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Dog Stars: Navigating dystopia [20]

Historic

ruling Santa Maria judge says prosecutor violated Racial Justice Act [6]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

NEWS

County responds to grand jury overtime report [3]

ARTS

The Solvang Film Society [18]

EATS

Life of the San Juans [22]

Contents

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 VOL. 27 NO. 28

I

n a recent case, a Santa Barbara County public defender argued that when the District Attorney’s Office has “the option to punish more harshly, they do so disproportionately against people of color.” A Santa Maria Superior Court judge agreed with the statement enough to scale back the suggested life sentence of a man convicted of domestic violence by leaning on the Racial Justice Act, which went into effect in 2020. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the case, the arguments on both sides, and the act [6].

Also, find stories about the new payroll system that’s coming for Sheriff’s Office overtime issues [3]; one man’s quest to bring film back to the Santa Ynez Valley [18]; and the person behind a local food-focused Instagram account [22].

Camillia Lanham editor

A FIRST: A Santa Barbara County judge agreed with the public defender on a recent case, ruling that prosecutors violated the Racial Justice Act in a sentencing recommendation for a convicted domestic abuser.

Cover photo by Caleb Wiseblood > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

NEWS

News Briefs ..........................................................................3 Political Watch....................................................................3 Spotlight.................................................................................7

Commentary ........................................................................8 Letters .....................................................................................8 Web Poll .................................................................................8 Mayfield..................................................................................8 Canary ...................................................................................10

STORMWATER POLLUTION

Pick up after your pets.

Every time.

Los excrementos de perros crean contaminación de las aguas pluviales.

Siempre recoge los excrementos de tu perro sin falta.

Hot Stuff ................................................................................11

ARTS

Arts Briefs............................................................................18

OPINION

PET WASTE =

EVENTS CALENDAR

MOVIES

Reviews ...............................................................................20

000 SINCE 2

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805-347-1121 SantaMaria.AbbeyCarpet.com 2051 S. Broadway • Santa Maria Western Village Shopping Center LIC. 668152

News

➤ Eyed for prejudice [6]

September 3 - September 10, 2026

➤ Spotlight [7] FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

POLITICAL WATCH •On Aug. 27, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 917, designed to expand opportunities for small wineries seeking to sell wine and offer tastings at certified farmers markets. Drafted by state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), SB 917 modernizes previous California legislation which only allows winemakers to sell wine at farmers markets if it is produced exclusively from “estate-grown” grapes, meaning all grapes must be grown on-site. This requirement excludes many small and boutique wineries that source grapes from California growers. SB 917 would allow non-estate wineries to sell wine at farmers markets, ensuring more equitable access for small producers and giving local market operators greater flexibility to determine participation. The bill—sponsored by organizations like the Family Winemakers of California and the California Association of Winegrape Growers—encourages consumers to support locally made wine, strengthening small businesses and regional economies. “The passage of SB 917 is a win for California winemakers, grape growers, and consumers alike,” GinaLisa Tamayo, board president of Family Winemakers of California, said in an Aug. 27 statement. “We thank Sen. Laird for his leadership in removing outdated barriers surrounding the farmers market permit.” In an Aug. 27 release, Laird said he’s grateful Newsom “signed this commonsense measure” into law. “California’s wineries are hurting, and SB 917 delivers real relief,” Laird stated. “By cutting red tape and opening new markets, we’re giving small producers more opportunities to get their products directly to consumers.”

•U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) hosted a press conference on Aug. 21 to highlight a $20 million federal grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to benefit one of UC Santa Barbara’s advanced research labs. According to Carbajal’s office, the NSF grant will be used to create a remotely accessible, AIand robotics-enabled laboratory for discovering new polymers and soft materials. Researchers anywhere in the country will be able to design experiments online, have robots conduct the experiments on-site at UCSB, and receive and analyze the results without having to travel to the university. “The work conducted right here on the Central Coast will revolutionize materials research and lay the foundation for breakthroughs across many industries,” Carbajal stated, “from medicine and construction to advanced aerospace and energy technology.”

•Assembly Bill 2691, drafted by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), passed the state Legislature on Aug. 25. Designed to restrict convicted sex offenders and sex traffickers from holding elected offices in California, AB 2691 advanced to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. Addis described the legislation as a “first-in-the nation policy” in a statement. “For far too long, survivors have been silenced while watching their abusers seek public office and positions of power,” Addis stated. “[AB 2691] is about protecting and honoring survivors by permanently banning those who commit egregious felonies of sexual assault from running for office in California.” Under current California law, disqualifying convictions commonly referred to as “public trust” crimes are limited to offenses involving bribery, embezzlement of public funds, extortion, theft of public money, perjury, and conspiracy to commit these offenses. The proposed bill adds sexual assault and human sex trafficking to the list of disqualifying convictions to hold elected office in California and ensures that out-of-state and international convictions are included regardless of where the crimes were committed. AB 2691 specifically bans individuals who are permanently on the Sex Offender Registry list due to felony sex convictions, also known as Tier 3 felonies. According to Addis’ office, Newsom has a Sept. 30 deadline to sign the measure. m

EYES ON THE CLOCK: The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently discussed a grand jury report centered on the Sheriff’s Office’s “excessive” use of overtime in recent years and “ineffective” payroll system to track timecard data.

County replies to grand jury report on Sheriff’s overtime use Long-range plans to reboot the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office’s payroll system and decommission the South County jail aligned with recommendations from a recent grand jury report.

During its Aug. 25 meeting, the county Board of Supervisors discussed the report titled: “What’s up with overtime in the Sheriff’s Office?”

“The sheriff’s overtime excesses have been an issue for many years, but they have been particularly widely publicized and a focus of the Board of Supervisors this year,” the report stated.

“It has contributed to multi-million-dollar budget deficits for the county.”

Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann concurred at the board meeting.

“We talk about overtime it seems like almost every hearing,” Hartmann said. “All of us have borne some responsibility for the overtime issues that we face, and part of it is a structural issue with the timecards.”

As part of approving staff’s recommended responses to the grand jury report, the Board of Supervisors agreed with the jury that the Sheriff’s Office’s current payroll system is “ineffective” at tracking timecard activity and other overtime use data, and it’s in need of replacement.

“It does not allow the Sheriff’s Office to effectively track, analyze, or report regular hours and overtime for a dynamic and mobile workforce,” the grand jury report stated.

Nicole Parmelee, county CEO office principal analyst, summarized the board’s response to this finding as working toward the installation of Workday, a countywide payroll and human resources management system that staff is aiming to implement by the spring of 2028.

“The county is currently preparing a request for proposals (RFP) from Workday-certified companies for the implementation portion of the project,” Parmelee told the board. “While that’s currently underway, it is not feasible to expedite completion within the timeframe recommended by the grand jury.”

The jury’s request was for the county to implement a new payroll system by January 2027.

When Hartmann asked county staff for “a brief description” of how Workday will improve the county’s payroll routines, county AuditorController Betsy Schaffer said “just a lot of different ways of inputting data into the system, and better overall accessibility.”

“I just think people, the grand jury members,

may be watching,” Hartmann said. “They’d be curious where we are headed.”

“We’re still working on exactly how the system is going to be put together and the benefits of the system,” Schaffer said. “We do hope that there is better reporting.”

With the goal of encouraging the county to reduce overtime hours for sheriff’s deputies by closing the South County jail “as soon as possible,” the grand jury report also recommended that the board and Sheriff’s Office collaborate on a decommissioning plan.

Parmelee confirmed with the board that staff plans to bring back a South County jail decommissioning plan for supervisors to consider sometime in December.

“County stakeholders are currently creating a transition plan for consolidation of jail operations to include decommissioning the South County jail,” Parmelee said, adding that the item should return before the jury’s requested deadline of Dec. 31.

—Caleb Wiseblood

Santa Maria boosts security deposit assistance for renters Moving is stressful. It takes time, effort, and money.

“Imagine finding a place and needing that $3,000 deposit, and you know that you can do the month-to-month, but you don’t have that initial $3,000 because you’re living paycheck to paycheck,” Santa Maria’s community programs manager, Rosie Rojo, told the Sun. “By the time you’re able to save that $3,000—who knows how long it’s going to take you—and then that place is gone.”

Santa Maria can remove that burden for many locals. The city has been offering tenant based rental assistance since 2010, and in August, the Community Programs Division altered the guidelines to encourage more people to apply.

The maximum amount of aid is $3,000, up from $2,500, and residents can reapply every five years instead of every decade.

Renters don’t have to pay the city back.

Theoretically, they’ll receive the money from their landlord when they move out. Rojo said she hopes people recycle the funds to use for their next deposit.

“If the rents are going up, that means the deposits are going up, and we definitely don’t want to see people miss out on opportunities to move into a place because they don’t have enough for the deposit,” Rojo said.

Made possible by grant money from the

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program requires that the applicant’s household earns at maximum 60 percent of the local median income. In Santa Maria, that’s around $76,000 for an individual or $109,000 for a family of four.

“The reality is, most people do qualify,” Rojo said.

Additionally, the rental property must be in Santa Maria, Orcutt, or Tanglewood, and applicants must not have benefitted from the program in the past five years.

Previously it was a 10-year window before individuals could receive funds again. Rojo said it was a sufficient time frame during the pandemic, when people weren’t moving, but now they’re looking for new homes more frequently.

“We’re just trying to stay on top of the trends and also on top of the need. And again, because we have the funding source to do it, we’re able to make it less restrictive so that people are able to access the funding and be able to get into another place sooner rather than later,” Rojo said.

Applicants who are already served by the city’s partner agencies should apply through their caseworkers. It’s the most efficient method, Rojo explained. Referring organizations are the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, People’s Self-Help Housing, Partners in Housing Solutions, and Domestic Violence Solutions. Those who don’t have connections with a partner organization may apply through Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. “For example, let’s say somebody’s living at the shelter, and they found a place and need the rental deposit. The shelter already has all of their information, so it would be a duplication of effort for them now to come to us,” Rojo said.

Renters must provide three months of pay stubs and the rental agreement. Immigration status is not part of the application, Rojo added.

After a property inspection, the city will send the deposit directly to the landlord.

“It really does keep people in a home. It keeps people from having to find alternatives that may not be the best environment for them,” Rojo said.

“It’s a great program and one that we’ve had for 15 years and one that we’re really proud of. We’re so thankful that we still have the funding to be able to offer it.”

Individuals interested in learning more about the program can call the Community Programs Division at (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2118, for bilingual services or visit cityofsantamaria.org/ communityprograms.

—Madison White

NEWS continued page 4

www.santamariasun.com • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • Sun • 3

News NEWS from page 3

State sues Cuyama landowner for cost recovery from 2023 wildfire

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Old wounds in New Cuyama resurfaced with Cal Fire’s recent lawsuit to recoup the costs of fighting a 2023 wildfire from those allegedly responsible.

The state agency sued local landowner Wayne Goldwyn and “Does 1-50” on Aug. 14 for $3.3 million for effectively setting the 5,400-acre fire “through negligence and violations of law.” “[Goldwyn’s] failure to properly and safely maintain the property, electric lines and equipment, and vegetation caused or contributed to the Plaint Fire,” State Attorney General Rob Bonta wrote in court documents.

“That failure was a substantial factor in proximately causing Cal Fire’s damages.”

While Bonta’s 10-page complaint refers to the incident 60 times as “the Plaint Fire,” plaintiff Cal Fire dubbed it the Plant Fire in 2023.

Reported as starting on Aug. 19, 2023, near where Aliso Park and Foothill roads intersect near New Cuyama, the Plant Fire lasted 11 days, according to Cal Fire’s website. It burned through more than 60 properties and destroyed eight uninhabited structures.

Bonta’s lawsuit is more specific about the fire’s origin, pinpointing its starting point “approximately 5 feet north of the property line shared with 2001 Aliso Park [Road] … adjacent to four aerial electrical conductors.”

The suit names Goldwyn as the parcel’s property owner, while describing “Does 1-50” as either employees of or individuals “engaged in a joint venture” with Goldwyn “and in doing the acts alleged.”

“Fire investigators observed sycamore tree branches from trees located on defendants’ property overhanging, intruding into, and/or contacting the electrical conductors southwest and southeast of [the fire’s origin point],” Bonta explained. “Electric arcing due to electrical equipment failures on and around power lines and nearby vegetation is a known cause of fires.”

Bonta alleges that Goldwyn and other defendants failed to “mitigate or remove the reasonably foreseeable fire hazards that electrical lines, equipment, and vegetation presented” at Goldwyn’s property on Aliso Park Road.

“When electric arcing occurs near a receptive fuel bed such as vegetation, it is foreseeable that the electrical discharge may eject sparks, molten metal, and/or hot material into the adjacent vegetation and cause a fire,” Bonta stated. “Fire investigators observed multiple areas of damage, … consistent with arc events due to conductor-to-conductor contact.

“The arcing event(s) generated heat, sparks, and/or molten metal,” Bonta continued, “and ignited the Plaint Fire.”

The Sun reached out to Cal Fire’s media line, as well as Attorney General’s Office attorneys Michael Zarro and Ross Hirsch for comment on the recent litigation but did not receive responses before press time.

“As a direct, foreseeable, and proximate consequence of the Plaint Fire, [Cal Fire] incurred reasonable costs,” Bonta stated, “in the approximate amount of $3,343,866.43 to respond to and suppress the Plaint Fire. … Defendants are liable to Cal Fire for those costs.” m —Caleb Wiseblood

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Send any news or story tips to news@santamariasun.com.

VACANCY ON THE

ALLAN HANCOCK JOINT

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DISTRICT BOARD OF

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

Our team at Pediatric Medical Group is dedicated to the health and well-being of your child. Whether you have an infant, preschooler, or teenager, we work closely with parents to make sure that our care meets their children’s personal needs.

Call to schedule your child’s well exam today.

A vacancy on the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 1, was created by the August 18 resignation of Board President Hilda Zacarías, who announced she is moving out of the trustee area she represents.

The district is accepting applications to fill the vacancy by appointment. The selected candidate will serve as the Area 1 representative until the next regularly scheduled governing board election on November 7, 2028.

The board is responsible for the performance of Allan Hancock College, which provides vital educational services to the communities in the Northern Santa Barbara region. The board is seeking candidates who have the ability and time to fulfill the responsibilities of being a member of the board, including: • Full participation in the work of the board, including attending all board meetings and key college events, studying and discussing policy issues, and participating in trustee education programs.

• Knowledge of the communities served by the college and willingness to act on behalf and for the benefit of those communities.

• Commitment to community colleges and their missions; understand educational, social, and economic policy issues.

• Engagement in balancing the needs of many diverse groups; ability to contribute to and build consensus.

• Contribute to effective board functioning and support the authority of the board as a whole.

The district’s Area 1 encompasses Northern Santa Maria. For a detailed map of Area 1, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/board/area1.php The Hancock Board of Trustees meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

Applications are due no later than September 25, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Please scan the QR code below for information about the vacancy and application process.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Lynn Peltier, C.P.N.P.

1430 E. Main St. Santa Maria, CA

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

Andrea Narreto, C.P.N.P.

Ryan Leachman, D.O.

Michele Kielty, D.O.

Jessica Prather, C.N.P.

www.pmgsm.com

805-922-3548

Geronna Leonards, N.P.

Monday – Saturday

For more information, contact: Executive Assistant to the Superintendent/President, Janet McGee jmcgee@hancockcollege.edu 805-346-1001

www.santamariasun.com • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • Sun • 5

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“The Racial Justice Act permits a judge to EE FR S! ET TICK FREE TICK CKETS!a strike’—which FREE TI‘strike a sentence that gives Mr. Burgess the possibility Although Tucker’s criminal convictions in means that the judge can FREE TICKETS! FREE S! ET CK TI EE FR EE TICKETS! of one day returning to his community.” m 1992 and 1994 made him eligible for a thirdtreat one of the prior convictions for a serious FREE TICKETS! FR ETS! FREE TICKETS! strike sentence in 2023, the District Attorney’s and/or violent felony as though it did not exist,”

FREE TICKETS!

Eyed for prejudice

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FREE TICKETS!

Assistant District Attorney Jenn Karapetian told the Sun via email.

6 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Office instead offered Tucker a plea deal for an eight-year prison sentence, Sutherland stated.

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

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA PEREZ NEWS

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PREEMIES TO TEENS: Find secondhand goods like shoes, books, baby monitors, rattles, bikes, and Halloween costumes at Kayla’s Kidz thrift store in Buellton.

Pass it on

Perez notices a lot of moms and grandparents browsing in her store. The owner enjoys interacting with everyone who walks in.

“Grandparents come in a lot because they Kayla’s Kidz celebrates three like to have their own set of things at their place,” Perez explained. “They come in and buy years of secondhand selling their own set of clothes because a lot of times, in Buellton [parents] take everything with them when they go back home. … It’s a pretty affordable way for

BY MADISON WHITE grandparents to have their own set of things.”

Out-of-town thrifters are also frequent ayla Perez can hardly believe it’s September. customers. Solvang draws a crowd, and lots of At her children’s thrift store, this month marks the pivot from spring and summer to families stay at the nearby RV park in Buellton.

Perez believes one of the reasons the store fall and winter. does so well is because of how she curates “I have boxes and boxes in my storeroom of the visitors’ experience. Rather than facing winter stuff that I’ve been collecting the last an overwhelming volume of items, she six months,” the business owner told the Sun. said, customers notice and compliment her “Jackets and raincoats and boots and all things organized racks. They aren’t stacked to the like that.” brim because Perez knows She’s received so many shoppers typically like space items lately that she had to to flip through each item. pause donations, a somewhat Birthday bash Sections are arranged frequent occurrence at Celebrate the third anniversary of by size and gender. While Kayla’s Kidz in Buellton. It’s Kayla’s Kidz on Sept. 11 and 12. Stop by for face painting, treats, photo opportunities, there are basics to be found one sign of the store’s growth and a buy two, get one free deal on clothes (like the classic white baby since moving to a larger and shoes. The thrift shop is located at onesie), Perez is proud location in 2024, and now 65-B W. Highway 246 in Buellton. Visit to sell cute, eye-catching Perez is excited to celebrate Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and pieces, too. the third birthday of her Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Catch up on “It really makes a lot business with a special event the latest @kaylaskidzsyv on Instagram. of people happy when on Sept. 11 and 12. they come in. It’s not your Even before setting up for average thrift store where you’ve got to go fall, Perez brought out a Halloween rack where through like 100 items to find one good thing.

Star Wars and Disney costumes hang next to It’s very meticulously curated,” Perez said. princess and fairy dresses. There are loads more Another positive is reducing waste in the in the storeroom waiting to be displayed. community. Perez said everybody has more “I do a lot of Halloween costumes, which are than they need, but her store is a good place to great,” Perez said. “Their kids wear it one year, turn things over that might otherwise end up in and then they don’t have use for it again.” the landfill.

Shoppers will find clothes in preemie and “I think the younger generation really likes newborn sizes all the way up to size 18 for to feel good about reusing and gently reusing teenagers at Kayla’s Kidz. Perez washes and things and repurposing and recycling,” Perez irons all the clothing before organizing it on the said. “I think people feel good about both floor. Most articles are priced between $3 and donating and shopping in my store.” $6. So are shoes.

Additionally, the store is filled with toys, Highlight bicycles, books, baby items, and toddler entertainment. Inventory is constantly • On Sept. 24, the Santa Maria Valley changing. When Perez really needs to get items Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event for off her shelves, she’ll put them on the new $1 young professionals. Find opportunities to meet rack, where there are “lots of good deals,” or potential mentors, new business partners, and in the free bin. Everything else is donated to other motivated minds at Trattoria Uliveto, 285 churches roughly every six weeks.

S. Broadway, in Orcutt from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Register online “We have a food giveaway down here weekly by visiting santamaria.com, or email Efrain at one of the local churches, and so they’ll take bags of my things that are left over and put them Salazar-Colores, efrain@santamaria.com, for more information. m out. From what they tell me, there’s nothing left,” Perez said. “It just goes. So, one way or Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ another, anything that comes into my store gets santamariasun.com. recycled and reused.”

K

www.santamariasun.com • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • Sun • 7

Opinion ONLINE POLL

Should the Lompoc City Council censure Councilmember Steve Bridge?

56% Yes, and he should be asked to step down.

33% Yes! His felony charges warrant a city reprimand.

11% No. A censure is a meaningless gesture.

0% No. He hasn’t been proven guilty of anything.

9 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [10]

Finally Lompoc City Council may address its long-brewing political scandal, or is it just electioneering?

BY RON FINK

S

o, what’s the Lompoc scandal in question?

City Councilmember Steve Bridge faces “20 felonies and five misdemeanors.

The charges include allegations of forgery, grand theft, fraudulent claims, identity theft, misappropriation of public funds, and fraudulent use of a contractor’s license number,” (Santa Maria Times, Aug. 13).

During the Aug. 18 meeting, City Council members discussed five disciplinary-type options for Councilmember Bridge. In his staff report the city attorney made it clear that “the City Council cannot simply vote to remove one of its members who is legally eligible to be a council member and was elected by the people of his or her district.”

But why was this long-brewing issue on the council agenda?

Last December, the Sun reported that Councilmember Jeremy Ball said, “It is not appropriate to have someone with this cloud of charges representing the city of Lompoc in any sort of manner from my perspective. We are elected officials. We are held to a higher standard. We are the fiduciary overseers of the city budget, and it is up to us to make sure we are staying aboveboard and not bringing reproach upon this city,” (“Lompoc City Councilmember

Steve Bridge pleads not guilty to felony charges,” Dec. 11).

The Sun reported on Aug. 27, “When [Councilmember Steve Bridge]—who pled not guilty to forgery, identity theft, and misusing city funds—showed no sign of resigning, Councilmember Jeremy Ball motioned for the council to consider taking disciplinary action in December 2025. But he failed to get a second.

“Nine months later, the council changed its tune, and Ball finally got his second, followed swiftly by a third in a 3-1 vote that set the stage for an upcoming censure hearing,” (“Damage control: In light of Steve Bridge’s felony charges, Lompoc considers censuring him”).

Since this issue has existed for several months, why did two council members who have previously remained silent suddenly want to discuss it now?

Maybe they’re talking about it now is because there is an election coming up, and one or more current council members seeking election have discovered that the public might not support so-called “political leaders” who condone serious felony allegations concerning one of their fellow elected members?

The argument against taking any disciplinary measures seemed to be that the censure discussion might be setting a precedent.

Maybe in Lompoc, but if you want examples of precedent, look at thousands of times across this nation where local and national officeholders resigned upon being charged with felonies so that they could formulate their defense in trial

without having to answer questions about their guilt in a local discussion among their colleagues.

The only “precedent” here is that a Lompoc council member has been charged with 20 felonies and five misdemeanors.

Does this sudden interest constitute electioneering from the council dais by Mayor Jim Mosby, who is being challenged for his seat

by Councilmember Ball, and Councilmember Victor Vega, who is being challenged for his seat, after both Mosby and Vega previously ignored the subject?

With Councilmember Ball having already taken the high ground on this issue, the only way Mosby and Vega could gain any credibility would be to support taking multiple actions. First adopt a written resolution of reprimand, second remove Bridge from outside committees, and lastly remove all his appointees to all commissions and committees.

Anything less would make it obvious that this would only mean they were tossing performative political barn dust in the air.

One thing is certain, unlike politicians of the past with a solid history of resignation under similar circumstances, Councilmember Steve Bridge doesn’t seem to have the same ethical principles that other politicians have had and has repeatedly said that he will remain on the council until the case is resolved in court. m

Since this issue has existed for several months, why did two council members who have previously remained silent suddenly want to discuss it now?

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

LETTERS Future local tax measures should put roads first What if we could fix more roads, bring home more state and federal transportation dollars, and do it without raising the overall tax burden?

The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) board and the county Board of Supervisors voted to remove Measure H from the November ballot after consultants concluded it did not have the support needed to pass. No one who has spent a day in this economy should be surprised by that.

The rising cost of living is hitting everyone right between the eyes. Families and small businesses are paying more for housing, food, energy, insurance, and nearly everything else.

County leaders framed the choice incorrectly.

Rather than asking voters to burden themselves with another half-cent tax, the county should identify an existing locally controlled tax or levy that can be reduced by an equivalent amount and replaced with a dedicated transportation tax. The offset must be guaranteed, not promised, and it must take effect when the new tax begins.

Taxpayers would pay no more overall, but the county would gain a dedicated source of local funding that could be used to fix roads and provide the matching funds needed to compete for additional state and federal money.

That approach recognizes both realities. Our roads need serious attention, and the people

WRITE NOW!

We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. You can also fax it (1-805-546-8641) or e-mail it (letters@ santamariasun.com). All letters must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes; may be edited for space or clarity; and will be posted to santamariasun.com.

8 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

expected to pay for them are already stretched.

Any future measure should put roads first, identify the projects to be completed, require independent audits, prevent the money from being diverted, and include a firm expiration date.

I have said before that the shortest distance between the taxpayer and the result is local

control. But local control must produce results and respect the taxpayer.

The Board of Supervisors and SLOCOG should not abandon the problem. The board should place roads in the first tier of county priorities.

Adam Verdin, Arroyo Grande

MAYFIELD

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Special Education - Child Find The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate high school age students suspected of having a disability who may be eligible for special education services designed to meet their educational needs at no cost to families. This includes students that are highly mobile, migrant, experiencing homelessness, students that are wards of the state, and students attending private schools located within SMJUHSD boundaries. If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department.

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD. Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

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he Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is getting a new payroll system! Hopefully one that will prevent the overtime cost overruns that have plagued the law enforcement agency for years.

How is it going to do that?

Umm, that part isn’t exactly clear.

“We’re still working on exactly how the system is going to be put together and the benefits of the system,” county Auditor-Controller Betsy Schaffer told supervisors in August. “We do hope that there is better reporting.”

Hopefully, whatever is happening to change whatever is currently happening will be more effective and not contribute to “multi-million-dollar budget deficits for the county”—something the grand jury pointed out about the sheriff’s “overtime excesses.”

Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann was ready to be done with all of this.

“We talk about overtime it seems like almost every hearing,” she said.

Well, with arrests for timecard fraud mixed in with the audit of the Sheriff’s Office’s overtime use issues, the county Board of Supervisors has been talking about it since December!

Hartmann asked staff for some details on how Workday (the system the county would like to use) will improve payroll routines.

“Just a lot of different ways of inputting data into the system and better overall accessibility,” Schaffer said in response.

Ah! That’s crystal clear. Hope and accessibility ought to take care of things!

Nothing is really that straightforward with government, is it?

State Attorney General Rob Bonta can’t even get proper name spellings right in court

documents. California is suing a Cuyama Valley landowner and his business partners for their part in starting an August 2023 fire that consumed more than 5,000 acres of land across 60 different properties.

“Fire investigators observed sycamore tree branches from trees located on defendants’ property overhanging, intruding into, and/ or contacting the electrical conductors southwest and southeast of [the fire’s origin point],” Bonta explained. “Electric arcing due to electrical equipment failures on and around power lines and nearby vegetation is a known cause of fires.”

Oh, that sounds not good.

“When electric arcing occurs near a receptive fuel bed such as vegetation, it is foreseeable that the electrical discharge may eject sparks, molten metal, and/or hot material into the adjacent vegetation and cause a fire,” Bonta stated.

It does. That’s why PG&E has had so many issues with fire over the years and why it has paid out millions of dollars in settlements to wildfire victims. As an aside, the state was considering letting utilities off the hook for liability after their equipment sparks wildfires! “[Wayne Goldwyn’s] failure to properly and safely maintain the property, electric lines and equipment, and vegetation caused or contributed to the Plaint Fire,” Bonta wrote in court documents. “That failure was a substantial factor in proximately causing Cal Fire’s damages.”

It’s actually the Plant Fire, something Bonta gets wrong 60 times in his 10-page complaint suing Goldwyn and “Does 1-50” for $3.3 million, which is how much it cost to put the fire out.

How much does it cost to correct a name in court documents? m

The Canary is here to help. Send spelling errors to canary@santamariasun.com.

SANTA MARIA

10 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

ACRYLICS AT ART SPOT

A six-week adult intermediate acrylic course ($285) will begin on Sept. 8 and run each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Art Spot on Wheels in Solvang. Artists will jump from the basics and study technique, style, and composition, while completing lesson work and personal paintings. Head to artspotonwheels.com to reserve a spot.

—Angie Stevens PHOTO COURTESY OF ART SPOT ON WHEELS

ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

“ALONG THE HIGH EMBANKMENTS” AT PRESQU’ILE Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Presqu’ile present Cole Sternberg’s work along the high embankments, a free, self-guided installation. Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m. through Sept. 20 Free. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

ALL AMERICA CITY QUILT GUILD Join at our monthly meeting to share your passion for quilting, learn about it, or be inspired! In addition to meetings, we offer programs. Second Wednesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. acquiltguild.org. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4380 Orcutt Rd., Orcutt.

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. ongoing 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.

“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.

COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER LIVE Popular stand-up comedian and actress Nikki Glaser will bring her live comedy show, “The Stunning Tour,” to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom. Sept.

6, 8 p.m. $120-$300. chumashcasino.com/.

Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, (800) 248-6274.

COMEDY FOR OUR COMMUNITY: DENNIS REGAN LIVE Enjoy a night of nonstop laughter under the stars while supporting two organizations that make a meaningful difference in the Santa Ynez Valley. Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. $45. (805) 686-1789 ext. 2. bit.ly/comedy-pr. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

SIX-WEEK ADULT INTERMEDIATE ACRYLIC COURSE Join the follow-up class to our six-week Beginner Acrylic Painting Class. This is only available to returning students who have completed

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.

a four, five, or six-week beginner course.

Sept. 8, 1-3:30 p.m. $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SIX-WEEK BEGINNER WATERCOLOR CLASS You will learn the basic techniques, fundamentals of composition and color theory. Students will create their paintings with focused instruction and guidance from our artist. Sept. 9, 6-8:30 p.m. $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SIX-WEEK KIDS PROCESS ART CLASS Enjoy art making in which the emphasis is on the process of creating and not just the final product. Bring your child, ages four to six. Sept. 9, 4-4:45 p.m. $280. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

“LANDSCAPES, GEMSTONES AND NEW DIRECTIONS” EXHIBIT BY JOE GLIEBE-GOETZ The Lompoc Valley Art

INDEX

Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Landscapes, Gemstones and New Directions,” an artist show by Joe Gliebe-Goetz. Sept. 3-27 (408) 707-8005. lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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

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

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options.

Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/.

Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

NORTH COUNTY CAMERA CLUB: REGULAR MEETING Zoom meeting for The North County Camera Club, where photographers of all levels can participate, share photos, exchange information, and learn from each other. Second Tuesday of every month, 7-9 p.m. No fee. facebook. com/groups/PRAAphotoguild. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

Arts....................................... 11 Culture & Lifestyle ...........12 Food & Drink ......................14 Music ...................................14

ACRYLIC ADVENTURES WITH CAROLINA LUNA Join Carolina as she guides your little artist through a variety of fun and exciting acrylic painting projects.

Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. through Sept. 23 $30. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art

Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

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

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters.

Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

BEGINNING WHEEL: DINNERWARE SERIES Enjoy a themed beginning wheel course. Hop on wheel to create a set of cups, plates bowls and more. Learn to glaze. Clay and firing is included. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $275. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BUILD A JUNKBOT WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Build your own one-of-a-kind JunkBot using vintage and found objects, then assemble, personalize, name it, and receive a hand-stamped brass tag to complete your creation. Sept. 12, 2-4:30 p.m. $110. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.

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.

ARTS continued page 12

www.santamariasun.com • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • Sun • 11

Hot Stuff

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

ARTS from page 11 CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows/.

SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.

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

DECORATIVE PLATTER: ANIMALS! Sculpt and glaze your own pet-themed decorative clay platter in this threesession course. Open to all ages and experience levels, bring pet photos and create! Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $85. app.acuityscheduling.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

THE FATHER: A TRAGIC FARCE Awardwinning and darkly funny, The Father immerses audiences in an 80-year-old man’s disorienting struggle as dementia slowly erodes his grip on reality. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through Sept. 10 $28-$48. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/the-father/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

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

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays,

C

PHOTO COURTESY OF NIKKI GLASER

1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257.

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

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, ThursdaysSundays. through Oct. 17 Free. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (310) 920-1656, sloma. org/exhibition/marcie-begleiter/.

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. slonightwriters.org.

United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

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OTTER 501 FILM SCREENING Join Troop 40325 for a special community fundraiser screening of Otter 501, an inspiring documentary that follows the remarkable rescue, rehabilitation, and release of a southern sea otter pup found stranded along California’s Central Coast. Sept.

7, 5:30 p.m. $13.23. my805tix.com. Bay Theater, 464 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2444.

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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.

ALCOHOL INK 101 WORKSHOP Join us for a fun way to learn Alcohol Inks.

All materials provided, preregistration required. Sept. 6, 1-3 p.m. $95. (805) 286-8380. artwithjudyann.com. Art With Judy Ann Studio Gallery, 2024 Main Street, Cambria.

ART IN THE PARK: MORRO BAY Visitors can expect a mix of painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, and more, along with a welcoming, familyfriendly atmosphere in the heart of Morro Bay. Sept. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay. org/artinthepark. Morro Bay City Park, Corner of Morro Bay Blvd. and Harbor St., Morro Bay.

S LO

ING AUG

COMEDY AT CHUMASH

Popular stand-up comedian and actress Nikki Glaser will perform a live comedy set, part of her The Stunning Tour, on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m. in the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom in Santa Ynez. Tickets range from $120 to $300 and can be purchased at chumashcasino.com.

—A.S. CELEBRATE COSTA GALLERY’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THREE EXHIBITS Visit the 6th anniversary and artist reception, with musician Jill Knight and refreshments. View three new exhibits until Sept. 6, titled “Legends,” “Body,” and “Explosive.” Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Sept. 6 Free. (559) 799-9632. facebook.com/events/s/celebrate-costagallerys-6th-a/2190641115065150/. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

IN THE SHADOW EXHIBIT Artists have woven together the visual and emotional richness of shadow, from intimate and introspective studies to bold, dramatic compositions that captivate and unsettle.

Through Sept. 14, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. THE TAMING Enjoy a staged reading of Lauren Gunderson comedy, directed

by Jean Miller. A beauty queen’s plan to rewrite the constitution with a conservative and a liberal contestant.

Sept. 4, 7 p.m., Sept. 5, 7 p.m. and Sept.

6, 3 p.m. $20. (805) 776-3287. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

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.

ANNUAL ALL FORD CAR SHOW 24TH ANNUAL ALL FORD CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEET AND SWAP MEET There will be awards, AHC opportunity drawing, music, and non-food vendors. All are welcome! Sept. 12, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 598-8133. santamariamodelaclub.com.

Orcutt Union Plaza, 235 S. Broadway, Orcutt.

THE GREAT AMERICAN

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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.

CHEEHOO FOUNDATION LUAU PARTY Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY Second Tuesday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.

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

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LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

AFTERNOON BINGO Bingo with potluck.

Parking in rear. Buy one of everything for $20. Guests can participate without bringing food. Look forward to a fun afternoon. Second Tuesday of every month, 12-4 p.m. All games are $1 each.

(805) 736-6669. Valley of Flowers Half-Century Club, 341 No. N St., Lompoc.

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.

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2ND FREE LEGAL CLINIC REGISTRATION (LEGAL TEAM: FREDERICK & TINDULA LAW FIRM) Part of our Health Wellness and You Program, seniors 50 years and older can call the number provided after 2 p.m., leave a message for Dave, and mention the free legal clinic. MondaysFridays, 2-7 p.m. through Sept. 28 Free.

(805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/.

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

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet.

No previous experience needed.

Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

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.

GOING BATTY AT THE NATURE CENTER Going Batty consists of weekly talks and observation of hundreds of native California Myotis bats. Fridays, Saturdays. through Sept. 6 Free. (805) 693-0691. clnaturecenter.org. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara.

KAYLA’S KIDZ 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY We’re throwing a birthday party at the shop and inviting the whole family to join the fun! Enjoy face painting, thrift photo opp, and more. Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free. (805) 245-0633. facebook.com/ events/1506910671477217/. Kayla’s Kidz Children’s Thrift Shoppe, 65-B, W. Hwy CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 14 246, Buellton.

UP NEXT!

AUG. 7 - SEP 19 Professional Live Theatre!

Fun for ages 5 to 105!

1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA 3 miles south of Pismo Beach

www.AmericanMelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

SHOW TIMES

Final 4 Shows 12 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

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

In 1938 at station WBFR, a live radio broadcast faces chaos with picketing musicians, a dwindling crew, and the rumored death of the leading lady, whose body has disappeared. The remaining staff must continue with various programs while solving the mystery all while staying on the air!!

24th Annual All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet

Benefits Allan Hancock College Industrial Technology and Other Local & National Scholarships

Saturday September 12, 2026 Car Show • 9 am-3 pm | Swap Meet 7 am

AWARDS • AHC OPPORTUNITY DRAWING • MUSIC • Non-Food Vendors Welcome!

When kids are abused they often don’t know who to tell.

Be that person they trust so that they don’t keep bad secrets!

ENTRY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT: www.santamariamodelaclub.com

the Orcutt Union Plaza Old Town Orcutt at 201 S. Broadway, Orcutt, CA 93455 Contact Jay McCord (805) 598-8133 • Curt Warner (805) 478-1231 CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

OLD TOWN MARKET

North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center

24-Hour Support Line (805)736-7273 www.sbcountyrapecrisis.org

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Coastal Cleanup Day 2026

Focus. Flexibility. Determination.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

September 19 9 am - 12 pm 880 Chalk Hill Rd. Solvang, CA 93463

Lompoc & Santa Ynez Jalama Beach Santa Ynez River Surf Beach

Open Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.manzanitanursery.com

Santa Barbara & Montecito

(805) 688-9692

Alameda Park Arroyo Burro (Hendry’s) Beach Bohnett Park Butterfly Beach East Beach Chase Palm Park East Beach Volleyball Courts Hammond’s Beach Leadbetter Beach Miramar Beach Oak Park Sandspit/Harbor Shoreline Park West Beach

30+ Manzanita species!

More than 500 Native plant species!

Lompoc & Santa Ynez Jalama Beach Santa Ynez River Surf Beach

Wholesale & Retail Nursery

Gaviota Coast

LET’S CLEAN UP OUR COAST! Goleta Campus Point Devereux Beach Ellwood Beach & Bluffs Goleta Beach Haskell’s Beach Isla Vista Streets Lake Los Carneros Phelps Creek (NCOS)

Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 Gaviota Coast

El Capitan State Beach Refugio State Beach

Carpinteria & Summerland

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Preserve SANTA BARBARA Carpinteria State Beach OUNTY Jelly BowlCBeach Lookout Park Loon Point Rincon County Beach (Bates) Santa Claus Lane Tar Pits Park

September 19th 9 am - 12 pm LET’S CLEAN UP OUR COAST!

Santa Barbara & Montecito

El Capitan State Beach Refugio State Beach

Alameda Park Arroyo Burro (Hendry's) Beach Bohnett Park Butterfly Beach

Goleta Campus Point Devereux Beach Devereux Creek Ellwood Beach & Bluffs Goleta Beach Haskell's Beach Isla Vista Streets Lake Los Carneros Phelps Creek (NCOS)

East Beach - Chase Palm Park East Beach - Volleyball Courts Hammond’s Beach

Carpinteria & Summerland Carpinteria Salt Marsh Preserve Carpinteria State Beach Jelly Bowl Beach Lookout Park Loon Point Rincon County Beach (Bates) Santa Claus Lane Tar Pits Park

ExploreEcology.org/ccd Leadbetter Beach Miramar Beach Oak Park

Sign up here!

@ExploreEcologySign up Sandspit/Harbor Shoreline Park West Beach

here!

@ExploreEcologySB

Learn all the health benefits of Ballet.

Call today!

Class Size Limited – Sign Up NOW! All dance skill levels welcome · Classes for ages 2–adult New Beginning Pointe class

Everybody Can Dance

800 S. Broadway, Santa Maria

(805) 345-5570

everybodycandance.webs.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.santamariasun.com • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • Sun • 13

FREE

Music at the Point

Local

Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 12

BIG DITCH MARKET Enjoy fantastic Musicians homemade items from local vendors, amazing Admission 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 And between sets, Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., ArroyoGreen Grande. will be here to DJ AV COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY keep you swaying.

VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system Sat, Sept 5 Jill Knight Band expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings.

Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, Sun, Sept 6 Bobby Santa Cruz & drinking water, and tools related to the above Jalapeno Jam activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Mon, Sept 7 Burning James Band 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 www.raggedpointinn.com drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 19019 CA Highway 1 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

Ragged Point, CA 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.

FUSION CHAIR YOGA This gentle class Scan for details combines supportive seating, calming breath work, and serene meditative music to help and updates reduce stress. Plan accordingly, arrive by 12:45 p.m. for check-in. Second Tuesday of every month, 1-2 p.m. Free. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.

LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation.

Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee ALL TICKETS. ONE PLACE. Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345. La Conversación is a group for practicing Spanish. There’s no homework or lessons, just conversation. Beginners to native speakers, all levels are welcome! Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (805) 748-9123. Coffee Bean, 354 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach.

MOVIE IN THE PARK Join Pismo Beach Recreation for a free Movie in the Park featuring GOAT at Dinosaur Caves Park! Bounce houses, food, ocean views, and family fun. Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach.org/73/Recreation. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more.

Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.”

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors.

Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/ index.php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Saturday, Sept. 19 • 6:00pm Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

Creston Rodeo Grounds Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ Presented by: and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Does your organization sell tickets?

Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 9046615. 819 Tempus Circle, 819 Tempus Circle, Get more exposure and sell more tickets with a local Arroyo Grande. media partner. Call 805-546-8208 for more info.

September

805-927-4502

ON SALE NOW!

THE TENNESSEE BLUEGRASS BAND JAIL FLAT RANCH

MY805TIX.COM

14 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun.

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

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

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

Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

TALENTDREAMS JAMBOREE 2026 Join for our Fall Jamboree at the historic Camp AG! We’ll have great food and music as always. You can mingle with friends, both new and old, and learn what we’ve been doing since our last event! Sept. 12, 6-8:30 p.m. $100. my805tix.com.

Camp Arroyo Grande, 250 Wesley St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 249-9517.

SLO RUGBY TRITIP SEVENS TOURNAMENT Men’s and women’s Rugby clubs from all over California and beyond will battle in Rugby Sevens. Enjoy live music, beer garden and food booths. Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Free. (805) 704-7567. SLO Rugby Tri Tip Sevens Rugby Tournament, 680 Industrial Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, San Luis Obispo, slorugby.org.

THAT’S SO DRAG: A LATE NIGHT DANCE PARTY That’s So Drag is bringing the heat, the hair, and the high-energy vibes you’ve been waiting for. Make sure you’re ready to dance and see some amazing performannces from our hosts Nala Diamond, Juicy C.W., and more of San Luis Obispo’s favorite Queens. Sept. 5, 8-11:55 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com.

Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

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. Second 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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

33RD ANNUAL CUHS PINEDORADO 5K FUN ASTRONOMY NIGHT AND STARGAZING RUN Join this family friendly fun run. Proceeds Explore the night sky with telescopes and will support the CUHS Girls’ Soccer and Cross MUSIC guided viewing hosted by the Central Coast Country Teams. Race follows parade route.

Astronomy Society. Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. $10.

Sept. 5, 7-9 a.m. $30. (805) 801-1132.

(805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo coastusd.org. Coast Union High School, Botanical Gardens, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, FLAVOR/EATS 2950 Santa Rosa Creek Rd., Cambria.

San Luis Obispo.

AVOCADO AND MARGARITA STREET FESTIVAL BUILDING A BETTER SLO PRESENTS Local avocados, margaritas, and live music INNOVATIVE CITIES PUTTING INFO in downtown Morro SUSTAINABILITY Bay! Come celebrate INTO PRACTICE with us for an all day Learn how the cities of CALENDAR street-style festival!

Ann Arbor and Santa Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Barbara are leading $15-$20. avomargfest. their communities Send event information to calendar@ OPINION com/. Embarcadero toward carbon santamariasun.com.

Morro Bay, The corner of neutrality through Embarcadero and Front implementation of NEWSStreet, Morro Bay. focused projects, plans, and programs. Discussion following the presentation will be facilitated by Chris Read, Sustainability Manager for the City of San Luis STROKES Obispo. Join us as we explore what’s possible when we put sustainability into practice.

Sept. 10, 5:45-7:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com.

ARTS The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS San Luis Obispo.

BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us BUTTERFLY BALL: CCSPA’S 50TH YEAR Thursdays to meet and chat with the ANNIVERSARY Mark this golden milestone winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that with an unforgettable evening featuring live week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. (805) music, exceptional food and drink, inspiring 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., presentations, and a silent auction, all in Orcutt, stellerscellar.com. support of the ten California State Parks in DEL RANCHO AL ANTRO BRUNCH Sept. 13, San Luis Obispo County. Sept. 12, 4-8 p.m.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. my805tix.com. Octagon Barn, 4400 Octagon The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt.

Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 459-9584.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN Featured vendors in the series include Cali TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask.

First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, San Luis Obispo.

1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

CONSCIOUS-FEST AT MISSION PLAZA FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Enjoy breathwork, yoga, meditation, music, Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark vendors and more! Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. $130.39-$183.95. my805tix.com. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty.

With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open THE ELDER QUEST: CHOOSING CONSCIOUS late. Come out and sing your favorite song.

AGING PRESENTED BY BERTA PARRISH Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 The panel members have experienced the Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

IONS Program and are LLCC members: Ann Feeser, retired teacher; Linda White, PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go retired nurse; and Rosemary Baxter, retired online to make a reservation to taste at the nurse. Sept. 10, 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo. Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., GATHER ON THE GREEN AT CHAMISAL Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

VINEYARDS Gather on the Green brings live local music, food vendors, lawn games, SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: and Chamisal wines to the Edna Valley. No LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air reservations are required, there is communal artisan and farm market. Features great vintage seating. First Friday of every month, 5-7 finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, handp.m. through Oct. 2 Free. (805) 541-9463. spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of chamisalvineyards.com. Chamisal Vineyards, every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338.

7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, INTERMEDIATE AND BEGINNING BIRDING Los Alamos.

WORKSHOP AND GUIDED WALK Join birding experts Robbie Revel and Karen Watts for an SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy engaging session designed to sharpen your up inside the tasting room and listen to great birdwatching skills as we get ready for fall! artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463.

Sept. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $20. (805) 541-1400. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

Santa Maria.

Spread the word!

FOOD & DRINK

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

PASO WINE TASTING TOUR: FRESNO Paso Wine is heading back to Fresno! Paso Robles winery personalities are coming out of the cellars, vineyards, and tasting rooms to the Fresno area. Sept. 3, 5:30-8 p.m. $75. pasowine.com. Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 4th St., Clovis, (805) 239-8463.

SOURDOUGH AT BUELLTON FARMER’S MARKET Shop from Urban Homesteadings, the female, veteran-owned 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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES Join to expand your knowledge of the fermentation process and get started fermenting at home.

We alternate between demonstration and hands-on classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

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

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH We’ve got the glitter, we’ve got the mimosas, and we’ve got the most fabulous queens in San Luis Obispo ready to leave it all on the floor for you. Hosts Nala Diamond and Juicy C.W. will bring the energy along with performances from Shekinah Manly, Cleo Van Scarlett, and Vivian Storm. Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $21.13. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com.

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

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

LIVE JAZZ SATURDAYS Enjoy live music featuring acoustic guitarist Tom Mutchler playing light classic and folk rock. Sept. 5, 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0860. instagram.com/ crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

MUSIC continued page 17

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

LOS FARMERZ

SEPTEMBER 6 / $120+

OCTOBER 9 / $105+

BANDA LOS RECODITOS

JUMPING JACK FLASH

SEPTEMBER 18 / $55+

OCTOBER 16 / $25

RON WHITE

ANYTHING FOR SALINA’S

OCTOBER 2 / $69+

NOVEMBER 6 / $20+

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

What’s Your Take?

We know you’ve got an opinion.

Everybody’s got one!

What type of film would you want to see at the Solvang Film Society? m Something edgy and artsy, totally off the beaten path. m A classic romantic comedy. m A forgotten film noir. m Documentaries about otherwise unknown subjects.

This week’s online poll: 9/3 – 9/10 Enter your choice online at: SantaMariaSun.com

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Pops by the Sea: Symphony Remix

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Taste of Downtown Paso Robles

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Avila Beach Golf Course

Live at the Lighthouse Concert Series

The Tennessee Bluegrass Band

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

SLO Brew Rock, SLO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

12 & Park Streets, Paso Robles

Brass Mash First Friday

First Fridays Comedy in Atascadero

&

Creston Rodeo Grounds, Creston

The Taming A Staged Reading

Sandy Vavoom Band

NOW - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Atascadero Printery Foundation

NOW - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 SLO Brew Rock, SLO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Decades HiFi Lounge, Atascadero

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 By the Sea Productions, Morro Bay

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 The Pour House, Paso Robles

That’s So Drag: A Late Night Dance Party

Whale Codes: Meditation & Singing

Ultimate Funny Competition

Mystified - The #1 Tribute to INXS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Rockin’ the Ranch: Jack Milstead Band

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Filipponi Ranch, SLO

Otter 501 Film Screening

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

Building a Better SLO

Plant Bingo with Peaceful Plants

Friday Night Improv

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Morro Bay Whale Watching

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 The Bunker SLO

2026 Central Coast Cooking Show

Hail The Sun - A Lot Like Birds Blight Town - Murals

The Elder Quest: Choosing Conscious Aging THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Odd Fellows Hall, SLO

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 The Penny, SLO

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Decades HiFi Lounge, Atascadero

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 San Luis Obispo Public Market

Santa Cruz Family Band

13th Annual Brew at the Zoo

TalentDreams Jamboree 2026

Skynyrd Reloaded

Conscious-Fest Booth Reservations

Taste & Sculpture Tour

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Idler’s Home, Paso Robles

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 The Pour House, Paso Robles

Butterfly Ball - CCSPA’s 50th Year Anniversary

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Octagon Barn, SLO

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 SLO Brew Rock, SLO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero

Carbon City Lights in the Grove

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Bamboo Farm & Nursery, Paso Robles

16 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Camp Arroyo Grande

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 The Pour House, Paso Robles

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Mission Plaza, SLO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles

Love Me, Maybe?

Live Dating Show

Orchestra Novo Goes Silent: For Heaven’s Sake

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Central Coast Brewing, SLO

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Harold J. Miossi CPAC, SLO

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

Tent City Limits Concerts at The Printery

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Hot Stuff

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CPAC

MUSIC from page 14 LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various local musicians rotate each Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

STOCKYARD SUMMER AND FALL CONCERT SERIES FEATURING STEPHEN STYLES BAND Sept. 5, 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.

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DANCE Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents “Talk Like a Pirate” dance with the Riptide Big Band and vocalists. Sept. 13, 1:30-4 p.m. Free.

(775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

COMEDIAN DENNIS REGAN Get ready for a night of nonstop laughter with comedian Dennis Regan live under the stars at Solvang Festival Theater.

Sept. 11, 8-10 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

LIVE ON THE ROCKS CONCERT FEATURING LEGION OF GROOVE Legion of Groove is made up of some 805 heavy hitters who have been in the music scene for years. While the group officially formed for the 2025 New Times Music Awards, their immediate chemistry earned them the “Performance of the Night” award, igniting a momentum that hasn’t slowed since. Sept. 7, 1-5 p.m. Free.

SELL TICKETS WITH US! IT’S FREE! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO. 805-546-8208

Featured Events

Best of SLO County Winners Party

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

TIME FOR JAZZ

Cuesta College’s annual Jazz Faculty Concert will be held at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Hear musicians including Dave Becker, Bob Bennett, Tom Brown, Dylan Johnson, Ron McCarley, Ana Nelson, Marshall Otwell, Inga Swearingen, and Darrell Voss. One hundred percent of ticket proceeds will benefit music student scholarships. Tickets range from $10 to $30. Visit cuesta.edu for additional information.

—A.S. my805tix.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5000.

NEON NOSTALGIC LIVE MUSIC TELEVISION Neon Nostalgic will perform in time with original music videos from the 1980s to today, recreating the soundtrack of your life! Sept. 10, 7:30-9 p.m. $45-$69. 9(805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

POPS BY THE SEA: SYMPHONY REMIX Enjoy this outdoor, family friendly symphony concert blending beloved pop classics with one-of-a-kind mashups of iconic hits, featuring local powerhouse horn band Brass Mash!

Sept. 5, 4-6:30 p.m. $25. (805) 543-3533. my805tix.com/e/pops2026. Avila Beach Golf Resort, 6464 Ana Bay Rd., Avila Beach.

SATCHVANHAGAR: VAN HALEN, SAMMY HAGAR, AND JOE SATRIANI TRIBUTE SVH celebrates the electrifying music and legacy of Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, and Joe Satriani, bringing the music to life!

Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$65.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

STELLA HEATH AND THE BILLIE HOLIDAY PROJECT The Billie Holiday Project presents Stella Heath and The Billie Holiday Project, celebrating the life, legacy, and music of Lady Day. Sept. 4, 7:30-9 p.m. $34-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

DENTAL CARE for the whole family!

If I Only Had a Song

SUNDAY, MAY 10 Community Presbyterian, Cambria

San Luis Obispo Oktoberfest

Christmas at the Santa Margarita Ranch!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

FRIDAY, NOV 27 - SUNDAY, DEC 20

Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Santa Margarita Ranch

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ANNUAL JAZZ FACULTY CONCERT, TO BENEFIT MUSIC STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS Join us as the Cuesta Jazz Music Faculty show off their talents on the CPAC Mainstage! A hundred percent of ticket proceeds benefit music student scholarships. Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. $10 -$30 Premium. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY AT SLO BREW ROCK! First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Rod and Hammer Rock and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. It’s a musical journey that promises to be unforgettable, so make sure to wear sensible shoes for the dance-worthy beats.

Sept. 4, 6-10 p.m. $25.41. my805tix.com.

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

HAIL THE SUN, A LOT LIKE BIRDS, BLIGHT TOWN, AND MURALS LIVE Sept.

8, 7 p.m. $42.13. my805tix.com/e/hail. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: JACK MILSTEAD BAND Sept. 6, 1-4 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo.

TAJMO: TAJ MAHAL AND KEB’ MO’ A decade after their first Grammy-award winning album, the folk and blues musicians will perform songs from their second album. Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m.

(805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20262027season/tajmo. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. m

NEW Patient

SPECIAL!

Del Rancho al Antro Brunch

Nature Rhythms Mindful Drumming & Nature SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Town of Harmony

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

Fundamentals of Improv

Take the Mic at Mistura

Portal Rhythms Mindful Drumming & Song

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 The Stockyard, Orcutt

Stage Door Film Screening

TUES, SEPT 15 - TUES, OCT 20 The Bunker SLO

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Mistura Restaurant, SLO

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Portal at Living Energy, Pismo Beach

The Wave Forward

Scenes & Skills

Foxtide Live at Libertine!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Ventana Grill, Pismo Beach

WED, SEPT 16 - WED, OCT 21 The Bunker SLO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO

Fan Halen Live at the Pour House

Morro Bay Comedy Night with Tony Le

Cambria Film Festival

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 The Pour House, Paso Robles

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Nauti Anchor Bar & Restaurant, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Cambria Center for the Arts

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www.santamariasun.com • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • Sun • 17

Arts

CINEMA PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMIE BAKER

ARTS BRIEFS Comedian Aaron Foster to make a tour stop in Santa Maria

COURTESY PHOTO BY MELODY RENO

Anxiety. Grief. Depression. A perfect recipe for dark comedy.

Aaron Foster is bringing his stand-up show, Mostly Jokes, to the Santa Maria Civic Theatre on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

The comedian quit his job when he was 50, and now, a few years later, he’s been touring more than 70 cities and hopes to tape Mostly Jokes as his first special by the end of the year.

“Mostly Jokes is a darkly funny look at his strained relationship with his bipolar father, his strained relationship with his schizophrenic brother, his strained relationship with network TV executives, and his strained relationship with … wait for it … himself,” press materials promised.

At last year’s Tucson Fringe Festival, Foster’s routine was named Best Solo Show. He also hosted FreeStyle on HGTV and has acted in “numerous films you’ve (hopefully) never seen,” according to his website.

“The guy is still trying to ‘make it’ in Hollywood,” according to press materials. “The odds are long, but how hard can it be?

Especially when this time, he’s got a secret weapon. Honesty.”

Buy tickets for the show by visiting herring-blueppw9.squarespace.com and follow Foster on Instagram @aaroncharlesfoster.

Doors open at the Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12.

Joe Gliebe-Goetz presents Landscapes, Gemstones, and New Directions at the Cypress Gallery

COURTESY IMAGE BY JOE GLIEBE-GOETZ

Shifting from realism to expressionism throughout his career as an artist, Joe Gliebe-Goetz is displaying his abstract patterns based on natural themes at the Cypress Gallery. See the featured artist show in Lompoc through Sept. 27.

Landscapes, Gemstones, and New Directions reflects the painter’s passion for local, natural beauty. Gems and stones also inspire Gliebe-Goetz’s work, as seen in Six Stones (pictured).

“The patterns found in stones are a result of the lapidary art experience where he hand-polishes and creates jewelry and mixed media pieces that incorporate stones into the piece,” according to press materials. “There is a constant search for natural patterns of color and beauty that are usually seen small in a ring or pendant. However, he has this urge to share it large.”

Since moving to Lompoc, Gliebe-Goetz has appreciated finding a friendly group of talented artists in the area. He enjoys experimenting with new methods and perspectives, including collaborating with his son who creates pouring art.

Community members are invited to join Gliebe-Goetz for a reception on Sept. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the gallery, located at 119 E. Cypress Ave. in Lompoc. Normal hours at the Cypress Gallery are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. For more information visit lompocart.org. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send creative and cultural events to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

Movie magic

To join Solvang Film Society’s newsletter for updates about upcoming screenings, email solvangfilmsociety@gmail.com.

Find more information on Instagram @solvang_film_society.

The theater is located at 320 Alisal Road, suite 102, in Solvang.

OPENING THE CURTAINS: Since Buellton’s movie theater closed years ago, there hasn’t been a cinema near the valley. Locals can now watch documentaries and independent movies at the Solvang Film Society.

Silence your phones Solvang’s new art house theater brings indie film screenings to town

BY MADISON WHITE

O

ne of Jamie Baker’s ideas of fun is watching 20 films in the span of a week at a film festival. He and his wife “graduated” from 20-seat art house movie theaters to the big leagues like the Seattle Film Festival, in the metropolis where they once lived. “[We] saw a lot of things that never made it to a cinema, but they were great films,” Baker told the Sun. “So, I kind of wanted to do that all along.”

The couple would eventually start a family and move to Solvang, a town familiar to Baker from his time studying at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) in the 1980s. Seeing slim options for his kids’ entertainment, Baker opened Space VR in 2017, drawing people in to experience virtual realities.

Today, the same building on Alisal Road transports people to a number of cinematic universes. Baker founded the Solvang Film Society with the first showing in May this year. He buys the rights to independent films and screens them for a crowd of almost 50.

“We want to find the misfits,” Baker said of his movie selections.

Marketing happens on Instagram, where the theater has amassed a cult following.

Social media posts describe upcoming films and announce when each screening sells out.

Eventually Baker’s goal is to create a consistent monthly calendar online. Maybe he’ll have a snack bar one day, too, but as it stands, the audience can bring their own refreshments.

“Right now, I’m building the airplane while I’m 30,000 feet in the air, and things are going to come out in different stages,” Baker said.

18 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Even after the theater gained traction, it felt like one step forward and two steps backward.

Baker is operating under a temporary permit while he works with the city to button everything up. He said he has faith that it’ll work out because “everybody in the city wants this movie theater.”

It started as an empty room. The pandemic shut down his VR business and took out the movie theater in Buellton, too.

Driving 35 miles to the nearest cinema? That just didn’t sit right with Baker.

“I Velcroed a screen to the wall. I wrapped black curtains all the way around,” he explained. “I got 48 chairs, a projector, a nice sound system, and opened the door.”

Around 500 people have signed up for the mailing list to receive notices about upcoming showings. An email back to Baker secures a spot, and patrons pay $10 each for a ticket at the door.

To find films, Baker put out a call to filmmakers on Reddit and Threads. He drafts contracts to buy the rights to show what he thinks will attract a Central Coast audience. Baker is particularly looking forward to playing one documentary about a vineyard burning down in Northern California and the aftermath for the family that owns it.

“I’m trying to do things that speak to the community. There’s a film called Living Wine. I talked to the filmmaker,” Baker explained. “Her brother owned a vineyard up in Sonoma that partially burned down. … I thought, ‘That will be probably be of interest here, especially with the vineyards and families.’”

One popular film was The Cowboy and the Queen, a true story about the recently deceased

local horse trainer Monty Roberts and his unlikely friendship with Queen Elizabeth II. “I showed his film four times now because people say, ‘Please show it again,’” Baker said. “I really want to show what the audience wants to see. Now, I’m also going to throw my things in there, like I threw in a movie the other night that probably made some people not sure what they were watching.”

Women Who Kill was the piece in question. The queer, dark comedy thriller played at the Solvang Film Society on Aug. 23. Baker thought it was “hilarious,” but he acknowledged that everyone has different tastes.

Screenwriter Ingrid Jungermann sent it to Baker after seeing his Reddit post. Women Who Kill was made a decade ago and appeared at the Tribeca Film Festival but “never landed anywhere,” Baker described.

Even though budding filmmakers’ works aren’t perfect, supporting them gives Baker a jolt. He enjoys offering a space for them to share their art.

“I like when talent starts to emerge at that age and that point where they don’t know what not to do and they’re just going on instinct,” Baker said of young artists.

There’s also a special feeling for the audience. He believes the experience of watching a movie in a theater is irreplaceable.

“That energy that’s created between a live audience and whatever the art is, there is something else in there. There is some other energy that’s only created at that time, and that was something that I was addicted to,” Baker said.

Once an emerging playwright off Broadway, he’s long exercised the creative side of his brain. Baker picked up writing again recently and published a novel last year called You Ate It. More stories will be in the works, once the characters start “talking” to him again.

“In the middle of all of this, I found out I had cancer,” Baker said. “That’s why I started writing, knowing I had cancer, and decided to go back to my first passion.”

Though his top priority is his family, when he isn’t writing, Baker is likely making plans for the theater. The founder sees the endeavor as a hobby, not a business. He isn’t looking for another job or to manage employees.

“This is about fun and art and community,” Baker said. “I’m always about community over commerce. … I just want to show movies, get people together, talk about films, and have something to do after 5 o’clock in Solvang.” m Reach Staff Writer Madison White savoring popcorn and cola at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

CREATIVE AT HEART: Solvang Film Society founder Jamie Baker went to the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) in Santa Maria before becoming a professional playwright. He picked up writing again recently, publishing a novel last year called You Ate It.

presents

The Lompoc Pops on Broadway Broadway comes to Lompoc with musical selections from some of Broadway’s greatest musicals, including The Music Man, Carousel, Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and more!

Don’t miss this unforgettable afternoon of Broadway favorites—bring your friends and family and join us for the music, memories, and magic!

The concert will be held at the First Methodist Church (925 North F St.), Lompoc, on Sunday, September 20, at 4pm.

Tickets: $25 general admission.

Discounts for Active-Duty military and full-time students with ID. Children under 12 free.

For ticket details call: Evelyn Baxter at 805-733-1796

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Film

SUN SCREEN

Paradise lost

PHOTO COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

R

idley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma and despite Bangley condemning Hig for recklessness Louise, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, The and risking illness. They live a depressing routine, Martian) directs Mark L. Smith’s adaptation but they’re alive. Their biggest threat are the roving bands of raiders. of Peter Heller’s celebrated 2012 sci-fi novel about Anna: I can’t believe you didn’t mention Jasper survivors living in a dystopian America after (Raksha), Hig’s Belgian Malinois, constant a flu pandemic wiped out most of humanity. companion, and tether to his old life. Jasper is Jacob Elordi is Hig, a civilian pilot; Josh Brolin is protector and friend and a small gleam of hope Bangley, a former marine and Hig’s companion; in Hig’s world. Hig’s stuck in his grief, Margaret Qualley is Cima, a young so much so that he can’t help but medic and Hig’s eventual love interest; THE DOG STARS dream of a less lonely world in Grand Guy Pearce is “Pops,” a rancher and What’s it rated? R Junction, where he’s heard there’s a Cima’s father; Allison Janney is What’s it worth, community. He’s tried talking Bangley Darlene, a former stewardess running Anna? Full price into joining up with the Mennonites an airport; and Benedict Wong is What’s it worth, over and over, but Bangley flat-out Aaron, leader of a Mennonite group.

Glen? Full price refuses to abandon their compound.

(118 min.)

Where’s it showing?

When Hig crash-lands his plane and Regal Edwards Glen: I now want to read Peter Heller’s trails a mule, he comes across Pops’ RPX Santa Maria, book. The story is about maintaining and Cima’s ranch. Cima is glad for the Movies Lompoc, your humanity when the world has new face, but Pops is wary of anyone Regal Edwards gone to hell. Hig and Bangley are and everyone—and what we watch Arroyo Grande among the lucky survivors. They live is this group of three slowly prove themselves to one another. I went at a remote abandoned airport in Erie, into this film pretty blind, and I walked out so Colorado. Hig is adept at flying his little Cessna satisfied. Emotionally resonant, deeply human, 182 into town to scavenge food and medicine and shot in what one could call “God’s country,” from a few secret spots he knows. He also visits this film was a win. I don’t doubt I’ll watch it his old home, where he mourns his now dead but again. then pregnant wife, Melissa (Sai Bennett). While Glen: The complete erosion of trust among Bangley is cold and efficient and has no problem people is heartbreaking. When all that’s left are sniping anyone who comes onto their hilltop scraps and everyone’s a threat, some survivors compound, Hig is filled with compassion. He create strength through numbers and overpower often stops by a Mennonite community to bring smaller pockets of survivors like Hig, Bangley, them supplies and help fix whatever’s broken

DOG DAYS: Hig (Jacob Elordi) and his dog, Jasper (Raksha), struggle to survive in a dystopian America, in The Dog Stars, screening in local theaters.

Cima, and Pops. Then there’s the strange case of Grand Junction, an airport run by Darlene. The best way to describe it is a kitschy retro airport bar and terminal. I won’t spoil this little side plot, but it represents another dark possibility in human survival at the end of the world. Janney is fantastic, and really, all the performances pack a punch. As bleak as it is, hope remains.

Anna: Janney turned it out for this performance.

That woman knows how to command an onscreen presence. Everyone is haunted in their

PHOTO COURTESY OF APPLE TV

LUCKY

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Apple TV Unfortunately for Lucky (Anya Taylor-Joy), what happened in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas. After celebrating a particularly lucrative heist with her husband, Cary (Drew Starkey), Lucky wakes to discover that both the cash and her husband are MIA. Full of nonstop action and on-the-run adventure, this seven-part series is based on a novel of the same name. It has mob links, mothers-in-law, car chases, and all the trappings of an action series looking to pack a punch.

Taylor-Joy is a great lead, feisty and fierce as Lucky, a woman out to uncover what the hell is GET LUCKY: Lucky (Anya Taylor-Joy, left) must happening. Annette Bening plays Priscilla, Lucky’s save her father, John (Timothy Olyphant), and herself mother-in-law and arch villain, tossing Lucky into from a ruthless crime boss and the FBI, in Lucky, the trunk of a car after Cary and their stolen money streaming on Apple TV. went missing.

There is plenty to watch out there, but when I see a miniseries that’s going to deliver hours of bingeable content, the question of how far the apple falls from the tree. Timothy Olyphant stars as Lucky’s criminal father, John. Hunker down I’m excited—and Lucky delivers. Fast-paced and witty, this and stream this one. (seven 39-to-48-min. episodes) series will go by like a flash and leave you wanting even —Anna more. It also has style—a crime thriller that ultimately asks

own way, and ultimately that’s what brings them together. Shared trauma is real, people. With much of the movie spent in the sky over vast forests, rivers, and canyon lands, you can see why Hig likes being in the air. It’s away from the bitter and brutal reality that lies on the ground below.

See this one in the theater. m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen.

Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

THE STING

BLAST

What’s it rated? PG When? 1973 FROM THE Where’s it showing?

Park Cinemas on Sunday, Sept. 6 (doors at 6:30 p.m.; $21.50 presale at parkcinemas.com or $20 at the box office) The Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association is hosting a screening of director George Roy Hill’s (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Slaughterhouse-Five, The World According to Garp) classic 1973 crime comedy The Sting, from a script by David S. Ward (The Milagro Beanfield War, Major League, Sleepless in Seattle) about two grifters— Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) and Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford)—who team up to fleece ruthless mob boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). The all-star cast also includes Charles Durning, Ray Walston, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, Robert Earl Jones, and more.

Set in 1936 Chicago during the Great Depression, the story involved a complicated plot to get revenge for murder using an old scam called “the wire,” which requires extensive collaboration and coordination. Part of the fun is keeping up with it all. The Writers Guild of America considers it one of the best screenplays ever written. It also boasts an amazing soundtrack of Scott Joplin ragtime compositions, in particular

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! The Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association hosts a screening of the 1973 crime caper comedy The Sting, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, on Sept. 6, at Park Cinemas.

“The Entertainer,” adapted for the film by Marvin Hamlisch.

The film was a worldwide hit and won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay, Art Direction, Costume Design, Film Editing, and Score. It’s an absolute classic! (91 min.) m —Glen

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Eats

FOOD PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SAN JUAN

COURTESY PHOTO BY JEFF SAN JUAN

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Send tidbits on everything food and drink to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

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TOO MUCH FOR ONE: Rather than stuffing himself by finishing every dish, Jeff San Juan packages up leftovers to give to family members or the homeless.

Camera eats first A popular social media account reviews Central Coast bites and sips

BY MADISON WHITE

“I didn’t know where it was going to go,” San Juan told the Sun. “It kind of blew up. … It was less than 200,000 views, but for me at that time—I think I only had like 1,300 followers—it was a lot.”

The video is still one of his best performers with more than 5,000 likes. On a rainy day, the Orcutt resident filmed himself sitting down for seafood boiling pot, cheesy katsu, and a beef skillet inside the quiet restaurant. He gave a respectful, honest review of the meal and paid the bill. People enjoyed watching it.

“Next thing you know, the following COURTESY PHOTO BY JEFF SAN JUAN week, two other restaurants reached out, like, ‘Hey. Come over and try my food and we can trade food for video,’” San Juan remembered.

After that, his content creation was more purposeful.

San Juan started following influencers from the Bay Area and LA for inspiration.

He learned tips for creating engaging videos but already had knowledge of editing and design thanks to his experience as a professional photographer.

A self-described foodie, he got interested in YouTube series like the Best Ever Food Review Show and content by food vlogger Mark Weins.

“They’re like my idols, and I love seeing how they travel to different worlds and try these different foods,” San Juan said.

“That kind of sparked me to want to travel more and try different foods.”

He’s visited countries including Japan and Singapore, SANTA PANZA: Jeff San Juan reviewed the brunch menu at HolyBelly, a familybut most of his content is local. run restaurant in Grover Beach. His video San Juan will be taking a break featured several breakfast dishes, including from new collaborations for chorizo eggs Benedict. the rest of the year starting in

N

early 15,000 people on Instagram follow one of the most popular food reviewers on the Central Coast. He’s often seen in a bright orange hat and a crisp white T-shirt with the acronym “lotsj” identifying his brand.

He’s Jeff San Juan, the content creator behind Life of the San Juans on social media. What had been his personal page for years turned into an influencer account in March 2025 when he posted his first video with narration at Flare, an Asian fusion restaurant in Lompoc.

22 • Sun • September 3 - September 10, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com

Follow the foodie

Follow Jeff San Juan on Instagram @lifeofthesanjuans to see his reviews. For more information about his photography business, visit jeffreysanjuan.com.

October so he can catch up on editing and posting the international food and lifestyle videos he’s accumulated.

His intent is to make content that reflects everyday living. Outside of the food scene, San Juan recently collaborated with a surf school for a family lesson and a nail salon, where he got his first manicure and pedicure.

San Juan covers businesses from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. Find him on the side of the road in Santa Maria at a hot dog cart, at a highly acclaimed restaurant in wine country, and everywhere in between. He doesn’t discriminate.

Some videos highlight restaurants that are struggling. San Juan said people reach out with news of a business owner who could use a lift.

He originally got the idea from two influencers on TikTok and enjoys consuming their videos.

“Every time I watch it, you can see the owner’s reactions when they come back a week later and see how happy they are and how their business got turned around because of that video,” San Juan said. “That right there, I actually love doing that. …

But I haven’t done too many of those.

That’s my favorite, honestly, because it inspires me.”

Another gratifying part is hearing feedback from other residents who have tried new foods because of his videos.

Plus, it’s rewarding to know he’s helping small businesses grow or make it through the month. The number of eyes that his page attracts can change lives.

Rose Angulo, a co-owner of Big Mamas Bakery, said her feature with Life of the San Juans boosted engagement on her platform.

“Shout out to San Juan because he helps a lot of local businesses,” Angulo told the Sun in August.

As more people follow Life of the San Juans, they increasingly recognize

SOMETHING SWEET: Orcutt resident Jeff San Juan posts food review videos on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. When eating samples from cottage businesses, he often films in his car.

the content creator in public. He’s gotten used to being in front of the camera for videos, but it’s still strange when people come up asking to take a picture together.

“It’s very humbling, honestly,” San Juan said. “I always tell people, ‘I’m just a regular guy.’ I just do this for fun.”

His day (or rather night) job is working graveyard shifts in the security field at Vandenberg Space Force Base. He’s also a husband and father who still maintains his photography business.

After getting home from work in the mornings, San Juan films and edits videos, drifts off to sleep, and then wakes up for his kids’ after-school activities. As much as he loves it, he said it can be a draining routine.

“I have to schedule around that, too, and also my church life,” San Juan said.

“I’m pretty busy. And then if I have a photoshoot, too ... .”

San Juan has always kept busy and expressed himself creatively. He’s gotten used to being in front of the camera, but the comment section is still hard to get used to. The small percentage of negative comments stands out.

He tries to ignore them. Because he’s older now, San Juan feels he’s better at brushing them off than he would’ve been as a younger creator.

“It’s usually something along the lines of, ‘That’s a fake review. You’re just capping,’” San Juan said. “But yeah, I just try to ignore it.”

Everybody has different tastes, he explained, and the idea of what tastes good is subjective. Plus, if

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF SAN JUAN

ORANGE HAT, WHITE TEE: For a year and a half, Jeff San Juan has been posting narrated food review content on social media. His videos capture a variety of cuisines from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles.

negative comments start a thread, the interactions may even help the algorithm. He looks for the positive spin on everything and is excited to keep growing the channel.

“I love it because I meet new people, the owners of these businesses and their stories,” he said. “That’s the best part.” m Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

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