Sun, June 15, 2023

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then we’ve got 32,000 beautiful, captivating, intimate, and skillfully wrought “words” for you this week. For our annual Winning Images photography contest, intrepid photographers of all ages got behind their lenses to capture moments of drama, peace, and light in landscapes, animals, people, and everything in between. Give yourself plenty of time to feast your eyes on these incredible photographs [16].

This week, you can also read about Santa Maria’s recently approved planned development that goes above and beyond local requirements [4]; Brian Asher Alhadeff, who brings his baton to several Central Coast orchestras [30]; and the flavors of Calcutta’s Indo-Chinese cuisine [34].

SPIN: Dylan Kyle’s photo took first place in the In Motion category of this year’s Winning Images contest.

Cover photo by Dylan Kyle > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

Because of you, CommUnify’s 17th Annual Champions Dinner raised $216,154.12 for our Family & Youth Services Programs.

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) introduced the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act: a bipartisan bill that would fund community college workforce training, education, and research programs in agriculture, according to a June 7 statement from Carbajal’s office. This legislation will be considered for inclusion in this year’s Farm Bill and amending the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to give community colleges access to grant money for agriculture programs. Many community colleges, which often serve first-generation students and people of color, already offer training for future farmworkers, but community college agricultural programs have been excluded from federal funding opportunities. “The No. 1 industry on the Central Coast is agriculture. But currently, the funding we provide to educate and train our next generation of farmers is not reaching one of our most important local educational resources: our community colleges,” Carbajal said in the statement.

“Our bipartisan bill puts the training of future farmers first, boosting the resources our community and technical colleges have, and in turn helping more people access the educational and workforce training initiatives that support the backbone industry of our region.”

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution condemning Azerbaijan for its blockade of the Lachin Corridor, and urging the U.S. to take immediate steps to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis, according to a June 8 statement from Padilla’s office. Under the guise of an environmental protest, Azerbaijan began its blockade of the Lachin Corridor—a lifeline that connects the Armenian people of NagornoKarabakh (Artsakh) with Armenia. Since then, severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and other essentials have created a dire humanitarian crisis for the 120,000 people living in Nagorno-Karabakh. Further reports indicate that Azerbaijan has also sabotaged important civilian infrastructure such as power transmission lines and fixed-line internet. In April, Azerbaijan consolidated its blockade of NagornoKarabakh through establishing a military checkpoint along the road—in violation of a 2020 ceasefire agreement and against calls from the International Court of Justice to ensure unimpeded access to the region. “Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor— the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) to Armenia—is inhumane and unacceptable,” Padilla said in a statement. “This blockade has created a humanitarian crisis, rendering the 120,000 Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh without access to food, medicine, and other basic necessities. Our resolution would make it clear that the United States must take action to hold Azerbaijan accountable.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to enshrine fundamental gun safety measures into law, according to a June 8 statement from Newsom’s office. While leaving the Second Amendment unchanged and respecting America’s gun-owning tradition, according to the statement, the governor’s proposal guarantees common-sense constitutional protections and gun safety measures that voters across the political spectrum and gun owners support—including universal background checks, raising the firearm purchasing age to 21, instituting a firearm purchase waiting period, and barring the civilian purchase of assault weapons. “Our ability to make a more perfect union is literally written into the Constitution,” Newsom said in a statement. “So today, I’m proposing the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution to do just that. The 28th Amendment will enshrine in the Constitution common-sense gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and gun owners overwhelmingly support—while leaving the Second Amendment unchanged and respecting America’s gun-owning tradition.” m

Act now! Send any news or story tips to news@santamariasun.com.

APARTMENT AMENITIES: The Santa Maria Planning Commission recently approved the Blosser Ranch multifamily residential development at the southeast corner of Blosser Road and La Brea Avenue, which will include a clubhouse, spa, pool, and more than 300 EV charging stations for its residents.

Santa Maria Planning Commission greenlights Blosser Ranch apartments

An LA-based developer’s plan to build 301 new apartments in Santa Maria—featuring an electric vehicle (EV) charging station for each apartment— recently won unanimous approval from the city’s Planning Commission and was lauded as “unprecendented” in its EV provisions.

Canfield Development Inc. was granted a planned development permit during the Santa Maria Planning Commission’s June 7 meeting, after presenting a general outline of Blosser Ranch—an upcoming gated community with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.

The multifamily residential complex will be located on an undeveloped 9.31-acre lot at the southeast corner of Blosser Road and La Brea Avenue. Thirteen apartments will be “set aside for very low-income families,” Tzemach Yemini, a representative of Canfield Development Inc., said during the meeting.

In addition to the 301 EV charging stations, the complex will include a few additional charging stations for visitors. During public comment, Heather Gray, founder of Gray Electrical Consulting and Engineering, described this type of initiative for a housing development in Santa Maria as “absolutely unprecedented” and “bracing where the industry trends are going.”

Planning Commissioner Tim Seifert also praised the project for “going the extra mile” in terms of adequate parking to prevent residents’ cars from spilling out onto the streets that surround the site. Blosser Ranch will include a total of 527 parking spots, while state law requires a minimum of 386 parking spaces for a development of its size, according to the staff report.

During public comment, Lindy Hatcher, executive director of the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast, said that the Blosser Ranch project “will positively contribute to the rental needs of our city with a variety of apartment styles.”

“We believe this project aligns with Santa Maria’s vision for responsible growth and expansion, and it adds more housing stock to reduce the skyrocketing costs of rental prices,” Hatcher said.

Santa Maria Planning Commissioner Yasameen Mohajer echoed Hatcher’s stance and said the project will provide “a variety of housing types that the community needs.” Mohajer also commended the developer for making “good use of the outdoor space,” as Blosser Ranch will include a children’s playground, pool, pet park, barbecue pits, and other amenities.

One of the proposed outdoor features got a brief eyebrow raise from Planning Commissioner Seifert before a quick clarification from the developer.

“What is life-sized chess?” Seifert asked.

“Life-sized chess is exactly how it sounds—it’s a chess board that is life-sized,” said Yemini, who mentioned the lawn game earlier as one of the gated community’s outdoor amenities. “The pieces are almost as tall as you.”

“This is popular now?” Seifert asked.

“It’s very popular, believe it or not,” Yemini said, followed by some laughs from the audience.

“I don’t stay up on stuff, but that’s great,” Seifert said.

—Caleb Wiseblood

New Cuyama gets a new joint County Fire and Sheriff’s station

After three years of construction and working out of temporary facilities, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office celebrated a new joint station opening in New Cuyama to serve the community and the surrounding Cuyama Valley.

“It represents more than emergency services, but pillars of safety, resilience, and unity for the New Cuyama community,” County Fire Public Information Officer Capt. Scott Safechuck told the Sun

Known as Station 27, the state-of-the-art facility is a collaborative effort between the County Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office and cost $8.2 million to complete. Before opening, law enforcement operations were carried out from multiple buildings—with County Fire’s Station 41 based out of the home and an apparatus garage, Safechuck said.

“Over the years, Station 41 [Station 27] had been remodeled in some areas of the station to keep it in working condition, but the establishment of the new station has been a great investment not just with the community, but the fire station as well,” he said.

The station was built in 1948 by Fire Warden Jack Anderson who established a patrol house in the rural community that included a small residence/firehouse and an area that served as a living room, dining room, and kitchen, Safechuck said. During construction, County Fire worked out of a trailer provided by the U.S. Forest Service and had temporary structures to store engines and equipment so they could provide uninterrupted services.

According to a statement from the county, the Sheriff’s Office also owned two small homes that provided residences for sheriff’s deputies and another home that was converted into a small substation.

“However, these homes were not needed for many years, so they were torn down to make way for the new combined fire/sheriff’s station. The old substation has been converted back into a residence,” according to county officials.

Raquel Zick, the Sheriff’s Office public

information officer, added that one deputy will be working per shift with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, neighboring counties, or the Santa Maria patrol as needed.

“The Cuyama Deputies are unique in their relationship with the community that they serve. They essentially live in the small community where they work and therefore become familiar with the residents and aware of ongoing issues,” Zick said in a statement. “This community connectedness is integral for policing a remote area like New Cuyama.”

Deputies typically respond to welfare calls, alarm activations, civil disputes, and report calls in the Cuyama area, Zick added, and will often respond with fire and medics to assist with vehicle accidents.

Fire Station 27 will have four fire personnel working there—a captain, a fire engineer/inspector, and a firefighter paramedic and EMT, Capt. Safechuck said. County Fire will have one type 1 fire engine, a type 3 brush truck with four-wheel drive, a four-wheel-drive pickup truck, and a water tender that responders can bring to vegetation fires.

“The Cuyama Valley is in a rural area, 60 miles east of Santa Maria and almost the same distance from the Bakersfield area. What’s unique about it is the Cuyama Fire Station, or Station 27, serves not just the Cuyama Valley, but it’s closest to parts of Ventura, Kern, and San Luis Obispo counties,” he said. “We work together with the adjoining counties and fire resources from different areas, and we are often the first responders there.”

Additional assistance will come from Santa Maria or Orcutt, from Ventura County off Highway 33, or there’s an engine that comes out of Taft in Kern County to the east of Cuyama, he added. As wildfire season approaches, there’s also a helicopter air support unit in Santa Ynez that can be deployed and arrive in Cuyama in 12 to 18 minutes.

“About an hour and a half prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, we had a vegetation fire on the other side of town and contained it to an eighth of an acre. The annual grasses are drying out, and as we get into warmer weather it will be very prominent,” Safechuck said.

—Taylor O’Connor

County supervisors approve nonexclusive ambulance services agreement

Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson shared his recent experience calling 911 as an example of the need for changes to a county ordinance governing ambulance services.

“Last Friday [June 2] I was at the scene of someone overdosing and was able to call 911 and had AMR [American Medical Response] and County Fire arrive at the same time,” Nelson said during the June 6 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Questions?

DON'T LET YOUR FOOD GO TO WASTE!

looking

Do you enjoy ...

• Interacting with local businesses in SLO and SB Counties?

• Learning about effective advertising and marketing?

• Being out and about and not stuck behind a desk all day?

• Making a positive difference in a local economy?

• Supporting local, independent journalism?

• Working for the biggest media group on the Central Coast?

• Paychecks reflective of your hard work?

• Fresh bagels every Monday morning?

• Working with helpful people in a fun and positive environment?

• Receiving crucial, entry-level sales training and experience?

If you answered “yes” ... please contact Cindy Rucker! crucker@newtimesslo.com or (805) 546-8208 ext 218

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TIPS:

DON'T LET YOUR FOOD GO TO WASTE!

Know the expiration date!

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TIPS:

Put the foods with the shortest shelf life front and center and cook with those first.

Know the expiration date!

Freeze! Freezing our food can extend its shelf life by several days or even months.

Freeze! Freezing our food can extend its shelf life by several days or even months.

Don't forget about leftovers and food scraps. Try out a new recipe, and get creative with what you have.

Don't forget about leftovers and food scraps. Try out a new recipe, and get creative with what you have.

Test your skills! Find these key food-waste prevention words:

Test your skills! Find these key food-waste prevention words:

MEAL-PREP DONATE SHARE

Fluffy Furbaby?

Is your Furbaby shedding hair everywhere? We have safe and affordable solutions for you. From our Deshedding/Detangling option at the grooming spaw to unigue brushes and combs to meet the needs of your fluffy furbaby.

3564 Skyway Dr., S.M. (805) 361-0802

ThatsFETCH805.com

“They worked together well, but it highlighted that we were sending two sets of resources to the same place at the same time.”

To help combat duplicated services and costs and to provide a streamlined medical response, the supervisors unanimously approved making changes to the Santa Barbara County Code— steering away from the current exclusive model where one agency provides emergency medical services to the county.

The decision to create a permitting process for a nonexclusive ambulance service system for the entire county comes after a meeting in April where supervisors voted to allow its contract with its current exclusive provider, American Medical Response (AMR), to expire in March 2024 and begin a nonexclusive system, according to the April 4 staff report.

Staff told supervisors on June 6 that establishing a permitting process is the best way to begin.

“This will allow for tiered response in the 911 system, ensuring the right resource is dispatched to the right patient, while maximizing the resource availability for the IFT [Interfacility Transports] market,” according to the staff report.

Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami presented three permits that agencies could apply for: emergency medical calls; interfacility transport and special events transport; or critical care transport.

“The permit process establishes who can provide ambulance services and at what level,” Hammami said during the meeting. “Someone can have a permit for all three levels and provide that, but if they only hold one level, then they can only provide that one level.”

All agencies must apply for a permit and go through a review from an Emergency Medical Care Committee then receive final approval from the Board of Supervisors. AMR can also apply for permits to provide services and can select which permits it would like to receive, Hammami said. Agencies can later enter into contracts with the Local Emergency Management Services Agency and should start services on March 1, 2024, the last day of AMR’s contract, he said.

“We are so focused on who is providing what; meanwhile, the answer should be who is showing up and how are we serving the public,” Hammami said.

Andy Caldwell, executive director of the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business (COLAB), said during public comment that his organization “doesn’t have a horse in this race,” but that the county should honor its contract with AMR and not switch to a nonexclusive model because of a lack of research.

“Since you changed your mind, there has not been one cintella of independent evaluation and analysis as to whether or not to support two nonexclusive ambulance contract providers or more than two,” Caldwell said. “How in the heck did you go through all of that process to exclusive, change your mind to nonexclusive, and not one bit of analysis—fiscal or otherwise—determine whether or not the redundancy would end up with these providers having nonbillable hours?”

Caldwell added that COLAB would like to see a financial or independent analysis before issuing any contracts “that literally mean life and death to county residents.”

Supervisor Nelson said that Caldwell’s statements were untrue and that the board relied on extensive analysis to make its decision.

“I think that no one is more acutely aware that this is a matter of life and death and that we’re concerned [with] the health and safety of our residents and not taking this lightly,” Nelson said.

“We’ve done some really innovative things in this county, and I trust, with the decisions being made, we are going to end up leading to better patient success and public safety in general.”

The item will return to the Board of Supervisors on June 20 for a final reading and adoption of the ordinance. m

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

Queer queens

The Rainbow House Inc. celebrates Pride Month with a drag brunch fundraiser for education, health kits, and nonprofit general funds

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Pride-themed banners will hang above the streets of Solvang thanks to The Rainbow House Inc., ending a months-long push against community backlash.

Since the City Council approved the banners, people from all over California have poured out their support for Solvang’s queer community through financial donations and letters to the nonprofit and the City Council, said Matt Cavalli, co-founder of The Rainbow House.

“We feel absolutely wonderful; [the banners] are beautiful. I think it will be cool to see them around town to see a splash of love,” Matt said. “It speaks to what Solvang is and when everybody sees them, they will understand what they say. We are excited to get them up and see them out.”

Support with a show

In its first year as an official nonprofit, The Rainbow House. has hosted a variety of Pride events during June, including a bike ride through Solvang, a community “werkshop” to learn about Pride’s history and importance; and a paint and sip event. To close out the month, the nonprofit is hosting a Drag Brunch on June 24 at the Craft House at Corque, said Kiel Cavalli, The Rainbow House co-founder.

The Rainbow House wants to sell about 300 tickets and was about halfway there as of June 8. People can purchase either general admission or VIP tickets, Kiel added. VIPs will get a signature cocktail upon entry, premium seating for the drag show, and a meet-andgreet with select queens, he said. The Rainbow House hopes to raise $50,000 and had already received $15,000 from a private donor.

For more family-friendly opportunities to support The Rainbow House, the nonprofit is closing out the SYV Pride Parade on June 24 with a 12-by-15-foot flag that will end at the festival in Hans Christian Andersen Park.

Following Pride Month, The Rainbow House plans to hold free “werkshops” to educate residents about the LGBTQ-plus community, and is planning future queer social events at Rock 12 Distillery.

“We will tailor the workshops to what is happening within our community, the trans community, the drag community, the deaf community—there’s a lot to cover, but we want to do one a month,” Kiel said.

For those who can’t attend the brunch but want to contribute financially, The Rainbow House launched a line of merchandise with each item specifically benefitting one aspect of the nonprofit’s mission, he said.

“We really want to showcase where individuals’ finances are going and be very transparent,” Kiel said. “We want people to know without a doubt where it’s going, and they’re really fun, unique opportunities.”

The Rainbow House’s Drag Brunch on June 24 serves food at 10:30 a.m. and then the show runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Craft House at Corque—420 Alisal Road, Solvang. General admission tickets are $125 and VIP are $225 and are available at therainbowhouseinc.com.

Buying a hat will help fund sexual health kits, which include masks, Narcan nasal spray, thermometers, tampons, latex gloves, condoms, lubricant, pregnancy tests, and an informational pamphlet on additional resources, he said. People can pick up the kits with no questions asked.

that equity piece that comes into play.”

As of June 8, The Rainbow House was looking for an American Sign Language interpreter to work the Drag Brunch. Email allwelcome@therainbowhouseinc.com or call (805) 697-6350 if interested.

Highlight

The 21-and-older event will feature Morgan McMichaels and Mayhem Miller from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Lady Gaga impersonator Judas Joe Manson, and LA-based queen Moni Stat will be the brunch’s emcee.

“We are using this as our big fundraiser for the year, and it really is just a time to celebrate what Pride means to us—which is just an opportunity to showcase the artistry of what being queer can be, and we really want to drive home that drag is not a crime,” Kiel said. “It’s art in itself and a beautiful expression.”

T-shirt purchases will go toward workshops and general funds, and kids T-shirts will specifically benefit The Rainbow House’s initiative to get LGBTQ-plus books in local schools, Kiel said. Drag Brunch funds will also go toward the workshops and sexual health kits.

“I want us moving forward to really—and this was more self-reflective—to self-check what initiatives we are putting forward and that we stick to what we are asking for,” Kiel added. “It’s tough to say, but I think for a long time we’ve been asked to compromise in what we do and other people are not, and now it’s

• The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is inviting local artists to participate in an opportunity to enhance up to 15 traffic signal control boxes by creating captivating and inspiring imagery. Artwork that reflects the social, cultural, and historical identity of the area will be particularly valued. To be eligible, artists must be 18 or older and from Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo counties. Artists will earn a stipend of $1,000 and receive up to $250 in reimbursements for material costs. Artists must submit their application packet by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 7. Download the application and “Box Art” design template at cityofsantamaria.org/recreation. m

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

AN ART FORM: Originally hosted by fellow-LGBTQ-plus nonprofit SYV Pride, Drag Brunch returns to Solvang this year, run by The Rainbow House Inc., and featuring renowned drag queens from LA and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

How do you feel about the “forever chemicals” that were found in the ground at the Santa Maria Airport?

38% It’s important to have an understanding so we can better protect ourselves.

31% It’s important to know, but I doubt they’ll be removed since it’s such a low amount.

23% The real miracle will be figuring out who pays for the cleanup.

8% I wish I never knew. Ignorance is bliss! 13 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly

2646 Industrial Parkway, #200 Santa Maria, CA 93455

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, Lee Ann Vermeulen

PRODUCTION

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Eva Lipson

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Eva Lipson, Ellen Fukumoto, Ikey Ipekjian, Mary Grace Flaus

Business

Cindy Rucker

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

PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga

OFFICE MANAGER | Patricia Horton

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR | Michael Gould

SUBMITTING LETTERS

WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 2646 Industrial Parkway #200, Santa Maria, CA 93455. 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.

© 2023 Sun

Vandenberg’s space age is booming

The commercial space industry is poised to continue flourishing at Vandenberg Space Force Base

BY RON FINK

Vandenberg Space Force Base just outside Lompoc has been in the missile launching business for more than six decades. Initially there were scores of launch attempts before a successful mission was completed. Why? Because in the early days several test attempts were required to prove that the design would work. It’s no different with commercial launchers today.

Back in the day there were no computers and very little historical data to guide early engineers and project managers. The slide rule was the only “computer.” According to Wikipedia, it was a “pair of parallel rulers that can slide past each other. As the rulers each have a logarithmic scale, it is possible to align them to read the sum of the numbers’ logarithms and hence calculate the product of the two numbers.” The result was based on the user’s skill at aligning scales and the condition of the instrument.

This instrument along with paper engineering drawings—created by using pencils, straitedges, French curves, protractors, triangles, handheld compasses, and ink pens used by draftsmen that translated engineers’ ideas into useful instructions for highly skilled technicians— were used to construct the missiles. There were no computer-controlled milling machines or welders; it was skilled craftsmen and women who built the rockets by hand.

I was first introduced to the space industry in 1965 while assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as a firefighter. I was frequently sent with my fire truck to Santa Rosa Island just southwest of Fort Walton Beach to “standby” as the military tested 2.75 rockets and launched two-

stage missiles to measure the thickness of the ionosphere in support of NASA space missions at Cape Canaveral.

Occasionally there were very dramatic failures.

As time went on, the early designs were improved; however, the government isn’t in business to make money. After 20 years in the Air Force, I worked as a contractor employee in the ground-support part of the space projects at Vandenberg Space Force Base for 30 years; my function was occupational safety and health compliance to try and keep the employees safe.

As such I was privileged to observe many tasks and attend planning meetings associated with the assembly of the launch vehicle, which involved crane operations, transportation of components, maintenance and movement of large support structures and multi-ton solid rocket motors, and storage and transfer of thousands of gallons of toxic and cryogenic liquids and large volumes of high-pressure gases.

My takeaway from all this was that many of the older systems evolved into very complex and complicated electrical/mechanical systems requiring hundreds of employees on-site as well as at factory locations. Each system had several contractor/government engineering “consultants” who could cause months of delays if they had concerns about any of the components that made up the launch vehicle or payload.

All the support structures and the missile systems required thousands of hours of costly maintenance performed by scores of technicians. So, what’s different today? Why does SpaceX seem to successfully launch

WRITE NOW!

We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 2646 Industrial Parkway #200, Santa Maria, CA 93455. 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.

payloads into orbit every couple of weeks from Vandenberg and other launch sites?

First, the current crop of commercial flyers has the advantage of previous failures to look back at and avoid. In fact, many former military and government employee missileers have since retired from the Air Force and are employed in private launch firms’ engineering and operations functions.

Another reason is that their launch sites are not as complex when compared to earlier government facilities. Instead of using 25-story moveable buildings to erect their systems vertically they choose to assemble them horizontally and then use a strongback to raise the missile into launch position prior to loading fuel. This saved thousands of hours of maintenance and scores of ground support staff. Thus, their method is much less costly than the way the government did it.

Their systems are designed by engineers using sophisticated computers; they are assembled using computer-controlled threedimensional milling and welding equipment with much tighter tolerances and welds that are perfect every time. Again, fewer employees, less assembly time, fewer errors, and less cost.

Next, they don’t rely on highly toxic and volatile fuel and oxidizer as propellant; instead, they use liquid oxygen and a nontoxic fuel. Far fewer people are needed to handle these propellants, and there is less likelihood of exposing the public or nearby facilities to a toxic vapor release.

Again, this saves time and money; they load it just prior to launch, and if there is an abort at the last minute, they simply download it through a closed piping system into storage tanks and are ready to reuse it the next day. This was nearly impossible to accomplish with earlier systems that required numerous staff and was time-consuming.

Another is that they reuse their core launch vehicles by landing them after flight and then refurbishing them. Some have flown several times without any hiccups. This saves not only manufacturing and processing time, but also is very cost-effective. In addition, by using clusters of engines they can exchange a defective engine quickly and then complete the mission.

If the government tried to land and reuse the fully assembled rocket motors and tanks, they would still be “discussing it” and consultants would be second-guessing engineers in endless meetings. Today private launch providers are willing to test their ideas by flying the hardware, landing it, and evaluating the refurbishment process. This cuts out all the second-guessing by acquiring actual flight data.

Over the years I’ve observed many launches of spacecraft, but when I saw the first SpaceX booster return to Vandenberg a few minutes following a launch and nail the landing, I was impressed. These folks seem to know how to get things done—faster, cheaper, and better than the government ever could have.

I foresee a multiyear string of launch successes and a growing presence of commercial space operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base. m

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

If you build it Opinion Get Involved

Once a happy, curious little boy, Michael was taken into foster care due to his mother’s drug addiction. She had overdosed while he was present and was only saved by the timely intervention of paramedics. The child was just three years old at the time, and his mother’s addiction had left him with severe neglect and developmental delays.

After a year of family reunification services, which ultimately failed, the child was placed into foster care. It was at this time that a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) was appointed to his case. The CASA volunteer, Lucinda, developed a strong relationship with the child, who came to call her “grandma.” She consistently visited every week, gaining Michael’s trust.

As Michael began preschool, the CASA volunteer realized that he had significant delays and advocated for him to be assessed. He was found to have developmental delays and was provided with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. CASA Lucinda continued to work closely with Michael, his foster parents, and his therapists to ensure that he was receiving the support he needed to thrive.

Join us in making a difference in the life of a young person. Visit sbcasa.org or email volunteer@sbcasa.org to become a CASA volunteer today. Together, let’s empower and uplift our youth, ensuring they have the support they deserve as they strive for a brighter tomorrow.

In September of 2022, Michael was adopted by a loving couple who had committed their lives to him. CASA Lucinda was proud of how well he was doing before his adoption. He had made remarkable progress in his speech and behavior. His outbursts had stopped, and he was now living in a stable, safe home with a family that adored him.

CASA Lucinda had played a crucial role in the Michael’s life, advocating for his needs and providing him with love and support. She had watched him grow and thrive, and now, as he began a new life with his adoptive family, she knew that she had made a significant difference in his life.

The Santa Maria Planning Commission just greenlit a proverbial field of dreams for the Central Coast. As of June 7, the Blosser Ranch apartment development is a go, and its plans call for 301 apartments and more than 301 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

You heard that right: If the city builds it, they will come. And by “they,” I mean electric vehicles. There will be enough charging stations for each apartment—and guests, according to the complex’s developers.

Heather Gray, founder of Gray Electrical Consulting and Engineering, described this type of EV chargingstation initiative for a housing development in Santa Maria as “absolutely unprecedented” and “bracing where the industry trends are going.”

I say it’s about darn time.

This level of EV awareness and accommodation is now officially precedented, so it should be easier to go where these “industry trends” are leading.

How else will any steps be taken in abating the climate crisis? How else will any positive change be accomplished in weaning ourselves off of complete fossil-fuel dependence?

There have been a handful of laws and initiatives put in place to mandate the momentum of such trends. In September 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed more bills than I can list here that work toward the state’s climate and clean-energy goals. Specifically, he set a goal of getting and supporting 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles (hybrid and electric vehicles) on the road by the year 2025, and 5 million on the state’s roads by 2030.

As of April, that first goal had been met two years ahead of time, according to the governor’s office.

Thanks to Santa Maria getting with the times, those local EVs will have some charging stations to call home.

To misquote that famous Kevin Costner movie again, if the county builds it, first-responders will come. New Cuyama’s emergency services just received some new digs—an $8.2 million stateof-the-art station to house both the County Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office.

New Cuyama’s station was originally built in 1948, and the firefighters and sherff’s deputies had been operating out of multiple buildings since then, including a home and an apparatus garage. The quaint-sounding arranement fits with the model of responders living in the small rural community, but now they’re more with the times.

“Over the years, Station 41 [Station 27] had been remodeled in some areas of the station to keep it in working condition, but the establishment of the new station has been a great investment not just with the community, but the fire station as well,” said County Fire Capt. Scott Safechuck.

This is purely one of those coincidences that we in the news biz love to notice, but shortly before the ribbon was cut, those firefighters had a fire to respond to. They kept it to less than an acre, but Safechuck took the opportunity to highlight the need for nearby firefighters.

“As we get into warmer weather, it will be very prominent,” he said.

Much like as we get into warmer climate on the whole, our need for easy access for residents to make needed changes—like buying and charging electric vehicles—will become very prominent.

Keep building our fields of dreams, Santa Maria! ❍

The Canary loves disappearing into corn fields. Send a tiny baseball glove and bat to canary@ santamariasun.com.

DINE AND DEVOUR

1.

We’re ready to kick the tires and light the fires, but we’re waiting on one thing. You, dear reader. We want to know the eateries, drinkeries, businesses, and people that you want to give an “attaboy” to. The alphas, top dogs, and air bosses that make Northern Santa Barbara County so special. And we definitely don’t want any goon ups or delta sierras.

Now is the time to give us the skinny on your favorites. That’s your mission—then talk to your family, friends, and neighbors, and tell them we want to hear from them too.

You can even go online to vote at santamariasun.com. Just remember, you need to complete at least 25 categories to make the cut. Return this ballot to the Sun office or go online by 5 p.m. on July 3. Then keep an eye out for our biggest issue of the year to spread the news about the winners on Aug. 24.

2.

5.

6.

7.

Vote for Dr. Kirk Specht

Remember, when it comes to your smile, we’re always in training mode, striving to exceed expectations and deliver the winning results you deserve. Choose us as the best orthodontist and let’s continue this incredible journey of transforming lives, one smile at a time!

Training day in and day out, we’re on a mission to be the very best in orthodontics!

LIQUID CONNECTIONS

ABOUT TOWN

BURNING CASH

VOTE ONLINE AT WWW.SANTAMARIASUN.COM or drop your physical ballot by our office or mail it to:

Sun - Best of Northern Santa Barbara County 2646 Industrial Parkway #200, Santa Maria, CA 93455

AND

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone # Email

Ballots must be in our office by Monday, July 3, at 5 p.m., to be eligible for inclusion in the poll results.

THE RULES: One ballot per person. No more than two ballots may be submitted per envelope or in person at one time. No photocopies can be accepted. To prevent ballot-box stuffing (also known as cheating), all ballots must have at least 25 categories completed and must include the name and address of the voter, for verification purposes only. All information is kept in complete confidence. Ballots must be in our office by Monday, July 3, 2023, at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced in our Aug. 24 special publication. All entries become the property of the Sun

It’s hard for a photograph to capture a place exactly as it looks to the human eye, and even more difficult for that image to encapsulate the emotion of a particular moment. Sometimes, we get lucky. Most of the time, it takes skill. Photographers who are successful rely on light, shutter speed, depth of field, the

Winning Images 2023

Winning Images 2023

A thousand words

frame, and their own vision to give us a compelling snapshot of a moment in time.

Since 1994, New Times Media Group has invited local photographers to send us their favorite pictures for our Winning Images contest. Once again, we conducted an alldigital contest and received more than 350 photos. Our judges narrowed them down to

Jayson Mellom began his photojournalism career at the Marion Chronicle-Tribune in Indiana before moving on to the Athens Daily News and then The Atlanta Journal/ Constitution before eventually settling in San Luis Obispo. He worked for the SLO Tribune for 16 years and has been New Times’ photographer since 2016. Along the way, he’s won state, regional, and national awards for his photojournalism; has been published in National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, In Touch, and Der Spiegel magazines; and has had photos in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times

three winners each in eight categories, plus honorable mentions and judge’s picks.

Every entry also came in with a $10 fee, which will be rolled back into prize money for each of the winners, who also receive awards from the contest’s sponsors. Winning photographs will be on display at The Photo Shop (1027 Marsh St., SLO)

San Luis Obispo native and perennial Winning Images judge Peggy Mesler is a photographer and the owner of The Photo Shop in SLO, where she shares her appreciation for—and knowledge of— photography with customers, clients, and friends. Peggy earned a journalism degree from Cal Poly, and she opened her shop in 1995.

through July 14.

Check out the winning images from 2023 on the following pages, and be sure to keep looking through the lens for photographs to submit in 2024’s contest! ❍

Contact Editor Camillia Lanham at clanham@santamariasun.com.

Stephanie Secrest has a master’s degree in photojournalism from Ohio University. She’s been a freelancer for more 15 years and was with the press for 21 years before that. Stephanie was invited to attend the exclusive Eddie Adams Workshop, a top honor for photojournalists. She was also a pre-qualification judge for Adobe with its ADAA contest. She’s been published in Newsday, The London Sunday News Magazine, The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, The Baltimore Sun, and San Francisco Chronicle among others and was chief photographer and photo editor for two newspapers. ❍

JONATHAN SHAPIRO, Landscape/Seascape, Superbloom, FIRST PLACE & BEST OF SHOW JUDGES

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAYSON MELLOM PHOTO COURTESY OF PEGGY MESLER PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE SECREST

Winning Images 2023

JIM JEFFREY, Landscape/Seascape, Shell Creek Night Sky, SECOND PLACE

JONATHAN SHAPIRO, Landscape/Seascape, Strawberry Moon Setting over Pillar Rock, HONORABLE MENTION

DAN O’DONNELL , Landscape/Seascape, One Final Wave, THIRD PLACE

LANCE WILSON , Travel, Desert Dusk, JUDGE’S PICK

BARRY GOYETTE , People, Carli, 2020, SECOND PLACE

Winning Images 2023

BARRY GOYETTE , Open, Lower East Side, FIRST PLACE

DAN BAUM , In Motion, Wild Ride Poly Royal 2023, SECOND PLACE

CHRISTOPHER HAMMA , Animals, Western Kingbird, Arroyo Grande, JUDGE’S PICK

ANDY SAMARASENA , Travel, Inner Peace, FIRST PLACE

Winning Images 2023

DAN O’DONNELL , In Motion, Morning Wave, THIRD PLACE

CATHY WALLACE , Animals, Pelican Gap, HONORABLE MENTION

LANCE WILSON , Youth, Island in the Sky, SECOND PLACE

LANCE WILSON , Youth, Santa Margarita Snowstorm, FIRST PLACE

JONATHAN SHAPIRO, Travel, Matterhorn Panorama, THIRD PLACE

Winning Images 2023

JIM JEFFREY, Animals, The Kiss, FIRST PLACE

SARA FORD, People, Travis under Pismo Pier at Sunset, HONORABLE MENTION

LISA WILKERSON , Animals, Hummer In Flight, SECOND PLACE

DAN BAUM , Animals, Napping Elephant Seal Pup, THIRD PLACE

TIM BENNETT, Open, M&M’s Peeking Through, SECOND PLACE

Winning Images 2023

DAN O’DONNELL , Flora, Dazzling Dahlia, FIRST PLACE

ANDY SAMARASENA , In Motion, Bolt, HONORABLE MENTION

BARRY GOYETTE , Travel, Manhattan Bridge Skate Park, 2023, JUDGE’S PICK

J.J. BAKER , Flora, New Beginnings, THIRD PLACE

DAN BAUM , Flora, Native Oaks and Clearing Winter Storm, SECOND PLACE

IZZY HULS-HUTTON , Youth, Glowing Orbs, THIRD PLACE

Winning Images 2023

BARRY GOYETTE , People, Inga, 2022, THIRD PLACE

MICHAEL V. MESSINA , People, The Awaiting, FIRST PLACE

JONATHAN SHAPIRO, Travel, Dusk in Santorini, HONORABLE MENTION

ANDY SAMARASENA , Travel, Fishing in the Tropics, SECOND PLACE

JIM JEFFREY, Flora, Burst of Gold, HONORABLE MENTION

Hot Stuff

TAP TO THE STARS

The SYV Performing Arts Company’s 34th annual recital, An Invitation to Dance, will be held at the Santa Ynez High School Little Theater on June 22, 23, and 24 at 7 p.m. each evening. Dancers of various ages will participate in the show, which will include performances of ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, and tap choreographies. Call (805) 688-8494 for more details. The Santa Ynez High School Little Theater is located at 2975 Highway 246, Santa Ynez.

—Caleb Wiseblood

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

ARTISTIC SELF ART STUDIO For adults ages 50 and over. Bring your art projects and supplies and work on them in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with other artists. This is a drop-in program. Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. through Dec. 27 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 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.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

FIND YOUR MAGIC WITH SEAN

MCMASTER Join Shawn McMaster as he presents a comedy magic show and teaches amazing magic tricks that can be done at home. For families of all ages. This program was supported in whole or in part by the Santa Maria Friends of the Library. June 16 11 a.m. Free. 805-9250994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

FLAG MAKING WORKSHOP Includes a 10-minute presentation on the history of Pride flags and the significance of each color behind them. Then guests will be creating their own Pride flags using sewing machines or hand stitched if

desired. June 21 5-8 p.m. Free. 209-3128653. corazondelpueblo.org. Corazon del Pueblo Office, 201 E Main St., suite M, Santa Maria.

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.

805-344-1630. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

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.

SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: TISSUE

PAPER FLOWERS Learn how to make flowers from tissue paper. All materials will be supplied at the workshop. Registration required. For patrons 18 and older. June 17, 2:30-4 p.m. Free. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

TEEN ANIME CLUB Teens who are interested in anime or manga, come to Anime Club. Hang out with other fans, eat Japanese snacks, and do fun activities. New members are always welcome. June 16 4 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Shepard Hall Art Gallery - Santa Maria Public Library, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria.

YOUTH ARTS ALIVE FREE SUMMER

ARTS CLASSES Free classes for children

8-18 years of age in singing, drumming, guitar, ukulele, ballet folklorico, hip hop and modern dance, theatre games, pottery, painting, and drawing at Minami

Community Center, Newlove Center, and Robert Grogan Park Center. MondaysThursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through July 27 Free. 805-930-9029. youthartsalive.org. Minami Community Center, 600 W. Enos Drive, Santa Maria.

YOUTH SEW MUCH FUN CLUB Youth will learn to sew, and practice sewing skills at the library. Learn the basics of a machine and sewing by hand, or practice skills with the club. Materials will be provided. Youth are welcome to bring fabric from home. June 21 3 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

EMMA Romantic misadventures, misplaced confidence, and matchmaking in the town of Highbury. The West Coast Premiere of a charming new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. June 22 8 p.m., June 23 8 p.m., June 24 8 p.m. and June 25 8 p.m. Starting at $25. 805-9228313. pcpa.org/events/emma. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

LAUGH THERAPY Enjoy stand-up comedy from headliner comics from across the country. June 21 8-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-686-4785.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE An installation by Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss. Through Feb. 1, 2024 wildlingmuseum.org. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-1082.

MUSIC IS LOVE: PHOTOGRAPHS BY HENRY DILTZ Highlights a collection of the prolific music industry photographer’s work. Through Aug. 13 elverhoj.org. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805-686-1211.

PRIDE PAINT AND SIP Using paints, glitters, sequins and more, glamorize

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com.

Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.

the night away–in honor of Pride Month. June 16, 6-8:30 p.m. $85. 805-245-2381. artspotonwheels.com/events/pride-paintsip/. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SEDGWICK RESERVE: A CONSERVATION

STORY Through Oct. 16 Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-1082, wildlingmuseum. org.

SHADES OF LIGHT Gallery Los Olivos exhibits Vicki Anderson and Neil Andersson during the month of June, in “a stunning show of color and light. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through June. 805-688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

EMBROIDERERS GUILD OF AMERICA

The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its monthly meeting. For more information, follow on Facebook or visit the EGA website. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 18 Free. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, 805-773-4832.

RISE Presented by FLEX Performing Arts. A dance and music spectacular featuring the students of FLEX Performing Arts. June 23 6-8 p.m., June 24 1-3 & 6:308:30 p.m. and June 25 3-5 p.m. $3-$25. 805-489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ flex-performing-arts-rise/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

UNDER THE BOARDWALK Visit site for tickets and more info on the show. Through July 15 americanmelodrama.com. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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. $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ART CLASS FOR TEENS After-school art class specifically for teens ages 13-18. Drawing and painting skills, color theory, composition, perspective, expressing emotion through images, negative space, bookmaking, collages, mixed media, paper mache, etc. Sign up week-by-week. Tuesdays. through June 27 $25. 702335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

ART EXHIBIT: LUMINOUS EXPRESSIONS

An exhibit of pastel paintings by members of the California Central Coast Pastel Society (3CPS). Meet the artists during a reception on May 6 at 3 p.m. Through July 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/gallery/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ART EXPLORATIONS FOR TEENS WITH SPENCER COLLINS In this class series, students learn about drawing and acrylic painting. Each class students will recreate a famous piece of art from history. Topics include: Joan Miro, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, and Piet Mondrian.

Ages 11-17. Every other Thursday, 3:304:30 p.m. through June 22 4 classes for $100 or 1 class for $30. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY POTTERY CLASS A familyoriented class time. Any age or level welcome. Choice of sculpting, painting. or throwing on the wheel. Children must be accompanied by participating parent.

Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Aug. 26 $35. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING: ADULT

ART CLASS This class is for students who may have tried oil painting in the past but are looking to advance their skill levels. Color theory and proportion study will be a focus in the class. Mondays, 2-5 p.m. $30 per student or $75 for 3 classes. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING WITH

JASON MAYR Discover the art of oil painting through this hands-on five-week series. You will be led through the process from staining the canvas to “finishing” the painting. Take your painting home at the end of the series (July 4 is off). Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. through July $250 for five sessions. 805-234-6940. artcentralslo.com /workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., 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.

KIDS POTTERY CLASSES Enjoy making animal sculptures, bowls, plates, etc. Please arrive on time, not early, as venue uses the transition time between classes to sanitize. Designed to sign up on a weekly basis. Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. 805-441-8257.

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

page 24

We accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long. Entries submitted by 5pm Monday, June 19, 2023 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 27, 2023

For more details: bit.ly/55Fiction

Hot Stuff

ARTS from page 23

MARELA ZACARÍAS: STORYTELLING

Through July 7 San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 543-8562, sloma.org/.

ONCE, THE MUSICAL Presented by the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre. Through July 2 SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-786-2440, slorep.org/.

PAINT A PRE-MADE POTTERY PIECE

Paint a pre-made pottery piece. Choose from a variety of different pieces including mugs, bowls, jars, dragons, cats, etc.

Priced by size, accompanied with an additional $10 firing fee per piece. Book your appointment online. Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 28 Free appointment; prices vary based on pieces chosen. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

PARENT-CHILD POTTERY CLASS Make lasting memories with clay together as a family. For ages 6 and over. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon $70. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

POTTERY CLASS MONDAYS Nesting

Hawk Ranch offers three separate pottery classes every Monday, for ages 5-7 (9-10 a.m.), ages 8 and older (10:30 a.m.-noon), and throwing classes ages for ages 14 and older (1-2:30 p.m.). Mondays. through June 26 $40-$50. 702-335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, 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.

SUMMER 2023 THEATRE CAMPS

SLO REP’s Academy of Creative Theatre presents fun theatre camps for all ages and levels of experience, taught by professional teaching artists. Check site or call for camp dates. Through Aug. 1 slorep. org. San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 3533 Empleo St., San Luis Obispo.

TINY POTTERS: WISE ONES AND WEE

Can I crash on your couch for awhile?

Ask us about our Foster Program

Sylvester

Age: 2 year, 1 month

Breed: Domestic Shorthair

Sex: Male Weight: 13 lbs.

Timmy

Age: 1 year, 5 months

Breed: Pit Bull

Sex: Male

Weight: 92 lbs.

All animals are health checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

(805) 878-0807

CJ is looking for a special someone who will love her in her golden years. This little cutie is all of 8 lbs, has perfect house manners, and gets along great with other pets. CJ has no current health issues and recently had a full dental, and is up to date on all vaccinations. Won’t you open your heart and home to give this sweetie a well-deserved loving home? PO

ONES PAINT For ages 4 to 6. Kids have the option to paint animals and other subjects. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $30. anamcre. com/booking. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

30 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN SANTA MARIA/ORCUTT Community Partners in Caring is seeking volunteers to help support dependent older adults and seniors. ongoing partnersincaring.org. Santa Maria, Citywide, Santa Maria.

BIKE TO NATURE PROGRAM Participants will learn basic bicycle mechanics (and may get to build their own bike), how to run a community bike shop, how to bike safely on streets, how to select a route to natural and cultural resources, what makes a route safe, and how to advocate for safer streets. June 19 -July 28 movesbcounty.org. Bici Centro, 310 Oak Street, Santa Maria.

BOUNCING BABY STORY TIME Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies and caregivers. For ages 0-12 months. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. through July 26 Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

IN THE TIKI ROOM

Songwriters at Play hosts its next songwriting contest at the High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang on Monday, June 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. Up to 10 different artists will perform about two songs each during the juried competition. Admission to watch the performances is free. Visit songwritersatplay.com to find out more. High Roller Tiki Lounge is located at 433 Alisal Road, Solvang.

NATIONAL SELFIE DAY Celebrate Selfie Day with selfie stations all around the children’s room with different props to pose with. Celebrating the Summer Reading Programs theme, Find Your Voice. For families of all ages. June 21 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PAWS TO READ Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading aloud. These dogs absolutely love all kinds of books and are excellent listeners. Call or visit Youth Services to register for a 15-minute time slot. June 20, 3 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

POKÉMON CLUB Join other Pokémon trainers at the popular Pokémon Club. Learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card game, watch Pokémon, and participate in other fun activities. Bring a deck from home to battle or use one from the library. June 17, 11 a.m. Free. 805-9250994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PRESCHOOL PLAY TIME Preschoolers and caregivers are welcome to play and socialize with other kids similar in age. Children will have the opportunity to engage in imaginative play, sharing, and making friends. For ages 3-5. June 19, 11 a.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME Story time is designed to build literacy skills and school readiness, all while having a great time. This fun story time will feature songs, fingerplays, and stories. For ages 3-6. Mondays, 10 a.m. through July 24 Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PRESCHOOL YOGA STORY TIME Come for a morning of yoga with stories and breathing exercises. Children are introduced to mindfulness and will learn exercises to help regulate emotions. Yoga mats will be provided or bring one from home. For ages 3-5. June 23 , 11 a.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA COIN CLUB: MONTHLY

MEETING Coin collectors of all ages invited. Bring coins for free appraisals.

Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. Yearly membership: $20-$25. 805-937-

3158. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY RAILWAY

HISTORICAL MUSEUM TOURS The collection includes late 1800’s-early 1900’s Engine used by the Betteravia Union Sugar Company, a 1930’s Sacramento Northern box car, and more. Fourth Saturday of every month, 12-4 p.m. smvrhm.com. Santa Maria Transit Center, Miller and Boone Streets, Santa Maria. SMVGS MEETING Visitors welcome. Contact smvgs.org for program and location info. Third Thursday of every month, 2:15-4 p.m. smvgs.org. Santa Maria Valley Genealogical Society, 908 Sierra Madre, Santa Maria.

STUFFED ANIMAL KARAOKE NIGHT

Find Your Voice Karaoke night for stuffed animals. Choose one buddy to stay over for one night of music, fun, and making new friends. Dress your buddy in their best party outfit or create one at the library. Pick up the following day. June 16 -17, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

TECHMADE EASY: APPLE IOS This workshop is for anyone wanting to learn more about their Apple mobile device. Meeting will cover phone basics, apps, and simple troubleshooting. For patrons 18 and older. June 22 , 4 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

TEEN BOLT Teens, have a chance to help shape the future of your library. Discussions during BOLT will help determine teen program themes, and BOLT members will have the opportunity to help plan and run teen programs. Light snacks will be provided. June 16 4 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

TEEN CARTOON AFTERNOON Why should kids have all the fun? Teens, come to the Library to hang out, watch cartoons, and play childhood games. Cereal will be served. June 23 , 3 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. engagedpatrons.org. Shepard Hall Art Gallery - Santa Maria Public Library, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria.

TODDLER TIME High-energy learning experience just for toddlers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. For ages 1-3. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. through July 25 Free. 805-925-0994.

CONCERT SERIES

Live at the Lighthouse: Upside Ska

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

TODDLER TIME (BILINGUAL) Highenergy learning experience just for toddlers. Toddlers learn and grow through stories, movement, and music. For ages 1-3. Registration is required. Thursdays, 10 a.m. through July 27 Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

WILDLIFE ON WHEELS Meet animals and zoo educators to learn about conservation, animals, and working at a zoo. Animals and professionals provided by Charles Paddock Zoo. For families of all ages. This program was supported in whole or in part by the Santa Maria Friends of the Library.

June 24 11 a.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Shepard Hall Art Gallery - Santa Maria Public Library, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC FLOWER FESTIVAL Features carnival rides and games, arts and craft exhibitors, food booths and commercial vendors, musical entertainment, and more. June 22-25 explorelompoc.com. Ryon Park, 800 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

MUSIC AND NATURE RETREAT This special weekend event is an opportunity to make connections and raise the positive vibration on Mother Earth through music and song, hiking, and various contemplative experiences. June 23 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and June 25, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 805-736-6528. sunburst.org/music-nature/. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS

AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. Starts at $70. 805-835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School

Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail.com for details and reservations. ongoing 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.

Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

Tours will give you a glimpse into the lives of Lighthouse Keepers and their families, while helping keep our jewel of the Central Coast preserved and protected. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/.

Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SEA EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP

New sessions start each week for Sea Explorers ages 5 to 12. Deep dive into a unique marine science subject exploring marine habitats, interacting with live animals, and conducting experiments each day to learn more about the wonders of our oceans. Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through July 31 Varies. 805-457-5357. centralcoastaquarium.com. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach.

SUMMER CAMP 2023 Are you looking for a fun and educational way to keep your children busy this summer? Look no further than DANA Adobe and Cultural Center’s Summer Day Camp. June 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $300. 805-929-5679. danaadobe.org. DANA Adobe Cultural Center, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo.

VAIRFEST FUND RAISER Hosted by Central Coast CORSA. Includes Car Show, Benefit Raffle, and Peoples’ Choice Awards. Net proceeds will be donated to Friends of 40 Prado. June 24 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $22 to enter your car; free to spectators. 805481-5757. centralcoastcorsa.org. Heritage Square Park, 205 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS

Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over

Summer Music

EBB AND ROW

Jennifer Anderson, of Intent with Jen, will lead the next Yoga/Kayak to the Lighthouse event at the Point San Luis Lighthouse on Sunday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to meet at Avila Paddlesports in Avila Beach, where they’ll kayak to the lighthouse. Tickets are $25 and available in advance at my805tix.com. Early registration is encouraged, as the event is limited to a maximum of 30 attendees.

the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160$190. 805-481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

YOGA/KAYAK TO THE LIGHTHOUSE A one-of-a-kind ocean adventure and yoga session led by certified yoga instructor Jennifer Anderson (Intent with Jen). June 18 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

ALL-ELECTRIC OPTIONS FOR TINY

HOMES AND ADUS See and experience one example of an all-electric tiny home. Learn about options for insulation, water and space heating, cooktops, washer/

dryers, and more. Reservation (eTicket) required to this free event. Offered in partnership with the non-profit Smart Share Housing Solutions. June 22 , 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-215-5474. 3c-ren.org. SLO Guild Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC Described as a sneaky way to get fit. Build wholebody strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary. June 17, 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; $10 per additional sibling. 805547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ events. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

BDSM 101 This monthly class from the Central Coast Kink Community provides

a basic overview of kink, consent, rules, and information to help practitioners be successful and safe. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older. Fourth Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

BIRDS

AND BOTANY

The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. 805-541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

BRIDGING THE GAP

An evening of speakers and arts showcasing stories of justice-involved individuals and the success of a rehabilitative justice system. June 23 fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600.

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.

Hosted by Women Making Waves. For all skill levels, whether you’re new to climbing or you’ve been doing it awhile. June 16, 4-6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. The Pad Climbing Gym SLO, 888 Ricardo Court, San Luis Obispo. DM PRO TENNIS ACADEMY Classes offered for all ages. Training and assistance are provided to support any goal, from the development of basic skills to top competition. Consultation with instructors is available. Multilingual instruction in English, Spanish, and Italian are available. Mondays, Wednesdays, 9-10, 10-11 & 11 a.m.-noon through June 28 Ranges from $55–$105. slocity.org. Islay Hill Park, 1151 Tank Farm Rd., San Luis Obispo.

CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 28 CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 24 Hot Stuff JUNE 15 - JUNE 25, 2023 1321 South Nicholson Ave Santa Maria 805.928.6196 CoolHandLukes.com News Wire Select the SUBSCRIBE button at the top right of our homepage at SantaMariaSun.com Sign up for the Santa Maria Sun News Wire newsletter and get your current local news FREE every Thursday in your inbox. 325 E. Betteravia Road Suite B-4, Santa Maria · (805) 925-0464 facebook.com/coelhomusic1 · coelho_music@msn.com · coelhomusic.com

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM)

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

THE GRIEF RECOVERY METHOD (ON ZOOM) The Grief Recovery Method is an effective way to help people cope with grief and loss. It is a structured program that provides tools and techniques for dealing with grief. This is an educational, secular class. Facilitated by Diann Davisson. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. and Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. through June 28 $150 (includes book). 714-273-9014. spiritualliving.org. Online, See website, 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.

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: JUNE SCHEDULE Visit site for tickets and full lineup of games. Through June 28 my805tix.com. Sinsheimer Park, 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo, 805781-7222.

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.

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.

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.

WORLD YOGA DAY FREE COMMUNITY

CLASS Come celebrate yoga and the beginning of summer with a free yoga class in Mission Plaza. All levels of experience welcome. Please bring your yoga mat. Special giveaways and discounts for class participants included. June 21 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. thecenterslo.com. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

CHUCK WAGON BARBECUE Celebrate

Father’s Day with music, food, drink, vendors, and more. Live music will be provided by Fist Full of Nickles. June 18 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $30. 661-766-2825. cuyamabuckhorn.com/chuck-wagon-bbq.

Cuyama Buckhorn, 4923 Primero St., New Cuyama.

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/.

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.

TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

SUMMER CLASSIC DINNER AND AUCTION Features silent and live auctions with a wide variety of lifestyle packages and items from local businesses. June 24, 8:30 p.m. eventsbyenfuego.ticketsauce. com. St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CAL POLY GRADUATION DINNER

BUFFET Celebrate your Cal Poly grad with a bountiful buffet on the lawn, overlooking the Pacific. Select from carving stations, a charcuterie station, and a mashed potato bar. With a variety of salads and dessert. June 17, 6-8 p.m. $65 plus tax and gratuity. 805-773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOLK DANCE CLASS For adults ages 50 and up. Learn folk dances from around the world. No experience is necessary. Every third Thursday, 2-3 p.m. through Dec. 28 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

THE HOMESTEAD: LIVE MUSIC ON THE PATIO Check the Homestead’s Facebook page for details on live music events.

Fridays, Saturdays The Homestead, 105 W. Clark Ave, Old Orcutt, 805-287-9891, thehomesteadoldorcutt.com.

JD HARDY AND FRIENDS LIVE Concert also features special guest acts. Visit site for tickets and more info. June 24 12-6 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, 805934-3777.

LINE DANCING FUN For adults ages 50 and older. Learn basic patterns and steps to some of your favorite music. This beginner-friendly class is for anyone that enjoys dancing. Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. through Dec. 27 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

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.

SANTA MARIA CONCERTS IN THE PARK: FATHERS DAY WITH THE THE SKYLITES A live outdoor concert. June 18 1-3 p.m. Rotary Centennial Park, 2625 South College Dr., Santa Maria.

THE SKYLITES AT NAUGHTY OAK BREWING Enjoy beer and more on the outdoor patio with music from The SkyLites. June 17, 6-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Brewing Co., 165 S Broadway St. suite 102, Orcutt, 805-287-9663, naughtyoak.com.

THE SKYLITES AT THE HOMESTEAD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Enjoy music with The SkyLites on the patio. June 24 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Homestead, 105 W. Clark Ave, Old Orcutt, 805-287-9891, thehomesteadoldorcutt.com.

UKULELE JAM SESSIONS This is a drop-in program. Play melodies and many songs with other musicians. Baritone ukuleles are available to use or bring your own. Music and music strands provided. Mondays, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. through Dec. 27 Free. 805-925-0951. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

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

ROUND TWO OF SONGWRITERS AT PLAY SONG CONTEST Monthly song contest continues at High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang. No cover charge, no entry fee. Up to 10 contestants, 2 songs each, 3 judges, 3 prizes. For ages 21 and over. June 19 6-9 p.m. Free. 805-204-6821. songwritersatplay.com/events. High Roller Tiki Lounge, 433 Alisal Road, Solvang. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

MUSIC AND NATURE CELEBRATION

This special weekend event is an opportunity to make connections and raise the positive vibration on Mother Earth through music and song, hiking, and various contemplative experiences. June 24 9 a.m.-7:45 p.m. 805-736-6528. sunburst.org. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc.

TREMENDOS DEL 805 AND BANDA REAL 12-21 For ages 21 and over. Beer and more available for purchase. June 16, 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPY HOURS: LIVE

MUSIC Enjoy Friday Night Happy Hour at Avila Bay Athletic Club. June 16, 6-8 p.m. Free. avilabayclub.com. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, 805-595-7600.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2023 LIVE OAK MUSIC FESTIVAL Expect a fun-filled weekend of great music, art, camping, activities, and reuniting with friends and family. June 23 -25 my805tix. com. El Chorro Regional Park, California 1, San Luis Obispo.

EASTON EVERETT LIVE Easton Everett plays guitar-woven Indie music that has an authentic feel and is easy to listen to, but also surprises. June 18 , 1-4 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com/. Sextant Wines, 1653 Old Price Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, 805-542-0133. m

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

ARTS BRIEFS

New solo exhibit in Nipomo highlights seascapes by Rich Brimer

Mystic Nature in Nipomo will hold an artist reception for painter Rich Brimer, the gallery’s new featured artist, on June 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. The new exhibition debuted in early June and highlights a collection of Brimer’s scenic paintings.

Brimer was born and raised in Long Beach, the city that would inspire many of his coastal seascapes. The painter’s portfolio includes a variety of plein air and studio paintings of seaside settings.

“I am fascinated with the ocean’s vastness and the solitude I find in its presence, but it has an even deeper significance, too,” Brimer explained in an artist statement. “My seascape paintings reflect my thoughts about the ocean as a threshold between the beings living above the surface and the life teeming below, and about how the ocean supports and sustains life beyond itself.

“In sum, it’s a spiritual metaphor for my views about the penetrable boundary between the seen and unseen,” continued the artist, whose exhibition at Mystic Nature is scheduled to remain on display through July 31. Visit mysticnaturephotography.com to find out more about Brimer’s new exhibit and future announcements from Mystic Nature, a contemporary art gallery located at 191 W. Tefft St., Nipomo. The venue is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The venue specializes in selling rocks, gems, and handmade gifts and showcasing “fine art that celebrates the beauty and diversity of nature,” according to the shop, and features an ongoing, curated selection of locally produced artworks from both established and emerging artists. For additional info, follow the gallery on Instagram, @Mystic_Nature_Rocks_Gifts.

To find out more about Brimer’s artwork, visit richbrimer.com.

Pioneer Valley High School’s music director announces retirement

Bandleader on the run

Directing four orchestras across the Central Coast keeps one local conductor busy

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

During high school, Brian Asher Alhadeff had “a bit of a bad boy reputation with my band teacher,” the Templeton resident said, recalling the inciting incident behind his career as a music conductor.

“When you’re in public school and a pianist, they give you a pair of drumsticks and stick you in the back of the band, because there’s no place for a piano. So that’s what they did with me,” said Alhadeff, a trained classical pianist since age 7. “When I was a junior, we had this student teacher who I just didn’t get along with. She was a percussionist, so when she wasn’t conducting the band, she would be in the percussion section sort of coaching the percussion students.”

One day, Alhadeff icily told the student teacher that she didn’t know how to conduct properly.

“She told the band teacher what I said, and he called me into his office and told me to be ready to conduct the band next week,” Alhadeff said. “Over the weekend, I bought a conducting stick and I practiced the Frank Erickson ‘Toccata.’”

Alhadeff remembers the Monday that followed like it was yesterday. When he entered the band room, something seemed off. It appeared as if some of his fellow players had swapped instruments.

“When I put down that downbeat, it sounded like someone dropped a bomb in the zoo,” Alhadeff said with a laugh. “The band teacher had told everyone, ‘No matter what Brian does, you play something else,’ and to make it loud and gross. Literally it sounded like an elephant was screaming out of the trombone; fart sounds were coming out of the tubas.”

across the Central Coast. He is the principal conductor for both Civic Ballet SLO and the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and serves as the general and artistic director behind the Opera SLO orchestra and the Lompoc Pops Orchestra. For the latter group, this June marks a special milestone.

Alhadeff has been conducting concerts for the Lompoc Pops Orchestra—usually about four performances a year, with a few gaps due to the pandemic—since 2015. The group’s upcoming concert on June 19 will be Alhadeff’s 25th as the orchestra’s conductor.

The concert will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Lompoc and will feature two special guest soloists: violinist Brynn Albanese and soprano Kaitlyn Chui. The theme of the program is Pops Goes to the Movies, and its set list will include soundtrack highlights from Schindler’s List, Chariots of Fire, Wonder Woman, and other films, along with some show tunes and songs of other genres.

Alhadeff said that one of the reasons he picked the Wonder Woman theme, composed by Hans Zimmer, is because it had never previously been performed by a professional orchestra in Lompoc, or any city along the Central Coast.

A local music educator for more than 30 years, Cindy Wehlander recently announced that she’ll be retiring from her role as music director of bands and instrumental music at Pioneer Valley High School.

Throughout her career, Wehlander also worked in similar roles at Patterson Road Elementary School and Ernest Righetti High School. She’s been teaching music courses at Pioneer Valley High School since 2013.

“Being a music educator has enriched my life in ways I never imagined,” Wehlander said in a statement from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. “I had the privilege of sharing my love and passion for music with countless young people ages 5 to 18.” m

Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

One silver lining from the experience Alhadeff vividly remembers was a handful of flute and clarinet players who weren’t in on the joke, and “didn’t know what to do except play what was in front of them, God bless them,” he said.

“I knew at that moment I was going to be a conductor,” Alhadeff said. “It was a bug that infected me instantly.”

The rest is history. Today, Alhadeff conducts for four professional orchestras in different cities

Curtain call

The Lompoc Pops Orchestra presents its next concert at the First United Methodist Church on Monday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 925 N. F St., Lompoc. Admission is $25 for adults, $5 for students with ID, and free for children ages 12 and under. Call (805) 733-1796 for more info.

“In the time that I’ve been here, I’ve premiered over 100 new pieces that have never before been performed on the Central Coast,” said Alhadeff, who has lived in SLO County since 2010, when he joined Opera SLO as an assistant conductor.

“The big thing that makes the Lompoc Pops unique is it’s the only designated pops orchestra between Long Beach and, I believe, San Francisco,” added Alhadeff, who aims to incorporate popular songs from multiple music genres during each of his seasons with the orchestra.

“When I’m curating a concert, I really do try to do a little bit of everything.”

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is a big soundtrack buff. Send a list of your favorite film scores to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSTIC NATURE

HOP TO THE POPS: The Lompoc Pops Orchestra, led by conductor Brian Asher Alhadeff (pictured, center) will present its next concert on June 19, with a set list of film score tracks, show tunes, and other selections.

FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTANY ANZEL

FIDDLE ME THIS: Local violinist Brynn Albanese is one of the featured soloists slated to perform during the Lompoc Pops Orchestra’s next concert.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN ASHER ALHADEFF

MEET THE MAESTRO: Templeton resident Brian Asher Alhadeff’s current conducting jobs include positions with Civic Ballet SLO, Opera SLO, the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, and the Lompoc Pops Orchestra.

Performance art

Editor’s note: Anna Starkey is taking the week off from Split Screen, so Glen tapped his friend Chuck Maxie to pen Split Screen this week.

Mary Harron (I Shot Andy Warhol, American Psycho, The Notorious Bettie Page) directs John Walsh’s (Ed’s Next Move) screenplay about the iconic but idiosyncratic artist Salvador Dalí (Ben Kingsley) and James (Christopher Briney), the young gallery assistant helping the aging artist prepare for a New York exhibition, who gains entrance to Dalí and his eccentric circle of hangers-on. (97 min.)

Glen: My first thought after watching Dalíland is that it must have sucked to be Salvador Dalí. His whole life was a performance. The film begins with a re-creation of Dalí’s appearance on the 1950s gameshow What’s My Line?

He’s asked a series of questions: “Are you associated with any of the arts?” “Would you ever have been seen on television?” “Are you a performer?” “Would you be considered a leading man?” To which Dalí answered “Yes,” “Yes,” “Yes,” and, “Yes.” He truly was all those things. This story, however, takes up after Dalí’s prime. It’s the decadent ’70s, and he’s living with his wife and handler, Gala (Barbara Sukowa), in a New York hotel surrounded by hangers-on. He’s fallen out of the critics’ favor. His most important paintings are behind him, yet he must deliver more work for a show to keep the money flowing

for his outsized lifestyle. There’s something sad and desperate about him, but he must maintain his air of regal superiority. He is Dalí, the master. Sounds exhausting!

Chuck: Dalíland is an intriguing memoir as it dives into his life and the dealings of the art world. The flashbacks are fascinating and revealing of Dalí’s character and general makeup. The wheeling and dealing (shenanigans) of his art add an interesting subplot to the film. Kingsley is amazing, by the way. Of course, we already knew that because he is Ben Kingsley.

Glen: I was well aware that Dalí’s prints and lithographs were counterfeited on an epic scale, but this story suggests he was in on the scam. One scene, after they’ve left New York and returned to Europe, shows him signing blank pieces of paper that will presumably be printed and sold as limitededition lithographs. Dalí, like Picasso before him and Andy Warhol after, became a cult of personality and a big business. It’s been reported that when dining out, Picasso would pay by check and do a little doodle, and the restaurant owner would rather keep the doodle than cash the check. We see Dalí doing the same. What was really fascinating to me was the dynamic between Dalí and Gala. She ruled him, and he liked it. We also get a glimpse into his aberrant sex life—he liked to watch and may have been gay—but Gala was the love of his life, and she used him and treated him like dirt. It’s also

James’ story, but he was interchangeable, like the beautiful women Dalí surrounded himself with. James thought he was special to Dalí, but only Dalí was special to Dalí.

Chuck: True. Yet it must have been tough to be Dalí. Constantly performing or being “on.” The parties, the art shows, the public persona—the movie depicts him in a constant state of illusory conditions with a considerable entourage of much younger people that serve or play a role. When

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES

James presents Dalí with a gift of his signatures over the years, the comment is made that Dalí is constantly evolving, as if he is perpetually molting his exterior. Whereas in truth, he’s quite troubled at his core throughout. m

New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and contributor Chuck Maxie wrote Sun Screen this week. Glen compiles listings. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

SMARTLESS: ON THE ROAD

What’s it rated? TV-PG

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? HBO Max

Ranked as one of the top comedy podcasts of 2023, Smartless brings together Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes along with a mystery guest for an hour or so of fun each week. This new HBO Max series follows the three hosts as they travel the country on their first live show tour. Known for their playful digs and brotherly banter, these three celebs are learning the ins and outs of life on the road and what it takes to put together a successful live show.

Filmed in black and white, the series focuses not just on the shows themselves, but the hosts during the in-between time as well. Like in the audio counterpart, one of the hosts knows who the guest is while the other two are in the dark until the show intro is done. Some guests are huge hits, like Will Ferrell and David Letterman, while others fall flat despite their being genuinely interesting people.

Fans of the podcast probably already have this on their radar, but if you haven’t listened, this series may be a great intro into what these three put out each week. Funny,

charming, and fun to watch, Smartless: On the Road is a lighthearted treat for fans of comedy and fans of interviewform entertainment. (six 42- to 78-min. episodes)

—Anna

What’s it rated? PG-13

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Redbox and Paramount Plus

I didn’t bother with this when it came to the theater because it looked dumb and the Dungeons & Dragons game seems like it’s for nerdy LARPer types, but I kept hearing how fun it was, so I used my $1.25-off promo code for Redbox and rented it for a whopping $1.09. I wish I could report the buzz was warranted, but meh?

Sure, Chris Pine as head thief Edgin was his charismatic self, and Michelle Rodriguez as the tough-as-nails Holga was fun to watch beat the bad guys, but this is standard-issue fantasy nonsense devoid of the whimsy of, say, a film like Willow (1988) or the dark spectacle of Labyrinth (1986). There were a few laughs, but I just didn’t connect to it. I guess I’m the outlier, because its Rotten Tomatoes score is 90 percent critics and 93 percent audience.

Visually it’s arresting, and maybe for Dungeons & Dragons players there were enough insider knowledge winks/Easter eggs to make it special, but to me, it was trying to be campy but simply wasn’t campy enough to be a spoof. Let’s put it this way: I’m glad I only spent $1.09 and a

little more than two hours on it. (134 min.) m —Glen

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST: Set in 1973, this biopic stars Ben Kingsley as famed artist Salvador Dalí and Christopher Briney as James, a young gallery assistant trying to keep the artist focused on his work, in Dalíland, screening at The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo.

GET SMART: (left to right) Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes star in this black and white TV series about their comedy podcast, Smartless, in Smartless: On the Road, streaming on HBO Max.

ADVENTURERS: (Left to right) Simon (Justice Smith), Edgin (Chris Pine), Doric (Sophia Lillis), and Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) team up to retrieve a lost relic, in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, available at Redbox and Paramount Plus.

FUSION FEAST: Bar-B-Q’s Indo-Chinese menu includes mixed fried rice with shrimp, chicken, pork, eggs, and scallions; sliced chili pork; and spicy red pepper fish, all of which are best enjoyed with the Calcutta restaurant’s condiment trinity of chunky red chili sauce, soy sauce, and pickled green chilies.

Homecoming

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

My love for regional Chinese food is insatiable and never-ending. I’ve demolished fair portions of it in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties.

Over the two years I’ve lived on the Central Coast, I’ve mourned the closure of Mandarin Gourmet and felt puzzled by the enigma that is Golden Gong in SLO, I’ve strongly disliked the Panda Express chain, and I was won over by Golden Moon in Arroyo Grande. I know there’s more local American Chinese fare to taste, but when I miss my first home back in Calcutta, it’s Indo-Chinese cooking I crave the most.

Specifically, Bar-B-Q. Yes, my favorite Chinese restaurant of all time is called Bar-B-Q, and it doesn’t serve anything remotely close to the barbecue Americans are familiar with.

I recently returned to Bar-B-Q after five days of travel across the world and nearly four years of living away from the city I grew up in. That night in mid May, nostalgia hit me as soon as I stepped into the restaurant’s cool, dark wood interiors dimly bathed in golden light. The fragrant scent of ginger, garlic, chilies, and soy welcomed me, quickly followed by the restaurant manager who I remember greeting alongside my family since I

was in kindergarten. Our waiter placed menu cards on our table mats topped with descriptions of all the Chinese zodiac signs. I didn’t need to look at the menu. I had been plotting my order for a month. Still, I opened the booklet and scanned the gallery of options.

Home to a wave of Chinese immigrants who sought refuge in India roughly 250 years ago from famines and a civil war, Calcutta has a bustling Chinatown district that blends personalities of both cultures. Different Chinese sub-communities settled in the Tangra and Tiretti areas of the city, and established livelihoods in the leather and tanning, carpentry, and dentistry industries. Food, however, became the most popular and longstanding bridge between the Chinese and Indian residents.

Take Bar-B-Q’s mixed fried rice, for example. “Mixed” is the Indo-Chinese counterpart of the American Chinese “combination” label. Unlike most fried rice that’s made with short grain rice, Bar-B-Q’s version uses the long grain basmati. Devoid of peas and carrots, it’s strewn with shrimp, chicken, pork, scrambled eggs, and scallions.

Most of the fare is Hakka style. It’s a lesserknown regional Chinese cuisine that contends with its more popular cousins like the Sichuan, Cantonese, and Hunan varieties. According to Calcutta-based Chinese chef Katherine Chung for Outlook India, Hakka translates to “guest people” and the often soy-based food is considered to be a rustic form of Cantonese cooking.

Bar-B-Q’s mixed Hakka noodles is my favorite main dish at the restaurant. The soy-tinted noodles are glossy and packed with thin slivers of spicy green chilies, chicken, pork, shrimp, cabbage, and shredded carrots. I paired it with multiple sides: sliced chili pork, spicy and flaky red pepper fish with a crunchy shallot-garlic topping,

and a battered lollipop chicken dish called Drums of Heaven.

But Hakka noodles aren’t authentic to the cuisine. According to Chung, it was devised by the Chinese cooks in Calcutta to cater to the local love for noodles. Even beyond the walls of Bar-B-Q, Hakka noodles are beloved in fine dining joints, greasy spoon eateries, and the stalls of street food vendors.

Like Hakka cuisine in Calcutta, Bar-B-Q also morphed over the years to adapt to the city’s tastebuds. Bar-B-Q’s current owner, Rajiv Kothari, told me that his dad, Shailendra, opened the threestory Park Street restaurant in the early 1960s. But it didn’t originally serve Chinese food.

“It started with the ground floor, which was a bar,” he said. “Then, we expanded to the first floor, and we specialized in Chinese food then. [Later], we added another restaurant called Tandoor, which was Indian, and we joined that to Bar-B-Q.”

Tandoor—the name for a special clay oven used mainly in western and northern India—serves North Indian food. Think all kinds of naan, tandoori chicken, mutton rogan josh, fluffy white rice pulao, keema, and kebabs. All patrons are seated in the massive main section of Bar-B-Q that even has a balcony above for more seating.

The way to spot the patrons who chose tandoori food or Indo-Chinese is to look at their plates. Tandoor aficionados don’t have the Chinese zodiac placemats beneath glistening white dishes. Instead, waiters immediately top those plates with the customary North Indian accompaniments of green chilies and tiny whole raw onions that are meant to be savored with the food.

But Chinese food is still the crowd favorite. Kothari said that Calcuttans clamored for Chinese food from Bar-B-Q almost as soon as it opened in the 1960s.

“Chinese food in India also originated in Calcutta through Chinatown here,” he said. “Initially, the chef [at BarB-Q] was from China. Now, we have Chef Lee and we have other Chinese cooks too.”

Similar to most young locals, Kothari grew up with the restaurant. He began helping his dad with staffing and administrative work in the 1990s as a college student. He’d rush over to Bar-B-Q after his morning classes at the neighboring St. Xavier’s College ended. By the early 2000s, Kothari took over ownership. Now, he oversees a staff of more than 200 who serve an average of 400 people at a time—allegedly the largest restaurant cover in

Regarding the restaurant’s curious name, Kothari has some clues. “Bar-B-Q” may be a pun on the restaurant’s original establishment as a bar, but the new owner thinks his late dad was inspired by something else too.

“I think when he started the restaurant he had a big grill, which he used to serve continental food,” Kothari said with a laugh. “So probably, that’s why the name’s Bar-B-Q.”

Calcutta has changed a lot in the four years I was away. Most of my close friends have left the city, the metro lines have grown, and a bevy of unfamiliar restaurants have cropped up. But Bar-B-Q remained the same. I was comforted by the complimentary cheese puffs, which are always placed on the table to snack on, and by the random assortment of red and orange balloons hanging from the banisters that the waiters gifted to my brother, me, and countless others when we were kids.

For the first time in my life, I didn’t bump into anyone I knew at the restaurant in this new Calcutta. But it didn’t matter, my belly and heart were full on the drive back home. I can’t wait to return. m

New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal, from the Sun’s sister paper, promises to visit her first home and Bar-B-Q more often. Send red balloons to brajagopal@newtimesslo.com.

Calcutta.

UMAMI BOMB: The fiery red pepper fish is my favorite Bar-B-Q starter thanks to the flaky white pomfret fish and the crispy topping made up of sautéed shallots, red pepper flakes, and garlic.

FULL HOUSE: Bar-B-Q serves 400 customers at a time on average, according to its owner Rajiv Kothari, supposedly making it the largest restaurant in Calcutta.