Sun, August 17 2023

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

The Central Coast Guide to Everything Outside

New Times Media Group is pleased to present the Summer/Fall 2023 issue of Get Outside magazine –on stands now!

Get Outside magazine is focused on everything outdoors on California’s Central Coast. Stories are about people, places, events, services, organizations, gear, food, and everything that has to do with the outdoors!

This full-color, glossy magazine has a distribution of 25,000 print and 50,000 digital copies and is available for pick up throughout Northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

If your business has anything to do with the outdoors you’ll want to be a part of this magazine – and if you enjoy getting outside on the Central Coast, you’ll want to pick up a copy!

NEXT ISSUE: Winter/Spring 2024 (published in February)

BOOK YOUR AD BY: January 19, 2024

We still don’t understand quite how wildfire smoke impacts wine grapes, but a pair of bills aims to change that. U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) teamed up with fellow West Coast elected officials to introduce federal legislation that would fund research and enhance the wine grape crop insurance program. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the Sun’s sister paper, New Times speaks with the California Association of Winegrape Growers to understand the potential impacts in Santa Barbara County [6]

In addition, you can read about a new agricultural ordinance in the works for the county [4]; the surprise in store for you at the Clark Center [22]; and celebrating the tomato [25]

costs money. Help us keep our community aware and connected by donating today.

n An estimated 70 percent of heavy metals in landfills comes from discarded electronic items, also known as e-waste. These items also contain toxic materials. Below is an abbreviated list:

Bring up to five e-waste items to the Santa Maria Regional Landfill (2065 E. Main St.) to be recycled or properly disposed of for free! Large quantities? Call for details.

For more information and hours, visit www.cityofsantamaria.org/utilities or call

Camillia Lanham editor

GRAPE RESEARCH: A group of West Coast elected officials want to help vineyards and wineries understand the impact of wildfires on their industry.

Cover file photo from Adobe Stock > Cover design by Alex Zuniga

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced the first-ever congressional resolution to celebrate National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 6 to 12, according to a statement from Padilla’s office. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in bringing communities together, supporting livelihoods, and enriching the lives of millions of Americans—from farmers and food producers to consumers. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the U.S. Senate. Farmers markets build community, bolster local agricultural economies, and improve consumer health and wellness, including low-income Americans who receive federal nutrition benefits. They also help bridge urban and rural communities, contributing to a better public understanding of farming and ranching. Farmers markets have grown across the country over the past few decades, rising from 1,755 markets in 1994 to 8,771 in 2019. In 2020, they accounted for $1.7 billion in income for American farmers. “Our farmers markets nourish our neighborhoods, strengthen our local economies, and help cultivate relationships between growers and consumers,” Padilla said in the statement. “We cherish these spaces as a vibrant and dependable source of nutrition and community. I am proud to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and to support our local farmers, who feed our families and bring us together.”

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) was scheduled on Aug. 14 to hold a press conference with local chambers of commerce and advocates at First 5 Santa Barbara to promote his new bipartisan child care affordability legislation designed to lower the cost of child care for middle-class families and build new pathways to creating child care providers for small businesses, according to an Aug. 9 statement from Carbajal’s office. The Child Care Investment Act would improve a tax credit geared toward helping employers provide child care options to their employees, allow multiple businesses to partner to create a new child care option, and expand federal tax write-offs that already exist to offset child care expenses. This includes updating caps on tax-exempt child care spending accounts to reflect the current cost of care. The bill’s inspiration came from roundtables held by Carbajal in July 2022 discussing the impacts of inflation with local small business owners, who conveyed that child care was one of their top concerns when it came to current business and hiring conditions. The bill has support from the South Coast Chamber of Commerce, Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce, the Bipartisan Policy Center, First Five Years Fund (FFYF), Save the Children, and the Early Care Education Consortium.

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of resources and urban search and rescue personnel to assist in the coordination and support of operations in Maui, Hawaii, according to an Aug. 10 statement from Newsom’s office. In close coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Newsom directed California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to deploy 11 members of California’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces to help in the recovery operations and the search for survivors. In addition, state personnel from Cal OES specializing in urban search and rescue and mass fatality management have been deployed to Hawaii. The governor spoke with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Wednesday to discuss support for the state as it responds to and recovers from the wildfires. “California stands with the people of Maui and all Hawaiians amid these horrific wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina,” Newsom said. “Californians know firsthand the devastating toll of catastrophic wildfires fueled by climate change, capable of wiping out entire communities and centuries of irreplaceable history and heritage. Our state is sending resources to support our Pacific neighbors during their time of need.” m

County releases draft ag enterprise ordinance for public comment

Santa Barbara County is moving an ordinance forward that would expand some allowed uses or activities on agriculture land in an effort to ensure long-term financial sustainability for the industry, 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann told the Sun

“I am very concerned about the resilience of agriculture under the conditions of climate change and what this can mean to agriculture in our county and specifically for large parcels,” said Hartmann, who represents agricultural communities in the Santa Ynez and Lompoc valleys.

Ideas for expanded use first came up in the Gaviota Coast Plan—which was finalized in 2018 and allowed for some land owners to create farm stands among other ways to support themselves in an expensive area.

“Then people started saying, ‘If we are doing that in Gaviota, why can’t we extend that throughout the county because we would like to do the same thing?’” she said.

In 2021, the Planning and Development Department had meetings to figure out where the Gaviota Coast Plan fell short in order to expand more opportunities countywide, Hartmann said. After hearing feedback from agricultural communities, the county landed on four different opportunities for its ag enterprise ordinance: farm stands, farm stays, food service for wineries, and special events.

The first opportunity in the ordinance allows farmers to make commercial income by selling fruit and vegetables, small-scale food processing, aquaponics, composting, firewood chopping and sales, and lumber milling, Hartmann said.

Farm stays—the second opportunity—were on track within the Gaviota Coast Plan but it was tabled because of the county’s strict policy on shortterm rentals; however, this ordinance would allow smaller agricultural landowners (Ag 1 zoning) to rent out rooms on their property as long as the landowners are on the property.

“Santa Barbara County greatly values and tries to continue ag on ag lands, we don’t want to open the floodgates to lots of other things … but we do think it’s another way of capturing value on the land and to allow educational opportunities for people who are really hungry to learn,” Hartmann said.

In an effort to continue a COVID-born policy, Santa Barbara County included a measure in its ordinance that allows wineries to continue serving food at their properties permanently—something the county never allowed before, she said.

“COVID provided the opportunity to experiment with that, and we found that there are a lot of advantages to having food with wine,” Hartmann said.

The last policy the county developed in its ordinance would allow agricultural landowners to

host private events like farm-to-table dinners, allow trail use, provide educational opportunities, and “small-scale camping” on their properties, she said. Small-scale camping would allow people to come onto a ranch or vineyard, pitch a tent or bring in their trailer, and spend a few nights on a landowner’s property, and it was something the agriculture community was interested in learning more about during the scoping process, Hartmann said.

“It’s good for the landowner because they don’t have to invest in a lot of infrastructure so they don’t have to experiment and see if it works,” she said. “For larger parcels, people might want to bring their horse trailers and have a permit for trail running or hiking on the land.”

Claire Wineman, president of the Santa Barbara and SLO County Grower-Shipper Association, told the Sun that the association appreciates the opportunity to expand agricultural economic opportunities, but wanted to be mindful that the benefits outweigh any unintended consequences.

“I think the things we’ll be looking at more closely are the recreation and tourism activities,” Wineman said. “When you have events or overnight accommodation, we would want to make sure that it’s implemented in a mindful way, that’s appropriate, and makes sure agriculture is still a primary economic activity.”

Food safety concerns also came to mind when having tourists or people on agricultural properties, and Wineman added that she would like to see rules put in place to ensure the produce still meets safety standards and additional buyer requirements.

When tourist-oriented activities are introduced to industrial places of work, there’s always the challenge of seeing if it’s a one-size-fits-all policy, Wineman added.

“A lot of this was coming out of the Gaviota Coast Plan to create additional economic opportunities, but having a single ordinance countywide doesn’t look at the individual facts and circumstances,” she said. “We’re supportive of diverse agriculture needs throughout the county and want to make sure that if it moves forward, it doesn’t inadvertently create conflict with agriculture uses and leaves room for innovation and meets regulatory constraints.”

While there isn’t a specific date, Hartmann said she hopes the review process will be completed this year. Find the draft ordinance and hearing dates at countyofsb.org/728/agricultural-enterpriseordinance. Submit comments to padagenterprise@ countyofsb.org before Sept. 14 at 5 p.m.

—Taylor O’Connor

County Planning Commission green-lights Lompoc wind project without eagle permit

A renewable energy company was recently cleared by the Santa Barbara County Planning

Commission to begin operating 29 wind turbine generators in the Lompoc Valley, but not without some chilly feedback.

Representatives of the Santa Barbara Audubon Society and the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business (COLAB) were among the public speakers at the Planning Commission’s Aug. 9 meeting who argued that the BayWa wind farm shouldn’t be approved until it obtains a golden eagle incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Audubon Society and COLAB on the same page—you’re setting a precedent here,” Andy Caldwell, executive director of COLAB, said during public comment. “We are not against wind. … But what we are for is equal application.”

Before the Planning Commission voted to approve BayWa’s request to begin operating in the meantime while the company waits for its take permit application to be processed, Caldwell argued that it would be an unfair exception for BayWa to proceed without the permit.

“Our members have gotten bludgeoned to death by this county on ESA [endangered species act] and we cannot withstand this issue of somebody getting a free pass,” Caldwell said.

In a public comment letter from Tony Francois, an attorney representing COLAB, Francois wrote that if BayWa is allowed to operate before obtaining the eagle take permit, “the message this action will send to the county’s thousands of small business owners and employees and landowners who are not well enough connected to get special favorable treatment will undermine the credibility of county leaders as well as the laws that get enforced unevenly.”

Francois also called in during the Planning Commission’s Aug. 9 meeting to recommend that the commission require a supplemental environmental impact report (EIR) before letting the BayWa project move forward. Julie Jones, an attorney representing BayWa, responded.

“The standard for the county to be able to require a supplemental or subsequent EIR is whether the proposal before you shows, in this case, a substantial increase in the severity of a previously identified environmental impact,” Jones said. “There has not been evidence presented to you that would allow you to make that finding.”

In lieu of BayWa awaiting certification from Fish and Wildlife, one new condition of approval for the wind farm drafted by county staff is for the company to hire an independent consultant to survey the property for eagle carcasses once a week, rather than every other week, as originally required.

If any golden eagles are killed prior to obtaining the eagle take permit, BayWa is required to make a payment of $30,000 per eagle to a countydesignated raptor protection center, according to the staff report.

“My bottom line conviction is the project needs to move forward,” Planning Commissioner C. Michael Cooney said during deliberations. “I think that day has come where we as a society are obligated to see what we can do to develop alternative sources of energy and this is one before us with contracts in place, ready to go, and I don’t want to slow that process.”

The Planning Commission ultimately granted BayWa’s request to alter its conditions of approval and approved the revised project in a 3-2 vote, with commissioners Larry Ferini and Vincent Martinez dissenting.

Ferini expressed his concern that the Planning Commission shouldn’t be burdened with pardoning BayWa’s mistake of applying late for the eagle take permit, while Martinez said he worried that the permit won’t be obtained for years.

“We have no timeline. It could be months, weeks … years,” Martinez said. “I’m not going to back away from this idea that this application process was known to the applicant as much as it’s known to me today. … I’m really on the fence in regards to what’s going on here.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY: In an effort to ensure that the agriculture industry is economically viable, Santa Barbara County drafted an ag enterprise ordinance that would expand allowed uses on agricultural land—including allowing wineries to serve food on their properties.

FILE PHOTO PHOTO COURTESY OF VEGA VINEYARD AND FARM

County Superior Court denies Rancho La Laguna subdivision project

After dedicating more than a decade of time, resources, and energy to fight what would be a historic development project in the Santa Ynez Valley, Carla Frisk finally saw a judge rule in favor of agricultural preservation.

“It was really amazing. … We had worked on it for so long,” Frisk said. “This means that we have a really good precedent for preserving land in the Santa Ynez Valley. Although I don’t live there anymore, it’s very near and dear to my heart. It’s the golden hills of California; it’s iconic.”

Rancho La Laguna Ranch Company LLC and Rancho La Laguna LLC proposed to subdivide 4,000 acres of ranch land near Foxen Canyon Road and bordering Los Padres National Forest into 13 parcels for residential development.

Frisk—a Santa Barbara County Action Network board member and a part of the former Santa Ynez Valley Alliance, along with other environmental organizations against this project—said that it would open doors for mansion development and take away from the agricultural lands in the area.

“There were going to be 13 mega-mansions on this parcel, and it would be a terrible precedent in this area, which is really rural with just ranches, vineyards, and farms,” Frisk said. “You approve a project like that and the guy on the next parcel with his 2,000 acres wants the same deal and how can you say no?”

The project first went through the county in 2010. It was the first of its kind since the Board of Supervisors denied a similar project in 1995, Environmental Defense Center (EDC) Chief Counsel Linda Krop said. The Santa Ynez Valley Alliance—which later shifted to the Santa Barbara County Action Network—and the Environmental Defense Center (EDC) got involved because the county hadn’t required an environmental impact report.

“Our clients were concerned because if it could be done at Rancho La Laguna, it could be done at other agriculture properties in the county,” Krop said. “The county has really strong policies to protect agriculture; they adopted an agriculture element as part of its general plan in 1990.”

The EDC argued that state laws required the Rancho La Laguna project to go through environmental review because it would subdivide the land into five or more parcels, she said. The county agreed and environmental review of the project was completed in 2016. In 2017, the Planning Commission denied the project and the applicants appealed the decision to the Board of Supervisors, which also denied the project, Krop said.

“Then, the developers filed a lawsuit against the county and we were able to intervene, so we were able to defend the county’s denial,” she said.

Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Jed Beebe said in his ruling on Aug. 8 that the Board of Supervisors acted within its rights to deny the project and that the concerns for agricultural impacts were reasonable.

“It seems fair to observe as well that the character of the areas would be in some measure changed by the construction of new residences, the widening of roads, the construction of driveways, the addition of a shared water system, and the provision of more widespread electrical and other utility networks,” the ruling read. “Petitioners argue strongly that the land area is huge, that agriculture remains viable and that all these uses are proper to the development of agriculture.

“Still, it may be debated whether these are changes that assure and enhance the continuation of agriculture as a major viable production industry,” the ruling continued.

Attorneys representing Rancho La Laguna Ranch Company LLC and Rancho La Laguna LLC could not be reached for comment before the Sun’s deadline. m

JACKSON

O’Connor EMMETT PET PHOTO CONTEST

BUBBA NEW TIMES AND SUN ANNOUNCE: THE FIRST ANNUAL ENTRY PERIOD: AUG. 24 - SEPT. 18, 2023 PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 19, 2023

RIGATONI

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Grape guardians

Sen. Alex Padilla introduced two bills that aim to research wildfire smoke damage on wine grapes in Santa Barbara County and the West Coast

BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL

Three West Coast senators introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to understand one nascent problem: the impact of wildfire smoke on wine grapes.

On June 22, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) brought forward the Smoke Exposure Research Act, co-led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), and the Crop Insurance for Wine Grapes Act, co-led by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington) and U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Washington).

Despite the flurry of wildfires that have ravaged wine countries in California, Oregon, and Washington since 2020, the impact of the resulting smoke on wine grapes and the extent of its damage are relatively unknown.

In California alone, a little more than 9,900 wildfires burned 4.3 million acres in 2020, according to a UC Davis wildfire season report. That total is more than twice the previous record number of acres burned in the state. The 2020 wildfires cost California wine grape growers and wineries $3.7 billion from immediate fire-related causes and subsequent loss in future sales because of unharvested grapes exposed to the smoke.

“We haven’t really been able to figure out exactly how much smoke needs to be present in one area for it to really affect grapes, so we have a little bit of work to do on the research side,”

Natalie Collins, the president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, told the Sun

The association calls itself the only statewide organization that specializes in wine grape grower issues. It’s governed by 27 growers elected to serve on its board, and according to Collins, the group has been involved with Padilla’s office since 2022 to discuss the legislation.

“We pitched the idea of selective buy-up coverage or an endorsement for wildfires, and we based this off something already in existence on the East Coast,” she said.

Collins is referring to the second piece of Padilla’s proposed legislation, which pertains to crop insurance. The wine grape association drew inspiration from the Hurricane Insurance Protection—Wind Index. It covers 70 different crops and caters to counties in the vicinity of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic and Hawaii. Collins said that the hurricane protection plan allows its subscribers to “buy up” to a higher level of insurance once the wind index meets a certain threshold. The association applied similar logic to the crop insurance blueprint for Padilla’s legislation.

“Growers would have their normal crop insurance, and on top of that they can buy up coverage or get an endorsement for wildfire smoke,” Collins said. “What this legislation is really doing is having the risk management agency do more research and see what that policy would look like.”

Researchers committed to the bills have viticulture expertise, and some of them belong to UC Davis, Washington State University, and Oregon State University—the three land-grant universities that will coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service if the legislation passes.

Green-lighting the Smoke Exposure Research Act would commit $32.5 million to the

researchers over a five-year period to ensure the sustainability of the wine industry and study the effects of climate change on the industry.

“Congress has provided $5 million to the USDA to study smoke taint since fiscal year 2020,” the bill’s summary reads. “However, this research has never been formally authorized and instead relies upon annual appropriations and report language each year.”

The danger that wildfires pose to wine grapes is a new problem in California. Wine grapes are usually harvested between August and October—a period that falls right inside the state’s May through October fire season. Though, according to Frontline Wildfire Defense, some experts suggest that wildfires are now a year-long issue because of climate change. Wildfire smoke’s damage to wine grapes wasn’t on the public or political radar until 2020.

“We just didn’t know the great impact of wildfires here in California,” Collins said. “There have been other countries like Australia who have experienced wildfires in the past and they’ve been doing research. But here, 2020 was the first big wildfire hit where we discovered the impact wildfires have on grapes, and in turn, the finished wine.”

One of those discoveries is smoke taint: the phenomenon caused by smoke compounds from wildfires entering the thin skins of exposed grapes, resulting in an ashy taste that’s especially prominent once the affected grapes are fermented to make wine.

Wildfire smoke is measured in the air using the air quality index (AQI). While preliminary research focused on AQI, Collins said that other factors are also thrown into the mix when assessing smoke impact and studying smoke taint prevention.

“It could be on how long the AQI or smoke is at that level, is the wind blowing and is it moving the smoke through, how low is the smoke sitting on the grape?” Collins said. “There are so many varietals of grapes. Some have thicker skins than others, some mature at a different time period.”

Smoke taint became a problem in Santa Barbara County’s grapes in 2020, Collins added. “We’ve seen wildfires throughout the state,

but 2020 is when wildfires blanketed the entire state. When we’re looking industry wide, there were 165,000 to 325,000 tons that went unharvested,” she said.

According to Santa Barbara County’s 2022 Agriculture Crop Report, 13,459 acres of wine grapes were harvested in 2022, equivalent to 40,959 tons, and a $96.3 million gross value— ranking wine grapes as the county’s third most valuable crop.

Collins hopes that the crop insurance part of the legislation will buttress financial protection for local wine grape growers dealing with smoke taint losses, she said. She added that the problem with crop insurance in its current form is that it’s specifically designed to only pay growers back for crops that are not harvested.

“I think our biggest thing is we want to make sure all of our growers have the ability to test in real time to know if they are impacted by wildfire smoke because the wildfire season and wine grape harvest occur at the same time,” Collins said.

The West Coast faced such large-scale wine grape damage because growers couldn’t test their produce fast enough during the 2020 wildfire season, she said. The short window for picking coupled with a series of fires compelled growers to leave the fruit on the vine for much longer.

“You leave [grapes] on the vine too much longer and if it’s hot out, they’re going to continue to ripen and get higher sugars,” Collins said. “The longer you leave them on the vine being exposed to smoke, there is a higher probability of grapes getting damaged.”

She added that the main goal of the research is to limit who really needs to test their wine grapes. Typically, wineries visit the vineyards they want to purchase grapes from and conduct on-site tests, checking for sugar levels, greenness, and maturity, among other criteria. Before 2020, in a scenario without the impact of wildfire smoke, it took 24 hours to test the grapes and get the results.

Collins thinks tests are quicker now, but during the harvest period in 2020 growers experienced weeks-long testing delays.

“The next step in research is getting the tools in the vineyard so that growers are able to test on their own—getting market-ready products so you can test grapes and wine in the vineyard,” Collins said. m

Reach New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal at brajagopal@newtimesslo.com. Sun Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor contributed to this story; reach her at toconnor@santamariasun.com

New federal legislation introduced by a trio of West Coast senators aims to help vineyards and wineries affected by wildfires.

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees will make a provisional appointment to the Board to fill a vacancy created by resignation. The appointment will fill a vacancy with a term ending in December of 2024.

Persons interested in candidacy for the provisional appointment must submit their written application to the District Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 30, 2023. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the State from holding a civil office.

Written applications will be reviewed by a committee to determine eligibility. The application packet is available on the District’s website at www.smjuhsd.org. Eligible candidates will be interviewed in open session at 5:30 p.m. on September 25, 2023 at a special board meeting.

The Board will accept oral or written input from the public at the September 25, 2023 meeting. The provisional appointment will be selected with a majority vote of the Board and be seated immediately.

For more information contact the Superintendent’s Office at 805-9224573, ext. 4202 or via email at apineda@smjuhsd.org

hidden gem’

Solvang Senior Center offers new programs as its membership expands and construction for a new building begins

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

With more people filling up classes and its membership rates growing every month, the Solvang Senior Center added new programs and more opportunities for seniors to explore their community and make new friends.

“It’s important for people to socialize, and that’s something we also offer: the chance to socialize while they are also keeping healthy, mentally and physically,” Solvang Senior Center Executive Director Ellen Albertoni told the Sun. “That’s what we encourage, that sense of community, fellowship, and bonding as we progress through life.”

The Solvang Senior Center is a nonprofit that acts as a community hub for “active-aging” adults 55 and older. The center offers activities like low-impact exercise classes, daily lunches, and monthly member dinners along with opportunities for connection and vital resources. While growing its programs, the center is also moving forward with plans to build a new permanent building—replacing the current structure, originally built in 1983, with a 4,725-square-foot, two-story building, according to the Solvang Senior Center. The center’s capital campaign has raised more than $3.3 million, approximately 90 percent of the total amount needed to cover construction and furnishing costs to ensure it will be “outfitted with state-ofthe-art features,” according to a statement from the senior center.

“We’ve kept it in the best shape possible; everything is working, everything is safe, but it’s not serving its purpose as it should anymore,” Albertoni said. “It’s not just about what people want or need, but what they deserve. They deserve to walk into a beautiful, modern, and functioning building that gives us the opportunity to serve our community as a whole.”

The senior center experienced a comeback after shutting its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, she added. While the shutdown has had lasting effects, Albertoni added that she saw how important the center was for the community and did whatever she and her staff could to keep members engaged.

“We’ve restructured and regrouped, and now we are offering new things as we continue to grow. Our membership has grown, and it’s become the hub for folks to socialize,” she said. “We’re all keeping an eye out for each other and hoping to create the best place for people.”

Although she couldn’t specify the total amount of growth the center’s seen since the pandemic, she said that there are new members coming in every month.

“We found out we should no longer be a hidden gem; we found out how important we are to the community with the services we offer and how important it is to listen to your members,” she said.

For those looking to improve their health or stay in shape, the center offers arthritis exercise as well as yoga and Pedal Power classes, according to the center. For seniors with a bit of a competitive side, mah-jongg or bridge sessions are available, as well as art classes or beginning ukulele classes for creative expression.

Starting Aug. 11, the center will begin offering its Museum Crawl where seniors will get to

explore three local museums: the Elverhoj Museum, the Amber & Viking Museum, and the Wildling Museum. Each Friday, the center will take 10 members to tour one of the museums followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

“It’s new and exciting what we’re expanding on, not just our physical activities, but we’re working on creating a lecture series,” Albertoni told the Sun. “We have a fall lecture series touching on different health and well-being [topics] for seniors dealing with different things they’ve asked about, and we’ve opened it up for our community to come in.”

The series kicks off on Sept. 12 with Kandice Hawes and Sue Taylor from Farmacy to present a lecture about medicinal cannabis use for activeaging adults.

“This lecture will offer seniors who are new to cannabis with accurate, evidence-based information that will help them make informed decisions about its potential use,” according to the senior center.

Three additional lectures will round out the series, with the final class in November led by a registered associate marriage and family therapist who will offer helpful strategies in a presentation about senior mental health.

The center’s annual Alisal Breakfast Ride also returns Oct. 29 where guests get a wagon ride to the Alisal Adobe and an Alisal Ranch pancake breakfast. There guests can bid on live auction items with proceeds all going toward the Solvang Senior Center’s new building. Once construction begins, the center’s daily activities will relocate to the Legion Wing of the Veterans Memorial Building—1745 Mission Drive, Solvang.

Email ssctr@verizon.net to RSVP to any of the lecture series; seating will be limited. Visit solvangseniorcenter.org to learn more about the center, to donate, or become a new member.

Highlight

• Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) will operate a new Route 13X (express), which will serve select stops on North Broadway (Highway 135) and neighborhoods along Taylor Street and Donovan Road where there is the greatest transit demand. The new route is in response to increasing ridership, particularly from families and their students who attend Pioneer Valley High School, according to Santa Maria Transit Services. “SMRT has seen a 96 percent ridership increase since the lowest point in the pandemic. Public transit has been particularly popular with northern Santa Maria families and their students,” Transit Services Manager Gamaliel Anguiano said in a statement. The new Route 13X will operate only during the academic year, Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. m

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

‘A

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOLVANG SENIOR CENTER

ACTIVE CLASSES: Seniors can attend the Arthritis Stretch and Strength Class at Solvang Senior Center among several new program opportunities as the center grows.

For a Celebration of Life

GATHER IN COMFORT

Our Gathering Room is a comfortable place for family & friends to enjoy food & beverages during & after services. You will find an open floor plan with table & bar seating for 30, a large buffet table, a stocked coffee & tea bar, as well as a television for memorial videos, live chapel view, or children’s entertainment.

Come see how our Gathering Room will complement your loved one’s celebration of life.

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The challenges of our times are demanding more than just political reforms. They are compelling us towards journeys of the soul that will ask not only for great courage, but new understandings of power and inclusive leadership, new mythologies of collective heroism, more diverse communities and organizational models that are more sustainable ecosystems than hierarchical power pyramids. We invite you to engage with contemporary issues and the latest in depth psychological thinking and practices, join interactive learning sessions on the cutting edge of practice and theory, and explore all that Pacifica Graduate Institute has to offer for your personal and professional journey.

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How do you think the teacher shortage problem should be addressed?

45% Pay teachers more equitably.

22% Have counties invest more in local educator workforces.

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11% Opt for homeschooling.

‘The last best hope’

BY JOHN ASHBAUGH

The month of August regularly serves up earthshaking, history-making events:

• Two years ago in August, the U.S. finally pulled out of Afghanistan after our longest war.

9 Votes

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Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly

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© 2023 Sun

• On Aug. 6, 1945, our nation dropped the first of two atomic bombs on Japan, soon ending World War II. That’s the event at the center of the new film Oppenheimer—literally and historically earthshaking.

• In 1965, also on Aug. 6, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the landmark Voting Rights Act into law, correcting 100 years of neglect of our moral duty to those enslaved Americans freed by the Civil War.

• And of course, there is this: On Aug. 1, a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia indicted Donald Trump, charging him with conspiracy to defraud the U.S.; obstructing an official proceeding of Congress; and conspiracy to violate the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted.

So, here again, as in 1965, the issue is voting rights! In the 45-page charging document, Special Prosecutor Jack Smith asserted that Trump “conspire[d] … to injure, oppress, threaten, and intimidate one or more persons in the free exercise and enjoyment of a right and privilege secured to them by the Constitution and laws of the United States—that is, the right to vote, and to have one’s vote counted.”

Do Americans have a right to expect that our constitutional right to vote will be upheld? Should those officials entrusted with the sacred task of counting and reporting our ballots be free from political intimidation and the threat of violence?

Is there anyone out there who would actually say “no” to those questions?

The Republican Party appears to be uniting behind a demagogue with two impeachments, three indictments charging 78 criminal counts; and several

civil cases that ruled him liable for rape, defamation, and fraudulent business dealings. He complains of being the victim of character assassination by the “deep state,” but now even some fellow Republican candidates are suggesting that his central “Big Lie” is just that.

How long before we hear the Trump equivalent of “et tu, Brute?” as the knives come out … and yet his teeming followers still demand unquestioning loyalty, forming a cult of blind worship to this narcissist who smears and threatens anyone who dares to confront him with the truth.

How do we counter this narrative, as we prepare for a tumultuous election in a mere 15 months? We begin by seeking common ground wherever it can be found with people of either party, and of all ages, races, religious faiths, and gender orientation. We can express confidence and trust in our public officials, both elected and appointed, where they do keep faith with their oaths of office.

I’ve taken that oath on several occasions in San Luis Obispo City Hall, vowing to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the state of California, and the laws and statutes that govern us. I urge everyone who can honestly take such a vow to run for office or apply for an advisory committee role in your city, or in the county. There are many unfilled positions. You can get more information from your supervisor, your council member, or from the county clerk or your city clerk’s office.

We must all stand firm behind the shared values that frame our Constitution and provide for the primacy of the rule of law. Our civic life is highly vulnerable to those who openly defile it, defraud the public, and poison our civic conversation with vile and sinister accusations against the very people who are responsible for securing our rights.

That’s why the events of August 2023 are so important: The indictment of Donald

Trump has set in motion the prosecution and possible conviction of the man most responsible for the toxic and polarized politics of our time.

In August 1974, President Richard M. Nixon resigned from office in disgrace. Maybe by next August, we’ll see a certain former president sentenced for his role in conspiring to launch the Jan. 6 insurrection and to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

One thing is certain: By next August, both parties will have completed their primary elections and caucuses, and they will have named their nominees. We already know the stakes in 2024: Nothing less than the future of our democracy, the security of our planet, and the conditions under which our nation may yet endure. Lincoln warned us in 1862 that “we shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.” m

John Ashbaugh taught U.S. History and Global Studies at Hancock College and Cal Poly for more than 20 years. Write a response for publication by emailing it to letters@santamariasun.com.

The cartoonist crossed the line

Your local political cartoonist (Mayfield) needs to take a vacation. Normally his conservative cartoons are corny, but I understand they are a counterpoint to also running the liberal This Modern World every other week. However, the cartoon in the Aug. 3 Sun was over the top—who needs to open the editorial page to see a picture of a supposed homeless person defecating? It’s one thing to be corny (who calls their father “pop” anymore, outside of Leave it to Beaver reruns?) … it’s another thing to be disgusting.

We all know of the issue with homeless people in California, but I think Mr. Mayfield could learn something from his liberal counterpart Tom Tomorrow about satire and subtlety in cartooning.

Andrew Wehrman Orcutt

Slavery is not a thing of the past

Wake up, people! Slavery is not a thing of the past but very much alive.

Definition of slavery: Anyone who makes a claim upon yourself or your property is making you a slave. A slave is a victim of any who claims authority over another. “We the People” have become slaves of those who have taken upon themselves to force their rules, regulations, restrictions, their authority over our lives.

Examples of common slavery: 50 percent of our income goes for taxes if one includes all fees, paying, permits, licenses, tolls, federal, state, county sales taxes, gas tax, and inflation. What percentage of taxes would we be paying not to be a slave, zero percent? The reason most don’t realize this is because they don’t see themselves in a ball and chain, or a whip forcing us to comply.

The most egregious, despicable, evil, heartbreaking form of slavery is found in the continuing wickedness of human trafficking. Those who make it available and those who take advantage of our precious youth are the most evil and wicked of all. Unknown to many, this has been advancing for many years and since the onset of our unabated borders. Many crossing our open borders are not just looking for a better life but looking for more opportunities for drug trafficking, human trafficking, crime related activities.

Our open borders are a gift to those whose main focus is on money, no matter how evil and despicable are their methods for doing so.

We must recognize slavery in all forms and eliminate it.

“There are none so enslaved as those who falsely think they are free.” –Johann

Goethe

Ellie Ripley Arroyo Grande

Nothing less than the future of our democracy, the security of our planet are at stake in the 2024 election

Fair is fair

The eagle has landed.

Actually, the eagle may get chopped to bits by a big blade before it lands, and BayWa doesn’t have a permit for that yet, but it’s just a little hiccup. A little baby bump in the road that’s definitely not stopping a Lompoc wind project from moving forward.

Planning Commissioners gave the wind project that just might the green light to go on ahead with its bad self, golden eagle take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or not.

The commission added a measure that should give some consolation to the Audubon Society, though.

At least if an eagle carcass lands and the weekly field surveyors find it, BayWa has to pay a nonprofit organization $30,000. A golden eagle-wind turbine blade conflict means BayWa will be $30,000 less rich. Win-win, amirite?

The Santa Barbara County Audubon Society didn’t think so.

It’s not every day the Audubon Society and Andy Caldwell from the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business agree on anything—but they did agree on Aug. 9, giving BayWa an OK without the permit sets a bad precedent. Caldwell added that it actually sets an uneven precedent. The projects his group advocates on behalf of are often slapped across the face for endangered species, something that he believes should also apply to this project, renewable energy or not.

“Our members have gotten bludgeoned to death by this county on ESA [Endangered Species Act] and we cannot withstand this issue of somebody getting a free pass,” he said during the commission’s Aug. 9 meeting. “We are not against the wind. … But what we are for is equal application.”

You can’t be against the wind, Andy. It never works!

However (drumroll, please), he’s not wrong. Shoot, that means I agree with him, too. It also means that, perhaps, I spoke too soon when I squawked through my July 20 column (“Quack less”).

Fair is fair, I guess. Even if I do think we should make it easier for renewable energy projects to move forward in this county and harder for oil drilling projects to move forward, we should apply our rules across the board.

Whether it’s the blunt-nosed leopard lizard or a golden eagle, if Santa Barbara County states that a project requires a permit from a wildlife agency, then that’s what needs to happen.

It’s a real bummer that BayWa couldn’t get its shit together. The company had years to apply for the permit—and knew it had to apply for the permit—and didn’t do it until March 2023. But that’s not the county’s fault, is it? Planning Commissioner Larry Ferini agrees. The county shouldn’t pay for BayWa’s rather obtuse mistake of applying late for the eagle take permit. If an oil company did that, the county and environmental organizations would have the project on a pike in front of the government center to show everyone why they need to obey the constraints of environmental laws.

Caldwell brought along the COLAB lawyer to speak to the commission, which voted 3-2 to move the wind project forward. I wonder what that means. Will he appeal it? Or is he full of hot air? Maybe both? m

The Canary believes that even hot air is valid once in a while. Send comments to canary@ santamariasun.com.

Hot Stuff

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

The Mountain Men Encampment, a two-day series of workshops led by the American Mountain Men nonprofit, will be held on Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26, at La Purisima Mission in Lompoc. Festivities at the encampment include hide preparation and leatherworking demonstrations. Visit lapurisimamission.org for more info. La Purisima Mission is located at 2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc. —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.

THE BOOK OF WILL By Lauren Gunderson. William Shakespeare is dead. Bad Hamlet knock-offs and children’s acting troupes litter the stages of Elizabethan London. And the King’s Men are running out of time. Rooted in real events. Aug. 17, 7 p.m., Aug. 18 7 p.m., Aug. 19 7 p.m., Aug. 20 1:30 p.m., Aug. 23 1:30 p.m., Aug. 25 7 p.m. and Aug. 26 1:30 & 7 p.m. Starting at $25. 805-9228313. pcpa.org/events/the-book-of-will.

PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.

CABARET Presented by SMCT. Visit site for tickets and more info. Through Aug. 27 my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CRAFTWORKS: INKBLOT BOOK ART

Create your own psychological art with upcycled novels to take home. This workshop is free and registration is required. For patrons 18 and older. Aug.

19, 10:30 a.m. Free. 805-925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., 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/.

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, 6:308:15 p.m. 805-344-1630. Cubanissimo

Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: ART

BAZAAR OPEN WORKSHOP Relive pasts crafts or try something new. Registration is required. For patrons 18 and older. Aug. 26 Free. cityofsantamaria.org/citygovernment/departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

AMERICAN MARIACHI: SOLVANG

An uplifting comedy about family, the freedom to go after your dreams, and the music that unites us. WednesdaysSundays, 8 p.m. through Aug. 27 Starting at $25. 805-922-8313. pcpa.org/events/ american-mariachi. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

FIRST ANNUAL ZACA MESA WINERY AND VINEYARDS MAKER’S FAIRE

Join for the Zaca Mesa Maker’s Faire, a fun-filled afternoon in wine country. Support local artists with this free event open to all ages. Aug. 19 12-3 p.m. Free.

zacamesa.com. Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

INSPIRED BY LIGHT A captivating exhibit by Carrie Givens and Karen McGaw. These artists unite their distinct styles in works that depict California’s Central Coast landscapes and fauna. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 31 Free. 805-688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

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.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ART SHOW ON THE PATIO Grab a beverage and a snack and browse our vendors. Vendors include copper, crystals, wiring, acrylic paints, resin artist, driftwood, vintage clothing and accessories, hand made purses, oils and solvents, and more. Aug. 19 9-2 a.m. Free. 805-994-7112. Perfetto Cafe, 1750 El Camino Real, Grover Beach, 8575perfettocaffe.com/.

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.

GOLD FEVER AT THE ROUGH AND READY

Boo the villain and cheer the hero at this show full of colorful characters. Through Sept. 9 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. ongoing $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.

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

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents

can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints.

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

CLOSING RECEPTION FOR ONCE

MORE, WITH FEELING: GARET ZOOK

Last chance to see Garet Zook’s Once More, With Feeling. Join us for a closing reception and artist talk. The talk will start at 6 p.m. Aug. 17 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-5463202. cuesta.edu/student/campuslife/ artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

COMEDY NIGHT Professional comedy show featuring local and touring comics. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Third Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. $5. 805-540-8300. Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, suite 130, San Luis Obispo, bangthedrumbrewery.com.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Looking for a fun date night? Head to Anam Cre Pottery Studio and play with clay. Couples will learn how to throw a pot on the wheel and make a cheeseboard. Fridays, Saturdays, 6-8 p.m. $140. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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.

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

IKEBANA WORKSHOP Join this unique class to immerse yourself into the philosophy and beauty of Ikebana Flower Arrangements. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a lunch. Aug. 19 10 a.m.-

2 p.m. $40-$50. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV WORKSHOP WITH KELI SEMELSBERGER Keli Semelsberger is the founder and owner of Charlotte Comedy Theater and Big Island Improv. She is visiting in SLO for a bit and will be teaching a very special one-time only improv workshop. Aug. 21 6-8 p.m. $65. 805-858-8255. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows.

Central Coast Comedy Theater Training Center, 2078 Parker Street, Suite 200, 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.

INTERMEDIATE WHEEL SERIES: SOUL POTTER Scott Semple will be teaching this intermediate, world view ceramics course, emphasizing wheel throwing with personal style. Clay sold separate at $30. Book online in advance. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Aug. 30 $240. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRO TO OIL PAINTING WITH SPENCER COLLINS The perfect class for those wanting to try oil painting for the first time. Guests discuss color theory, layering paint, and how to use various media. For ages 16 and over. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30 per class or $100 for 4 classes. 805747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. 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.

FILE PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA WALLACE ARTS

September 9, 2023 | 5-9 p.m.

Allan Hancock College

Fine Arts Complex & Concert Hall

Presented by CoastHills Credit Union

CELEBRATING THOSE WHO ARE CHANGING THE ODDS

You are invited to an elevated evening at Allan Hancock College, featuring unique culinary stations; local wine, beer, and craft cocktails; interactive art installations; and live music by the San Francisco collective, Jazz Mafia — all on the outdoor plaza of the new $50 million Fine Arts Complex on Hancock’s Santa Maria campus.

As the sun begins to set, you will move indoors into the beautiful new recital hall for an inspiring multimedia program celebrating our three honorees. After the hour-long program, we will return to the plaza under the stars for dessert, drinks, and more live music—including a surprise guest performance.

Proceeds from the Hancock Honors will benefit the Hancock Promise — the college’s hallmark access program that covers first-year tuition and fees for local high school graduates. The AHC Foundation has raised $7.5 million toward the $10 million goal, which will allow the college to expand the Promise to cover two full years of tuition and fees. Launched in 2018, the Hancock Promise is changing the landscape of higher education in Northern Santa Barbara County. Two years after the program began, over half of all graduates from local high schools attended Hancock. While that percentage has decreased slightly since the pandemic, it is still much higher than before the Promise began.

THE 2023 HONOREES

ANN FOXWORTHY LEWELLEN

A Transformative Force in the Community

Ann was Hancock’s seventh president and the only woman to hold that position permanently. Today she is an active leader in the Santa Ynez Valley, most recently leading the $5 million campaign to renovate Solvang Festival Theater.

TOMMY SOULATI SHEPHERD

GRAMMY Award-Winning Graduate from Hancock

Tommy is a double graduate from PCPA (completing both the acting and technical theater programs) who won a GRAMMY Award this year for Best Children’s Album as co-founder of the group Alphabet Rockers

PATRICIA RICE BOYD

Leaving a Legacy for Arts and Education

Patty was a beloved piano teacher in Santa Maria who left a transformative gift to the college upon her passing in 2012. At that time, the $13 million bequest was the second largest gift to a California community college.

As of August 11, 2023

Steve & Trish Jordan Linda Stafford Burrows

David & Tracy Beard Lois & Sonny Brown Mark & Stephanie Fugate

J. Edwin Fields & April Gillette

Lisa Gutierrez

Frank & Marian Maltagliati

The Steele Family

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.

LISA SOLOMON Solomon’s mixed media works revolve thematically around discovering her heritage, the notion of domesticity, craft, feminism, and the pursuit of art as science/research. Through Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/lisasolomon/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ODDFELLOWS OPEN MIC Bring your music, improv, standup, magic, and dance talents. Each act gets five minutes. Audience votes for favorite. Third Saturday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-234-0456. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING: GARET

ZOOK Garet Zook’s contemporary sculptures utilize resin castings, molded foam, and natural stone along with abandoned and forgotten objects, unearthing hidden treasures and revealing layers of profound significance, challenging traditional notions of value and inviting viewers to engage in dialogue about the nature of existence.

Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through

THE VICTOR TAKES IT ALL

Zaca Mesa Winery presents musician Victor Valencia, live in concert in the venue’s tasting room courtyard, on Sunday, Aug. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. Admission to the outdoor show is free. Wine tasting flights and wine by the glass or bottle will be available for purchase during the performance. For more info on the afternoon concert, call (805) 688-9339 or visit zacamesa.com.

Aug. 18 Free. 805-546-3202. cuesta.edu/ student/campuslife/artgallery/index.html.

Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-540-8300. saintsbarrel.

com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.

PAINT A PRE-MADE POTTERY PIECE

Paint a pre-made pottery piece. Choose from a variety of different pieces. 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.

PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL

Announcing the first-ever Performing Arts Festival at Congregation Beth David. Enjoy live music, laughs, samplings from local food trucks, and family-friendly games. With performances from musician Mark Getten, comedian Danielle Durbin, and singer-songwriter Nina Storey. All are welcome. All ages. Aug. 27 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $30 advanced; $35 door; free for children under 10. 805-544-0760. cbdslo. org. Congregation Beth David, 10180 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations, 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.

SCULPTURE CLASS WITH ROD PEREZ

This weekly sculpture drop-in class gives an opportunity for potters to take on new projects and learn new techniques relating to sculptural work. Additionally, every first Friday of the month, a new project will be taught by Rod Perez for beginners. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SENIOR CLAY CLASS Offered to the senior community as an outlet to explore the beauty of clay. For ages 60 and over. Caretakers welcome for an additional $20.

Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN

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

SLO DRAWZ: OPEN FIGURE DRAWING

GROUP Improve your drawing skills while also building a community of supportive creatives with live models. This is not a guided class, please bring your own materials. To sign up, email chantellegoldthwaite@gmail.com. Every other Monday, 5-7 p.m. and Every other Thursday, 5-7 p.m. through Dec. 31 $20 per session; or $60 for a month pass. 805-747-4200. instagram.com/slodrawz/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

STONES IN HIS POCKETS Presented by the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre. Through Aug. 27 SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-786-2440, slorep.org/.

TINY POTTERS: WISE ONES AND WEE

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.

VANESSA WALLACE-GONZALES

Wallace-Gonzales is a Black-Latinx and Santa Barbara-based artist who uses elements of mythology to explore her identity and personal experiences. Through Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ vanessa-wallace-gonzales/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

ARTS continued page 18

Zaca Mesa Winery is located at 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACA MESA WINERY

SALOON SALUTATIONS

The Templeton Mercantile’s Club Car Bar hosts its murder mystery dinner event, Murder at Deadwood Saloon, on Friday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission includes a welcome cocktail and dinner—with three entree options to choose from—paired with a glass of wine, beer, or soda. Tickets to the event are $100 and available in advance at my805tix.com. The venue is located at 508 S. Main St., Templeton.

ARTS from page 17

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR

This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@ charter.net Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshopsevents/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ASSEMBLAGES OF STEVE DAYTON

Steve divides his time between creating assemblages and abstract painting on wood panels. The assemblages are made by taking small hand built familiar objects and motifs and placing them in box frames to create absurd scenes that include absurd and humorous titles. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FIBER ART BY GAY MCNEAL McNeal

possesses an appreciation of the multifaceted role that fiber has played in the art and material cultures of many ethnic societies, and her creative high comes from the actual process of trying out the multitude of techniques, both old and new. Through Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY VIRGINIA MACK

Virginia, along with her late husband John, also an artist, have spent endless hours exploring the back roads of San Luis Obispo County seeking those bits of landscape and the birds that are visually stimulating or interesting. Virginia works primarily in watercolors. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

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

FREUD’S LAST SESSION Presented by By the Sea Productions. Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 18-20 my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

LANDSCAPE INTO ART BY DONALD ARCHER

Archer’s exhibit, Landscape into Art, is on display through the end of August. MondaysSundays. through Aug. 31 Cambria Library, 1043 Main St., Cambria.

METAL ART BY TRUDI GILLIAM Gilliam creates her sculptures using copper, brass, nickel/silver, and found objects. This new series of whales and birds uses copper and sea glass. ongoing 805-772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

MOSAIC TRIVET WORKSHOP During this workshop, you will learn how to design and create a mosaic trivet. You will learn how to select materials, lay out a pleasing pattern, and adhere the tiles to the trivet base. You will learn how to properly grout and seal your project. ongoing, 1-4 p.m. $60. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/index.php/workshops/. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

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

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.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 805937-9750. 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. PAWS TO READ Reading to dogs is a wonderful way for children to gain confidence while reading aloud. No one pays attention to a child reading quite like dogs do. Aug. 22 3:30-5 p.m. Free. https://engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=9521&EventID =494375&PK=. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 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 and

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.

THE TIDAL WAVE: A POWERFUL GATHERING

Visit site for tickets and more info. Hosted by Women Making Waves. Aug. 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. my805tix.com. Addie Street Surfer Parking Lot, Addie Street, Pismo Beach, 8054711740.

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

WHO COUNTED AS FAMILY: WHAT

GODPARENTING MEANT FOR THE DANAS

With speaker Colleen Beck. Aug. 20 1-2 p.m. $8 for non-members; children $3; free for DANA Members. 805-929-5679. danaadobe.org. DANA Adobe Cultural Center, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo.

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.

—C.W.

participate in other fun activities. Bring a deck from home to battle or use one from the library. Aug. 19 11 a.m. 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. Space and supplies are limited. Yoga mats will be provided or bring one from home. For ages 3-5. Aug. 25 11 a.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., 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.

TECH HELP SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Schedule a one-on-one appointment for instruction on technology topics like setting up new devices, installing apps, privacy best practices, and enjoying library e-resources at home. Registration is required. Aug. 19 11 a.m.1 p.m. and Aug. 20, 2-4 p.m. Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

MOUNTAIN MEN Buckskin clad members of the American Mountain Men share mountain men history and skills. Cooking, hide preparation and tanning, leather working, rope making, and blacksmithing are among the skills that visitors may experience. Aug. 25-26 10 a.m.-4 p.m. explorelompoc.com.

La Purisima Mission, 2295 Purisima Mission, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. 805-835-7873. 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 for details and reservations. ongoing 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.

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

BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO

BOTANICAL GARDEN

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. 805541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org. San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO. FREE FAMILY DAY AND RUMMAGE SALE

Learn some kid-friendly ways to up-cycle your old clothes and turn them into something you love again. Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 805541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. GYM JAM CLINIC Two hours of progressive gymnastics skill training on bars, beam, floor, trampoline. All levels welcome, no experience necessary. For ages 5-17. Aug. 19 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.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place for anyone suffering from the pain of depression. We do not criticize but do share our journey, feelings, and what works for us. We can meet in person or use Zoom if needed. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL For ages 18 and over. Come see what pickleball is all about. Participants will learn the basics of the game including the rules, basic skills and strategy, types of equipment, and game safety. Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. through Aug. 26 $35. slocity.org. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

LOTERÍA NIGHTS Enjoy a game of La Lotería Mexicana, a bingo-style game with colorful and beautifully-drawn cards. With drink specials and prizes for the winners. RSVP encouraged.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 19

Hot Stuff

Thursdays, 6 p.m. Free. drinkramblingspirits.com.

Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom

series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.

THE MONDAY CLUB SLO LIVING HISTORY

TOURS Enter the iconic doors of the historic, Julia Morgan-designed clubhouse. Docents will take you back to the 1920s and ‘30s, while viewing the beautiful architecture, murals, and gardens. Aug. 21 1-4 p.m.

TheMondayClubSLO.org.

The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-541-0594.

GIVE A HOOT

Ancient Owl Beer Garden in Atascadero hosts its upcoming Beer Yoga event on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets to the event, for ages 21 and over, are available in advance for $22.50 at my805tix.com. Admission to the yoga session, led by an instructor from Saunter Yoga and Wellness, includes a glass of ice cold draft beer. Ancient Owl Beer Garden is located at 6090 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

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 inperson. 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.

PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $25. 805-543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/training/. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., 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.

QI GONG FITNESS ONLINE the San Luis Coastal Adult School. Gentle but powerful exercises for mind and body with instructor Gary West. Enhance your well being, improve your balance, and practice mindfulness. 19 weeks.

Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. through Dec. 13 $95. 805-549-1222. ae.slcusd.org/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

QI GONG FOR MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

Learn and practice qi gong, a Chinese system for physical, mental and spiritual development. This class is conducted outdoors in a beautiful setting, which is the best place to do qi gong, as its inspiration is drawn from nature. Certified instructor: Devin Wallace. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805-709-2227. Crows End Retreat Center, 6340 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SIERRA CLUB WALK: REMARKABLE

TREES OF SAN LUIS OBISPO

stories of four trees designated by the city as “Heritage Trees,” important in lives of past residents and ten trees notable for age/uniqueness. John Ashbaugh will describe Heritage Trees program.

20 2-3:30 p.m. Free. 805-549-0355.

Pismo and Toro, Corner of Pismo and Toro Streets, San Luis Obispo.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA

ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of

every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer. groups.io/g/lezbfriends. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB

MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org.

—C.W.

Sept. 20 $399 for a 12-Week Session (24 Classes). slocity.org. MZR Fitness, 3536 S. Higuera St. suite 200, San Luis Obispo, 805-439-4616. SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE Vitalant will take over the event center to host. In the U.S., someone needs blood every two seconds, and every blood donation can save up to

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE

ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays 805-922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ

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

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

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

TEEN NAILED IT COOKING COMPETITION

Participants will use their skills to attempt to duplicate a confectionary creation. Aug. 18 4:30 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. engagedpatrons.org. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

C.A.R.E. 4 PAWS’ MOBILE CLINIC LAUNCH AND ‘FRIENDRAISER’ Enjoy delicious appetizers, wine and beer, and tours of the brand-new, 37-foot mobile clinic. Aug. 20, 2-5 p.m. $100. 805-9682273. care4paws.org/event/friendraiser/. The Maker’s Son, 346 Bell St., Los Alamos. FESTA DEL POMODORO A collaboration with Chef Sal Marino of Marino Restaurant, Hollywood for a special day celebrating tomato season. Multi-course dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. Tomato-themed menu offered throughout the day, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 20 805-688-2415. vegavineyardandfarm.com. Vega Vineyard and Farm, 9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

PAINT YOUR PET Includes all materials needed to create your one of a kind masterpiece, plus your first glass of liquid inspiration. Aug. 20 10 a.m.-noon $60. 805-481-1772. artsocial805.com. Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, 453 Laetitia Vineyard Drive, Arroyo Grande.

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.

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

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. 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.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing 805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com/

Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. 805478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

OPERA SANTA BARBARA CONCERT

Enjoy the beautiful and unmistakable sound of Opera with a free concert by Opera Santa Barbara. This concert is sure to delight music lovers of all ages. Aug. 19 1 p.m. Free. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-925-0994.

SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

LIVE MUSIC AT ZACA MESA WINERY: NATALIE ESPINOZA Enjoy live music by Natalie Espinoza with delicious wines. Aug. 27 12-3 p.m. Free. 805-688-9339. zacamesa.com/upcoming-events/. Zaca

Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY AT ZACA MESA

WINERY: VICTOR VALENCIA Enjoy live music by Victor Valencia with delicious wines. Aug. 20, 12-3 p.m. Free. 805-6889339. zacamesa.com/upcoming-events/. Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

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

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

CHRIS DUARTE LIVE Visit site for tickets and info. Aug. 18 , 7 p.m. my805tix.com.

Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

RED HOT TRIBUTE With The Faithful, a tribute to Pearl Jam. Aug. 19 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AN EVENING WITH JUDY COLLINS

Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Aug. 22 , 7:30-10 p.m. 805-4899444. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, clarkcenter.org.

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

KARAOKE SATURDAYS Take advantage of karaoke every Saturday. Saturdays, 3-7 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.

STONE SOUP MUSIC FESTIVAL True to the Stone Soup theme, there is a variety of music representing many genres and cultures. Bring a lawn chair, your dancing shoes, and enjoy. Aug. 26 , 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Aug. 27 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-4899444. clarkcenter.org/about/stone-soupmusic-festival/. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and an indie attitude. Aug. 17, noon eastoneverett.com/. Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that has an authentic feel and an indie attitude. Aug. 17, 6-9 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com. Frog and Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-595-4764.

EASTON EVERETT SOLO Enjoy some indie-acoustic, live music. Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. eastoneverett.com. Big Sky Cafe, 1121 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (805)545-5401.

JAZZ VESPERS CONCERTS Jazz Vespers

Concerts returns to the historic sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church of SLO with Ron McCarley and the Sam Hirsh Trio. Aug. 20 4-5:30 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. 805-543-5451. fpcslo.org.

First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.

LIVE MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO. Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle. Thursdays-Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-439-0774, ragtagwineco.com.

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

MO BETTA SUMMER JAZZ SERIES: MINT + CRAFT Visit site for tickets and info. Aug. 20 , 1:30-3:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Mint+Craft, 848 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-632-9191. MO BETTA SUMMER JAZZ SERIES: OLD SLO BARBECUE Visit site for tickets and more info. Aug. 19 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Old San Luis Barbecue Company, 670 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-285-2473.

REBELS AND RENEGADES PRESENTS

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN Aug. 23 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8600, fremontslo.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND The San Luis Obispo County Band performs a variety of music for the enjoyment of Farmer’s Market patrons. At the corner of Higuera and Nipomo during the third Thursdays of July, August, and September. Aug. 17, 6-8:45 p.m. Free admission. 630-421-2556. San Luis Obispo Farmers Market, Broad and Higuera, San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY MUSIC AT RAGTAG WINE CO. Enjoy live music by local favorites. Wine available by the flight, glass, or bottle. Sundays, 4-7 p.m. Ragtag Wine Co., 779 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, 805-4390774, ragtagwineco.com. m

Saunter Yoga & Wellness: Yoga & Wine Blending Class

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

Timshel Vineyards, Paso Robles

Red Hot Tribute and The Faithful (Tribute to Pearl Jam)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Women Making Waves: The Tidal Wave: A Powerful Gathering

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 Addie Street Parking Lot, Pismo Beach

Barrel Room Concert: Unfinished with the Beatles SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 Cass Winery, Paso Robles

Jazz Series

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 Mint + Craft, San Luis Obispo

Symphony of the Vines: Scintillating Strings

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

Adelaida Vineyards, Paso Robles

Watashi Wa Slow Coming Day Ragged Jubilee

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 Templeton Mercantile

Banda la Mafiosa with DJs Kazanova & Excalibur

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Saunter Yoga & Wellness: Beer Yoga

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Ancient Owl Beer Garden, Atascadero

Women Making Waves: Work It Out at Orange Theory SLO

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Orange Theory SLOL, San Luis Obispo

Tour of the Living Dead: Fulci with Oxygen Destroyer

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Narducci’s Cafe, Bakersfield

SLOFunny

Show with Headliner Ryan Stout

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Savory Palette, Morro Bay

Reggae Night featuring Ras Danny & The Reggae Allstars

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

SLOFunny

Gym Monthly Showcase

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

Central Coast Pizza, Los Osos

Laugh Therapy Stand-Up Comedy Show

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez

By the Sea Productions: Lifespan of a Fact

FRI, SAT, SUN, SEPT. 1, 2, 3 545 Shasta Avenue, Morro Bay

Molly Ringwald Project (Ultimate 80s Tribute Band)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Comedy

Comedy

ARTS BRIEFS

PCPA presents The Book of Will in Santa Maria and Solvang

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) latest production, The Book of Will, will open at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria on Thursday, Aug. 17, and run through Sunday, Aug. 26. The show will enjoy an additional run at the Solvang Festival Theater between Thursday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 10.

The Book of Will takes place in England between 1619 and 1623 and follows the lives of colleagues and rivals of William Shakespeare shortly after his death. The awardwinning play, written by Lauren Gunderson, tells the true story of Shakespeare’s friends compiling the Bard’s plays and poetry to preserve his legacy, while bad knockoffs of Hamlet plague the stages of London, according to press materials.

The cast of PCPA’s production of The Book of Will helmed by director Emily Trask—includes Andrew Philpot (pictured, left), Don Stewart (right), Isabella Lind, Kitty Balay, Polly Firestone Walker, Erik Stein, George Walker, and others.

For tickets to the show or more info, call the PCPA box office at (805) 922-8313 or visit pcpa.org.

DANA Adobe and Cultural Center hosts talk with local researcher

Beautiful box office

Clark Center for the Performing Arts highlights Central Coast artists in its lobby

BY ADRIAN VINCENT ROSAS

Whether visiting the venue for the latest musical theater production or one of the Clark Center for the Performing Arts’ renowned concerts and music festivals, the path to its stage meanders through the box office. And in this box office lobby, the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande is showcasing a different kind of art.

“People come in all the time to get tickets for various shows and are surprised to see the art we have hanging up in the box office lobby walls,” Lillyana Huerta said with a laugh. “They are even more surprised when that art changes every two months—it’s given the lobby this really neat dynamic.”

What began as a convenient way to decorate the lobby has transformed into a celebration of local artists hailing from across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

art—some pieces are big, some are small, and all of it is local to the Central Coast.”

Currently, the acrylic and mixed media of Jewel DeMoss and oil paintings of Kevin MacFarlane are on display.

DeMoss’ work focuses on women and their lives through a style she said makes use of paper, fabric, and anything else she finds interesting in the world around her.

“There are not sufficient words to describe my excitement in finding mixed media … it provides so much opportunity to play,” DeMoss said. “I try to reflect a piece of life or a significant issue. ... I love creating figurative art and enjoy pushing myself to be even more abstract.”

On the opposite end of the visual art spectrum are the works of MacFarlane, whose landscape oil paintings of Pismo Beach encapsulate the beauty that captivated him and his wife when they moved to the Central Coast last year.

According to the self-taught oil painter, his Clark Center lobby contributions include landscape pieces that aim to capture the beauty of nature and the emotions they inspire.

Support local art

Huerta said that the lobby has not only become a way for the venue to highlight local artists like MacFarlane and DeMoss but to also allow them to showcase and sell their work—with one notable caveat.

“[Clark Center] allows the artists to have their works be purchasable, and while we don’t take a cut of the sales, we do require that 20 percent of the profit go towards student scholarship programs,” Huerta said. “We have various ones we choose that usually aim to help graduating high school seniors get into theater in some form.”

She said that the artist application for 2024 is now open, and the artists selected will be able to host an individual—or collaborative—opening event free of charge.

“The whole point is to allow these artists to make these events tailored to what they want to fit their style and art—within reason of course,” Huerta said with a laugh. m

Staff Writer Adrian Vincent Rosas , from the Sun’s sister paper, is thinking about buying some local art to hang up in his living room. Reach him at arosas@newtimesslo.com.

As part of its Sunday Speaker series, the DANA Adobe and Cultural Center in Nipomo is hosting a talk with local researcher and librarian Colleen Beck on Sunday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 2 p.m.

The title of the talk is Who Counted as Family: What Godparenting Meant for the Danas. Beck will present her research on the history of the Adobe’s founders, William Goodwin Dana and Maria Josefa Carrillo Dana, and their godchildren.

Admission to the program is free for DANA Adobe members, $8 for nonmembers, $3 for ages 6 through 7, and free for children under age 5. To find out more about Beck’s presentation and other talks scheduled for the DANA Adobe’s Sunday Speaker series, call (805) 929-5679 or visit danaadobe.org.

Other upcoming events at the venue include a Sunday Speaker talk: The Voyages of William Goodwin Dana, with guest speaker Jim Corridan on Sunday, Sept. 17; and the nonprofit’s Heritage Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The DANA Adobe and Cultural Center, regularly open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is located at 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo. Tours of the Adobe are offered by appointment only. The Adobe is a registered historical site and is considered the oldest home in SLO County. m

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

“We have two big walls in the lobby that are completely blank and a hanging system for them to use,” said Huerta, the Clark Center’s patron services coordinator. “They get to be creative in how they display their work.”

She added that the lobby art showcases have been a fun way to keep the walls looking fresh and interesting while also allowing local artists to show their art in a place guaranteed to garner attention.

“The art is open to viewing during box office hours,” Huerta said. “Some artists do handson exhibits, which sometimes includes artists redoing or making pieces in front of guests— anything that is just getting out there and having fun.”

Lobby art ranges in style and influence, but every piece submitted and juried by the Clark Center showcases just how much local art is out there.

“Over the years we’ve had your standard paintings—including oil, watercolor, abstract, and acrylic. On top of that, we also feature pencil drawings, woodworking, ceramics, and even mixed media,” she said. “It’s a large variety of

COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Visit the Clark Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. for an opening reception for the next set of local artists hosted in the venue’s box office lobby. For more information, visit clarkcenter.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARK CENTER, ART BY BARRY LUNDGREN

STUPENDOUS SCULPTURE: The Clark Center lobby has also featured vase sculpture pieces like this one by Atascadero artist Barry Lundgren.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARK CENTER

LOVELY LOBBY: The box office lobby at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande features two different artists from across the Central Coast every two months.

FLOWER POWER: Earlier this spring, art featured in the Clark Center included pieces like this photograph from Maz Ghani that highlights Central Coast wildflowers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARK CENTER, ART BY MAZ GHANI

Send gallery, stage, and cultural festivities to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

Out of this world

Marc Turtletaub (Puzzle) directs Gavin Steckler’s script about Milton (Ben Kingsley), a somewhat pathetic retiree living a quiet life in a small Pennsylvania town, when a UFO and its extraterrestrial pilot crashland in his backyard. (90 min.)

Glen: What would you do if a flying saucer crashed in your backyard? Call 911, probably, right? But what if the 911 operator dismissed you as a crank? And what if your daughter, Denise (Zoe Winter), was unreachable, and even if she was available, she thinks you’re in the early stages of dementia and won’t believe you either? In a nutshell, that’s Milton’s predicament. He was living a wholly uneventful and lonely life. Every week, he’d turn up at the city council meetings to advocate for a change in the town’s motto and a new crosswalk, and the council members would listen politely and roll their eyes. Milton eventually finds collaborators in fellow gadflies Sandy (a wonderful Harriet Sansom Harris) and Joyce (a fierce Jane Curtin), two lonely women and city council meeting regulars, who discover Milton’s not so secret “secret” and the little gray man Sandy names Jules (Jade Quon). They know from movies what happens to these extraterrestrials, and the trio is determined to help Jules as he repairs his ship.

JULES

What’s it rated? PG-13

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo

Anna: There is something special about Jules. While he can’t communicate verbally, he seems

Television & Film Reviews

HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS

What’s it rated? TV-14

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Helen (Ellie Kemper) is desperate for a change in her life a year after divorce. She’s still fielding phone calls from her ex and can’t seem to find a way to happiness anywhere in her life. She signs up for a wilderness survival course along with a group of quirky strangers who are all looking to shed a part of themselves as well.

When Helen shows up at the retreat, she’s flummoxed to find Jake (Luke Grimes), a close friend of her little brother, Duncan (a very funny Alexander Koch), on the retreat as well. The two at first try to act as if they don’t know each other, but it’s soon obvious that this rom-com isn’t going to keep them apart for long. This is what Hallmark-esque style movies are made of—this one just happens to be a Netflix version.

While the plotline is all too predictable, Kemper and Grimes play well off of each other, and the kooky cast of characters around them round out a nice 100-minute

to have an empathetic presence, and the three humans that surround him can’t seem to help but open up and share their greatest moments, biggest fears, and untold grievances. Joyce, Milton, and Sandy all share the fact that they are lonely and all cope in their own ways. Sandy is all about creating community, whether it be through a town art project or setting up a mentor program between younger and older citizens. She’s constantly on the hunt for connection and she finds it easily with Jules, who she immediately starts to mother. Milton is all about routine, and while it may come off that he just wants to be left alone, what we learn is this is a protective shell he has created instead of facing the realities of his growing forgetfulness. Joyce inserts herself, loudly demanding inclusion. While the three seem to be ill-fated friends, little Jules is their shared purpose. Glen: Jules is like a blank slate for the others to pour their emotions onto, and at its center, this is a story about human emotions, which contrasted to Jules’ calm and placid presence seem so incredibly messy and out of control. There’s a moment when Joyce, who clearly lives in her heyday past, sings for Jules, who she calls “Gary” because she things he looks more like a Gary than a Jules, and Curtin delivers a truly potent performance. In another scene, Sandy embraces Jules in tears, and it’s deeply and earthshakingly emotional. And, my god, Kingsley is a treasure. He disappears into

Milton—his walk, accent, and mannerisms. All these performances are remarkable, and the sweet, funny, emotive story drives home the importance of human connection for a full and happy life.

Anna: I quite literally forgot that it was Kingsley we were watching—you’re right when you say he disappears into Milton. He is confronted with the end of his life and what that looks like if he slips further into dementia. For now, it’s little things, like putting a newspaper in the freezer or forgetting why he walked into a room. But Milton’s denial doesn’t make Denise feel any

JOE PICKETT (SEASON 2)

What’s it rated? TV-14

When? 2021-present

Where’s it showing? Paramount Plus

I loved the first season of Joe Pickett which centered on a new-on-the-job Saddlestring, Wyoming, game warden (played with quiet determination by Michael Dorman) who navigated the politics of his small town rural community and its greedy power brokers, while also juggling his responsibilities as a husband and father. The series is created by Drew and John Erick Dowdle, based on C.J. Box’s series of novels.

better, and she prods around the possibilities of what to do when his condition worsens. Jules is a very human tale that quietly reminds us of the power that lies in connection, in community, and in feeling heard and understood. I laughed, I cried, and I fell a little in love with everyone on the screen. I hope the Palm Theatre has a strong turnout for this film; it deserves it. m

NATURE’S CALL: Jake (Luke Grimes) and Helen (Ellie Kemper) find themselves in the same wilderness survival course in Happiness for Beginners, a cute but predictable romcom, streaming on Netflix.

reprieve from real life. Put this on your to-watch list for when you need a feel-good flick. (103 min.)

—Anna

Joe is a straight arrow, incorruptible and unwavering in his need to do the right thing. In this new season, those attributes may well get him killed. It doesn’t help that he has deeply buried childhood trauma of his own and a misguided need for stoicism. Soon his emotions are coming out in uncontrollable ways, straining his relationship with his rocksolid wife, Marybeth (Julianna Guill).

You can’t help rooting for Joe as he struggles to appear totally in control despite his clear vulnerability. This is a neoWestern, and he’s the white-hatted sheriff in a corrupt town, a man who thinks he has to face his foes alone, but he’s got

STAND TALL: Michael

stars as Game Warden Joe Pickett, who runs into all manner of trouble as he executes his duties in the terrific neo-Western TV series Joe Pickett, now in its second season on Paramount Plus.

an important ally in Marybeth, who it turns out is just as resilient and strong-willed as her husband. I hope there’s a third season. (10 approximately 50-min. episodes) m —Glen

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

ONLY THE LONELY: Three lonely retirees—(left to right) Joyce (Jane Curtin), Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris), and Milton (Ben Kingsley)—bond over helping a stranded space alien, in Jules, screening exclusively at The Palm Theatre of San Luis Obispo.

Dorman

Eats

You say tomato, I say …

Vega Vineyard and Farm holds inaugural Festa del Pomodoro

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

With 16 varieties of tomatoes growing onsite, Vega Vineyard and Farm is starting a new annual tradition to highlight its star attraction, with some help from a Hollywood heavy hitter.

“With all the tomatoes we are growing, I immediately thought of my dear friend, Salvatore Marino,” said Vega winemaker Steve Clifton, who proposed that the Buellton venue team up with Marino—chef and owner of the historic Italian eatery Marino Ristorante in Hollywood—for an upcoming tomato-themed event.

On Sunday, Aug. 20, Vega Vineyard and Farm will host its inaugural Festa del Pomodoro. Guests of the farm’s restaurant

Festival festivities

Visit vegavineyardandfarm.com for more info on Vega Vineyard and Farm, located at 9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton. The venue hosts its Festa del Pomodoro on Sunday, Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Tomato Festival Farm Dinner, a ticketed multi-course dinner, starts shortly after the festival, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 each for the dinner.

between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. will find a menu of unique heirloom tomato-centric offerings curated by Marino, alongside the restaurant’s regular brunch and lunch menus.

“He [Marino] has celebrated tomatoes at this time of year for as long as I have known him, which is decades. … Our children have grown up together,” Clifton said. “Sal and I have been close friends for nearly 30 years, stretching back to trips we would take together to Vinitaly in Verona.”

Vinitaly is an international wine and spirits fair that originated in Italy, one of the countries where Clifton has ventured for various winemaking projects throughout his career, which began in 1991 at Rancho Sisquoc Winery. He started there as a tasting room server and worked his way up to assistant winemaker.

Less than five years later, he started his own wine label solely dedicated to Italian grape varieties, Palmina Wines, in 1995. After its 2020 vintage, Palmina Wines was absorbed and rebranded into Vega Vineyard and Farm Wines. Clifton is also the co-founder of BrewerClifton, known for its focus on chardonnay and pinot noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

During Festa del Pomodoro, Clifton’s wines at Vega will be paired with Marino’s tomato-based dishes included in the Tomato Festival Farm Dinner, a seated multi-course, family-style Italian dinner that starts at 5:30 p.m. Admission to this segment of the event includes each featured course and two complimentary glasses of wine per person. Tickets are $100 each.

Marino’s restaurant in Hollywood offers a menu similar to the one he’s bringing to Buellton every Wednesday, with his weekly promotion nicknamed Tomato Wednesdays. The Buellton iteration will feature tomatoes grown at Vega Farm and Vineyard, as well as other seasonal produce grown on-site. Another local establishment is highlighted

FARM FEST: Located along Santa Rosa Road in Buellton, the scenic Vega Vineyard and Farm is hosting a one-day festival on Sunday, Aug. 20, to celebrate its 16 varieties of tomatoes.

WINE NOT? Tickets to the inaugural Tomato Festival Dinner at Vega Vineyard and Farm include two complimentary glasses of wine during the event’s seated multi-course dinner.

SUNDAY, SUNNY SUNDAY: Outdoor festivities at the first ever Festa del Pomodoro will include a pop-up farmers market, live music performances, and more.

Come join us at DAY IN THE PARK

in one of the courses in the multi-course dinner, as heirloom tomato bruschetta will be served on grilled bread from Bob’s Well Bread, the beloved bakery based in Los Alamos with a second storefront in Ballard.

Appetizers featured in the Tomato Festival Farm Dinner include multi-varietal gazpacho, albacore tartare, and a caprese salad with a heirloom rainbow mix, mozzarella, and basil. Attendees will get to choose from three pasta entree options: cavatelli with yellow tomatoes and rock shrimp; rigatoni al pomodoro; and stuffed paccheri with San Marzano ragu, ricotta, and Parmigiano.

The pasta course will be followed by albacore with a heirloom rainbow mix, calico corn, and opal basil, San Marzano ragu meatballs, and Early Girl tomato panna cotta with Black Cherokee marmalade.

Aside from a plethora of food offerings, guests of the inaugural Festa del Pomodoro can also look forward to live music performances and a pop-up farmers market, with tomatoes from the farm and other seasonal produce.

Share tasty tips!

Clifton described the upcoming festival at Vega Vineyard and Farm as the perfect way to showcase the venue’s restaurant, farm stand, and variety of organic produce, and he’s excited for guests to experience Marino’s unique spin on the farm’s tomatoes.

“I think [Marino] is one of the most inspirational, energetic, and committed chefs in California,” Clifton said. m

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

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood has ‘Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off’ stuck in his head. Send comments to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

HAVE A SEAT: Regular restaurant offerings at Vega Vineyard and Farm will be available throughout the day during Festa del Pomodoro, alongside a unique one-day-only menu of tomato-centric offerings curated by Hollywood-based chef Salvatore Marino.

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