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Lompoc doesn’t censure Steve Bridge [3]
ARTS
ike af ter r t s s r e ff a t s Solvang cil’s ‘last, n u o C y t i C rejecting ffer [6] o e s i a r y a p ’ al best, and fin BLOOD BY CALEB WISE
The Danish Days’ dressmaker [18]
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Pan dulce and coffee in Santa Maria [22]
Contents
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 1, 2026 VOL. 27 NO. 31
A
bout 30 Solvang city employees went on strike starting Sept. 15, protesting the “last, best, and final” contract offer from the city, which includes a 4 percent annual raise over the next three consecutive years. The union representing those employees said it had asked the city for 6 percent. It’s also accusing city officials of refusing to sit down for a chat. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood talks to the city, employees, and the union about the strike, which coincided with the city’s annual Danish Days weekend [6]. Also, find stories about Lompoc’s vote to not censure Steve Bridge [3]; the woman who makes dresses for the Danish Days’ maids [18]; and what Canela Café is serving in Santa Maria [22]. Camillia Lanham editor
BETWEEN THE SIGNS: Failing to see eye to eye with Solvang officials about recently adopted pay raises, about 30 unionized city employees stopped showing up for work as part of a protest that started on Sept. 15. The strike continued through Danish Days weekend and was ongoing as of Sept. 22.
Cover photo by Caleb Wiseblood > Cover design by Alex Zuniga
NEWS
News Briefs ..........................................................................3 Political Watch....................................................................3 Spotlight.................................................................................7
EVENTS CALENDAR
Hot Stuff ...............................................................................10
ARTS
Arts Briefs............................................................................18
OPINION
Commentary ........................................................................8 Letters .....................................................................................8 Web Poll .................................................................................8 Modern World .....................................................................8 Canary .....................................................................................9
MOVIES
Reviews ...............................................................................20
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➤ Strike 1 [6]
September 24 - October 1, 2026
➤ Spotlight [7] PHOTO BY PIETER SAAYMAN
POLITICAL WATCH •On Sept. 20, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1261, legislation drafted by State Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) to support certain critical services for older adults and people with disabilities amid ongoing regional program transitions. According to Laird’s office, without SB 1261, the Service Area 17 Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), which serves Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, would be forced to close on Jan. 1, 2027. The legislation allows that ADRC chapter, and the chapter that serves Ventura County, to “temporarily continue operating independently during the redesignation of regional Area Agencies on Aging,” Laird’s office stated. “SB 1261 grew out of a threat to losing ADRC support here on the Central Coast because of an undefined administrative practice that would have quickly erased an aging and disability network it took years to build,” California Foundation for Independent Living Centers Board Chair Jennifer Griffin said in a Sept. 20 statement. “This could have translated to lost jobs and lost services for many people with disabilities and older adults. SB 1261 closes a gap and provides flexibility to keep these critical services in place while a new partnership is established.” The foundation is among SB 1261’s sponsors, along with the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “Access to critical services should never be disrupted because of an administrative transition,” California Association of Area Agencies on Aging Executive Director Christina Mills stated. •U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) was among the four legislators who co-announced the Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act on Sept. 17. Padilla’s office described the bipartisan legislation—co-led by U.S. Sens. John Curtis (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), and Tim Sheehy (R-Montana)—as currently in development to address long-standing gaps in health and safety protections for wildland firefighters. Legislators will develop the legislation in partnership with firefighters, unions, and health experts “to make sure the heroes fighting these fires have the resources, safety equipment, and support needed to do their jobs safely,” Padilla stated. The Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act will specifically establish a Wildland Firefighter Health Task Force and “an advisory panel of outside stakeholders to coordinate exposure reduction and pilot respiratory technologies.” U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Portland, Oregon) is currently leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. •On Sept. 18, U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California) and Peter Welch (D-Vermont) co-introduced a legislative package to expand access to affordable meals for college students across the country, while addressing food insecurity on college campuses. While the Hot Meals for College Students Act will allow for college students to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot and prepared meals from on-campus vendors, The Food for Thought Act will direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program for colleges to offer free meals to low-income students. “College students should never have to worry about where their next meal will come from or have to drop out because they can’t afford food and tuition,” Schiff stated. “These bills are a commonsense approach to addressing student hunger and strengthening higher education.” Allan Hancock College is among the bill’s endorsers, which also include SwipeOut Hunger and the University of California Student Association. “Students from underserved communities face enough challenges in higher education without the added burden of wondering where their next meal is coming from,” Welch stated. “We should do all we can to provide the resources necessary to give a helping hand to students facing food insecurity on campus.” m
HEATED HEARING: Lompoc Mayor Jim Mosby asked law enforcement to remove resident Shawna Stillwell from council chambers after repeated outbursts from Stillwell and other audience members during a Sept. 15 hearing to consider censuring Councilmember Steve Bridge.
Tie vote blocks Lompoc from censuring Steve Bridge Three hours into the Lompoc City Council’s Sept. 15 meeting, Councilmember Steve Bridge asked his peers to remember the oath they recite in unison ahead of every agenda. It’s the same oath many schoolchildren have already memorized by kindergarten. “We started today the way we start every meeting. We stood up and said the words—the last four words: liberty and justice for all,” Bridge said. “I’m asking you to keep the line where the Constitution puts it,” he continued. “Proof first, judgement second.” His comments were part of a prepared statement he read during the council’s hearing to consider a formal censure against him. The censure would express disapproval of Bridge remaining seated on the council amid charges against him from the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office alleging misuse of city funds, identity theft, and forgery. The proposed censure specified that “the City Council does not through this resolution make any determination regarding Councilmember Bridge’s criminal guilt or innocence, which is a matter for the judicial process.” Councilmember Jeremy Ball, who drafted the resolution, said he would personally knock on Lompoc residents’ doors and apologize for “doing the wrong thing” if Bridge is found not guilty. Ball described the censure as a “toothless, powerless” gesture, but one to help “regain” public trust in the council that was lost following outcry from the community for Bridge to either step down or be reprimanded. Periodic outbursts from the crowd that evening, which included attendees holding protest signs supporting the censure, led to at least one person’s removal. “Can you please remove her?” Mayor Jim Mosby asked Lompoc Police Department officers when resident Shawna Stillwell continued speaking, after Mosby warned the chattering crowd that he’d “clear the chambers.” “We don’t want ‘judge and jury,’ we want leadership,” Stillwell shouted at the dais before exiting. “Your entire community is standing in here demanding accountability. This isn’t ‘innocent or guilty,’ this is trust.” As part of his prepared statement, Bridge said that arguments calling for the censure to restore “public confidence” weren’t justified. “Every accusation ever made against an elected official is distracting, … shakes public confidence. If that’s the bar, then anybody who wants to remove a member only needs to make an accusation,” Bridge said. “You won’t have the newspaper guys putting my picture on the paper when I’m found innocent.” When the time came for the council to vote on the censure, a 2-2 tie on adopting the resolution incited some audience members to shout “shame,” repeatedly.
Mosby and Councilmember Dirk Starbuck dissented, while Bridge abstained from voting. Earlier in deliberations, Mosby questioned staff about an upcoming hearing to discuss the city’s rebate program, which Bridge’s charges are tied to. According to court documents, Bridge told a District Attorney’s Office investigator that he used a contractor’s license number he found on the internet to apply for repair work rebates. “Why didn’t the application get thrown out?” Mosby asked staff. “The reason I ask this is because you end up setting traps for people. … This program was trapping a lot of people.” City Attorney Jeff Malawy told the council that the results of a third-party study of the rebate program would be presented sometime in October. The study identified 11 city staff-approved rebate applications where the contractor license number was either incorrect or missing. “A lot of people filed applications that had flaws in them,” Mosby said. “Eleven accounts that had done this, and they went after one person. … Are we going to do the same thing to the other people? In response to Mosby’s comments, Ball said: “If we found fraud or any other criminal activity from anyone, … they should be prosecuted the same way.” Ball added that it’s not his or the council’s position to judge Bridge’s innocence with a censure, “but it is our position to determine whether or not the ethics of this institution is being respected.” “I wasn’t going to go to this level, but I heard about [all of] this before it even went to the DA,” Mosby said during an exchange with Ball. “There was an active movement to go after Councilmember Bridge. There was gloating about getting him.” “From who?” Ball asked “I’m not going to tell you,” Mosby replied. —Caleb Wiseblood
Santa Maria denies movie theater alcohol sales
At 55 Regal cinemas in California, patrons can wash down their popcorn with an alcoholic beverage while reclining in front of the big screen. On Sept. 16, Santa Maria planning commissioners decided that their city wouldn’t become the 56th. “Initially, I too was looking at this as something that might benefit our community,” Commissioner Tim Seifert said at the meeting. “But thinking it over, I wouldn’t mind creating a place that people can go and congregate without the alcohol.” The permit would’ve allowed moviegoers to buy beer and wine for consumption on-site at the Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, located in Town Center East. A mini fridge at the existing concession stand would’ve displayed 6-ounce pours of wine and 24-ounce cans of beer. Each customer with a valid ID could be served one beverage at a time in a plastic cup, and theater staff would receive training to recognize signs of intoxication. Planning Commissioner Yasameen Mohajer wondered if customers would be consuming
alcohol in spaces outside of the auditoriums. “So, I assume that doesn’t include the birthday party rooms that they have and then the arcade?” Mohajer said. Consumption would only be allowed in auditoriums, Steve Rawlings answered on behalf of Regal Entertainment Group. Standards are the same at other Regal theaters that sell alcohol, including a regulation that requires a staff member make rounds to the auditoriums every half an hour. “That monitoring is not just somebody, you know, poking their head in and looking,” Rawlings explained. “No, it is actually walk down to the front of the screen, take a look at what’s going on. Walk up to the very top. Again, look down at the patrons there, walk to the other side, and do the same thing.” Less than 10 percent of adults who attend the theater will buy an alcoholic drink, Rawlings added, and even fewer will buy a second. “After the movie has started, there’s only one reason any of us ever leave, and that’s because we have to use the restroom,” Rawlings said. “We don’t get people running back up for more popcorn or more sodas, nor do we get them coming out for more alcoholic beverages.” Alcohol licenses are regulated by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Such a permit would usually be reviewed at the local level by the zoning commissioner, but with several concerns from the public, the Planning Commission discussed the item, Senior City Planner Cody Graybehl said. Middle and high schoolers representing Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley’s youth coalition spoke against alcohol sales. One ninth grader at Ernest Righetti High School said the coalition recently found increasing DUI arrests in the city and discussed why alcohol sales at the movies may be a bad idea. “We also talked about the fact that a movie theater is a dark environment and there can be concern about adults giving alcohol to minors,” the high schooler said. “Instead of making alcohol more accessible by allowing more places to sell it, we think that the city should focus on making alcohol less accessible to people under 21. … As a youth in our community, I see the movie theater as a safe place for me and my friends to go watch movies, and I wouldn’t want a drunk person, like, ruining it for us.” An eighth grader from Lakeview Junior High said one of her main concerns was that she doesn’t want to be around people consuming alcohol while she’s hanging out with friends. “Movie theaters are family-friendly places where kids, teenagers, and families should be able to spend time together without having people who are drinking,” the student said. Edwin Weaver, executive director of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, said he supports the Regal cinema but not in the sale of alcohol. Nearby restaurants, like Red Robin, sell beverages that viewers can consume before watching a film, he suggested. “What value does it add to the community?” Weaver said. “Do you really have to be sipping wine or beer to enjoy that movie? If so, maybe you have a problem.” The resolution to deny Regal Edwards’ permit passed 3-1 followed by a round of applause. Commissioner Tom Lopez dissented, and chair Esau Blanco was absent from the meeting. —Madison White
County opposes eminent domain legislation for Sable pipeline Nostalgia surfaced in statements from U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), when he recently spoke before the dais he once sat on. “It’s always nice to be back,” Carbajal said during public comment at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ Sept. 22 meeting. “Although I certainly wish it was under happier circumstances.”
NEWS continued page 4
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News NEWS from page 3 Carbajal was among the speakers who urged the board to formally oppose a piece of federal legislation currently awaiting Senate consideration known as the Hunt Amendment. If passed, according to the county staff report, this legislation would empower the secretary of defense to use federal eminent domain to acquire easements across private and state-owned lands “along the route” of the Las Flores pipeline system, to “ensure continuous operation of the pipeline to transport crude oil.” “The Hunt Amendment would set a terrible precedent,” said Carbajal, who described the proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act as Sable Offshore Corporation’s attempt to “rig the system in its favor.” “We are already seeing why these concerns can’t simply be dismissed,” Carbajal continued. “Just six months after restarting the pipeline, Sable is now digging up 12 sections of the system after federally mandated inspections identified potential corrosion. That is especially concerning given that corrosion was at the heart of the 2015 Refugio oil spill.” With the 3-1 vote, the board ultimately formalized its opposition to the legislation, via a letter addressed to U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Adam Schiff (D-California). Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson dissented, while 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann recused herself from voting, out of an “abundance of caution, … given the pipeline runs by my house,” she said. Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino said he usually abstains from voting on resolutions about federal legislation, “because I feel like this is what Salud was elected to do.” “But in this case, this totally affects Santa Barbara County,” Lavagnino continued. “As a tip of the hat to local control over local land use, I will
be opposing this amendment.” After Lavagnino’s comments, 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps said she wanted to take a moment to tell him that she’s “really proud of the distinctions you make so often here.” “Maybe I’m getting nostalgic here with Supervisor Lavagnino’s end of time here coming pretty soon, but I’m just really proud,” Capps said. “Just last week, you gave such a forceful defense of the [oil] industry, to your district, to your area that you’ve represented for so long. And then you come in here and make these different types of votes all the time. I just wanted to acknowledge that because I admire your intellect and ways in which you approach issues.” “Don’t get me all teary eyed,” Lavagnino said, prompting laughs from his peers. “Let’s move on.” While exploring the potential of a future, countywide oil and gas operation phaseout, the board voted 3-2 on Sept. 15 to approve one phase of the policy package that bans new oil and gas drilling. Lavagnino and Nelson dissented. “From what I understand about environmental justice, you have to ask the question: Why are we targeting the industry that helps disadvantaged communities pull their people out of poverty?” Lavagnino argued at that hearing. “Nowhere in my 16 years on this board have we ever had a study about what’s the overall environmental impact of tourism. And why not? It’s because it’s on the South County. “If we really believe that GHGs are the existential threat to mankind, why do we allow over 7 million visitors to come visit Santa Barbara every year?” he continued. “We encourage it. We subsidize it. We celebrate it. And what are we celebrating—20,000 people a day are coming here. … Thirty-eight commercial flights a day land at Santa Barbara Airport, burning GHGs, or they drive here, … or they show up on a cruise ship burning bunker fuel in the channel.” m —Caleb Wiseblood
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the council members not to communicate with us or staff while we try to work this out,” Lee said. “We’ve made attempts to speak with council members. … They’d pick up the phone but weren’t interested in meeting or talking.” City Manager Randy Murphy told the Sun via email that the city’s handling of recent communications with union officials aligns with formal city policies. “Solvang has had a long-standing, productive working relationship with Teamsters Local 986. In earlier years, the parties used formal ground rules for negotiations, and over time, as trust developed on both sides, that process became more informal,” Murphy said. “One rule the parties agreed to in the past and have continued NEGOTIATION BREAKDOWN: Reflecting on the wage dispute that prompted Solvang city employees’ labor strike in to follow is that mid-September, Teamsters Local 986 Business Representative Jeff Lee said he’s rarely experienced a council as “unwilling” communication away to speak with him as Solvang’s current City Council, compared to other city governments along the Central Coast he’s from the bargaining negotiated with. table goes through each side’s chief negotiator. That practice remains in place today.” The city’s chief negotiator “remains available for any additional conversations they may wish to have,” Murphy added in a Sept. 17 email. To support Solvang’s weekend-long Danish Solvang’s 30 unionized city employees rally for Days festivities, the city “arranged for additional services,” Murphy said, allowing residents and higher wage increases town visitors to “look forward to a full Danish BY CALEB WISEBLOOD Days celebration.” of installing Danish Days banners—at great On Sept. 19, union members took part in the heights he’s able to reach thanks to a bucket ot long after showing up to his cubicle for Danish Days program’s Saturday parade, with truck—and other signage across town for the an 8 a.m. shift on Sept. 15, engineering their own float as part of the procession. Bright annual event. technician Cole Phillips hit the pavement labels that adorned the truck called out each Also among those protesting, Solvang’s sole with around 30 other unionized Solvang code enforcement officer, Jennifer Calbillo, said Solvang council member by name. employees to participate in the first labor strike Some staffers protesting the adopted 4 she’s not sure who’s filling her shoes during the of its kind in city history. percent raise—voted in as a consecutive strike. Before heading out that morning to protest annual raise over the next three years—were “My boss, if we’re lucky,” Calbillo said. “But the City Council’s recent handling of a wage accompanied by family. One employee’s child dispute, Phillips walked his supervisor—who’s he’s also doing three other jobs at the moment.” held up a picket sign that said: “My dad works While Calbillo’s current workload entails among Solvang staff’s 10 non-unionized harder than 4 percent.” responding to about 40 open code enforcement department heads—through his daily tasks. “We’re going to remain on strike until cases, city engineering technician Phillips’ He didn’t want to “leave her hanging,” he told we have a contract that’s ratified by the routine includes overseeing dig alert intake, the Sun. membership, … a contract that’s reasonable after reported water leaks and other mishaps “I love working with my boss. She’s super enough for the bargaining unit members to go occur within city limits that may require reasonable; super flexible. In all honesty, our back to work,” Lee told the Sun. “We’ve made excavation. main gripe is with upper management getting it clear to them multiple times that we’re “My job is very quiet. You don’t notice it. But reasonable pay raises, … [while] we have not,” ready and available to meet and bargain at their job,” Phillips said, pointing at some of his Phillips said. “Our directors will try to do what any time. If they called me right now and said, we do, and I’m not saying that they can’t. But it’ll peers protesting steps away from the Solvang ‘Jeff, let’s sit down and bargain,’ we’ll sit down Park gazebo, “if they’re not out here doing take longer because there’s so much to do and and bargain.” things, you will notice it right away. Things will less manpower.” Prior to the council’s Sept. 14 vote on the stop working.” Ongoing as of Sept. 22, the multiday strike Phillips said he’s not bothered by how invisible new wages, Assistant City Attorney Fleishman began after the City Council approved what summarized the results of a third-party he believes his job is to the public, except for Assistant City Attorney Dave Fleishman consulting agency’s study that supported staff’s those who know what to look for: arrows and described as Solvang’s “last, best, and final” recommendation for a 4 percent arrangement. numbers drawn in chalk, for example, on offer to city employees represented by While comparing Solvang’s pay rates to those sidewalks near telephone poles and other power Teamsters Local 986. in 11 other cities in California, the study showed sources ahead of dig approvals. After union members asked for consecutive What does bother him, he said, is how invisible that pay for most city positions represented by raises over the next three years of up to 6 Teamsters “were either above market median for he believes his role and other city staffers’ roles percent per year, the council unanimously compensation and benefits, or competitive with are to members of the City Council. decided to cap those consecutive raises at 4 “Not a single council member or city manager the market,” Fleishman told the council. percent. “If all the information you’re getting is over my five years of working here actually sat In the local labor union’s more than 20-year secondhand,” union representative Lee said, down to get to know us or shadow us,” Phillips history of negotiating on behalf of Solvang “why not call [the union] and just ask them said. “I’m not sure if that’s normal for a council workers specifically, Solvang-based members what they want? You can still say no, but at least though.” had never organized a strike prior to the you have a firm understanding of what that is Based on his experience working with city morning that followed the council’s Sept. 14 instead of getting that information from a third governments in both Santa Barbara and San decision. party. [But] they just weren’t interested in going Luis Obispo counties, Teamsters Local 986 Stationed on the picket line along Mission there.” m Business Representative Jeff Lee said he’s rarely Drive during the afternoon of Sept. 16, Public encountered a council as “unwilling” to speak Works employee Christian Wright told the Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at with him as Solvang’s current body. Sun that if he had shown up for work instead cwiseblood@santamariasun.com. “We’ve heard that messages have gone out to of rallying, his work day would have consisted
Strike 1 N
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BORN JUNE 27, 1992, SANTA MARIA, CA - DIED AUGUST 9, 2026, ATASCADERO, CA
Kristopher Michael Chavez Kristopher Michael Chavez, a Central Coast musician and songwriter, died in Atascadero on August 9, 2026. He was 34. Born June 27, 1992, in Santa Maria, Kristopher grew up there in a close family. He was homeschooled, and church was a regular part of his childhood. As a boy, he immersed himself in fantasy worlds such as “The Lord of the Rings,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Redwall.”
JERSEY LORE: Santa Maria High School’s gymnasium wall of commemorative plaques got 10 plaques richer in mid-September. This year’s induction of honored sports alumni and former coaches marked the school’s fourth annual Athletic Hall of Fame program.
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online through a designated portal on the school’s website, at smhs.smjuhsd.org/ athletics/athletic-hall-of-fame. Reflecting on this year’s festivities, Ellington emphasized his gratitude for Santa Maria High School Administrative Assistant Monica Garcia for organizing the celebratory dinner, held inside the school’s cafeteria, and the halftime ceremony. Santa Maria High School celebrates During this year’s dinner, Ellington gave a speech about a motto he Athletic Hall of Fame inductees believes rings true for countless Santa BY CALEB WISEBLOOD Maria High School alumni and staffers across generations: “Once a Saint, always a Saint.” very year since 2023, student athletes and It’s something he said resonates with coaches of decades past are ranked in a point students and coaches, even for those in the system to determine who gets added to Santa latter camp who have rival alma maters. Maria High School’s Hall of Fame. He’s speaking from personal experience as a With dozens of nomination submissions to Righetti High School grad. narrow down each year, it’s up to the school’s “I’ve been here for 12 years now,” said hall of fame committee members to draft their Ellington, who coached at Pioneer Valley High top picks, 10 of whom will be honored as Hall of School before working for Santa Maria High Fame inductees. Held on Sept. 11, this year’s ceremony unveiled School. “I feel just like I say at the dinner: ‘Once a Saint, always a Saint.’ … I really think a lot of the new inductees’ commemorative plaques, Saints take that to heart.” which the school displays inside its gymnasium. Three individuals were honored posthumously The new batch of inductees was honored at this year’s Hall of Fame event: track and during halftime at the school’s home football football alumnus Jerry Watson Sr., who game that evening. Athletic Director Dan graduated in 1952; and prolific coaches Bob Ellington said he doesn’t believe it was a coincidence that the Saints beat the visiting team Biddle and John William Yanez—Biddle coached at Santa Maria High between 1959 and 1983, and 40-0 that night. Yanez between 1967 and 2000. “It really helps our kids get fired up,” Ellington Rounding out the full top 10 list is 1993 grad told the Sun. “They really love the idea of having Gabriel Cota, baseball and basketball; 1973 grad alumni come out.” Pat Kelly, baseball and football; 1971 grad Rick Ellington is also the Hall of Fame committee’s McCutcheon, basketball; and 1970 grad David founding member. Hall of fame programs at Cumberland, baseball and basketball. other high schools inspired Ellington—who first The nomination period for 2027 opens on joined Santa Maria High School’s faculty as head Jan. 1 and runs through March 30. For more football coach about a decade ago—to spearhead info about the process and eligibility Santa Maria High School’s effort to create one of requirements for inductees, call Ellington at its own. (805) 925-2567, Ext. 3540. This year’s celebration marks the Hall of Fame “The first couple of years, I got several program’s fourth annual induction. complaints about: Why ‘this guy’ didn’t get in, Some of this year’s commemorative plaques why ‘that guy’ didn’t get in,” Ellington said. “We represent posthumous honors, including for need nominations every year. … I’m sure there’s a students who graduated from Santa Maria High lot of athletes that slip through the cracks.” School as early as the 1950s. Other plaques pay tribute to more recent Highlight alumni, like Jennifer Melena—who played basketball, softball, and volleyball at Santa Maria • On Sept. 17, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber High in the early ’90s. of Commerce named Laurie Tamura as 2026’s Robert P. Hatch Citizen of the Year. Tamura She was among those honored who attended is president and principal planner of Urban the induction ceremony and half-time festivities. Planning Concepts. For the past 20 years, Tamura Other inductees who attended included has also held leadership roles with the Scouting basketball team alumnus Tim Patterson, who America Los Padres Council, including driving graduated from the school in 1972, and former efforts to rebuild Camp Rancho Alegre’s Outdoor footballer, golfer, and wrestling team member School after 2017’s Whittier Fire. “Laurie has Steve Miller, who graduated in 1971. “A lot of people [think] that we have some kind spent more than 30 years showing up for this community, whether that meant shaping the of records in a building somewhere around here neighborhoods we live in or making sure our kids on campus that tells the whole history of all our athletes. … Well, we don’t,” said Ellington, adding have a place to grow, learn, and lead,” Chamber CEO Michael Boyer said in a statement. m that the committee relies on nominations from the community to capture a variety of school Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at alumni to select from. cwiseblood@santamariasun.com. Anyone can nominate individuals each year
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His father, Kris, a carpenter, fashioned wooden swords so he, his siblings and friends could act out their own adventures, while his mother, Renee, made capes for the children. Kristopher was nerdy, imaginative and eager to learn, and that curiosity eventually found its way into music. Kristopher was about 15 when a family friend, Ben Ayers, offered guitar lessons to his friends. After his brother, Ethan, came home with a borrowed guitar from his first session, Kristopher told his mother, “I want to do that, too!” Renee remembers Kristopher’s music as self-initiated, recalling how he would “sing his heart out” and play his guitar for hours on end in his bedroom, occasionally falling asleep sitting on the floor, slumped over his guitar. What started with a borrowed guitar became a defining part of Kristopher’s life. He began performing in his church youth group, and acoustic guitar remained his principal instrument. As Kristopher explored various kinds of music, his range expanded. He added mandolin, banjo, ukulele and harmonica, drawing from folk, country, bluegrass and old-time music and developing a particular affection for songs and sounds from well before his generation. He kept digging, finding influences in songwriters such as Bob Dylan, John Prine and Tom Waits. Kristopher practiced constantly, wrote prolifically, took whatever opportunities he could to play and developed a working knowledge of the guitar fretboard. He performed at venues throughout the Central Coast, collaborated with musicians across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties and, for a time, traveled beyond the area to perform. A generous collaborator, Kristopher was as comfortable helping others with their music as performing his own. He had an instinct for what a song needed, whether that meant adding an instrument, helping with lyrics or simply knowing when to leave space. He also had his own stories to tell. In 2024, Kristopher released Lonesome Nights, an EP of six original songs to which friends and family contributed. Much of what he wrote came from experience. “Kristopher was the master of a heartbreak song,” Renee said. “He channeled the pains of his life into the songs and music he played.” Lonesome Nights represented only part of what he wrote. Kristopher left behind a substantial collection of original music now held by his family — recorded work as well as songs and lyrics written on paper, some with chords and others without. Much of it was never recorded. At various times, he lived in Santa Maria, Templeton, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, working multiple jobs to support his music.
Kristopher also became involved with the fledgling nonprofit Sierra Sustainability Summit, serving as hospitality director. He taught wilderness safety to participating college students, led hikes and shared his love of the outdoors. He hoped the role would eventually become a full-time job as the organization grew. In recent years, Kristopher made his home in downtown Atascadero, where many of those jobs were within walking distance of his apartment. In northern San Luis Obispo County, he developed a close community of friends and “heart family” who supported him and walked through life with him. He was part of a regular Monday night Dungeons & Dragons group and accumulated a large collection of dice. His romantic companion, Lindsay Garner, was an integral part of his life, and the two were looking toward a future together. Kristopher loved the outdoors and camping and was perfectly happy sleeping beneath the open sky. On one camping trip, he slept outside on a cot. A friend later told the family that during the night, a skunk walked directly underneath him. Kristopher was unbothered. “I think what we miss about Kristopher so much is his quick smile and his easy manner,” Renee said. “He was always good company.” Kristopher is survived by his mother, Renee Tozzi; brother Ethan Chavez; sisters Stephanie Reynoso and Frances Chavez-McLaughlin; brother-in-law Corey McLaughlin; romantic companion Lindsay Garner; nieces Hazel and Hayden Reynoso; nephew Joseph Reynoso IV; and their father, Joseph Reynoso III. He is also survived by aunts and uncles Joy and Carlos Bonino, Sue and Louis Apodaca, Tina and Scott Barkalow, Jeff Solenberger, Rodney Ross, You Fang Ross, and Melissa Chavez; and cousins Sean Chavez, Sierra (Chavez) English, Alani Rose Chavez, Jennifer and Dakota Miller, Kyle Davis, Julian Bonino, Talbot Solenberger and Archer Solenberger. He was preceded in death by his father, Kris Chavez; stepfather, Jon Tozzi; grandparents Frances O. Chavez, Laurence St. Onge and Irene St. Onge; and niece Haylie Reynoso. A celebration of Kristopher’s life was held August 30, 2026, at Venteux Vineyards in Templeton, where friends and family wore their favorite pieces of denim in his honor. Those wishing to honor Kristopher’s memory can do something his family knows he would appreciate: Tip generously at small live music shows.
www.santamariasun.com • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • Sun • 7
Opinion ONLINE POLL
Should Santa Barbara County forgive hotel taxes due to local farmstays and other businesses?
50% Yes, but on a very limited case-by-case basis. 25% No! Taxes are taxes and must be paid! 25% Yes, if the laws led to ambiguity, and it was an honest mistake. 0% No, but there should be an option for no-interest payment plans.
4 Votes
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The forest wrecking crew The Trump administration’s destroying national forests BY GIANNA PATCHEN & ANDREW CHRISTIE
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the administration’s vision of pillaging wildlands. Trump’s interior secretary made it clear that they n Aug. 24, commemorating the annual regard our forests as nothing but financial assets observation of National Park Week, on “the nation’s balance sheet.” President Trump proclaimed, “My When the Roadless Rule was developed 25 administration is committed to protecting every years ago, it was informed by a 129-day public acre of our lands.” Four days later, it became clear comment period, which included more than that this is not true. 600 public meetings. Tribes, local governments, That’s when the news broke that the Trump community members, industry, recreation administration has been secretly negotiating interests, and conservation organizations to give a chunk of Yosemite National Park to a developer (coincidentally a Trump donor) so he can engaged directly with the Forest Service. Communities had a meaningful opportunity punch a private road through the park to increase the value of his adjacent property. The last time this to ask questions, provide testimony, and ensure that the administrative record reflected the was tried, the Sierra Club helped defeat it in court. perspectives of those directly affected. This The administration furiously denied the granular transparent, accessible public engagement process reporting of the very detailed story, just as the was essential to maintain public confidence in the developer’s attorney was happily confirming it. Roadless Rule and ensure that the agency fully A few months ago, we discussed the Trump considered the impacts of the proposed policy. administration’s plan to strike down the federal In the Trump administration’s rush to repeal Roadless Rule—a federal policy that has been the Roadless Rule, it has done no meaningful protecting 45 million acres of national forest land public outreach. Only 32 days were initially across 37 states from new road building, logging, allotted for public comment, with no public mining, and other development for the last 25 meetings. We worked to get the deadline for years. Many of the roadless areas do have roads; public comment extended. This small window the rule just restricts new roads, particularly was a gesture of contempt to the American people those intended for extractive uses. These natural who depend on healthy national forest lands for areas provide clean drinking water, critical their lives and livelihoods and who deserve the wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and recreational opportunity to weigh in meaningfully. opportunities across the country. That same contempt is evident as the Trump The administration claims that it’s repealing administration tries to cut the heart out of the rule to reduce wildfires, but the truth lies in MUSIC the Endangered Species Act, slash national the Forest Service’s own finding that building monuments, and strike down California’s coastal roads in backcountry forests will likely increase protections. All with fake emergencies and false wildfires. A peer-reviewed scientific study from FLAVOR/EATS pretexts to mask an unswerving devotion to the The Wilderness Society found that wildfires are administration’s billionaire backers and corporate four times more likely to start near roads than in America, whileINFO making it worse for everyone else. roadless areas. All is not lost. We have until Oct. 6—the The real story becomes even clearer as Trump deadline was recently extended—to tell the Trump releases executive orders mandating expansion administrationCALENDAR that we support the Roadless Rule of timber and energy production and his allies and value protected national attempt to insert public land forests. Join hundreds of sell-offs into legislation. OPINION thousands of others inundating Repealing the Roadless Rule the administration with is one more way to dismantle Send us your opposition to this plan and protections for wildlife and views and opinion to NEWS protecting our public forests increase private exploitation letters@santamariasun.com. from irreversible damage. of public lands, in service to
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But why bother sending your comments to an administration that clearly doesn’t care what you think? For the same reason that 164 bipartisan members of Congress just went on record opposing repeal of the Roadless Rule: Because we are stronger when we do the right thing together. Because there have been many attacks on the Roadless Rule over the years, and they have all failed due to public pushback. (Public pressure is already having an impact on the Yosemite land swap deal.) Because your comments help sway decision-makers and create an administrative record that will support legal action. Most importantly, because we honor the generations who safeguarded these forests before us, and we carry a trust responsibility to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit healthy forests with their wild character intact. Please submit your comments defending the Roadless Rule to the U.S. Forest Service before 8:59 p.m. on Oct. 6. If you only have five minutes or less to submit comments, please do so at sc.org/ RoadlessRule. Find out how to do send a longer comment here: roadless.org/roadless-comments. “The comments do matter, and it’s the substance of the comments that matters the most,” says Aaron Weiss, deputy director of the Center for Western Priorities. “Whether it’s from your own life and your experience, or the science that’s involved, the substance is what they have to respond to. And if they ignore the substance, that’s what ends up getting these actions thrown out in court.” m Gianna Patchen is chapter organizer for the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club. Andrew Christie served as chapter director from 2004 to 2023. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
LETTER All students facing mistreatment deserve protection Assembly Bill 715 is a well-intended proposal for protection of Jewish schoolchildren. But Jewish students aren’t alone in needing protection. The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center was a timely reminder that, after the attack, Arabs and Muslims were stereotyped as terrorists and suffered widespread mistreatment. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan reinforced the notion that Muslims and Arabs were the enemy. Prejudice persists: Arab and Muslim students have experienced the distress we see in Jewish students since long before Oct. 7, 2023. A 2019 report by the American School Counselor Association describes a survey of 1,041 Muslim students ages 11 to 18. It found that significant numbers of students were made fun of, verbally insulted, or abused for being Muslim; became targets of having their hijab pulled off; were physically harassed; felt unsafe, unwelcomed, and disrespected in school; became victims of cyberbullying; were bullied or discriminated against even by administrators, teachers, or other officials at school. The blaming of all Muslims for Oct. 7, plus high rates of Muslim immigration to Europe and the USA, is exacerbating negative views. Abuse of Muslims is rampant on social media: Fears of Sharia takeover and condemnation of everything from halal meat to wearing the hijab have become online staples. Given youths’ umbilical attachment to all things digital, that content will inevitably redouble the effect on their lived experiences. Every student facing mistreatment at school deserves protection; the school environment should not favor one kind of student over another. Jewish students and Muslim students are suffering in school. Is there any question as to what should be done?
Johanna Rubba Grover Beach
Opinion
Political theater
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hings got a little wild at Lompoc’s last City Council meeting—so wild that Mayor Jim Mosby asked police officers to forcibly remove a woman from the chambers. “Can you please remove her?” Mosby asked about resident Shawna Stillwell, who continued speaking after he warned the chattering crowd that he’d “clear the chambers.” “We don’t want ‘judge and jury,’ we want leadership,” Stillwell shouted at the dais before exiting. “Your entire community is standing in here demanding accountability. This isn’t ‘innocent or guilty,’ this is trust.” If you’ve been paying attention to what’s happening in Lompoc, you can guess what she’s shouting about. City Councilmember Steve Bridge. On Sept. 15, a tied 2-2 vote meant the council members weren’t going to censure their colleague for the charges against him from the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. Those allegations include misuse of city funds, identity theft, and forgery. Bridge pleaded with the council to let the courts decide on his guilt before they did: “Proof first, judgement second.” Mosby and Councilmember Jeremy Ball— who are competing for the mayoral seat this election cycle—were on opposite sides of that vote. Mosby first accused staff of being the problem, then he floated a conspiracy theory. “There was an active movement to go after Councilmember Bridge. There was gloating about getting him,” Mosby said. “From who?” Ball asked. “I’m not going to tell you,” Mosby replied. Oh! OK. Must be a big secret that only Mosby knows about. Conspiracies be like that.
Mosby also chastised city staff for approving flawed applications as part of the rebate program that got Bridge in trouble with the District Attorney’s Office. “Why didn’t the application get thrown out?” Mosby asked. “The reason I ask this is because you end up setting traps for people. … This program was trapping a lot of people.” Yes, I’m sure the way the rebate application was set up simply forced Bridge to find an old contractor’s license number that was no longer valid to put on his application so he could get money from the city. That wasn’t a choice that Bridge made himself. “A lot of people filed applications that had flaws in them,” Mosby said. “Eleven accounts that had done this, and they went after one person.” A missing contractor’s license number or a typo is not the same thing as what Bridge is accused of doing. But I guess justification is just how politics works these days. Why would anyone admit to wrongdoing so everyone can move on with their lives? When we can drag it out over the course of several meetings and then get all indignant, angry, and righteous! The whole thing was just political theater, not governance. What a gigantic waste of everyone’s time. It’s not even worth getting kicked out of a meeting for! We all knew Bridge wasn’t getting censured, and we knew Mosby would lead the charge against the effort. At least the courts have a process that’s apolitical—no matter what Trumpty Dumpty and Mosby say. The District Attorney’s Office is doing its job, and the justice system will weave its work slowly. And at some point, we’ll either have a plea agreement or a jury’s decision. m The Canary is a conspiracy theory. Send news to canary@santamarisun.com.
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www.santamariasun.com • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • Sun • 9
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10-DAY CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 4, 2026
INTERTRIBAL TRADITION
The annual Chumash Intertribal Powwow will occur on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the corner of Meadowvale Road and Highway 246. The powwow, which is the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ largest cultural event of the year, will include dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, and food vendors. General admission is $5, and free for children 12 and under. Visit chumash.gov/powwow for additional details. —Angie Stevens PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA YNEZ BAND OF CHUMASH INDIANS
ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS
BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria. DANCE AND MUSIC CLASSES KleinDance Arts offers various dance and music classes for a wide variety of ages! Visit the link for info! MondaysSaturdays, 4-8 p.m. (805) 268-2530. kleindancearts.com. KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, Santa Maria. DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance. webs.com/. FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. GIAFUNNI’S COMEDY Enjoy a hilarious night of stand-up comedy, featuring touring comedians, delicious food, comfy seats, and hometown hospitality. Sept. 26, 8 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. Giavanni’s Pizza, 1108 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, (805) 934-8555. “POST-WILD: NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY” The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to
present Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, a juried exhibition featuring artworks by 34 emerging and established Santa Barbara County artists. Co-curated by Allan Hancock College Professor of Fine Arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the Office of Arts and Culture, the exhibition highlights artists working across painting, ceramics, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.5 p.m. through Nov. 1 Free. sbac.ca.gov/ post-wild-nature-in-the-21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria. VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y
“HORIZONS” AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Morgan Green, Carol Talley and Terri Taber present “Horizons”. They reach beyond their established plein air genre to offer studio, abstract, and still life works. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
“LANDSCAPES, GEMSTONES AND NEW DIRECTIONS” EXHIBIT BY JOE GLIEBE-GOETZ The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Landscapes, Gemstones and New Directions,” an artist show by Joe Gliebe-Goetz. Through Sept. 27 (408) 707-8005. lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
50TH SAN FRANCISCO STAND-UP COMEDY COMPETITION FINAL ROUND For fifty years, The San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition has discovered remarkable comedians, launched careers, and entertained countless audiences. Sept. 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $35-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. For fifty years, The San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition has discovered remarkable comedians, launched careers, and entertained countless audiences. We’ll see you there! Sept. 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $35- $65. 9(805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. FREE MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN: ENCANTO Between a house that listens, gifts that define you, and one girl still searching for hers, Encanto captures the pressure, magic, and heart of family. Catch it in The Secret Garden this September. Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302. LOVE FLAMENCO: AUTHENTIC FLAMENCO DIRECT FROM SPAIN Love Flamenco World Tour brings together exceptional musicians and dancers on stage, sharing the unique language of flamenco improvisation. Sept. 27, 7-9 p.m. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Angelena Stevens directly at astevens@newtimesslo.com. 10 • Sun • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 29th Annual Manhattan Shorts Film Festival. Sept. 26, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (805) 929-3994. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo, slolibrary.org. WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO
ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. ALPHABET ROCKERS: SHADESANTHEMS FOR THE PLANET Awardwinning hip-hop children’s music group presents “SHADES,” a fully interactive and immersive concert built from the global stories of climate caretakers, planet protectors, and scientists. Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-noon (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. ART AFTER DARK: SHOW OPENING Join us for the opening night of The Bunker SLO’s October Show featuring the work of Jennifer Randall. Oct. 2, 5-8 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. BOOK PUBLICATION CELEBRATION Four local authors--Donna Andersen, Carolyn Chilton Casas, Sharon Sheltzer, and Patsy Truxaw--will read from their recently published books and answer audience questions. Refreshments will be available.
INDEX Arts...................................... 10 Culture & Lifestyle ...........12 Food & Drink ......................14 Music ...................................14
Sept. 27, 4-6 p.m. Free. (504) 319-6665. thebunkerslo.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. CALL FOR ARTISTS SLO Gallery is now organizing small group exhibits for our central viewing area. One of the displayed artists will be a co-op member. The others can be local or visiting artists. Drop by the SLO Gallery to sign up and see which of our artists on display you may be interested in doing a group show with. Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, SLOgallery.com. 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/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CUESTA COLLEGE FACULTY BIANNUAL ART EXHIBITION See exhibition showcasing new and recent work by Fine Arts faculty. Held every other year, the Faculty Biannual brings together the wide range of creative practices represented within Cuesta College’s Fine Arts program, including painting, photography, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, graphic design, drawing, and more. The exhibition highlights the ongoing artistic practices of faculty members who bring their professional experiences into the classroom and their work with students. Mondays, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 15 Free. (805) 546-3201. cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. DATE NIGHT POTTERY CLASS Join our couple’s pottery class to learn handbuilding and wheel throwing with an instructor. Glazing and firing are included. Pick up pieces in three weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $160. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. DATE NIGHT POTTERY FOR TWO Enjoy ceramics for two! Tickets include both members, as well as glazing and firing. Instructor-guided for a wheel-
thrown and hand-built piece. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. through Oct. 24 $160. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php ?owner=22676824&appointmentType= category:Date%20Night. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. DOLLY PARTON ART FRAMES AT HOLA SLO Join us at Hola SLO to honor Dolly by using paint, collage and plenty of sparkle to create art frames and shadow boxes. We will listen to her music, share a drink and create something beautifully joyful to bring home! Sept. 25, 6-7:30 p.m. $33.98. my805tix.com. Hola SLO, 845 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo. FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/visit/ tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. GEMS BY THE SEA Shop from dealers selling a fantastic array of gems, minerals, fossils, carvings, jewelry, beads, jade, crystals, meteorites, lapidary, and metaphysical items. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (children 12 and under free). slogem.org/gems-by-the-sea/. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
ARTS continued page 12
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Hot Stuff
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 4, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESQU’ILE WINERY
ARTS from page 10 IMPROV EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE BUNKER Get ready for a whirlwind of wit, chaos, and unscripted brilliance at Improv Extravaganza—the ultimate showcase of indie improv talent! Sept. 24, 6:15-8 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. INTRODUCTION TO METAL STAMPING WORKSHOP WITH THE JUNKGIRLS Come learn metal stamping! You will learn the basics to working with the metal and tools that make up this fun art form. Sept. 26, 2-4:30 p.m. $125. (805) 439-0123. junkgirls.com. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo. LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com. MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 29th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. Sept. 24, 1-3:30 p.m. and Sept. 25, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 781-5994. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. MARCIE BEGLEITER AT SLOMA See Marcie Begleiter’s solo exhibition “Chimera: the Future of Nature” at SLOMA. Animation, photography and a large nature diorama. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays. through Oct. 17 Free. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (310) 920-1656, sloma.org/exhibition/ marcie-begleiter/. MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/bookonline. SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. “OCEANO – FOR SEVEN GENERATIONS” EXHIBIT This exhibition highlights nearly a decade of research and outreach by artist Lana Z Caplan, associate professor of photography and video in Cal Poly’s Art and Design Department. The project was first published as a book of the same title by Kehrer Verlag in 2023. A selection of large and small-scale photographs will be presented alongside a video projection,
TRI-TIP TIME
The annual Santa Maria Tri-Tip Cookoff will kick off on Sunday, Oct. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. at Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria. This community favorite will bring together new and old chefs, like the Santa Maria Grill Masters and Priedite Barbecue. Live music by Ruben Lee Dalton and the Offshores will sound from the hillside amphitheater, and Presqu’ile wines will be available for purchase by the glass and by the bottle. General admission is $50 and can be purchased at presquilewine.com. —A.S. ephemera, and issues of the Dune Forum from the 1930s, drawn from Special Collections. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.4 p.m. through Dec. 11 Free. library.calpoly.edu. Cal Poly Special Collections and Archives, Robert E. Kennedy Library, 1 Grand Ave., Building 35, Room 409, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-2305. PAINT PRE-MADE POTTERY Paint premade pottery at our studio. Choose a piece, get creative, and make family memories. Reserve your spot online today and enjoy some fun for all ages! MondaysSaturdays anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASSES Join our family pottery class! Learn to
throw on the wheel or build by hand. All ages are welcome. Saturdays, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. $45. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
ALCOHOL INK 101 Complete instructional workshop with all materials supplied, pre registration is required. Leard from award winning artist Judy Maynard in her studio. First Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m. through Dec. 2 $95. (805) 286-8380. artwithjudyann.com. Art With Judy Ann Studio Gallery, 2024 Main Street, Cambria. COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and
northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos. CREATIVITY Ongoing unique art and crafts. Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 927-8273. Peggy Vrana, 4070 Burton Drive #1, Cambria, amphoragallery.com. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS FINE ART TEXTILE ART BY GAY MCNEAL Gay McNeal, accomplished textile artist and quilter, exhibits new 3d work, using traditional and contemporary techniques in her Fiber Arts Practice. Through Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
LOVE OF NATURE EXHIBIT The Love of Nature exhibit brings together a vibrant spectrum of artistic expression balancing realism, abstraction Each piece reveals a unique relationship with the natural world. Through Nov. 2, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. MORRO BAY COMEDY NIGHT WITH PATRICK RILEY Headliner Patrick Riley is a stand-up comedian who turns real-life experiences into silly, irreverent stories. His silly, laidback style turns real-life experiences into stories that are easy to relate to and fun to listen to. His credits include opening for Bobby Lee, Jesus Sepulveda, and performing on Don’t Tell Comedy nationwide. Sept. 24, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Nauti Anchor Bar, 2940 Main Street, Morro Bay. THE REBOOT SPEAKEASY LIVE STORYTELLING See this curated line-up of seasoned pros and new voices weave story gold for folks who delight in all things well told. Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m. Free. facebook.com/the.reboot4u. Red Barn at Los Osos Community Park, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS
ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750. BRUNCH AND BROWSE Shop and explore, while supporting amazing local talent. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 925-0951 ext 1635. cityofsantamaria.org/. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria. FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS OIL PAINTINGS BY JOAN BROWN AND WATERCOLORS BY JOHN MACK Joan Brown’s oil paintings are being exhibited alongside the watercolors of John Mack. Discover views of the central coast, landscapes, birds, and more. Through Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS OIL PAINTINGS BY JOSE SILVA Jose Silva presents oil paintings that are both literal, and dreamy, featuring scenes of horses, birds, portraits and sunsets. Through Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 13 Morro Bay.
SHOW TIMES
Wednesday - Friday: 7pm Saturday: 2pm to 7pm Sunday: 6pm CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday th September September 25 25thth ~~ November November 7th 7th 1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA 3 miles south of Pismo Beach
www.AmericanMelodrama.com (805) 489-2499
12 • Sun • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
It’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow like you’ve never seen (or sung!) before! Join the awkwardly charming Ichabod Crane as he waltzes his way through the town of Sleepy Hollow—meeting the lovely Katrina, the mischievous Brom Bones, and that not-soheadstrong rider of the night, the legendary Headless Horseman. After each show, brace yourself for the fantastical antics of the Happily Ever After Vaudeville Review!
Hot Stuff
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 4, 2026
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 12 FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. SMKA 2026 KART RACING SEASON Participate in this local kart racing series, featuring kid karts, LO206, and two-cycle classes, delivering competitive sprint racing, driver development, and familyfriendly events for all skill levels. Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. smka.org. Santa Maria Karting Association, 3951 S Blosser Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 464-6114. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y
ANNUAL CHUMASH INTERTRIBAL POWWOW The two-day gathering, which is the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ largest cultural event of the year, features dancing, singing, drumming, arts, crafts, food and more. Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5. (805) 688-7997. chumash.gov/ powwow. Hwy 246 & Meadowvale Road, Hwy 246 & Meadowvale Road, Santa Ynez. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc. THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
5CITIES HOMELESS COALITION’S 15 ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS LUNCHEON Community luncheon to raise funds for 5Cities Homeless Coalition. Oct. 1, 11 a.m.1 p.m. $25. (805) 550-8701. 5chc.org. St. Patrick’s Church, 501 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. 87TH ANNUAL ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL Enjoy two days of free family fun at the 87th Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival with live entertainment, food, vendors, a parade, and community celebrations! Sept. 25, 4-10 p.m. and Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free. agharvestfestival.com. Olohan Alley, 200 Olohan Alley, Arroyo Grande, 000. BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. BIG DITCH MARKET The Big Ditch Market is back! In the Car Corral in the Village! Enjoy local vendors, live music, and great food! First Friday of every month, 4-8 p.m. through Oct. 4 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/rec. Enjoy fantastic homemade items from local vendors, amazing food, and live music! First Friday of every month, 4-8 p.m. through Oct. 2. Free. (714) 390-9142. arroyogrande.org. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande. BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com. COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
• ª•
Santa Maria Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
We are committed to helping each student become better in every aspect of their training – and in their lives. WE OFFER • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • Judo • Kids BJJ
2337 A Street Santa Maria
smbjj.com
(805) 925-3000
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. KEEP THE FLAME ALIVE Enjoy two QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND classes for spiritual seekers and poets. MORE ENERGY Experience the energy Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 704-4246. of Qi Gong through simple standing awakenedword.com. Online, See website, movements promoting flexibility, Arroyo Grande. strength, relaxation, and increased LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness a group for practicing spoken Spanish. levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches There is no homework or lessons, just your life. An outdoor class overlooking conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. and Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $15 per class or 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) $60 for five-class card. (805) 440-4561. 825-1345. La Conversación is a group for pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, practicing Spanish. There’s no homework Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach. or lessons, just conversation. Beginners SACRED SOUND PORTAL WITH DEE to native speakers, all levels are welcome! DIGIOIA AT THE PORTAL PISMO BEACH Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (805) Whether local or visiting, reset your mind 748-9123. Coffee Bean, 354 Five Cities Dr., and body with an immersive sound bath Pismo Beach. near the ocean to release tension, quiet MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS thoughts, and find peace. Fourth FOR ADULTS Experience dance from Saturday of every MUSIC month, 9-10:30 a.m. through Oct. 26 $23-$34. (805) 270-5523. continents around the earth, including my805tix.com. The Portal at Living Energy, from Africa, Europe, and more. Described 649 Dolliver Street,FLAVOR/EATS Pismo Beach. as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the SACRED SOUNDS PORTAL: PISMO world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 BEACH Begin your weekend by diving INFO of restoration drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) deep into a sanctuary 362-3739. grover. for a profound org. Grover Beach inner exploration CALENDAR Community Center, a “soul-cation”! 1230 Trouville Ave., Located just blocks from the rhythmic, Grover Beach. Send event information to calendar@ OPINION grounding pulse OCEANS OF PRIDE santamariasun.com. of the Pacific Enjoy a reception, Ocean and nestled dinner, and NEWSwithin the vibrant, auction plus band, crystal-infused space of The Portal at aerialists, and more! A complimentary Living Energies, Sacred Sounds Portal is glass of Timbre Dancing Queen sparkling a monthly morningSTROKES retreat designed to rose wine will be included with ticket realign your mind, body, and spirit. purchase, and bar service will be available Sept. 26, 9-10:30 a.m. $23.27-$33.98. through the evening. Oct. 3, 5 p.m. $108.97. my805tix.com. TheARTS Portal at Living Energy, my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 649 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 433-7685. (805) 595-7280. SCIENCE AFTER DARK AUGUST: SEA PIONEER RESEARCH STRATEGIES: OTTER NIGHT Join us for local wine and WILDERNESS TRAILS AND NORTH heavy appetizers from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. CAROLINA SCOTS-IRISH Explore while you tour the aquarium. Coffee, tea Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Trail and and desserts upstairs to follow with our North Carolina Scots-Irish settlers with guest speakers beginning at 7 p.m. Genealogist Luana Darby. Oct. 3, 10 a.m.Sept. 29, 5:30-8 p.m. $23.27-$33.98. 12:30 p.m. Free. slocgs.org. Online, my805tix.com. Central Coast Aquarium, See website, Arroyo Grande. 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7280. PISMO BEACH MAYOR CANDIDATES’ FORUM Hear directly from the SCOUTING AMERICA LOS PADRES candidates for Pismo Beach Mayor at COUNCIL’S 2026 BOOTS AND BLINGS this League of Women Voters of SLO CELEBRATION Scouting America Los County Candidates’ Forum. Sept. 30, Padres Council honors Rahul Vinchhi, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Pismo Beach City Dignity Health clinical operations director, Council Chambers, 760 Mattie Road, and Jarrett Prichard, SLO County IT supervisor, for leadership and service. Pismo Beach, (805) 773-4657, lwv.org/ local-leagues/lwv-san-luis-obispo-county. Oct. 2, 6-10 p.m. $150. (805) 967-0105. scoutingevent.com/053-110071. Cypress POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS Ridge Pavilion, 1050 Cypress Ridge A docent-led tour of the buildings Parkway, Arroyo Grande. and grounds of the historic Point San STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong Luis Light Station. Check website for boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach. EPIC DJ TRIVIA Don’t miss DJ Trivia. It’s free to play, and prizes for the top three teams will be awarded. Bring your family and friends! Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. Grover Station Grill, 170 W Grand Ave #101, Grover Beach, (805) 489-3030, EpicDJTrivia.com.
Spread the word!
for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO
(805) 548-0597. ecologistics.org/ccbconference-2026/. Traceland Organics, 1550 Negranti Road, Morro Bay. CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo. FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. FROM PULLMAN TO SOUL TRAIN Celebrate the civil rights history of Pullman porters and maids aboard a vintage Pullman lounge car with food, dancing, and a modern Soul Train vibe. Sept. 26, 5-10 p.m. $75. (805) 619-5354. naacpslocty.org. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo. GATHER ON THE GREEN AT CHAMISAL VINEYARDS Gather on the Green brings live local music, food vendors, lawn games, and Chamisal wines to the Edna Valley. No reservations are required, there is communal seating. First Friday of every month, 5-7 p.m. through Oct. 2 Free. (805) 541-9463. chamisalvineyards.com. Chamisal Vineyards, 7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP The Healing Depression Support Group is a safe place to share with others who are suffering from or have recovered from the pain of depression. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Jan. 11 Free. (805) 528-3194. 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. HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING Our next in-person training will take place in San Luis Obispo on three consecutive Fridays. Join for our September training! Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 5406020. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. NATURE SUNDAY: UNDERGROUND Join Gretchen Renshaw, assisted by Barb Renshaw and Jeff Reifel, for a talk and workshop on soils and plant nutrition. Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
2026 FALL FOLK-N-SOAK MUSIC, HOT SPRINGS, YOGA, AND CAMPING REUNION Franklin Hot Springs, in Paso Robles, California, will host the Folk-nSoak Music Reunion!! Enjoy music from Christopher Hawley each day, as well as many other artists, while you soak in hot springs. Please join in the fun!! Oct. 2, 4 p.m., Oct. 3, 4 p.m. and Oct. 4, 6 p.m. $35. my805tix.com. Franklin Hot Springs, 3015 Creston Rd., Paso Robles. 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. ADOPT A KITTEN EVENT: FELINE NETWORK OF THE CENTRAL COAST Head to this Adopt A Kitten Event! Adopt two for the price of one. All are fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped! Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 549-9228. PetSmart, 1530 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo. ASTRONOMY NIGHT AND STARGAZING Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided viewing hosted by the Central Coast Astronomy Society. Oct. 3, 7-9 p.m. $10. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo. ASTRONOMY NIGHT AND STARGAZING WITH THE CENTRAL COAST ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided viewing hosted by the Central Coast Astronomy Society. Oct. 3, 12-9 p.m. $10. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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. CC BIONEERS PRE-CONFERENCE FIELD TRIP Tour the avocado orchard, passion fruit trellis, white sapote, asparagus, and coffee and banana agroforestry alley cropping systems. This will be a spectacular demonstration of agroecology in action. Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-noon $10. CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 14
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Serving Your Employment Law Needs Throughout California www.santamariasun.com • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • Sun • 13
Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 13 SEPTEMBER SCRAMBLE There will be more than 20 obstacles built over a 0.75 mile path throughout the golf course. The course will challenge the kids’ imaginations and abilities. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $15. (805) 781-7305. slorecactivities.org. Laguna Lake Golf Course, 11175 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo. THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing weekly fresh flower market, open to the public. Enjoy the historic gardens with local blooms from nine local flower farmers. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Nov. 5. Free. sloflowercollective.com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., 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. TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252. TRUNKS OF TREASURE 2026 Join us at our annual event! All proceeds directly benefit the over 40 programs TransitionsMental Health Association provides on the Central Coast. Sept. 27, 2-5 p.m. $100. givebutter.com/c/tt2026. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. ZOMBIE INVASION SLO: ONE MILE OR 5K WALK & RUN FOR CENTRAL COAST AUTISM SPECTRUM CENTER Participate in this one-mile/5k untimed walk or run with obstacles and optional Zombies chasing after you! This is an annual non-profit fundraiser for the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center. Oct. 3, 10 a.m.1 p.m. $25. (805) 704-3198. signupgenius. com. Camp San Luis Obispo, Camp SLO, San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
CAMBRIA SCARECROW FESTIVAL This October, returning favorites and brandnew scarecrows transform Cambria and San Simeon into a whimsical wonderland. Discover hundreds of creative creatures all month long! Sept. 30-Oct. 31 Free. cambriascarecrows.com. Cambria Scarecrow Festival, PO Box 1223, Cambria, (818) 399-5319.
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 4, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLA SLO
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html. WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY The Waterfront Market returns for its 9th summer season in Morro Bay. This open-air market features over 30 local vendors from SLO County. Through Oct. 4, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Free. (805) 402-9437. facebook.com/ waterfrontmarketmorrobayca. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach. SAN LUIS OBISPO
FOOD & DRINK
SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS
BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15$30. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. PRESQU’ILE’S ANNUAL TRI-TIP COOK-OFF The annual Santa Maria Tri-Tip Cookoff at Presqu’ile is a communityfavorite celebration of Central Coast barbecue and local flavor. This year’s event brings together several standout teams of master grillers, including last year’s winners, the Santa Maria Grill Masters, and newcomers, Priedite. Taste through each grill team’s spin on Santa Maria-style Tri-Tip, and enjoy all the fixin’s from Estate Chef Julie Simon, before casting your vote to help crown this year’s People’s Choice Tri-Tip Winner! Oct. 4, 12-3 p.m. $50. presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
DEAR DOLLY
In honor of Dolly Parton, spend the evening decorating art frames and shadow boxes with paint, collage, and plenty of sparkles on Friday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Hola SLO. The group will listen to her music and enjoy a drink while creating art. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Pacheco Elementary School for the purchase of bilingual children’s books. Head to my805tix.com for more information. —A.S. SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. SOURDOUGH AT GROWING GROUNDS FARM Urban Homesteadings, your local female veteran owned sourdough specialty shop is at GrowingGroundsFarm.org. Veterans and first responders get a free cookie! Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. through June 30 Free. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings. com. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria. TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the
complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y
SOURDOUGH AT BUELLTON FARMER’S MARKET Shop from Urban Homesteadings, the female, veteranowned sourdough specialty shop, at Buellton Farmer’s Market. Mondays, 3-7 p.m. through Oct. 5. Free. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, Buellton. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
CAKE A-PALOOZA A Celebration of Cake at the SLO Botanical Garden! Join us for a delightful cake picnic featuring live music, drinks, and activities for all ages! Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $25. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org/cakeapalooza/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. SLO OKTOBERFEST This is SLO County’s biggest and best Oktoberfest. A variety of food and beer vendors will be here for your Oktoberfesting pleasure. And of course real German beer, food, music, contests and games. Oct. 3, 1-5 p.m. $60.76. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA Join us for trivia every Thursday evening, hosted by Bottlecraft! Enjoy prizes, beer, wine, and food from the Market Hall! Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo. WEDNESDAY NIGHT PUB TRIVIA Bring your thinking cap as questions vary from pop culture, geography, to sports. There is a little for everyone. Prizes for the winning teams. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. (805) 439-2529. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
WINEMAKER’S DINNER FEATURING CUTRUZZOLA VINEYARDS Join us for an unforgettable evening at Cambria Pines Lodge as we welcome Cutruzzola Vineyards for a signature Winemaker’s Dinner in our outdoor Pavilion Garden. Sept. 27, 5:30-8 p.m. $130. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday
evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. LIVE 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. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria. OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria. STOCKYARD SUMMER AND FALL CONCERTS FEATURING B & THE HIVE Oct. 3, 1 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt. SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com. YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
BASIN STREET REGULARS SUNDAY JAZZ CONCERT | ST. JOHN’S
MUSIC continued page 17
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www.santamariasun.com • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • Sun • 15
Sausalito Boat Show
FRIDAY, SEPT 25-SUNDAY, SEPT 27
Three Speckled Hens Vintage Market
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito
Fundamentals of Improv
San Luis Obispo Oktoberfest
FRI & SAT, OCTOBER 2 & 3
The Rock, SLO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
Paso Robles Event Center
Scenes & Skills
Morro Bay Comedy Night with Patrick Riley
&
Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO
Improv Extravaganza
Dolly Parton Art Frames
NOW - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Atascadero Printery Foundation
TUES, SEPT 15 - TUES, OCT 20 The Bunker SLO
WED, SEPT 16 - WED, OCT 21 The Bunker SLO
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Nauti Anchor Bar & Restaurant, Morro Bay
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 The Bunker SLO
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 845 Higuera St, Hola SLO
Lost to the Void
Modern Love: The David Bowie Experience
The Frights - You are Going to Hate This Tour FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 The Rock, SLO
PUSH! Live at the Pour House
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 The Pour House, Paso Robles
Laughs on the Coast
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Old Town Biergarten, Orcutt
Sacred Sounds Portal
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Portal at Living Energy, Pismo Beach
Hart Movie Night 2026
River Access, Heart Container, Hot Brothers & Sounding SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 The Bunker SLO
The Jammies Are Back!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 The Pour House, Paso Robles
Giafunni’s Stand-Up Comedy
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Giavanni’s Pizza, Santa Maria
Fortunate Youth
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 The Rock, SLO
St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Pismo Beach Vets Memorial Building
Science After Dark: Sea Otter Night
Bella White
Plant Bingo with Peaceful Plants
Groundation plus The Quasi Kings
Nekrogoblikon, Rivers of Nihil, Cyborg Octopus
The Rat Utopia Experiment
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Humdinger Brewing, SLO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Parr Wines, Cambria
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach
Central Coast Bioneers Conference
THURS-SAT, OCTOBER 1-3 Pavilion on the Lake, Atascadero
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Rock Yard, Atascadero
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 The Rock, SLO
Brass Mash First Friday
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 The Rock, SLO
16 • Sun • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Kula Hawaiian Kitchen, Atascadero
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 The Rock, SLO
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 The Rock, SLO
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 No Quarter, Atascadero
Moonshiner Collective Under the Moon Concert
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 Dairy Creek Golf Course, SLO
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Best of SLO County Winners Party
If I Only Had a Song
FRIDAY, MAY 8 The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach
NMF Smoke Show Burnout Competition
Redwings 35th Anniversary Benefit Gala
Santa Margarita Ranch
Paso Robles Event Center
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
BOATS AND BACKROADS
See the work of John Mack, the native Californian and artist, whose fine art watercolors are on display at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay through Tuesday, Sept. 29. Mack, whose art career started after serving in the U.S. Army Corps during WWII, now paints scenes inspired by taking Central Coast backroads with his wife, Virginia. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. More details can be found at galleryatmarinasquare.com. —A.S.
MUSIC from page 14 RIVERBOAT JAZZ BAND Celebrate 50 years of swinging jazz as the Basin Street Regulars Jazz Collective keeps its monumental golden anniversary season rolling on the Central Coast! We are bringing two generations of hot traditional jazz from the Central Valley straight to the Pismo Beach stage. Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach. SWEET SEASONS PRESENTS: A CAROLE KING TRIBUTE Seasoned tribute artist Carla Buffa has assembled an excellent group to pay homage to Carole King’s legend with a show that includes all the hits! Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. $49.50-$59.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO
BELLA WHITE LIVE The third album from Bella White, A Sign In The Weather, is a body of work steeped in the lifealtering magic of its origins. Hear her live at SLO Brew! Sept. 29, 7 p.m. $26.36. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS: RIVER ACCESS, HEART CONTAINER, HOT
BROTHERS AND SOUNDING LIVE Sept. 26, 6:30-9:45 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. BURLEY THISTLES Burley Thistles will deliver a set of etching music, a wily worldview, and radio-ready sound. Sept. 25, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Frog & Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-4764, frogandpeachpub.com. FOR GOODNESS SAKE: A BENEFIT FOR CHANDLER For Goodness Sake, a fundraising benefit for our dear friend and brother, Chandler Haynes. Banding together Sept 26th to help support Chandler in his recent diagnosis of end stage renal failure. The goal is to help ease some of his financial burdens while he waits for a kidney match. Let’s do what this community does best and rally. This line up is going to be a fun one and you don’t want to miss it. Sept. 26, 5-11 p.m. $19.46. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. FORTUNATE YOUTH From backyard BBQs in Southern California beach towns to its rise as one of the most popular reggae-rock bands in the country, Fortunate Youth remains devoted to its roots and a simple mission: Spread peace, love, and unity with music. Sept. 27, 7 p.m. $37.07. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock,
CLIP & SAVE!
SUNDAY, MAY 10 Community Presbyterian, Cambria
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. THE FRIGHTS LIVE Sept. 25, 7 p.m. $36.98. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. GROUNDATION LIVE Sept. 30, 7 p.m. $33.86. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. LOST TO THE VOID LIVE Sept. 25, 6-10:30 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Step into a glamorous night on the red carpet as we celebrate 30 years of inspiring performances, artistic excellence, and community connection at the PAC! Sept. 26, 7:30-11:30 p.m. $75-$96. (805) 756-4849. pacslo.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. SAN LUIS OBISPO WIND ORCHESTRA: “AUTUMN RADIANCE” Jennifer Martin conducts as the San Luis Obispo Wind Orchestra kicks off its season with music that is evocative of the fall. Sept. 27, 3 p.m. $10-$33. (805) 546-3198. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo. m
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First Fridays Comedy Alec Ob
SLO Tease: Corsets & Curiosities
Fall Folk-n-Soak Reunion
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 Decades HiFi Lounge, Atascadero
FRI & SAT, OCTOBER 2 & 3 S. Bay Comm Center, Baywood-Los Osos
FRI-SUN, OCTOBER 2-4 Franklin Hot Springs, Paso Robles
Oceans of Pride
Ultimate Funny Competition
The Young Dubliners: All Over the Gaff Tour
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 The Bunker SLO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 The Pour House, Paso Robles
Yoga’ssage
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Let’s Get Tuned Sound & Yoga Studio, Morro Bay
Red-Wine Roundup
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 Loading Chute Restaurant, Creston
The Bends with special guest Margot Sinclair
Central Coast Cooking Show
Serenity Sound Journey
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 The Rock, SLO
INSPIRED BY NATURE ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION
OCTOBER 3, 1:30PM Live Piano • Refreshments, People's Choice Voting Fine Arts & Crafts For Sale
Santa Maria Public Library 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria (805) 614-0806 • smnaturalhistory.org IG @santamarianhm
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 Idlers Home, Paso Robles
Santa Maria Public Library 421 S. McClelland Street Santa Maria POWERED BY:
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 La Lomita Ranch, SLO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Parr Wines, Cambria
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www.santamariasun.com • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • Sun • 17
Arts ARTS BRIEFS Cabrillo High’s aquarium gets a fresh mural
COURTESY IMAGE BY COLLEEN GNOS
INFO
CALENDAR
Sewn in style
ART SCENE COURTESY PHOTO BY MIKE MESIKEP
OPINION
NEWS
Meet the Solvang seamstress who makes dresses for Danish Days maids year after year STROKES
BY MADISON WHITE
W
New additions at the Cabrillo High School Aquarium include seals and dolphins. However, instead of swimming around in tanks, they’re painted on the building’s interior walls. San Luis Obispo County artist Colleen Gnos began working this spring to refresh her original kelp forest mural in the aquarium, this time adding in some Chumash history. Chris Ladwig, a Cabrillo High graduate turned teacher, has been an aquarium adviser for 13 years. He said it’s “really cool” that Gnos blended cultural elements with the ecology. “In the foreground there’s a Chumash tumult. … Then there’s some fishermen in the tumult that she actually modeled off of real faces,” Ladwig told the Sun. “Below them in the water they’ve got some of their abalone-shell hooks for fishing, and then there’s also a diver down below, too.” The project was funded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Ladwig said, and the depictions were informed by local tribal members after the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 2024. Scheduled to be unveiled on Sept. 23, the new art is part of the aquarium’s 40th anniversary celebration. The next open house, Sharktoberfest, is on Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Find more information about the Lompoc aquarium, located at 4350 Constellation Road, online at cabrillohighschoolaquarium.org.
Angelina LaPointe crowdfunds for her 2027 wildlife calendar
COURTESY IMAGE BY ANGELINA LAPOINTE
Lompoc block printer Angelina LaPointe is hoping to carry on a 10-year tradition of making her annual calendar of California flora and fauna. But first, her project needs to reach its financial goal. Her Kickstarter campaign must raise $3,500 before Oct. 16 or it’s a no-go. Crowdfunders will only be charged if the project reaches its goal to become fully funded, and they’d receive their calendars in November or December. In a video of her work on the campaign site, LaPointe said the project began because she wanted to document the diverse beauty of the landscapes she grew up in. “What started as a modest, personal project has grown into an ongoing, interconnected body of work sustained by the input, encouragement, and financial backing of this community,” LaPointe said in an email to the Sun. Known for combining creativity and nature, LaPointe’s designed her 2026 calendar to feature animals that live near her home in the Sta. Rita Hills. Working from photos and videos, the artist draws and carves a block, which ends up inked and printed using a 130-year-old letterpress. To donate and learn more about the Kickstarter campaign, visit kickstarter.com/projects/sidecarpress/sidecar-presscalendar-2027-california-wildlife. Find LaPointe on Instagram @sidecarpress. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send all things cool and creative to mwhite@santamariasun.com.
itnesses to Roberta Skidmore’s ARTS Showtime! creativity have learned to trust her Send gallery, stage, process. Even the dressmaker’s and cultural festivities to husband, Kevin. mwhite@santamariasun.com. “You see this pile of material, and you go, ‘How are they going to do anything together until after Kevin with this?’” Kevin told the Sun. “And then she returned home from serving finishes it, and you go, ‘Oh my God!’” in the Navy. Many of those who wear Roberta’s creations Roberta always had an are young women elected to be Danish maids, interest in fashion design. the faces of Solvang’s Danish Days parade. Her mom taught her sewing They’re usually in for a surprise, too. through 4-H and Roberta “It’s fun to see their reactions from this pile of continued lessons in high fabric and trim and everything to the finished SETTLED IN SOLVANG: Roberta (left) and Kevin (right) Skidmore were the grand marshals during this year’s Danish Days parade. school. product,” Roberta said. “Then, having it on. It They’ve lived in the valley for almost five decades, and Roberta has “It’s something that if I’d can be very emotional.” consistently made dresses for the Danish Days maids since 2002. had patience and the money, Despite having a regular presence at Danish I probably would have Days as attendees, this was the first year the pursued more after high school. Just, I didn’t Skidmores were grand marshals of the parade Sticking with tradition want to put the time into that. Went right to during the celebration from Sept. 18 to 20. To learn more about the Danish Days celebration, visit Roberta declined the offer when she was asked in work instead,” Roberta remembered. solvangdanishdays.org. Next year’s festival will be the 90th She never let go of her hobby. In 1985 Roberta years past, but not this time. anniversary. made her first costume for Danish Days maid “It really is an honor to be recognized for Jennifer Johnson, who’s now on the board for the something like that,” Roberta said. “I’m not a “There were a lot of unique little pieces that festival. The two worked together at the time, get out there and be in the middle of everything I was able to incorporate into her costume. and Johnson asked Roberta for a dress. kind of a person. I kind of like being in the It’s awesome because without putting these Then, another woman asked Roberta to start background.” onto her costume, they just sit in a drawer making dresses for her family, and by 1995, the Kevin said he teared up when his wife was seamstress was regularly making them for locals. somewhere and never really get pulled out, so asked to be a grand marshal. this way everybody can see. It’s real special,” In 2002, she started creating the Danish Days “This is all about her. I’m just the husband,” maids’ dresses nearly every year. There have only Roberta explained. he said. Many young women want pieces of their been a handful of exceptions. The designer was They planned to have two of their grandkids join them in the parade. Roberta made matching excited about her new role but was worried about family history and Danish heritage fastened into offending the dressmaker who’d previously done their dresses. Sewing in the materials that have green dresses for her and their granddaughter, the work. complete with a “very vintage pink and green been passed down preserves the history, Roberta “It’s kind of a pride that you really take print for the aprons,” she said. said, rather than keeping it tucked away. honor in being asked to do this, or at least I do,” Kevin’s outfit featured silver and gold, while Before sewing anything, Roberta meets with Roberta said. “So, I would imagine she felt the their younger grandson requested neon yellow, the maid and discusses the design. She’ll sketch same way, and I was hoping it didn’t offend her which Roberta inserted into the lining of his mock-ups, consult with a Danish historian, and that someone else had been asked to do it.” costume to entice him to join them in the look through any available old family photos for Roberta always asks each maid if she has a parade. inspiration. family member who she’d rather make the dress The couple has lived in the same Solvang Roberta and the young woman will settle on because it’s such a personal milestone. home for 47 years, and both grew up in the a fabric and go shopping. Even amid the historic “For these girls, it’s almost like their wedding Santa Ynez Valley. They knew each other in high elements, this is where modern clothing must dress at the time,” she said. “It’s their first really school through mutual friends but didn’t get differ from Danish tradition. COURTESY PHOTO BY MIKE MESIKEP custom-made special dress.” “It’s much warmer here than it is in Denmark. Roberta said she had the costume for this Fabrics are getting harder and harder to find, year’s maid, Ainsley Haws, completed by the so that becomes an issue,” Roberta said. “They Fourth of July. used to use wool, and I can’t imagine how heavy Pops of red stand out from Haws’ white dress, those dresses were.” with fine details throughout. Roberta used lace When they strike out locally, they improvise. tablecloth for a shawl, added some trim lace, and “If they can’t find the material, then we’re in cross-stitched needlework on the back of Haws’ LA or San Francisco,” Kevin said. hat. Once everything is gathered and measured, COURTESY PHOTO BY CARL BARTH Roberta will sit down to work her magic. The only payment she receives is happiness from practicing her craft. “Just the process of the drawing to actual finished product is amazing to me,” Roberta described. “It’s engineering. It’s math. It’s the whole works. It’s the creativity, but with a lot of structure as well.” Kevin has a front-row seat to his wife’s passion and drive, supporting her where he can. He has no doubt that she’s a fine artist. “I just built a new sewing room for her that’s a 16-by-20, and she has everything now,” he said. “It was her dream her whole life, and so now she has heating, air conditioning, set lights, hardwood floors, power just for [an] THE LATEST IN LINE: Ainsley Haws, the 2026 iron and one for a sewing machine. She’s FULL CIRCLE: Jennifer Johnson (left) was the first Danish Days maid, spent time with seamstress got everything that she can imagine.” m Roberta Skidmore this summer to pick out the materials for her dress and important design elements.
18 • Sun • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
Danish Days maid who Roberta Skidmore made a dress for in 1985. Both women still attend the festival, like Johnson seen here 40 years later.
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.
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Film
SUN SCREEN
Animagic
to the choreography. It’s pretty darn cute. Anna: Cute is the right word for this claymation creation. I love how sometimes you can even see the teve Cox and Matthew Walker direct this fingerprints from the makers still in the faces script by Mark Burton and Giles Pilbrow of their works of art. Not having discernable about a new misadventure at Mossy language is a brilliant tool to make the film Bottom Farm. When the farmer (voiced by John accessible and enjoyable for even its youngest Sparkes) accidently trashes the sheep’s beloved viewers. We sat in front of a group of kids pumpkin patch just as Halloween approaches, who were totally jazzed to watch the antics Shaun (voiced by Justin Fletcher) turns mad of Shaun and his flock, and all of the nods to scientist to make things right, but instead his experiment leads to a wild creature roaming the other films and pop-culture references meant the adults got to have a bit countryside. (80 min.) of fun too. Shaun’s farmer is balding, and boy is he insecure Glen: I’m a big fan of the SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE about it. When the sheep’s Wallace & Gromit franchise, BEAST OF MOSSY BOTTOM secret pumpkin patch gets but this is the first Shaun the What’s it rated? PG destroyed and Shaun lets Sheep spinoff I’ve seen, and it’s What’s it worth, Anna? Full price his inner mad scientist take just as charming and sweet as What’s it worth, Glen? Full price over, he accidentally develops the claymation franchise from Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards something the farmer sees as which it sprang. Aardman RPX Santa Maria, Regal Edwards a miracle—and soon his now Animations does wonders with Arroyo Grande luxurious head of hair has these lumps of clay that are so taken over his life. The film expressive via facial expression is silly, and within its 80-minute run time, it’s and body language. Down on Mossy Bottom packed with fun action as Shaun desperately Farm, the farmer is pining for the lady vet (voiced by Nina Sosanya). It seems a little weird tries to right his mistake. I hope the Palm Theatre sees many more groups of kids come to say “voiced by” because these characters through the doors for this film—it’s a bunch of don’t have any dialogue, just murmurs and fun. wordless exclamations. That’s part of the joy Glen: Watching it with a group of kids in of these films—they’re very visual, and they’re attendance made it more fun. One little boy packed with sight gags and references that kids noted that he used to watch the Shaun the probably won’t get, like nods to Frankenstein Sheep TV series “when he was little.” Um, dude, (1931), Psycho (1960), the Friday the 13th you’re, like, 6 years old. The mom herding this series, and Big Foot mythology, not to mention Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video, right down group of kids directed them to “cover your eyes”
COURTESY PHOTO BY RICHARD DAVIES/AADRMAN ANIMATIONS LIMITED
S
IT’S SCIENCE! After the farm’s beloved pumpkin patch is destroyed, Shaun (voiced by Justin Fletcher) heads to the lab to fix the problem, unwittingly conjuring a monster, in Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, screening in local theaters.
when a trailer for The Exorcist (1973) came on to advertise the Palm’s Flickerhead Friday series. During The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the kids laughed at all the right places and seemed to love the film, and they were heading for ice cream next. That’s a pretty good Saturday afternoon for the wee tykes. The film’s also playing in Paso Robles, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, and Santa Maria, so wherever you go, expect to laugh. It’s so packed with so many gags that I’m sure I missed some, so I’ll watch it again one day, guaranteed.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STUDIOCANAL
FUZE
What’s it rated? R When? 2025 Where’s it showing? HBO Max David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) directs this heist flick about a World War II-era bomb unearthed at a London construction site, leading to chaos. Chief Superintendent Zuzana Greenfield (Gugu MbathaRaw) leads her police department to evacuate the area while a military bomb disposal unit led by Maj. Will Tranter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) works to defuse the unexploded ordnance. Meanwhile, Giorgos “George” Karalis (Theo James) and his crew, including “X” (Sam Worthington), are using the evacuation to furiously breach a basement wall to access a bank vault. Naturally, there’s more going on beneath the MISDIRECTION: Old-school heist film, Fuze, stars surface. You may wonder, for instance, why the film Aaron Taylor-Johnson (pictured) and Theo James in this spends so much time on Rahim (Elham Ehsas) and slick and slippery British film, streaming on HBO Max. his family, who were evacuated from their apartment. Not to fear, the film gets around to connecting all suspect something is afoot in the evacuated area. the dots in a flashback, which might lead to thoughts of lazy With plenty of high-octane action and deft directions from writing, but I found the entire film entertaining and gripping. Mackenzie, this one’s worth your time if you’re into “guy” flicks. There’s no denying the charisma of the leads: Taylor(98 min.) Johnson, James, and Worthington are all watchable. Mbatha—Glen Raw is also a strong, competent presence who begins to
Anna: What a great reminder to throw Wallace & Gromit up on the screen when I’m feeling a bit low. They always manage to bring cheer. One kid even did a Wallace impression before the start. I can easily see Shaun the Sheep becoming part of that mix, it’s just as charming— especially when you’re looking for something that doesn’t require following dialogue. m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
DEATH OF THE PASTOR’S WIFE
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix Mica, 13, met John Paul (JP), 28, when her family started attending Solid Rock Church. She was devout and eager to participate in her new community with JP. While Mica went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Jeremey, she continued to work closely with JP as his assistant. It soon became clear the two didn’t merely have a working relationship. Both their marriages fell apart as their affair became evident. What follows is red flag after red flag of coercive control by JP, and by cutting in parts of his own sermons, we see that his belief in wifely submissiveness is not just biblically required, but an act of true faith. He’s incredibly gross, a man using the guise of God to assert control over Mica and his church. While Mica’s death was officially ruled a suicide, the how and why she was driven to such a sad end falls solely on her abuser and husband. Get ready to be infuriated. I yelled, “What is wrong with this man?” several times throughout the series. As someone who grew up in a toxic religious culture, it’s maddening how pedestrian this kind of abuse becomes in those communities. (three 43-to-48-min. episodes) m —Anna
CONTROLLED? Death of the Pastor’s Wife, streaming on Netflix, explores the mysterious death of Mica Miller, whose patriarchal pastor husband made their marriage toxic.
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Eats
COFFEE PHOTOS BY MADISON WHITE
MINI VERSIONS: Small sweet breads at Canela Café are baked at a bakery in Salinas and delivered fresh to the Santa Maria shop.
GREETINGS AT THE DOOR: Anthony Ruiz owns Canela Café with his brother Frankie, serving coffees, matcha drinks, and aguas frescas with a focus on exceptional customer service.
Cinnamon on top Canela Café serves sweet bread and espresso for Santa Maria and beyond
BY MADISON WHITE
T
ikTok led Marisa Gomez to discover a Mexican coffee shop located roughly an hour from where she lives. She, along with many others, travels great distances to the rinconcito for colorful sweet breads, elaborate latte flavors, and the café’s signature aesthetic cups. It’s all very Instagrammable, but for Gomez, the lure runs deeper than that. The Atascadero resident’s favorite part about Canela Café—which rebranded and opened its doors in March—is that it sells coffee and Mexican sweet bread, unlike other places that are known for one or the other. “Being from the Hispanic culture, I feel like they have a focus on the sweet bread,” Gomez told the Sun while sipping an iced coffee outside the shop. “That’s part of the culture, so I feel like that’s my favorite part.” One recent September morning marked her second trip to Canela Café. Gomez ordered an iced banana bread latte, her top pick at the moment. Inside her cup, caramel sauce dripped down the sides, enveloping espresso, oat milk, brown sugar, and hazelnut.
Influenced?
Find Canela Café at 230 E. Betteravia Road, suite D, in Santa Maria. It’s open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. See the menu online at canelacafe.com and get updates on Instagram @canelaa_cafe.
Silky banana cold foam and cinnamon floated on top. Gomez said she’s loved all of the sweet breads so far, but she’s especially drawn to the conchas. “Who doesn’t love a sweet bread with coffee?” Gomez said. “And then the variety of flavors. I just feel the whole atmosphere is very inviting, so we love it because we don’t have that over there [in Atascadero].” The banana bread latte is one of owner Anthony Ruiz’s personal creations and is easily one of the café’s best sellers, he said. Ruiz and his brother Frankie own Canela Café together, but the business started out as a franchise of a different Mexican coffee shop last year. They decided to rebrand as an independent business and reopened in the spring. “It just went from zero to 100,” Ruiz said. His family’s construction background helped with the total refresh of the interior space. They changed the counters, walls, and the lighting. Ruiz is a resin artist, so he redid the floors with a gray and white artistic swirl. Closing for a couple of days to do the remodel caused some confusion among customers, but they were there to show support after Canela Café officially opened. “That’s why I have probably a lot of sentimental [value] in it because I’ve been here both times,” Ruiz said about
22 • Sun • September 24 - October 1, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
make big ones. But tiny ones, micro “I don’t think there’s something on the two eras. “Through our renovations, in the middle of the night, getting home my menu that I don’t like,” Ruiz said. size, and with the same flavor and stuff Canela Café sells just about as many like that? No.” at 3, 4 in the morning. Seventeen-hour matchas as it does cups of coffee. shifts, 19-hour shifts and then still After the long nights and chaotic The matcha bar includes add-ons having to drive 2.5 hours home.” mornings, Ruiz said, everything like horchata, vanilla, Duvalín, and Venturing out on their own was a worked out for a reason. While they’ve big risk, but Ruiz said it’s been amazing Mazapán. been “blessed by the Santa Maria “We get premium matcha. We have so far. He still lives in his hometown of community” so far, Ruiz sees more a direct source from Japan. It’s a very Salinas and visits Canela three times achievements on the horizon. high-end menu,” Ruiz explained. “As a week. “I feel that people haven’t discovered well as our food. Our food [menu] is Ruiz takes pride in having us yet,” Ruiz said. “I know we can do very small. … We have avocado toast, assembled a hardworking team. more. Well, at least I believe. I want to caprese toast, three-cheese grilled They smile at every guest who walks dream. I want to believe it.” m cheese, and a torta de jamón, and a through the door and offer cheerful greetings. The owner said that’s part of club. So, pretty simple.” Staff Writer Madison White Pastries are baked with great care why he gets regular customers from all recommends the banana bread latte. by a trusted baker in Salinas, and then over the Central Coast. Find her at mwhite@santamariasun.com. driven down to Santa Maria. The customer-service philosophy Puerquitos, cuernitos, sprinkle originated when he was growing up on cookies, pieces of cortadillo, the “east side of Salinas, very humbly,” Ruiz said. He and his siblings sold corn in and apricot cookies made up just the top row of the display a cup on a street corner with their dad. case in September. “Sometimes we would get people “Our bread is not your with bad days, just like we do here,” typical bread. … It’s a micro Ruiz said. “Us being kids, we didn’t dough, which is tiny. Not a know any better. My dad was like, ‘No, lot of people do them. One no, no. Do this. You do that.’” because they’re hard, and Mexican culture also plays a role second because it’s an art,” in his customer service. Ruiz said Ruiz said. “We call it artesanal that when he visits Mexico, he always because, like the cuernitos, experiences “tremendous” service. not anyone makes them. They “I told my brother, ‘When we open our business, that’s how we’re going to do it,’” Ruiz said. Even so, customers wouldn’t visit if they didn’t enjoy the food and drinks. Cold beverages were especially popular during the summer heat, Ruiz said. His team makes energy drinks, dirty sodas, and blended frappes. The jamaica raspberry and mango tango refreshers, or aguas frescas, are big hits, too. “Those are all fresh made. There’s no syrup,” Ruiz said of the refreshers. Specialty lattes come iced PUMPKIN SPICE AND or hot with flavors such as EVERYTHING NICE: Fall décor Mexican mocha and caramelo launched at Canela Café, along with COLD FOAM ON TOP: The banana bread a seasonal drink menu featuring a de leche. Canela Café recently latte is one of the most popular drinks at cold brew with pumpkin cold foam, launched its fall menu to bring Canela Café. Paired with a concha, it makes a pumpkin matcha or latte, and a some pumpkin spice into the for a great afternoon sweet treat. pumpkin chai latte. mix.
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