

• Expungement

• Employment

• House computers

*Eligibility Requirements

New House welcomes referrals from detox, treatment, employers, employee assistance programs, family members, and criminal justice agencies, but personal onsite interviews and a desire to be clean and sober are required of all applicants. If you have been unable to stay sober on your own and are serious about sobriety, please click on the link below to set up an interview to learn about New House and why it is a great place to build a solid foundation in recovery.

Christmas at New House III

Heart of New House Luncheon Hero Award Recipient Left: President of the Board, Je Daugherty; Middle: Recipient, Demetrio Espinosa; Right: Executive Director, Adam Burridge.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY Head to Food Truck

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE

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

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

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

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

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

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen

to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com.

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

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

TAP THURSDAY Head to Tap Thursdays at the Wine Stone Inn every week, featuring $5 draft beers and $5 Cava’s. Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. through April 16 Free. (805) 3323532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER

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

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

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

WICKEDLY GOOD PARTY Grab your crew, dress up in your favorite pink and green fits, and follow the yellow brick road to

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa! Nov. 20 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 773-5000 ext. 1. cliffshotelandspa.com/event/wickedlygood-party/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO

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

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR

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

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

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEYOND THE NOTES: ENRICHMENT

THROUGH MUSIC AND COMMUNITY

- “AMY BEACH AND THE POWER OF CONNECTIONS” Beyond the Notes features leading scholars whose presentations highlight the times and culture surrounding the works performed by the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale. The educational events offer an in-depth look at pieces being performed and the background and history of the music, including the opportunity to meet and learn from a noted expert on the subject, an enhanced understanding of the context of the music, an increased appreciation for the music and live performance, and spreading awareness about the arts. RSVP at the link. Nov. 22 , 3-5 p.m. my805tix.com. San Luis Bay Estates Lodge, 6375 Firehouse Canyon Road, Avila Beach, (805) 391-7664.

CENTRAL COAST HARMONY CHORUS INVITES SINGERS TO JOIN FOR HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES Men and women are

invited! No prior experience is necessary - just a love of music. Call or email for more information. Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 18 $20. (805) 736-7572.

ccharmony.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.

CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: KATIE

KADAN From the first note, this Chicagoborn soul singer pulls you in with a voice that is powerful, textured, and undeniably real. Hear her for yourself, at Clark Center for the Performing Arts. Nov. 22 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45-$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

DISNEY MOANA LIVE-TO-FILM CONCERT - THE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR Clark Center Presents: Disney Moana Live-To-Film Concert - The North American Tour. Nov. 13 7-9:15 p.m. $45-$65, Platinum $69; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

EASTON EVERETT Hear Easton Everett fuse neo-folk pop and noteworthy singing and writing. Nov. 20 5-7 p.m. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.

THE FLEETWOOD MAC CONCERT EXPERIENCE STARRING GYPSY DREAMS Experience Gypsy Dreams, an electrifying Fleetwood Mac tribute delivering iconic hits and Stevie Nicks magic. Their Thousand Oaks show sold out last year—don’t miss them! Nov. 14 7:30 p.m. $45-$60, Premium $65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

JOHN’S JAZZ “ALL STARS” & EARLY RISERS JAZZ COMBO FROM CAL POLY | BASIN STREET REGULARS Join the Basin Street Regulars for our dynamic Sunday afternoon concert featuring two bands and generations of “Hot Swingin’

Jazz” talent! Nov. 23 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano.

KARAOKE AND DANCING Check out the vibrant and weekly Karaoke with dancing at Mr. Rick’s in downtown Avila Beach every Friday! DJ Rachael Joyous Hostess will be there. Fridays, 7-9 p.m. through Nov. 28 (805) 441-1633. spotoneventservices. com. Mr. Rick’s, 404 Front St., Avila Beach. KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

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. 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. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND

ANNUAL FALL CONCERT The SLO County Band is hosting its annual Fall concert. The theme is “Tales, Myths, and Magic,” featuring music from movies, musicals, and timeless classics. Nov. 16 3-5 p.m. $10. (630) 421-2556. slocountyband.org. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Rd., Arroyo Grande.

TURN THE BEAT - A GLORIA ESTEFAN TRIBUTE FEATURING GABIE LOPEZ Clark Center Presents: Turn The Beat - A Gloria Estefan Tribute Featuring Gabie Lopez. Nov. 15 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45-$59, Premium $69; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

MUSIC continued page 19

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR

Experience the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most revered vocal ensembles. Hear them live at Clark Center for the Performing Arts. Nov. 18 , 7-9 p.m. $39-$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BRENT COBB WITH ME LIKE BEE’S

Hear oone of country’s most respected and beloved artists, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cob live. Nov. 15 7 p.m. $27.21. slobrew.com.

Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

CAL POLY BANDFEST: OVER SKY AND

SEA The Wind Bands will perform music of the British Isles, Austria, Bohemia and Spain. The Mustang Marching Band will perform arrangements performed at football games. Nov. 21 , 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general, $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/winds/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY FALL JAZZ CONCERT: SOUNDS OF RHYTHM The concert will feature performances by various jazz ensembles, including the University Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combos. Nov. 14 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general, $12 students and Jazz Federation members. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/jazz/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY INSTRUMENTAL STUDENT

RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student instrumentalists. Nov. 18 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/free. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY VOCAL STUDENT RECITAL

Enjoy this free recital, presented by Cal Poly Music Department student vocalists. Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retrosoul outfit The California Honeydrops are an electrifying group that defy convention at every turn. Don’t miss them performing live in town! Nov. 23 8 p.m. $50.96. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

CHARLIE SHOEMAKE MEETS THE CENTRAL COAST JAZZ ALL-STARS The San Luis Obispo County Jazz Federation will present “Charlie Shoemake Meets the Central Coast Jazz All-Stars”. Master vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake will be joined by local stand-outs Dave Becker on sax, Jamaal Baptiste on piano, Ken Hustad on bass, and Darrell Voss on drums. Nov. 22 7:30-9:30 p.m. $39.34. my805tix.com. Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA JAZZ WITH MITCH LATTING

Our series of honoring special contributors to our local jazz community continues with Cuesta Jazz, featuring local trumpet player and singer Mitch Latting. Nov. 15 7:30 p.m. $20 General, $10 Student w/ID. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

GALA PRESENTS: QUEER INDIE NIGHT Hear live music from Caleb Nichols (SLO + Kill Rockstars), Joh Chase (Kill Rockstars), and Wryn (Righteous Babe). Nov. 22 7 p.m. $14.70. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

KCBX BENEFIT CONCERT: CENTRAL COAST SESSIONS Enjoy live performances and participate in a community raffle featuring generous donations and gifts from local businesses.

KCBX branded merchandise, along with commemorative items from Sight Study will also be available for purchase. Nov. 22 noon $28.62. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

L’ECLAIR WITH ELYSIAN MOON Guitarist and keyboardist Stef and drummer Yavor’s band L’Eclair was formed in their adopted home of Switzerland a decade ago. Hear the brother duo perform live at SLO Brew! Nov. 14 7 p.m. $23.88. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

SLO MASTER CHORALE: SONGS OF JOY

Enjoy an afternoon of inspiring music for chorus and orchestra, performing alongside talented soloists for a delightful concert of uplifting compositions. Nov. 23 3-5:30 p.m. $12-$64. (805) 538-3311. slomasterchorale.org/. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. THE STEWS WITH SPECIAL GUEST

MARGOT SINCLAIR The Stews formed in the midst of the pandemic, and used their ample free time to hone in on their songwriting and musical skills. As the world reopened, they brought this new music into the light, much to the delight of music lovers everywhere. They quickly graduated from college band status into a national touring force. Hear them live at SLO Brew Rock. Nov. 20 7 p.m. $27.21. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE

A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.

LISTENING AS RITUAL Group listening sessions with musician/musicologist Ben Gerstein. Explore remarkable recordings of world music, nature field recording, western classical and contemporary, and jazz, sharing and discussing inspiration and perspectives on the expressive power of peoples, cultures, animals and habitats through sonic experience. Every other Monday, 7-8:15 p.m. $10-$15 donation. (805) 305-1229. leftcoastartstudio.com/. Left Coast Art Studio, 1188 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos.

NEW TIMES MUSIC AWARDS

SHOWCASE 2025 The annual New Times Music Awards are designed to showcase music and songwriting from local musicians throughout the Central Coast of California in a wide variety of genres including rock, alternative, country, Americana, folk, hip-hop, R&B, blues. Nov. 21 , 7-9:30 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

ORCHESTRA NOVO GOES SILENT: BUSTER KEATON DOUBLE FEATURE

Michael Nowak and Orchestra Novo proudly presents: Buster Keaton Double Feature. Nov. 16 3:30-5:30 p.m. $45. my805tix.com. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

REGGAE 3RD FRIDAY Irie Third Fridays are a fresh, new monthly event to bring you a consistent spot for top quality reggae music in town. These events feature the new Central Coast old school reggae band - One Love Bomb, fronted by Eric Cotton. Nov. 21 6-9 p.m. $12.66. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.

MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE WITH SPECIAL GUEST MAX MACLAURY & THE COMPROMISERS Catch Moonshiner Collective’s live performance with special guest Max MacLaury & The Compromisers at The Siren in Morro Bay. Nov. 14 , 6:3010:30 p.m. $23.69. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Each Wednesday, enjoy this Open Mic Night in the downstairs dining area. Grab some friends and show off your talents. Food and drink service will be available. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 995-3883. schoonerscayucos.com. Schooners, 171 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos. SWEET SPOTS (FREE AFTERNOON DANCE PARTY SHOW) The Sweet Spots are an electrifying R&B, Soul, and Funk band based out of San Luis Obispo. Drawing inspiration from classic Motown artists like The Temptations to modern artists like Bruno Mars, they bring a fresh yet timeless energy to every performance. Hear them live at the Siren. Nov. 15 2-5 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. m

ARTS BRIEFS

CalNAM ramps up holiday cheer with annual vendor market

Solvang visitors have the chance to gain free admission to the California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) and meander through its annual holiday marketplace on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a free family craft from 10 a.m. to noon.

“If you’re looking for unique gifts for your loved ones this holiday season, then look no further,” Mya Mantilla, the visitor services manager, said in an email to the Sun. “This free admission day invites visitors to enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping featuring talented local artisans and unique gifts that celebrate nature, wildlife, and the outdoors.”

This year, vendors will sell jewelry, quilts, pottery, glass art, cutting boards, and more. Also, browse prints and books made by artists featured in current exhibitions.

CalNAM’s mission is to use art and education to inspire stewardship of nature, according to its website. The museum is located at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang. The museum is open on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the holiday marketplace email mya@calnatureartmuseum.org.

Submissions open for a new mural in Santa Maria

Artists are invited to submit proposals for a public art project at the Santa Maria Transit Center. The final design will be digitally produced, printed on vinyl, and installed on aluminum panels on the exterior wall of the transit center, located at 400 Boone St.

“This project offers artists a unique opportunity to bring color, creativity, and local identity to one of our city’s busiest public spaces,” Dennis Smitherman, the recreation services manager, said in press materials. “We’re looking for designs that capture Santa Maria’s movement, diversity, and welcoming spirit.”

Submissions are open to artists living in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, but priority will be given to those who capture Santa Maria’s cultural diversity and heritage, according to the city. The winning design will be chosen based on the artist’s creativity and design experience and the project’s technical feasibility.

The city will give the winner a $2,500 stipend to help format and produce high-resolution files that are suitable for reproduction on a large scale.

To submit a proposal, compile an application form, artist statement, description, sketches, previous work samples, and a résumé into one PDF. Submissions should be emailed to dsmitherman@cityofsantamaria.org and are due Nov. 23. Call (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2263, with questions. m

Feel the beat

BY MADISON WHITE

At 17 years old, Jesus Solorio packed up his car—with his mom’s permission—and moved to LA to pursue professional dance. The Paso Robles native remembered settling into an apartment, ready to start a new chapter in his life.

After a couple of touring jobs, including one with Disney, Solorio got picked up by Royal Caribbean for a five-year stint on the cruise line as a dancer and aerialist. He later booked spots on TV shows like Glee, Hannah Montana, So You Think You Can Dance, and New Girl

“Traveling with Royal Caribbean was an experience of a lifetime,” Solorio said. “I was able to travel the world without paying rent, let’s put it that way.”

During his Royal Caribbean years, Solorio dedicated energy to mapping out his future. One thing he recently checked off that bucket list was starting his own dance studio.

Having moved to Buellton, Solorio opened Sol Dance Lab in January 2024.

“Another reason why I created the studio is so that Buellton itself could have a place of its own, … just to be able to showcase the performing arts in Buellton,” Solorio said. “It’s just become my home, and I want to provide for the community.”

The studio’s students perform at local events around town, most recently at Buellton Fall Fest on Nov. 7. Next up next is the Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival in December.

His goal as a dance teacher is to help parents

support their children’s dreams. After a free trial class, Solorio said there is no pressure to join or to continue attending if the student isn’t having fun. By calling the business a dance lab instead of a studio, his intention is to facilitate creative exploration.

“Anyone that wants to come in and explore dance, they can,” Solorio said. “They don’t have to feel intimidated.”

Another part of the dance lab’s mission is to teach students how to navigate auditions in the commercial dance industry. Based on Solorio’s own professional experience in LA, he offers advice on movie, commercial, and background dancing auditions.

Yet the studio is also a place where kids as young as 2 or 3 years old can foster their love for dance. Solorio remembered taking his first dance class when he was 9. He started out in hip-hop and ballet, then shifted to jazz as he got older, which is still one of his favorite styles to perform.

“In jazz, I can just be flashy, I can be performative. I can perform and entertain the

crowd without having to have a storyline,” Solorio said. “Hip-hop, same thing, just the same as jazz.” In the early days, Solorio was the studio’s only instructor, but he’s since hired three more to help run the classes. Currently Solorio leads a session for 3-to-5-year-olds, a class for boys, and a teenage contemporary class. Next year he hopes to debut one for students with disabilities or who are on the autism spectrum.

“I want to offer that class for them to come and feel like they can come in and just be, without anybody judging,” he said.

Solorio also brings his expertise to Allan Hancock College, where he’s been an instructor for a decade and coordinates the commercial dance program.

He’s setting his sights on starting two dance companies next year, one for performance and one for touring. They’d promote Sol Dance Lab and show students what working for a touring company is like.

“The gratifying part is that I’m able to use my God-given talent,” he said. “I’m able to just put it out there and able to make it come to fruition.” m

Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA NATURE ART MUSEUM

GET MOVING: Toddlers, teenagers, and adults are welcome at Sol Dance Lab, a studio that teaches styles like jazz, contemporary, ballet, and urban dance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA

Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival in December.

BACK ON THE COAST: After performing on Royal Caribbean’s cruise line and appearing on TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Glee, Jesus Solorio realized he didn’t want the LA “fame life.” He moved to Buellton, and in 2024 he opened his own studio called Sol Dance Lab.

NAILING THE CHOREO: Owner Jesus Solorio choreographs for his studio, Sol Dance Lab, and for the theater group at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. He’s also involved with the dance program at Allan Hancock College.

WELCOME TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF FREEDOM

DSB WORLDS GREATEST JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND

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COLBIE CAILLAT AND GAVIN DEGRAW

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LA SEPTIMA BANDA

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 / 8PM

TICKETS START AT $39

FELIPE ESPARZA

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 / 8PM TICKETS START AT $55

Grooming Team: Colette Florey, Dzi, Janae Amador, Isabella Moreno & Yuritzi Grooming Externs: Cody Dugan & Holly Prewitt Groomers Assistants: Brandi Janke & Ryleigh MacLean

Required viewing

Geeta Gandbhir (Katrina: Come Hell and High Water) directs this documentary composed almost exclusively of police bodycam footage about the Ocala, Florida, neighborhood where Susan Lorincz shot neighbor Ajike Owens through a closed front door. The shooting highlighted Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law. (96 min.)

Glen: Are we entitled to peace and quiet? Many municipalities have noise ordinances. There’s also the so-called “covenant of quiet enjoyment”—an implied legal promise that a tenant has a right to peaceful and private use of a property, but that usually refers to unreasonable landlord interference. What this new Netflix documentary explores is the expectations and limits of a person’s right to peace and quiet. Lorincz, who I’d definitely label a “Karen” in today’s vernacular, was a 58-year-old white woman when the June 2, 2023, shooting took place. She was renting a unit in a quadraplex, and many of her neighbors were Black. She was also well known to local law enforcement because she summoned them regularly to complain about the neighborhood kids, who she felt were too loud and disruptive. She didn’t want them playing in the lot adjacent to her rental property, even though the lot’s owner had given the kids permission. In my mind, she embodies what’s wrong with many Americans’ senses of entitlement.

THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Anna: It’s always interesting to watch these “fly on the wall” bodycam recordings, to hear how different officers deal with people or groups differently, the mumblings under their breath or private conversations, and the vastly different tales that can come from one side or the other in an altercation. Lorincz’s complaint is that the neighborhood kids were antagonizing her, being unreasonably loud, and playing on “her” property. The reality seems to be that the field adjacent to her apartment had been used for many years by the neighborhood as a great place for kids to gather, run, and play football. The person who lived in her place before didn’t mind the kids, and the person who actually owns the property that they’re playing on doesn’t mind them there. Susan has let the youngsters become a pebble in her shoe—one she wants the cops to deal with. She’s convinced, it seems, that law enforcement should be on her side, but in reality, most of the officers who respond to her complaints would rather see kids playing than causing mischief, and they tell her as much. Ultimately, her lack of control and unhinged anger caused absolute tragedy and left four children without their mother.

Glen: The series highlights several interesting societal phenomena, beginning with the limits of policing. If the person calling the police has unreasonable expectations, as Lorincz clearly has, the police are still required to waste time

and resources responding, and no one leaves the interaction happy. Lorincz feels like her rights aren’t being protected, and the kids and their parents feel like the police are being used to continually harass them. When you live in a community, you need to realize that it’s a shared space and that to go along you need to get along. Lorincz seemed to believe her rights were the only ones that mattered and couldn’t fathom that her neighbors and their children also had a right to the enjoyment of their shared space. Ultimately, I found Lorincz’s defense of her actions ridiculous. She wasn’t the victim; she was the perpetrator. Think of

this as a found footage horror movie. Lorincz’s entitlement turned murderous.

Anna: You can certainly see her entitlement oozing from her with every call to the police. She comes off as nothing more than scummy, and while my conscience tells me to lead with compassion, the small amount I can conjure for her is microscopic. This film is a difficult watch given that there’s no hiding behind any fiction. Rest in peace, Ajike. m

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

NOBODY WANTS THIS (SEASON 2)

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Netflix

This show was a smash hit as soon as the first season came out, and in this second season, we dive deeper into the complications of religion and relationships.

Noah (Adam Brody) is in line to be head rabbi of his temple, something that has been his dream for many years. He’s also got Joanne (Kristin Bell), who doesn’t share his faith but the two are madly in love. Things get even more complicated in the second season as the two try to navigate the next steps in a relationship that may be doomed to fail. You can say you are OK with not knowing what will be, but it becomes clear to both Noah and Joanne that ignoring their differences is only getting more unrealistic, and with Joanne reluctant to even consider conversion, Noah is left to ponder if by choosing her, is he losing everything else he cares about.

COMPATABILITY: In Nobody Wants This, streaming on Netflix, Rabbi Noah (Adam Brody) and agnostic sex and dating podcaster Joanne (Kristin Bell) fall in love, but will their love overcome their differences?

Timothy Simons as his somewhat bumbling big brother. (10 approximately 30-min. episodes)

WEAPONS

What’s it rated? R When? 2025

Where’s it showing? HBO Max

Writer-director Zach Cregger helms this psychological and supernatural horror story about insular Maybrook, Pennsylvania, which suffers the traumatic and inexplicable shock of losing 17 children from a single third grade class who all simultaneously leave their houses at 2:17 a.m. and disappear. Suspicion immediately falls to the one child who didn’t run away, Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher), and his teacher, Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), who, as she’s shunned by her community, falls back into alcoholism.

The film’s construction is fun, telling the story from various characters’ perspectives, like Archer (Josh Brolin), a construction contractor whose son Matthew disappears; or James (Austin Abrams), a homeless drug addict and burglar; or Gladys (Amy Madigan), Alex’s eccentric aunt who moves in with his family. There are other characters and complications, and it’s a real mystery, but as it unfolds, it gets very weird and is a whole lotta fun.

I missed the film during its late summer theatrical run because we went to see Freakier Friday instead. Like Cregger’s first solo writer/director effort, Barbarian (2022), Weapons is

unusual and surprising and plays into contemporary fears like child abduction. One might even interpret it as a school shooting allegory. Dark but entertaining. (128 min.) m

JUSTICE FOR AJIKE? Florida’s “stand your ground” law and neighborhood acrimony are at the center of The Perfect Neighbor, streaming on Netflix.

DISAPPEARING ACT: When 17 third graders all mysteriously vanish at 2:17 a.m. on the same morning, a small community is ripped apart as it struggles for answers, in Weapons, streaming on HBO Max.

17th Ann

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17th Ann ual New Times Music Awar ds

17th Ann u al N ew Times Music A wa rds

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Eats

On the board

Solvang wine bar serves rotating dishes, small plates, and local pours

BY MADISON WHITE

At Clean Slate Wine Bar, the menu changes nearly every day. Unlike other restaurants with laminated pages, the menu at Clean Slate is a big chalkboard that chef Melissa Scrymgeour erases and updates with new dishes.

“That’s why we’re called Clean Slate,” her husband, Jason, said about their Solvang restaurant and wine bar. “She puts the menu up every day.”

When something is sold out, they scratch it off the board. Or, if Melissa thinks of something new, she spontaneously adds it.

Jason remembered one Saturday, when a farmer dropped by during business hours with a fresh box of mushrooms.

“Melissa paid them out of the cash drawer, and like 15 minutes later, she’s writing this mushroom dish up on the

chalkboard she just added to the menu,” Jason said. “She never ceases to amaze me with her creativity with the dishes.”

The couple opened shop in the summer of 2020. In order to keep operating under pandemic laws, Clean Slate shaped up to be predominantly a restaurant instead of a bar like they originally planned.

Jason also works as a business consultant and is the winemaker behind Bocce Ball Wine. Melissa has always enjoyed cooking and hosting large gatherings, and now she puts her talents to work at Clean Slate.

“From a hospitality perspective, what I love is when people take the time to tell you how important that meal was or how we helped make a day special or a moment in time special,” Jason said.

On top of the normal functions of a restaurant and wine bar, Jason and Melissa also host private events and

In the mood for a pairing?

Visit Clean Slate Wine Bar at 448 Atterdag Road in Solvang on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 6 p.m. Buy tickets online at eventbrite.com for exclusive dinner parties. For catering and wine club inquiries, visit cleanslatewinebar.com or call (805) 302-1787. Follow along on Instagram @clean.slate.wine.bar.

themed parties. They have a Dungeons and Dragons Supper Club planned for Nov. 16, held at a Santa Ynez ranch with lots of food, beverages, and fantasy gameplay. The recurring game night evolved from a customer who came in wanting to host a Dungeons and Dragons game at Clean Slate.

The Just 8 Supper Clubs, parties for eight guests featuring eight food and wine pairings, are coming up on Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.

“It’s eight people all lined up at our bar, all the food is prepared right there in front of them,” Jason described. “They’re really magical. They really are. They turn into these amazing experiences.”

During a typical week at Clean Slate, each night looks a little different, but the crowd is full of locals and nearly everybody knows each other, Jason

explained. The most popular is Indian curry night on Tuesdays, followed by Cajun night on Mondays, Jason said.

Cajun night, with dishes like red beans and rice and gumbo, is inspired by Melissa’s roots, being born and raised in Louisiana.

“I encouraged her to put the red beans and rice on Mondays, and that became so popular that it just slowly

transformed into Cajun [night], so everything on the menu became a Cajun dish,” Jason said. He always has wine suggestions at the ready, usually light or chilled reds and stainless-steel whites to complement the bold flavors of the curry and Cajun plates.

TALK OF THE TOWN: On the weekends, Clean Slate Wine Bar is a draw for Solvang visitors, with a curated wine flight and charcuterie plates. During weeknights many locals stop by for Cajun food on Mondays, Indian curry on Tuesdays, and casual bites on Fridays.

PARTNERS IN LIFE AND BUSINESS: Melissa (left) and Jason Scrymgeour (right) opened Clean Slate Wine Bar in Solvang in 2020. Melissa is the chef, and Jason handles all things vino.

SLATED FOR MONDAYS: Chef Melissa Scrymgeour was raised in Louisiana, where there’s a tradition to make red beans and rice on Mondays using leftovers from Sunday’s ham after church. Her version is on the menu at Clean Slate Wine Bar on Monday nights.

Enjoy joy

Clean Slate is usually closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays or reserved for events like the Just 8 Supper Club. “Casual Fridays” are often left up to the chef, and Melissa often makes sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads. Melissa makes gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options too, inspired by cooking with one of their sons when he cut out meat during the pandemic.

A lot of tourists come in on the weekends, looking for wine flights and charcuterie plates. Jason likes to pour a different flight of five tastings every weekend. It’s not uncommon for him to sneak in a bonus pour or two if he has bottles open.

Grapes in Jason’s Bocce Ball Wine come from local farmers who also visit the wine bar. For the most part, the farmers grow in small, backyard vineyards.

“It’s fun for them because they can say, ‘My grapes are in that bottle.’ And I can say, ‘There’s the farmer right there that grew this fruit,’” Jason said.

Jason’s favorite part about running Clean Slate is giving his guests special experiences. He and Melissa want people to feel like they’re coming into their home.

“We get that kind of feedback all the time. People feel like they’re being welcomed into our home, which always warms my heart because that’s what we wanted it to feel like,” Jason said.

When Clean Slate first opened during the pandemic, the space truly felt like his family’s home.

“What was funny is our youngest son would be sitting there in class on his computer with bottles of wine and stuff behind him, and our eldest son is washing dishes. Melissa’s cooking in the kitchen, and I’m waiting tables outside,” Jason said. “When we say, ‘Welcome to our home,’ it really was our home.”

The couple’s interest in hospitality goes back to when they lived in LA and held events to raise money for charities. Melissa would cook for 100 people or more at their house, and Jason took care of the wine pairings. He said they both had opportunities to leave their careers in corporate America and decided to pursue their dream of opening their own place.

“We just, you know, held hands and jumped.” m

Staff Writer Madison White cleans her slate often, too. Reach her at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

A LABEL OF HIS OWN: Business consultant and co-owner of Clean Slate Wine Bar, Jason Scrymgeour, makes a label called Bocce Ball Wine that he pours for guests at the bar.

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