Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino refers to continuity in city leadership as the main reason she’s running to retain her post at the head of the city. It would be her fourth term as mayor and her seventh on the council if she gets reelected in November. Longtime Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school board member Diana Perez is challenging Patino for the position this year. While they agree on some things, they differ on others—such as the best way to approach homelessness in the city. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with both this week [6]
This week, you can also read about the Santa Maria Riverbed encampment cleanup [4]; an Orcutt craft fair that benefits a cause [22]; and a private chef who will travel to you [25]
Lanham
city of Santa Maria this year, so far facing off against Diana Perez.
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla wrote to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Department of Commerce to express their strong support for swiftly designating the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary while facilitating the development of offshore wind energy, according to a July 26 statement from Carbajal’s office. If designated, the sanctuary would be the first tribally nominated sanctuary in the United States, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians would serve as a co-steward. Specifically, the lawmakers advocated for a phased approach to the sanctuary designation—as supported by indigenous communities, Morro Bay offshore wind leaseholders, and environmental organizations—that will set the initial northern boundary of the sanctuary south of Diablo Canyon and north of Port San Luis and Avila Beach. This designation would allow for the co-existence of the marine sanctuary as well as the responsible development of offshore wind. The offshore wind projects in development off the coast of California would be the nation’s first-ever floating offshore windfarm and support California’s goal of producing 25 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2045. “As strong supporters of the administration’s goal of protecting 30 percent of U.S. oceans by 2030, we urge the Department of Commerce and NOAA to finalize the designation of the Chumash Sanctuary using this phased approach to establish robust protections for cultural and ecological resources off the Central Coast, while providing certainty for responsible offshore wind development, operations and maintenance,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter.
• U.S. Sens. Laphonza Butler (D-California) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced The Strengthening Supports for Youth Act and The Prevention Services for Youth Act, two mental health bills that would support the expansion of family and peer-focused mental health supports and prevention services for youth, according to a July 25 statement from Butler’s office. Across the country, experts are raising alarm bells as the United States combats a worsening youth mental health and substance use crisis, according to Butler’s office. “Young people in California and in communities all across America often face significant gaps in access to adequate mental health resources. This package of legislation would equip caregivers and families with tools to ensure every young person gets the care they urgently need,” Butler said in a statement. “If we want to address the youth mental health crisis, we need to ensure supports and services are in place to help those grappling with mental health challenges, and to prevent challenges before they occur.” The two bills aim to combat mental health and substance use challenges among children, adolescents, and young adults; and support opportunities to expand youthfocused prevention services. The Strengthening Supports for Youth Act would establish a pilot program for caregivers to help address mental health and substance use challenges among children and direct the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study and report on youth peer support services. The Prevention Services for Youth Act would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to states on establishing an effective continuum of mental health and substance use disorder prevention services for youth under Medicaid and Children Health Insurance programs.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help ensure the availability of resources to suppress the Park Fire burning in Butte County, according to a July 25 statement from Newsom’s office. The fastmoving fire near Chico had burned more than 368,000 acres and was 12 percent contained as of July 29, according to Watch Duty—a nonprofit wildfire tracking system. The FMAG, which is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund on cost-share basis, will assist local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75 percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs. The program, which is administered through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), provides rapid financial assistance to communities impacted by fires. Already this wildfire season, California has secured FMAGs for the Thompson, French, and Hawarden fires that burned nearly 5,000 acres. m
Santa Barbara, SLO counties begin
Santa Maria Riverbed encampment cleanup
Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson has supported efforts to resolve homeless encampments since he took office in 2021
However, he said that because multiple jurisdictions oversee portions of the Santa Maria Riverbed—including Caltrans, Santa Maria, and SLO County with the majority—it’s been difficult to facilitate any cleanup of the area.
“It’s been really discouraging for me to see this problem persist in the Santa Maria Riverbed and this problem grow in the last two years,” he said.
An estimated 110 to 150 people were living in the riverbed with a majority in SLO County’s jurisdiction; however, most in the riverbed consider themselves Santa Barbara County residents. As part of $6 million in state grant funding aimed at cleaning up encampments, Santa Barbara County pledged to spend about half of the funding in SLO County on cleanup efforts.
Those cleanups began on July 25.
“I am grateful for the partnership between our two counties as we work together to clean up these problematic encampments,” SLO County 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding told the Sun in a statement. “We still have a long way to go, but we now have a clear plan in place to restore order while helping those who have been living in the riverbed to get back on their feet.”
Nelson said that residents were given notice about the cleanup last month and again on July 22—starting a multi-phased approach of cleaning up several encampments in the riverbed, he said. As of July 25, Nelson said the cleanup had tackled some of the encampments.
“This is about a fourth of them. We’re juggling some different things. We’re going to be working with Caltrans with jurisdiction under the bridge,” Nelson said. “From the bridge, there’s quite a bit more there, so we are going to peel those layers
Buellton sets road access boundaries on condos project
In the eyes of some Rancho de Maria residents, a recent ruling that limits road access between the Buellton neighborhood and an upcoming housing development to emergency use or by permit could use less leeway.
Greenlit by city officials in 2018, the Hub project which will bring new condos to a 17-acre site west of Rancho de Maria has been addressed at several public hearings over the past six years since its approval. But its developers still have some hoops to jump through before construction can start.
“The final development plan is still in the works. They’re not quite ready to move forward with the construction of that plan,” City Manager Scott Wolfe said at the Buellton City Council’s July 25 meeting.
While introducing a new staff recommendation in regard to the project, Wolfe described the proposal as “a ministerial action, ... typically something we would place on consent calendar.”
“However, in the case of this particular project, we placed it on the business section of the agenda,” Wolfe said of staff’s recommendation for the city to enter into an agreement with the Hub’s developers that would set specific boundaries between the future development and Rancho de Maria.
According to the staff report, the agreement “will ensure that, following construction, access to and from Rancho de Maria neighborhood will be limited to emergency use only.”
However, there will be certain periods of construction where the only usable thoroughfare between the Hub site and Buellton’s main roads will be in Rancho de Maria, Wolfe explained.
back, methodically clear a property, and declare that property off limits moving forward.”
As the county and its partners do enforcement, if somebody occupies the cleared property, they will be automatically removed from the site.
“It’s a good, measured approach; it might send a signal. [Many] were probably in denial that we were going to act even though we told them this day was coming,” Nelson said. “We’ve been working heavily on this for the last nine months or so, and it’s finally coming together.”
Cleanup plans formed before Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order for local jurisdictions to address homeless encampments following the recent U.S. Supreme Court Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling that gave local governments more authority to address and disband encampments—shifting gears from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals 2019 Martin v. Boise ruling that governments couldn’t enforce anti-camping ordinances if they didn’t have enough shelter beds.
“For Santa Barbara County, the Grants Pass decision has zero impact. We were already becoming Boise compliant. We did the hard work to comply with the Ninth Circuit,” Nelson said
There were initial complications when trying to plan with SLO County about building more shelter beds, Nelson told the Sun previously. However, the Grants Pass decision could give SLO County and its other partners “more comfort legally,” when taking action, he said.
“We know simply disbanding encampments without providing housing solutions just moves the issue elsewhere. Our goal is to address encampments, not shuffle people around,” Linda Belch, deputy director of the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Division, said in a statement regarding Newsom’s executive order.
“Using all the tools at our disposal, the county is adding more housing and sheltering capacity to give people a place to go as encampments are cleared. This way, we know our response is both humane and effective.”
—Taylor O’Connor
During public comment, Nancy Dorwin was one of four Rancho de Maria residents who objected to the proposal.
“This agreement doesn’t do Rancho de Maria any good,” Dorwin said. “We don’t want these big earthmovers and tractors and everything else coming through there. ... We haven’t had our voice heard, and we’re being excluded from this process.”
Other speakers voiced similar complaints, while some raised concerns about increases in traffic congestion. Wolfe later clarified that one of the reasons the item got a public hearing rather than a spot on the consent calendar was for the City Council to hear from the public.
After casting the sole no vote against the proposal, which passed 3-1 (Councilmember Hudson Hornick recused himself due to living within 500 feet of the project site), Mayor Dave King commented on the backlash heard at the meeting.
“To those in the audience here, where were you when I argued until I was blue in the face up here on the dais to not put any residential into this element?” King said. “You people should have been here back when that was going on.”
—Caleb Wiseblood
Lake Fire 92 percent contained, restorative efforts begin
Midland School faculty and animals returned to campus after the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office lifted evacuation orders for the 2024 Lake Fire.
“By the end of the fire, we did not have any structures that burned, which was great,” Head of Midland School Hannah Nelson told the Sun. “Looking at maps, a fair bit of our land did get burned, but I don’t know the acreage yet.”
The Lake Fire ignited near Zaca Lake on July 5 and burned more than 38,000 acres over about three weeks. The Midland School, which is a 3,000-acre boarding high school on Figueroa
CLEANUP BEGINS: Santa Barbara County, SLO County, the city of Santa Maria, Caltrans, and other partners began cleaning up the Santa Maria Riverbed on July 25 as part of a multi-stage effort to prevent people from living in the riverbed and to connect individuals with services.
Mountain Road, sits on the edge of the San Rafael wilderness and was right in the blaze’s path. On July 7, the school began evacuating its faculty and animals who live on campus year round, and the fire crews set up shop on campus to assist with fire suppression.
As of July 30, the Lake Fire was 92 percent contained with two areas of concern that the Los Padres Forest Service was unable to reach because it’s “very steep and dangerous,” Forest Service Public Information Officer Helen Tarbet told the Sun.
“But they are well within an area where it pretty much can’t get out. There are going to be interior pockets that are going to continue to burn out slowly, but resources will be on scene past the fire,” Tarbet said.
Figeroa, Davey Brown, and Nira campgrounds along with the area’s trail systems are closed. Miranda Pine Campground and Pine Canyon Road from Highway 166 are also closed at this time, she said on July 29. Three recreation cabins, a campground host’s trailer, a concessionaire’s truck and box trailer, and a water pump house burned during the fire; however, the campsites remain in decent shape.
“This burned in a very mosaic pattern. I remember during the Zaca Fire it burned in a mosaic pattern. It gets so windy and fire creates its own weather, there’s a lot of areas the fire did not burn,” Tarbet said.
The Forest Service began some suppression repair efforts by adding water bars on fire lines in the area to reduce the potential for soil erosion and waterway contamination by debris flow, according to the Forest Service. Heavy equipment will push large piles of dirt and vegetation over the lines with the goal
of restoring the area to as close to pre-fire conditions as possible, but Tarbet anticipates it’ll be a long haul.
“There were lots and lots of miles of dozer trails where they had to cut through. That’s all going to have to be rehabbed,” she said.
Midland Head of School Nelson said that the school plans to conduct soil sampling to assess damage on its property, host the Santa Barbara County Trails Council to discuss revegetation, and coordinate restoration efforts with the Sedgwick Reserve. Nelson added that the school is also working with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to restore a heritage site near Lover’s Loop that experienced damage.
In the meantime, all public trails on the Midland Property are closed as the school evaluates the damage and creates an erosion prevention and reconstruction plan before the rainy season begins.
“We have more to do because we have a lot of hillsides that were burned, high intensity burns with a lot of soil [exposure],” school Director of Rangeland Conservation Regina Butala said. “We need to figure out what kind of reconstruction we need to do to prevent further erosion.”
Butala, who also directs Midland’s horse program, added that students might take part in some small restoration efforts and ground trail restoration as well, but faculty is still working out the specifics for the students’ roles when they come back in the fall.
“There’s more opportunities to incorporate connection to land and fire over time. This area hasn’t burned in a very long time so we’ll be able to integrate some of our classes and programs to monitoring regrowth and healing of the land and some science,” Butala said. m
—Taylor O’Connor
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No impulsado por seguros Los rechazos son raros
Looking to the future
Diana Perez faces Alice Patino for Santa Maria mayoral race
BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR
Alice Patino threw her hat in the ring for a fourth term as Santa Maria mayor “to keep the continuity going.”
“I want to continue to represent the interest of the communities in Santa Maria,” Patino said. “It’s important for Santa Maria to have a voice at the regional and state level of issues that affect our daily lives. We need someone that’s going to listen, and we need someone who is going to show up.”
The mayoral role is one of three seats on the Santa Maria City Council dais up for reelection, with council members Carlos Escobedo and Mike Cordero also seeking another term. Patino is facing Diana Perez, a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school board member and Allan Hancock College administrator. The deadline to file as a candidate is Aug. 9.
This year, the candidates’ priorities look to plan for the future as the city works through its general plan and faces anticipated population growth; managing homelessness; keeping up with state housing mandates and increased needs for services; and a looming budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal years.
“These are the challenges I see coming up with the continuation of what councils before us did. They did a good job of making Santa Maria the nice place it is today,” Patino said.
She first ran for City Council in 1999, but came in third place, according to previous Sun reporting. Despite the initial loss, she came back in 2002 and won the race—making her the first female elected official to sit on the dais in nearly 70 years. After more than a decade of service, she became the city’s first female mayor in 2012 and has held that title since.
importance of protecting agricultural land.
“We just need to figure out where we need to grow. It’s not just the schools, it’s the fire stations, the retail that comes with residential, it’s everything else that comes with it,” Patino said. “When you look at the infrastructure in Santa Maria, especially the old part, it will not hold any more than what we have now. If the infrastructure underneath isn’t going to hold that, then you can’t really build there.”
Despite concerns from the agricultural community and calls to protect prime ag land, the City Council voted in December to adopt a land use alternative for the city’s general plan— which acts as a blueprint for Santa Maria’s growth in the next two to three decades—that will look at 985 acres east of the city for potential annexation, identify infill development within city limits, and study an area to the south for potential annexation.
“We want to get the high-paying jobs here, and in order to do that we are going to have to adjust,” Patino said. “We’re doing the downtown area, but a lot of the time people working at the hospital or Vandenberg, maybe they don’t want to live in an apartment or a condo. We’re not just in this little bubble of Santa Maria anymore. … That all goes hand-in-hand with housing.”
‘We want to get the high-paying jobs here, and in order to do that we are going to have to adjust.’
—Mayor Alice Patino
Hailing from Salinas, Perez moved to Santa Maria after completing her education at Fresno State in 1994 and entered the education sector to help provide services for others that could help them complete their education. She ran for Santa Maria Joint Union’s school board and was appointed in 2014. Now in her fourth term, Perez said that her time serving on the school board has prepared her to run for mayor.
“For me, I want to focus on the bigger issues— those are the issues that Santa Maria wants addressed—to focus on the issues that impact our city,” Perez said.
Anticipating about 35,000 new residents by 2050, both candidates said in separate interviews that annexation was essential to make room for the new housing, schools, and space needed to serve constituents, but both emphasized the
With Marian Regional Medical Center expanding, the city adding a medical school (A.T. Still University of Health Studies’ Central Coast Physician Assistant Program), and the city housing more people who work at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Santa Maria can help keep executives or attract more people to stay in the city by adding more housing at higher income levels in particular, Patino said.
“People are really looking at Santa Maria. I’m meeting with people who want to come to Santa Maria and start a business here,” she said. “When professionals say this is a need we have, I listen.”
When combating the homelessness crisis, Patino said that it’s out of the city’s hands because the county oversees all of the services, with the exception of investing $200,000 in enforcement.
Perez said that she’d like to focus her efforts on strengthening the city’s relationship with the county in order to get more funding and projects geared toward Santa Maria residents.
“We must establish those relationships and conversations because by working together we can get those services we need,” Perez said.
Facing a $21.3 million budget deficit in the 2024-25 fiscal year and a $20.2 million shortfall in 2025-26, Patino said the only way out is relying
on emergency reserves at this time, and the city is still looking for alternatives to create more revenue for the city.
“I don’t have an idea for what specifically would work well in Santa Maria. Our uses in what we do are far more extensive than what our revenue is in our general fund and Measure U,” she said. “The people of Santa Maria do not want to be taxed any more, and the government needs to figure out how to get more money.”
In terms of development, Perez said that the city is missing an anchor business that will help it stand out among Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo cities that could help bring in more dollars.
businesses pay the bills, make the sales they need to make,” Perez said.
By bringing in more revenue, Perez said she hopes to address the salary concerns for the Firefighters Union Local 2020—which has been advocating for higher wages, as firefighters currently make 17 percent under market value.
“I will ensure that Measure U pays our firefighters first. That is one of my goals: to amend the unfair treatment of our firefighters,” Perez said.
‘We must establish those relationships and conversations because by working together we can get those services we need.’
—candidate Diana Perez
“Here’s where the city hasn’t been as forward thinking: They brought in restaurants and fast food. We need businesses that pay living wages, careers for the residents, and we’re missing that,” she said.
Specifically, she said she’d like to see the city add a sports and entertainment center, like the Santa Barbara Bowl or Vina Robles in Paso Robles.
“These are the types of businesses that bring tourism, sell out hotels, and help our local
With expanding and adding more housing, Perez said that she would like to consider bringing forth a rent stabilization ordinance—including re-negotiating a model lease program for the city’s mobile home residents—in order to help residents facing the high cost of living and prevent homelessness.
“Other cities have passed rent control. I want to pass something that will help our local families survive here,” she said. “I want to negotiate an ordinance for the rest of the community because everyone’s struggling, and it makes it hard.” m
Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@ santamariasun.com
LEADING SANTA MARIA: Santa Maria Joint Union School Board Trustee and Allan Hancock Administrator Diana Perez will face incumbent Mayor Alice Patino for the November 2024 general election.
ATTENTION all former SMJUHSD Special Education Students
born 2000!
All records for any Special Education student that was born within the year 2000 and attended a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school, your physical special education records are available for pick up at no charge from the District Office. All 2000 not picked up by June 1, 2025 will be destroyed.
If you have any questions, or to arrange a pickup date/time, contact:
Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District 2560 Skyway Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455
805-922-4573 ext. 4311
ATENCION estudiantes anteriores de SMJUHSD nacidos en 2000!
Todos los registros de cualquier estudiante de Educación Especial que haya nacido dentro del año 2000 y asistió a una escuela del Distrito Escolar de las escuelas preparatorias de Santa Maria, sus registros físicos de educación especial están disponibles para recoger sin cargo en la Oficina del Distrito. Todos los registros del 2000 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2025 serán destruidos. Si tiene alguna pregunta, o para programar una fecha/hora de recogida, comuníquense con:
Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
2560 Skyway Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455
805-922-4573 ext. 4311
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
Special Education - Child Find
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate high school age students suspected of having a disability who may be eligible for special education services designed to meet their educational needs at no cost to families. This includes students that are highly mobile, migrant, experiencing homelessness, students that are wards of the state, and students attending private schools located within SMJUHSD boundaries. If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department.
Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)
El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes
El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD.
Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)
Buellton Village Senior Apartments is ready to break ground after nearly a decade of delays.
The affordable housing development features 50 units dedicated to serving seniors and senior veterans, which was proposed by Venturabased nonprofit affordable housing developer and services provider Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, said Derrick Wada, Cabrillo’s director of real estate development.
“There is a significant and growing need for not only affordable housing, but also senior housing. And this particular project was a part of a larger master plan for development,” Wada said. “It was originally supposed to be the first project completed; unfortunately due to funding it is now the last piece of master plan development.”
The project, which sits at 332 and 334 Valley Vineyard Circle, is one of two planned residential projects within Buellton’s specific plan for this area, according to Buellton’s Community Engagement Page.
The Village Senior Apartments relied on 9 percent tax credits—a competitive California tax credit used to facilitate affordable housing development. There are only two rounds per year for 9 percent tax credits, Wada said.
With about $24 million in funding secured, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is celebrating a groundbreaking ceremony for the village’s construction on Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“This is a really big milestone for all of these affordable housing developments. This is obviously a time to celebrate, really a time for the community to get together, listen to various stakeholders in this project,” Wada said. “We are hoping to get state representatives because there’s state financing, but the mayor, county representatives, the developer will be there, the project manager will be there. It’s really just to understand the project a little bit more and really an opportunity to celebrate and meet the folks involved.”
Prior to moving the project forward, Cabrillo conducted a community needs assessment and made sure the nonprofit aligned its work with the needs for senior housing in the Buellton area.
“I know there is an aging population specifically in Buellton; this project aligns perfectly with the city’s needs as well,” he said.
The 50-unit complex will include 44 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units with one unit designated for an on-site property manager. There will be a community room, a community garden,
office space, on-site laundry, on-site parking, and outdoor gathering spaces for the seniors to get together, he said.
“We are incorporating solar into Village Senior Apartments, all of our appliances are electric, we are doing drought tolerant landscaping … those are some of the examples in terms of sustainability that we have incorporated into the design,” Wada said.
Neighboring communities have been generally pretty supportive of the project, he said, adding that Cabrillo continues meeting with the neighbors to address any concerns they have about the development.
“I just met with our neighbors north of the project, the president of the [homeowners association] to talk about Village Senior, that the project will ramp up, [and] the neighbors could expect noise and dust—it’s a construction site, but that’s an example of the type of communication we use,” Wada said.
Construction is scheduled to be completed at the end of the 2025 fiscal year and with the doors open for leasing in early 2026, he said. While Cabrillo hasn’t begun its outreach process, any interested individuals are invited to reach out to be put on an internal waitlist to have potential candidates ready.
“We want to make sure we’re building a community that we are not just a one-off development and our seniors are siloed. We want to make sure this is a community, and that’s something we’ve always strived for in our development and establishing that sense of community,” Wada said.
Highlight:
• Lompoc’s Charlotte’s Web Bookmobile announced its first edible books contest will take place on Aug. 9 at the Lompoc Chamber’s Old Town Market. Young chefs ages 8 to 14 are invited to create an edible masterpiece based on their favorite book or character from a book. From decorating a cupcake to represent a favorite literary character to creating a scene from a favorite book out of fruit slices, kids have a wide selection of edible tools to depict their favorite stories. Participants must register at tinyurl. com/EdibleBooksContest2024 by Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. Participants will bring their edible books for display and judging outside the bookmobile, parked on H Street and Cypress Avenue. Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne and Missy Morales—Sweet Baking Co. owner—will judge the creations and award best in show, funniest/punniest, most checked out, most creative, and people’s choice. m
VILLAGE SENIOR APARTMENTS: The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation invites the public to celebrate the groundbreaking of Village Senior Apartments in Buellton on Aug. 15.
Become a legendary New Times Music Award (NTMA) recipient!
Enter to win amazing prizes including a custom NTMA Newtie, your name/band name on all NTMA merch, and a performing spot at the New Times Music Awards and Showcase at SLO Brew Rock on Friday, November 8, 2024.
GENERAL RULES
Entries must be received between Thursday, July 18, 2024 and Monday, August 5, 2024 by 5 p.m. , to be considered for the 2024 New Times Music Awards (NTMA).
• $20 entry fee for each song, songwriter, and album entry.
Enter 3 songs and get the 4th FREE, or enter 5 songs and get the 6th FREE.
Participants may enter a maximum of 13 songs (10 genre category, 3 songwriting category) and 1 album.
ONLINE ENTRIES ARE PREFERRED FOR SONGS Fill out the entry form, upload songs, and pay for your entries with a credit card at NewTimesSLO.com. Best Album entries must be entered in person or by mail.
If you wish to pay with cash or check, you may drop off your entries at either the New Times or Sun offices. Bring your music entries on a CD or USB drive along with your completed entry form. Checks should be made payable to “New Times.”
All entrants must reside primarily in San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County.
All entrants must be able to play at the showcase event at SLO Brew Rock in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
All entrants under 18 years of age must select the Youth category and must have a parent or guardian sign the entry form.
By entering the contest, all entrants give permission to New Times Media Group to reproduce submissions on compact disc and on the web. All entries remain the property of performers.
New Times Music Awards is not responsible for lost, damaged, incomplete, or late entries.
The top 3 songs in each category need to provide high-quality versions of their songs (16 Bit, 44.1 Sample Rate).
Songs may have multiple co-writers, but please designate one contact name only on entry form.
Winners will be chosen by a select panel of judges.
Songs will be judged on overall performance.
Live performers will share the ‘Back Line.’
Check NewTimesSLO.com or contact NTMA@NewTimesSLO.com for more information.
The New Times Music Awards Showcase and Competition is an all-ages show. Performers agree to eliminate explicit lyrics during their performance.
GENRE CATEGORIES
The Youth category is for musicians entering music who are under the age of 18 as of July 18, 2024.
The Open genre includes reggae, world beat, jazz, classical, new age, electronic, etc.
Each song submission must have a genre selected. If nothing is selected, the song will go into the Open genre. If judges determine a song to be a better fit with a different genre category than what was originally submitted, they reserve the right to recategorize it.
SONGWRITER CATEGORY
You may enter up to 3 songs in the Songwriting genre, which is being judged separately.
Upload a .txt or .doc file or include a printout of lyrics with your entry.
ALBUM CATEGORY
Albums must have been released between November 4, 2023 and July 18, 2024 to be eligible. Please deliver a hard copy to either the New Times or Sun office along with a completed entry form by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 for consideration. The entire presentation will be judged, including quality of songs, sound, and packaging.
Only 1 album per entrant total.
ARTIST NAMe
NAME OF PERFORMING ARTIST(S) EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD APPEAR ON CD (BAND NAME, STAGE NAME, ETC.)
SONG ENTRY BY GENRE
ENTER UP TO 10 SONGS • FILL OUT THE INFO BELOW FOR EACH SONG ENTERED
SONG TITLE
PLEASE CHECK ONE BOX PER SONG TITLE TO INDICATE SONG GENRE: Rock/Alternative County/Americana/Folk R&B/Blues Hip-Hop/Rap Open Youth
Enter online or use additional entry forms if entering more than one song
SONGWRITER ENTRY
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The Local Legend Award recognizes an individual or group who has contributed to help enrich, support, and further music’s reach in our community; someone whose ideas, inspiration, and dedication to this art scene have helped nurture and grow the music scene—whether it’s bringing new sounds to the area or giving people the tools they need to create their own. We would love your input! Please use this space to nominate an individual, group, or organization you feel should be considered for this award:
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The stakes are too high
Can democracy survive the corporate media? Our country deserves a true Fourth Estate
BY DAN DENNIS
The media used to be called the Fourth Estate that kept the public informed. Our media is no longer fulfilling that function.
For a democracy to flourish, the public must know and understand what is happening on the local, state, federal and global stage. What went wrong?
When President Reagan overturned the GlassSteagall Act, which separated commercial from investment banking that FDR put in place to prevent another Great Depression, he also changed our economic system from Keynesian economics that favors the middle class to the Chicago School of Economics, which favors the wealthy. These two changes made monopolies not only possible but drove small businesses out of the market through predatory pricing.
Remember all the airlines we used to have? You could commute from LA to San Francisco for $19.95 because there were dozens to choose from. Now there are a handful. There were many banks, supermarkets, and mom-and-pop stores offering plenty of competition. Think about how Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta dominate. But the worst is the five corporations that parse out the TV news. Most local newspapers are gone, and local radio stations have been turned into local shock-jocks by their corporate takeover. Even some local television affiliate stations across the nation are required by their parent corporation to include a scripted segment during their local broadcast that are often right-wing talking points.
When Trump came down that escalator and announced his candidacy in 2015, the press didn’t know quite how to cover him. Normally, the media would try to be fair to all candidates. But Trump had been groomed for 14 years on The Apprentice to be a media star, and his chaos and outrageous behavior brought eyeballs. On Feb. 16, 2016, the CBS CEO, Les Moonves, said at a media conference in S.F. about the inordinate amount of coverage of Trump, “It may not be good for America, but it’s damn good for CBS.”
Sun Speak
And so we’ve had wall-to-wall face time of him for eight years. It didn’t help that other candidates had less than exciting personalities. Even as mundane as Hillary was, she still won the popular vote. Were it not for our archaic Electoral College vote system that dates to the horse-and-buggy days, Hillary would have been our first female president.
It took The New York Times four years to call Trump’s lies as lies. They said very little about the Access Hollywood tape, accusations of rape and sexual abuse, his decades running a mafia-style crime family that specialized in money laundering for Russian oligarchs, and his flaunting of the rule of law in his businesses.
Last May, Trump invited two dozen Petroleum Industry CEOs to Mar-a-Lago where he offered to roll back all of Biden’s environmental restrictions if they would collectively give $1 billion to his campaign. In other words, for this, he would allow Big Oil to finish destroying the planet. And yet, to my knowledge, only The Atlantic and MSNBC reported on this. Crickets from the rest of the media.
Now we have the 900-plus page Project 2025 from The Heritage Foundation, which is a detailed plan to shift many powers of the government to the president. They want to make the millionaire tax cuts permanent, which the Congressional Budget Office says would add $4 trillion to the national debt. Most of the authors of the 30 chapters of this “policy bible” are former members of Trump’s staff and various state department appointees, such as Stephen Miller and Peter Navarro. The media is beginning to report on this, finally.
that. It brought inflation down from 9 percent to 3.3 percent. Wages are growing faster than inflation for the first time in 50 years. He has repaired international relations from damage done by Trump.
As opposed to the ton of coverage of shoplifting, crime is way down first quarter 2024 from first quarter 2023. Down: violent crime, 15.2 percent; murders, 26.4 percent; rapes, 25.7 percent; aggrivated assaults, 12.5 percent; robberies, 17.8 percent; property crimes, 15.1 percent (according to the FBI).
We deserve better than this from our corporate media and the echo chamber that follows. We need an informed citizenry. The stakes are too high. m
Dan Dennis writes to the Sun from Orcutt. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
Harris should look to history for VP pick
All Americans—not just Democrats—should be eternally grateful to President Biden for his success in defeating Donald Trump in 2020. We applaud his forbearance in turning over this task now, four years later, to his inspired choice for vice president, Kamala Harris. Democrats are already uniting behind Harris and will make every effort to elect her in November.
Send us your views and opinion to letters@santamariasun.com.
How about covering Biden’s top 10 accomplishments? Medicare is now allowed to negotiate drug prices making insulin now affordable. More Americans have health care than ever. The stock market keeps breaking records. Three-thousand dead/day from COVID to normal death rates now. He helped strengthen NATO, making us all safer. The Infrastructure Act is finally fixing our potholes, bridges, roads, and dams that have been neglected for 40 years, and in the process creating jobs. The Inflation Reduction Act did just
The question now is who will Kamala Harris choose to be her running mate in this campaign? Rarely has this decision been so important in healing the nation’s wounded spirit. Seldom has it been so necessary to find a running mate that can win that broad center of public opinion sought by every successful candidate.
Harris should look to the nation’s history to see an example of a presidential nominee choosing their vice president with a view toward that center of the political spectrum:
In his 1900 campaign for reelection, William McKinley had many choices to replace his VP for his first term; Garret Hobart had died of heart disease a year earlier. McKinley sought to capitalize on the immense popularity of Spanish American War hero Theodore Roosevelt, even though “TR” was already widely known to be a reformer completely out of step with the mainstream corporate laissez-faire economics of the McKinley administration.
That ticket also won a hard-fought campaign in November of 1900. TR proved to be an extraordinary choice when he succeeded McKinley after his assassination in September 1901.
Kamala Harris has a variety of excellent choices in the daunting task of selecting her vice president. Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Broshears of Kentucky, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, or Roy Cooper of North Carolina. My choice: Adam Kinzinger, former GOP member of Congress, now an Independent. Kinzinger is an outspoken veteran of the House Committee to Investigate the Jan. 6 Insurrection. This choice would be the equivalent of the 1864 Republicans’ choice to reform itself—and to rename itself—as the National Union Party.
No other choice would send such a strong message of national unity. As the VP nominee, Kinzinger would best demonstrate a resolve to halt our drift toward polarization and political violence. But if Kamala must choose a Democrat, I’d suggest Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. As a retired Naval officer and former astronaut, he comes closest to the “war hero” image of Theodore Roosevelt. And Kelly is a strong campaigner, from an important swing state, and fully capable of stepping into the role of president should the worst happen.
Above all, we need to thank President Joe Biden for giving us the opportunity to change horses and place a younger generation in the saddle of leadership.
John Ashbaugh San Luis Obispo
Wild country Opinion
Kudos to all the firefighters and other personnel who worked so hard to get the Lake Fire under control and prevent it from spreading more.
The 38,000-acre fire patchworked its way through the forest, left homes (but not property) relatively unscathed, kept campgrounds and trail systems fairly intact, and didn’t turn into the megafire that everyone thought it might. We are lucky to have a forest managed with wildfire prevention in mind and such capable fire personnel on the teams that put the fire in check.
With the currently raging Park Fire in full view thanks to media outlets across the country, it feels good to know that close to home, we made it out of the burning flames relatively whole—even though we are arguably only at the beginning of a long fire season. That Northern California fire had burned more than 385,000 acres across four counties as of July 30, closed Lassen Volcanic National Park, and destroyed 192 structures (residential, commercial, and otherwise), according to Cal Fire.
More than 5,500 personnel were manning the fire, which was 14 percent contained. It’s heartbreaking to think that an individual started the fire by allegedly rolling a burning car into a ditch—putting the lives of thousands in danger and in limbo, changing some forever. And so close to the Paradise Fire’s scars—so close that an evacuation warning was issued to the town that’s still traumatized by the devastation wrought in 2018.
As the U.S. Forest Service worked to put parts of Los Padres National Forest back together in the mountains above Los Olivos, the forest was simultaneously battling another blaze, the Apache
Fire, off Highway 33. It was 80 percent contained as of July 30 with 1,500-plus acres burned.
The systems that mobilize into place when emergencies bear down on us are beyond my comprehension, kind of like what it takes to clear out multiple encampments in the Santa Maria Riverbed. Dump trucks; SeaTrains; waste cleanup companies; shelter beds; housing; extended families; sheriff’s deputies, social workers; health care workers; nonprofits; government agencies from two counties, a city, and Caltrans; elected officials—all working in unison to accomplish something that seems impossible. They aren’t just collaborating to clear out several homeless encampments that commuters watched grow bigger by the day from Highway 101. Although, that arguably will have the largest aesthetic impact on those who didn’t live there. This group of collaborators aims to provide services that may (or may not) help some homeless individuals find a way to start fresh.
And the plan that’s now being enacted, according to Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson, took nine months of work. Nine months of work and potentially half of a $6 million grant to move 110 to 150 people living in the riverbed and all of the stuff they’ve amassed with the goal of sheltering them and wrapping services around them.
That’s wild. It would be even more wild if people don’t return to the riverbed. Even though Nelson said there will be enforcement in the areas that have already been cleaned up. But for how long? Forever is what it would take. Because our system has too many holes. And some individuals slip right through them. m
The Canary is feeling jaded about homelessness solutions. Send fix-it-quick ideas to canary@ santamariasun.com.
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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.
CASUAL CRAFTERNOON: THREAD
WRAPPED BRACELET
Learn to use thread and rope to create an awesome accessory. This workshop is free (all materials and supplies will be provided). Registration is required. For patrons 18 or older. Aug. 6 12-1:30 p.m. Free. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
CRAFTWORKS: DIY WIND CHIME Get lost in the feel and sound of the summer breeze with a personalized wind chime, made from decorated mason jar lids. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. This program is for patrons 18 and older. Aug. 3 10:30 a.m.-noon Free. 805-9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. ongoing Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, 805-937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. 805-925-
0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. GODSPELL A musical retelling of the Gospel according to Matthew. This extravaganza from the creator of Wicked is a must-see. Presented by SMCT. Aug. 9-25 smct.org. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. 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. POP-UP CRAFT FAIR Come on out and show your support at this pop-up craft fair at the American Legion. There will be arts and crafts, handmade goodies, face painting, food vendors. Perfect time to start some early Christmas shopping. Aug. 10 10 a.m.-4 p.m. American Legion Post 534, 145 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Sheryl Knight and Linda Mutti are awardwinning and celebrated artists and will be sharing their works at the Gallery Los Olivos. Artist reception is Aug. 3. MondaysSundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 31 805-688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. ARTIST RECEPTION AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS: SHERYL KNIGHT AND LINDA MUTTI Celebrating a new showcase of beautiful California landscapes by two award-winning artists. Aug. 3 1-3 p.m. 805 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
CABARET The iconic musical. Presented by PCPA. Aug. 2-25 Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
LAVENDER LEMONADE AND WATERCOLOR AT SANTA RITA HILLS
LAVENDER FARM Visit the picturesque lavender fields of Santa Rita Hills and grab a glass of lavender lemonade and a paintbrush. Aug. 3 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $89. 805-325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Santa Rita Hills Lavender Farm, 1900 Tularosa Road, Lompoc.
PATTERNS, SPACES, AND PLACES With Neil Andersson, Deborah Breedon, and Chuck Klein. A talented trio of longstanding valley artists showcase their unique styles in painting and fine woodworking at the Cypress Gallery. Artist reception: Aug. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Aug. 25 Free. 805-7371129. lompocart.org/. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.
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. GUNSMOKIN’ Through Sept. 7. Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
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.
CLOUD-PLEASING
Gallery Los Olivos will host an opening reception for its latest duo exhibition, All Things Bright and Beautiful, on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. The exhibit highlights pieces by featured artists Sheryl Knight and Linda Mutti and will remain on display through the end of August. To find out more about the showcase, visit gallerylosolivos.com.
—Caleb Wiseblood
ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
ART AFTER DARK AT THE MONDAY CLUB SLO Join The Monday Club for its first ever Art After Dark. Come by the clubhouse to see featured local women artists and Monday Club members, including painters, illustrators, jewelers, and quilters. Wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and light bites served. Aug. 2 5-8 p.m. themondayclubslo.org. The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, 805-541-0594.
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, 805-235-4877.
ART AFTER DARK: LIZ MARUSKA’S PAINTINGS Enjoy an exciting 100th anniversary event at The Monday Club. The building, designed by architect Julia Morgan, will be open to the public and filled with art for sale by numerous local artists, including Liz Maruska. Aug. 2 , 5-8 p.m. 805-541-0594. The Monday Club, 1815 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, TheMondayClubSLO.org.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group
lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing 805-8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
COLLAGING THE COAST: MORRO ROCK WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM Receive stepby-step instructions for creating a beautiful coastal image using a variety of handpainted papers. First workshop in a series; come to one or all. Beginners are welcome and no experience is necessary. Aug. 3, 12-4 p.m. $40 per person each session. 805478-2158. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
COLORS OF CONSERVATION ART SHOW The Land Conservancy is thrilled to invite you to this summer’s Colors of Conservation Art Show at the Octagon Barn Center. Come enjoy wine and bites while experiencing the San Luis Obispo Painters for the Environment (SLOPE) artists’ work celebrating our conserved lands. Aug. 9 5-8 p.m. and Aug. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. lcslo.org/events/colorsof-conservation-art-exhibition/. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, 805-544-9096.
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. FOUR-WEEK BEGINNING WHEEL POTTERY SERIES Students learn to throw various shapes, surface, decorate and glaze. By signing up for a four-week session, you are committing to a series of classes. Aug. 6, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $180. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com. IT TAKES TWO: BRAND NEW SONGS ABOUT SAME OLD LOVE A funny and touching original musical revue about romantic relationships. Featuring 19 original songs by Michael Kaplan and Mark Pietri, the creators of “Danny Come Home” and “We’re Canceling Cable.” Aug. 2 , 7-8:30 p.m., Aug. 3 7-8:30 p.m. and Aug. 4 3-4:30 p.m. $25. 805-440-2695. Unitarian Universalist, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.
MARIA MOLTENI: CELESTIAL ANTIPHONY Celestial Antiphony creates a cycle of beats on the fingers and illustrates a childhood shortcut for praying the Rosary when beads have gone missing. The artist has returned to the modular, rhythmic orb-based practice of prayer, which transcends boundaries of faith and constructs of time. Aug. 2- Nov. 11 Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ maria-molteni/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., 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.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS
This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
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
Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
COURTESY
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Hot Stuff
CRUISE MUSE
The 20th annual Lompoc Police Cruise Night will kick off near Civic Center Plaza on Friday, Aug. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., and will be followed by the Lompoc Police Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show highlights various makes and models of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bikes. Proceeds of the events will benefit the Lompoc Police Association Youth Sports Program and the Lompoc Police Foundation. Visit my805tix.com for registration info.
ARTS from page 12
FINE ART TEXTILES BY GAY MCNEAL
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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. SECOND SATURDAYS SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11-1 a.m. through Dec. 14 Free. 805-543-8562. sloma.org/events/second-saturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
THINK LIKE A CARTOONIST WITH LEIGH RUBIN Come to the library for a hilarious comic adventure inside the mind of RIT’s Cartoonist-in-Residence, Leigh Rubin, “sit-down” comedian and creator of the nationally-syndicated cartoon, Rubes Cartoons. Along with his friends, Rubin is the author of “Think Like a Cartoonist.” Aug. 10, 2-3 p.m. Free. 805-781-5991. slolibrary.org. San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY ARTVENTURES WITH ZOE: MIXED MEDIA (AFTERNOON) During this halfday art camp, students (ages 6-12) will dive into mixed media art, the process of combining or layering two or more different mediums into one composition; a great way to recycle materials including cardboard and other found objects. Aug. 2 , 1-4 p.m. $50. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/index.php/ comingevents/childrens-classes/. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. ARTVENTURES WITH ZOE: MIXED MEDIA (MORNING) Kids (ages 6-12) will dive into mixed media art, the process of combining or layering two or more different mediums into one composition; a great way to recycle materials including cardboard and other found objects. Aug. 2 , 9 a.m.-noon $50. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
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.
This artist appreciates the multifaceted role that textiles have played in the art and material cultures of many societies. Her creative high comes from the process of trying out the multitude of techniques, both old and new, to create art and quilts. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY VIRGINIA
MACK This artist’s inspiration comes from nature. Her passion is enjoying natural areas wherever she is and responding to each area through her paintings and drawings. She has made hundreds of journeys on the bay in her kayak and developed many pieces inspired by those journeys. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
JADE FAIRE Jade Studio presents Jade Faire, with Big Sur jade carvers and artists and live music. Aug. 3 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jade Studio, 2601 Main St., Cambria, 805-904-4547.
JEWELRY BY MARJORIE ZLOTOWITZ
“Ever since we humans figured out how to string stones and bones, we’ve adorned ourselves with things we find aesthetically pleasing.” This artist loves the colors, shapes, and textures of natural stones, various metals, and vintage beads. Through Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 805-772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
KID’S ART CAMP WITH KATHRYN
Kids will explore drawing and painting, cartoon creations, and abstract art projects. Students will “dip their toes” into various art mediums, including graphite pencil, watercolor, and paint. This is a perfect opportunity for both beginner and experienced artists to exercise their creativity. Aug. 1 9:30 a.m.-noon $80. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
KIDS ART CAMP WITH KATHRYN
Kids will explore drawing and painting, cartoon creations, and abstract art projects. Students will “dip their toes” into various art mediums, including graphite pencil, watercolor, and paint. This is a perfect opportunity for both beginner and experienced artists to exercise their creativity. Aug. 7, 8:30 a.m.-noon and Aug. 8 8:30 a.m.-noon $80. 805-772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
STROMSOE STUDIOS (OPEN STUDIO BY RESERVATION) Tour this traditional metal smithing studio by appointment, and gain access to an exclusive selection of hand forged contemporary jewelry, tableware, and heirloom quality art in silver, copper, and pewter. Second Sunday of every month, 12-4 p.m. through Aug. 11 Free with RSVP. 805-237-8632. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County, randystromsoe.com.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, 805-937-9750. CASUAL CRAFTERNOON: TASSEL EARRINGS Learn how to turn thread into fun tassel earrings. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. For ages 18 and older. Aug. 9, 4-5:30 p.m. Free. 805925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. 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.
EXPLORING THE TRAILS OF ORCUTT Join the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and enjoy some of Orcutt’s best trails. Aug. 3 9-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-4488012. sblandtrust.org. Join the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and enjoy some of Orcutt’s best trails. Aug. 3 9-11:30 a.m. Free. 805-448-8012. eventbrite.com. Orcutt Community Park, 4854 S. Bradley Road 109, Orcutt.
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.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16
—C.W.
Hot Stuff
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.
Maiden to Crone Sister Circle
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 From the Roots Up Healing, Los Osos
to The Rolling Stones: Some Girls
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Blast & Brew, Atascadero
Cinderella: A Musical
FRI-SUN, AUG 16-SEPT 1 Wine Country Theatre, Paso Robles
SLOpickers, A 4-piece Bluegrass String Band
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Congregation House, SLO
Brass Mash at Olde Alehouse
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
SUNDAY,
That’s So Drag Brunch
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Libertine Brewing Company, SLO
Tiny Porch Concerts: The Riverside and The Salty Suites
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 Peter Strauss Ranch, Agoura Hills
Chismosas y Mimosas Drag Brunch
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 A Mi Manera Mexican Cuisine, Santa Maria
Tribute to Kiss and Aerosmith Dressed to Kill and Aero Rocks
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Blast 825 Brewery, Orcutt
Monte Mills Lucky Horseshoe Band
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Club Car Bar, Templeton Mercantile
Full
MONDAY, AUGUST 19
Frequent Weaver Presents: The Mezzacappa Quartet
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 The Bunker SLO
Morro Bay High School Class of 2004 Reunion
FRI-SUN, AUGUST 16-18 The Siren, Morro Bay
Shakti Goddess Retreat
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Aurora Adventures at Vibe Retreats, Arroyo Grande
The Surface Walkers: A Science Fiction Rock Musical
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
THURS-SUN, AUGUST 22-25
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
STATE OF THE DISABLED UNION: CULTURAL SUNDAYS TALK AT ARROWSMITH’S Speakers will draw from personal experiences, which are sometimes humorous, as well as some moments from interviews with people in the field from their podcast, called “The Disability Myth,” on the subject of living with disabilities today, to describe the State of the Disabled Union. Aug. 11 5-7 p.m. Free. 805-686-9126. arrowsmithwine.com. Arrowsmith’s, 1539 Mission Drive, Solvang. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
2024 LOMPOC POLICE CAR SHOW
The show highlights various makes and models of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bikes. Proceeds of the events will benefit the Lompoc Police Association Youth Sports Program and the Lompoc Police Foundation. Aug. 9, 5-8 p.m. and Aug. 10 9 a.m.-3 p.m. my805tix.com. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.
BURTON MESA CHAPARRAL GARDEN
CARE DAY Join and help beautify Lompoc’s botanical garden. Bring your pruners, a rake, and a wheelbarrow, if you can. Wear a hat, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes. First-time volunteers welcome. Aug. 3 9 a.m.-noon Free. 805-450-3668. Burton Mesa Chaparral Garden, 1 Hancock Drive, Lompoc, lvbhs.org/bmcg.
KRIYA II MEDITATION RETREAT: DEEPEN
YOUR PRACTICE Do you feel a calling to advance and deepen your Kriya practice? Take your meditation to the next level using Kriya II, at this in-depth retreat, through breath, movement, study, and meditation. Receive the second initiation of Kriya Yoga as a powerful tool for awakening. Aug. 8 4 p.m. and Aug. 11 1 p.m. $340. 805-7366528. sunburst.org. Sunburst Retreat Center, 7200 CA-1, Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. 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.
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.
THE GRAPE ESCAPE
Glasshead Studio in Atascadero hosts its stained glass grape nightlight workshop on Saturday, Aug. 10. From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. participants of the class will use various materials to create their own nightlights to take home. Admission is $80 per person. To find out more about the upcoming workshop, visit glassheadstudio.com.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS
FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. 510-362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. 805-547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index.php/chapter-52-lospadres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS
A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE
ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. 805-440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 805-9046615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a fun and educational opportunity this summer? Join the aquarium’s Volunteer Team. No marine science experience is necessary. There are lots of ways to get involved. Check out website for more details. Tuesdays. through Sept. 30 centralcoastaquarium.org. Central Coast Aquarium, 50 San Juan St., Avila Beach, 805-595-7280.
WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone.
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.
BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC A sneaky way to get fit. Build whole-body strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary, so fly away. Ages 5-17. Aug. 3 , 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child, plus $10 per additional sibling. 805-547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/events. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. 559-9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo. CLASS: CREATIVE GLASS CREATURES Create whimsical 3-D critters and creatures in this glass workshop led by SLOBG’s Executive Director, Janine Stillman. This class is for everyone, no previous experience is necessary. Register
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 18
Tribute
The Olde Alehouse, Baywood-Los Osos
Cayucos Backyard Show featuring Ynana Rose
Private Residence, Cayucos
Your Jack, Chris Beland, Luke Francis & Max Maclaury
AUGUST 18
The Bunker SLO
August
Moon Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Bath
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, SLO
Improv Comedy Playoffs
The Bunker SLO
—C.W.
Paint Party
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 10, 17
Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, Cambria
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Date Night Painting Workshop with Drew Davis
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 Drew Davis Fine Art, SLO
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Craft Distillery, SLO
Robles Rotary Club
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Angus: An AC/DC Tribute
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
City Ballroom, Lompoc
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Robles Event Center The Only Ocean, Niantic, Zampkamp, and Shadow Construct 47
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 10 Blast 825
Presents: Life and Breath
& SUN, AUGUST 10 & 11
Brewing, SLO
Dirty Cello “The Flesh and the Devil” Screening, Performing Soundtrack
AUGUST 8 Stolo Vineyards, Cambria
Tribute to The Rolling Stones: Some Girls
Brewery, Orcutt
via slobg.org. Please note: a $25 materials will be collected on the day of class. Aug. 4 , 10 a.m.-noon $65. (805-541-1400. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
FIGHT NIGHT PRESENTED BY BEATDOWN PROMOTIONS An electrifying night of mixed martial arts action brought to you by BeatDown Promotions. Aug. 2 , 5 p.m. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, 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/. UC Master Gardener Program of San Luis Obispo County extends an invitation to the public to visit its SLO demonstration garden. Bring your lunch, tour the garden, ask questions, or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Garden of the Seven Sisters. 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.
METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK
CLUB A weekly book discussion, on a wide variety of titles from the general subject of metaphysics, spirituality, and comparative religion. By invitation. For more information, contact David Higgins, email: davidhiggins67@gmail. com. Location revealed to those invited. Wednesdays Free. rationalmetaphysics. com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-270-3346.
Q YOUTH GROUP (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.
QIGONG FITNESS ONLINE Register now for QiGong Fitness Online with San Luis Coastal Adult School. Classes begin in August. With Gary West, instructor. Mondays-Sundays. through Aug. 15 $115 per semester. 805-549-1222. slcusd.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. QIGONG ONLINE Register now for QiGong Online with Gary West, of San Luis Coastal Adult School. Great practice for balance, wellness, mindfulness, and vitality. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:35 a.m. through Dec. 12 $115 per semester. 805-549-1222.
TASTE BUDS
The 25th annual Paso Robles Rotary Winemakers’ Cookoff will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Paso Robles Event Center. Guests of the event can look forward to enjoying tastings from local wineries and breweries with gourmet food pairings. Participating vendors will be competing for juried and peoples’ choice awards. Visit my805tix.com for more info or to purchase tickets in advance.
ae.slcusd.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB
MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. 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.
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.
SUPER HERO GYMNASTICS CAMP
Features gymnastics, themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. Enjoy trampolines, bars, beams, foam pits, and more. Ages 4-13; no experience necessary. Through Aug. 2, 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.
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.
TOPSY TURVY GYMNASTICS CAMP Get the wiggles out with gymnastics, themed crafts and games, and educational trivia. For ages 4-13. Aug. 5-9 9:30 a.m.-12:30 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.
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.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, 805772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS
MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is 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. MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/. SOCRATES: DISCUSSION GROUP Group members present interesting and thought provoking topics of all sorts. Topics are selected in advance and moderated by volunteers. Vaccinations are necessary. Enter through wooden gate to garden area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. 805-528-7111. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
FOOD & DRINK
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS 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.
FOOD & DRINK continued page 19
PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.
SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET:
LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 805-722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. 805-937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, 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. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO
TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games
Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.
Free. 805-819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com.
COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave, Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
HOUSE OF PRAYER’S Q-TEAM MONTHLY
BARBECUE Come enjoy finger lickin’ barbecue with all the fixings. First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 2 805-732-5111. House of Prayer Church, 640 S. Frontage Road, Nipomo. MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES
New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. 805-8016627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo, drinkramblingspirits.com.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, 805-937-8110.
HAWAIIAN BEACH PARTY DANCE The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club presents a Hawaiian Beach Party dance with Riptide Big Band, vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting, and dancer Yuka Freeman. Free thanks to grant funding by the Community Foundation of SLO County. Aug. 11 , 1:30-4 p.m. Free. 775813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
INTERNATIONAL ALBARIÑO DAYS
ALBARIÑO VERTICAL FLIGHT Taste five years of Albariño. Waived with a twobottle purchase. Aug. 1 , 1-6:15 p.m., Aug. 2 , 1-6:15 p.m., Aug. 3 1-6:15 p.m. and Aug. 4 1-5:15 p.m. $35; Half off for Club Members. 805-946-1685. cromavera.com/blogs/ news/events-at-the-tasting-room. Croma Vera Wines, 3183 Duncan Road, Suite D, San Luis Obispo.
PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Enjoy live music most Fridays at the venue. Call venue or check website to find out who’s performing. Fridays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY
Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons.
MUSIC continued page 20
805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
OASIS CENTER’S FOURTH ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT
FEATURING THE TEPUSQUET TORNADOES Enjoy a night of your favorite country songs, food, friends, raffles, plus beer and wine. All to benefit the OASIS Center in Old Town Orcutt.,Gates open at 6 p.m. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Aug. 3 6 p.m. $35-$5,000. 805-937-9750. oasisseniorcenter.ticketspice. com/2024-tepusquet-tornadoes-concert. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria.
SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, 805-623-8866. SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
LIVE MUSIC WITH TERESA PICO Solvang remembers her as Teresa Green from earlier days . She has played several venues in the area. Teresa leans toward classic rock, upbeat blues, and some Motown. From Zeppelin to Fleetwood Mac and everything in between. Aug. 3 7-10 p.m. Free. 805-6869126. arrowsmithwine.com. Arrowsmith’s, 1539 Mission Drive, Solvang.
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN This ongoing summer concert series spotlights a variety of musical acts. Afternoon performances held on various Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. Through Sept. 1 Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.
SITRASON LIVE Part of the Music in the Garden series. Visit site for more info. Aug. 11 , 3 p.m. $37. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang, 805-686-1789.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG THE BOYS OF SUMMER A tribute to the Eagles. Aug. 2 7 p.m. my805tix.com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714. COLONEL ANGUS LIVE Visit site for tickets and more details on this live concert. Aug. 9 7-11 p.m. my805tix.com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, 805-810-0714.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 2024 LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE CONCERT SERIES These Saturday afternoon concerts are limited and will sell out, so make your purchase early to secure your spot. Saturdays, 2:305 p.m. through Oct. 12 my805tix.com. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
GROVER BEACH SUMMER CONCERTS 2024 Featuring some of best local and regional bands all summer long. Food, craft vendors, and activities for the kids. Free and all ages welcome. Sundays, 3-6 p.m. through Aug. 18 Free. 805-473-4580. groverbeach.org. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.
KARAOKE EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy some good food and karaoke. Fridays, 5-8 p.m. 805-723-5550. The Central Grill, 545 Orchard Road, Nipomo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
16TH ANNUAL NEW TIMES AWARDS: ENTRY PERIOD The contest entries are open through Aug. 5. Visit site for entry rules and more info on the New Times Media Group’s annual competition for local musicians. Through Aug. 5 newtimesslo. com/sanluisobispo/NTMARules/Page. New Times, 1010 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, 805-546-8208.
POPS ON! With Orchestra Novo. Visit site for tickets and more details. Aug. 4 2:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
POPS ON! ORCHESTRA NOVO The band goes Hollywood during this program. Aug. 4 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
ROSE’S PAWN SHOP AND NATALIE HASKINS: CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA Natalie Haskins (Americana/folk) and Rose’s Pawn Shop (Americana/folk-rock/bluegrass). Free bike valet. Aug. 2 5-8 p.m. Free. DowntownSLO.com/Concerts. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY THE CLIFFNOTES MAKE AUGUST MERRIER AT THE MERRIMAKER “We don’t know what they put in the Baywood water supply, but the crowd at Niffy’s Merrimaker has demanded more of The Cliffnotes.” Enjoy some rootsy, rockin’ blues at this live show. Aug. 2 , 7-9 p.m. Free. 805-439-1735. niffysmerrimaker.com. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett plays guitar-woven music that is easy to listen to, but also surprises.
Arts
ARTS BRIEFS
Dirty
Cello headlines outdoor festivities in Solvang and Cambria
Known for bending genres and its high-energy, stringdriven performances, San Francisco-based ensemble Dirty Cello is heading to the Central Coast for two back-to-back performances.
The five-piece band, led by cellist Rebecca Roudman, will be in Solvang on Wednesday, Aug. 7, and in Cambria on Thursday, Aug. 8.
As part of Solvang’s Music in the Park Series, the band will headline a free outdoor concert at Solvang Park on Wednesday, Aug. 7. The family-friendly show starts at 5 p.m. and is expected to run through 8 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park.
Alcoholic beverages will be permitted at the park during the concert, according to the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, which urges “all attendees to consume responsibly and be mindful of their drinks at all times.”
The following evening, Dirty Cello will perform live music to accompany an outdoor screening of the 1926 silent film Flesh and the Devil at the Parr Collective at Stolo Vineyards in Cambria on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m. Picnic tables will be available to guests, who are also welcome to bring their own supplies for setups on the venue’s lawn during the event, hosted by the Cambria Film Festival.
Tickets to the film screening are available in advance at my805tix.com. Admission to the upcoming concert at Solvang Park is free. To find out more about Dirty Cello, visit dirtycello.com. Solvang Park is located at 1630 Mission Drive, Solvang. The Parr Collective at Stolo Vineyards is located at 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria.
Orcutt Mineral Society holds 56th annual Rainbow of Gems Show
Several vendors of jewelry, gems, minerals, and more will sell and display their wares during the 56th annual Rainbow of Gems Show at Nipomo High School on Aug. 2, 3, and 4. This Central Coast tradition, organized by the Orcutt Mineral Society, features unique selections of collectible rocks, fossils, and crafted stone merchandise. Admission and parking is free. Adults and children are welcome. Kids who attend can grab a free polished rock from the Rock Box, according to the Orcutt Mineral Society.
Visit omsinc.org for more info. The event’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Nipomo High School is located at 525 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo. m
Giving seasons
Winter and summer collide at upcoming craft fair fundraiser in Orcutt
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
It’s never too early to get a head start on Christmas shopping, especially when it’s for a good cause.
As part of a summer fundraiser to support Orcutt’s American Legion Post 534, local crafter Maryann Johnson is selling some festive giftables including snowman figurines and teddy bears just in time to commemorate Christmas in August, rather than July.
Johnson is one of several artisans who signed on to sell their goods at the Aug. 10 event, which is not restricted to winterly wares or any specific season, although its charitable nature may attract shoppers in the spirit of giving.
“I hope we get a lot of foot traffic,” said Johnson, who co-organized the upcoming pop-up craft fair to help offset a financial roadblock that’s
been looming over Post 534 since the beginning of 2024.
Dedicated to raising funds for local veterans and their families, the nonprofit owns a barn space in Old Town Orcutt that it previously leased to Rick’s Car Care. There hasn’t been a new tenant at the barn which Post 534 is paying off a mortgage for since January.
“At first, they were trying to lease it back out,” said Johnson, Post 534’s second vice president for the auxiliary. “That wasn’t going real well, and then they decided to go ahead and open it up and see what we could do.”
Post 534 has hosted events and fundraisers in the past, but the upcoming pop-up craft fair marks the first of its kind for the nonprofit. When it comes to participating crafters, the more, the merrier,
Johnson said, as she’ll be accepting new vendors who wish to join up until the event date.
Johnson has enlisted more than a dozen participants so far, including local resin artist Linda Olivar, whose beach-themed projects feel especially sunny in contrast to Johnson’s winter wonders.
Both Olivar and Johnson took up their respective crafts in 2020 as ways to cope with the monotony of sheltering in place at home. For Olivar, experimenting with resin art was also a fun way to bond with her daughter shortly before she left home for college.
“It was at the start of the pandemic. My daughter wanted to try it [resin art], so we ordered the supplies,” Olivar said. “Then she went off to college and left me doing it.”
Over the past four years, Olivar has used her resin skills to create scenic charcuterie boards, coasters, wall art, and other items. Many of Olivar’s works are available for sale at The Natural Toolbox, located at Pismo Beach’s premium outlets.
Johnson started crafting her lightup snowman creations after seeing a trend on Facebook. Each figurine starts with two clear globes that she fills with diluted glue, the crafter explained.
“Then I put glitter in them. Once the glitter dries, I put lights in them and then attach them together,” said Johnson, who decorates the round exteriors of her snowy figures with scarves and hats of various themes, some of which celebrate different sports teams, for example.
Johnson’s teddy bears will also be available for sale at the upcoming pop-up craft fair. While not as inherently winter-centric as her snowman offerings, her bear work began as a direct result of the holiday season.
“I got into the bears about five years ago, when I took my grandkids on a Christmas vacation,” recalled Johnson, who wanted to give them handmade gifts that year, specifically something that would remind them of the Mount Shasta trip for years to come.
Luckily the trip was planned a year in advance, said the crafter, who was given plenty of time to come up with the perfect souvenir.
“They each got a bear,” said Johnson, who stuffed an assortment of handmade teddy bears for her grandchildren.
Johnson imprinted some writing onto each of the bears’ feet to commemorate the Mount Shasta trip.
Guests of the Aug. 10 craft fair who are in the market for any of its featured vendors’ goods, which include pottery and other media, can also enter a raffle for the chance to win a gift basket stuffed with various items available at the pop-up.
“Each person that does an entry for the craft fair will also donate one of their gifts. Out of the gifts, we’ll try to make four different baskets,” Johnson said. “You don’t have to be present [during the raffle draw]. ... We’ll give them a call if they win.” m
Try to win Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood’s attention at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
American Legion Post 534 is hosting its first pop-up craft fair in Old Town Orcutt on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info or to participate in the fair as a vendor, text co-organizer Maryann Johnson at (805) 863-7967.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARYANN JOHNSON
BEAR FLAIR: Maryann Johnson’s handmade teddy bear hobby emerged from wanting to gift her grandchildren with something unique and memorable a few holiday seasons ago.
LET IT SNOW: Local crafter Maryann Johnson’s light-up snowman creations are among the featured goods set to be available for sale at American Legion Post 534’s upcoming pop-up craft fair in Orcutt.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARYANN JOHNSON
FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYNE MILLS
PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA OLIVAR
COASTAL COASTERS: Resin artist Linda Olivar enjoys creating ocean and beach imagery through resin art on coasters, charcuterie boards, wall art, and other items.
8/3 Spanky
8/4 Cocktail Shorty
8/10 Electric Lavender Train
8/11 Joi Polloi
8/17 Earls of Tuesday
8/18 Cocktail Shorty
8/24 Jill Knight
8/25 Billy and the Tingle
8/31 Blue Birds on a Wire
Inside joke fest
Shawn Levy (Cheaper by the Dozen, Night at the Museum, Free Guy) directs this new installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) reluctantly team up on a mission to end an existential threat to their world. Set six years after the events of Deadpool 2 (2018), the story was co-written by Levy, Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells. (127 min.)
Glen: What’s the plot of this story? Guess what? It doesn’t matter. The joy of the film is watching irreverent wiseacre Deadpool insult everyone he encounters. Being unkillable kind of takes the pressure off and removes the danger of being a prick to the wrong person. Like the previous two Deadpool films, this one works hard to bring the audience in on the joke as Deadpool breaks the fourth wall to deliver rapid-fire dialog reminding the audience they’re watching a franchise movie that used to be part of 20th Century Fox but was sold to Disney. It’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, packed with tons of great special effects and action, and studded with star cameos. Too many superhero movies take themselves too seriously. Not this one, but amazingly, it also manages to pack ad emotional punch. What a blast.
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande
Anna: Superhero movies are supposed to be fun, right? Deadpool & Wolverine delivers on that front. I get bored very quickly with franchise superhero flicks that a) get way too into the weeds on some story or plotline that I don’t know because I don’t keep up with all the films and b) try their hand at being some dramatic, tortured-heart tale. We’re here for the fights and the fun! I want over-the-top ridiculousness! Reynolds has amazing comic timing, and after following the Reynolds/ Jackman fake feud online for years, it’s awesome to see them go head-to-head (and hand in hand) as their superhero selves. The best part is how much the film makes fun of itself, of the usual superhero tropes, of all things Hollywood. This may not be the superhero flick for the young ones, but those old enough for adult humor are sure to eat it up.
Glen: I didn’t know they had a fake feud going, but I guess that adds to the fun.
To me, the most confusing part of the film is the complicated story about the multiverse and the Time Variance Authority (TVA) that monitors the various timelines. This, to me, is “getting into the weeds.” I did like Mr. Paradox (played with glee by Matthew Macfadyen), a rogue TVA agent who sees Deadpool’s timeline slowly dying because it lost its “anchor being”
THE FIFTH ELEMENT
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 1997
Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 2, at 7:00 p.m.
Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita Léon: The Professional Lucy ) directs this sci-fi adventure set mostly in the 23rd century, about Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a flying-cab driver and former special forces major, who rescues Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), a beautiful young woman who may be the key to saving Earth from a great evil that arrives every 5,000 years.
The plot involves a secret weapon: four classical elements (earth, water, air, fire) as well as a fifth element contained in a sarcophagus. It’s all very complicated, but suffice it to say, Korben becomes Leeloo’s protector, and thanks to a rigged radio contest, the pair are awarded a luxury vacation aboard a flying hotel where the story’s grand finale takes place.
With amazing special effects, costuming by French haute couture and Prêt-à-porter fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, and a killer soundtrack, this film is a spectacle. Willis
(that would be Wolverine, who died in 2017’s Logan). How do you bring back a beloved character who’s been killed off in a previous film? Well, get your butt to the theater and find out! This is a crude, bloody, ribald spectacle with amazing dialog and laughs galore, and it deserves to be seen on the big screen.
Anna: Honestly, I didn’t really pay attention to all of that TVA/multiverse business, though it did let us see other variations of some of our favorite Marvel characters, such as a longhaired, unscarred Nicepool who introduces the absolute star of the show—a dog! We also meet
FIELD OF DREAMS
What’s it rated? PG
When? 1989
Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5:30 p.m.
Phil Alden Robinson directs this family fantasy drama about struggling Iowa corn farmer Ray Kinsella, who lives with his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan), and their daughter, Karin (Gaby Hoffman). We learn that Ray is haunted by his broken relationship with his late father, John (Dwier Brown).
Ray begins hearing voices telling him, “If you build it, he will come,” accompanied by visions of a baseball field and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) standing in the middle of it. With his wife’s blessing, he plows under part of his crop and builds a baseball diamond, telling his daughter about the 1919 Black Sox scandal as he builds it. Eventually, other players from the past begin appearing from the corn field, playing baseball and putting on a show.
a Captain America who doesn’t quite have the same chops as his other universe counterpart, and we get to see a bunch of fallen superheroes who find a way to make their mark, even if they’re seemingly lost in the void. This flick is quick-witted and just plain silly from beginning to end—who could say no to a mash-up of tough guy Logan and smart-mouth Deadpool? I loved it from beginning to end. m
Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey from New Times and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
emotionally resonant as Leeloo learns more and more about human culture and begins
What follows is a tearjerking story of redemption, second chances, and reconciliation. It’s beautifully filmed, with sentimental but smartly written dialog, and the acting and soundtrack are both great. James Earl Jones is fantastic as Terence Mann, a controversial author and recluse who shares Ray’s visions. Keep your eyes
THE WORLD-SAVING TYPE?: Ryan Reynolds returns as Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, a wisecracking mercenary trying to save his world, in Deadpool & Wolverine, screening in local theaters.
peeled in the Fenway Park scene and you might see thenteenage Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who were cast as extras. Such a great family movie! (107 min.) m —Glen
PHOTO COURTESY
MULTIPASS: Milla Jovovich stars as Leeloo, a young woman who may be the key to saving Earth from a great evil, in The Fifth Element, screening at The Palm Theatre on Aug. 1 and 2.
IF YOU BUILD IT: Kevin Costner stars as Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who hears voices urging him to build a baseball diamond in his corn field, in Field of Dreams, screening on Aug. 5, in the Bay Theatre.
No place like home
Local chef Don Carr curates elaborate private dinners across the
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
The unparalleled bliss that comes with enjoying a gourmet meal without lifting a finger or washing a single dish isn’t restricted to those who dine out, thanks to private chefs like longtime local Don Carr.
“We’re basically a traveling restaurant,” Carr said to sum up his business—Inspired Dining, which offers curated private chef experiences at clients’ homes or vacation rentals across both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
“Really, we’re all over the Central Coast,” the SLO-based chef said. “We’ve done birthday parties, small weddings, anniversaries. Bachelorette parties are huge. ... We just did a bachelorette party in Santa Ynez.”
Carr’s services aren’t limited to those celebrating a special occasion though, as plenty of the company’s past clients include patrons who simply wish to “stay at home and enjoy the private chef experience.”
“I once cheffed for a family for a week straight in Cayucos,” said Carr, who grew up in Los Angeles and previously lived in Santa Barbara and Arroyo Grande before moving to SLO.
Carr has previous restaurant and hospitality experience, but the launch of Inspired Dining, founded during the summer of 2023, marked the entrepreneur’s first foray in the realm of private cheffing.
“At 54 years old, I really kind of found what I believe is my calling,” Carr said. “I have found more joy in the last 10, 11 months than I had in my entire career. ... It’s been a whirlwind year, that’s for sure.”
This month marks the chef’s one-year anniversary, as Carr’s first private gig was at a home in Templeton last August. His wife, Wendee, a skilled baker, accompanied him and has been providing desserts at Carr’s multicourse excursions ever since.
“We literally packed everything up in her Honda Accord and rolled up to the property and unpacked,” Carr recalled of the Templeton gig with a laugh. “The car was packed to the gills.”
While clients usually arrange for Carr to use their own kitchen or their vacation rental’s kitchen, he brings a certain amount of cooking supplies
along to maintain flexibility in case an appliance stops working unexpectedly.
“A lot of these homes are lovely Airbnbs ... so a lot of the times, the guests are coming in blind as well,” Carr said. “We’ve strolled into places where there’s literally a $25,000 stove and oven, and the oven doesn’t work, so we’ve had to pivot and adjust.
“We have to be flexible because we have different environments basically every experience,” he added. “I have my own tool kit, which consists of a wide variety of knives. ... We have our own pizza oven that we’ll bring, we have our own grill if needed, and an induction oven. ... We have everything
ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE: Among the various options available to clients of Don Carr’s multi-course dinner experiences, one of the chef’s personal favorite steak cuts is the zabuton, also known as a Denver cut.
PHOTO COURTESY
SWEET TREATS: Don Carr frequently works with his wife, Wendee, a skilled baker who provides the various dessert selections for patrons to order when customizing their dinner experience.
COURTESY PHOTO BY ROBBIE BRUZUS
we need if the guests’ home doesn’t have a certain thing.”
When it comes to Carr’s dinner menu options, there are several kinds of starters, salads, main courses, Wendee’s dessert selections, and more for patrons to consider. As far as steak options go, Carr is especially jazzed about a certain cut that’s been getting a lot of positive feedback from clients lately.
“Right now we’re doing a cut of meat from Snake River Farms called zabuton. It’s also called a Denver cut,” said Carr, who described it as “a blend between a fillet, a New York, and a rib eye—all in one.”
“People are losing their minds,” he said. “It’s phenomenal if you’re a steak lover.”
Whenever possible, Carr sources ingredients and other offerings from Central Coastbased farmers, vintners, and suppliers. Some of his ongoing collaborators include Grassy Bar Oyster Co., Sinor La Valle, and Seed and a Bucket Farms.
“I source a lot of my produce, my greens, my
veggies from farmers markets, local farms,” Carr said. “I’m really trying to incorporate local purveyors. ... When I have partners like that, it makes my life so much easier.” m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is a self-described fillet minion. Send medium rare comments to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.
MANY HATS: Through his company, Inspired Dining, private chef Don Carr organizes dinners that suit various occasions for clients in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
including real hardwood and tile. There are 3 bedrooms and
