Sun, June 27, 2024

Thelma is a funny, charming spoof [24]

FINAL WEEK TO VOTE! [13]

Coming soon

Guadalupe plans to ask voters for $3 million to help fund Royal Theater renovation [6] BY TAYLOR

Santa Maria approves city budget [4]

Little Shop of Horrors in Solvang [22]

O’CONNOR

For the past several years, Guadalupe has been dreaming of preserving and renovating the historic Royal Theater. All that stands in the coastal ag city’s way is a $3 million gap in funding. The City Council is poised to put on the November ballot a bond measure asking residents to bridge that gap. But is a state-of-the-art events center and renovated theater necessary? Some residents think not, especially in the face of two other bond measures on the ballot and rising costs of everything. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with city representatives and a local resident for the story [6]

This week, you can also read about how Santa Maria tackled its budget issues [4]; the macabre musical Little Shop of Horrors onstage in Solvang [22]; and Santa Maria’s new hot dog and shave ice drive-through [25]

Luxury Condos

• U.S. Sens. Laphonza Butler (D-California) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) announced the introduction of the Health Equity Innovation Act, legislation to fight racial disparities in health outcomes by expanding access to preventative health care in underserved communities, according to a June 21 statement from Butler’s office. The bill would establish a new grant program to provide federal funding to faith- and community-based organizations located in medically underserved areas. Grants would help cover the cost of providing preventative care—including free or low-cost health screenings, vaccinations, family planning services, and mental health services, hiring community health workers, and expanding capacity. Butler and Gillibrand are calling for $50 million for this program to be included in the fiscal year 2025 government funding bill. “This legislation would broaden access to essential health care by providing communities with both culturally and linguistically appropriate options for health care services and screenings,” Butler said in the statement. “There are clear health inequities people from marginalized communities face, and this bill would help bridge that gap and improve health outcomes.”

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) applauded new executive actions by President Joe Biden designed to keep families together by protecting noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens from separation or deportation and streamlining visa processes for Dreamers—the recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program—according to a June 18 statement from Carbajal’s office. The updated rules will allow certain long-term undocumented individuals who are married to or are noncitizen children of U.S. citizens to remain in the United States while applying for permanent status. Due to barriers in the current U.S. immigration system, prior rules prevented spouses or children of a U.S. citizen from adjusting their legal residence status without leaving the U.S. for years to await approval, often a lengthy bureaucratic process.

“Despite years and decades of contributions to our country and economy, thousands of American families still live under threat of forced separation because of our outdated immigration system,” Carbajal said in the statement. “These updated rules will help U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses or children keep their families together by allowing undocumented immigrants with long histories and deep ties in our communities to remain here as they apply to change their legal status, rather than risk prolonged legal limbo or deportation.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s support for the return of more than 2,800 acres of ancestral land to the Shasta Indian Nation according to a June 18 statement from Newsom’s office. This return is one of the largest in state history and part of the state’s ongoing efforts to right the historical wrongs committed against the Native communities of California, according to the governors’ office. “This work is a down payment on the state’s commitment to do better by the Native American communities who have called this land home since time immemorial,” Newsom said in the statement. “By listening to and working with tribes across the state, including to return ancestral homelands and restore the environment, we are healing deep wounds and rebuilding trust between our people.” Newsom officially apologized on behalf of the state to California Native American peoples five years ago—on the future site of the California Indian Heritage Center— he also announced the creation of the California Truth and Healing Council. Through collaborative and consultative work of the council, the Governor’s Office of Tribal affairs, and tribes across the state, the state has developed a number of programs and initiatives, including the state’s goal to conserve 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030 and create the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions grant program. m

BUDGET WOES: Despite concerns about filling an almost $20 million deficit for the next two fiscal years, the Santa Maria City Council passed its 2024-26 biennial budget in order to comply with state law that requires local jurisdictions to adopt a budget by June 30.

Santa Maria City Council passes 2024-26 budget, with general fund deficit

Facing the looming challenges of filling a deficit, the Santa Maria City Council voted 3-2 (with Councilmembers Gloria Soto and Carlos Escobedo dissenting) to pass its 2024-26 biennial budget.

The total budget for fiscal year 2024-25 is almost $364 million and $347 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year, Deputy City Treasurer Xenia Bradford told the City Council during the June 18 meeting.

“The city is experiencing a systematic problem with the budget deficit within the general fund, including Measure U. They are not meeting their expenditures,” Bradford said. “We went from $80 million in allocations to proposed $139.8 million. Positions have grown over the years, 2024-25 incorporates 680 full-time positions and no change for 2025-26.”

While general fund revenues are projected to continue growing at a steady pace, there’s a $21.3 million shortfall in 2024-25 and $20.2 million in 2025-26, according to the staff report. In order to fill the deficit, staff proposed pulling $21.3 million from reserves in order to balance the 2024-25 budget; however, that would mean there’d be no undesignated funds left to fill the 2025-26 gap, she said.

Moving forward, city departments must evaluate how they can ensure full cost recovery, and the city must look at alternative funding sources to account for the city’s future growth, Bradford said.

Councilmember Escobedo said that he wanted to see departments to look internally for cuts rather than bringing additional taxes to the ballot.

“Raising taxes, that shouldn’t be the first option. I think our community is struggling so much, and I’ve seen other governments—local, state, federal—[when] there’s trouble they like to raise taxes to the people,” Councilmember Escobedo said during the meeting. “At this point with the economy … I think we need to look inwards and game plan before even touching the reserve for something like this.”

Interim City Manager Alex Posada told Escobedo that the city has to use the reserves in order to have a balanced budget that meets state standards. He added that the city won’t be spending the money in the reserves on July 1, the state just needs to see that Santa Maria has a

financial plan to cover costs.

“Certainly I think our priority—as people responsible for the expenditures in the city—[is] to try to pull together as much reductions as we can,” Posada said. “We’ve been down this road before where we’ve had to make some hard decisions. We will bring you a plan with ideas down the road and what they mean financially.”

Councilmember Soto wanted to “caution folks” when looking at cost reductions because the budget’s largest allocation goes toward salaries and benefits.

“The last thing I would want us to do is jeopardize any positions. When I hear us give that directive or ask staff for cost-saving measures, we need to be specific as to what, to make sure we protect and ensure job security as best we can to employees,” Soto said.

She advised that the city should look at some of its capital projects that could be delayed for cushion and wiggle room and search for other revenue sources to close the budget gap.

“The last thing we should do, in my opinion, is tackle it through a scarcity mindset, and [we should] think about some of the ways we can generate revenue for the city so we can compensate employees and ensure that we put our money where our mouth is,” Soto said. “Your budget is your moral compass; it shows an organization’s priorities, and I’d like to show that our priority lies in our employees.”

The Firefighters Union Local 2020 has been coming to City Council meetings for the last six months—including the June 18 meeting— advocating for wages to be raised to the market average, Soto said, adding that she would like to see if there’s any way the city can shift funds for capital projects for improved salaries.

Posada noted that while all capital projects are urgent, he said that city staff can evaluate if any can be delayed and will come back to the City Council to reallocate funding toward salaries.

Mayor Alice Patino said that the city has always prioritized protecting its employees over the years, but the funding isn’t there in Measure U or the general fund for salaries. She added that the city’s emergency reserve fund, the Local Economic Augmentation Fund (LEAF), is almost tapped out after this budget cycle, with $2.2 million after the 2024-25 fiscal year.

“There was a comment that we use scare tactics—look at our LEAF funds. We are down to practically nothing,” Patino said. “Those aren’t scare tactics. We used those funds so that we kept our employees employed.”

—Taylor O’Connor

Solvang debates allocating extra discretionary grant funds

A proposed increase of grant funds in Solvang’s 2024-26 budget stirred up enough backlash to delay its inclusion, but the matter will resurface as a separate resolution in August for further review.

Reaction to the amendment—which suggested allocating an extra $125,000 for grant funding— was mixed among the public and elected officials during the Solvang City Council’s June 24 meeting.

In anticipation of the city’s biennial budget becoming effective July 1, Mayor Mark Infanti introduced the proposal on behalf of the city’s grant funding ad hoc committee during council comments.

“We want to give everybody on the council the opportunity to support organizations that they are particularly interested in,” Infanti said. “The idea is to add into the budget $125,000, based on $25,000 for each of the five of us to have to allocate to approved grant requesters.”

Infanti described the amendment as a way to potentially help organizations that meet the city’s grant application standards but ultimately don’t receive the desired amount of funding. Each council member would have the option to allocate their $25,000 between one or multiple organizations of their choice—from the pool of pre-approved groups.

“It’s called pork. … This is pure pork,” said Councilmember Robert Clarke, who asked City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan to comment on whether or not enough public notice was given to decide on an amendment of this kind.

“The item that is on the agenda is the budget, and you’re discussing adding a line item to the budget,” O’Sullivan said. “So, I think it’s an appropriate discussion … considering that grant funding generally already is a line item on the budget.”

In response, Clarke said “this room would be full out to the parking lot” if “the public was aware of this line item. … This stinks to high heaven.”

A total of three speakers participated in public comment. Each speaker sided with Clarke, including Solvang Senior Center President Jim Richardson.

“I think you’re stepping into dangerous territory,” Richardson said. “This subject of earmarks is not on the agenda.”

Richardson suggested that the City Council exclude any definitive amount, such as the suggested $25,000 per council member, in the budget and use a case-by-case method instead.

“If the majority of the council is not comfortable with placing a dollar amount on it tonight, you can always amend the budget … when it comes back with the CIP [capital improvement plan],” O’Sullivan said. “You could do an amendment at that time. … But the important thing is to pass a budget tonight so we can keep functioning.”

Clarke replied that “if the pork is out, I will vote on it.”

“Not to get on a soapbox, but I’ve raised my family from grade school to college in this town, and because they were in dance and youth government and sports and all that, I did nothing but raise money for 18 years,” Clarke said. “My message to the residents of Solvang is: It is not the city nor the taxpayers’ responsibility to pay for my good deeds … to pay for your good deeds.

“If you want to raise money and give food away, gosh, God bless you. That’s altruistic,” Clarke continued. “It’s not altruistic doing it with somebody else’s money.”

Immediately after approving the 2024-26 budget with a 4-0 vote (Councilmember David Brown was absent), the Solvang City Council agreed to direct staff to return in August with more data on a potential discretionary grant funds system.

—Caleb Wiseblood

County amends Wellpath contract for improved accountability, greater staffing levels

Additional nursing and behavioral health staff, accountability measures, and continued compliance with a legal settlement surrounding jail health care are some of the amended measures baked into Santa Barbara County’s contract extension with jail health care provider Wellpath. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved these changes during its June 25 meeting.

“I do think, even as I’ll acknowledge that I’ve been a critic of the previous contract, this is much improved,” 1st District Supervisor Das Williams said during the meeting.

In 2023, the Santa Barbara County grand jury highlighted deficiencies for the county and the company when providing behavioral health care in the jail system, like staffing shortages leaving gaps in mental health coverage and inadequate communication between agencies regarding an inmate’s mental illness history.

The county’s contract with Wellpath didn’t have a monitoring system in place that holds the company accountable to provide the medical and mental health services it agreed to in the contract. In order to understand the issue, the Sheriff’s Office commissioned an analysis of health care staffing levels and what was needed.

Moving forward with this nine-month extension, Wellpath will add 16.6 full-time equivalents—including additional nursing staff, psychiatric technicians, discharge planning liaisons, medical assistants, a nurse practitioner, a substance use disorder counselor, and a facility coordinator—to help monitor and provide improved services to inmates with mental illness. These changes will also enable the company to continue to comply with the Murray settlement—a class action lawsuit about the Main Jail’s deficiency in providing behavioral services, Sheriff’s Office custody Cmdr. Ryan Sullivan told the supervisors.

The contract now includes modified liquidated damage provisions for staffing vacancies, he said, explaining that if a staffing vacancy exists for more than 30 days, Wellpath will owe the county $200 per day per position. Additionally, there’s “enhanced language” around reductions for staffing shortfalls—if someone is out, those hours are credited back to the county in order to recoup money the county would have spent on that service.

“If they had a position vacant in excess of 30 days, if it were vacant for another 30 days on top of that, the liquidated damages provision would add up to $6,000,” Sullivan said. “Six-thousand dollars on top of the credit back of the hours they missed, assuming they didn’t cover every single hour vacant with per diem or overtime. I think it’s financially incentivizing the contractor to provide those staff members and try to get those positions filled.”

When the contract expires, the county will issue a request for proposal (RFP) for health care services in the jail starting April 1, 2025.

“We wanted to be prudent about how we did this; we didn’t want to just separate from our provider Wellpath, who has provided excellent services in many instances, and just jump to a different provider,” Sullivan said. “We wanted to go through the option of providing additional staffing we felt they needed—they felt they needed—in order to provide an increased level of care and then methodically work through an RFP process that would allow them to bid as well as any other vendor that wanted to come forward.”

Through a staffing analysis from the 202324 contract year, the Sheriff’s Office identified potentially $200,000 that could be credited back to the county, Sullivan said.

“That’s about $47,000 a month in excess payments to Wellpath over the life of this contract. This year alone could potentially be half a million dollars. Why aren’t we looking back further?” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson said. “We paid Wellpath for services they didn’t provide, and it seems it would be prudent for us to credit back the county those dollars.”

While Nelson said he appreciated the contract’s improvements and accountability provisions, he wanted to see if the Sheriff’s Office could dig as far back as contract law allows to identify additional credits.

“I understand we’re on a good path, and I’m excited about that, but I think that there’s been revenue that Wellpath realized that they didn’t have to do the work for, and that’s not something I can turn a blind eye to,” Nelson said.

After some discussion, the supervisors agreed to continue looking into the matter when the 2023-24 annual report returns with more details about staffing levels. m

—Taylor O’Connor

‘Needs and wants’

Guadalupe proposes to bridge the Royal Theater renovation’s funding gap, but some residents are concerned about costs, logistics

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

There are wants and needs for Guadalupe, resident Shirley Boydstun told the Sun, and while a renovated Royal Theater would be nice, it’s not needed.

“It’s a wonderful offering; it is a beautiful drawing for a city that has more money and the ability to handle it. We’re not there yet, that’s for sure,” Boydstun said.

59 lbs. Campus: Santa Barbara

The Royal Theater is a federally designated historic building that opened in 1939 as a movie theater. It was owned by a Japanese-American family before President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order that forced Japanese families to relocate to internment camps during World War II. When the family returned to Guadalupe after internment, they never got ownership back.

“From the very beginning when we started this project, I have heard … 100 people telling their story of going to the theater. There’s so many people who remember going to the theater in its heyday,” project manager Thomas Brandeberry said during a June 18 special City Council meeting about the project.

The renovation project proposes to revitalize the historic building with a new state-of-the-art movie theater, an amphitheater, and a performing arts center that could host live stage productions, musical events, educational and cultural programs, and provide a meeting space for local organizations. The city, which has been discussing this project for nearly a decade, received about $10.5 million in grant funding from the state and federal governments in 2023 to cover construction and renovation costs.

However, inflation and rising costs increased the price tag to complete the project, and the city now finds itself $3 million short. Facing grant deadlines and a compressed timeline to get an item on the ballot, the Guadalupe City Council voted 4-1 (with Councilmember Eugene Costa Jr. dissenting) to ask voters to pass a general obligation bond measure to bridge the funding gap. If the bond passes, residents could see an additional $77 in property taxes per year on average, with rates fluctuating depending on a home’s value.

The bond measure needs to receive a four-fifths

vote again from the City Council during its June 25 meeting—after the Sun went to press—in order to be added to the ballot by Santa Barbara County’s June 27 deadline. If it’s added to the November ballot, it will need a two-thirds majority vote from Guadalupe voters.

While residents voiced support for the project, many said they felt skeptical about additional property taxes. Come November, Guadalupe’s bond measure would be on the ballot alongside a $194 million bond measure from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District and Santa Barbara County’s proposed transient occupancy tax increase.

During both the June 11 and June 18 special meetings, residents also raised questions about the theater’s ownership and long-term sustainability— and if there’s a Plan B should the measure fail.

Guadalupe Mayor Ariston Julian told the Sun that the city is drafting a request for proposal (RFP) to identify a nonprofit owner, and it’s looking at alternative revenue sources—like fundraising or capital campaigns—while moving the bond measure forward in order to meet the June 27 deadline.

“We need to make sure that we have what we need in the future; we need to do that now,” Julian said. “One council member mentioned when you plant a tree, you may not get the shade of that tree, but others will get the shade of that tree.”

This isn’t the first time the city has agreed to invest in its future. In 2020, Guadalupe residents approved a tax increase to fund public safety, and in 2022, city voters passed a bond measure for the school district.

“The other two were fine; they were very much needed,” Guadalupe resident Boydstun said. “It’s hard to turn down schooling and children. Like I say, there are needs and wants. To me, the theater rejuvenation is a wish, but there is not a need.”

She added that she isn’t sure if another capital campaign or fundraising effort will be successful in the city.

“We just don’t have the people here who could shell out the big amounts like they used to. Some of the farmers, some of the people who have done well in the past, those people are gone. Those are the old families, the ones you could count on,” Boydstun said. “We don’t see anybody

that has that kind of capital, or at least I don’t.”

The city received $4.8 million from the federal government’s Economic Development Agency and $5 million from the California Arts Council to fund the renovation project through a capital campaign, project manager Brandeberry said. Those funds were originally slated to be enough to cover costs, and the city didn’t find out from its consultants until April that it would be $3 million short.

“The reason we have a gap in funding is when we originally got the price, we went out and talked to historic tax credit and new market tax credit consultants and hired attorneys because we were told we were a highly competitive community to get those tax credits,” he said.

The consultants later told Brandeberry and the city that investors are not interested in the theater renovation because they want to fund medical, educational, or manufacturing projects, he said.

“We were surprised by this and have spent since April trying to find solutions to a $3 million gap. The only one that seemed feasible to get done that kept the project operating [and] sustainable was a bond,” Brandeberry said.

The project manager and city staff also explored commercial loans, but they’d have $68,000 payments due every six months, he said.

“You can’t put that on the operator, and the city would have too much of their general fund go away,” Brandeberry said. “We haven’t finished looking; there are other options, but until those options come up, the bond has to go forward.” At the same time, Brandeberry and the city are gearing up to release the RFP to identify a nonprofit that could own the building, manage the theater and performing arts center, and run programming once it’s developed.

“In a lot of situations, you have a nonprofit that comes along and says, ‘Hey, look at this building. I’d like to take it and work on renovating it,’” Brandeberry said. “Usually, it doesn’t come from a city wanting to renovate and find an operator. That’s an unusual way of doing it, which is why there isn’t an operator in the first place.”

Part of the RFP process will ask about long-term plans and sustainability practices. He added that the city’s also planning for a long-term financial support system for the nonprofit once they get up and running. However, the funding shortage has also halted the RFP process.

“One of the worst-case scenarios is we end up not having enough money, period, and we will only have enough money to have a movie theater. No performing arts center, no amphitheater, no plaza, just a historic building that shows movies—a very different operator than a performing arts center,” Brandeberry said. “We’re going forward with an RFP for a performing arts center, but that may change if we don’t have the money to do the whole project.”

While he would prefer that the community didn’t have to pay $3 million for this project, he said he believes that Guadalupe deserves the reimagined Royal Theater in its entirety.

“I’ve been here since 2016, and this project has always come up as an important project economically, socially,” Brandeberry said. “I still get back to the same thing: This community deserves this whole project, and I’m sorry people have to pay through property taxes to get this, but they should; it’s worth it.” m

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

REDEVELOP AND RENOVATE: Facing a $3 million shortfall, Guadalupe is turning to its residents to pass a bond measure that will fund the Royal Theater renovation project.

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White, and Zoom’

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Since the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s beginning, it’s hosted a Fourth of July celebration for city residents.

While the festivities vary from year to year, it’s continued to be a great opportunity for families, neighbors, and friends to gather for a day of free, fun-filled events, Recreation Manager Stephanie Saucedo said. This year, the city is hosting a drone show instead of fireworks to help promote a safe and sane environment.

“This is the first time we are also doing a drone show,” Saucedo said. “A couple of drones are programmed to use their lights and configurations to light up the sky with different patriotic symbols and [play] music that will complement the drones’ icons they will be showing in the sky.”

As long as it’s a crisp night with no fog, as the weather is currently predicting, the 15-to-20-minute light show should be bright and vibrant for viewers, she said. Solvang hosted a successful drone show two years ago, and other major cities like San Francisco and Sacramento have also made the switch to drone shows instead of fireworks.

Santa Maria Fire Marshal Jim Austin told the Sun that the city’s ramped up its efforts to prevent illegal fireworks since he joined the Fire Department three years ago.

“Fire is always a concern, especially in this area of California and this time of year. Over the last couple of years, throughout the nation, the No. 1 ER visit is children the ages of 3 to 7 with thermal burns on their hands from sparklers,” he said.

Safe and sane fireworks don’t leave the ground and have a California State Marshal’s emblem as the stamp of approval, Austin said. Such fireworks can be used from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4. The fire and police departments alongside the city rangers will be patrolling and issuing citations—up to $1,000—to residents launching fireworks after the designated time or using illegal fireworks. Last year, the city issued nearly 50 $1,000 citations for illegal fireworks; the Fire Department alone issued 22, he said.

“We will be having an air enforcement operation that uses GPS tracking and a database. Through the video, we can identify property lines, parcel numbers, and addresses, and we will record the fireworks leaving the ground,” Austin said. “If we see a firework go up into the sky, we know that’s an illegal firework, and we will zero in on the area and cite the property owner.”

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on illegal fireworks and risking the citation fees, Recreation Supervisor Saucedo invites the public to the free Fourth of July event at the Elks baseball field behind the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center.

Alongside the drone show, families can enjoy

free recreational swimming, pool volleyball and basketball, and a cannonball contest from 3 to 7 p.m. The Model A car club will be bringing some of its award-winning cars to show, and the Abel Maldonado center is hosting an open house that will have laser tag, crafts, and building tours. People can also play tug-of-war, cornhole, and volleyball throughout the afternoon.

Local ’80s tribute band The Molly Ringwald Project will perform an outdoor concert from 6 to 9 p.m., with the drone show closing the night.

“It’s a great, safe, fun outdoor activity for the family to come together. There’s lots of activities for the kids to do—families can still congregate while the kids have fun,” Saucedo said.

Residents arriving in the late afternoon should bring sunscreen, water, hats, and a chair or small umbrella—pop-ups or E-Z UP canopies take too much space and block sites. Food trucks will also be on-site to provide food for purchase during the day. Saucedo suggested bringing a blanket, sweatshirt or additional layers for those staying for the concert and the drone show as the night cools off. Carpooling is encouraged, as there will be limited parking available at the Abel Maldonado center. General parking will be open on McClelland Street and the Santa Maria Civic Center parking structure between City Hall and the public library.

For more information, call (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260. To report illegal fireworks, call (805) 928-3781.

Highlight:

• Santa Maria is currently accepting applications for the Block Grants Advisory Committee, library board of trustees, and the Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee until July 5. Appointments will likely be made at the July 16 City Council meeting. The Block Grants Advisory Committee has five vacancies to fill, with terms ending July 2027. The committee is composed of 15 members nominated by the City Council and assesses community needs, conducts public workshops and hearings, reviews funding applications, and recommends funding allocations. The library board of trustees has two seats to fill in its five-member body that advises the city librarian and City Council on library matters. Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee has three seats to fill, and residents on the committee ensure transparency and oversight to the expenses made in relation to Measure U—a sales tax meant to fund public safety. Complete applications at www.cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/boards-commissions or inperson at the city clerk’s office, 110 East Cook St. Direct questions to (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2306. m

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

Owl Beer Garden, Atascadero

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

JULY 14

Strauss Ranch, Agoura Hills

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

FRIDAY,

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Supper Club at The Cliffs featuring Wolff Vineyards

JUNE 29

What’s your favorite category in Winning Images?

50% I’m a sucker for a good nature shot.

38% Animals, 100 percent!

12% I like seeing the different places people have seen.

0% The people are the best part.

California dreamin’

BY RON FINK

If your son/daughter and their mate have a couple of kids and they have a joint income of say $85,000 a year, why can’t they find an affordable home to rent/buy?

8 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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Well, there are lots of reasons why it will be hard for them, and most are associated with government policies that have dramatically increased the cost of housing. Sacramento politicians, they are the ones making the rules, and local elected officials like to blame developers for profiteering, but there is ample evidence that they themselves and their predecessors have their footprints on the backs of prospective homeowners.

A recent report in Noozhawk led off with, “The phrase ‘Santa Barbara needs more affordable housing’ gets thrown around a lot, but what does it mean for housing to actually be affordable?” It then reported that “in order for housing to be considered affordable, a renter should only have to spend 30 percent of their monthly income on housing expenses, otherwise the renter is considered burdened by the cost of housing.”

So that means that the happy couple, earning $85K has about $25,500 a year or $2,125 a month in their budget for housing. When I was younger that was a lot of money; today in Lompoc a modest three-bedroom home rents for well over $3,000 a month—and then you still must pay for utilities, and taxes if you own the home.

We can’t go back once we mess things up

It seems we have been gaslighted with the “group think” new agendas. I am a local of San Luis Obispo. I was born in 1951, so I’ve seen a lot of changes in San Luis Obispo city and the county.

The very sad thing about the Dana Reserve project is not only the loss of all those trees and open land, but the concept that it will provide

But why have housing costs escalated to current levels? One example is a four-bedroom house in the development I live in that was built 40 years ago and sold for around $120K new. It sold last week for $710,000 and the monthly payment is estimated to be more than $4,500 a month.

At the start of this commentary, I said that government policies are the primary reason for these huge increases in cost. Politicians like to be elected, and while most of their donations come from wealthy donors, the votes come from everyday working people like you and me. To get these votes, they must deliver something to their constituents, and in this case it’s low-cost housing.

The cost of construction is higher than market rate projects because they must be built to last for 55 years and be “energy efficient and environment friendly.” Another factor is that if government money is involved, the builder must work to a “project labor agreement,” which specifies that only union contractors can be used on the project.

Politicians like to be elected, and ... the votes come from everyday working people like you and me. To get these votes, they must deliver something to their constituents, and in this case it’s low-cost housing.

There are several federal and state programs that incentivize developers to build housing specifically for low-income families. In return for building these projects, they get a substantial tax break, and in many cases these projects don’t pay for their fair share of general fund services, such as police and fire protection, because they are exempt from property taxes.

housing over protecting the environment. I have seen so many projects here in the city and county that come down to one thing: Greed. Money for developers, money for the county from the development. And we give up our precious land for that one thing. Greed.

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

Where and when do we finally put a stop to some of these projects? What are we going to leave for our future generation? Can we possibly

So, what does this mean when these policies are applied to low-cost/affordable housing projects? A recent project on the infamous skid row in downtown Los Angeles for unemployed and unhoused persons came in at $593,525 per unit for a one-bedroom apartment. And in Lompoc, the Housing Authority renovated several existing homes a few years ago for approximately $400,000 per house. When the government creates situations like these, it’s no wonder that the cost of market rate housing is so high.

So, the next time you hear politicians and/or local activists complaining about the high cost of housing, remind them that it was elected people “trying to help” that contributed to this problem. m

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

find a better solution that would balance the Earth with the growing population?

A famous quote from a Madonna song, “wake up, wake up,” (“God Control”). That is a warning before it is too late, as we can’t go back and change things once we mess them up beyond repair.

Don’t let this project slip out of our hands, heads, and, most of all, our hearts.

Mark Steven Swack San Luis Obispo

Stop pouring public money into weapons and war

Cannot our national-level elected officials, Sens. Laphonza Butler and Alex Padilla and Congressman Jimmy Panetta, do more to protect our young people from having to work for war and in war corporations?

Some young people want to enter the military or to work for war companies, to kill and to risk being killed. But most who enter the war business are forced by economic circumstances, misunderstandings about the risks, and pressure from recruiters. Perhaps the government even strong-arms our young people into the business of war. There exists a possibility for reinstatement of the draft. Once in the military, what personal liberties they had will be gone. If our legislators would but invest our public money in community empowerment and stop pouring the majority of our public money into weapons and war, our communities, and particularly young people, would have a multitude of opportunities!

Dolores Howard Paso Robles

Why does it always feel surprising when budgets dry up? We go a year or two without having to think too hard about money on the municipal level, and then, bam! Your city’s gotta start pinching those pennies again.

Santa Maria’s currently moving forward with a solution for its $21.3 million budget deficit. Sort of.

The city’s deputy city treasurer, Xenia Bradford, told the City Council on June 18 that it’s got a “systematic problem with the budget deficit within the general fund,” including public safety tax Measure U. “They are not meeting their expenditures. We went from $80 million in allocations to proposed $139.8 million. Positions have grown over the years, 2024-25 incorporates 680 full-time positions and no change for 2025-26.”

That means even without adding any new full-time jobs, it’s going to cost nearly $60 million more to keep paying salaries and insurance for city employees.

The good news: The City Council doesn’t want to make the citizens pay, at least not through taxes.

The other news: Someone’s got to pay.

“Raising taxes, that shouldn’t be our first option. I think our community is struggling so much, and I’ve seen other governments—local, state, federal—[when] there’s trouble they like to raise taxes,” said Councilmember Carlos Escobedo, who was one of the dissenting votes on the budget, which passed 3-2. “We need to look inwards and game plan before even touching the reserve for something like this.”

On paper, the city has to show the state that its

biennial budget is balanced and that it can cover costs. To do that, interim City Manager Alex Posada told the City Council that they do indeed have to dip into their reserves, or at least show that they have said reserves to use.

Everything’s OK, Sacramento. We’re not asking for money! We can make it another two years and finally finish college, Dad! Nothing new to see here. “We’ve been down this road before where we’ve had to make some hard decisions,” Posada said after urging city departments to “pull together as much reductions as we can.”

Yet all the while, the Firefighters Union Local 2020 has been asking the city for better wages to be in line with the market average. It seems like in the face of tightening belts across city departments, at least Councilmember Gloria Soto, who was the other dissenting vote on the budget, is hearing the firefighters. She asked city staff to find a way to delay capital projects—things like sports complexes and fire stations—so the city could improve salaries.

“The last thing we should do ... is tackle it through a scarcity mindset, and [we should] think about some of the ways we can generate revenue for the city so we can compensate employees and ensure that we put our money where our mouth is,” Soto said. “Your budget is your moral compass; it shows an organization’s priorities, and I’d like to show that our priority lies in our employees.”

I sure hope Santa Maria can put its money where it belongs, and not just on paper—because when it doesn’t pay people like first responders what they need, we all pay. m

The Canary puts its birdseed where its mouth is. Send millet to canary@santamariasun.com

SB County Fair

DINE AND DEVOUR

It’s been a lovely year so far, and our annual Best Of issue is here to continue the trend! We’re asking you, community members, to take your time to pick out some cool cats and top dogs. Specifically, we need you to help us find the eateries, drinkeries, businesses, and people that make northern Santa Barbara County so sweet—that make this place a special sort of place.

Now isn’t the time to hold back. It’s time to tag your partners in crime. So put on those goggles and that scarf, and hop into the hot seat. Fill out this ballot. Then talk to your family, friends, and neighbors—and even their pets—so you’re not the only one driving. We all hit the road at our own pace, so they need to fill out ballots of their own! You can even go online to vote at santamariasun.com. Just remember, you need to complete at least 25 categories to make it into the sidecar.

Return this ballot to the Sun office or go online by 5 p.m. on July 1. Then stay tuned to read all about the coolest, hottest winners around, on August 22.

Tell everyone!

—Camillia Lanham

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

BURNING CASH

ABOUT TOWN

David Ikola, M.D. Shane Rostermundt, D.O. Joseph Nunez, M.D. Dr. Michele Kielty, D.O.

Santa Barbara County Fair

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

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

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

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Performances follow at the Solvang Festival Theater, July 12-28. Presented by PCPA. June 27-30 Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, pcpa.org.

RAINBOW READS BOOK CLUB Join every month as we read and discuss literature that focuses on LGBTQIA+ authors,

characters, and themes. The selection for June is Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett. See sm.blackgold.org for available titles. Registration is required. June 28 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. 805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria. org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CALIFORNIA’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE:

THE WAY OF WATER Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, this exhibition showcases George Rose’s recent expansive documentation of California’s dramatic water story. Through July 8 California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, calnatureartmuseum.org.

FAR FROM HOME A solo exhibit of watercolors by Martha Inman Lorch that showcase her travels across the globe. She chooses international subjects that catch her eye and imagination. Her unique perspective and watercolor skills make each painting visually enchanting. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through June 30. 805 -688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT VEGA VINEYARD AND FARM Spend the afternoon sipping delicious wine and capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape on canvas. June 30 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $89. 805-325-8092. artspotonwheels. com. Vega Vineyard and Farm, 9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton.

PILLARS: GALLERY LOS OLIVOS

A collection of realistic oil paintings honoring the workers that hold up our food system. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through July 31 805-688-7517.

GalleryLoosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SOLVANG ROTARY’S ANNUAL JULY 4TH

PARADE Dozens upon dozens of parade entrants such as classic cars, prancing horses, dance groups, drum lines, and brass sections travel along the route. July 4 11 a.m. SolvangUSA.com. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

UNDER THE SAME SUN The exhibition features works by five visual artists based in Central and Southern California with their own unique approach as seen in the diversity of the work on display and the variety of styles. Through July 7 elverhoj. org. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805-686-1211.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

JASMINE GONZALEZ: CLOWN This solo exhibit highlights a collection of clown-themed collage pieces by the Lompoc-based artist. Through July 1 maniccreativeart.com. Eye on I, 131 N. I St., Lompoc.

THE MAGIC OF MY WORLD The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring The Magic of My World, an artist show by Kristine Kelly. Through June 30 805-737-1129. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, lompocart.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover. org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. FIND WALDO LOCAL 2024 Where’s Waldo? In Arroyo Grande, of course. Waldo is hiding at 20 local businesses in July. Grab your stamp card from Monarch

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.

Books on July 1 and start your search. Collect 20 or more stamps and you could win a prize in the grand-prize drawing. July 1 -28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-6686300. monarchbooks805.com. Monarch Books, 201 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande. GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES ART DISPLAY The Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Trilogy displays 22 original artworks from 15 Trilogy artist residents. The art displayed ranges from traditional to ethereal abstract compositions. They cover a wide media including acrylic, glass fusion, and photography. New work to be displayed on June 29. June 29, 1-3 p.m. Free. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo, 805-343-7500. PIRATES OF PISMO A-GO-GO The plot follows a young “junior pirate” who plans to celebrate his 21st birthday by breaking away from the grip of his master, the Pirate King. Comical complications arise because of his Feb. 29 birthday, as it only comes around every four years. Through July 6 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL Set in the late 1970s, this story of friendship and revenge is “outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.” Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their egotistical, lying boss. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through June 30 $20-$40. 805-786-2440. slorep.org/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo. ACT SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS Visit site for details on this summer camp series. Through Aug. 5 slorep.org/education/acttheatre-camps/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, 805-786-2440.

MAPS TO THE STARS … AND STRIPES

On Thursday, July 4, Solvang Rotary’s annual July 4 Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. with dozens of parade entrants, including classic cars, dance troupes, marching bands, horses, and more. The parade will traverse through most of downtown Solvang’s main streets. The Rotary’s fireworks festival will commence in the evening near Old Mission Santa Inés. Visit solvangusa.com for more info.

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.

ADAM PARKER SMITH: FOR THE TIME BEING This exhibition will feature several works made throughout the artist’s career as sort of a mid-career retrospective. Adam Parker Smith has a unique ability to address complex themes in a whimsical, light-hearted way that makes his work incredibly accessible. Through July 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/adam-parker-smith/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam

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

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

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

ART AFTER DARK: CENTURY 21 HOMETOWN REALTY Century 21 Hometown Realty is pleased to host amazing local artists, rotating their art work each month for the ‘Art After Dark’ calendar year. Reception of food and wine. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through

Nov. 1 Century 21 Hometown Realty, 1103 Toro St., San Luis Obispo. ART HISTORY MIXED MEDIA FOR KIDS WITH SPENCER COLLINS This is a class for students who are looking to expand their knowledge about art history while having fun. Different mediums will be explored each time. Ages 9-12 June 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m. $35 per class or $75 for entire series. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

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

BEGINNING WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH Learn the ways watercolor is apt to flow (or not), and how you and those colors can “start a tango that will unleash a new relationship with your artistic visions.” For beginners or watercolor artists who would like to “loosen up.” Thursdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. through June 27 $120 plus materials. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, San Luis Obispo. CIRCUS VARGAS PRESENTS JUBILÉ! AN EPIC WORLD CELEBRATION Featuring the world’s finest in circus acrobatic and aerial artistry presented with the

—Caleb Wiseblood

magical voice of Johnathan Lee Iverson. Through July 8 $25-$80. circusvargas. com. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

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

CRASH COURSE IN CRAFTS FOR KIDS WITH SPENCER COLLINS In this one-hour class, students will learn a fun craft with new mediums each time. This is a biweekly series with three sessions. Parents are welcome to join their children for craft making. Ages 6-9. June 30 12:301:30 p.m. $35 per class or $75 for entire series. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-747-4200.

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

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

FOUR-WEEK ADULT HANDBUILDING AND WHEEL SERIES Learning both handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques. Students will get a taste of all things clay in this four-week series. Clay/ firing included; beginner friendly. Please sign up online in advance. This series is offered each month (check website for availability). First Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $180. anamcre.com/ booking. 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. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/visit/ tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOW Hosted by Central Coast Comedy Theater. June 29, 6-8 p.m. and July 6 6-8 p.m. my805tix. com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB

The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Hub, 1701 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.

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

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

THE MAMA TEMPLE Includes contributions of art, stories, and experience that challenge the narrative of motherhood. This collaboration of art and story has a message of healing and reconciliation for ourselves and others. Motherhood events/workshops

WITH A TWIST

The Blast 825 Orcutt Stockyard in Old Town Orcutt presents its Independence Day Weekend Kickoff with the Tepusquet Tornadoes (pictured) on Friday, July 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can look forward to live music from the local band, food, drinks, and more. Tickets to the event are available in advance at my805tix.com.

are held during July. July 5 -31, 5-8 p.m. themamatemple.org/work/julyevents. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, 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.

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.

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

POTTERY: BEGINNING WHEEL CLASS

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

MAKING CLASS In this class, your instructor will teach you how to take sea glass and create a beautiful necklace and pierced earrings using a wire wrapping technique. You’ll start by selecting three pieces of genuine, local sea glass then learn easy, basic jewelry-making techniques. June 30, 1-2:30 p.m. $45. 805-541-1400. creativemetime.com. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW AT DAIRY CREEK With five headliners (subject to change). June 29, 8-9:30 p.m. my805tix. com/. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, 805-782-8060.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING

WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. YOUTH POTTERY CLASS Teens love this class. Learn handbuilding techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Held every Friday after school. Fridays, 3:30-5 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ANNE SELTZER: STORY PAINTINGS A show of new works by California artist, Anne Seltzer. She will show her collection of story paintings based on her everyday life. July 6, 5-8 p.m. Free. 805-203-5950. patrickgalleryexhibitions.com/upcomingexhibitions. Patrick Gallery, 815 Main Street, unit C, Cambria.

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

COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. 559799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

DRAWING/PAINTING GROUP CCA holds still life drawing/painting sessions in the Green Room at Cambria Center for the Arts. You will need to bring your own supplies, including an easel if you choose to paint. Fourth Thursday of every month, 1-3:30 p.m. through Feb. 25 $10. 805-927-8190. cambriacenterforthearts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

FIBER AND TEXTILES BY DEBBIE

GEDAYLOO A self-taught artist who uses observations of the natural world as inspiration. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 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.

the stars. June 28 7-9:15 p.m. Free. 805772-9225. facebook.com/the.reboot4u. Top Dog Coffee Bar, 857 Main St., Morro Bay.

SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW (MORRO BAY) Lineups are subject to change, but always include five headliners. June 29 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Eagles Club, 2988 Main St., Morro Bay, 805-772-1384.

SYLVIA A man adopts a talking dog who competes with his wife for his affection and attention. Through July 7 By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, bytheseaproductions.org.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

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

JEWELRY AND ART BY CAROL

ROULLARD Using a microscope, Carol shows us extraordinary, intricate dazzling crystals with unique natural structures and patterns. Come discover the microcosmos in this amazing jewelry show. Gallery at Marina Square is open daily. June 30 -July 29 Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

OIL PAINTINGS BY PATRICIA NEWTON Newton’s style is representational, “utilizing a glazing technique to create a translucent effect that provides depth and emanates light from my paintings.” June 30 -July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PHOTOGRAPHER CATHY RUSS Russ is a photographer living in Morro Bay whose photography has taken her around the world for decades. Her work features rural and urban scenes, landscapes, wild animals, and much more. Her work is printed on paper, metal, and canvas. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY SIRAGUSA

This artist prefers photography of subjects that are subtle or commonplace, “revealing beauty that often goes unnoticed.” But his portfolio also exhibits grandeur, capturing memorable landscapes and birds whose wings regularly touch the sky. Work is printed on metal, canvas, and paper. June 30 -July 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, 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.

PROCREATE MONTHLY ARTIST

GROUP Learn the basic tools for using the iPad app, Procreate. Every month, group focuses on a different way to use Procreate, sometimes starting with a “how-to” video. Join a supportive community and navigate the digital world together. First Wednesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. through March 6 $10. 805-9278190. cambriaarts.org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria. THE REBOOT PRESENTS SPEAKEASY (TRUE STORIES AND MORE) The Reboot: Storytelling ReImagined returns as The Reboot SpeakEasy with local tellers sharing true personal stories and a tasty mix of spoken word play, rants, and raves. It’s story gold for people who delight in all things well told. Outdoor seating under

Patrons 18 and older. June 29 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. 805-925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PISMO BEACH A short ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by a reception and open house with music and refreshments. A milestone celebration at this “little yellow church by the sea.” June 29 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. communitypresbyterianpismobeach. com. Community Presbyterian Church of Pismo Beach, 990 Dolliver St., Pismo Beach. ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: INATURALIST Join State Park Staff for an interactive workshop to learn how to use iNaturalist, a free app that helps you identify plant and animal species in our area. Bring your own device (smartphone or tablet) with the app downloaded. RSVP required by calling. June 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-474-2664. centralcoastparks.org. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.

CLOTHING EXCHANGE Join the Santa Maria Public Library in Shepard Hall for its first ever clothing exchange. Clean out your closet and bring in gently worn, good condition clothing and get a chance to upcycle your own wardrobe. Don’t bring shoes, underwear, socks, or dirty clothing. July 6 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

D-AND-D AT THE LIBRARY Get ready to join an epic adventure with Dungeons and Dragons presented by the Santa Maria Adventurer’s League. This easy to learn game is the world’s most popular tabletop role playing game, and everyone is welcome regardless of previous experience. Space is limited; registration required. June 30 1-4:30 p.m. Free. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 805-937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing 805-343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

OPEN HOUSE A ribbon cutting followed by the opportunity to explore newly renovated spaces, modern amenities, and comfortable living areas. Enjoy delicious appetizers, treats, and drinks as you mingle and meet the Merrill Gardens team. June 27 3-5 p.m. Free. 805-928-2662. merrillgardens.com. Merrill Gardens, 1220 Suey Rd., Santa Maria.

STORYTIME FOR ADULTS You’re never too old to listen to a good story. Come hear classic and contemporary short stories read aloud and take part in a book club style discussion with other literature lovers. For patrons 18 and older; registration required. June 27, 5-6 p.m. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. TECH MADE EASY: IPHONE AND APPLE IOS This workshop is for anyone wanting to learn more about their Apple mobile device. Covers phone basics, apps, and simple troubleshooting. Please bring your cell phone to this free class and make sure you know your password.

AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY DOGGIE PARADE All dogs must be registered to walk in the parade. Also includes a costume contest. July 4 , 11 a.m.-noon my805tix.com. Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., Avila Beach.

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

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

CENTRAL COAST AQUARIUM SUMMER CAMPS The Central Coast Aquarium is excited to announce that summer camp registrations are now open. Each week-long camp session will include: interactive lessons and activities, outdoor field trips, animal encounters, and more. Mondays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 5 centralcoastaquarium.org/campsprograms/seasonal-camps/summercamps/. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280. CHOP AND PROP: PLANT PROPAGATION Learn three methods of propagation that will cover the widest range of techniques used for houseplant propagation. June 29, 1-2:30 p.m. $35. 805-270-4083. theplantedparlour.com/event/chop-andprop-plant-propagation/. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach. COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 805-710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing 805-619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. HOUSE OF PRAYER PRESENTS GUEST SPEAKER AND MUSICIAN JONTHAN STRICTLING House of Prayer will host guest speaker and musician Jonthan Strictling from The Center of Praise Ministries of Sacramento, CA. Pastor Jono services as the Directors of Communication and Men’s Ministries. Everyone is invited. All will be blessed. June 30 10-11:30 a.m. Fee admission. 805-732-5111. House of Prayer Church, 640 S. Frontage Road, Nipomo. CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20

—C.W.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Enjoy local vendors in the Pier Plaza starting at 9 a.m., music from Epic Entertainment from noon to 9 p.m., and “the best fireworks show on the Central Coast” at 9 p.m. July 4 9 a.m.-10 p.m. experiencepismobeach.com. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS

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

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

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

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE

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

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

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. 805-4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

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

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. 805-541-1400. 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.

CENTER STAGE SUMMER SINGING

CAMP For kids ages 8-13. Full of singing, music games, friendships, and a Friday

Camp Show. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m. through June 28 $275 per kid per week. 805-458-6440. Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School, 1401 San Luis Bay Dr., San Luis Obispo, bsfcs.org.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN

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

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. 646-2805800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FRIENDSHIP GYMNASTICS CAMP

With gymnastics, themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. Forge friendships on trampolines, bars, beams, foam pits, and more. Children ages 4-13; no gymnastics experience necessary. Through June 28, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $40-$360 depending on which options you choose. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/camps. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK

Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. 805-541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

GUIDED ENERGETIC MEDITATION

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

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT

GROUP A safe place to share life experiences with those who have depression or have had and recovered from the devastating effects of depression. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Dec. 30 Free. 805-528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD

SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardener Program of San Luis Obispo County extends an invitation to the public. Every first Wednesday of the month: April–September. Bring your lunch, tour the garden or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the GSS. First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 4 Free. 805-781-5939. ucanr.edu/ sites/mgslo/. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

MELLOW YOGA FOR EVERYONE Stretch into yourself under the beautiful oaks and fresh air of this idyllic country setting. Suitable for all levels, these classes emphasize the gentler side of yoga and adapt to participants’ needs. Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for five-class card with no expiration. 805-440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Tiber Canyon Ranch, 280 W Ormonde Rd, San Luis Obispo.

LAWN OF THE FREE

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa in Pismo Beach hosts Live on the Rocks: Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. This free event on the venue’s lawn is open to the public. Attendees can look forward to live music from the Vintage Renegades and “a few surprises” to celebrate July 4, according to press materials. Visit cliffshotelandspa.com to find out more.

—C.W.

Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

NAVIGATING FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS WITH RYATH BEAUCHENE

Examine the intersections of fungal biochemistry, the “functional mushroom” space, and some recommended practices. Ryath will also elaborate on commercial products, testing, extraction methods, and lesser known applications of mushrooms for being well. June 29 9-11 a.m. $20. 805395-9323. plantaeandfungi.com. Plantae and Fungi, 750 Sheffield St., Cambria. SHAMANIC YOGA AND RITUALS FOR VITALITY Hosted by Aurora Meditations and Rituals. July 3 , 8:30-9:45 a.m. my805tix.com. Beach Access Parking Lot, 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay. SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

FOOD & DRINK

METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK

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

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE 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.

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY CLASS This is a free, eight-session education program for family, friends and significant others of children and adults with mental health conditions. Learn about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery. Registration by email or calling required. Mondays, 6-8:30 p.m. through Aug. 5 Free. 805-481-4847. namislo.org. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.

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. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and Saturdays, 9 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 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, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

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

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

SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers, a local nonprofit sports and social club for adults, meets monthly. Food and drink at 5:30 p.m. social hour. Meeting follows. Activities all year. First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. through Dec. 2 free; $65 annual membership. 805-528-3194. sloskiers.org. Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this outdoor class which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email before attending. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $10. 805709-2227. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 805-5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person

and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-541-4252. VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED

Hospice volunteers find working with patients to be very gratifying and emotionally meaningful. This is an excellent use of time for retirees, students, or anyone who feels called to give back to your community. Give the gift of time that only CCHH Hospice fills. Train free in mid-June for three Fridays only. Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through June 28 Free. 805-3057980. centralcoasthomehealth.com/index. php/hospice-volunteer/. Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, 253 Granada, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY CAYUCOS FOURTH OF JULY TOWN

PARADE Organized by the Cayucos Lions Club. Front Street Faire runs through 6 p.m. July 4 10 a.m. cayucoschamber.com/ july4th. Cayucos Beach, 10 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805-772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/ index.html.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, 805-927-1654.

FIREWORKS FROM THE PIER Cayucos Chamber takes on the effort to produce and fund this annual fireworks show, reported to cost more than $50,000, according to the chamber’s website. July 4 , 9 p.m. cayucoschamber.com/july4th.

Cayucos Beach, 10 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos.

JULY 4TH SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST

Prizes for adults and kids. July 4 4-10 a.m. cayucoschamber.com. Cayucos Beach, 10 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS

DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS COTTONWOOD CANYON NIGHT MARKET

Explore a treasure trove of local vendors showcasing delectable cuisines and handcrafted delights. From savory street eats to sweet sensations, there’s something to tantalize every palate. June 29, 5-9 p.m. Free. 805-937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 805-332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.

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

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

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

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY STARS, STRIPES, AND SAVORY BITES This weekend of festivities includes brunches, lunches, dinner, hikes, yoga, biking, and more. July 3 -7 aubergeresorts.com/matteistavern/ itineraries/july-fourth/. Mattei’s Tavern, 2350 Railway Ave., Los Olivos. FOOD & DRINK continued page 21

Arts

ARTS BRIEFS

Pillars 2024 highlights Bobby Williams’ paintings in Los Olivos

The opening reception for Pillars 2024, a solo exhibition of paintings by Bobby Williams at Gallery Los Olivos, will be held on Monday, July 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit is scheduled to remain on display through the end of July.

In press materials, Williams described this showcase of agricultural paintings as “the culmination of a series I have been developing for five years,” and named it Pillars to “describe the place in society which I believe agricultural workers occupy.”

“They are literal pillars that hold up our food system, and in turn, our nourishment and our health,” Williams said.

Born in Northern California and raised in Missouri, Williams eventually moved to the Central Coast pursuing his passion for wine. For Pillars 2024, the Santa Ynez-based painter intentionally excluded faces from each painting.

Williams hopes viewers will “recognize that the missing faces are representative of generations of people who do this work—who have done this work—without much regard or recognition” the artist said.

“The goal is to encourage the viewer to remove the individual from this specific circumstance and to reflect more deeply upon their story,” Williams said.

Visit gallerylosolivos.com for more details.

Cypress Gallery showcases works by Claudette

Carlton

The Lompoc Valley Art Association presents Watercolor Creations, an exhibition of works by local artist Claudette Carlton, at Cypress Gallery through July 28.

Carlton will attend an art reception, open to the public, to celebrate the solo exhibit on Saturday, July 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Some of Carlton’s works include landscapes, florals, folk art, “playful pieces,” and more—some of her favorite subjects to paint include historic buildings, such as the Lompoc Museum and the Artesia School.

“I’ve painted a wide variety of subjects that have captured my imagination,” Carlton said in press materials.

Initially accustomed to sketching with pencil, Carlton began painting 12 years ago, after retiring from her job of 21 years teaching at Vandenberg Middle School.

To find out more about Carlton’s new exhibit at Cypress Gallery and other programs hosted by the Lompoc Valley Art Association, visit lompocart.org.

The nonprofit is “committed to expanding and supporting access and exposure to the arts in Lompoc” and surrounding areas, according to press materials. The association’s aim is to sponsor arts programs, events, and other efforts that mutually benefit artists, businesses, local residents, and visitors to the area. m

Plant ahead

The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) presents its production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Solvang Festival Theater through Sunday, July 7. Visit pcpa.org or facebook.com/ pacificconservatorytheatre, or call (805) 922-8313 for tickets and more info.

The production opened at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria in April and in Solvang in mid-June. The Solvang Festival Theater is

Finesse flytrap

PCPA’s Little Shop of Horrors is big, bold, and bloody brilliant

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Few artists are more synonymous with Disney’s Renaissance period than composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman. The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin owe much of their lasting impact to this duo’s music. Before sweeping audiences off their feet with songs of magic carpet rides and gizmos aplenty, however, these collaborators were best known for their stage work. One of their most enduring off-Broadway musicals has a lot of bite to it, and is currently playing at the Solvang Festival Theater thanks to the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA).

In the same vein as Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors is full of morbid melodies, dark humor, and buckets of blood. Audiences witness a small potted plant grow into a gigantic flesh-eating monster all within the confines of a floral store in an urban skid row.

There isn’t an enchanted castle or talking candlestick in sight, yet the downtrodden setting of Little Shop feels lively enough to fit Disney’s rubric thanks to the show’s punchy songs—made up of rock, doo-wop, and Motown melodies—and, in PCPA’s case specifically, a vibrant set that’s both bombastic and eerily intimate.

Scenic Designer Joe C. Klug’s silhouettes and shadows of scraggly high-rises—which tower just above the floral shop—light up in colorful ways throughout the production, probably the

most memorably so during flashes of a thunderstorm. Props (pun intended) to Lighting Designer Cody Soper and PCPA’s creative team for expertly immersing us in this dismal yet inviting landscape.

There’s actually a disclaimer to warn attendees of theatrical haze and fog in the show, which is recommended for ages 12 and over due to its dark subject matter. Spoiler alert: The singing plant that eats people is just the tip of that iceberg.

The musical’s most terrifying character is Orin Scrivello (played by George Walker), a sadistic dentist who takes pleasure in pulling his patients’ teeth without anesthetics and abusing his girlfriend, Audrey (Molly Dobbs), a kind woman who works at the floral shop alongside the show’s meek protagonist, Seymour Krelborn (Alexander Pimentel).

Early in the show, Krelborn mistakes Audrey’s black eye for eyeshadow, which he cluelessly compliments. The more

he learns about her abuse though, the more he narrows down Scrivello as the perfect person to offer up to his new pet project.

Krelborn is secretly feeding his own blood to the shop’s most unique plant (voiced and eventually personified magnificently by Diva LaMarr), as it seemed to be the only way to get it to grow. But the larger the plant creature, dubbed Audrey II, grows, the less Krelborn’s bandaged fingers suffice.

Whether you’re a fan of the musical’s 1986 film adaptation (with Rick Moranis as Krelborn and Steve Martin as the deranged dentist) or a newcomer to this material (which itself was adapted from a 1960 B-horror flick), PCPA’s Little Shop of Horrors promises a devilishly fun time. In the show’s program, director Keenon Hooks summed up Little Shop as full of camp and toe-tapping music, “but underneath it all comes a lot of heart from the characters. … You might surprisingly find a little bit of yourself onstage at times, and I urge you to embrace those feelings.” m

One of Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood’s family dogs was named after Seymour Krelborn. Send comments to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

COURTESY IMAGE BY BOBBY WILLIAMS

ROSE-TINTED: Romance sparks between floral shop co-workers Seymour (Alexander Pimentel, left) and Audrey (Molly Dobbs, right), who dream of living “somewhere that’s green,” far from skid row.

SUPPERTIME: The cast of PCPA’s Little Shop of Horrors at the Solvang Festival Theater includes Diva LaMarr, Billy Breed, and Alexander Pimentel (from left to right).

COURTESY IMAGE BY CLAUDETTE CARLTON

FROM LAUGHTER TO SLAUGHTER: A sadistic dentist (George Walker, right) shows Seymour (Alexander Pimentel, left) his favorite laughing gas mask, in PCPA’s Little Shop of Horrors

THE NEED TO FEED: Diva LaMarr both voices and portrays a personified iteration of Audrey II, a flesh-eating plant with mysterious origins.

located at 420 2nd St., Solvang.

7/4 Jill Knight

7/6 Quadratones

7/7 Noach Tangeras

7/13 Tap Roots

7/14 Roughouse

7/20 Spanky Paul

7/21 Joi Polloi

7/27 Earls of Tuesday

7/28 Jill Knight

Determination

Writer-director Josh Margolin helms this action comedy about 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) who gets scammed by a grifter pretending to be her grandson and sets out on an adventure to get her money back. (98 min.)

Glen: As the son of an almost 95-year-old mother, I found a lot of the themes of this film resonated with me regarding independence, safety, and needed levels of care. Thelma still lives by herself in the home she shared with her husband, who she clearly misses. Her most constant companion is her grandson, Danny (Fred Hechinger), an unmotivated and selfdoubting “failure to launch,” who at 24 lives with his helicopter parents, Gail (Parker Posey) and Alan (Clark Gregg). Danny is well-meaning, but independent Thelma finds him patronizing. When a caller pretending to be Danny says he’s been in an accident, is in jail, and needs $10,000 in bail money, Thelma in her panic gathers up $10,000 in cash and foolishly mails it to a P.O. box. What follows is a Mission: Impossible-style spoof in which a determined Thelma with the reluctant help of old friend Ben (Richard Roundtree) embarks on a mobility-scooter-driven adventure to stake out the P.O. box, find the scammer, and get her money back. It’s funny, charming, and thankfully doesn’t make meanspirited fun of old age.

ORIGIN

What’s it rated? PG-13

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? Hulu

Writer-director Ava DuVernay (I Will Follow, 13th, When They See Us) helms this biographical drama based on the life of scholar Isabel Wilkerson (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) as she writes her nonfiction book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents , which was published in 2020 and describes racism in America as a product of a caste system, akin to Nazi Germany’s Holocaust and treatment of the Jews and India’s degrading hierarchical system and its treatment of Dalits, also called untouchables. First, as a pure cinematic entertainment, this is a moving and engaging story about two true partners. Brett and Isabel are a mixed-race couple living in a systemically racist country, and their integrity and nobility are laudable. Bernthal and Ellis-Taylor both deliver powerful, nuanced performances in these complicated roles. It’s ugly to see the casual way racism permeates their lives, yet inspiring to see how they handle it. More importantly, this film should be required viewing for all Americans, especially those who believe we live in a postracial society. Wilkerson’s somewhat radical theory is that American racism is a product of our caste system. In other

Anna: Thelma may be in her 90s, may be scared of falling, may be unable to comprehend the scroll wheel on a computer mouse, but she is still the same woman it seems like she’s been all her life: determined, clever, and unphased by the mountains that seem to stand in her way. I loved Squibb’s performance, especially in the moments where she feels like she’s being coddled or patronized—because she’s no fool, and she’ll get what she needs out of you come hell or high water. I also loved Hechinger as Danny, whose parents desperately want to give him direction, but Danny’s just living his life, trying to figure it out, and yes, still sleeping at 10:30 in the morning. What’s the big deal, mom? I feel like I could sing praises for everyone in this cast. Posey is, as always, perfection in her role as therapist/mom Gail, and Roundtree as Ben is equally as wonderful. This one has heart, joy, and laughter. What more can you ask for?

Glen: Apparently inspired by the real-life experiences of director Josh Margolin’s own grandmother, who we see in a clip during the closing credits, the story offers a fun spin on the action genre. Dialog between Thelma and Danny brings up how Tom Cruise does his own stunts, so when Thelma must cross a bed and get to the top of a bureau to retrieve a handgun, it’s presented with all the seriousness and tension of Cruise jumping from one building to another. We also meet a colorful cast of characters, many old but

NATION:

The Origins of Our Discontents, in the biopic Origins, streaming on Hulu.

words, it’s a symptom of another deeper disease, and to rid our country of racism, we must first recognize and dismantle caste. (141 min.)

—Glen

full of sage wisdom and philosophical views on life. Getting old isn’t for wussies, but Margolin’s film clearly believes that with age comes—if not wisdom—soulfulness.

Anna: Not only is the film sweet, but it’s funny. There’s a running joke where Thelma will see another senior citizen and say, “I think I know her!” And then the two will spend a large chunk of time going through their mental Rolodex of contacts only to realize they likely don’t actually

THE VEIL

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2024

Where’s it showing? Hulu

Imogen is a tough nut to crack, and she has a knack for getting in and out of situations undetected. She’s been sent to a remote camp where Adilah (Yumna Marwan) is being held, but under very dangerous circumstances. After a difficult and dangerous extraction, the two women are on a journey and in a race against time together.

Adilah is protective and distant while Imogen is trying to find any clues she can as to who this woman really is and what her motivations are. The two start to form a bond as they journey together from Istanbul to Paris, and on to London.

It’s a tense and taut series that focuses both on the unfolding secrets that both women hold and the highoctane hunt for them. Was Adilah really just briefly involved with ISIS and her true mission is to reunite with her daughter, or is trusting her a trap to place power back into the hands of a high-ranking ISIS operative? This is what Imogen must parse as they try to stay one step ahead of those pursuing them. Both actresses are spellbinding, and

know each other at all. It’s just plain cute, and it has a heaping helping of heart as well. This must have been a joy for Margolin to make in honor of his own Thelma and put to screen a woman who was such a character. If you’re looking for feelgood fun, buy a ticket to Thelma m

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

DARING DUO: Ben (Richard Roundtree of Shaft fame) and Thelma (June Squibb) set off across Los Angeles on a mobility scooter to retrieve June’s money lost to a phone scammer, in Thelma, screening in local theaters.

this series will keep you on your toes. (six 38- to 67-min. episodes)  m

MISCENGENATION

With the support of her husband, Brett (Jon Bernthal), author Isabel Wilkerson (Aunjanue EllisTaylor) writes her groundbreaking nonfiction book, Caste:

CHAMELEON: Elizabeth Moss stars as veteran MI6 operative Imogen Salter, who specializes in undercover work and must ingratiate herself to a French woman— possibly an ISIS terrorist planning an attack on the West—in The Veil, on Hulu.

Eats

Relish this moment

California Hot Dogs expands with new drive-through destination

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Fans of Avila Beach’s famed food cart, California Hot Dogs, now have a place to get their frankfurter fix without having to step out of their vehicles.

During the spring of 2024, owner Shawn Van Pelt celebrated the grand opening of California Hot Dogs’ first brick-and-mortar restaurant: a drive-through on Nicholson Avenue in Santa Maria, neighboring Cool Hand Luke’s, also owned by Van Pelt.

“We’ve had this unit right here next to Cool Hand Luke’s for the last 15, or 10 years. … I’ve been using it as storage,” said the local restaurateur, who had a kitchen built in the unit, now a bustling drive-through with space for customers to eat inside too.

He compared the venue’s counter seating to the kind you find inside Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach. During the summer, Van Pelt’s California Hot Dogs cart operates six days a

week in Avila. The cart originated with former owner Bobby Duran in the late 1980s, said Van Pelt, who bought the business in 2022.

Visitors at the brand’s new Santa Maria brick-and-mortar can catch the cart’s signature hot dogs and shave ice on the drive-through’s menu, along with new additions and upgrades on some staples.

“What I do in-house here, different than the cart, is … the snow cap,” Van Pelt said about patrons’ option to add some sweet cream on top of their shave ice. “It’s just an extra kick. It’s true Hawaiian shave ice.”

BEEF HIVE: Visitors of California Hot Dogs’ first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Santa Maria can look forward to non-hot dog items as well, such as the restaurant’s smash burgers.

There are more than a dozen flavors to choose from when it comes to California Hot Dogs’ shave ice, and a handful of pre-set recipes, such as Hang Ten (with orange and vanilla) and Tropical Paradise (with piña colada and pineapple).

Van Pelt, whose go-to flavors are strawberry and banana, said the most popular shave ice on the menu is The Wave (with blue raspberry and cherry jubilee).

When it comes to the

business’s namesake, California Hot Dogs offers an assortment of hot dog options, including the Cajun hot link—Van Pelt’s personal favorite.

“It’s a quarter pound dog, nice and spicy with lots of flavor,” Van Pelt said of the Silva brand sausage, served on a white bun with tons of condiments to choose from.

One of the eatery’s most popular dogs is the LA Street Dog, a bacon-wrapped beef frank with grilled onions and peppers. Other beef bestsellers on the menu include the restaurant’s smash burgers.

With inspiration from In-N-Out’s minimalistic approach, Van Pelt said he decided to keep the smash burger menu “short and sweet,” with two burgers to choose from: the Classic and the Baja Burger.

While Van Pelt owns California Hot Dogs and Santa Maria’s Cool Hand Luke’s, both are within walking distance of a tasting room in the same plaza he doesn’t own but has an ongoing collaboration with. Guests of Costa de Oro Winery can order straight from both

(805) 998-0265 or visit the eatery’s Facebook page. The brand’s new drivethrough is located at 1311 Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

eateries to pair with their wine tastings.

“I have both my menus over there,” Van Pelt said. “They order from either Luke’s or the drive-through, and we just run it over to them.”

The synergy between the three spots can turn a quick lunch into a multi-tiered experience. Aside from the wine nearby, there’s also Cool Hand Luke’s rotating cocktail menu to take advantage of.

Rebecca Cisneros, general manager and events coordinator at Cool Hand Luke’s in Santa Maria, said that Van Pelt’s restaurant “will often do specials and have menu items

SEMINAL CONDIMENTS: Chili, onions, mustard, and more are among the topping selections at California Hot Dogs, through both its longstanding food cart in Avila Beach and new drive-through restaurant in Santa Maria.

THE ICE IS RIGHT: There’s no “D” in shave ice, contrary to the “shaved ice” misconception among some, said California Hot Dogs owner Shawn Van Pelt, whose expansive menu permits various ways to customize the frosty treat.

that the other locations won’t have,” including its rotating drinks selection.

“We usually run our specials seasonally, so they change every few months,” Cisneros said in an email interview, “and we try to keep them themed with the season.

“Spring and summer usually focus on fresh fruits and vibrant colors,” Cisneros explained. “During fall we’ll do pumpkin- or apple-spiced theme drinks. … In winter, we do drinks for cold weather and Christmas/ holiday-themed.”

Regardless of what time of year it is, Van Pelt recommends pairing Cool Hand Luke’s prime rib dip sandwich with a spiked strawberry lemonade.

Both Cool Hand Luke’s and California Hot Dogs have family appeal as well, with kids menus and fun side dishes, such as Napoleon’s Tots—tater tots with the option to get loaded up with chili and cheese on top—at the latter of the two.

“Some people get the reference, some don’t,” Van Pelt said of the movie nod with a laugh. m

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood rewatches Napoleon Dynamite all the time. Throw a steak at him, or send tots to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

SEASONS CHANGE: Barely a few steps away from California Hot Dogs, Santa Maria’s Cool Hand Luke’s on Nicholson Avenue has a rotating cocktail menu that changes with each season. Both eateries are owned by Shawn Van Pelt.

Autos & Boats