Sun, September 4, 2025

Caught Stealing is gritty and funny [24]

Rule-bender

One Buellton cannabis grower has paid about $2 million in penalties for air quality violations [8]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Photo contest is now open [5]

One Buellton cannabis grower has racked up air pollution violations since 2021, with the most recent set prosecuted by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. A $620,000 settlement on that lawsuit brings Central Coast Agriculture’s total payout to about $2 million for violating Air Pollution Control District rules. The money’s been used to pay for more district staff, furniture at local elementary schools, and a trail restoration project, among other things. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the issue [8]

Also, read about the county’s increased fees for retail food vendors [4]; the horror and fun in store for Santa Maria thanks to the Paranormal Cirque [22]; and the chef bringing Korean fusion food to Lompoc [25]

Lanham

• U.S. Reps . Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), David Valadao (R-Hanford), and Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation to use federal dollars for programs that provide safe overnight parking locations for people experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles, as well as supportive services, like rapid rehousing services and facilities like restrooms and showers. The bill was inspired by the nation’s first safe parking program in Santa Barbara, according to Carbajal’s office. Carbajal helped establish the 2004 program through his role as a staff member for the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. The Santa Barbara program, overseen by the local nonprofit New Beginnings, has served as a model for similar programs across the country. “For the past 20 years, I’ve been proud to support Santa Barbara’s safe parking program. It’s a proven initiative that has helped hundreds of Central Coast residents transition from homelessness into secure accommodations,” Carbajal said in an Aug. 27 statement. “Santa Barbara has shown that investing in safe parking works. That’s why I’m reintroducing bipartisan legislation to expand this vital service nationwide.” The Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act of 2025, named in honor of the two Santa Barbara County Supervisors who developed the program, would allow federal housing funds to support safe parking programs by making these programs eligible for grants to support the operation and expansion of these critical lifelines. “Everyone deserves a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home,” Rep. Vargas said in a statement from Carbajal’s office. “I am proud to co-lead this legislation to support safe parking programs and help those experiencing homelessness transition to stable housing.”

•On Aug. 25, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio, Texas), Democratic co-chairs of the Senate and House Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucuses, issued a joint statement on Aug. 25 condemning the Trump administration’s recent letter that declares it will no longer defend the $350 million HSI annual grant program in court, effectively ending the program, according to Padilla’s office. “The Trump administration’s refusal to defend the [HSI] program will jeopardize the education of not only the twothirds of all Latino college students who attend HSIs, but of millions of students from all backgrounds who attend these important institutions across the country,” Padilla and Castro said in their joint statement. “A good education is the foundation of the American Dream and builds up our workforce. Stripping institutions of this critical funding stream simply because they serve Latino students is unjust and unsustainable. Our nation’s more than 600 HSIs play a key role in promoting America’s economic growth, and cutting off these vital resources would cause far more long-term damage than dollars saved. Make no mistake: The Trump administration’s threat to shut off HSI funding is a threat to similar minorityserving programs across the country that are essential to educational equality and our economy.”

•On Aug. 27, State Controller Malia M. Cohen announced that special districts from throughout California will be reunited with a combined $181,728 in unclaimed property. California’s Unclaimed Property program currently safeguards unclaimed properties worth a total of $14 billion, according to Cohen’s office. Since 1959, this consumer protection program’s aim has been to ensure businesses and other entities return properties belonging to a customer with whom they have lost contact. Common types of unclaimed property include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, and safe deposit box contents. m

Board of Supervisors passes retail food fee adjustments by a split vote

The time it takes local food regulators to clear hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and other snack bar sales at Little League games is not reflected in the current costs of those inspections, according to Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services (EHS).

The department recently pitched an update to the county’s retail food facility fee policy— untouched for about six years—that puts some event hosts in a pickle when it comes to raised permit prices.

“We’re going to raise the rate for our snack bars by almost 200 percent as part of these fee increases here,” said 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson, one of two supervisors who voted against the fee adjustments.

Increasing annual snack bar inspection fees at seasonal sports events from about $230 to $700 was part of the EHS proposal, which passed 3-2 at the board’s Aug. 26 meeting. Nelson and 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee dissented.

While the update included increases related to various types of retail food inspections including traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants, Nelson said the raised fees for nonprofits and temporary events “just doesn’t sit really well with me.”

“Businesses, they’re used to paying fees, right? … Those ones I have less of an issue with. It’s the ones that are only touching environmental health and food services on a rare basis. Maybe once a year. Maybe every couple of years,” Nelson said at the Aug. 26 meeting.

Nelson asked staff about a hypothetical application for someone to host a one-time barbecue fundraiser under the current policy and the incoming fee adjustments.

“Right now, if I was to do that, it’s $196,” Nelson said after staff told him the increased fee for a onetime barbecue is set at about $340.

“So, this is proposing raising the fees on barbecues by 75 percent,” Nelson continued. “Is it worth it to us to disincentivize these activities, because that’s what it does.”

Nelson said he’s received calls from multiple nonprofits and other groups with concerns about food retail permit prices.

“I recently had a youth group call me that said, ‘You know, the first 50 sandwiches we were selling goes toward paying off the permit to be able to

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently approved a new fee policy that raises permit costs for seasonal sports snack bar operators, one-time barbecue hosts, and other temporary food events. “[We’re] basically taxing people who are actually following the rules to pay for the people who aren’t,” said 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson, who voted against the ordinance.

have the fundraiser.’ I just really struggle with that,” Nelson said. “We have these groups that are doing some public good, and we are pricing them out of it.”

Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami told the board that the fee adjustments were calculated with EHS staffers’ hourly rates, the staff time regularly spent on each respective type of inspection, and a full cost recovery goal in mind for county services.

“If we exempt or reduce one side then we have to add that somewhere else,” Hammami said.

EHS Deputy Director of Operations Lars Seifert said that restructuring the new fee policy to move some or all nonprofit or temporary permit costs over to for-profit business permit costs would require additional staff research.

“Proposition 26 does limit what we can charge for the for-profit costs. So, we basically cannot exceed the cost of the service that we are providing,” Seifert said. “If you exempted nonprofits all together, … you would be looking at somewhere between $125,000 and $150,000 likely that we would have to make up somewhere else.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Lompoc public transit increases fares, services

Additions to Lompoc’s public transportation system mean slight fare increases, which went into effect on Sept. 2.

The new services are part of the city’s effort to address the evolving mobility needs of the community, City Transit and Airport Administrator Richard Fernbaugh said in an email interview with the Sun.

The City of Lompoc Transit (COLT) introduced RIDE, an on-demand transportation service to provide flexibility outside of standard hours. RIDE operates within the city, Mission Hills, and Vandenberg Village, according to the city’s website.

When using RIDE, customers won’t need to travel to a bus stop at a specific time to catch a ride but instead will be picked up at intersections close to their trip’s start and end points. The service also offers curb-to-curb pickups for riders with disabilities.

“By expanding COLT’s local bus service and introducing a new on-demand service, the city is offering a local transit service that is both easier to use as well as designed to address the mobility

needs of a greater number of Lompoc Valley residents,” Fernbaugh said. Customers can request the service by calling (805) 736-7666 or by using the Ride Pingo app, which is available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

After booking a ride, users can track the vehicle’s location on Ride Pingo and receive live updates including an estimated pickup time. RIDE costs $2 per trip within city limits and $4 to and from Mission Hills or Vandenberg Village. The service operates Monday to Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last rides are accepted an hour before the service ends.

Another change is the addition of the H Street Shuttle. The shuttle times connect to the four existing routes throughout the city and Vandenberg Village. It operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. along H Street between Mission Plaza and the transit hub. New transit fares also took effect on Sept. 2 to support the city’s service upgrades. A single ride on one of the fixed routes costs $1.50—a 25-cent increase—or 75 cents for seniors, people with disabilities, and people with Medicare. Monthly passes increased by $10, according to the city. For more information on transit routes and prices, call (805) 736-7666 or visit the city’s website.

—Madison White

Carla Mead leads Buellton City Council vacancy election with 60 percent

Determining who will take the Buellton City Council’s vacant 4th District seat rests on the results of the August vote-by-mail special election. While those results are set to be certified by Sept. 12, the city’s semi-official reports show candidate Carla Mead in the lead with 60 percent of the votes.

According to an Aug. 29 update from the city, about 440 ballots were cast from residents—out of 870 registered voters—of Buellton’s 4th District, where Mead and fellow City Council candidate and former mayor Dave King reside. The Sun reached out to both candidates for comment on the semi-official results but didn’t receive responses before press time.

PHOTO BY: SARA CORNISH

PHOTO BY: LINDA TANNER

PHOTO BY: GEORGE REYES

PHOTO BY: GINA KILLINGSWORTH

PHOTO BY: CARLY PENSON

PHOTO BY: ALAN STRASBAUGH

PHOTO BY: CANDACE MASE

PHOTO BY: ALISA ASTON

While King had been on the council on and off for the past decade, Mead’s campaign to represent Buellton’s 4th District marks her first foray into politics, she told the Sun in July.

“I would never pretend that I’ve done this before,” said Mead, a former middle school teacher and current board chair of the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society.

One of her election platforms was about economic growth, with a focus on attracting new restaurants, shops, and other businesses to Buellton, especially in the city’s Avenue of Flags area.

The vacant seat belonged to Silva, a former council member, before he won the 2024 race for mayor against former mayor King. In early 2025, the four-person council was split between appointing Mead and King to represent the 4th District.

Of the two, Mead was the only candidate to formally apply for the role with a letter of intent, which the city directed those interested in the role to do.

The Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County, county 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, and former Buellton mayor Victoria Pointer were among those who endorsed Mead, according to the candidate’s website.

Current Buellton Mayor David Silva also endorsed Mead, who he expressed support for when the council initially considered appointing someone to take the 4th District seat rather than hold a special election in August—which staff warned the council would cost at least $35,000.

“I still maintain that King, … is the best and most qualified candidate for this position,” 1st District Councilmember Hudson Hornick said in January. “I am unwilling to appoint somebody else aside from King, … absent an election.” Hornick said that his stance was based on the “1,200 people [who] voted for him” during the 2024 mayoral election.

“I’m also keenly aware that those 1,200 people did not all come from District 4, but still, it’s a significant number of people,” he said. “I would like to honor them.”

According to the city’s semi-official 4th District election results, King received about 170 votes from the pool of 450 ballots. m

—Caleb Wiseblood

TAKING THE LEAD: Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society board chair and former middle school teacher Carla Mead earned 60 percent of the votes in Buellton’s special election to pick its next City Council member.

Air grievances

District Attorney’s environmental protection lawsuit against local cannabis grower reaches $620,000 settlement

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

In the span of two years, Central Coast Agriculture—a cannabis cultivator with facilities in Buellton and Lompoc—agreed to pay nearly $2 million for breaking state and local air quality laws.

That sum doesn’t include two pending violations issued by Santa Barbara County’s Air Pollution Control District (APCD) in 2025 awaiting resolution, according to the agency, which got a $1.3 million settlement from Central Coast Agriculture in 2024 after citing the grower for operating without certain emission controls in place.

“That case was settled through APCD’s mutual settlement process and did not involve the DA’s Office,” APCD Public Information Officer Lyz Bantilan told the Sun via email.

But the county District Attorney’s Office was involved with the APCD’s latest investigation of Central Coast Agriculture that led to a $620,000 settlement in mid-August.

“APCD very rarely opts to forward cases to the DA’s Office, but these were serious violations of air quality rules that resulted in excess pollutants that affect human health—more than 120 tons of diesel exhaust,” Bantilan explained.

While last year’s settlement was based on an APCD inspection of Central Coast Agriculture’s Lompoc facility in 2020, this year’s settlement resulted from 17 violations tied to diesel generator use at two of the company’s properties in Buellton.

“Those violations were issued in March 2021—16 violations—and March 2022—one violation, … across two sites for installing and operating diesel generators for primary electrical power,” Bantilan said.

Operating diesel generators for that purpose breaks state protocols, specifically the California Air Resources Board’s Portable Engine Registration Program regulations, according to the complaint, which also lists additional violations related to the equipment, including monthly reporting practices the grower allegedly failed to meet.

“APCD attempted to address these [notices of violations] through our internal mutual settlement process but we were unable to reach an agreement … after negotiating for approximately one year,” Bantilan said. “Referring cases from our mutual settlement program to the DA’s Office has only been done two other times in the last 10 years.”

Bantilan said that the APCD forwarded

the diesel generator case to the DA’s Office in April 2022. Senior Deputy District Attorneys Christopher Dalbey and Morgan Lucas, who specialize in consumer and environmental protection, spearheaded the lawsuit.

“We review every case that’s referred on its merits and [whether] it warrants the kind of resources we have to prosecute it,” Dalbey told the Sun, “or to continue the investigation and/or prosecute it.

“There are limitations around resources. We have two attorneys who handle these types of cases,” said Dalbey, referring to himself and Lucas. “Even though consumer protection and environmental protection may not have much substantive overlap, the enforcement tools, meaning civil prosecution, are the same. … They’re [both] largely civil cases. Sometimes they’re criminal cases.”

While details about negotiations between the DA’s Office and Central Coast Agriculture between 2022 and 2025 are protected under the California Evidence Code, Dalbey said he was able to comment on the three-year timeframe.

“Because the violations had ceased, we were willing to engage in a longer negotiation to attempt to reach a settlement,” Dalbey said. “If we’re referred to a matter and there’s ongoing violations, … then we are much more likely to take kind of immediate action in court, because that’s often a way to address ongoing violations.”

Central Coast Agriculture was not considered a repeat or ongoing offender in the diesel generator case since its previous APCD violations weren’t related to diesel generators.

“We didn’t allege that they violated the other order. Even though it’s the same company, it was apples and oranges from a legal perspective,” Dalbey said.

The DA’s Office wasn’t involved with the 2024 case about emission control compliance, which APCD handled internally. Public Information Officer Bantilan said that APCD hasn’t discovered violations of that kind at Central Coast Agriculture’s properties since then.

Earlier this year, APCD issued two unrelated notices of violations at the cannabis company’s manufacturing facility in Lompoc for “failing to perform monthly odor-control equipment inspections during four months in 2024, and for exceeding their daily and monthly permitted solvent use limits in October 2024,” Bantilan said.

“[Central Coast Agriculture] hasn’t paid a fine for those yet, and they’ll need to go through APCD’s mutual settlement process,” Bantilan added.

The Sun reached out to Central Coast Agriculture for comment, but did not receive a response before press time.

When the APCD secured the $1.3 million settlement last year, a portion of the funds were used to hire two temporary staff members to support the agency’s cannabis operation inspection efforts throughout Santa Barbara County, Bantilan said. Another portion went directly toward air quality improvement initiatives based in Lompoc.

The United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County’s Lompoc location, for example, received $50,000 for an air filtration project and two heat pump installations, while $200,000 was split between two elementary schools in the Lompoc Unified School District for furniture replacement.

With the recent diesel generator case and its $620,000 settlement, the DA’s Office received $260,000 to support its ongoing enforcement of consumer and environmental protection laws. APCD also received $260,000, and the agency plans to designate a portion to help fund air quality improvement projects in Buellton, Bantilan said.

The remaining $100,000 was set aside to support the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade’s ongoing Refugio Road Trail Restoration Project— which aims to restore a historic walking and equestrian trail along Refugio Road from Highway 246 to Baseline Avenue in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“We thought there was sufficient nexus to the improvement of outdoor recreation. … Having clean air when you’re on a trail is a good thing,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Dalbey said. “Because this was an air pollution violation, meaning the diesel exhaust had already been emitted, … it’s not like someone deposited hazardous waste and there’s a specific piece of land to go fix. It’s more of a dispersed environmental harm.” m

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

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BUELLTON BUD: Central Coast Agriculture was cited more than a dozen times by the Air Pollution Control District in 2021 and 2022 for unlawful use of diesel generators at the company’s cannabis farms on Santa Rosa Road in Buellton. The violations kicked off a multi-year lawsuit that ended in midAugust with the grower agreeing to pay $620,000 in civil penalties.

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Healing through art

A Santa Maria nonprofit seeks donations for students who took part in a new art and culture program

BY MADISON WHITE

AOur 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.

mid the heat of Central Coast ICE enforcement this summer, leaders of Corazón del Pueblo knew they needed to help local students. Their goal was to develop a safe space for high schoolers, many of whom are the children of Indigenous migrant farmworkers or who are farmworkers themselves, Executive Director Esmeralda Garcia told the Sun

“We recognized the need of safe spaces for youth, and I realized that there was no summer program for specifically Indigenous migrant students,” Garcia said.

She’s referring to the communities of indigenous people from Mexico and Central America who often migrate to the Central Coast for work.

Corazón del Pueblo is a nonprofit dedicated to uniting the community through art and culture, which is the philosophy it used to develop its summer program, the Indigenous Leadership Institute of Arts and Culture.

out on Sept. 25 at an exhibit at The Garden in Santa Maria from 5 to 8 p.m. At the event, the students will be speaking about their experience in the program and showcasing their art. In years to come, Corazón del Pueblo aims to give scholarships to students so that they won’t have to work during summer break, Garcia said. The nonprofit’s art program director, Helen Yanez, said she saw the students using their time in the program to process their feelings about ICE enforcement.

“Our people are the target. Our people are getting the biggest hit when it comes to their work environment,” Yanez said.

Heart of the Community

Corazón del Pueblo is located at 120 E. Jones St., suite 120, in Santa Maria. To donate to indigenous migrant farmworker student scholarships, visit the campaign website. Follow Corazón del Pueblo on Instagram @culturalandcreativearts, and on Facebook find Cultural & Creative Arts Center of Santa Maria Valley.

Local high school students gathered in the evenings during the month-long program at Corazón del Pueblo in Santa Maria for a few hours of cultural education and artistic expression. Garcia and her three coworkers picked the students up from their homes. Around half of the students worked during the day, so Garcia planned the program later in the evening to fit the students’ schedules.

Garcia taught about topics ranging from environmental justice to traditional Indigenous cooking, providing a transparent lens for the students to learn about their ancestry and the world around them, she said.

The students also painted a mural and sculpted with clay, something that many Indigenous cultures have practiced for centuries. Garcia explained that it was important for the students to learn about decolonizing the arts and how art outside of Europe is sometimes overlooked.

“As Indigenous communities, we bring so much to the table,” Garcia said. “We’ve been practicing arts for centuries. We just need to relearn our own identity.”

The pilot program ended in July, but the nonprofit is still raising money with hopes of giving $1,000 scholarships to each of the 23 students who participated and to cover the cost of the program. The scholarships will be given

She remembers students painting the mural and talking about fears about their parents being taken away and not coming home from work.

“They open up a lot to one another,” Yanez said. “It was that support right there that was really healing while they were painting.”

Yanez and Garcia are still in contact with the students and periodically invite them to events at Corazón del Pueblo. They have also been meeting to prepare for the Sept. 25 event.

“We see arts as a way to heal more than anything, not necessarily to place everything in an exhibit and collaborate with museums, but more as a grassroots intervention program for the youth and expanding to the parents and the families,” Yanez said.

Highlights

• Charlie’s Place in Los Alamos hosts barbecue nights every Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. with live music. They also have chicken fried steak on the first Tuesday of every month and liver and onions on the third Wednesday of every month. Charlie’s is known for Mexican food, burgers, and tri-tip. The restaurant is located at 185 Bell St. in Los Alamos.

• The Santa Ynez Valley Grange offers a variety of cultural, educational, and social activities. Coming up are weekend family cooking classes, square dancing nights, and a nature film screening on Sept. 5. The Grange is located at 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave. in Los Olivos. Visit santaynezvalleygrange.org for more information. m

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

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Michele Kielty, D.O.

Ryan Leachman, D.O.

Lynn Peltier, C.P.N.P.

Jessica Prather, C.N.P.

Geronna Leonards, N.P.

PAST AND PRESENT: Esmeralda Garcia (left), the executive director of Corazón del Pueblo, planned new lessons every week to teach students about indigenous migrant ancestry and current topics such as social justice.

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)

Do you support Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation’s fundraising for a community/high school pool?

46% Of course! It will make a big splash in the community!

27% I’m rather lukewarm on the idea— I need more assurance that it will benefit everyone.

18% I don’t live in the Santa Ynez area, so I’m not diving into the issue.

9% It feels like a fish out of water. It’s not something we need to spend $13 million for. 11 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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Feasible phaseout?

Shifting away from fossil fuels isn’t a good

BY RON FINK

Is phasing out fossil fuels a good or even feasible idea?

This is a question that none of the so-called “experts” who want to stop this county and eventually the entire nation from using this readily available resource have considered.

You know who they are, the “what if” folks that are well funded by the idle rich. When an oil spill occurs, they use it for decades to press their point that we must stop killing the Earth. They refuse to accept that the spills are cleaned up and the Earth heals naturally because fossil fuels are created naturally by the Earth.

The “what if experts” create studies like one recently reported in Noozhawk during a public meeting back in May when the Board of Supervisors was considering a potential phaseout of oil permits. “The push for the proposed ban was driven by research from the UC Santa Barbara Political Science Department, which claims phasing out oil and gas operations could save the county between $54 [million] to $81 million in mortality costs by 2045.”

This is of course only conjecture since any “study” can be manipulated to reach a predetermined conclusion simply by changing some numbers in a spreadsheet.

As for the politicians, also well-funded by the idle rich, they pontificate from their perch,

| Kimberly Rosa

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES | Katy Gray, Stasja Knopf, Tyler Dunavan, Riley Speidel

PRODUCTION

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Mary Grace Flaus

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Ellen Fukumoto, John Nygaard

Business Cindy Rucker

CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez, Joe Brice PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga

MANAGER Stephanie West

& PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR | Michael Gould

SUBMITTING LETTERS WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Include your name, address, and phone number. FAX (805) 546-8641 E-MAIL | letters@santamariasun.commail@santamariasun.com,

PCPA’s current show, Songs for Nobodies, is unforgettable

I have worked in the theater for 55 years and have never experienced a more moving performance than the one given by Bethany Thomas in PCPA’s current production of Songs for Nobodies. In this show, Miss Thomas plays Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday,

like 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who reportedly said that she believes that Santa Barbara County and California can lead by example by moving forward with the phaseout. “This is our future, and we have to act and somebody has to step forward and say, ‘We are acting or creating a way for others to follow.’”

A thoughtful person would approach this situation considering the plethora of objects in daily use that would be impacted. Look around you, it isn’t just your car or truck that relies on fossil fuels, it’s virtually everything you touch.

Your cellphone, TV, Tupperware, insulation on the wiring in your house, most appliances, and even the clothes you wear every day rely in part on fossil fuels. Even solar panels and wind-catching turbines have parts that rely on fossil fuels.

In California, there has long been a purge of fossil fuel-powered electric generation stations. The prevailing thought was that so-called renewable energy sources, wind and solar power, could easily replace these power plants without harming the environment. Concerning environmental harm, constructing these facilities produced actual and fully documented harm to the environment, and the losses of endangered species were deemed an acceptable loss.

However, over time solar and wind power have been proven to be an unreliable source of power. Real power experts say that the power grid needs

and Maria Callas. She also brings to life five women who interrelate with them in lovely scenes: a nanny, a spotlight operator, a librarian, a reporter, and a bathroom attendant.

Bethany’s voice is amazing in its range. It’s a kind of miracle that she can capture the essence of each of these five wonderful singers known around the world.

This unforgettable show closed at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria Aug. 23 but reopened in Solvang Aug. 28 and runs through Sept. 7.

a consistent flow of energy to “remain in balance” and avoid unintentional shutdowns when the power source fluctuates. Gov. Gavin Newsom has now concluded that more nuclear and fossil fuel power plants are needed to provide a reliable energy source.

Another consideration that escapes politicians who support banning fossil fuels is the loss of tax revenue. The Western States Petroleum Institute says statewide the current loss of revenue annually at risk is in billions of dollars and rising; in Santa Barbara County it’s more than $300 million. If all passenger cars and trucks were powered by electricity, there would be no tax revenue because public utilities that provide the power to recharge EVs don’t charge sales tax like a conventional gas station does.

Even Gov. Newsom, as Cal Matters recently reported, has concluded, “We’re in the ‘how’ business. We move to a low-carbon, greengrowth future, change the way we produce and consume energy,” Newsom said in July, according to the article. “At the same time, we have enough available fuel supplies, a stable fuel supply and address the anxieties around cost.”

Maybe the local Board of Supervisors didn’t get the memo concerning this change of direction. Instead of trying to be the leader of the get-oil-out movement, how about considering the long-range impact of the decisions you make.

Phasing out fossil fuels is a foolish policy that fails to consider the real-world needs of the people you serve. m

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

If you love the singers she inhabits in this show, you won’t want to miss the way she brings their songs and spirits to life in Songs for Nobodies at PCPA.

Gale McNeeley Santa Maria

It’s up to you to be informed

We have received numerous questions from community members asking where the League of Women Voters stands on Proposition 50, the mid-cycle redistricting measure on the Nov. 4 special election ballot.

The League of Women Voters of California will not take a position on Proposition 50.

Voters may have received a mailer from “Protect Voters First” about the ballot initiative that wrongly implies that the League of Women Voters endorses the information in the flyer. Be clear, the League does not support this coalition or its message.

Before the ballot language was written, the League, along with other good government groups, issued statements opposing mid-cycle redistricting as contrary to our long-standing positions on gerrymandering and fair representation.

Since then, and on the heels of Texas’ decision to implement mid-cycle redistricting, Gov. Newsom and the Legislature have moved to put Proposition 50 on the ballot for a special election in November.

We will not take a position on the ballot measure. On the proposed maps themselves, we believe it is now up to the people most affected by the proposed maps to decide if those maps are fair. We urge everyone, especially those in constituencies where the maps will change, to educate themselves about the maps, make sure they are registered, and vote on Nov. 4. We stand ready to provide the nonpartisan, factual information voters need to cast an informed vote. For more information, contact Voter Service Director Ed Cabrera at voterservice@lwvslo.org.

Janice Langley

Joanne Schultz

Wendy Brown

Jacquie Canfield League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County

Tri-tip tradition Opinion

Tri-tip sandwiches are the bread and barbecue sauce (or salsa) of fundraising in the Santa Maria Valley. Need to raise money for a school basketball trip? Tri-tip barbecue!

Need some funds for soccer uniforms? Tri-tip barbecue!

Senior center field trip?

Barbecue. Nonprofit low on dollars? Barbecue.

Santa Barbara County just made it a lot harder to try to hit those fundraising goals by increasing (nearly doubling) the fees needed to nab a fundraising barbecue permit.

The number of sandwiches that high school athletes now need to sell just to pay the permit fee to have the fundraiser just doubled. Sweet. One youth group called Nelson’s office and told him that the first 50 sandwiches would go to pay the new fee. Sounds reasonable? Not.

How about snack sales at the local Little League game? Fees increased by beaucoup bucks—from $230 to $700 for the inspection. Wow!

“We’re going to raise the rate for our snack bars by almost 200 percent as part of these fee increases here,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson said during the board’s Aug. 26 meeting.

He and 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee were the sole two who voted against the fee increases, with Nelson saying that the raised fees for nonprofits and temporary events “just doesn’t sit really well with me.”

No kidding. Why are they increasing? Staff costs, apparently. Seems like it shouldn’t take that long to approve a fundraiser permit.

I don’t know what the budget answers are for the county’s monetary woes, but raising the fees for those who are trying to fundraise for good causes is not the way forward.

“Is it worth it to us to disincentivize these activities, because that’s what it does,” he added. He’s right. What the county should be doing is disincentivizing the derelict business owners who actually make staffing costs higher.

Apparently $2 million in penalties for not following air pollution control laws is not enough to dissuade Buellton cannabis operator Central Coast Agriculture from violating the regulations left, right, and center.

Since 2021, the pot farm has been in trouble with the local Air Pollution Control District (APCD) no fewer than 17 times. Things got so bad that the APCD referred something it normally likes to take care of in-house to the District Attorney’s Office. That was after the APCD settled $1.3 million in violations with Central Coast Agriculture.

The DA’s Office sued Central Coast Agriculture and raked in another $620,000 from the lawsuit. What kind of business can afford that kind of excess payment? Probably would have been cheaper to just run the right kind of generators—permitted ones.

So where’s this money going?

Mostly staffing costs. The APCD is hiring more people to do more inspecting of potential violators. Great. Wait, how many inspectors do we need? What happens when the money runs out?

And what does it take to no longer be a suck on the taxpayers? If you can’t follow the rules, get out of the county! It would be cheaper for everyone, all around.

At least some of the dollars are going to local elementary schools and the Boys and Girls Club. How about we cover event fees for some of these teams with some of it, too? m

(if interested, please email Adopt@ sbhumane.org)

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

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.

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

6-WEEK ADULT INTERMEDIATE ACRYLIC

COURSE

Enjoy this follow-up class to our 6-week beginner acrylic painting class. This is only available to returning students who have completed a four, five, or six-week beginner course. Wednesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. through Sept. 24 $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

6-WEEK BEGINNER WATERCOLOR

CLASS Join our Beginner Watercolor class and learn the basic techniques, fundamentals of composition, and color theory! Tuesdays, 1-3:30 p.m. through Sept. 23 $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

IT BEGINS WITH LIGHT AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS See Linda Hanly’s and Ellen Yeomans’ exhibit “It Begins With Light,” where their exquisite paintings that celebrate “light” on their canvases are on display at the gallery, open daily. MondaysSundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SONGS FOR NOBODIES An unforgettable one-woman tour-de-force that celebrates the universal truth that everybody has a story—and a song—worth hearing. Thursdays-Sundays, 8-10 p.m. through Sept. 7 Starting at $25. (805)922-8313. pcpa.org/events/songs-for-nobodiessolvang. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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

DIY APOTHECARY TERRARIUM WORKSHOP You’ll get all the instruction and materials you need to assemble your own apothecary terrarium including choosing a plant along with ongoing care directions. Sept. 13, 2 p.m. $65. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com/event/

diy-apothecary-terrarium-workshop/. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

DOCK OF THE BAY Join The Studio Players, a company of multi-talented performers ready to dazzle you with everything they’ve got. From live music, to dynamic dance number and unforgettable theater moments, this cabaret has it all. Tickets include desserts and beverages. Sept. 5 7 p.m., Sept. 6 7 p.m., Sept. 12 7 p.m., Sept. 13 7 p.m. and Sept. 14 2 p.m. $25. The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377, thestudioofperformingarts.com.

GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA: 50TH

ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR Full of songs, dance, and comedy to celebrate the milestone, with loads of opportunities to boo and cheer. Through Sept. 20 americanmelodrama.com. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

ILLUSTRATING NATURE - MEET THE ARTIST! Meet artist Jann Griffiths and explore her stunning nature-inspired works in watercolor, gouache, and digital art—free admission, refreshments included! Sept. 14 2-4 p.m. (805) 4899444. jrgriffiths.com/914-art-show.html.

Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SECOND SATURDAY IMPROV MEETUP

Have you ever wanted to try improv? Or are you an experienced player looking for opportunities to practice? Join to play short-form games and share smiles in the supportive environment of improv. Second Saturday of every month, 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 13 improvforgood.fun/. Flex Performing Arts Studio (Studio D), 1820 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and

SONGS FOR EVERYBODY

Featuring songs by Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, and Maria Callas, step into the mesmerizing world of PCPA’s production of Songs for Nobodies at the Solvang Festival Theater through Sept. 7. Award-winning actor/singer Bethany Thomas takes the audience on a journey of discovery down the paths of legendary singers whose lives intersect with everyday women to tell a story of inspiration and resilience. The Festival Theater is located at 420 2nd St., Solvang. Tickets start at $25 with shows at 8 p.m. nightly. Visit pcpa.org for more information.

discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO

2ND ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES SHOW AT THE MADONNA

EXPO CENTER Head to the 2nd Annual Central Coast Oddities & Curiosities Show. “This Ain’t Yer Grannies Craft Fair.” Sept. 13 12-6 p.m. $12.51. (510) 365-6024 themenagerieodditiesmarket.com.

Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, 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.

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

ARTIFICIAL IMAGINATION: A HANDSON AI CREATIVITY WORKSHOP In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how AI tools can help bring creative ideas to life. No prior tech or arts experience needed. Data consultant, author, and educator Josh Knox will lead the sessions.

Purchase one ticket to attend both sessions. Sept. 5 1-3 p.m. and Sept. 12 , 1-3 p.m. $24. Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEGINNING WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH You’ve heard watercolor is daunting, but it’s still fascinating you. Come be introduced to this tricky but dynamic painting medium! Sept. 4 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $100. (805) 747-4200. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo. com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ Beginning-WC-French-September25-1. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BISHOP’S PEAK ACRYLIC WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Join for a 2-hour acrylic painting workshop, where Drew will lead you in creating an expressive, most recognized landscape in San Luis Obispo - Bishop’s Peak. Purchase of a ticket includes all the essential art supplies you may need, including a 16x20 canvas, apron, and paints. Light snacks will be provided and feel free to bring your favorite beverage. Sept. 6 2-4 p.m. $87.54. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

BRUSHSTROKES & BURROS: PAINTING WORKSHOP AT RANCHO

BURRO DONKEY SANCTUARY Paint, sip, and support local rescued burros and mules at this donkey-inspired art workshop with local artist, Terry Greene. Sept. 6, 1-4 p.m. $125. (805) 710-8445. ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org/ painting-workshops. Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, 4855 Righetti Road, San Luis Obispo.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING COLLAGE

WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM Create your own collage of California poppies and a Monarch butterfly with step-by-step instruction from Linda

Cunningham! Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. Sept. 13 12-4 p.m. $45. (805) 478-2158. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo.com/wpcontent/uploads/2025/07/CaliforniaDreaming-Collage-Cunningham. jpg?fit=1275%2C1650&ssl=1. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CLAY CLASS: PUMPKINS & GHOSTS! Choose one of the following to create: pumpkins (2), ghosts (3) or any fall themed item. No experience necessary! Book on our website Mondays, 2-3:30 p.m. through Oct. 20 45.00. app. acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php? owner=22676824&appointmentType =80951081. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CLAY CREATIONS In this two-day workshop, Carolina will guide you in making a lovely catch-all dish. Build in session 1 and paint in session 2. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. through Sept. 14 $25 adv; $30 at door; $45 for both in adv. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

—Camillia Lanham

COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR

END OF SUMMER POTTERY SALE! Join us in the parking lot of our studio for an end of summer pottery sale! There will be live music, food and handmade pottery. Sept. 13 12-4 p.m. Free. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE

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

FIGURINES: 6-SESSION SCULPTURE

SERIES Create your own figurine in this beginner-friendly six-session sculpture class! There will be step-by-step guidance, twice weekly. Clay will be sold separately. Book online in advance to save a spot! Mondays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon through Sept. 5 $250. app.acuityscheduling.com/ schedule.php?owner=22676824&appoin tmentType=80758738. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

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

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, San Luis Obispo.

SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS

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

SLO 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.

TRISH ANDERSEN Combining fibers gathered from field, sheep, and those developed in a factory, Andersen proves that there is always room for both the vibrant and muted. Through Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/trish-andersen/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

WILDLIFE & EQUESTRIAN PHOTO EXHIBIT The Photo Shop of SLO welcomes acclaimed wildlife and equestrian photographer Deborah Hofstetter with a display of recent captures that will capture your hearts imagination. Through Sept. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 476-8032. The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ARTIST LYNN EVEY CREATES HANDMADE SKETCHBOOKS AND JOURNALS Enjoy a free Sketchbook and Journal Making Demonstration with artist Lynn Evey at Art Center Morro Bay. Sept. 6 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. ArtCenterMorroBay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

BRUSHSTROKES 2025 AND OFF THE WALL: SCULPTURE Brushstrokes 2025 features paintings by The Painters Group while Off the Wall exhibits sculpture by Central Coast sculptors. Both are on display through Sept. 15. Through Sept. 15, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-02504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES

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

FALL WAVE POUR PAINTING PARTY!

Make a beautiful wave painting on canvas with instructor Chenda Lor. Cost is $60 for one person, $100 for two, and covers refreshments, materials, and instruction. Sept. 6, 2-4 p.m. Lor Coaching Studio & Gallery, 525 Harbor St., Morro Bay.

FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS The Knights of Columbus presents a special screening of A Man for All Seasons to help fundraise for its year-end Community Outreach, providing funds to families in need for the holiday season. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8 , 5:30 p.m. $17.91. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.

MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET

By the Sea Productions presents Miracle on South Division Street by Tom Dudzick. Nowak family matriarch Clara tends to their Virgin Mary shrine, commemorating the day she appeared in the family’s barber shop.

Clara’s mother’s deathbed confession unravels the legend. Heartfelt, hilarious. Sept. 12 7 p.m., Sept. 13 , 7 p.m. and Sept. 14 , 3 p.m.

By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

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

RONÉ PRINZ & MEARA MCDONALD ART

EXHIBIT See paintings by Roné Prinz and photography by Meara McDonald. Through Sept. 25 Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay, -(805) 772-6394.

WATERFRONT MARKET MORRO BAY

CRAFT SHOW This two-day craft show will run all weekend long. Come and show your favorite Central Coast vendor some love. Sept. 13 , 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sept. 14 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 402-9437. Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS 23RD ANNUAL ALL FORD CAR SHOW

The Santa Maria Model A Ford Club will host its annual All Ford Car Show to benefit Hancock students. Sept. 13 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 598-8133. santamariamodelaclub.com/. Orcutt Union Plaza, 235 S. Broadway, Orcutt. 7TH ANNUAL SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FARM DAY Join Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) for its 7th Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day. Sept. 6 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 892-8155. sbcfarmday.org. Farms throughout Santa Maria Valley, Various Locations, Santa Maria.

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

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

CIRQUE

ITALIA

IS NOW PRESENTING: “PARANORMAL CIRQUE!” Paranormal Cirque will expose you to a unique creation of combined theatre, circus, and cabaret with a new European style flare. A careful casting selection has united the best artists from all over the world. Sept. 5 7:30 p.m., Sept. 6 6:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 7 5:30-8:30 p.m. and Sept. 8 , 7:30 p.m. $20. (941) 704-8572. paranormalcirque.com/. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria.

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

FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

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 BARBARA COUNTY FARM DAY

STREET FAIR Visitors can check out booths from SEEAG, local businesses and food vendors, and take home free produce, as part of the Santa Barbara County Farm Day. Sept. 6 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 892-8155. sbcfarmday.org. Bonipak Produce, 1850 West Stowell Rd., Santa Maria.

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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

FAMILY COOKING CLASSES WITH A-Z COOKING SCHOOL Bring the family together to learn side-by-side how to prepare delicious meals. Classes are tailored for children and teens with a family adult. Second Monday of every month, 5:30-7 p.m. through Nov. 10

Adults $33; Children 5-16 $23. (805) 214-1213. santaynezvalleygrange.org/ calendar/?month=7&yr=2025. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING

AUTHOR SIGNS NEW YA THRILLER AT THE BOOK LOFT IN SOLVANG Wendelin VanDraanen (SAMMY KEYES mysteries, the book-to-movie sensation FLIPPED) signs The Steps a page-turner with “a deliciously dysfunctional family with dark secrets and shifting alliances.” Sept. 6 3-4 p.m. Free. (805) 688-6010. The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Dr., Solvang.

LOOKING FOR THE WILD: A FREE FILM SCREENING BY NATURETRACK Enjoy a captivating evening of global adventure and environmental discovery with this award-winning Spanish documentary, Looking for the Wild (2016, 70 mins), directed by Andoni Canela. Sept. 5 7-8 p.m. Free. santaynezvalleygrange.org/ calendar/?month=9&yr=2025. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos.

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 HalfCentury Club, 341 No. N St., Lompoc. GODDESS RETREAT Celebrate Mother Earth from Thursday, September 11, to Sunday, September 14, at our Goddess Retreat, a Women’s Retreat Honoring the Divine Mother. Sept. 11 , 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sept. 12 , 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sept. 13 , 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sept. 14 , 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 360. (805) 736-6528. sunburst.org/goddess/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, 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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com. BOOK SIGNING WITH BESTSELLING AUTHOR WENDELIN VAN DRAANEN Award-winning and bestselling author Wendelin Van Draanen will discuss and

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

Brunch

Sundays Only - 8 am ‘til 3 pm

Vegan Hash. Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, onions, local mushrooms, garlic, cilantro, harissa, and avocado. Toast or biscuit.

Breakfast Burger. Snake River Farms American Wagyu beef patty, melted provolone, and an egg, with sliced tomato and warm bacon-onion jam, on a home-made hamburger bun.

Avocado Toast. Avocado, heirloom tomato, and poached eggs on home-made sourdough toast.

Ceviche. Mexican sea bass, shrimp, and lobster marinated in Meyer lemon and seasonings. With radishes and corn tortilla chips. Call for Reservations 805.927.5708 www.raggedpointinn.com

sign her latest YA thriller, The Steps! Reserve your copy at the link. Sept. 6 Free. (805) 6686300. monarchbooks805.com/events. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande. COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR LAUNCHES NEW YA THRILLER AT MONARCH BOOKS Wendelin Van Draanen (SAMMY KEYES mysteries, the book-to-movie sensation FLIPPED) signs The Steps , a page-turner described as “Karen McManus meets The Queen’s Gambit.” Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 668-6300. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, monarchbooks805.com.

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 Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

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

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

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 9046615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

WOMEN MAKING WAVES HIGH VIBE HIKE Grab a #wavemaker friend or two and join us at the Pismo Preserve for a monthly meetup with some fresh air and a stunning ocean view. Learn more and RSVP at my805tix.org. Sept. 13 9-11 a.m. Discovery Trail, Pismo Preserve, Pismo Preserve, Pismo Beach, (805) 543-8717.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AI SEMINAR FOR SENIORS A senior will present the fundamentals of this daunting technology for those needing answers. Come learn, lament, and laugh about the limits of the limitless AI. Sept. 11 , 1-2:30 p.m. Free. (805) 7096234. Marty Mimmack, 1255 Orcutt Rd., SLO.

ARTIFICIAL IMAGINATION: A HANDS-ON AI CREATIVITY WORKSHOP - JOSH KNOX No prior experience with technology or the arts is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore. By the end of the course, we’ll each have created a personal piece of multimedia art and gained practical experience using AI as a creative partner. Participants should bring their

WHALE ROCK

The 12th annual Whale Rock Music and Arts Festival happens on Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14, from noon to 10 p.m. at Castoro Cellars in Templeton. This year’s eclectic lineup features Young the Giant, Couch, Shane Smith and The Saints, The Funk Junket, and many more. General tickets start at $130.27. For tickets and details, visit whalerockmusicfestival.com.

own laptops to fully participate. Sept. 5 1-3 p.m. $24. my805tix.com. Oddfellows Hall, 520 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0876.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence. net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/ month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FREE PET VACCINE CLINICS With the support of Petco Love, Woods is providing free vaccines for cats and dogs during vaccine clinics in August and September! Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety. org/spay-neuter/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

FREE QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

Learn to question, persuade, and refer—three steps that can save a life. Free virtual training for parents, educators, and community members. Registration required. Sept. 6 8:3010:30 a.m. Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/ mental-health-first-aid. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

FREE VIRTUAL QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING For participants to learn about community resources in Santa Barbara County and be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide for parents and adults (ages 18 and over) who work or live with youth between ages of 1218. Offered in partnership with Family Services Agency of Santa Barbara and thanks to a grant from SAMHSA. Sept. 6 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/mental-health-first-aid. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR SIGNS NEW YA THRILLER AT BARNES & NOBLE Wendelin Van Draanen (SAMMY KEYES mysteries, the book-to-movie sensation FLIPPED) signs The Steps a page-turner described as “Karen McManus meets The Queen’s Gambit.” Sept. 7 1-2:30 p.m. Free. (805) 781-8334. Barnes and Noble, 894 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

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

OUTSIDE TOGETHER: FILM SCREENING AND FILMMAKER DISCUSSION Experience the adventure of Black People Don’t Do That a cinematic short film by Kenny X Hamlett, then stay for a Q&A with the filmmaker. Sept. 6, 12:302:30 p.m. Free. sanluisobispo.librarycalendar. com/event/outside-together-short-filmscreening-and-inclusive-discussion-aboutjoy-outdoor-recreation. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP

Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TREY KENNEDY Hear comedian Trey Kennedy live at The Fremont Theater. Get tickets and more info at the link. Sept. 11 , 8 p.m. $44.78$176.62. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CAMBRIA FILM FESTIVAL SPECIAL EVENT - “VOICES THROUGH TIME” - A HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION Join the Cambria Film Festival in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special screening of four films from the “Voices Through Time” block featured in our 2025 festival. In addition to the film screening, there will be a special exhibit featuring the works of celebrated campesino artist, Ruben A. Sanchez. Ruben and his art are featured in the film, The Eye Begins in the Hand Sept. 6 7 p.m. $23.27-$28.62. my805tix.com. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

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

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

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

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

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

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, handspun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

—Angie Stevens

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MIRAGE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 / 8PM TICKETS

HOLLYWOOD

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JEFFERSON STARSHIP

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

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

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER

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

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check

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

WINE BINGO WEDNESDAYS Join Wine

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

BATCH COOKING CLASS WITH A-Z

COOKING SCHOOL

Work with seasonally available local produce, and learn a variety of techniques and recipes. Take home what you cook after this class, geared towards adults and teens, 14 years and older. Second Sunday of every month, 2-3:30 p.m. through Nov. 9 $55. (805) 214-1213. santaynezvalleygrange.org/mcevents/adult-and-teen-cooking-classeswith-a-z-cooking-school/?mc_id=222.

Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos.

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 COUNTY

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/. New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of

every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 8016627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER

Oceano Community Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Sept. 13 from 4-7 p.m. All proceeds benefit needed repairs at the Oceano Train Depot. Sept. 13 4-7 p.m. 15.00. 916798680. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St, Oceano, CA 93445-9408, Oceano, vaco805.org/events.

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

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

REGGAE BY RAILWAY: TRUE ZION AND ABOUT TIME LIVE Hear True Zion play live, with an opening set by About Time Duo. Tickets and more info at the link! Sept. 6 5-9 p.m. $14.70. my805tix.com. Guadalupe Social Club, 945 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

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.

TRIBUTE TO THE ‘30S & ‘40S DANCE

Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens present a “Tribute to the 30’s & 40’s” dance with Riptide Big Band at the Elwin Mussell Center. Sept. 14 , 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS CONCERT FOR A CAUSE WITH ELIJAH SCOTT For the first time on the Central Coast, Elijah Scott will perform live, redefining country music with a raw, soulful sound. Blending the storytelling tradition of Americana with the bluesy grit of urban life, this a show you won’t want to miss! Sept. 13 5-8 p.m. $30. my805tix. com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8463.

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

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

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

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

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

ORNY ADAMS Orny Adams has appeared on every late night television show. His “More Than Loud” comedy special on YouTube has 7 million views. Hear him live at the Solvang Festival Theater. Sept. 13 , 7:30-9 p.m. $59. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/concerts-andevents. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2025 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES Head to the Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach for Saturday afternoon concerts. Get tickets and more info at the link. Through Oct. 11 $28. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

ARROYO GRANDE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES These free concerts will begin on July 4 and run every Sunday until September 21. Sundays, 1-3 p.m.

PAINTED BAY

The September featured artist Joan Brown will present 12 new works at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. In Across the Bay, Brown’s oil paintings depict scenes of the Central Coast, from the blue-sky bay and estuary, to sprawling landscapes, farmlands, and vibrant florals. For more information, head to galleryatmarinasquare.com and Joan’s personal website, joanlbrown.com.

through Sept. 21 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande. CENTRAL COAST HARMONY CHORUS INVITES SINGERS TO JOIN FOR HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES Men and women are invited! No prior experience is necessary - just a love of music. Call or email for more information. Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 18 $20. (805) 736-7572. ccharmony.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.

EAGLES NEST ROCKS WITH AMERICAN MILE Eagles Nest rocks with American Mile from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 2-6 p.m. (805) 279-3467. facebook.com/ events/s/eagles-nest-rockz-withamerica/24298965506451453/. Five Cities Fraternal Order Of Eagles, 1713 Front St., Oceano.

EAGLES NEST ROCKS WITH NOTHING BUT TROUBLE Eagles Nest rocks with Nothing But Trouble from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 13 2-6 p.m. (805) 709-8002. facebook.com/events/s/eagles-nestrockz-with-nothing/1934748060400106/. Five Cities Fraternal Order Of Eagles, 1713 Front St., Oceano.

KARAOKE AT SLO COUNTY’S ONLY

FILIPINO CAFE Join for all day, all ages karaoke hosted at SLO County’s only brick and mortar Filipino cafe, Lumpia Bros Cafe. Enjoy karaoke, filipino dishes, acai, and coffee. Tuesdays-Saturdays-6 p.m. through Dec. 31 Free. (805) 202-8473. Lumpia Bros Cafe, 1187 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY

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

THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. MOTHER CORN SHUCKERS - LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE Enjoy a magical Saturday afternoon with the Central Coast’s favorite beergrass band at the magnificent Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach. Sept. 6, 2:30-5 p.m. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

MUSIC WITH A VIEW - OPEN GATES AT THE CHAPMAN ESTATE GARDEN

Enjoy Open Gates at the seaside Chapman Estate in Shell Beach. Bring a picnic dinner and music, tables, chairs, and views will be supplied. Docent-led garden tours are available. Fridays, 5-7:30 p.m. through Oct. 24 $5/ person + $5 for Docent tours (optional). chapmanestatefoundation.org. Chapman Estate, Private residence, Shell Beach.

RADIATION INVASION, GODCOLLIDER, FULL CLIP, NT4DB, OUTPATIENT X, AND SPECIAL FORCES LIVE WITH VISUAL ART BY ANIMALTEETH13 Anomaly House & Village Hardcore Shows are proud to present a night of food and music with different flavors of punk rock, combined with different flavors of Mexican cuisine. This show will feature live performances by an array of local and California-based bands. Get tickets now! Sept. 6, 7 p.m. $15.81. my805tix.com. La Casita Cantina and Restaurant, 1572 West Grand Avenue, Grover Beach.

SLO COUNTY BAND THURSDAY NIGHT SUMMER CONCERTS Join in on the fun at these free Thursday night concerts with the Slo County Band. Bring your lawn chairs! Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Sept. 11 Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.

A TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY LINDA RONSTADT WITH RONSTADT REVIVAL FEATURING SHANNON RAE Experience Ronstadt Revival—Shannon Rae and a 7-piece band bring Linda Ronstadt’s legendary hits to life with raw, authentic, 100% live music and heartfelt storytelling. Sept. 13 7:30-9:30 p.m. $44.50-$65.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

AL DI MEOLA Hear Al Di Meola live, the “bona fide guitar hero, perennial pollwinner, and prolific composer” who will hit the Fremont Theater’s stage. Sept. 9 7 p.m. $50.96-$106.06. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

ANNUAL JAZZ FACULTY CONCERT

Experience the artistry, energy, and improvisation of live jazz as the Cuesta Jazz Faculty take the stage! 100% of ticket proceeds benefit music student scholarships. Sept. 5 7:30 p.m. $30 VIP, $25 General, $22 Senior (65+), $10 Student w/ID. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

BOB AND WENDY WITH PAUL GRIFFITH

Bob and Wendy’s music is a heartfelt blend of folk, Americana, and poetic storytelling—rooted deeply in the Central Coast and beyond. Hear them live at The Bunker SLO. Sept. 7 3-5 p.m. $15. (805) 235-5456. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

BRASS MASH & DAVE TATE AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Hear Dave Tate at 5, followed by a live performance from Brass Mash and an after party at Libertine Brewing Co. with The Dave Tate Band. Sept. 12 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

BRASS MASH FIRST FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER 2025 Experience the magic of the first Fridays of every month are magical with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity 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. 5, 6-10 p.m. $26. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, 675 Clarion Ct., San Luis Obispo, (805) 457-4677.

CARBON CITY LIGHTS AND CATE ARMSTRONG AT CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Hear Cate Armstrong and Carbon City Lights play live, and head to the after party at Libertine Brewing Co. with Benny G and The Sweet Spots. Sept. 5 5 p.m. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo. CCMP PRESENTS HALFWAY TO DEATH FEST Central Coast Music Productions presents Halfway to Death Fest, an all ages anniversary and birthday event featuring The Relative Minimum, Crawling Through Tartarus, Desanguinate, Pentacaustic, Of The Betrayer, WayIIStoned, Meridian Parkway, Stronger Than Machines, Isolate/ Divide, and Immodesty. Sept. 14, 3 p.m. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 7819974, humdingerbrewing.com.

CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: AFTER PARTY SERIES Enjoy free live music in downtown SLO every Friday, immediately following the Concerts in the Plaza. The concerts are 21+. Sept. 5 8:30 p.m. and Sept. 12 , 8:30 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337. MAC SABBATH | SCHIZOPHONICS | DESCARTES A KANT Mac Sabbath, the LA-based American parody heavy metal tribute band will perform live at SLO Brew. Hear them live, along with sets from The Schizophonics and Descartes A Kant. Sept. 4 , 7 p.m. $32.36. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

QUEEN NATION Queen Nation is the undisputed #1 ranked Queen Tribute Band in the United States. Hear them live at The Fremont Theater. Sept. 13 , 8 p.m. $46.32. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.

TOMMY GUERRERO LIVE American musician, composer, and professional skateboarder Tommy Guerero who is a former member of the Bones Brigade, a prominent skateboarding team of the 1980s that also included Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero, will hit the SLO Brew stage early September. Hear him live and get tickets at the link. Sept. 7 7 p.m. $32.36. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. m

—A.S.

MUSIC from page 19

ARTS BRIEFS

Local artists’ La Purísima Mission paintings are up at the Cypress

Gallery

The Lompoc Ten’s latest exhibit, Impressions of La Purísima, is showing until Sept. 28 at the Cypress Gallery in Lompoc. The artists will attend a reception on Sept. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. to talk to visitors.

Local painters formed the Lompoc Ten group more than a decade ago to discuss painting, build community, and share critiques, according to press materials. In this show, their paintings will honor the mission’s beauty and strength through scenes of its grounds, livestock, and interior.

Around 40 paintings will be in the show, representing different styles and media including oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor.

La Purísima Mission was founded in 1787. An earthquake destroyed it in 1812, but it was rebuilt in its current location in Lompoc a year later. The National Park Service reconstructed many of the mission’s original adobes in the 1930s, which was one of the largest historical restoration projects in the country, according to California State Parks.

The Cypress Gallery was founded by the Lompoc Valley Art Association in 1994 and showcases dozens of local artists. The gallery is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave. in Lompoc. It is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, call (805) 737-1129.

Santa

Maria Library Bookmobile now visits Bob Orach Park

The Santa Maria Public Library’s mobile library will now visit Bob Orach Park near Liberty Elementary School on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. instead of Armstrong Park.

The Bookmobile, a van retrofitted with bookshelves and overhead lighting, makes 11 stops each week. Visitors can check out and return books, search for media in English and Spanish, use Wi-Fi, and sign up for a library card.

“The Santa Maria Public Library operates the Bookmobile to bring more accessible library services to neighborhoods across the valley,” according to press materials.

The service is one of Santa Maria’s Smart City, Safe City programs that provide easier access to resources for residents. The Bookmobile program began in 2020, according to the city’s website.

The Bookmobile runs from Tuesday to Friday. Visit the Santa Maria Public Library website, www.cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/library/library, for more information on the vehicle’s times and locations. m

‘Scary, sexy, and funny’

The paranormal circus returns to Santa Maria with brand new horrific acts and comic relief

BY MADISON WHITE

Creepy makeup, fake blood, coffins, vampires—and the horror circus hasn’t even begun.

Before audience members take their seats for the Paranormal Cirque show, they have the chance to experience the haunt attraction that begins an hour prior to the show. “Scare junkies” won’t want to miss the chance to see performers up close and personal before they take the stage, Steve Copeland, the show’s publicity director and a performer, told the Sun

“There’s lots of jump scares and performers creeping you out,” Copeland said. “That’s definitely the most intense part of the Paranormal Cirque experience.”

Performances during the rest of the two-hour circus might make the audience squirm, but the jump scares are over.

Paranormal Cirque II, presented by Cirque Italia, is returning to the Santa Maria Fairpark from Sept. 5 to 8. The group is one of four paranormal circus units that tour year-round across the United States and Canada.

The show has stopped in Santa Maria for the past few years, but Copeland said the new acts make for a different experience. Set against the stage’s giant castle backdrop, a new sword swallower jumps rope, hula hoops, and does push-ups with long steel blades in her mouth.

Too scared?

Paranormal Cirque is coming to the Santa Maria Fairpark from Sept. 5 to 8 for a total

“Pretty impressive because I can’t do those things without a sword down my throat,” Copeland said.

Also new: a zombie who flies across the stage, a back-from-the-dead hand balancer who contorts into unbelievable positions, and an aerialist who swings around on chains instead of the typical dainty silks.

The show kicks off with a séance gone wrong, leading into an acrobatic, energetic opening number with the cast flying and flipping through the air. Copeland said it gets the audience pumped up.

“All hell breaks loose after that,” he said.

The R-rated horror circus, littered with adult humor and bad language, is perfect for a date night or friends’ night out, Copeland said. No children under 13 are allowed, and children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

“Our performance is a good mix of scary, sexy, and funny,” Copeland said.

As the comedian for the show, Copeland knows comic relief.

He has performed in circuses for 22 years, which he said is a dream come true. He remembered wanting to be in the circus since he was 4 years old. This is now his fifth season touring with Cirque Italia.

Audience members usually don’t go to a horror circus to see comedy, he acknowledged, but he thinks his stand-up adds a nice balance.

“The horror and the thrill acts really get your adrenaline going, but then I come out with comedy to give you that moment of relief to break the tension,” Copeland described.

Preparing for his comedy routine takes work, even though it’s not the type of training his acrobatic castmates do. He’s always watching different comedians and writing new material. While traveling, Copeland also picks up pieces of local culture to use in his routine.

“I like to go out and get that laughter, get that positive feedback,” Copeland said. “That’s kind of like my drug of choice.”

During his time off, he performs in European circuses.

Copeland said he enjoys going on tour because he gets bored staying in one place for too long. He also likes to try foods from different parts of the country.

On the road, the cast lives in trailers and semi-trucks divided into bedrooms. Everyone lives on-site and is around each other 24/7, so it’s important that they’re able to be good roommates.

“It’s not like other jobs, where you go to work and then you go home,” Copeland said.

Luckily, the cast gets along well. They weed out any bad apples quickly, Copeland said, leaving room for team players who make circus life fun.

Life on tour is not always glamorous, and the repetition can be hard to deal with. The cast has been performing the same show, with some new acts, since 2022. They tour January through December before taking time off for the holidays.

“Even though I’m doing new material, I’ve been doing it since January, six or seven times a week,” Copeland explained. “It can be tough to keep it fresh, but I do my best.”

“I’m very lucky to be doing what I’ve wanted to do pretty much my entire life,” Copeland said. m

Reach Staff Writer Madison White in the newsroom circus at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

COURTESY IMAGE BY NEIL ANDERSSON

The

of six shows. The Fairpark is located at 937 S. Thornburg St. Buy tickets at cirqueitalia. com. Children under the age of 13 are not permitted because the circus is rated R, and children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult over 21.

ON THE ROAD: There are around 50 people who travel in the Paranormal Cirque II unit, and around 20 of them are in the cast. Three other units tour in different parts of the country and in Canada.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA

THE ART OF CIRCUS: The cast members wear terrifying costumes and makeup during their acts to make their performances all the freakier.

SUPER SHARP: The sword swallower is one of the show’s new acts this year, a performer who can simultaneously do push-ups and hula hoop.

OUCH! Contortionists and hand balancers twist into unnatural shapes, giving the audience a real fright.

COURTESY PHOTOS

SEASON | 62

Cottonwood Canyon Winery

Sideways: Movie in the Vineyard

20 Bianchi Winery, Paso

The Jorge Luis Pacheco Trio

Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

Bases loaded

Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, The Whale) directs this comedic crime-thriller written by Charlie Huston (All Signs of Death) based on their 2004 novel about ex-baseball player Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) who inadvertently becomes embroiled in New York’s criminal underworld. (107 min.)

Glen: Henry “Hank” Thompson has demons in his closet. The once promising California high school ballplayer poised be drafted into the majors was sidelined by an injury and now lives in Lower East Side Manhattan, circa 1998, apparently during the city’s notorious garbage strike. Aronofsky’s depiction of the city is gritty, and the dive bar Hank works in is grittier still. About the only bright thing in Hank’s otherwise gloomy, neon-light-tinged life is his budding relationship with sexy paramedic Yvonne (Zoë Kravitz). Things go from driftless to dangerous after Hank’s next-door neighbor, mohawksporting British punk Russ (Matt Smith), leaves his cat, Bud (Tonic, a very fine feline actor), with Hank when he rushes home to his dying father in London. Soon two Russian mobsters—Aleksei (Yuri Kolokolnikov) and Pavel (Nikita Kukushkin)—show up looking for Russ and decide Hank knows something. Over the next week or so, Hank will encounter

NIGHT ALWAYS COMES

What’s it rated? R When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Netflix

CAUGHT

confrontational Detective Roman (Regina King), dangerously criminal Hasidic brothers Lipa (Liev Schreiber) and Shmully Drucker (Vincent D’Onofrio), and Puerto Rican gangster Colorado (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio). With pressure coming from all sides, Hank must tap into his former athletic promise and competitive tenacity to fight his way through. Anna: Hank is a mama’s boy—we hear her voice (Laura Dern) on his answering machine, always ending every love-soaked message with “Go Giants!” Even Yvonne doesn’t know what to think of Hank sometimes. He seems nice enough, but clearly he’s haunted and uses booze to push away the pain more frequently than he’ll admit. At first, he’s annoyed with his new task of taking care of Bud, but we slowly see his protective layers stripped away as he works to keep himself and Bud safe. Whoever Russ is tangled up with is bad news, and Hank realizes he may just have to out-crook the crooks to make it out alive.

This film does such a great job of painting a picture of gritty ’90s New York, from Hank’s dark and rundown apartment to the garbagestrewn streets. This film certainly felt less weird and disturbing than some of Aronofsky’s other works (I’m looking at you, Mother!) but still offers a taste of life’s underbelly. I thought Austin did a fantastic job—just the right mix of vulnerability and desperation.

Glen: The story is about Hank learning to take responsibility for his life. Over the course of several harrowing days, he comes to own his past and present mistakes. The tale is also filled with engaging characters. I loved the Drucker brothers, who are real anomalies with a unique morality. When they speak in Yiddish to each other, we can read the subtitles while Hank remains in the dark to their intentions. Carol Kane is wonderful as the Druckers’ Bubbe, who makes them all matzo ball soup. Griffin Dunne is terrific as Hank’s drugged-out hippie bar owner, Paul. So many fully realized characters. It’s a tribute to Charlie Huston’s brilliant story.

Anna: The film’s inspired me to read Huston’s work. Hank has buried what he believes about himself so deeply that when it comes bubbling up, he can’t help but turn into the spin and hope to survive. Even if Aronofsky’s other work has been too intense for you, give Caught Stealing a go. It benefits from the author’s intimate knowledge of the characters and a fantastic cast. m

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

Nothing about Lynette’s (Vanessa Kirby) life is easy. She’s a bartender who’s barely scraping by, she’s got an older brother, Kenny (Zack Gottsagen), who needs care, and a mother, Doreen (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who seems to only be concerned with herself. Kirby’s portrayal of unhinged desperation in Lynette is devastating. The family has managed to save $25,000—just enough to make a down payment to buy their rental. But when Doreen shows up on the day the loan papers are supposed to be signed in a new car, Lynette knows her mother has blown their money. What follows is Lynette’s desperate attempts to pull together another $25K before morning. Kenny plays tagalong on her night of fear-fueled moves to find money, and Lynette’s plans become increasingly deluded and frantic as the witching hours pass. On top of needing money, without Doreen’s signature, the bank won’t close the loan, so not only does Lynette need to come up with the cash but must also convince her mother to sign. Easier said than done.

This film is acted superbly by all involved—especially the three family members. It’s not a film meant to make you

A SISTER’S LOVE: When her brother Kenny (Zack Gottsagen), who has Down syndrome, is at risk of being taken from her, Lynette (Vanessa Kirby) embarks on a desperate mission to get the down payment for their house, in Night Always Comes, streaming on Netflix.

feel good, but it’s certainly worth seeing for Kirby’s performance alone. (108 min.) —Anna

EENIE

MEANIE

What’s it rated? R When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Hulu

In his directorial debut, TV writer Shawn Simmons ( The Continental , Wayne , Mr. Pickles) helms this actionpacked cars and crime comedy-drama about Edie (Samara Weaving), a reformed teenage getaway driver nicknamed Eenie Meanie. When her past employer, Nico (Andy Garcia), offers her the chance to save her ex-boyfriend, John’s (Karl Glusman), life by pulling off one more job robbing a casino, she’s dragged back into her old life.

The film’s going for the same kind of story as The Fast and the Furious (2001), Drive (2011), or Baby Driver (2017) with Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie overtones and a 1970s vibe, so it’s all somewhat derivative. There’s also a bit of a tonal shift in the film, which goes from glib to sincere, and from sincere to serious. You might love or hate this.

Weaving, an Australian and the niece of actor Hugo Weaving, struggles a little with her American accent, but she’s a compelling lead. She’s self-deprecating and witty—the only clever one in a sea of criminal idiots, which is part of the fun. I don’t see this reaching cult classic status, but there’re some

BATTER UP: Austin Butler stars as ex-baseball player turned bartender Hank Thompson, who gets caught up in New York’s criminal underbelly and must fight to survive, in Caught Stealing, screening in local theaters.

cool car chases, making it an appealing B-movie latesummer distraction. (106 min.) m —Glen

IS HE WORTH IT? To save her unreliable ex-boyfriend, John’s (Karl Glusman), life, former teenage getaway driver, Edie (Samara Weaving), agrees to one last job, in Eenie Meanie, streaming on Hulu.

COURTESY PHOTO BY ZAC POPIK/20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

Cultural infusion

BY MADISON WHITE

When Cristian Cho moved from Los Angeles to Lompoc, he longed for LA’s diverse food scene. For seven years he worked as a manager at a sushi restaurant and eventually began planning the concept for his own restaurant to fill a gap in Lompoc’s market.

Cho aimed to mimic some of his favorite parts of LA’s food culture in Lompoc at his restaurant, Flare, which opened last November. The restaurant is named after the “rocket town” atmosphere of Lompoc, he said, because of nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base.

“I opened Flare with the goal of bringing the taste of LA to the Central Coast,” he said.

The biggest part of the LA flavor for him is the diversity. Flare is a fusion restaurant that blends Korean, American, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine with dishes like katsu, hot pot, and pho.

“I’m Asian, but I was born in Argentina, so I have the Latin side of me, and that inspired me growing up,” Cho said. “I tried a lot of variety of foods, and that’s what I wanted to serve.”

Growing up surrounded by Argentinian culture gave Cho experiences with Latin American food, while his parents cooked Korean food in their home. He later moved to the U.S. and discovered American food.

“From there, it fused two of the best worlds together, and that’s where the fusion idea came up,” Cho said about the concept behind his restaurant.

Every dish Flare serves is the brainchild of Cho. He said he develops menu ideas himself and meticulously perfects his recipes. He wears many hats at the restaurant but enjoys it all. To him, cooking is a blend of creativity and problem solving.

“I have the creative freedom to start the recipes

from scratch. I think that’s the best part,” he said. Flare’s seafood boil took Cho two months to perfect.

“It was a lot of experimenting,” he remembered.

While there are many ways to make a dish, every recipe first needs a base. Then Cho adds different vegetables and spices until it tastes just right.

He joked that the seafood boil base was top secret, revealing only that it’s made with butter and Cajun seasoning.

Flare’s other bestsellers are katsu,

udon, and skillet plates.

ramen, Yaki

SAUCEY: Flare’s new fusion bowls, topped with a special house sauce, draw from owner Cristian Cho’s experience living in Argentina as a child.

POP IN: Lompoc’s Korean fusion restaurant, Flare, has been open for almost one year and serves katsu, hot pot, ramen, pho, and more.

CAREFUL, IT’S HOT! The seafood hot pot is made with shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, and vegetables.

Fusion bowls have also been popular since Cho added them to the menu about a month ago. The bowls are filled with meat or seafood, cilantro lime rice, cheese, corn, lettuce, pico de gallo, and house sauce.

Along with fusion bowls, the updated menu brought Korean pancakes and poke bowls. Cho said customers like the new items that Flare has introduced to the Lompoc food scene.

He learned to cook from his parents, who both own restaurants, and he remembers lending a hand in the kitchens when he was young, he said.

And Cho’s happy to have branched out on his own because he has fun selling the dishes he creates.

Customers can express their own creativity

through Flare’s diverse beverage selection. A popular cocktail allows customers to make their own drink by combining soju, a Korean alcoholic beverage, with Korean-ade, a soft drink sold in a pouch—Flare has 15 flavors, including green grape, watermelon, and pomegranate.

Cocktails help Flare moonlight as an energetic, dimly lit bar at night, after serving as a spot for casual bites during the day.

Cho hopes Flare is a restaurant where people can eat and gather comfortably with friends and family, and he invites customers to come in, enjoy good food, and have fun.

The restaurant owner said he’s most proud of “bringing dishes that aren’t easily available in this area.” m

Send a flare to Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

MIX AND