Sun, July 11, 2024

Deciding what’s public

BY LIBBEY HANSON

The Best of Santa Maria!

Experience Skyview Estates

Discover the only new construction homes in the Santa Maria Valley at Skyview Estates. Our beautifully designed homes feature spacious layouts, modern amenities, and breathtaking views. Join a vibrant community where over 50% of our homes are already sold.

Don’t miss your chance to find your dream home in this exclusive neighborhood.

Visit Our Model Homes!

Open Daily: 10 am - 5 pm 3051 Rod Drive Santa Maria, CA

• Amid extreme heat waves across California and the nation, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) applauded the Biden administration’s proposed rule to establish the first-ever federal safety standard to protect workers from the severe risks of excessive heat, according to a July 2 statement from Padilla’s office. The rule, proposed by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), would implement key provisions from Padilla’s Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatalities Prevention Act by putting forward a federal standard to ensure workers and employers can address increasing heat stress risks. Last summer, Padilla and his colleagues led 112 members of Congress in calling on the Biden administration to implement an OSHA workplace federal heat standard as quickly as possible. The proposed OSHA rule would implement work practice standards such as required rest breaks, access to shade and adequate hydration, and acclimatization to high-heat working conditions. It would also require employers to identify potential heat hazards, develop plans to respond to heat illness emergencies, and train employees and supervisors to manage the risks of excessive heat. This rule would impact roughly 36 million workers and aims to reduce heat-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths at work. “With climate change shattering new heat records every summer, holding employers accountable to provide commonsense heat-stress protections like shade and water breaks has only become more important,” Padilla said in the statement. “I am thrilled to see OSHA act on our calls to put the health and safety of our workers first by proposing a federal heat standard that would prevent millions of heat-related illnesses and save lives.”

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) is encouraging Central Coast families to take advantage of the expanded suite of federal nutrition programs available for kids across California, according to a June 28 statement from Carbajal’s office. The new suite of programs launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture gives families more choices and convenient ways to get summer nutrition support for their children and teens with the new SUN Bucks, as well as SUN Meals, and the previously-launched SUN Meals To-Go program. “Even on the beautiful Central Coast, summer vacation is not always a welcome time for some of our children and families. The end of the school year can leave families struggling to make ends meet in limbo, with many school meal programs shuttering until the fall. That is what makes summer nutrition programs like SUN programs so critical to helping keep food on the table for thousands of food insecure families across our region,” Carbajal said in the statement. “I was proud to work with my colleagues to create and fund the SUN Bucks program in our last term, and I’m glad to see it launching this summer to support the California and Central Coast children who lack access to nutritious meals in between school years.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a ballot measure to tackle property crime and the fentanyl crisis, including through targeted reforms to Proposition 47, according to a July 5 statement from Newsom’s office. Passed in 2014, the bill classified certain crimes as misdemeanors, changed resentencing laws, and created the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools fund to support rehabilitation programs and fund drug and mental health treatment. This year’s ballot measure establishes penalties for repeat petty theft or shoplifting offenders, empowers law enforcement to combine the value of multiple thefts to charge a felony, introduces stiffer penalties for knowingly selling or providing drugs mixed with fentanyl without informing the buyer, makes it easier for prosecutors to charge drug dealers supplying fentanyl with murder if death occurs, and expands drug addiction treatment programs in communities. “With targeted reforms to Prop. 47, this ballot measure is a critical step forward in our efforts to strengthen California’s public safety laws and provide law enforcement with additional tools to address the growing concerns of property crime and the fentanyl crisis,” Newsom said in the statement. “This balanced approach cracks down on crime and protects our communities—without reverting to ineffective and costly policies of the past.” m

Los Padres Lake Fire burns more than 26,000 acres

Noelle Berg and her husband evacuated from their Santa Ynez Valley home on their own accord as they saw helicopters drop retardant on the spreading Lake Fire, Berg told the Sun on July 8.

“We encouraged all of our friends to get out, but some of these people have said ‘We’re not leaving. Period,’” Berg said. “Seeing what’s happened in the past, we are more on the precautionary side of it.”

Berg and her husband evacuated from their Montecito home during the 2018 Thomas Fire and the following debris flow for three weeks each. After their experience facing natural disasters, the couple decided to buy a home “up the hill.” Now, her home on Ridge Road is sitting at the southernmost tip of an evacuation warning area for the Lake Fire—a blaze that’s consumed more than 26,000 acres and was 12 percent contained as of July 9. The blaze ignited on July 5, but the cause remains under investigation.

While she wasn’t required to leave, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office came by her neighborhood on July 7 to encourage people to evacuate, she said.

“We just felt that we’ve got the [Montecito] house, why wouldn’t we just go and get out of it if we’re already getting ash and smoke coming in?” Berg said. “Then yesterday morning [July 7], when we went back up, we were going to get more stuff, … it was dense with smoke.”

The Lake Fire started as a vegetation fire near Zaca Lake in Los Padres National Forest, northeast of Los Olivos, and spans across Lookout Mountain, Zaca Peak, the U.S. Forest Service’s Figueroa Station, and Junction Camp. InciWeb, a database that tracks wildfires, stated that the fire is projected to continue spreading southeast at high intensities because of the available brush and grass from heavy winter rains.

The U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, and Santa Barbara County Fire are leading an incident management team to suppress the fire and prevent it from spreading, particularly farther south toward residential areas, Los Padres Spokesperson Andrew Madsen told the Sun.

“The grass crop is at a historic level, and it’s been completely dried out,” Madsen said. “It’s like it’s been in the oven for a couple of weeks.

Now that we have a heat wave here, it’s ready to go.”

The area sits very close to the 2007 Zaca Fire burn scar—a blaze that also started on the Fourth of July weekend, burned more than 240,000 acres, and destroyed two structures—but the scar has mostly grown back after 17 years and two years of heavy rain and minimal fire activity.

“It’s not going to run into an area that recently burned, and lay down,” Madsen said. “It’s an area where you don’t have an immediate threat to homes, except now it’s moving in a southeastern direction, and it could [go] toward the Santa Ynez Valley. We’re just trying to hold it in place until it’s active in an area where we can put firefighters on the line to go direct.”

The team’s dropped more than 400,000 gallons of fire retardant on the area—more than the Los Padres has used in the last two years due to minimal fire activity.

“It’s not surprising that you would see those retardant numbers jump up. This is typical across the Los Padres; we don’t have roads to drive our fire equipment up,” Madsen said. “The crews are used to hiking quite a distance; those crews are going into some of these more remote and inaccessible sections of the fire.”

As of July 9, the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management issued evacuation orders for the Woodstock and Goat Rock areas, the ranger station east of Goat Rock, areas south of Tunnel House at Sisquoc River, east of Figueroa Creak, north of the southern end of Cachuma Mountain, and west of Los Padres forest areas along with all areas from Figueroa Mountain Road at Junction Camp—including Tunnel Road—and all areas from Zaca Lake Road at Foxen Canyon Road north to the Sisquoc River. People are required to leave immediately.

The county issued evacuation warnings for areas east of Highway 154, north of Armour Ranch Road and Secretariate Street, west of Alisos Road, south of the Woodstock area, north and west of Calzada Avenue, east of E. Oak Trail Road, west of Happy Canyon, areas east of Figueroa Creek, north of Zaca Lake Road, Rancho Sisquoc, and north and south of the Los Padres entrance on Happy Canyon Road. Highway 154 is not within the evacuation warning areas and remained open as of July 9.

Residents in Los Olivos and surrounding areas received an air quality alert due to smoke and ash, and people are asked to stay indoors as much as possible and use an N-95 mask if residents must go outside. Animal Services is accepting cats and dogs at its Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara shelters, but livestock and horse owners will need to call (805) 698-0212 ahead of time to coordinate relocation and sheltering.

Visit readysbc.org to sign up for text alerts regarding evacuation notices and fire updates. The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter at Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall (1745 Mission Dr.).

—Taylor O’Connor

Solvang approves land use shift at Old Mission Santa Inés

A recent proposal to redefine Old Mission Santa Inés from a land use perspective faced backlash from one Solvang official who feared the change would infringe on the church owner’s property rights.

At the Solvang City Council’s July 8 meeting, Councilmember David Brown argued against staff’s recommendation to redesignate the mission’s grounds to open space/ recreational and its indoor facilities and parking lot to public/institution. Both parts of the property—owned by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles—were formally designated as agriculture. “It is not really ag in nature at this point. It functions more as a quasipublic facility, because it is a full functioning Catholic parish,” Solvang Planning Manager Rafael Castillo said at the meeting.

After halting a motion for the City Council to approve the change with a no vote, Brown described the proposal (which needed to pass 3-0, due to one absence and one recusal) as overreaching.

“It’s private property. ... To call it any kind of public use on private land just doesn’t make sense to me,” Brown said. “I’m just saying it’s not intended to be a public entity or for public use. We’re there at their convenience or their pleasure, not by right.”

“I would disagree. ... We can agree to disagree,” Castillo responded. “A church is a quasi-public function ... whether it’s a Catholic church or any other type of church facility. It is a community facility.”

Brown initially argued that, by that logic, venues like the Solvang Festival Theater, “which also could be said is a public gathering place,” should be redesignated as well.

“I wouldn’t offer the same designation to Bethania Church as a public gathering space, and I don’t see why you’re trying to employ that here,” Brown said. “I don’t want to handcuff the private landowner with such a designation. ... I don’t want to take away private rights in any way for this designation.”

Castillo said the shift wouldn’t take away “any property rights from a land use designation standpoint,” before City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan described the goal of the redesignation as “to just reflect what’s currently happening on the property.”

“None of this stops the property owner from submitting a development application later that requests a zoning or general plan amendment,” O’Sullivan added.

After O’Sullivan’s comments, Brown agreed to vote in favor of the land use shift, which passed 3-0 (Councilmember Elizabeth Orona was absent and Councilmember Claudia Orona recused herself from voting due to a potential, financial conflict of interest).

Shortly before the vote, Councilmember Robert Clarke asked staff whether being a parish member at the mission warrants a recusal.

“I want to know if I need to recuse myself,” Clarke asked O’Sullivan, who answered no.

“I have no financial interest other than my tithing,” Clarke added.

—Caleb Wiseblood

FIRE SEASON: The Lake Fire near Zaca Lake and northeast of Los Olivos had burned 26,986 acres and was 12 percent contained as of July 9.

Lompoc now has

two ballot measures to discontinue public park use

Two ballot measures related to the conversion of 82 acres of public land and open space for a private, space-themed education center are heading for Lompoc’s ballot after residents initiated a measure and the City Council approved its own in May.

“The council may want to withdraw the city measure because you are obligated to put the citizen measure on the ballot,” City Attorney Jeff Malawy told the City Council during its July 2 meeting. “If you leave the city measure on the ballot, you are going to leave two measures on the ballot basically saying the same thing: They are both requesting to discontinue the park use, and that could result in some confusion among the voters having two measures on the ballot.”

Election law requires that citizen-initiated measures must go on the ballot if the proponents collect more than 10 percent of the registered voters’ signatures (1,994 voters in Lompoc), Malawy said. The City Clerk, in coordination with the Santa Barbara County Elections Office, counted 2,017 signatures on the petition.

The city acquired the 82 acres currently up for discussion from the federal government in 1984 and limited use for educational, recreational, and open space purposes, according to the staff report. The city currently operates Ken Adam Park on part of the property, which features group picnic areas, a nature trail, horseshoes, a flag monument, and restroom facilities.

The City Council approved its measure on May 21 that would ask voters to decide if they want Ken Adam Park and public open space be converted to private use, including the possible sale to Pale Blue Dot Ventures for a space-themed educational and recreational development, according to the staff report. At the same time, the City Council also approved a development agreement with Pale Blue Dot Ventures to develop a space camp and space exploration venue after being in negotiations with the Delaware-based C corporation since 2019. Pale Blue Dot Ventures executives stated that this project would add 50 new jobs, 50 summer jobs, generate $4 million to $6 million in taxes, and bring 300,000 to 335,000 visitors annually, according to previous Sun reporting.

As the city moved forward, proponents circulated their own initiative among the community. Similar to the city’s, the measure asks voters to discontinue public park use in order to allow for other educational, recreational, and/or open space uses— including the potential sale of the site for a space-themed educational center, according to the staff report.

However, the citizen-initiated measure does not include Pale Blue Dot in any of its language, and the city could not add that to the measure moving forward to consolidate the measures, Malawy said.

Malawy said he will have to speak with Pale Blue Dot to see if the company would like to remove the city’s measure from the ballot, and the city will discuss whether to pull the measure at its July 15 or Aug. 6 meeting. m

—Taylor

O’Connor

or teenager, we work closely with parents to make sure that our care meets their children’s personal needs.

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

David Ikola, 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.

Incoming: Zoombombers

Virtual commenters disrupt city council meetings, leaving local governments to navigate legal, ethical practices for public forums

BY LIBBEY HANSON

Since 2020, city councils have grappled with the phenomenon of Zoombombing as virtual trolls disrupt public comment with hate speech.

League of California Cities Regional Public Affairs Manager David Mullinax said this issue started during the COVID-19 pandemic as councils attempted to make meetings accessible and socially distanced for the public.

“We are grappling with it as well,” Mullinax said. “I don’t see this stopping anytime soon.”

With no established state legislation, local governments in California must decide how to address the issue while still upholding the First Amendment.

Mullinax said that legislation is in the works but for now, cities across the Central Coast are individually deciding what to do—whether it’s by banning virtual comments entirely or establishing protocols to remove speakers from meetings.

David Fleishman, the city attorney for Atascadero and former Solvang city attorney, has dealt with Zoombombers multiple times in city council meetings, most recently in Atascadero during a June 11 meeting in which Pride Month was discussed by public speakers.

In addition to residents who attended the meeting and spoke in person, advocating for the city to pass a Pride Month proclamation, three anonymous, virtual speakers spoke against it.

“We are degrading as a society,” one of those virtual speakers said, while another condoned the bullying that an LGBTQ-plus child had experienced in the Atascadero school system, among other derogatory and hateful comments.

The third speaker was cut off from Zoom when they transitioned to the topic of white supremacy, which Fleishman said he found personally offensive.

According to Fleishman, the first two were allowed to continue speaking because they spoke on topics that were being addressed by the council and, although uncomfortable, the comments were on a topic that was arguably within the councils’ jurisdiction and did not include any physical threats.

“Unfortunately, they were allowed to continue,” he said at the meeting.

Hate speech, Fleishman said, is tricky to catch before it happens and can be protected by the First Amendment. In November 2023, the Solvang City Council experienced inflammatory and racist comments from virtual users.

After those incidents, the council proposed a new policy that would have granted the mayor the ability to mute hate speech, issue a warning, and remove the speaker if the issue persists. However, according to Solvang City Clerk Annamarie Porter, the policy hasn’t yet been adopted by the city.

Fleishman said that city council meetings are not the place for residents to bring up just any topic they find important; it must fall under the council’s jurisdiction.

“What a city council meeting is, is a meeting of the board of directors of a municipal corporation and that the public is allowed to attend by statute,” he told the Sun. “But ultimately, it is a business meeting of the city council and there’s business to be conducted. So, when the speech being exercised interferes

with that business meeting, that’s where the line gets drawn.”

In June, the Atascadero Zoombombers were given their time to speak publicly at the meeting, however the comments were muted from the public recording available on YouTube.

“I am old enough in my practice as a lawyer to remember a time before we had local cable access or Zoom or any remote opportunities for members of the public to participate in city council meetings,” he said, adding that city councils aren’t required to offer virtual comments or meetings, but can provide them as a courtesy for those who can’t attend in person.

According to Fleishman, because cities aren’t required to hold virtual meetings, the city can choose what comments are available online and what aren’t.

“The city is not obligated to put the YouTube [video] up at all in that particular case,” he said. “So, if it gets muted, that’s something the city has the ability to do, but it’s not obligated to provide YouTube recordings on its website or anywhere else.”

There are no new policies in Atascadero regarding virtual public comments and any upcoming changes are in the “discussion phase,” Fleishman said. For now, the council is not allowing virtual comments.

The SLO City Council prohibits live virtual comments and requires video comments to be submitted no later than three hours before each meeting for review, thanks to Zoombombers who made multiple racist comments during the Feb. 6 meeting where it voted to proclaim February as Black History Month.

Anti-LGBTQ-plus Zoombombers made their voices heard at the Arroyo Grande City Council’s April 23 meeting. When the virtual comments would transition into what City Attorney Issac Rosen deemed to be hateful speech, he interjected and warned that if their comments didn’t align with city business, or if they used defamatory language, they would be removed from the meeting.

Rosen didn’t respond to the Sun’s request for comment.

Some residents who attended Atascadero’s June 11 meeting felt that the council didn’t draw the line soon enough to stop the speakers.

At the council’s next meeting on June 25, public commenters said the council had “failed spectacularly.”

Resident and Atascadero Pride Festival Founder Thom Waldman attended both meetings and wasn’t happy with the council’s reaction to the Zoombombers.

“The issue I’m having is there was no action taken by the mayor to stop what was happening. They are trying to cloak it under free speech,” Waldman told the Sun. “And the city attorney was saying that because it wasn’t a physical threat, we couldn’t do anything about it.”

Gala Pride and Diversity Center Director of Operations JBird has experienced other city councils react differently than Atascadero’s to Zoombomers.

JBird pointed out that Arroyo Grande City Attorney Rosen stopped commenters before hate speech started and set clear expectations about cutting people off if they crossed the line.

“In comparison to the Atascadero City Council, and from watching the video, I saw that that city attorney chose not to set those expectations, chose not to cut it off, and gave it more time,” JBird said.

JBird said the Atascadero City Council didn’t do its job during the virtual public comments, and noted that Fleishman only cut off the speaker when he was personally offended.

“We’re like, ‘OK, wait a minute. So, it has to be personal first,’” JBird said. m

Reach New Times Staff Writer Libbey Hanson, from the Sun’s sister paper, at lhanson@ newtimesslo.com.

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Heat protection

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

With the first heatwave in what’s expected to be a scorching summer, Santa Barbara County officials and local nonprofits are taking action to keep residents safe from high temperatures.

Good Samaritan Shelter Director of Homeless Services Kirsten Cahoon told the Sun that the organization deployed its outreach teams on July 5 to provide unsheltered individuals with sunscreen, cooling towels, reusable water bottles, fans, and electrolytes. On days with temps above 85 degrees, outreach workers go to riverbeds and waterways throughout the county and into downtown corridors to provide supplies and information about the warning signs of heat stroke, she said.

“It’s been informally something our outreach teams have focused on for 10 to 12 years, but more formally it is part of our warming shelter agreement that this would be something we’d do,” Kahoon said.

Good Samaritan operates Santa Barbara County’s warming shelters during the winter to provide individuals experiencing homelessness a place to go in colder, rainy weather, she said.

“This is another opportunity for our outreach teams to build relationships [with] folks who are unsheltered,” Kahoon said, adding that sometimes extreme weather can encourage more individuals who have been hesitant to seek shelter come in for services.

While Good Sam doesn’t have a specific cooling center for people to get out of the heat, outreach teams encourage people to stay in the shade and provide supplies.

“Obviously as we think about protecting our pets and other vulnerable folks in our community, [it’s important] that we remember the unsheltered and if they see somebody distressed to call emergency services, offer folks water, and things like that,” Kahoon said.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a health alert on July 3 and activated cooling centers throughout the county for residents, including those who are unsheltered, to visit during peak heat hours, often between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Public Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg told the Sun

“Coastal areas in Santa Barbara County are fortunate with the marine layer and natural cooling, but in the valleys and behind the mountains it’s very different,” Ansorg said.

“People who don’t have air conditioning should make a plan; they should identify their loved ones they need to check in on.”

Elderly people, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to heat, he said. It’s important for people to stay in the shade, stay hydrated, replenish with electrolytes, and stay away from alcoholic beverages in order to prevent heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion occurs when someone’s body overheats because of exposure to high temperatures or strenuous physical activity, according to the Mayo Clinic. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

“Heat stroke is an extreme thing that requires people to call 911, requires hospitalization and emergency room level care. It’s very dangerous, especially for people who are more at risk for heatrelated illness,” Ansorg said. “Heat stroke is very dangerous because the body has lost the ability to sweat, and sweating is the natural way of cooling

down. Once that ability is no longer in place, the accumulation of heat in the body becomes critical.”

Sign up for weather-related and/or emergency alerts at readysbc.org. In North County, the city of Santa Maria will suspend “camping” restrictions on buses when temperatures exceed 85 degrees in the Santa Maria area, allowing people to stay on the buses for longer. Santa Ynez Valley residents can go to the Solvang, Buellton, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez public libraries during their operating hours. Cuyama residents can go to the Cuyama Valley Resource Center or the Joseph Centeno Aquatics Center. Visit Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery website for addresses and more information.

Highlights:

• Lompoc announced the grand opening of the new playground and exercise equipment at Pioneer Park—1209 E. Airport Ave.—on July 1 and celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 2, which kicked off the city’s Parks and Recreation month in July. This year’s theme—Where You Belong—celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

• Youthwell, a Santa Barbara County nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health and wellness, is offering teen volunteer and intern opportunities this summer. These opportunities are designed to engage students and families in meaningful activities that contribute to causes like advocacy,

animals, arts and culture, children and youth, crisis support, education, environment, and mental health. When considering volunteering, students should think about preferences for working alone or on a team, the time commitment, and the causes that are most important to them. Volunteers are encouraged to start small to avoid overcommitting and to seek roles that are a good fit. Organizations are invited to add their opportunities at youthwell.org/ category/volunteer. m

Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@ santamariasun.com.

How do you feel about checking into hotels without on-site management?

60% A manager or staff member should be looking over the premises at all times.

20% I’m fine with it. I use Airbnbs without any staff on-site all the time.

20% I prefer hotels without any managers or rules whatsoever.

0% It depends on the hotel size. 5 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly 801 S Broadway Suite 3 Santa Maria, CA 93454

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING | 805-347-1968

E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com WEB | www.santamariasun.com

FOUNDER | Steve Moss 1948-2005

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Camillia Lanham

ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Andrea Rooks

STAFF WRITERS | Taylor O’Connor

ARTS EDITOR | Caleb Wiseblood

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jayson Mellom

ART DIRECTOR | Alex Zuniga

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad

CONTRIBUTORS | Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield

ADVERTISING

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kimberly Rosa

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Katy Gray, Stasja Knopf, Emma Corippo

MAGAZINE DIVISION EXECUTIVE | Lee Ann Vermeulen

PRODUCTION

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Mary Grace Flaus

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Ellen Fukumoto, Danielle Ponce

Business

Cindy Rucker

CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez

PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga

OFFICE MANAGER | Stephanie West

MARKETING & 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 mail@santamariasun.com, letters@santamariasun.com

TO ADVERTISE

DISPLAY ADS | Rates and special discounts are available. Call our ad department at (805) 347-1968.

CLASSIFIEDS | Call (805) 546-8208, Ext. 211. Visa and MasterCard accepted.

ONLINE

Visit the Sun web site at www.santamariasun.com. Our site was developed and designed by Foundation, a website development company (www.publishwithfoundation.com).

The Sun is published every Thursday for your enjoyment. One copy of each issue is available free to Northern Santa Barbara County residents and visitors. Subscriptions to the Sun are $156 per year. The entire contents of the Sun are copyrighted by the Sun and cannot be reproduced without specific written permission from the publisher.

Because a product or service is advertised in the Sun does not mean that we endorse its use. We hope readers will use their own good judgement in choosing products most beneficial to their well-being.

We welcome submissions. Please accompany them with a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. All letters to the editor become the property of the Sun. © 2024 Sun

Who’s fit?

The presidential debate lacked substance but cleared up one serious question

BY RON FINK

The last time I watched a presidential debate was in 1956 when surrogates represented Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson who was challenging incumbent Republican President Dwight Eisenhower. Since then, I have relied on press/media reports and analysis of what was said or how the candidates acted.

But I changed my strategy when President Joe Biden “debated” former President Donald Trump this year. Why? Well, for the same reason I would watch a car race and wait for the inevitable crash.

Even though it didn’t take long for the first crash of the night, I watched until the end hoping for some substance, but I was denied any insight into what either of these guys was going to do about the multitude of problems that exist in our country and around the world today.

Even though the CNN moderators had previously been very critical of former President Trump, they were both even-handed throughout the 90-minute talk fest. When the two contenders strayed from the initial question, they tried, unsuccessfully in almost every case, to get them back on track.

This is not unique in political debates. Each candidate comes in with an agenda and talking points that they think will convince voters to vote for them and they won’t let debate

moderators get in the way of selling their ideas. In this case, if either of them had an agenda, it appears it was only to talk for 90 minutes.

What voters are most curious about is exactly what the candidate’s positions are on matters of importance. For example, simply saying you’re going to fix the economy, massive illegal migration, the fentanyl crisis, or anything else doesn’t provide any insight on how it can be fixed. In government, things don’t “get fixed” quickly and often the fix turns out to only worsen the original problem; one example is the homeless problems many cities face, and another was the COVID-19 crisis.

As the night wore on, each man made up unsubstantiated claims, used faulty facts and figures to present his case, and otherwise tried to embellish his own record to impress voters. After the debate though, only former President Trump was “fact checked” in many media outlets while President Bidens’ many slip-ups went unreported.

As I watched our current president that night, I wasn’t sure if he was up to the task. This should trouble all Americans because it isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a matter of public safety and protecting all citizens from harm. Speak

In their defense though, it was hard for fact checkers and viewers to keep up with the current president, since he seemed unfocused, confused, and sometimes “froze up” mid-sentence when trying to respond to a question. His halting speech, lack of focus, rapid change of the subject during responses, and obvious frailty was distracting and sad to watch. Why his handlers agreed to subject him to this type of public exposure is a head-scratcher.

Send us your views and opinion to letters@santamariasun.com.

After the debate, it got worse; now we find out that President Biden is only available six hours a day! One of the most important functions of the president of the United States is the role of commander in chief of the armed forces. The person in this position, like firefighters and ambulance crews, must be able to make

life changing decisions 24-hours a day, 365 days a year throughout his/her tenure.

But unlike emergency service personnel, the president’s decisions can have worldwide impact and only the president can launch military forces against our enemies.

As I watched our current president that night, I wasn’t sure if he was up to the task. This should trouble all Americans because it isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a matter of public safety and protecting all citizens from harm. And as far as setting public policy, who’s calling the shots if the person who’s supposed to be doing it can’t articulate their position clearly?

So, while I rarely watch political debates, this one cleared up one serious question. It had been long rumored in press and electronic media that President Biden has cognitive issues; his handlers and friendly media have denied it vigorously over the last several months, but the debate left no doubt.

President Joe Biden has problems with language, memory, and thinking, and that fact places the United States in a dangerous position. The leader of the free world must be able to think clearly all the time and react promptly during serious situations, and he doesn’t appear to be up to the task. m

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

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

No president should be above the law

What, if anything, can be done to avert the coming disaster of living in a country where our president is “above the law”? Where criminal violations of the oath of office are ignored? Where Supreme Court of the United States candidates can lie under oath to the Senate selection committee and, once confirmed, render baseless decisions without repercussions? Where an adjudicated rapist and convicted felon can run for president after stealing classified documents, denying the results of an election, and proposing to all who will listen what crimes he intends to commit if reelected?

Seeing this rapidly approaching train of disaster, it is time to act—even if that just means stepping off the tracks! I had hoped to spend the remaining years of my retirement in peace and tranquility in my native state.

Freedom loving Americans must do something to stop MAGA’s takeover of our country. It is time for Democrats and independents to stop “playing nice.” The threat is real. The enemy is among us. If President Biden can’t find the chutzpah to use the new powers given to him by the recent SCOTUS immunity decision to detain Trump and his MAGA lieutenants at Gitmo, perhaps Vice President Harris and the cabinet can invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Biden so she can take action to defend us against the “domestic enemies” of our republic! Anyone who opposes her actions could just take her to court ... after she stacks it.

Sic semper tyrannis!

Can you believe that governments aren’t required to record their public meetings and post them in an archive so anyone can view them?

It seems like they have to, but they don’t. They have to keep “minutes”—and depending on the governing board those can be extremely detailed or not detailed at all.

Basically, if you miss a meeting and want to know exactly what happened, who said what, and how an elected official responded, tough beans, if it isn’t recorded.

Did you know that your comments can be muted from the record if the lawyer or mayor doesn’t like what you had to say?

Because cities aren’t required to hold virtual meetings, the city can choose what comments are available online and what aren’t, according to former Solvang City Attorney David Fleishman, who’s the current city attorney for Atascadero and Pismo Beach

“The city is not obligated to put the YouTube [video] up at all,” he said. “So, if it gets muted, that’s something the city has the ability to do, but it’s not obligated to provide YouTube recordings on its website or anywhere else.”

In a recent Atascadero City Council meeting recording posted to YouTube, three commenters and Fleishman’s response to one of the commenters were muted. He cut one of the commenters off during the actual meeting when the speaker broached the topic of white supremacy. Fleishman, however, let antiLGBTQ-plus speakers continue their rants—as he felt the topics were under the jurisdiction of the council at that particular meeting. Weird.

What happened in Solvang when he was attorney and a city council meeting was Zoombombed? Racist and inflammatory comments made by virtual attendees were heard by virtual listeners, but not people who attended the November 2023 meeting in person—an ironic little twist.

“It’s very difficult because we don’t know in advance, other than by the screen names that we see on the screen, whether or not someone is going to have a legitimate public comment until they start speaking,” he told the Solvang council at the time.

Seems similar for the in-person public commenters. Some of those people are cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. But. (And this is going to sound like I’m coming down on the side of the Zoombombers who spread their racist, inflammatory, bigoted rhetoric even though I don’t condone what they’re doing.) Shouldn’t the things that happen at a public meeting be shared with the public?

Isn’t that literally the whole point of a public meeting? And who gets to decide what’s offensive and inflammatory and who is practicing their First Amendment right or stepping over the line? It’s dicey territory.

Solvang attempted to create a policy that would deal with the problem but didn’t get around to passing anything. In Arroyo Grande, the city attorney makes that decision on the fly during meetings. Sounds subjective.

The city of San Luis Obispo banned live virtual public comments and requires a prerecorded virtual public comment to be submitted for review prior to the meeting. Sounds sketchy. Atascadero is no longer accepting virtual comments. Sounds like an accessibility issue. So what’s the answer? There are rules in the works at the legislative level—and hopefully they include a recording requirement. Because we should already have that. m

The Canary is always in favor of more transparency. Send comments to canary@ santamariasun.com.

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. 805-928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. KleinDance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

CABARET PCPA’s iteration of the iconic musical. July 18 -27 Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, pcpa.org.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.

LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL DANCE: WEST COAST SWING Learn west coast swing in a casual, friendly environment, taught by Texas state swing champion, Gina Sigman. Free intro from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Beyond the Basics ($10) is 7 to 7:45 p.m. $10 entry includes social dance (7:45 to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m. 832-884-8114. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS The hit sci-fi horror comedy, with songs by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken. Presented by PCPA. July 12-28 Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.

PILLARS: GALLERY LOS OLIVOS A collection of realistic oil paintings honoring the workers that hold up our food system. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through July 31. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG July 12-28 Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.

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.

DISNEY’S NEWSIES Leap into the heart of New York City with this high-energy musical that brings to life the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike. Join Jack, Katherine, Davey, and Les as they rally the city’s newsboys against the biggest publishers for their rights. July 11 7-9:30 p.m., July 12 , 7-9:30 p.m., July 13 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 p.m., July 19 7-9:30 p.m. and July 20 7-9:30 p.m. $10-$20. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/cctc-newsies/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

FIND WALDO LOCAL 2024 Where’s Waldo? In Arroyo Grande, of course. Waldo is hiding at 20 local businesses in July. Grab your stamp card from Monarch Books on July 1 and start your search. Collect 20 or more stamps and you could win a prize in the grand-prize drawing. Through July 28 Free. 805-668-6300. monarchbooks805.com. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande. FRIENDS OF THE NIPOMO LIBRARY: USED BOOK SALE Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best selection of adult fiction/ nonfiction, children’s books, jigsaw puzzles, and CDs/DVDs. FONL members get tickets for two free books at every sale. July 13 , 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 805-929-3994.

friendsofnipomolibrary.org/. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo.

GUNSMOKIN’ July 12- Sept. 7 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

MOSAIC ART WORKSHOP Make mosaic art for your home and garden at this weekend workshop. All skill levels welcome. Learn how to use basic tools and proven techniques to complete your project. Choose your project online. July 13 , 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 14 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $205. 805-440-3054. passifloramosaics. com. Passiflora Mosaics, 330 N. 10th St., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ACT SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS Visit site for details on this summer camp series. Through Aug. 5 slorep.org/education/acttheatre-camps/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-786-2440.

ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES

Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ALCOHOL INKS: HOW TO CONTROL THE CHAOS This is a beginners workshop where we will discuss product basics, alternate methods of movement, how to control air, and the correct way to seal inks to create a project to take home. Pre-registration and payment is required prior to workshop. July 16 1:30-4:30 p.m. $95. 805-268-8380. Join award-winning alcohol ink artist JudyAnn for a beginners ink workshop. Learn techniques and methods, and complete instruction on how to use these temperamental, but beautiful tints. This class sells out fast,

so preregister and save your spot today. Preregistration required. July 16 1:30-4:30 p.m. $95. 805 286-8380. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, artcentralslo.wordpress.com.

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

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.

APRIL BANKS: OUTLANDISH Los Angeles-based artist April Banks is a creative strategist working across visual art, social engagement, and exhibition design. Her practice sits intentionally between image, space, and experience. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/aprilbanks/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ART HISTORY MIXED MEDIA FOR KIDS WITH SPENCER COLLINS This is a class for students who are looking to expand their knowledge about art history while having fun. Different mediums will be explored each time. Ages 9-12 July 14 2:30-3:30 p.m. $35 per class or $75 for entire series. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring

WOOD FOR THE TREES

The California Nature Art Museum in Solvang presents its latest exhibition, titled California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland, which debuts on Sunday, July 14, with an opening reception from 3 to 5 p.m. This solo exhibit highlights a collection of works centered on oak woodland habitats by textile artist Julia Laraway. Visit calnatureartmuseum.org to find out more about the showcase, slated to remain on display through January 2025.

—Caleb Wiseblood

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.

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Third Wednesday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. 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.

CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST An opportunity to work on your own projects and materials while picking up new skills among friends. Note: this event is held mostly every third Monday (attendees are asked to call or email to confirm ahead of time). Third Monday of every month $5; first session free. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

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, 6-6:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

DESERT LANDSCAPE: BEGINNER

ACRYLIC WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM In this three-hour class, you’ll be instructed

step-by-step to paint an acrylic desert landscape. Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. July 13 1:30-4:30 p.m. $40. 805-478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/visit/ tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV SHOWS Hosted by Central Coast Comedy Theater. Second Friday of every month my805tix.com/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo. JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. 702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

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

THE MAMA TEMPLE Includes contributions of art, stories, and experience that challenge the narrative of motherhood. This collaboration of art and story has a message of healing and reconciliation for ourselves and others. Motherhood events/workshops are held during July. Through July 31 themamatemple.org/work/ julyevents. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. PARENT-CHILD POTTERY CLASS Make lasting memories with clay together as a family. For ages 6 and over. Thursdays,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CALIFORNIA NATURE ART MUSEUM

10:30 a.m.-noon $70. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL

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

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

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS

This series is a great intro to the pottery wheel. Students learn to throw various shapes, surface decorate, and glaze. Clay and firing included with admission. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $180. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

THE ROAST OF MAT SALUD This hilarious and heartwarming event will feature side-splitting jokes and anecdotes, all in good fun and admiration for Mat’s unique personality and “his very few accomplishments in life thus far.”

July 17 8 p.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-2337.

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ

This weekly sculpture drop-in class gives an opportunity for potters to take on new projects and learn new techniques relating to sculptural work. Additionally, every first Friday of the month, a new

PILLARS IN PAINT

Gallery Los Olivos presents Pillars 2024, a solo exhibition of pieces that explore agricultural life on the Central Coast by local painter Bobby Williams. The showcase opened at the gallery in early July and is scheduled to remain on display through the end of the month. To find out more about the exhibit and its featured artist, visit gallerylosolivos.com.

—C.W.

project will be taught by Rod Perez for beginners. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. SECOND SATURDAYS SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11-1 a.m. through Dec. 14 Free. 805-543-8562.

sloma.org/events/second-saturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC

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

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and

try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. WHOSE WATERS? This Gray Wing exhibition will build upon the photojournalistic work of Southern California artist Gabriella Angotti-Jones

whose I Just Wanna Surf book highlights Black female and non-binary surfers and other unseen or outright ignored communities that ride the waves off the Golden State. July 13 - Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ surf-show/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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. 559799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

ESCAPING THE LABYRINTH A man falls for a Greek goddess who disappears. He spends his life searching to find her again. July 19 -21 By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

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. 805772-9095. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.

JEWELRY AND ART BY CAROL ROULLARD Using a microscope, Carol shows us extraordinary, intricate dazzling crystals with unique natural structures and patterns. Come discover the microcosmos in this amazing jewelry show. Gallery at Marina Square is open daily. Through July 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

JULY ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY Featuring Patricia Newton, Gregory Siragusa, and Carol Roullard, with their paintings, photography, and jewelry, respectively. July 13, 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

OIL PAINTINGS BY PATRICIA NEWTON Newton’s style is representational, “utilizing a glazing technique to create a translucent effect that provides depth and emanates light from my paintings.”

TALENTS:

• A curiosity about how different types of businesses work

• An interest in learning consultative sales skills

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work within deadlines

• The ability to be social and enjoy talking with people

• The ability to learn how to develop solutions to marketing problems

• A strong work ethic

• Superior customer service skills

Compensation includes a base salary, commission and bonus; excellent benefits package including medical, dental, paid time off and 401(k). The Sun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in business, customer service or related field

• College degree preferred

• Vehicle, license and insurance required

TO APPLY:

If this sounds like you, please let us know by emailing your resume and cover letter. Please answer the following questions in your e-mail:

1) Why are you interested in working for New Times Media Group?

2) Why should we hire you?

3) Tell us something about yourself that we can’t learn from your resume.

The mission of Route One Farmers Market is to increase access to local food, both in the community’s ability to purchase that food in the most accessible ways possible, and by implementing sustainable platforms for local food sales. Route One Farmers Market was created through a collaborative community effort. The creation of the traditional market, 501c3 non-profit, the launch of the Mobile Farmers Market and other continued work aims to fill gaps in local food access.

ROUTE ONE

was born out of a 2015 collaborative effort between the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVCHO), the Healthy Lompoc Advisory Cabinet and the Santa Barbara Foundation to address food access by expanding EBT at farmers markets in the Lompoc Valley.

R1FM launched a farmers market in 2019 tailored around accessibility that has become a key player in local food and is now the only food access nonprofit in the Lompoc Valley.

With continued key partner support from the LVCHO, and a new partnership with Fresh Approach, a nonprofit expert in Mobile Market Operations, the Route One team was able to build the foundation needed to support a Mobile Farmers Market. After years of investment, in 2022 Route One was able to purchase and launch the first Mobile Market in SB County.

We prioritize partnering with farmers using responsible growing practices, we purchase goods from growers at competitive wholesale pricing, we utilize and strive for eco friendly energy, storage, and materials and our produce travels shortest possible distances from farm to consumer. Sales to the public are at lowest possible

retail prices and accept a variety of purchasing incentives, such as EBT/CalFresh (previously food stamps) WIC and Market Match to lower costs to consumers even farther and keep Government incentive dollars in the local economy. We also prioritize accessibility through education, and offer fresh bilingual food nutrition education along with all fresh produce sales.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity the Old Town Market SAVE THE DATE EVERY FROM JULY 5TH TO

OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET

Return of Old Town Market

The Old Town Market is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Lompoc Valley this summer, promising a delightful array of local crafts and community spirit. Hosted every Friday from 5pm to 8pm, between July 5th and August 9th, locals and visitors alike can once again enjoy this event in the 100 block of South H Street.

The Old Town Market, a staple of Lompoc summers, provides a unique platform for artisans and craft vendors to showcase their talents and creations in addition provides an opportunity for local community-based organizations and non-profits to highlight the amazing work and resources they provide for our community.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to support this community event and gain exposure to a diverse audience. Sponsors will benefit from prominent signage at the event, recognition in marketing materials, and opportunities for engagement with attendees.

This year, due to popular demand, Route One Farmers Market and the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to add a farmers market section to Old Town Market each Friday night from 5-8pm! Join us to shop for amazing local fruits, vegetable and other goodies grown and made by your neighbors in Lompoc!

opportunity to experience Market this summer.

DATE EVERY FRIDAY TO AUGUST 9TH.

ROUTE ONE’S NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET FUNDRAISER

Be sure to visit these local businesses participating in August to support Route One’s National Farmers Market Fundraiser!

• SOUTH SIDE COFFEE CO.

will be donating $1 from every Matcha Honey Latte sold.

• ALFIES FISH AND CHIPS

will be donating $1 for every 2 piece sold, up to $300.

• CAMINS 2 DREAMS WINES

will donate 20% of the proceeds of every bottle sold in the tasting Thurs-Sunday of National Farmers Market week.

• DARE 2 DREAM FARMS

will donate $1.00 for each chicken sold.

• AWAKEN CARDIO KICKBOXING

will offer a special 3 class pack with proceeds going to Route One Farmers Market.

FOLLOW US

@route1farmersmarket on Instagram and Facebook for more details!

NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK

National Farmers Market Week is only a few months away! Now in its 25th year, this annual celebration (falling this year on August 4-10, 2024) highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. With fun events, programs, contests, activities, and more, the week helps to boost market attendance and visibility as well as showcase the value markets bring to their communities.

However, National Farmers Market Week is not just an opportunity to celebrate. Over the past decade, FMC has grown the annual celebration from a little-known proclamation declared by the United States Department of Agriculture to a widely anticipated event and effective tool for promoting and advocating for farmers markets. In addition to promoting their market, farmers market leaders nationwide (and now internationally!) recognize the celebration as an opportunity to connect with their communities, build relationships with local, state, and federal officials, secure sponsorship and grant funding, encourage data collection and research, and more.

But FMC didn’t grow National Farmers Market Week by itself. Thanks to work led by Farmers Market State Associations, farmers markets operators, and local food leaders across the country at both the state and local level, NFMW has expanded into the celebration it is today. Associations have built relationships with state governments to procure NFMW proclamations in at least 20 states, while farmers market organizations have attained official proclamations through local and city governments.

Bautista Family Farms

Dare 2 Dream Farms

Mayte’s Vegetables

In 2023 we saw some of the most exciting progress of the event to date when FMC collaborated with members of congress to pass the first-ever Congressional Resolution recognizing National Farmers Market Week. And in the same year, Governor Jared Polis, became the first state governor to visit a farmers market to kickoff Farmers Market Week in Colorado.

In short, the dedication of the farmers market community to amplify our collective work is paying off. Our success is because of your leadership and commitment. With this momentum, what kind of progress can National Farmers Market Week help us achieve in the decade ahead? We’re only just getting started…

For a toolkit and more: https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/national-farmers-market-week

Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY SIRAGUSA

This artist prefers photography of subjects that are subtle or commonplace, “revealing beauty that often goes unnoticed.” But his portfolio also exhibits grandeur, capturing memorable landscapes and birds whose wings regularly touch the sky. Work is printed on metal, canvas, and paper. Through July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and her 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.

STROMSOE STUDIOS (OPEN STUDIO BY RESERVATION) Tour this traditional metal smithing studio by appointment, and gain access to an exclusive selection of hand forged contemporary jewelry, tableware, and heirloom quality art in silver, copper, and pewter. Second Sunday of every month, 12-4 p.m. through Aug. 11 Free with RSVP. 805-237-8632. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County, randystromsoe.com.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

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

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

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FAIR 2024

Offers a unique assortment of activities to do and see and provides visitors with an interesting mix of both community oriented and educational fun. Through July 14 santamariafairpark.com. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA COIN CLUB: MONTHLY

MEETING Coin collectors of all ages invited. Bring coins for free appraisals. Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. Yearly membership: $20-$25. 805-9373158. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. 805-8357873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

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.

CENTRAL COAST AQUARIUM SUMMER

CAMPS The Central Coast Aquarium is excited to announce that summer camp registrations are now open. Each week-long camp session will include: interactive lessons and activities, outdoor field trips, animal encounters, and more. Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 5 centralcoastaquarium.org/campsprograms/seasonal-camps/summercamps/. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280.

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.

EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA

The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its meeting on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, follow on Facebook at Bishop’s Peak EGA or visit the EGA website. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 16 Free. egausa.com. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, 805-773-4832.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS

FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-3623739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

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-lospadres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

OCEANO SEABREEZE MARKET Discover Oceano is proud to present the Oceano Seabreeze Market featuring handcrafted

artisanal goods and exclusive collections from local makers, artisans, and curators. Enjoy shopping, food, drinks, music, and an afternoon of fun at the historic Oceano Depot. July 13 12-5 p.m. Free admission. 805-779-1414. DiscoverOceanoCa.com. Oceano Train Depot, 1650 Front St., Oceano.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

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

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

SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805-904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for a fun and educational opportunity this summer? Join the aquarium’s Volunteer Team. No marine science experience is necessary. There are lots of ways to get involved. Check out website for more details. Tuesdays. through Sept. 30 centralcoastaquarium.org. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS

Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. 805-481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

38TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Experience

16th-century magic and enjoy thrilling battles, parades, enchanting music, and comedy and dancing across four stages. Explore artisanal treasures and indulge in delicious food and drink. July 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $25-$30. 805-550-9177. ccrenfaire. com/. Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

AGING GRACEFULLY WITH

PREVENTATIVE CARE “We can’t stop getting older, but we can shift our thinking about it.” Moving from “I can’t do anything about it” to “I have some control over how my mind and body ages.” Series sponsored by Unity Five Cities. Details from chris@peacefulpoint.com. Over Zoom. Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. through Nov. 20 Love offering. (805) 489-7359. unity5cities.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. 559-9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CIRCUS GYMNASTICS CAMP With gymnastics, themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. Dare to fly high on the trampolines, bars, beams, foam pits, and more. Ages 4-13; no gymnastics experience necessary. Through July 12, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $40-$360 depending on which options you choose. 805-5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad 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. 646-2805800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FREE FAMILY DAY: TRAINS, CRAFTS, AND ACTIVITIES This month, enjoy a partnership event with the Central California Coast Garden Model Railroad Society; a fabulous day in the Garden for exploring trains and nature. No ticket needed. July 14 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 805541-1400. slobg.org/calendar-of-events/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org. See website, San Luis Obispo. CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20

SATURDAY,

Hot Stuff

CACTUS CLASS

Acrylic painter Linda Cunningham will lead a desert landscape workshop for beginners at Art Central in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, July 13, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Attendees will receive step-by-step instruction on completing an acrylic project. Admission to join the class is $40. For more info on the workshop, visit artcentralslo.com.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 19

GUIDED ENERGETIC MEDITATION

Are you energetically sensitive? This reoccurring weekly class will be a guided Introduction to Energetic Meditation Techniques that will assist you to: clear your energy field, improve energy flow and energy boundaries, quiet and focus your mind, and be clearer about “Who You Really Are.” Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. through Nov. 30 $22. 503-929-6416. elohiacupuncture.com/classes/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT

SUNDAY,

GROUP A safe place to share life experiences with those who have depression or have had and recovered from the devastating effects of depression. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Dec. 30 Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK

CLUB A weekly book discussion, on a wide variety of titles from the general subject of metaphysics, spirituality, and comparative religion. By invitation. For more information, contact David Higgins, email: davidhiggins67@gmail. com. Location revealed to those invited. Wednesdays Free. rationalmetaphysics. com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.

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

MOONLIGHT HOURS AT THE SLO

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Come to the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum for free every third Thursday of the month. Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Free admission. 805-545-5874. slocm. org/moonlight-hours. San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, 1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY CLASS This is a free, eight-session education program for family, friends and significant others of children and adults with mental health conditions. Learn about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health

conditions. Topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery. Registration by email or calling required. Mondays, 6-8:30 p.m. through Aug. 5 Free. 805-481-4847. namislo.org. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.

PARK PALOOZA Features a color run, car show, food and drink vendors, and more. July 13 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-782-8060.

PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION

Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.

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

SLO BLUES BASEBALL 33 summer home games held. Go to bluesbaseball.com for full schedule. Tickets available from My805Tix. Through July 27 $10 adults; 12 and under free. 805-512-9996. my805tix. com. SLO Blues Summer Collegiate Baseball, Sinsheimer Stadium at 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispso.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups.io/g/ lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY Stamp Collector? The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets in the SLO UMC Conference Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@ gmail.com. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. 805-801-9112. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for

membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 805-5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252. WILD WEST GYMNASTICS CAMP Rustle up some flips and enjoy trampolines, bars, beams, foam pits, and more. Ages 4-13; no gymnastics experience necessary. July 1519, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $40-$360 depending on which options you choose. 805-5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, 805-927-1654.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS

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

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 22

The Sea Productions Presents:

27 The Bunker SLO

SLOFunny Comedy Show, Hosted by James Uloth

JULY 27 Morro Bay Eagles Club

Arrivals and Departures Writing Workshop with Leslie St. John SUNDAY, JULY 28 The Bunker SLO

Decayer, Bears, Catacombs, & More!

JULY 28 Club Car Bar, Templeton Mercantile

God’s Garden Vacation Bible Camp MON-FRI, JULY 28-AUG 2 St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, SLO Fight Night Presented by BeatDown Promotions

—C.W.

Beer Yoga at Ancient Owl Atascadero

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Ancient Owl Beer Garden, Atascadero

Kids Improv Summer Camp

3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

MON-FRI, JULY 15-19

Central Coast Comedy Theater, SLO

Lavender Farm Yoga

SATURDAY, JULY 20

California Lavender Honey Farm, San Miguel

Tributes to AC/DC & Ted Nugent Whole Lotta Rosies & Stranglehold

SATURDAY, JULY 13 Blast 825 Brewery, Orcutt

Kids Improv Summer Camp 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade

MON-FRI, JULY 15-19 Central Coast Comedy Theater, SLO

Lavender Essential Oil Distillation

SATURDAY, JULY 20 Hambly Lavender Farm, San Miguel

Herbs for Women’s Health with Alison Lorne MSN, CNM RN

SATURDAY, JULY 13 The Bunker SLO

Trivia Wednesday Night with Brain Stew Trivia

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO

Slow Flow & Somatics with Caroline of A Stone Was Shown Doula Care

SATURDAY, JULY 20 The Bunker SLO

SATURDAY, JULY 13

J-Bird’s Burlesque Bash

SATURDAY, JULY 13 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

The Comedy Roast of Mat Salud

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 Libertine Brewing Company, SLO

The Midiri Brothers & Barrelhouse Wailers

SATURDAY, JULY 20 Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall

SATURDAY,

Coastal Wine & Paint Party

SATURDAYS, JULY 13, 20, 27

Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, Cambria

Sadie Jasper: Album Release Party

FRIDAY, JULY 19 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

“The Goonies” Morro Bay in Bloom Fundraiser

SATURDAY, JULY 20 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay

SATURDAY, JULY 13 The Bunker SLO

Tiny Porch Concerts: Adam Ezra (solo) and Mary Scholz

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Peter Strauss Ranch, Agoura Hills

Terminal Presents Deadstock II

FRI-SUN, JULY 19-21 Dark Nectar Coffee, Atascadero

Beauty of the Birthing Body with Catalina Bertola

SATURDAY, JULY 20 The Bunker SLO

Cream Zoofari

JULY 13

Paddock Zoo, Atascadero

Dancing with the Potent Portals of Pain & Pleasure

ALWAYS AMAZING. NEVER ROUTINE.

SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary. Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805-528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

CASA GRANDE BAKE SALE Casa Grande Mobile Estates is having a bake sale in the clubhouse. Come and help raise funds for the Santa Barbara County Food Bank and Casa Grandes Residents Activity Committee. Enjoy delicious homemade cookies, cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and more. July 13 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 661-437-7261. Casa Grande Mobile Estates, 519 W Taylor St., Santa Maria.

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

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF JONATA Jonata was born in 2004 with a desire to explore and expand world class winegrowing. On July 13, join those behind the scenes to celebrate two decades of an incredible journey. July 13 , 1-4 p.m. $125. 805564-8581. The Barn at The Hilt Estate, 2240 Santa Rosa Road, Lompoc, thehiltestate.com/.

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.

PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT MELVILLE ESTATE WINERY

Provides a beautiful, stress-free environment that will both inspire your creative spirit and indulge the wine-lover in you. A trained artist will walk you through the entire painting process step-by-step. July 14 , 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $89. artspotonwheels.com/events/painting-in-the-vineyard-atmelville/. Melville Estate Winery, 5185 E. Hwy 246, Lompoc, 805-735-7030.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

MONTHLY FERMENTATION 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. 805-801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

Hot Stuff

MAKING WAVES

Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay will host a joint reception for its three featured July artists on Saturday, July 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. This month’s exhibitions at the gallery showcase works by oil painter Patricia Newton, jewelry artisan Carol Roullard, and photographer Gregory Siragusa. Admission to the reception is free. Visit galleryatmarinasquare.com for more info on the three exhibits, scheduled to remain up through Monday, July 29.

—C.W.

FOOD & DRINK from page 22

SUNSET WINE/RAIL EXCURSION: SANTA BARBARA These fully-hosted, docent-led excursions will depart from the SLO Railroad Museum at 11 a.m. taking a motor coach to the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. July 20 my805tix.com. San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, 1940 Santa Barbara Ave., San Luis Obispo, 805-548-1894.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS FREE JAZZ CONCERT AT THE SM TOWN CENTER MALL Central City Swing, a 17-piece jazz band featuring some of the area’s top musicians, will perform a free concert of swing and jazz music at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall. July 11 , 6-7:30 p.m. Free. 805-720-3840. centralcityswing.com. Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria. HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.

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

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Enjoy live music most Fridays at the venue. Call venue or check website to find out who’s performing. Fridays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

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. 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.

WHOLE LOTTA ROSIES AND STRANGLEHOLD Tributes to AC/DC and Ted Nugent. July 13 5 p.m. my805tix.com/. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805-934-3777.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

AIR SUPPLY LIVE Held in the resort’s Samala Showroom, this concert is part of the Australian soft rock duo’s The Lost in Love Experience Tour. July 12 8 p.m. $49-$79. chumashcasino.com. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, 800-248-6274.

AMANDA CASTRO LIVE Castro specializes in New Orleans-style jazz. July 14 3 p.m. $37. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.

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

MUSIC IN THE GARDEN This ongoing summer concert series spotlights a variety of musical acts. Afternoon performances held on various Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. Through Sept. 1 Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

2024 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES These Saturday afternoon concerts are limited and will sell out, so make your purchase early to secure your spot. Saturdays, 2:30-5 p.m. through Oct. 12 my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

GROVER BEACH SUMMER CONCERTS

2024 Featuring some of best local and regional bands all summer long. Food, craft vendors, and activities for the kids. Free and all ages welcome. Sundays, 3-6 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-473-4580. groverbeach.org. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

PACIFIC BREEZE CONCERTS: MOTHER

CORN SHUCKERS The City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division proudly presents the Pacific Breeze Concerts at Pismo Beach Rotary Amphitheater at Dinosaur Caves Park. This three show summer series will feature exceptional regional musical groups as well as special family activities. Food available for purchase. July 14 1-4 p.m. Free. pismobeach.org. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.

RIFF TIDE ROCKS NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Come out and be part of one of the hottest concert series on the Central Coast. July 17 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free show. 805-210-9698. Nipomo Regional Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ALL AGES OPEN MIC NIGHT Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

HOT 45 AND RAS DANNY: CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Free live music. Familyfriendly. Food/drink available. Free bike valet parking. July 12 , 5-8 p.m. Free. DowntownSLO.com/Concerts. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo. HOTEL CALIFORNIA LIVE AT THE FREMONT THEATER Hotel California is performing live at the Fremont Theater. All ages. July 13 8 p.m. $27.50 to $47.50. fremontslo.com/events/hotel-california/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600. J-BIRD’S BURLESQUE BASH Tickets will benefit The Gala Pride and Diversity Center, which is near and dear to J-Bird’s heart July 13 7 p.m. my805tix. com/. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, 805-781-9974.

LIVE MUSIC AT KROBAR Enjoy live music at Krobar, which showcases local, talented artists of all music genres. Kick-off your weekend right, grab your favorite seasonal craft cocktail, and vibe to the sounds of the night. Follow on Instagram to find out who is playing. Every other Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. through Aug. 31 Free entry. 833-576-2271. krobardistillery. com/events. Krobar Craft Distillery, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC AT LIQUID GRAVITY Check social media and calendar for weekly updates. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays, 2-5 p.m. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 805-544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com.

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES AT OAK AND OTTER BREWING CO. Summer music series featuring local artists, including Jaxon Camaero, Spike and the Box, Ben and Danny, Graybill, and Devin Welsh. Check @oakandotterbrewing for up to date info. July 13 2-5 p.m. Free. 805-4392529. oakandotterbrewing.squarespace. com/events. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo. SURF ROCK SATURDAY Riff Tide is bringing the beach to Downtown SLO with some classic surf rock instrumentals mixed with familiar rock, funk, pop, and soul favorites. July 13 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free show. 805-439-4400. The Mark Bar and Grill, 673 Higuera St., Sal Luis Obispo. m

ARTS BRIEFS

Solvang Festival Theater hosts performances of PCPA’s The Play

That Goes Wrong

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents its production of The Play That Goes Wrong with performances from July 12 through 28 at the Solvang Festival Theater. Described as “part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes,” this award-winning farce is about a drama group’s murder mystery production that goes from “bad to disastrous,” according to press materials.

The show’s director, Roger DeLaurier, described the production as having a “brash, energetic, mischievous quality as the play careens between the clockwork precision of excellent farce and a sense of the improvised.”

“After reading the script I was still excited and also a little bit scared, and I mean that in the best possible way,” DeLaurier said in in a statement. “It has been a wonderful challenge for everyone on the project and one which I hope we met with creativity, determination, and a great sense of fun.”

DeLaurier hopes the show offers its audiences “two hours of hilarity and silliness whose sole aim is the release and relief of laughter.”

Visit pcpa.org for advance tickets to the show and more info.

Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge holds concert fundraiser to benefit Elks National Foundation

Local doo-wop ensemble The Bald Spots will perform at the Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge in Oceano on Saturday, July 13, at 5 p.m. Doors will open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Concert proceeds will benefit the Elks National Foundation.

The Bald Spots is a Central Coast-based band that performs covers of popular songs from the 1950s and ’60s, often with an improvised mix of “hilarious commentary on life and American music,” according to press materials.

During the concert, pub-style food and drinks will be available for purchase. Attendees can purchase advance tickets at the lodge’s lounge or office, or by calling (805) 4892504, Ext. 2. The venue’s office hours are Monday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To find out more about the Oceano/Five Cities Elks Lodge and its ongoing programming, including monthly lodge meetings, line dancing, pool tournaments, karaoke nights, and Bingo Thursdays, visit the venue’s tab at elks.org. The Oceano/ Five Cities Elks Lodge is located at 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano. m

Making waves

April Banks’ exhibition, Outlandish, is on display at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art through July 28. The gallery, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information, visit sloma.org. SLOMA is located at 1010 Broad St. in SLO.

TIDE WALKERS: Before entering the San

Island of Yemaluna

Through film, mixed media, ritual, and sculpture, Outlandish highlights water’s importance in BIPOC communities

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

On a gallery’s walls in downtown San Luis Obispo, the Outlandish exhibit ties almost every creative outlet together to enable gallerygoers to view the importance of water through the lens of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) voices.

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art’s (SLOMA) newest exhibit features April Banks’ works that incorporate film, mixed media, ritual, and sculpture to prompt viewers to ponder the relationship between nature, labor, and leisure.

“It really starts to go into the imaginary and the speculative, and I feel like that was intentional because I feel like imagination, dreaming, daydreaming are all methods and mechanisms for change that we often don’t include in conversation,” the artist told the Sun. “So I just wanted to go into the sea of an imaginary world that really challenges things about colonialism.”

Outlandish takes inspiration from a previous show Banks worked on with R.A.C.E. Matters SLO called Braiding Water. That 2023 exhibition aimed to honor the varied and multifaceted relationships that communities across the Central Coast have with water, as well as nurture a sense of the interconnection and

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE: Through storytelling, ritual, meditation, film, and mixed media, Outlandish is an interactive journey exploring the relationship between nature, labor, and leisure when it comes to water’s use in community.

interdependence that link everyone together.

Building off Braiding Water in a way that felt special to her, Banks said that making the Outlandish exhibit an interactive experience would leave a longer-lasting impression on those who see it. She pulled out every form of creativity she had to bring this show to life.

“Because this was my own work, I really wanted to create from a different place, a more intuitive place and not be so attached to research,” she said. “I definitely tried new mediums—it’s my first time working with clay, which you don’t actually see in the show, but I made prints from the clay.”

SLOMA Chief Curator and Director of Education Emma Saperstein told the Sun that community members can view this show at their own pace, but she encourages visitors to take a look at the front lawn because that’s where the exhibit actually begins.

“The Tidewalker and the exhibition are connected. Tidewalker will remain on the lawn for a full year, and they’re sort of meant to work in conjunction with each other,” she said. “The experience also has a six-minute meditation experience, a sound piece in conjunction with the video, so it’s easy to stay engaged the whole time.”

Showgoers will take a trip into the imaginary

world of Yemaluna, which Banks said combines the name of Yemaya, the ocean deity in African diasporic spiritual practices, and lunar, referring to the moon.

Visiting a cloud island, exhibit viewers can witness the lives of Yemaluna’s residents and watch as they migrate every four years on Feb. 29.

“Clouds allude to the conjunction between the ethereal and nature, holding immense amounts of water yet dispersed with the wind, they are universal, drifting, wandering, and borderless,” according to SLOMA’s materials about the exhibit.

Banks said Yemaluna evokes imagination, daydreaming, and wonder as well as being a metaphor for a “geography of freedom.”

Originally from Los Angeles, Banks said she’s been traveling up the coast to SLO for years and it feels like a second home to her, almost as Yemaluna does. Bringing Outlandish to SLOMA just seemed to make sense to her, especially since the musuem hosted Braiding Water, and she said that “it just felt like a natural progression.”

Outlandish is only the first exhibition of Yemaluna, and Banks said she’s already planning for continuation.

“I definitely see going further with the prints that I made from clay. Also I would love to see the Tidewalker sculptures out on the lawn in motion,” she said. “I’m also working on an almanac for the show, which will hopefully come out before the show is done, and I plan to do that every four years on leap year.” m

Staff Writer Samantha Herrera from the Sun’s sister paper, New Times, is cloud watching. Send blue skies to sherrera@newtimesslo.com.

COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR, REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Luis Obispo Museum of Art, the Outlandish exhibit begins on the lawn with Tidewalker showing four figures holding a basket of water above their heads.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE SUDDARTH

IN THE CLOUDS: SLOMA’s exhibit, Outlandish, takes viewers to the imaginary world of Yemaluna where the clouds are a connection between the ethereal and nature, holding immense amounts of water, yet dispersed with the wind.

7/28

8/3

Co-writer and director Michael Sarnoski (Pig) helms this prequel to A Quiet Place (2018) and A Quiet Place Part II (2020), this time with only one returning character, Henri (Djimon Housou), billed as Man on Island in Part II. The main character in this prequel is hospice patient Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), who during a fieldtrip from her care facility to New York City has the bad luck of witnessing firsthand an alien invasion of murderous blind creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing out to kill off humanity. The slightest sound and they attack. (101-min.)

Glen: I really loved the first film in this franchise and felt like Part II was a worthy albeit not as effective successor. This prequel, on the other hand, while stylishly directed and featuring compelling characters, simply doesn’t measure up. The first film had the element of surprise and was rich with tension and dread. We didn’t even see the creatures until well into the story. Part II had the benefit of returning characters we knew and cared about. Here we have a new cast of characters— aside from Housou—and the invasion and its immediate aftermath essentially comprise the entire story. Knowing Samira is in hospice and will die either way undercuts her endangerment. She ends up with a tagalong named Eric (Joseph Quinn), a frightened British student who knows no one and has nowhere to

FINESTKIND

What’s it rated? R When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Paramount Plus

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee

What’s it worth, Glen? Stream it

Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande

go. Samira reluctantly becomes his protector. Because it’s a prequel, you don’t need to have seen the first two films, and honestly, you’ll probably like this film more if you’re unfamiliar with its two much better forebears. Anna: You’re right, this film may benefit from less knowledge of the first two. There doesn’t seem to be that magic of tension that the prior films had. Samira is painted as a tough character. Hey, fair enough—chronic pain chips away at even the most bright-sidelooking person. But Samira is guarded and uninterested in having anyone care about her, except her beloved cat, Frodo, who’s easily my favorite character. This film features the creatures more than the other films, and I think the monsters benefited from a bit of mystery in the first two. Not knowing, not seeing, is a clever ploy, and it wasn’t used well here. There are moments of tension, and the film is smart to use sound, or the absence of it, as its own type of character. It just lacks the buy-in that I hoped would be re-created and the characters that we saw in the first two. Moments between Samira and Eric are sometimes sweet as she reluctantly lets him in, but the franchise didn’t need this storyline. It’s easily the most forgettable of the three Quiet Place films.

Glen: I felt sorry for the cat, which was actually played by two cats—Nico and Schnitzel—that were leash trained and made used to being wet.

Animal abuse? I also saw online a very realisticlooking model cat head that was used. There’s something soulful about Frodo, who quickly learns to navigate the monster-filled world. In one scene, Eric is trying to “rescue” him from a beam above him, and I thought, “Leave him, dumbass. He’s much better equipped to survive than you.” The heart of the story is that by needing help, Eric gives Samira a last chance to live with purpose. If I hadn’t seen the first two films, I might have cared more.

Anna: I think having our main character ill-

fated from the start doesn’t help the audience have stakes in her story, and her journey to go get pizza in Harlem didn’t make me buy in any more. While it tries to give us something to care about between Eric and Samira, there just isn’t enough there. Stream it or beat the heat at a matinee for this one. m

New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Glen compiles listings. Comment at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.

Writer-director Brian Helgeland (Payback A Knight’s Tale, 42, Legend ) helms this family drama about half-brothers Tom (Ben Foster), a seasoned scallop fisherman, and Charlie (Toby Wallace), who’s been admitted to college but wants to try his hand at fishing for the summer despite his father, Gary’s (Tim Daly), resistance to the idea. Mother of both boys, Donna (Lolita Davidovich), loves her sons and wants them to find their own way. The main wrench in the family dynamics is Tom’s dad and Donna’s ex-husband, Eldridge (Tommy Lee Jones at his craggy best).

Charlie finds a love interest in towny girlfriend, Mabel (Jenna Ortega), who has some shady friends, and the story gets dicey when Eldridge convinces Tom to take his boat out fishing, and—long story short—runs into trouble, and then to solve that problem, creates an even bigger one. It’s a story about estrangement, reconciliation, and family ties that bind. The film has been roundly panned by critics, who found it meandering, convoluted, and in some cases boring, but it’s a story in no rush to get to its conclusion, and I was fine with that.

BLOOD IS THICKER: Finestkind, streaming on Paramount Plus, tells the story of a troubled family of fishermen—left to right: Eldridge (Tommy Lee Jones), Charlie (Toby Wallace), Mabel (Jenna Ortega), and Tom (Ben Foster)—trying to make a living.

Excellent performances by Jones, Foster, Ortega, and Davidovich help elevate the film. (126-min.) —Glen

TRIGGER WARNING

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Mouly Surya (Fiksi Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts) directs this by-the-numbers mystery action flick about military special operator Parker (Jessica Alba), who on a mission in Syria gets a call from Jesse (Mark Webber), her ex-lover and hometown’s sheriff, who informs her that her father, bar owner Harry Calvo (Alejandro De Hoyes), has been killed in a mining accident, setting the improbable tone for this deeply contrived story about a conspiracy involving Jesse’s asshole brother, Elvis (Jake Weary), and their corrupt senator father, Ezekiel Swann (Anthony Michael Hall, apparently in need of a paycheck).

It’s basically 1980s-style straight-to-video dumbassery all the way through, but I guess Alba wanted to try her hand at action. The script was apparently pitched as a female-led mashup of First Blood (1982) and John Wick (2014) but comes nowhere near either of those films at depicting drama, action, or any real stakes. Alba’s made a lot of mediocre films during her career, and this one’s right down there scraping the bottom.

When Parker (Jessica

left) learns her father has died, she returns home to discover a criminal conspiracy that she’s uniquely skilled to dismantle, in Trigger Warning, streaming on Netflix.

If you’re in the mood for cliché-riddled dialog, a predictable plot, and uninspired performances by actors who seem to recognize they’re in a dumpster fire, it’s free for the viewing with your Netflix subscription. (106-min.) m

SHH!: Hospice patient Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) and her “service cat,” Frodo, witness an alien invasion and its deadly aftermath, in A Quiet Place: Day One, screening in local theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PLUS

REVENGE-ISH:

Alba,

PHOTO COURTESY OF

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

One of the Santa Ynez Valley’s youngest wine brands launched in February but will wait until 2028 to celebrate its first anniversary.

The two producers behind Cote of Paint leapt into business with their first wine release on a day that only comes around every four years, co-owner Kristin Luis explained.

“It was really not that premeditated,” said the local winemaker, whose first bottles were “released into the wild” on Feb. 29.

Her husband and business partner Nick Luis came up with the leap day launch last-minute, he concurred.

“It wasn’t a grand strategy, it just kind of nicely fell into place,” Nick recalled. “We knew we wanted to

release it at the beginning of the year, and we were sort of just sifting through to find any meaningful dates that might be fun to launch on, and we didn’t. But then I realized, ‘Oh shoot, it’s a leap year.’”

While the duo capped that night off with some celebratory champagne, they spent most of leap day morning and afternoon fielding wine preorders.

The growing brand doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar tasting space, but its wines—bottled at Dragonette Cellars in Buellton—have been featured at local pop-ups and are available for sale by pick-up in Buellton or delivery to most addresses within Santa Barbara County. Meanwhile, patrons outside the county and beyond can get Cote of Paint bottles shipped to them.

A few months after the brand’s

launch, Kristin served as one of the featured winemakers at the 2024 Santa Barbara County Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration in May. That same month, Kristin and Nick hosted a wine party in downtown Solvang with a unique spin—far from the beaten path thanks to its pairing selections. During a collaboration with peasants DELI & MARKET, the duo used the venue’s nostalgic arcade space to pair wines with video games.

“I told Nick, ‘We have to do an event here. Period. End of discussion,’” Kristin said with a laugh.

The couple hopes to host another arcade party with peasants DELI & MARKET sometime before the end of the year. Future attendees can look forward to thoughtfully tailored pairings, evident from the duo’s approach in May with past pairings that bridged rosé with Ms. Pac-Man, for example.

“The logic with that being rosé is

deceptively simple, but very difficult to execute. I think people might view Pac-Man like that as well,” Nick said.

“Try to get past the second level of PacMan It looks easy but it isn’t.”

Events of this kind illustrate both Nick and Kristin’s dual passions for wine barrels and Donkey Kong barrels and support the couple’s aim for Cote of Paint to feel casual and accessible.

“There is this great poetic aspect of wine, ... but when you specifically speak to that poetic side and only that, you kind of alienate a lot of different demographics,” Kristin said. “Because they think they have to speak that same language in order to participate in wine, and it’s so not true.”

Kristin described the duo’s wine philosophy as embracing the down-toearth vibes of “how most consumers drink wine, ... usually just with friends, having a good time.”

“You’re probably not drinking wine with your friends in a three-piece suit with an orchestral band playing in the background,” Nick said.

The couple’s outlook bleeds into their branding, with language that gets straight to the point. There’s a descriptor on each bottle of Cote of Paint’s 2021 sangiovese that simply reads “It’s dry and red,” for example, while the equivalent on each 2023

BEHIND THE SCENES: Launched in early 2024, Cote of Paint is the brainchild of husband-and-wife winemaker duo Nick and Kristin Luis, who rent a space at Dragonette Cellars in Buellton to produce their wines.

BARREL ROLE: Local winemakers Kristin and Nick Luis nicknamed their first barrel of wine “pipsqueak,” before coming up with the Cote of Paint name many wine barrels later.

sauvignon blanc reads “It’s dry and not red.”

“We work with organic and biodynamic farm sources ... and some fun and really interesting fruit,” said Nick, whose bottles are transparent about where the grapes come from, with sources including Coquelicot Estate Vineyard in Los Olivos, and Duvarita Vineyard and Christy & Wise Vineyard, both in Lompoc.

Apart from citing fruit sources, the alcohol percentage, and a few other factors, the couple tries not to bombard bottles with excessive language and avoids “ethereal, inaccessible” commentary, Kristin said.

“In some ways, we’re deemphasizing that real heavy reliance on that kind of messaging. ... It’s so much about not getting into those details,” Nick said. “Exclusivity is ... the antithesis of what we’re trying to project.” m

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood’s favorite Pac-Man ghost is Clyde. Send inky comments to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

from Santa Ynez to San Miguel

Private parties may run FREE classified ads in the FOR SALE (items under $200) and GARAGE SALE sections for two weeks Contact us today! (805) 546-8208 or classifieds@santamariasun.com