Sun, November 21, 2024

Holiday Guide

Don’t blink or the year might be over. Before that happens, you’ve got to revel in the spirit of the holiday season! And I don’t just mean when the big man in red comes to deliver all those things you want. Our annual Holiday Guide is here to help you really celebrate this season, with a calendar of all the activities to keep your kids enchanted and you entertained through the new year [13], the comfort of Midwestern holiday dishes [14], traditions from around the world [16], and volunteer opportunities up and down the Central Coast [18]

This week, you can also read about the U.S. Forest Service’s plans for Pine Mountain [4]; an art show dedicated to pets [38]; and authors who celebrate the Central Coast’s bounty [41]

Lanham editor

Camillia

Luxury Condos

• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) unveiled a new legislative effort to rename a Central Coast post office in Goleta for Frederick Lopez , a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Marine Corps with a 30-year career of distinguished service, according to a Nov. 12 statement from Carbajal’s office. Carbajal—a veteran himself—joined Lopez, his family, and representatives from Central Coast veterans organizations at the Santa Barbara Veterans’ Memorial Building on Nov. 8 to announce the effort. “Gen. Lopez embodies the service that we honor with nationwide commemorations like Veterans Day,” Carbajal said in the statement. “He also deserves to have his three decades of service acknowledged by his own communities in a way that will inspire others. If putting his name on this federal building inspires one new person to learn more about him and be inspired to service themselves—that will be a validation of this effort. And I have no doubt that that will happen.” Lopez, a Santa Barbara County native, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967 following his graduation from Cal Poly. His service as a platoon commander during the Vietnam War earned him a Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbon. Over his three decades as a Marine, Lopez also earned a Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and other decorations prior to his retirement in 1998.

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Gov. Gavin Newsom met with Biden-Harris administration officials to advocate for clean air and water safeguards, disaster relief funding, and public lands protections in the final two months of Biden’s presidency, according to a Nov. 13 statement from Padilla’s office. “In these next two months, the Biden administration must do all they can to ensure Californians and our environment are protected from future Trump administration actions as we rebound from the pandemic and strive to meet our essential conservation and emissions goals,” Padilla said in the statement. “I’m glad to partner with Gov. Newsom to push for these urgent requests and sustain California’s global environmental leadership.” California has several pending waiver requests that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must review and approve to protect California’s ambitious climate and emissions rules that create jobs and protect public health, as authorized by the Clean Air Act. Additionally, Newsom and Padilla have pressed for full reimbursements of the $5.2 billion that California state and local governments spent for emergency relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Padilla and Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-California) previously urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reverse a harmful change in guidance that would cost state and local governments an estimated $300 million. “Building on our strong partnership with the Biden-Harris administration, California is working closely with the White House to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need,” Newsom said in the statement. “Together, we are committed to expanding access to health care, advancing cleaner air, and enhancing the quality of life for all Californians.”

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that five communities hit the hardest by the devastating wildfires in 2018 will receive $40.7 million in new federal aid to support community development and help communities reach full economic recovery after a disaster, according to a Nov. 15 statement from Newsom’s office. The funding comes from the federal 2018 Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery Workforce Development program. These awards will go to communities in Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Shasta, and Ventura counties. The federal funding will go to programs that provide free job training and supportive services to low- to moderateincome individuals in the community, with the goal of improving job placement opportunities for residents. “Even after the housing and infrastructure are rebuilt, communities hurt by wildfire can continue to suffer from trauma and economic impacts for years to come,” Newsom said in the statement. “We are grateful to the Biden administration for its ongoing support to help Californians rebuild their lives and economies. We will keep advocating for our communities and their access to disaster relief and recovery.” m

DUE PROCESS: A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge ruled in favor of the Los Padres Forest Service project that proposes to remove chaparral, vegetation, and trees less than 24 inches in diameter (with some exceptions) across 755 acres in the Pine Mountain region.

Federal appeals court sides with Forest Service in Pine Mountain lawsuit

A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge ruled in favor of the U.S. Forest Service’s controversial tree and chaparral removal project in the Pine Mountain area that’s caused contention between the federal agency and local environmental groups.

“Specifically, plaintiffs argue that the Forest Service did not properly evaluate the project’s potential impact on religious or cultural sites, the removal of large trees in the Sespe-Fraizer Inventoried Roadless Area, and the existence of potential wilderness,” Presiding District Judge John Walter stated in the ruling. “But the agency properly analyzed each of these resource conditions as required.”

The Reyes Peak Forest Health Project proposes removing chaparral and trees across 755 acres that extend along Pine Mountain between state Highway 33 and Reyes Peak in Ventura County, bordering Cuyama in Santa Barbara County. The Forest Service approved the project in 2020 as part of an effort to mitigate wildfire impacts and declining health conditions in the area.

About 16,000 people submitted comments against the project when it first went through its public process—with several people and agencies requesting the Forest Service conduct further environmental analysis to better understand the impacts.

The Environmental Defense Center, the Los Padres ForestWatch, Center for Biological Diversity, and Patagonia filed the lawsuit against the Forest Service in 2022. After a federal judge ruled in favor of the Forest Service in July, the group appealed the decision in late September.

“We’re proud to have taken a stand with the community opposing the logging and vegetation clearing on Pine Mountain, and there’s still more work to be done,” Los Padres ForestWatch Executive Director Jeff Kuyper told the Sun. “It was never going to be easy to start with, and we gave everything we could throughout the process, and unfortunately the court just didn’t agree with us on this issue.”

The parties that filed the lawsuit claimed that this project was too large in its scope to be exempt from further environmental assessment.

“It’s a very large logging and vegetation removal project that involves cutting down trees and the mastication of chaparral or grinding up of chaparral,” Environmental Defense Center Deputy Chief Counsel Maggie Hall told the Sun. “The project’s exceptions allow for the removal of large trees; trees that are the largest in that area could be removed under the project’s circumstances.”

The area is rich in cultural sites that are significant to tribes, and that was not considered in analyzing the project, she added.

Trees between 24 inches and 64 inches in

diameter would be left alone unless they pose a safety risk to existing roadways or campgrounds, or are infested with disease. Los Padres Project Manager/Forester Gregory Thompson told the Sun that the exemptions are to ensure safety for healthy trees and recreational users or campers in the area and that removing the smaller trees helps protect the larger trees.

“It’s not carte blanche, we don’t want that; we want those trees on that landscape,” Thompson said. “I don’t think you’ll find anyone in the Forest Service that wants to see harm come to our forest. I’d say we take on projects to try and protect it.”

Despite the efforts from the environmental groups, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals judge agreed with the Forest Service in both analyses regarding environmental and cultural site impact. In the ruling, Walter said that the Forest Service consulted with both federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes and incorporated recommendations from its Cultural Resources Report in the project’s design and found that the Forest Service’s approval track “was not arbitrary or capricious.”

“In fact, the Forest Service determined that the project will likely have a positive impact on Reyes Peak’s long-term sustainability as a cultural resource by slowing the spread of a wildland fire and reducing the potential for the loss of life, property, and natural resources,” according to the ruling.

Environmental groups can petition for a rehearing from the 9th Circuit Court, but as of Nov. 19 all parties were still evaluating next steps.

—Taylor O’Connor

Solvang plans to amend signage rules based on public input and case law concerns

The path toward signage approval for storefronts, restaurants, and other businesses in Solvang is a long and winding road, but a shortcut is in the works thanks to the results of a city survey.

During the Solvang City Council’s Nov. 12 meeting, Planning and Building Manager Rafael Castillo summarized some feedback the city collected from more than 50 business owners during the summer. Based on responses to a questionnaire about Solvang’s sign ordinance, most participants believe the Design Review Committee’s (DRC) current approval procedure is too cumbersome and needs reform.

“That’s been the chief complaint for businesses—the time it takes to get to the DRC and potentially get an approval,” Castillo said at the meeting.

According to the staff report, Solvang’s existing sign ordinance requires businesses to seek formal approval on new signs, whether they’re original

signs or replacement signs based on previously approved designs, from the DRC during the board’s Brown Act meetings.

Before June 2023, proposed signs that met all code standards during staff reviews were agendized for the DRC as meeting items. To help streamline the sign permitting procedure, staff began placing signs of this type on the DRC’s consent calendar, “under the assumption that if a sign met the code, little to no discussion would be needed,” the staff report states.

However, between the summer of 2023 and the summer of 2024, the DRC frequently pulled staff-approved signs off the consent calendar, in some cases to scrutinize their content, which staff advised against, in accordance with case law on content-neutral sign regulations—specifically Reed v. Town of Gilbert.

During a DRC meeting in December 2023, for example, Castillo informed the board that its decision in May 2023 to reject local juice bar Sano Pecado’s proposed signage on subjective grounds was not justified, as the sign in question met all the city’s objective standards outlined in the municipal code.

“Previous city staff did not advise, in my professional opinion, this DRC board properly, based on previous court cases of content-based signage and being content-neutral,” said Castillo, who joined city staff during the summer of 2023.

To avoid cases similar to the Sano Pecado decision, which resulted in a six-month appeal route, Castillo recommended at the City Council’s Nov. 12 meeting that future sign approvals be completed at the staff level, unless an applicant seeks to deviate from objective sign standards. This policy would allow the applicant to appeal for a DRC review in those cases.

Castillo also proposed that the DRC work with staff and city officials on updating the city’s objective sign standards, to stay consistent with current case law while maintaining Solvang’s character.

“Our brand means everything, … and design means everything. There’s a reason why I have so many family and friends in awe that I work here,” Castillo said. “But by the same token, I understand that there is a frustration in terms of the processing of our sign ordinance. … [We’re] trying to tiptoe that line of keeping up with our brand, but at the same time, allowing our businesses to grow and develop, and that’s a very fine line to walk.”

After Castillo’s presentation, the Solvang City Council directed staff to plan for a public workshop and joint meeting (between the City Council, Planning Commission, and DRC) sometime in early spring to discuss the future of Solvang’s objective sign standards and permitting procedure.

—Caleb Wiseblood

Cost of living, wage increases highlighted in first farmworker conditions committee meeting

Santa Barbara County 1st District Supervisor Das Williams and 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann stepped out of their seats in the Santa Maria hearing room and gave the dais to local farmworker advocates and growers.

The two supervisors held the first ad hoc advisory committee meeting on Nov. 12 to better understand the working conditions in agriculture—a discussion that bloomed out of a $26-an-hour minimum wage request from farmworkers and advocacy groups in August.

“We’re concerned about wages, but we’re also concerned about availability of housing, benefits, safety, and other factors that can affect both the mobility, prosperity, and sustainability of our communities,” Williams said.

During the five-hour meeting, supervisors heard from several panels that discussed both the

Holiday Cruises

farmworker and grower perspective on the $26 per hour wage; H-2A visa working conditions; access to health care; cost of housing; and grower setbacks. Forty-eight people came to speak during public comment, and dozens of people filled the chamber with others standing outside of the building.

Williams and Hartmann—who represent the growing regions of Cuyama Valley and Santa Ynez and Lompoc valleys, respectively—couldn’t make any decisions; rather they will present a report to their fellow supervisors in order to guide future decisions.

“I hope that answer includes a wage increase, but I also don’t think it’s the only solution that is out there in the community,” Williams said.

During the first panel, Daniel Segura, the associate organizing director for the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), said that full-time workers in Santa Barbara County earn roughly $36,000 a year, “well below what is needed to meet basic living costs.”

Despite concerns from growers about the ripple effects a wage increase could have in production costs or consumer price increases, Segura said, citing a study from UC Davis, that a 40 percent increase in wages would lead to a 4 percent increase in consumer prices ($25 per year per household, he said) and larger corporations can absorb these costs.

“We recognize that there will be concerns, especially for small growers, which is why policymakers should discuss phased adjustments or differentials based on company size,” Segura said, adding that this would allow for time to adjust to the change in costs.

Worker advocacy groups like CAUSE compared the recent $20 per hour wage increase for California fast food workers. While critics forecasted job losses, research shows that businesses have managed the changes, and

Segura added that something similar could occur in the local ag industry.

Third District Supervisor Hartmann countered this comparison by saying that fast food companies have an “even playing field” because the wage increase was set at a statewide level.

“Say I’m Driscoll’s. I could buy from Santa Barbara County, I could buy from our neighboring counties, I could buy perhaps from Georgia, or from Mexico,” Hartmann said. “I’m going to go where I’m going to get it cheapest because it’s not a local market. It’s an international market, and that to me seems like a really important difference to address as we think about: What are the impacts of setting a minimum wage?”

Segura responded by saying it’s important to acknowledge that workers are leaving the county to work in other jurisdictions, and the county needs to do what it can to retain its employees.

“What we are doing is to sustain their ability to remain here to work. If we don’t have workers, we don’t even have a discussion to talk about,” Segura said.

Local growers shared worries about small farms going out of business, added overhead costs to an already highly regulated industry, and losses due to international competition.

Claire Wineman, the president of the GrowerShipper Association for Santa Barbara and SLO Counties, cited an agriculture economic study and said that $26 an hour wage could put 72 percent of growers out of business and lose more than 16,000 local jobs, including more than 12,000 farmworker jobs.

“The proposal is promoted under the guise of fairness but leaves out many workers, including employees of the county and city—who not only won’t benefit but will be forced to pay higher food costs,” Wineman said. m

—Taylor O’Connor

Mark Your HOLIDAY CALENDAR

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nice because not all campuses have that support,” Robb said. “They need to see people like them, hear similar struggles and success stories—‘You can go on and succeed, you can transfer and have success in your career and academic goals.’

A rainbow beacon

E COTA ST, GUADALUPE DOORS OPEN 5:30 PM

Allan Hancock College opens its long-awaited Pride Center to serve LGBTQ-plus students and allies

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

The Allan Hancock Pride Center, a space dedicated to serving the LGBTQ-plus community and its allies on campus, opened its doors on Oct. 30.

“We were, gosh, thrilled to finally see that vision come to light. I know for decades there had been a dream to have it,” Hancock Director of Student Engagement and Community Outreach Stephanie Robb told the Sun. “We worked really hard as a campus with the administration, with the grants office, with the student club also to get that center opened.”

The college celebrated the grand opening with rainbow balloons and speeches from Kevin Walthers, Hancock’s president and superintendent, and someone who started Hancock’s first LGBTQ-plus club.

“[He] only had two people show up,” Robb said of the campus’ first club, “so now for the center to be there and be utilized by 20 30peopleto a day for the week … is wonderful to see.”

The center was a longtime dream of Kate Adams, a former Hancock professor and advisor for the Pride Alliance—the current LGBTQ-plus club on campus. The space is dedicated to her and contains about 100 LGBTQ-plus focused books from her personal library that she donated to the college.

The center came to fruition after Hancock received grants from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office dedicated to helping LGBTQ-plus students find connections on campus following the COVID-19 shutdowns. While space is a “hot commodity” on campus for things beyond classrooms, Robb said, the Pride Alliance advisors, grants team, and other administrators were able to find underutilized space in the campus bookstore. With the green light from the bookstore, the team was able to embark in its three-year journey to get to opening day.

“Providing a safe space for any marginalized population on our campus is extremely important to our administration, me personally, and so many on our campuses, which is so

“There’s support groups all over the community. … That’s essentially what this is—it’s a space and you get to talk with others in situations,” she continued.

Outside of Hancock, Santa Maria (like many other communities on the Central Coast) doesn’t have a designated LGBTQ-plus business or space for the community to get together. The Pride Center will help students connect with their peers who identify with the LGBTQ-plus community and provide education for those hoping to learn more.

“We definitely want to see lots of events and activities on a regular basis to benefit the community to help those students. We want to have educational workshops, bringing guest speakers and training … for anyone interested in better understanding and supporting the community,” Robb said.

Hancock hired a full-time employee who will operate and oversee the Pride Center during the week and help coordinate events, programming, and workshops that will benefit the students.

“I’m so excited for what does happen over the next few years and decades. It’s just going to grow, and we’ll further educate people in so many ways,” Robb said. “It’s long overdue and well-deserved.”

Highlights:

• The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department invites community members and businesses to display their festive spirit by decorating their homes, lawns, and storefronts for the holiday season. The annual Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights contest gives community members a chance to showcase their creativity and be honored for the best use of lights, best lawn display, best holiday theme, and the best window display. Nominations run from Nov. 22 through Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. People will email up to three photos of the display, along with their physical address, and a contact number (if available) to rpinfo@cityofsantamaria.org. Prejudging will take place on Dec. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m., and the final judging will occur on Dec. 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. Winners will be recognized at the Dec. 17 City Council meeting. Direct questions to (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260. • Join the Lompoc Parks and Recreation Department on Dec. 14 for a pancake and sausage breakfast with Santa at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center, 1120 West Ocean Ave. There will be an 8:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. time slot available. Admission for children between 3 and 12 is $10, and it’s $12 dollars for people 13 and older. Children under 2 are free with at least one paid adult. Children need to be accompanied by at least one adult. Space is limited, and registration is required online at cityoflompoc.com/government/ departments/recreation. Call (805) 875-8100 for more information. m

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

NEW SPACE: Allan Hancock College celebrated the grand opening of the Pride Center—the first dedicated space on campus to serve the LGBTQ-plus community.

FOOD DRIVE VIRTUAL

Donate to our new virtual food drive.

Thanks to the Foodbank's purchasing power every $1 you donate turns into $5 worth of nutritious groceries. This enables us to supply more nourishing food and holiday staples for our neighbors in need to share with their loved ones!

Learn More or Donate at:

foodbanksbc.org/VFD2024

TURKEY DRIVE

Want to donate poultry or other holiday staples?

Neighbors can drop off turkeys at the Santa Maria Warehouse location from:

NOVEMBER 1ST TO 22ND

Donations will continue to be accepted after November 22nd and will be distributed in December!

Santa Maria Warehouse Hours:

Drop off at Santa Maria Warehouse: Monday through Friday 7 AM – 3 PM

490 W. Foster Rd.

Santa Maria, CA 93455

We’re in the midst of our end-of-year fundraising drive, now through Dec. 31. Every dollar raised will pave the way for us to continue our award-winning coverage. Every contribution also allows our journalists to access the resources they need to keep holding lawmakers and elected officials accountable, from the Board of Supervisors to school boards.

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What are you going to do now that the election’s over?

38% Stay away from the internet and social media for a while.

31% Celebrate with friends and loved ones!

23% Cry my eyes out (tears of joy and/or pain).

8% Set up camp outside Target for Black Friday. 13 Votes

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Faustian

bargain Democrats are paying now for their 2020 deal with the devil

BY JOHN DONEGAN

Many Democrats may not realize that their loss in 2024 was sealed by two Faustian bargains that they struck in 2020 to win that election.

A “Faustian bargain” is, in its broadest sense, the making of a deal that promises immediate rewards, but at a painful cost that must be paid later.

Kamala Harris, even though she had suggested in the debate that he was a racist. Although she had polled dismally as a presidential candidate herself, she was the right race and gender. Further, her stances in supporting the defunding of the police, decriminalizing illegal immigration, supporting the Green New Deal, etc., soothed the angst of the party’s restive progressive wing and helped it accept Biden’s moderation. Together they went on to win in 2020.

pretty predictable in 2020, and the party foolishly ignored the painful reckoning that it would face in 2024, just like it had foolishly ignored the painful reckoning on Harry Reid’s “nuclear option,” which ended up giving Trump three uncontested Supreme Court appointments.

Naming Biden as the candidate in 2020 was the first Faustian bargain, and naming Harris as vice president was the second, giving them 2020 but costing them 2024. It was predictable that Biden would be unable to complete a second term, and that as vice president, Kamala Harris would expect to be the nominee and was in the position to insist upon it.

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Going into the 2020 campaign, the Democrats had a rather light bench and no obvious candidate. Many aspirants were not well known. Others, like Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris, were too far left to be electable. Some were “tainted,” like Elizabeth Warren and her Native American hoax, and Amy Klobuchar for her role in failing to prosecute Derek Chauvin, of George Floyd’s murder infamy, for an earlier police shooting. The theme of “police violence” had the party pretty worked up. Some had a thin résumé, like Pete Buttigieg, who was only attractive due to his gay identity. Both Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden were too old. Tulsi Gabbard was too conservative. And some, like Marianne Williamson, were just plain nuts.

Fast forward to 2024, and the long-deferred concerns about Joe’s age reemerged. Following desperate efforts to conceal the increasing signs of his decrepitude, Biden won the nomination. But after Joe’s disastrous performance in the debate, when his brain apparently went into “buffering mode,” the protective lies were no longer effective, and the party powers showed Joe the door.

The chickens came home to roost. Not only did the party’s “identity group” obsession hurt Democrats, but the outcome betrayed the party’s inability to think beyond immediate political advantage and its lack of self-discipline. m

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The party faced the deeply loathed Donald Trump, whose presidency had been weakened by the Covid pandemic and the incessant drama during his term. Hungry for a win, and impressed by his surprising showing among Black voters, the party settled on the longtime party fixture Joe Biden, reckoning that he was well known and moderate enough to keep from scaring off the centrists. Being blithely myopic, it ignored concerns about Joe’s age, figuring that it could worry about it later once they won. Oops.

But the Democrats still had a problem. In 2020, the progressive wing was in an uproar over race, the George Floyd murder, and a desire to beat up on the police, and were in no mood to settle on a relative moderate like Biden.

The Democrats needed to keep the progressives on board.

Once nominated, Biden honored his famous promise to name a Black woman as his vice president and chose

The party then found that it had a “Kamala Harris problem,” as it struggled to find a successor candidate. Traditionally, a vice president is the first place that a party looks, but Harris presented several problems. First, she was not well regarded by the party, having received the support of less than 5 percent of Democrats in 2020. Second, as incumbent vice president, she was saddled with blame for her administration’s failures, including her tenure as “immigration czar,” and being the tie breaker for the spending bills that contributed to inflation. Being seen as the DEI candidate following Biden’s promise didn’t help.

John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who never actually read classic works like Marlowe’s Faustus but likes to cite them to sound erudite. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.

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What to do? If the party gave Harris the boot in order to pick a more electable candidate, both Black and women voters would likely feel she had been treated shabbily and would revolt. In the minds of a party fixated on “identity,” the position had become a “Black woman’s” office, and possible substitutes like Michele Obama and Oprah were explored. If there had been an open and competitive primary, it is unlikely that Harris would have been the nominee. Conveniently, Biden’s late exit offered the party powers the chance to directly install Harris, banking on media cheerleading and disdain for Trump for votes. Oops again.

The lesson? This outcome was

Congressman Carbajal should not obstruct Trump’s agenda

Salud Carbajal sent out a letter to his constituents (that’s us the people) making it clear he intends to continue to obstruct President Trump’s agenda. Clearly, he can’t appreciate how soundly a majority of the people rejected the Democrat agenda. I encourage everyone send a response similar to the response I sent to him:  I expect nothing less than cooperation with President Trump’s efforts to secure the border, expel people who are here illegally. Reduce spending and get rid of bureaucrats who have weaponized the FBI and Justice Department against political opponents and citizens. If you don’t work for those goals, I will work to defeat you in the next election. This country has been put in a critical position by the actions of Congress and President Biden. That course was unsustainable. Resistance is futile and a detriment to our citizens and your further political ambitions.  Jan Lipski Lompoc

Don’t forget about history

The “America must do all it can to prevent nuclear war in the Middle East” (Oct. 10) author assumes Jews arrived in the Middle East in 1947. No mention is made of the Jewish kingdoms of Judea and Samaria 2,000 years ago. Yes, this is before the existence of British Palestine in the 19th century.

The author forgets Israel was attacked by the Arabs in 1947, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, 2006, 2023. These, apart from the Intifadas.

The author also fails to mention that while Hamas was invading Israel, other Iranian proxies began attacking Israel that same day: Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen.

Let’s not forgot, the U.N. workers under UNRWA [United Nations Relieve and Work Agency] held American and Israeli hostages in their homes.

Sue K. Phoenix

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)

Big Wishes Holiday

At least one person made a salient point at a recent Santa Barbara County ad-hoc committee meeting about farmworker conditions, specifically when it comes to the concept of implementing a $26 minimum wage for farmworkers in the county.

“Say I’m Driscoll’s. I could buy from Santa Barbara County, I could buy from our neighboring counties, I could buy perhaps from Georgia, or from Mexico,” 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann said. “I’m going to go where I’m going to get it cheapest because it’s not a local market. It’s an international market and that to me seems like a really important difference to address as we think about: What are the impacts of setting a minimum wage?”

We want to remind you how much hometown businesses appreciate your support. When you shop local, you help them to provide good jobs, build pride and invest right back into the community. It’s why we always encourage you to support local small businesses whenever possible. It can be a small blessing that has a large impact.

Janet Silveria, President / CEO

But the workers are leaving because county farmers apparently don’t pay enough, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) Associate Organizing Director Daniel Segura said. Oh?

So, we should force farmers to tack on an extra 40 percent to the wages they pay farmworkers so they can have enough workers? This minimum wage increase that CAUSE is advocating for is actually for the farmers. I see.

Maybe we should ask them about that. I’m not so sure they would agree with you, Segura.

Plus, he added, corporate growers could absorb the increased costs of labor and wouldn’t pass it along to the consumer. The consumer, he said, will only see a 4 percent increase in price—or $25 a year for the average household, according to the UC Davis study he cited. Does the average household not purchase fresh fruits and vegetables every week? Because I’m having a hard time with that math.

However, he did say that small growers could have a hard time adjusting to the burden that comes with a $26 minimum wage.

“Which is why policymakers should discuss phased adjustments or differentials based on company size,” Segura said.

But what about the market forces that would push laborers to work the higher paying jobs and not work for the small farms? Wouldn’t that lead to the exact same issue that you said is already happening?

Honestly, this isn’t a county-level conversation. The issue of wages and labor and immigration should be happening at a much higher level of government—those are just the outside forces that impact the local farmworker market.

Maybe Santa Barbara County should talk about making policy on things that it actually has control over—like signs. That’s what Solvang’s talking about!

Apparently the city’s Design Review Committee (DRC) has been flouting case law when it comes to the subjective decisions it makes about who gets to put what on a sign.

“Previous city staff did not advise, in my professional opinion, this DRC board properly, based on previous court cases of content-based signage and being content-neutral,” Planning and Building Manager Rafael Castillo said in 2023. Way to throw the city’s ex-staff under the bus!

Apparently, even signs that comply with the city’s rules are getting pulled from consent agendas and picked apart by the DRC. Perhaps, the authority has gone to their heads! Solvang has a brand to uphold, after all.

“Our brand means everything,” Castillo said. But even branding has its limits. Time to let go of some sign power. m

Holiday Guide

HOLIDAY LISTING

BE OUR GUEST

Performances of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) production of Beauty and the Beast are scheduled to run through Friday, Dec. 22, at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria. Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated musical, the show stars Edella Oroz Westerfield (center) as Belle. To find out more or purchase tickets, visit pcpa.org.

—Caleb Wiseblood

SPECIAL EVENTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY: DRIVE-THROUGH LIGHT SHOW Bring your loved ones, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy the spirit of the season as you drive through miles of dazzling lights and festive scenes. Fridays, Saturdays, 6 p.m. through Dec. 24 elksrec.com. Elks Event Center, 4040 Highway 101, Santa Maria.

NAUGHTY OR NICE: A HOLIDAY DRAG BALL Join Mirame Entertainment for a fun one-night only benefit performance to support the Santa Maria Civic Theatre. Register early. VIP seating available. Dec. 6 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

PROUD FELLOWSHIP Proud Fellowship is a program created for LGBTQIA+ young adults (ages 16-22) to collaborate in a safe and welcoming environment. Registration is required. Nov. 21 , 4-5 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SMCT HOLIDAY HOMICIDE FUNDRAISER A holiday-themed murder mystery party hosted by SMCT. This unique event includes delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a captivating holiday homicide mystery that you and your friends can solve together. Dec. 7, 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

BUELLTON WINTER FEST There will be 20 tons of snow, food and drink offerings, arts and crafts vendors for all your holiday shopping needs, and live music to set the festive mood. Dec. 8, 4-7 p.m. buelltonrec.com. River View Park, 151 Sycamore Dr., Buellton.

CANDLELIGHT TOURS Traverse the village of Solvang, accompanied by Christmas carols and an entertaining education about some Danish traditions and Solvang history. Guided by a costumed host, all tour participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour. Nov. 30 - Dec. 28 solvangusa.com/thingsto-do/solvang-julefest/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

A COWBOY CHRISTMAS A family-friendly experience hosted by Old West Events, in conjunction with SYV Horseback Rides. Features a petting zoo, visits with Santa, kids activities, hot cocoa, and more. Fridays, Saturdays. through Dec. 21 River View Park, 151 Sycamore Dr., Buellton.

GINGERBREAD WONDERLAND Local artisans and schoolchildren transform the hall into a winter dreamland. Dec. 7 4 p.m. St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.

OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS This beloved small-town celebration invites you to kick off the holiday season with warmth, laughter, and festive cheer. Dec. 7 2-7 p.m. visitsyv.com. Downtown Los Olivos, Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SOLVANG JULEFEST 2024 Julefest returns with a full slate of holiday events happening across downtown Solvang. Check website for the annual tradition’s lineup. Nov. 29 -Jan. 5 solvangusa.com. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

SOLVANG TROLLEY CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOUR Guests will tour the lights of the Santa Ynez Valley, passing through decorated neighborhoods and past illuminated storefronts, all aboard one

of Solvang’s recognizable Trolleys. Thursdays-Sundays. through Dec. 29 Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

BEST OF THE WEST WRESTLING The Flower City Ballroom presents this wrestling show. Nov. 30 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25; $30 for VIP; $20 for kids ages 12 and under. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 810-0714, soulfyahband.com/epk.

CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL AQUARIUM OPEN HOUSE:

SEASONS GREETINGS The breakout hit of last year’s Open House schedule, this festive event features holiday decorations all over the facility. Dec. 4 , 6-8 p.m. Cabrillo High School, 4350 Constellation Rd., Lompoc, lusd.org/chs.

CHASE SANTA: TOYS FOR TOTS 5K AND KIDS RUN The first five runners who beat Santa in the 5K win a prize. There is also a 4/10 mile Kids Run. Registration starts at 8 a.m. This event is a benefit for the Toys for Tots program in the Lompoc Valley. Awards will be given in several age categories. Dec. 7, 9 a.m. $5 per person; plus one new, unwrapped toy per family. runlompoc. com/. River Park, Highway 246 and Sweeney Road, Lompoc.

FOUNDING DAY MASS Held in the historic main church of La Purísima Mission to celebrate the founding of the mission (Dec. 8, 1787). The public is invited to attend. No reservations are required. Dec. 8 , 12-2 p.m. Free to attend. La Purísima Mission, 2295 Purisima Mission, Lompoc.

LOMPOC VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN HOUSE The Lompoc Valley Historical Society offers tours of the Fabing McKay Spanne House. Come learn a little bit about Lompoc’s history. Nov. 23 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Dec. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fabing McKay Spanne House, 207 N. L St., Lompoc, (805) 735-4626, lompochistory.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ELEGANT EVENING: HISTORIC VILLAGE OF ARROYO GRANDE

Celebrate the season while you tour the Village, do some holiday shopping, and enjoy local fare, live music, and spirits. Dec. 8 , 5-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, Branch and Short St., Arroyo Grande.

HOLIDAY MARKET Discover local artists, quality specialty gifts, handcrafted delights, and more. Don’t miss the chance to find that perfect gift. Nov. 24 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 595-7600. avilabayclub.com. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach.

HOLIDAY PARTY: THE SPA AT THE CLIFFS Visit site for tickets and more info on this annual holiday party. Nov. 21 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5000.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN Enjoy a screening of the 1993 classic animated film from writer and producer Tim Burton. Dec. 13 6-9 p.m. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302. PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES: MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN Enjoy a screening of the 1987 classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Hotel guests and the public are welcome to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. as it gets chilly. Nov. 29, 6-9 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

966-6490. cambriachristmasmarket.com/. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

CAMBRIA NURSERY: SUCCULENT CHRISTMAS TREE WORKSHOP Get in the holiday spirit and create your own succulent Christmas tree. After the holidays, you’re able to reuse the succulents and add them to your plant collection. Cost includes all materials to create your masterpiece. Only 10 spots available (sign up today). Nov. 23 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $80. (805) 9274747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

CHRISTMAS IN CAYUCOS: WONDERLAND WALK A fun and festive yearly tradition in downtown Cayucos, along Ocean Avenue. Enjoy dining, shopping, and merriment. Dec. 14 , 5-8 p.m. cayucoschamber.com. Cayucos Beach, The corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue, Cayucos.

CLUB DV8: FREE ‘80S PARTY Includes live music from a local ‘80s era dance music group that covers select hits, while combining guitars and synths with a solid rhythm section. Nov. 29, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free admission. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

HOLIDAYS IN CAMBRIA VILLAGE This seasonal extravaganza will have open houses at businesses throughout town, a special tree lighting, free hot cocoa, flashmob dancing, holiday music, and more. Dec. 6, 4:30-7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 927-3624. cambriachamber.org/holidays-in-cambria-village/. Cambria (various venues), Citywide, Cambria.

ORNAMENT DECORATING WORKSHOP A festive workshop, where you’ll create unique, handmade ornaments to add a personal touch to your holiday décor. Nov. 24 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

THE SIREN’S BIG ASS BRASS CHRISTMAS BASH For ages 21 and over. Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing Brass Mash to The Siren for this festive event. Doors open at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 7-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CHRISTMAS CLAY DROP-IN Drop in for some creative holiday clay creation time. Teachers will be present to help you create pieces such as platters, Christmas trees, and ornaments. No experience necessary. Limited to two trees or six ornaments per person. Book a second class to glaze your pieces. Mondays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 16 $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

HO HO HOLIDAYS For ages 18 and over. Get ready for a holidaythemed show filled with big candy canes, sparkling snowflakes, and plenty to unwrap. Dec. 8 11 a.m.-2 p.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.

HOLIDAY SUCCULENT WREATHS Celebrate the holidays with a beautiful hand-made succulent wreath, to decorate your table or home for the holidays, or to give as a gift. Dec. 8 , 10 a.m.-noon $75 with additional $15 materials fee. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org/ event/holiday-succulent-trees/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. LIGHT UP THE PLAZA Free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Join Downtown SLO, the City of SLO, event sponsors, and community partners as we “switch on” the lights in the Plaza, ushering the start of the holiday season. Grab a drink downtown and enjoy the festivities. Nov. 29 5 p.m. downtownslo.com/ events/holidays. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

NATURE NIGHTS 2024 Come see what’s going on at Nature Nights, a holiday light festival featuring live music, local food vendors, and beverages like beer and wine. Also features a local artisan marketplace. Nov. 27, 5-8 p.m., Nov. 29, 5-8 p.m., Nov. 30 5-8 p.m., Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m., Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m., Dec. 13 5-8 p.m., Dec. 14 5-8 p.m., Dec. 20-23 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 26-28 , 5-8 p.m. $28 adults. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

ORNAMENTS AND OIL WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Unleash your creativity in a warm Christmas art studio atmosphere. Participants will enjoy a delightful Christmas tree cheese board appetizer paired with seasonal cocktails, all included in the price. No painting experience necessary. Dec. 8 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.

REINDEER RUN 5K FUN RUN This December run brings community members together to celebrate the winter season and raise money for SLO County Friday Night Live youth development programming. Dec. 7 9-11:30 a.m. $25. slofnl.com/reindeer-run. Mitchell Park, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo.

WINTER SOLSTICE: DRUM CIRCLE AND CELEBRATION An event to honor the quiet magic of winter and the return of sunlight and longer days. Embrace the warmth of community in a safe, welcoming space, surrounded by winter’s beauty and breathtaking views at the ranch. Dec. 21 2-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Eagles Landing Ranch, 4615 Prefumo Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Cambria Christmas Market, a dazzling winter wonderland, open most dates between late November and late December. Stroll through more than 3 million lights, meet Santa, explore an authentic German vendor market, and savor festive food and drink. Nov. 29 - Dec. 31 , 5-9 p.m. $25-$40. (800)

SPECIAL EVENTS: THANKSGIVING EVENTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

THANKSGIVING BRUNCH Features a carving station, salads, an omelet station, a waffle bar, bottomless mimosas, and more. Nov. 23 10 a.m.-4 p.m. santamariainn.com. Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC TURKEY TROT Lompoc Parks and Recreation hosts the Turkey Trot Three-Mile Fun Run (9:30 a.m.) and Kids Turkey Dash (for kids ages 5 to 13, at 9 a.m.). Nov. 24 9 a.m. $20-$30. cityoflompoc.com/government/departments/recreation. River Park, Highway 246 and Sweeney Road, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SLO COUNTY TURKEY TROT Join SLO Food Bank for the annual Turkey Trot at Pismo Beach, a fun run/walk to support holiday meals for those in need. Nov. 28 8:30-11:30 a.m. $25. (805) 2384664. slofoodbank.org/turkey-trot/. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THANKSGIVING DAY SERVICE A festive service with hymns, readings from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and time to share your remarks of gratitude. All are welcome. Child care provided. Nov. 28 10-11 a.m. (805) 543-5853. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1326 Garden St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

FRIENDSGIVING AT THE SIREN With live music from the Murder Hornets and special guests. Nov. 27 7-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

THANKSGIVING BUFFET AT THE LODGE Gather with family and friends for a delicious Thanksgiving celebration at Cambria Pines Lodge. This bountiful buffet features a delightful spread of traditional holiday dishes. Nov. 28 12:30-7:30 p.m. $69.95. (805) 924-3353. cambriapineslodge.com/events/onsite. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

THIRD ANNIVERSARY SALE Enjoy free samples, a raffle, and the opportunity to win a big prize (for the 24th customer). Nov. 30, 10 a.m. Free. (805) 395-9323. plantaeandfungi.com/event/3rdanniversary-event/. Plantae and Fungi, 750 Sheffield St., Cambria.

SPECIAL EVENTS: PARADES

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS OLD TOWN ORCUTT CHRISTMAS PARADE A holiday favorite since 1961. This annual afternoon parade features floats, animals,

COURTESY PHOTO BY MARK VELASQUEZ

A Holiday Kaleidoscope

Accompanist:

Tastes like home

Midwestern recipes for transplants who miss their roots during the holiday season

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

may have lived in the Western United States for the past eight years, but I am a Minnesotan first and foremost.

I grew up battling bitter cold winters, praying for snow days, boating on the many lakes in the summer, wearing shorts when the weather creeped above 55 degrees, going to Perkins after high school football games, and watching the Minnesota Vikings have a heartbreaking season. I wear my Midwestern upbringing like a badge of honor.

While I don’t miss the negative-degree temperatures, nor the never-ending winters, I do miss the food that helped combat the chill. Nobody knows how to dish up comforting and filling food like a Midwesterner who grew up with icicles hanging from their roof.

The casseroles, creamy soups, and Crock-Pot dishes warm you from the inside out. They are cheese-filled, dairy-forward, and carb-centric. Throw out any healthy substitutes or diet trends. This is all about comfort, baby!

Here are some of my favorite Midwestern flavors for the holiday season:

Tater tot hotdish

Yes, I call it a hotdish, not a casserole. But there’s some contention even among us Midwesterners about the word and its use.

According to the Food Network, the word hotdish is used in Minnesota and some parts of North Dakota, and it’s considered a type of casserole that’s the main course instead of a side dish (like most casseroles you’d see on your Thanksgiving table). It’s a dish that contains protein, starch, and some vegetables.

The beauty of tater tot hotdish is it gets better as it sits—eating hotdish the next day is almost always better than when it first pops out of the oven. You can also freeze it and save it for the next time you need some comfort food.

Tater tot hotdish is pretty simple and affordable. All you need is 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey); 2 cups of milk; a bag of mixed frozen carrots, corn, peas, and green beans; two cans of cream of mushroom soup;

I love wild rice soup—so much, in fact, that my parents bought me a bag of Minnesota wild rice last Christmas so I can make it for myself. This is a spin-off of my favorite version of this soup from Lunds and Byerlys (think the Minnesota version of California Fresh Market). It calls for ham, sliced almonds, and, of course, wild rice. The almonds provide a nice crunchy texture in an otherwise creamy and smooth soup. You’ll need a few more ingredients, and it’s a bit more hands-on, but I promise it’s worth it. My family would sometimes have this soup with a side of crunchy sourdough on Christmas Day. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot and add one minced onion. Sauté the onion until it’s softened. Stir in 1/2 cup of flour and then gradually add 3 cups of chicken broth. Stir constantly until it comes to a boil.

Add 2 cups of cooked wild rice; 1/3 cup of cooked, diced ham; 1/2 cup of chopped carrot; 3 tablespoons of slivered almonds; and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Simmer for about five minutes. Add 1 cup of half-and-half and 2 tablespoons of dry sherry. Let it cook all together for a few minutes before serving.

and 1 pound of frozen tater tots. My family uses the Ore-lda Crispy Crowns.

Oh, and you’re going to need lots and lots of Colby-Jack or mozzarella cheese.

First, sauté the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat with some oil and onion until the meat is browned. Add some salt and pepper to the mix. While the meat cooks, whisk the soup and milk together. Transfer the cooked beef into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Scatter the mixed veggies evenly over the top of the beef. Combine the beef and veggies with the soup and milk mixture. Add a layer of cheese and then add a layer of tater tots on top. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees until the tots are golden brown and crispy. Cut out a little square for yourself and enjoy!

Creamy wild rice soup

I didn’t realize wild rice was such a hot commodity outside of Minnesota. Nor did I know that the grain is native to the upper Midwest.

Wild rice grows in the lakes and rivers of the Great Lakes region and Canada. It’s low in fat, packed with protein, and has a higher nutritional value than other grains. It’s also a key ingredient in one of my favorite soups.

Apple crisp

My grandmother likes to make apple crisp when she’s bought too many apples, or when she can’t go through the fruit quickly enough. The apples’ tartness balances nicely with the cinnamon sugar crumble topping. It’s the perfect substitute when you can’t be bothered to bake a whole pie from scratch but still want a sweet treat at the end of your meal.

Apple crisp is a really simple dessert recipe that only calls for six ingredients: Apples, white sugar, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. It’s nice for smaller family gatherings that don’t need a lot of food. Peel six medium Honeycrisp apples—or Granny Smith if you prefer green apples—and cut them into thick slices. If they are too thin, they will get mushy. Place the slices into an ungreased 7-by11-inch baking dish and sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon. Toss the apples to make sure they are evenly coated with the mixture. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar, 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup of softened butter until it’s well combined and forms a crumbly texture. Pour the mixture over the apples and pop into a 350-degree oven for 45 to 60 minutes or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is lightly browned. Serve hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. ❄

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

THE WILD SIDE: Wild rice is a Minnesota staple—not to mention native to the region—and this creamy wild rice soup is a simple holiday favorite.

HOT TO TOT: Tater tot hotdish is a Midwestern creamy comfort food that delivers ample carbs and cheese.

It’s Christmas! Get weird!

Odd holiday traditions from around the world

BY GLEN STARKEY

Most of us likely have traditions we adhere to around the holidays.

Decorate a Christmas tree, bake cookies (and leave some for Santa), hang stockings, drink eggnog, attend a parade, yadayada-yada. You know the drill. You’re probably not surprised to learn that other cultures have their own holiday traditions, and sorry-notsorry, but some of them seem weird as deck the halls with boughs of holly.

For instance, in Japan, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day is incredibly popular. In fact, Christmas season is KFC’s busiest time of the year in Japan. Because Christmas isn’t a national Japanese holiday, in the 1970s, KFC started promoting the “Party

Barrel” to celebrate the festive season and sell buckets full of pressurefried chicken seasoned with 11 top-secret herbs and spices. The restaurant chain also dresses its franchises’ life-size Colonel Sanders statues as Santa Claus. Catalonian children engage in a tradition called Caga Tió.

Beginning on Dec. 8, a log with a face, legs, and a red hat is set up, and children are tasked with feeding the log dried fruits, nuts, and water, as well as keeping it warm with a blanket for the next two and a half weeks. The night before Christmas, the kids of Barcelona gather around the log and beat it with sticks and sing the Caga Tió song, which translates thusly: “Poo log/ hazelnuts and nougat/ do not drop herrings/ they are too salty/ poop nougats that are better.”

The kids leave the room and pray to Caga Tió to bring them gifts, and when they return, they find the log has pooped out presents. I shit you not! If you want to join the fun, buy your poop log kit at thechristmaspooplog.com.

The Gävle Goat of Gävle, Sweden, isn’t the oldest strange tradition, but it is the world’s biggest straw goat. It started as a quirky advertising gimmick thanks to ad consultant Stig Gavlén in 1966, but now it’s constructed every Christmas season in Slottstorget, Gävle, and stands about 43 feet tall.

In Norway, the Christmas tradition is to hide your brooms lest evil spirits that come out on Christmas Eve steal them.

Canada’s post office has an official address for letters to Santa: Santa Claus, North Pole, Canada, HOH OHO.

In Greenland, the traditional holiday meal consists of kiviak (seal skin stuffed with fermented auks, a small seabird) and mattak (whale blubber, skin

attached), which is traditionally served to women by men.

In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with cobwebs and spiders because of a folktale about a generous spider that spun beautiful presents for a poor family that let the spider stay warm in their home.

In the Netherlands, instead of stockings, children leave out their shoes to be filled with presents, replacing the carrots, apples, and hay they leave in their shoes for Sinterklaas’ horse to eat.

In the Czech Republic, young single women toss their shoes over the shoulders at Christmas time. She stands in front of a home’s doorway facing away from the house, tosses a shoe behind her, and if it lands with the toe pointed toward the door, she’ll be married the next year.

On Dec. 23, in Oaxaca, Mexico, they celebrate the Night of Radishes, a tradition purportedly started thanks to an overabundance of radishes that two friars brought to a Christmas market. In 1897, the city’s then mayor started an annual radish carving competition that continues to this day.

In Portugal, families set an extra plate at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals to remember and honor dead relatives. The tradition, known as consoda, is meant to bring good luck. The extra place setting is called alminhas a penar, or souls of the dead.

In Caracas, Venezuela, the roads are closed to traffic between Dec. 16 through the 24, so

people can roller-skate to church.

A Finland tradition is a game of “find the almond” in your traditional cinnamon-topped rice and milk porridge breakfast. Whoever finds the almond is thought to be granted good luck until the next Christmas, and in some families, the finder gets an extra present.

In Australia, Dec. 25 falls in the middle of summer, so yuletide beach parties are common.

In Mooloolaba, Queensland, Santa sometimes makes an appearance either by boat or parasail, and hands out candy to the kids.

Meanwhile in wintery Ireland, it’s tradition to take a Christmas Day swim in the ocean. It happens in a number of places, but Forty Foot Rock is a favorite for people to jump from into the frigid sea, often for charity.

In Denmark, they throw and break dishes for good luck, so if you find broken dishes on your doorstep, good for you.

In Spain, wearing a brand-new pair of red underwear on New Year’s Eve is supposedly lucky.

And let’s not forget Krampus, Santa’s evil, ugly, hairy counterpart who originated in Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Instead of rewarding good little boys and girls, the devillike creature frightens the bad kids, and if you’re really naughty, he’ll throw you in his sack and cart you straight to hell. Merry Christmas! ❄

Contact New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

POOPING PRESENTS: In Barcelona, children sing to and beat up a log called Caga Tió until it poops out presents.

FINGER LICKIN’ CHRISTMAS: It’s become something of a neotradition for families in Japan to share a bucket of KFC chicken on Christmas Day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN

Joseph Nunez, M.D.

Shane Rostermundt, D.O.

Michele Kielty, D.O.

Helping hand

BY SAMANTHA HERRERA

For some, the holiday spirit revolves around giving back to their community. Luckily for those who carry these beliefs or for those who want to begin a new tradition, the Central Coast is offering some fun, festive volunteering opportunities this holiday season.

Have you ever walked by Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo during the holiday season and wondered what that big red house is and how you can get a peek inside? Well, it’s Santa’s seasonal home, and Rachel Lackmann, marking and communications manager for Downtown SLO, said Santa’s House is always looking for volunteer elves to make magic for families.

“Basically, we need elves to help us run Santa’s House, and it’s actually a super fun and really cool program because it’s fully volunteer operated,” she said. “So if you volunteer as an elf, you get to dress up in elf ears and aprons.”

Santa’s House runs from Nov. 29 until Dec. 24 and is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.

“You can do a couple of different duties,”

Lackmann said. “You can either take the photos for the kids, so you’ll take the photos on the camera for families. You can monitor the line, get people excited to meet Santa, or you’ll work inside taking payment, printing photos, and just kind of running the operations of it.”

Each shift is three hours, and Lackmann said volunteers have to be 15 years or older, but younger elves are welcome if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If being one of Santa’s minions isn’t your calling, Lackmann said they’re always looking for volunteers to help with the Downtown SLO Holiday Parade.

“It’s Friday, Dec. 6, and we need people to do all kinds of tasks,” she said. “From monitoring the barricades at each place where the streets are closed to walking the parade and making sure that families and kiddos stay on the sidewalk.”

Although the parade begins at 7 p.m., the one-day volunteering shift will be from 4 until 10 p.m. As an incentive, the crew will get free pizza.

To volunteer with Downtown SLO for either event, visit downtownslo.com/get-involved/ volunteer.

Community members can also help support the Reindeer Run 5K in SLO.

Starting at 9 a.m. at Mitchell Park on Dec. 7 and finishing at 11 a.m., the event helps raise money for the SLO County Friday Night Live, a youth development program that benefits young people across the county, according to its website.

The event is looking for volunteers to come at 7 a.m. to help with course guidance, food support, and setup and cleanup. Sign-ups are available at slofnl.com/contact-4.

If you’re looking for a more permanent gig, then you’re in luck because there are a quite a few organizations looking for volunteers yearround.

Serving SLO County, the SLO Food Bank has four different areas to help in: harvesting produce from farmers, packing food items in their warehouse, handing out bags of food to individuals at one of the Neighborhood Food Distributions, or educating the public during special events about hunger in the community.

Children ages 12 and up can volunteer by searching for available shifts on the calendar at slofoodbank.volunteerhub.com/vv2.

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is also always on the lookout for volunteers to help fundraise, work in the warehouse, glean backyard bounties, staff events, and support one of the Foodbank’s many programs, including Older Adult Nutrition, Healthy School Pantry, and food distribution.

Visit foodbanksbc.org/give-help/volunteer to learn more. You can volunteer in either North or South Santa Barbara County.

For handy people with a knack for fixing things, Repair Café in Grover Beach is accepting volunteers to help repair broken items

and teach others the necessary skill set.

Originally founded as a way to help combat the “unsustainable amount of waste” being generated by humans, a small group of South County residents decided to advocate for repairing and reusing broken items.

Volunteers are responsible for repairing bicycles, small appliances, and electronics, as well as helping with social media content and registering visitors. To apply, visit repaircafe5cities.org.

In Santa Maria, Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast is looking for folks who want to help Santa Barbara County’s homeless population.

“Poverty and homelessness are often accompanied by hunger, malnutrition, physical or mental disabilities,” the Rescue Mission states on its website. “With our comprehensive assistance in overcoming barriers to healthy and financially secure lives, our clients are able to break out of a continuous cycle of economic distress, homelessness, and a wide range of physical, mental, and social issues.”

Volunteers can help with shower outreach; packing lunches and distributing them in homeless encampments along with clothing and toiletries; packing and distributing grocery bags to low-income families; and doing event planning, setup, and cleanup. Fill out an online application at ccrescuemission.org/volunteer. ❄

Reach New Times Staff Writer Samantha Herrera, from the Sun’s sister paper, at sherrera@newtimesslo.com.

YEAR ROUND ELVES: Locals can volunteer with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County during the organization’s food drives or help raise funds, work in the warehouse, glean backyard bounties, and support one of the Foodbank’s many programs.

SPREADING CHEER: Parade floats, like the one Santa is on, move down the streets of Downtown SLO during the holiday parade that will take place on Dec. 6 from 7 to 10 p.m.

MANY HATS

The Solvang Julefest Parade will traverse downtown Solvang on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 11 a.m., followed by post-parade holiday festivities in Solvang Park. The theme of this year’s parade— which will include floats, classic cars, horses, marching bands, and more—is Gingerbread Dreams. To find out more about the parade, visit solvangusa.com.

—C.W.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

cars, bands, and its special guest, Santa Claus. Dec. 14 noon orcuttchristmasparade.org/home.html. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

SANTA MARIA PARADE OF LIGHTS Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria and Nipomo, the Parade of Lights is a hometown holiday tradition focused on winter holidays and spirit of giving. The parade traverses down Broadway. Visit website for full route map. Dec. 7 5:20 p.m. smparadeoflights. org/. Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

SOLVANG JULEFEST PARADE “Gingerbread Dreams” is the theme of Solvang’s parade this year. Features marching bands, horses, classic cars, parade floats, and more. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. solvangusa.com. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC VALLEY CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SEASON PARADE PARADE This year’s parade will be followed by holiday festivities (including hot cocoa, cookies, visits with Santa, and the

Community Tree Lighting) in Centennial Square. Dec. 6 6-9 p.m. Lompoc Parade Route, Pine Ave. and H. St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SANTA’S DOGGIE PARADE This year’s parade participants will receive goodie bags donated by Petco Arroyo Grande. The costume contest categories are: best dog costume, best dog/ owner look alike, best holiday look, funniest costume, and best in show. Dec. 14 11 a.m.-noon my805tix.com. Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., Avila Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

48TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE The annual Downtown SLO Holiday Parade has drawn thousands to downtown San Luis Obispo since 1976. Held on the first Friday in December, the parade has become a much-loved holiday tradition along the Central Coast, for locals and visitors alike. With nearly 90 decorated floats, marching bands, and more. Dec. 6 7 p.m. downtownslo.com/events/holidays/holidayparade. Downtown San Luis Obispo, Corner of Santa Rosa and Pacific St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 549-0355.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Features dazzling boats decorated by members of the local fishing, leisure, and yachting community. The parade will happen rain or shine. Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. Embarcadero Morro Bay, The corner of Embarcadero and Front Street, Morro Bay.

SPECIAL EVENTS: TREE AND MENORAH LIGHTINGS

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

BUELLTON CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

spectacular lighting that concludes the Buellton Winter Fest (from 4 to 7 p.m.).

Sycamore Dr., Buellton.

LOS OLIVOS TREE LIGHTING

cookies, cocoa, and roasted walnuts as the town sparkles with twinkling lights and holiday spirit. Dec. 7, 6 p.m. visitsyv.com/.

Downtown Los Olivos, Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SOLVANG JULEFEST TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY The Tree

Lighting Ceremony is once again slated to include ballerinas encircling the Solvang Christmas tree, other live entertainment, caroling, and the much-anticipated tree lighting (at about 6:30 p.m.). Dec. 6 , 5:30 p.m. solvangusa.com. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING The lighting ceremony will take place after the Lompoc Christmas Parade (which begins at 6 p.m.)., and will include the announcement of parade winners, and a chance to visit with Santa. Dec. 6 cityoflompoc.com. Centennial Park, The corner of Cypress and H Street, Lompoc.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

HANUKKAH DOWNTOWN All members of the SLO community are invited to join. Visit website for updates and details on this year’s schedule of events. Dec. 25 -Jan. 2 jccslo.com/hanukkah. html. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CAYUCOS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Features carolers, refreshments, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Dec. 8 5 p.m. Cayucos Beach, The corner of D Street and Ocean Avenue, Cayucos.

MORRO BAY HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Solvang’s Santa Claus will be available for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities in Solvang Park on Dec. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m., and Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22 from noon to 4 p.m. This year’s Solvang Julefest event lineup also includes daily kid-friendly scavenger hunts and other family festivities. Visit solvangusa. com for more info on the Julefest schedule.

HOLIDAY MARKET Wander through the event’s Open Houses, where holiday deals abound. Snap fun photos, enjoy tasty treats, and find perfect gifts in the town’s cozy shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Dec. 7 2 p.m. visitsyv.com. Downtown Los Olivos, Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

NIGHTIME MAKERS MARKET These openair night markets, fashioned after traditional European Christmas markets, will feature several crafters and local artisans, offering one-of-a-kind holiday gift ideas, seasonal treats, and more Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m. through Dec. 18 solvangusa.com/things-todo/solvang-julefest/. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KITSCHY HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Support your local vendors and hand crafters during Small Business Saturday. Dec. 23 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lompoc Veterans Memorial Hall, 100 E. Locust Ave., Lompoc.

THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ARTISAN’S FAIRE Hosted by the Woman’s Club of Arroyo Grande. Features handmade items from more than 45 vendors, lunches and pies from the Artisan’s Cafe, raffle prizes, and more. Nov. 23 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Woman’s Club Community Center, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 473-5477.

FREE KIDS CRAFT NIGHT Enjoy some creative crafting activities. Register online. Nov. 21 , 5-6 p.m. Free. (805) 481-7339. bgcslo.org/events.

html. Boys and Girls Clubs of South San Luis Obispo County Clubhouse, 1830 19th St., Oceano.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

44TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST CRAFT FAIR AND HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Enjoy a fantastic day of crafts, creativity, and community during this annual holiday event, in its 44th year. Nov. 29-30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (805) 441-5660. San Luis Obispo Vets’ Hall, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS CRAFTS SHOW An all-gallery holiday craft show. Come discover the perfect gifts, art, crafts, ceramics, jewelry, housewares, and more. Dec. 1-29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

LIGHT AND SHADOWS: A PAINTING HOLIDAY GROUP SHOW

A fine art paintings holiday group show featuring Joan Brown, Virginia Mack, Pat Newton, Atul Pande, Sandra Sanders, Jose Silva, and Jamey Tobey. Dec. 1-29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

SPECIAL EVENTS: SANTAS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS Visit the mall this holiday season to meet Santa Claus and take a photo with him. Contact mall management for dates and details. ongoing Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Enjoy a delicious breakfast and snap a photo with Santa himself. Dec. 8 9-11 a.m. visitsyv.com. Buellton Recreation Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton.

SANTA MEET-AND-GREETS AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Don’t miss this chance to visit Santa in Solvang Park. Dec. 7, 2-4

and First St., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

A CHANCE TO VISIT SANTA Santa will be available for visits during Lompoc’s tree lighting ceremony, which follows the city’s annual Christmas parade (which kicks off at 6 p.m.). Dec. 6 cityoflompoc.com. Centennial Park, The corner of Cypress and H Street, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SANTA CLAUS: HISTORIC VILLAGE OF ARROYO GRANDE Santa is returning to the Village of Arroyo Grande for holiday visits, with special appearances by Mrs. Claus. Saturdays, Sundays, 1-4 p.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3-6 p.m. through Dec. 22 my805tix.com. Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande.

SANTA’S PALO MESA PIZZA PARTY Visit Santa and enjoy delicious, award-winning pizza generously provided by Palo Mesa Pizza. Dec. 15 1-2 p.m. my805tix.com. Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

PICTURES WITH SURFER SANTA Make a splash at the SLO Swim Center with underwater pictures with Santa. Wear your festive holiday swimsuit and goggles, and enjoy additional holiday activities during the event. Dec. 14 , 2:30-4:30 p.m. $5 (includes picture and activities). (805) 781-7284. sloswimcenter. org. SLO Swim Center, 900 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo. SANTA’S HOUSE OPENING DAY CELEBRATION Free, familyfriendly, and open to the public. Watch Santa ride into Mission Plaza on a firetruck and enjoy a live performance from the SLO County Band. Celebrate the opening of all of this year’s festive holiday fun in the Plaza. Nov. 29 noon downtownslo.com/

cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

SANTA’S HOUSE ON THE EMBARCADERO Get a fun pic with St. Nick during the first two weeks of December. Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 Embarcadero Morro Bay, The corner of Embarcadero and Front Street, Morro Bay.

SPECIAL EVENTS: NEW YEAR’S EVENTS

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

COPENHAGEN COUNTDOWN Guests are invited to count down to New Year’s in Denmark (3 p.m. Pacific) with live music, children’s activities and crafts, and vendors. Dec. 31 2-4 p.m. solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

NEW YEAR DISCO BALL PAINT AND SIP Visit the Solvang studio for a fun-filled evening of painting your very own disco ball on a charming wooden round. Dec. 27 6-9 p.m. $55. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com/events/new-years-paint-sip/. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang. SOLVANG TREE BURN Considered to be one of the largest fire safety demonstrations along the Central Coast. Check website for updates on the event’s date (weather permitting; TBA). Jan.

3 5-7 p.m. visitsyv.com. Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH MOLLY RINGWALD PROJECT Ring in the new year with ‘80s hits, dancing, and celebration in downtown SLO. Dec. 31 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337. NYE 2025 An evening packed with as much fun as you can sneak in before 2025. Each ticket includes: three drinks, light bites all night, access to the entire property (transformed into a Brazilian inspired carnival playground), live music, and more. Dec. 31 , 8 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

MR. GREEN CHRISTMAS

The Lompoc Pops Orchestra will host its holiday-themed concert at Lompoc’s First United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. The upcoming concert’s song selection includes renditions of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and other seasonal favorites. The orchestra will occasionally be accompanied by featured soloist Jennifer Freye and the Lompoc Valley Master Chorale. Call (805) 733-1796 for more details.

RHAPSODY IN BLUE Ring in the New Year with the SLO Symphony and pianist Maxim Lando, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Dec. 31 7:30 p.m. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/calendar/. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SAILORS AND SIRENS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Celebrate a vintage Morro Bay New Year’s Eve with live music from Moonshiner Collective. With opening act Carbon City Lights. Dec. 31 7:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 2251312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

FUNDRAISERS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

ALTRUSA’S ANNUAL MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TREES Purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win decorated trees and the gifts under them during this seasonal fundraiser. Nov. 29 - Dec. 14 Santa Maria Kia, 2175 Bradley Ave., Santa Maria.

ALTRUSA’S FESTIVAL OF TREES Enter this raffle to support local scholarships and grants, and the chance to win a unique

decorated tree and the gifts under it. Nov. 29 - Dec. 14 Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria. HOLIDAY BOOK SALE Hosted by the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library. Dec. 7, 12-4 p.m. and Dec. 8 12-4 p.m. Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SYLVESTER’S FUNDRAISER FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH SLO COUNTY A delicious way to give back. 50 percent of all sales that use the codeword (“Boys&GirlsClubs”) goes directly to local youth programs. Nov. 22 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. (805) 481-7339. bgcslo.org/events. Sylvester‘s Burgers (Oceano), 1875 Front St. (Hwy 1), Oceano. SAN LUIS OBISPO

BUILD BEDS WITH SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE Help build 100 beds with SHP and the Home Depot for kids in need. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Dec. 7 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. No cost; donations accepted. (805) 423-1180. shpbeds.org. The Home Depot, 1551 Froom Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ONE COOL EARTH AND PARR COLLECTIVE AFTERNOON IN THE VINEYARD With live music by The Big Sirs of Swing Trio, light food, and auction items. 10 percent of all wine sales will directly support garden-based education programs. Nov. 24 1-4 p.m. Free. onecoolearth.org/rooted-in-community.html. Stolo Vineyards and Winery, 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria.

STAGE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Don’t miss this tale as old as time. Presented by PCPA. Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated musical. Through Dec. 22 pcpa.org. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria.

BUDDIES: A BROMANTIC COMEDY An original play by local author Ben Abbott, whose hilarious creations have graced the stages of the Great American Melodrama. Through Nov. 24 my805tix.com/. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria. STAGE continued page 26

CLYDE’S Between slinging grilled cheese and tuna melts, the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff at Clyde’s dream of creating the perfect recipe. Through Nov. 24 my805tix.com/. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

THE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Features a wintry yet ultimately heartwarming retelling of A Christmas Carol which is followed by a fractured fairy tale opera parody and the Melodrama’s signature holiday vaudeville review. Through Dec. 31 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL Central Coast Theatre Company presents this production at the Clark Center. Nov. 21 7-10 p.m., Nov. 22 7-10 p.m. and Nov. 23 2-5 p.m. $17-$24. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/cctc-legally-blonde/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

STORYTELLERS Flex’s original holiday production is an enchanting and breathtaking family adventure story. Laugh, cry, and cheer as you become immersed in the magic. Impressive set pieces, beautiful costumes, talented local performers, and a heartwarming story will be sure to leave you in the holiday spirit. Dec. 6 7-10 p.m., Dec. 7 7-10 p.m. and Dec. 8, 2-5 p.m. $52.50-$73.50. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/shows/flex-storytellers/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

A CHRISTMAS STORY Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus. Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and WednesdaysSaturdays, 7-9 p.m. through Dec. 22 $20-$37. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.

IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE BUNKER Come laugh out loud at The Bunker with the Central Coast Comedy Theater. Nov. 30 6-8 p.m. and Dec. 20 6-8 p.m. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CAROL APPAREL

The Cal Poly Choirs present the annual Holiday Kaleidoscope Concert, which will be held at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The performance will include selections performed by Cal Poly’s four choirs, joined by members of the Cal Poly Symphony and visiting student choirs from Paso Robles High School and Cabrillo High School. For tickets and more details, visit music.calpoly.edu.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

A SHERLOCK CAROL A musical staged reading from By The Sea Productions. Dec. 13-15 my805tix.com/. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

TWO HOLLYWOOD STORIES FROM BY THE SEA PRODUCTIONS

Enjoy two staged readings: An Interview with Gladys Walton and My Client Curley Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 $15. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

STAGE: NUTCRACKERS

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

DIANE ROSE ZINK’S NUTCRACKER Presented by Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet. Nov. 30 7 p.m. and Dec.

1 3 p.m. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444, clarkcenter.org.

THE PAN AMERICAN NUTCRACKER SUITE Created and coarranged by Joe McCarthy and Vince Norman, the evening will feature original orchestrations performed by Joe McCarthy’s Latin Grammy Award-winning New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band that celebrates the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece, “The Nutcracker Suite,” followed by big band compositions. Dec. 22 , 7-9:30 p.m. $34-$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/pan-american-nutcracker-suite/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE 28TH ANNUAL NORTH COUNTY NUTCRACKER Presented by North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation. Dec.

6-8 Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-7113. THE NUTCRACKER: PRESENTED BY THE SLO MOVEMENT ARTS CENTER The SLO Movement Arts Center brings Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to life with a whole new twist, while setting the story in San Luis Obispo. Come see this classic as never before, with heart, history, and the best dancing on the Central Coast. Dec. 20, 7:30-9:45 p.m. and Dec. 21 2-3:45 p.m. $28-$52. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

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.

THE KILLER DUELING PIANOS Appealing to all ages, The Killer Dueling Pianos will have you clapping, singing, and laughing along all night with their special brand of entertainment. Nov. 30 3-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Various food options. (805) 623-5129. 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. OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last

478-6198.

Holiday Guide

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.

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

ALWAYS TINA AND START ME UP Enjoy live music from tributes to Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones. All ages welcome. Dec. 21, 7 p.m. $18 in advance; $20 at the door. my805tix.com. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 810-0714.

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BRADBERRI FEATURED AT SLO OPEN MIC Solvang’s Bradberri (aka Lindsey Marie) is featured, with special guests Ian Fitzgerald, Rachel Sumner, Erika Slikker, Theresa Layne, Yen Seay, and Ricky Berger. Dec. 4 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974, humdingerbrewing.com.

BRASS MASH: FIRST FRIDAY First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of our all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. First Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE FALL CONCERT The concert will feature world-class guest artists and a dance troupe that sets the music in motion with original choreographies and beautiful costuming. The group of instrumentalists and vocalists will perform seminal selections of Arab art, popular and folk music, and more. Dec. 6 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ame/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY BANDFEST: THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS Cal Poly Wind Bands will perform John Mackey’s “Redline Tango,” Malcolm Arnold’s “Four Scottish Dances,” Laura Estes’s “Wiklow,” and David Foster’s “Holiday Tune.” The Mustang Marching Band will make an appearance and fill the hall with highlights from the season of Cal Poly Athletics. Dec. 8 , 3 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ winds/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY FALL JAZZ CONCERT: SOUNDS OF RHYTHM Featuring Cal Poly’s jazz ensembles, including the University Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jamaal Baptiste; and the Jazz Combos, directed by Dylan Johnson. Works and arrangements by Gene Puerling, Darmon Meader, Kerry Marsh, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Maria Schneider, and more. Nov. 21 , 7:30 p.m. $22 general; $12 students and Jazz Federation members. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/jazz/. Spanos Theatre, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student pianists. Dec. 3 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. CAL POLY VOCAL STUDENT RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student vocalists. Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. COMBOPALOOZA: CUESTA JAZZ COMBOS CONCERT Check out the December combo festival, with all combos playing at their best. The Cuesta Combo program has often been recognized for its excellence and creativity, most recently in Downbeat Magazine Directed by Performing Arts Chair and Director of Jazz Studies, Ron McCarley. Dec. 10 7:30-9 p.m. $5. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA JAZZ ENSEMBLES WINTER CONCERT Don’t miss this chance to hear the best from the student combos and big band. Directed by Ron McCarley, this concert features a variety of big band music from the well-known big band classics, to quirky modern tunes, and more. Dec. 7, 7:30-9 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 5463198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA WIND CHAMBER CONCERT The Cuesta Wind Ensemble presents its chamber music concert, featuring small group and solo performances. Enjoy an intimate evening of music complete with a unique view of the beautiful CPAC, as the audience sits on stage with the performers. Dec. 4 , 7:30-9 p.m. $5. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

LIFE ON PLANETS/ ARDALAN For ages 21 and over. Nov. 23 , 7 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

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

MAPACHE LIVE For ages 18 and over. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

MATISYAHU LIVE The Grammy-nominated artist known for blending reggae, rock, and hip-hop into a unique musical experience. Dec. 12 , 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA A monthly special musiconly trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead to reserve a table. Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.

NEW TIMES MUSIC AWARDS SHOWCASE 2024 Designed to showcase music and songwriting from local musicians throughout the Central Coast of California in a wide variety of genres. Nov. 22 , 7-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

SAN LUIS OBISPO MASTER CHORALE Visit site for more info on the ensemble’s 2024/2025 season and 40th anniversary. Nov. 24 and Dec. 21 slomasterchorale.org/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Features a cast of performers from the genre-blending group’s wildly popular YouTube channel. All ages welcome. Nov. 22 8 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

SLO BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS JASON RICCI AND THE BAD KIND The Burning James Blues Band opens the show. Dec. 7 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.

ST. VINCENT FOLK/ VINCENT BERNARDY (LIVE MUSIC SHOW) With brunch waffles and mimosas available. Nov. 24 12-2 p.m. Free music. (805) 203-6301. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

VALLEY PORNO PEOPLE With Dolly Creamer and special local guests: Saturn Death Dive and Inner Space Visitor. Nov. 21 , 6:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BIG MABLE AND THE PORTHOLES Long thought to be the band that went down with the Titanic, Big Mable and the Portholes have emerged from Davy Jones’ Locker to perform tunes. Nov. 26 , 7:30 p.m. Free admission. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

HIJINX Based in Santa Cruz, Hijinx formed in 2018 as a college garage band, not as a culmination of local musicians, but rather a group of best friends. Nov. 30 7:30-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

MADTOWN Donna Lu and Manny English are two local music staples that have joined forces to make a dynamic duo. Nov. 23 , 2-5 p.m. Free admission. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

THE SIREN JAZZ JAM Come watch, or get up and jam with the band for this special open mic event. Nov. 24 , 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free admission. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 2251312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

THE TAPROOTS A steady feature at concerts, breweries, and private events in California since 2016. Nov. 30 2-5 p.m. Free admission. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.

MUSIC: SEASONAL MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

AHC CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERT Song selections at the concert will include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, “Sleigh Ride,” and other winter tunes. Nov. 23 7 p.m. $8-$10. hancockcollege.edu. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

CENTRAL CITY SWING BAND: FREE HOLIDAY CONCERT This holiday event will feature some of the area’s top musicians playing a wide assortment of seasonal swing and jazz music. Dec. 12 6 p.m. Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC: BAROQUE ELEGANCE

SEASON CONCERT The Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro Michael Nowak welcome guest soloists for a seasonal celebration of the Baroque era’s greatest composers. Dec. 6 7:30-9:30 p.m. $50. (805) 925-0412. smphilharmonic.org. First United Methodist Church, 311 Broadway, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

NIGHTLY LIGHT AND MUSIC SHOWS This holiday-themed, choreographed light and music display, which is free to attend, entails two different shows that will alternate on the hour each

MUSIC: SEASONAL MUSIC continued page 28

Orcutt Academy Charter School Now Enrolling for 2025-2026

Orcutt Academy Charter School Now Enrolling for 2025-2026

Orcutt Academy Charter School Now Enrolling for 2025-2026

Orcutt Academy Charter School Now Enrolling for 2025-2026

Orcutt Academy Charter School Now Enrolling for 2025-2026

Academy begun

Orcutt Academy High School and the Orcutt Academy K-8 campus have begun taking online enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Three virtual information nights and two campus tours have been planned; please refer to schedule below. The Enrollment Lottery 2025-2026 will be on February 5, 2025; the deadline for applications to be included in the lottery is January 29, 2025.

two have The on is 29,

Orcutt Academy High School and the Orcutt Academy K-8 campus have begun taking online enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Three virtual information nights and two campus tours have been planned; please refer to schedule below. The Enrollment Lottery 2025-2026 will be on February 5, 2025; the deadline for applications to be included in the lottery is January 29, 2025.

Orcutt Academy High School and the Orcutt Academy K-8 campus have begun taking online enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Three virtual information nights and two campus tours have been planned; please refer to schedule below. The Enrollment Lottery 2025-2026 will be on February 5, 2025; the deadline for applications to be included in the lottery is January 29, 2025.

Orcutt Academy High School and the Orcutt Academy K-8 campus have begun taking online enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Three virtual information nights and two campus tours have been planned; please refer to schedule below. The Enrollment Lottery 2025-2026 be on February 5, 2025; the deadline for applications to be included in the lottery is January 29, 2025.

Orcutt Academy High School and the Orcutt Academy K-8 campus have begun taking online enrollment applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Three virtual information nights and two campus tours have been planned; please refer to schedule below. The Enrollment Lottery 2025-2026 will be on February 5, 2025; the deadline for applications to be included in the lottery is January 29, 2025.

For links Union “Orcutt page.

For the online enrollment application and links to the information events, please go to the Orcutt Union School District website, www.orcuttschools.net, click “Enroll,” and then go to the “Orcutt Academy Charter Admissions” page.

For the online enrollment application and links to the information events, please go to the Orcutt Union School District website, www.orcuttschools.net, click “Enroll,” and then go to the “Orcutt Academy Charter Admissions” page.

For the online enrollment application and links to the information events, please go to the Orcutt Union School District website, www.orcuttschools.net, click “Enroll,” and then go to the “Orcutt Academy Charter Admissions” page.

For the online enrollment application and links to the information events, please go to the Orcutt Union School District website, www.orcuttschools.net, click “Enroll,” and then go to the “Orcutt Academy Charter Admissions” page.

For the online enrollment application and links to the information events, please go to the Orcutt Union School District website, www.orcuttschools.net, click “Enroll,” and then go to the “Orcutt Academy Charter Admissions” page.

Weekday Date Time Event

Weekday Date Time Event

Weekday Date Time Event

Weekday Date Time Event

Weekday Date Time Event

Monday December 2, 2024 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday p.m.

Monday December 2, 2024 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday December 2, 2024 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday December 2, 2024 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday December 2, 2024 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 13, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday 13, 2025 p.m.

Monday January 13, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 13, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 13, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 13, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

OAHS Campus Tour

Friday January

Friday January 17, 2025 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Friday January 17, 2025 7:30-8:30 a.m. OAHS Campus Tour 610 Pinal Avenue, Old Orcutt

Friday January 17, 2025 7:30-8:30 a.m. OAHS Campus Tour

Friday January 17, 2025 7:30-8:30 a.m. OAHS Campus Tour 610 Pinal Avenue, Old Orcutt

Friday January 17, 2025 7:30-8:30 a.m. OAHS Campus Tour

610 Pinal Avenue, Old Orcutt

Friday January 17, 2025 10:30-11:30 a.m. OAK-8 Campus Tour

610 Avenue, Old Orcutt 2025

610 Pinal Avenue, Old Orcutt

610 Pinal Avenue, Old Orcutt

Friday January 17, 2025 10:30-11:30 a.m. OAK-8 Campus Tour 480 Centennial Street, Los Alamos

480 Centennial Street, Los Alamos

Friday January 17, 2025 10:30-11:30 a.m. OAK-8 Campus Tour 480 Centennial Street, Los Alamos

Friday January 17, 2025 10:30-11:30 a.m. OAK-8 Campus Tour 480 Centennial Street, Los Alamos

Friday January 17, 2025 10:30-11:30 a.m. OAK-8 Campus Tour 480 Centennial Street, Los Alamos

Monday January 27, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 27, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Monday January 27, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 27, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 27, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Monday January 27, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Virtual Information Night

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:00 p.m. Enrollment Lottery

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:00 p.m. Enrollment Lottery

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:00 p.m. Enrollment Lottery

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:00 p.m. Enrollment Lottery

Wednesday February 5, 2025 6:00 p.m. Enrollment Lottery

For information, contact OAHS Principal Rhett Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net or 805938-8590, or OAK-8 Principal Jared Banks, jbanks@orcutt-schools.net or 805-960-5536.

For information, contact OAHS Principal Rhett Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net or 805938-8590, or OAK-8 Principal Jared Banks, jbanks@orcutt-schools.net or 805-960-5536. for 2025-2026

For OAHS Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net OAK-8 Banks, 805-960-5536.

For information, contact OAHS Principal Rhett Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net or 805938-8590, or OAK-8 Principal Jared Banks, jbanks@orcutt-schools.net or 805-960-5536.

For information, contact OAHS Principal Rhett Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net or 805938-8590, or OAK-8 Principal Jared Banks, jbanks@orcutt-schools.net or 805-960-5536.

For information, contact OAHS Principal Rhett Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net or 805938-8590, or OAK-8 Principal Jared Banks, jbanks@orcutt-schools.net or 805-960-5536.

evening. Nov. 29 -Jan. 5 , 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m. solvangusa.com/ things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

THE LOMPOC POPS ORCHESTRA: XMAS CONCERT The upcoming concert’s song selection includes renditions of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and other seasonal favorites. The orchestra will occasionally be accompanied by featured soloist Jennifer Freye and the Lompoc Valley Master Chorale. Dec. 1 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ABBA HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS An unforgettable night of your favorite Christmas songs intermixed with some of ABBA’s greatest hits. Starring the cast of ABBAFAB, a band that “recreates ABBA’s iconic sound so closely that it’s hard to believe every Christmas song wasn’t recorded by ABBA themselves,” according to the Clark Center. Nov. 29 7:30-10:30 p.m. $49.50$70.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/abba-holly-jollychristmas/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

AGHS CHOIR AND BAND WINTER CONCERT Featuring the school’s Choir, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. Enjoy a dynamic mix of classical and contemporary pieces, showcasing student talent through powerful harmonies and instrumentation. A night of captivating performances awaits. Dec. 18 , 7-9 p.m. $5-$10. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/aghs-choirband-winter-concert/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

DAVID BENOIT TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE BROWN WITH SPECIAL GUEST COURTNEY FORTUNE This heartwarming tribute concert celebrates the timeless music of Vince Guaraldi and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Relive the joy of this beloved tradition with captivating renditions of classic holiday tunes and cherished compositions. Dec. 12 7-10 p.m. $37-$62. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/david-benoit/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

A GIRL NAMED TOM: THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS TOUR Three siblings unlock one harmony to unite the world. The trio—Bekah, Joshua, and Caleb Liechty—previously won NBC’s The Voice

Embarking on a new Christmas Tour, they serve up plenty of original holiday songs. Dec. 17, 7-10 p.m. $55-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/girl-namedtom/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

JINGLE JAZZ HOLIDAY PARTY WITH CENTRAL CITY SWING BAND Presented by the Basin Street Regulars. Dec. 15 1-4 p.m. my805tix.com/. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.

MARIACHI CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Enjoy an evening of Christmas posada, carols, songs, actors, folkloric ballet, and the largest female mariachi in the world. Dec. 15 6-9 p.m. $34-$55. (805) 4899444. clarkcenter.org/shows/mariachi-christmas-festival/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE: JOHN DENVER

CHRISTMAS Rick Schuler’s enchanting holiday show features all your favorite Denver hits including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” and much more. Dec. 10, 7-10 p.m. $69.50-$86.25. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/john-denver-christmas/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS WITH SURFIN’: A BEACH BOYS

TRIBUTE A special night filled with Christmas magic and popular holiday tunes. Dec. 21 7:30-10:30 p.m. $39-$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/surfin-christmas/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BLACK FRIDAY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR WITH BRASS MASH

Enjoy the band’s unique blend of brassy, high-energy covers that throw classic rock, hip-hop, pop, and punk into an unforgettable mashup. Nov. 29 6-11 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

CAL POLY CHOIRS: HOLIDAY KALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT The four Cal Poly Choirs will perform, as well as a cappella groups and members of the Cal Poly Symphony. Concert highlights will include traditional favorites, new works and portions of J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat.” Plus choirs from Paso Robles High School and Cabrillo High School. Dec. 6 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ choirs/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CHRISTMAS JAZZ VESPERS With the Dave Becker Quartet and Inga Swearingen. Dec. 15 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com. First Presbyterian

Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5451.

CUESTA CONCORD CHORUS CONCERT: “DONA NOBIS PACEM” (SINGING FOR PEACE) The Cuesta Concord Chorus and Orchestra, directed by Cassandra Tarantino, present their winter concert, featuring “Christmas Oratorio I” by J. S. Bach. Dec. 6, 7:309 p.m. General $22; Student with ID $5; No charge for Veterans and their spouses. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

A HOLIDAY COLLABORATION CONCERT WITH THE CUESTA CHOIRS AND WIND ENSEMBLE The Cuesta Choirs and Cuesta Wind Ensemble are teaming up together for a celebratory holiday collaboration concert. Directed by John Knutson and Jennifer Martin. Dec. 13 , 7:30-9 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

MARK O’CONNOR’S AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS (FEATURING MAGGIE O’CONNOR) Three-time Grammy-winning composer and fiddler Mark O’Connor brings an elegance and earnestness to his holiday tour with fresh arrangements of Christmas classics, both vocal and instrumental, featuring his wife Maggie O’Connor on fiddle and vocals. Presented by Cal Poly Arts. Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20242025season/oconnors-an-appalachian-christmas. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

PALM STREET POINSETTIAS The Ah Louis Store is thrilled to bring caroling to the corner of Chorro and Palm Street every Saturday this holiday season. Saturdays, 4-7 p.m. through Dec. 21 Ah Louis Store, 800 Palm St., San Luis Obispo.

PINK MARTINI FEATURING CHINA FORBES: 30TH

ANNIVERSARY TOUR Pink Martini is renowned for a dozen musicians with songs in 25 languages. Expect a concert flavored by a multilingual repertoire as the much-loved “little orchestra” performs holiday songs and fan favorites from the band’s 11 studio albums. Presented by Cal Poly Arts. Dec. 18 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20242025-season/pink-martini-chinaforbes. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

SEASON OF LIGHT Festive Choral music with the awardwinning Vocal Arts Ensemble. Holiday singalong included. Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $30-$40. (805) 541-6797. vocalarts.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

SLO COUNTY TRUMPET ALLIANCE CONCERT: CHRISTMAS BRASS Feel the power and precision of the San Luis Obispo

County Trumpet Alliance as they fill the CPAC with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites this winter, conducted by Warren Balfour. Dec. 15 2-3:30 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. tickets.cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE PRESENTS SEASON OF LIGHT Guests will hear a mix of genres, with traditional, modern, innovative, and lighthearted (emphasis on “light”) pieces woven together. Dec. 8 3-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

WINTER HARMONIES The 25th anniversary concert with SLO Wind Orchestra and Handbells. Don’t miss this seasonal music celebration. Dec. 7 2-3:30 & 5-6:30 p.m. Admission ranges from free to $30. (805) 464-7804. SLOwinds.org. SLO United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo.

WINTER TIDE Presented by the Central Coast Youth Chorus. Dec. 14 , 3 p.m. and Dec. 15 3 p.m. centralcoastyouthchorus.org/. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5451.

WRITERS & LITERATURE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS 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. RAINBOW READS BOOK CLUB A group to discuss literature that focuses on LGBTQIA+ authors, characters, and themes. The book for November is Pageboy: A Memoir by Elliot Page. Nov. 22 4:305:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY THE BOOK LOFT’S OPEN HOUSE Join The Book Loft for its annual Open House. Enjoy a day full of activities with a holiday storytime, a puzzle contest, and Book Bingo. Nov. 23 , 10 a.m.-noon (805) 688-6010. The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Dr., Solvang. WRITERS AND LITERATURE continued page 29

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 703-3132. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

ART

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

ESTHER BARTLETT: VALLEY ART GALLERY’S FEATURED

ARTIST This local artist’s works will be on display through the end of November. Through Nov. 30 Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

NUESTRA VIDA EN EL ARTE (OUR LIFE IN ART): CHICANO ART EXHIBIT FROM THE SANCHEZ ART COLLECTION A collection of artworks from many of the iconic artists who were a quintessential part of the beginnings of the Chicano art movement as it has become an influence on popular culture and social issues. Through Dec. 13 Free. (805) 694-8894. hancockcollege.edu/gallery/index.php. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

A DEEPER LOVE: NEW PAINTINGS INSPIRED BY CORAL

REEFS A vivid duo exhibition that highlights a collection of paintings by husband and wife team David Gallup and Nansi Bielanski Gallup. Through Feb. 1, 2025 calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang. FALL PAINT AND SIP Paint a beautiful fall-inspired landscape. BYOB. Nov. 22 6-9 p.m. $55. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels. com/events/fall-paint-sip/. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SYMPHONY OF COLOR AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Inspired by color and nature, painters Neil Andersson and Vicki Andersen collaborate to provide “a symphony for the eyes” during the month of November at Gallery Los Olivos. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Nov. 30 (805) 688-7517. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, gallerylosolivos.com.

THE VISUAL FEAST OF ROLAND PETERSEN Enjoy viewing a collection of Petersen’s vivid, colorful paintings. Through Jan. 5, 2025 elverhoj.org. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, (805) 686-1211.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

CANINE COMPANIONS Local artist Liz Poulin Alvarez’s solo exhibit centered on dog paintings. Presented by the Lompoc Valley Art Association. Through Nov. 24 lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, (805) 705-5328. LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES FALL SHOWCASE EXHIBIT The Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo at Trilogy proudly presents its 2024 Fall Showcase of original works of art from 19 talented resident artists. Nov. 23 1-3 p.m. and Nov. 30 1-3 p.m. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo, (805) 343-7500.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

JULIE ALPERT: STRANGE MAGIC As you step into Strange Magic, artist Julie Alpert’s first solo show in California, you’ll know one thing for certain: “Life is being lived.” Through March 2, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ julie-alpert-strange-magic/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY BEDFORD: THE WINDOW The Window intricately bridges the natural, the historical, and the imagined. Through Feb. 16, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/whitney-bedford/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CALL FOR ARTISTS: AQUARIUS 2025 WATERMEDIA EXHIBIT Aquarius 2025 presented by Central Coast Watercolor Society seeks California artists working in all watermedia for this prestigious annual juried exhibit. Submissions open Dec. 1 and close on Jan. 5. Exhibit runs Feb. 20 through Mar.31, 2025 at Art

Center Morro Bay. See website for full info. Dec. 1 -Jan. 5 $25-$65. ccwsart.com/aquarius-2025-prospectus. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504. THE CALM WATERS GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Featuring the artworks of Kerry Drager, Teresa Ferguson, Karen Peterson, Greg Siragusa, and Jessica Weiss. Through Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria. FINE ART PAINTINGS AND SMALL WORKS BY ARDELLA SWANBERG Swanberg is a mixed media artist and teacher who has been painting and teaching on the Central Coast for almost 40 years. Jan. 1-29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FINE ART PAINTINGS BY SPANKY ANDERSON Anderson is a prominent musician who also is an excellent painter, whose artworks feature the sunsets and dawns of Central Coast and Georgia. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

DECK THE WALLS

The Ah Louis Store in San Luis Obispo is hosting its holiday caroling program every Saturday in November and December, through Saturday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. each evening. The Palm Street Poinsettias is the program’s featured ensemble, set to sing festive tunes throughout the series. Follow @ahlouisstore on Instagram for more info.

—C.W.

FINE ART TEXTILES BY DEBBIE GEDAYLOO Come explore the colors and textures of the artist’s natural wool textile artworks and gifts. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

FOCUS ON BIRDS: A GROUP WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOW Come discover what all our bird friends in the Estuary have been up to. Jan. 1-29 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

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

LARRY LE BRANE’S ART IN LOS OSOS: HARVEST AND HOLIDAY SEASON Explore Larry Le Brane’s fused glass, sculpture, paintings and drawings at Costa Gallery this fall and winter. Owner Michael J. Costa features diverse work by 20 California artists. They wrap and ship gifts, too. Stop by for seasonal treats and surprises. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 29 Free admission. (559) 799-9632. facebook.com/ costagallery. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS BY BRIAN JOHNSON Johnson creates mixed media abstract art using inks, gels, and mirrors. Jan. 1-29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. WINTER FAIRE AND JURIED CRAFT SHOW A collection of festive holiday treasures curated by the Morro Bay Art Association. Through Jan. 6, 2025 Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504, artcentermorrobay.org.

ART continued page 30

ART: OPENINGS AND RECEPTIONS

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

CENTRAL COAST ART LEAGUE: ART RECEPTION A reception to celebrate the 10 featured artists at the venue, as part of a group exhibit that runs through March 2025. Dec. 5 , 4-7 p.m. Los Olivos General Store, 2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

DON DOUBLEDEE AND LINDA BENCH, LIGHT AND SHADOWS

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW, AND CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

EXTRAVAGANZA: ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY Come meet the artists, be inspired, and enjoy food, refreshments, a tree-filled atrium and all the businesses in Marina Square. Dec. 14

3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

ART: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

LEARN CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL DANCE: WEST COAST SWING

Learn west coast swing in a casual, friendly environment, taught by Texas state swing champion, Gina Sigman. Free intro from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Beyond the Basics ($10) is 7 to 7:45 p.m. $10 entry

includes social dance (7:45 to 8:15 p.m.). Tuesdays, 6:30-8:15 p.m. (832) 884-8114. Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House, 4869 S. Bradley Rd., #118, Orcutt.

SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: FELT PHONE SLEEVE Enjoy a cozy afternoon of crafting with this customizable felt phone sleeve. Registration is required (for ages 18 and older). Nov. 23 2-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

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.

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8

THIS PLACE IS LIT

The 2024 Cambria Christmas Market kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29, and will remain open through the end of December, except on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 24, and 25. This annual winter wonderland destination is decorated with more than 3 million lights and also includes an authentic German vendor market, festive food and drink offerings, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Visit cambriachristmasmarket.com for more info.

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

THE ARTIST’S WAY: UNBLOCKING CREATIVITY 12 week program (13 meetings) for creatives and anyone who is seeking to “unblock” their creativity, following Julia Cameron’s famous workbook “The Artist’s Way.” Weekly group discussions and check-ins. Opportunities to share creativity and create community. Email for more info. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. through Nov. 26 $195. cuesta.edu. Cuesta College Community Programs, Building 4100

Cuesta College Road, San luis Obispo, (805) 540-8282. BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolor-based course, but one that branches out into other media. Third Wednesday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/baby-handprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

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

ART: CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS continued page 31

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

LEARN HOW TO PAINT IN OIL WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint in the most versatile of all mediums. Eber stresses a solid foundation for beginners by teaching value, color mixing, edges, underpainting, principles of design, and composition, as well as concepts of light and shadow. Great for beginners. Tuesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. through Dec. 16 $295 for six classes. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.

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

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.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll

please contact Mack via email: vbmack@ charter.net Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

KID STUFF

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

FALL KIDS CAMP Let the Art Spot help bring artistic expression into your child’s life during the school break. Breaks can be a hectic time for parents and hard on families with the disruption of schedule. Nov. 25 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Nov. 27 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $85. (805) 245-2381. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

NISSER ADVENTURE A scavenger hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisser (Christmas elves) who have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang. Hunters of all ages may stop by the Solvang Visitor Center for a list of clues, and return after finding the elves to receive a special Solvang keepsake. Nov. 29 -Jan. 5 Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

TEEN CRAFT NIGHT: DECORATE YOUR OWN SHOES Enjoy a fun evening where you can transform a pair of plain shoes into a personalized masterpiece. Designed for teens, ages 12 and over. Dec. 5 6-8 p.m. $55. (805) 697-7482. artspotonwheels.com. Craft and Create, 446 Alisal Road, Suite 11, Solvang.

WINTER BREAK ART CAMP (AGES 7-12) Let the Art Spot help bring artistic expression into your child’s life during the school break. Dec. 23 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec.

KID STUFF continued page 32

Holiday Magic

Holiday Guide

per day or $355 for full five-day enrollment. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

LOMPOC VALLEY CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SEASON PARADE

The theme of this year’s parade is “Dreaming of a White Christmas.” After the parade, participants and spectators are invited to gather at Centennial Park for more festivities. Dec. 6 , 6 p.m. cityoflompoc.com. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc. YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

THE OUTDOORS

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

JULEFEST DAYLIGHT TOURS Guests will stroll the streets of Solvang, lined with unique shops and delicious foods including the village’s iconic Danish pastries, during the morning tours led by a local Dane dressed in traditional folk garb. Nov. 30 - Dec. 28 , 10 a.m. solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

SURFING GOATS Come check out the surfing goats with a show-and-tell at the Discovery Center. Dec. 7 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 473-1421. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

Monday, November 25 8:30am-6:30pm

ZOO TO YOU The zoo is coming to you at the discovery center. Come check out the animals. Jan. 4 Free. (805) 473-1421. Exploration Discovery Center, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC

A sneakily fun workout. Build whole-body strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary. For ages 5 to 17. Dec. 14 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE: ELF

Doors open at 7 p.m. Open to all ages. Dec. 14 7 p.m. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.

GYM JAM AND OPEN PLAY

ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: INATURALIST Join State Parks Interpreter to learn about iNaturalist (a free app to identify plants/animals). Please have the app downloaded before the program. RSVP by calling. Nov. 24 , 10-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 4742664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano. AQUATIC BIRDS OF OSO FLACO LAKE Join The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County for a short hike to explore the dune ecosystem and the aquatic birds of our lakes. Nov. 23 9-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 448-8012. sblandtrust. org. Oso Flaco Lake, 3098 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. ongoing Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

GLOBAL GLEE

Cambria Nursery will host a festive ornament decorating workshop on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. Participants of the class, described as suitable for all ages, will create their own unique ornaments using a variety of materials. Admission is $25. Visit cambrianursery.com for more info on the upcoming workshop and other programs hosted by Cambria Nursery.

CLINIC Includes one hour of progressive gymnastics skill training, and one hour of open play. No experience necessary. For ages 5 to 17. Dec. 7 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com.

Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

HANDSPRINGS AND AERIALS TUMBLING CLINIC Even beginners can start working on the fundamentals of these intermediate skills. All levels welcome. For ages 5 to 17. Nov. 23 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child, plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturday-eventclinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: WINTER KINGDOM Drop your kids off at Kids’ Party Paradise for pizza, movie, and gymnastics fun while you get an evening off. For ages 4 to 13. 4-13. No gymnastics experience necessary. Dec. 14 5-9:30 p.m. $50-$70. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SECOND SATURDAYS SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions. Second Saturday of every month, 11-1 a.m. through Dec. 14 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/events/second-saturdays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers, a local nonprofit, sports, and social club for adults has monthly meetings. Meetings are free and annual membership is $65. Events held year around, with ski trips and other events (indoor and outdoor). First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free; annual membership $65. (805) 528-3194. sloskiers.org. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo.

—C.W.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

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.

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.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. NATURE SUNDAY: MANZANITA MYSTERIES (EVOLUTION IN ACTION) This experience will start with a talk about manzanitas, followed by a walk to the garden to examine the specimens. Nov. 24 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis

❄

Obispo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMBRIA NURSERY

Hot Stuff

HARMONIOUS HOLIDAY

Allan Hancock College’s student choir will host a holiday concert on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m., in Boyd Concert Hall (Building F) at the school’s Santa Maria campus. Song selections at the concert will include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” and other winter tunes. Tickets range from $8 to $10. Visit hancockcollege.edu for more info.

—Caleb Wiseblood

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.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Don’t miss this tale as old as time. Presented by PCPA. Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated musical. Through Dec. 22 pcpa.org. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria.

BUDDIES: A BROMANTIC COMEDY An original play by local author Ben Abbott, whose hilarious creations have graced the stages of the Great American Melodrama. Through Nov. 24 my805tix.com/. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CLYDE’S Between slinging grilled cheese and tuna melts, the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff at Clyde’s dream of creating the perfect recipe. Through Nov. 24 my805tix.com/. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

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

ESTHER BARTLETT: VALLEY ART

GALLERY’S FEATURED ARTIST This local artist’s works will be on display through the end of November. Through Nov. 30 Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

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. 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. NUESTRA VIDA EN EL ARTE (OUR LIFE IN ART): CHICANO ART EXHIBIT FROM THE SANCHEZ ART COLLECTION A collection of artworks from many of the iconic artists who were a quintessential part of the beginnings of the Chicano art movement as it has become an influence on popular culture and social issues. Through Dec. 13 Free. (805) 694-8894. hancockcollege.edu/ gallery/index.php. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING

DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

A DEEPER LOVE: NEW PAINTINGS INSPIRED BY CORAL REEFS A vivid duo exhibition that highlights a collection of paintings by husband and wife team David Gallup and Nansi Bielanski Gallup. Through Feb. 1. calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

FALL KIDS CAMP Let the Art Spot help bring artistic expression into your child’s life during the school break. Breaks can be a hectic time for parents and hard on families with the disruption of schedule. Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Nov. 27 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $85. (805) 245-2381. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

FALL PAINT AND SIP Paint a beautiful fallinspired landscape. BYOB. Nov. 22 6-9 p.m. $55. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com/events/fall-paint-sip/.

Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.

SYMPHONY OF COLOR AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Inspired by color and nature, painters Neil Andersson and Vicki Andersen collaborate to provide “a symphony for the eyes” during the month of November at Gallery Los Olivos. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Nov. 30 (805) 688-7517. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, gallerylosolivos.com.

THE VISUAL FEAST OF ROLAND

PETERSEN Enjoy viewing a collection of Petersen’s vivid, colorful paintings. Through Jan. 5, 2025 elverhoj.org. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, (805) 686-1211.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG CANINE COMPANIONS Local artist Liz Poulin Alvarez’s solo exhibit centered on dog paintings. Presented by the Lompoc Valley Art Association. Through Nov. 24 lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, (805) 705-5328.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ARTISAN’S FAIRE Hosted by the Woman’s Club of Arroyo Grande. Features handmade items from more than 45 vendors, lunches and pies from the

Artisan’s Cafe, raffle prizes, and more. Nov. 23 , 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Woman’s Club Community Center, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 473-5477.

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.

DIANE ROSE ZINK’S NUTCRACKER Presented by Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet. Nov. 30 7 p.m. and Dec. 1 3 p.m. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444, clarkcenter.org.

FREE KIDS CRAFT NIGHT Enjoy some creative crafting activities. Register online. Nov. 21 , 5-6 p.m. Free. (805) 481-7339. bgcslo.org/events.html. Boys and Girls Clubs of South San Luis Obispo County Clubhouse, 1830 19th St., Oceano.

GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES FALL SHOWCASE EXHIBIT The Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo at Trilogy proudly presents its 2024 Fall Showcase of original works of art from 19 talented resident artists. Nov. 23, 1-3 p.m. and Nov. 30 1-3 p.m. Free. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo, (805) 343-7500.

THE HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Features a wintry yet ultimately heartwarming retelling of A Christmas Carol which is followed by a fractured fairy tale opera parody and the Melodrama’s signature holiday vaudeville review. Through Dec. 31 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.

LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL Central Coast Theatre Company presents this

production at the Clark Center. Nov. 21 7-10 p.m., Nov. 22 7-10 p.m. and Nov. 23 2-5 p.m. $17-$24. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/cctc-legallyblonde/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES: MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN

Enjoy a screening of the 1987 classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Hotel guests and the public are welcome to attend. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. as it gets chilly. Nov. 29, 6-9 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

44TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST CRAFT FAIR AND HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Enjoy a fantastic day of crafts, creativity, and community during this annual holiday event, in its 44th year. Nov. 29-30, 10 a.m.4 p.m. (805) 441-5660. San Luis Obispo Vets’ Hall, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST NICK WILKINSON: ARCHIVED

WORK ON DISPLAY Multidisciplinary artist

Nick Wilkinson’s early works (2015-2018) will be on display through the end of November. Wilkinson is a graduate of San Diego State University with honors. His paintings and drawings “exist in a world between investment-grade abstraction and dirty doodles on the back of a notebook.” Through Nov. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 439-1611. mylrbookstore.com. MYLR Gallery, 1238 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

A CHRISTMAS STORY Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus. Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and WednesdaysSaturdays, 7-9 p.m. through Dec. 22

$20-$37. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.

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. FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

JULIE ALPERT: STRANGE MAGIC As you step into Strange Magic, artist Julie Alpert’s first solo show in California, you’ll know one thing for certain: “Life is being lived.” Through March 2, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/julie-alpert-strange-magic/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

LEARN HOW TO PAINT IN OIL WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint in the most versatile of all mediums. Eber stresses a solid foundation for beginners by teaching value, color mixing, edges, underpainting, principles of design, and composition, as well as concepts of light and shadow. Great for beginners. Tuesdays, 2:30-5:30 p.m. through Dec. 16 $295 for six classes. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.

OIL PAINTING: IMPRESSIONISTIC REALISM WITH FRANK EBER Learn how to paint lively, expressive paintings with a focus on color accuracy, mark making, and the interconnection of each element. Bring your painting skills to the next level. Great for intermediates or advanced painters. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Dec. 16 $295 for six classes. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.

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.

WHITNEY BEDFORD: THE WINDOW The Window intricately bridges the natural, the historical, and the imagined. Through Feb. 16, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/whitney-

Year In Review

bedford/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010

Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

YOYO TREE WORKSHOP Handcraft some festive holiday decor during this fun two-hour yoyo tree workshop. Learn how to stitch and assemble this festive keepsake. Nov. 22 , 6-8 p.m. $45. (805) 439-1022. slolifestudio.com.

SLOLife Studio & Mercantile, 1337 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

ALTRUSA’S ANNUAL MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

TREES Purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win decorated trees and the gifts under them during this seasonal fundraiser. Nov. 29 - Dec. 14

Santa Maria Kia, 2175 Bradley Ave., Santa Maria.

ALTRUSA’S FESTIVAL OF TREES Enter this raffle to support local scholarships and grants, and the chance to win a unique decorated tree and the gifts under it. Nov. 29 - Dec. 14 Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY: DRIVETHROUGH LIGHT SHOW Bring your loved ones, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy the spirit of the season as you drive through miles of dazzling lights and festive scenes. Fridays, Saturdays, 6 p.m. through Dec. 24 elksrec.com. Elks Event Center, 4040 Highway 101, Santa Maria.

SCHOOL’S OUT

Art Spot on Wheels in Solvang will host its Fall Kids Camp on Nov. 25, 26, and 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. This three-day event includes various art activities and is designed to coincide with most students’ days off prior to Thanksgiving. Registration is $85. Visit artspotonwheels.com for more info.

provided. Registration is required; for patrons ages 18 and older. Nov. 30 2-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

recreation. River Park, Highway 246 and Sweeney Road, Lompoc.

LOMPOC VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5000.

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.

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.

SLO COUNTY TURKEY TROT Join SLO Food Bank for the annual Turkey Trot at Pismo Beach, a fun run/walk to support holiday meals for those in need. Nov. 28 8:30-11:30 a.m. $25. (805) 238-4664. slofoodbank.org/turkey-trot/. Pismo Beach Pier, West end of Pomeroy, Pismo Beach.

D-AND-D AT THE LIBRARY Get ready to join an epic adventure with Dungeons and Dragons, presented by Central Coast Games. Registration is required; designed for patrons 18 and older. Nov. 24 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/ library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:309:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares 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) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS Visit the mall this holiday season to meet Santa Claus and take a photo with him. Contact mall management for dates and details. ongoing Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria.

PROUD FELLOWSHIP Proud Fellowship is a program created for LGBTQIA+ young adults (ages 16-22) to collaborate in a safe and welcoming environment. Registration is required. Nov. 21 4-5 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/ library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

RAINBOW READS BOOK CLUB A group to discuss literature that focuses on LGBTQIA+ authors, characters, and themes. The book for November is Pageboy: A Memoir by Elliot Page. Nov. 22 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/ library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: FELT PHONE

SLEEVE Enjoy a cozy afternoon of crafting with this customizable felt phone sleeve. Registration is required (for ages 18 and older). Nov. 23 2-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/ library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: PRESSED FOLIAGE SUNCATCHERS Learn how to preserve fall foliage and turn it into pressed foliage suncatchers. All materials will be

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

THE BOOK LOFT’S OPEN HOUSE Join The Book Loft for its annual Open House. Enjoy a day full of activities with a holiday storytime, a puzzle contest, and Book Bingo. Nov. 23 , 10 a.m.-noon (805) 688-6010. The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Dr., Solvang.

CANDLELIGHT TOURS Traverse the village of Solvang, accompanied by Christmas carols and an entertaining education about some Danish traditions and Solvang history. Guided by a costumed host, all tour participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour. Nov. 30 - Dec. 28 solvangusa.com/things-to-do/ solvang-julefest/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

A COWBOY CHRISTMAS A family-friendly experience hosted by Old West Events, in conjunction with SYV Horseback Rides. Features a petting zoo, visits with Santa, kids activities, hot cocoa, and more. Fridays, Saturdays. through Dec. 21 River View Park, 151 Sycamore Dr., Buellton.

JULEFEST DAYLIGHT TOURS Guests will stroll the streets of Solvang, lined with unique shops and delicious foods including the village’s iconic Danish pastries, during the morning tours led by a local Dane dressed in traditional folk garb. Nov. 30 - Dec. 28 , 10 a.m. solvangusa. com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

NISSER ADVENTURE A scavenger hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisser (Christmas elves) who have hidden themselves throughout downtown Solvang. Hunters of all ages may stop by the Solvang Visitor Center for a list of clues, and return after finding the elves to receive a special Solvang keepsake. Nov. 29 -Jan. 5 Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

SOLVANG JULEFEST

2024 Julefest returns with a full slate of holiday events happening across downtown Solvang. Check website for the annual tradition’s lineup. Nov. 29 -Jan. 5 solvangusa.com. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

BEST OF THE WEST WRESTLING The Flower City Ballroom presents this wrestling show. Nov. 30 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25; $30 for VIP; $20 for kids ages 12 and under. FCB, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 810-0714, soulfyahband.com/epk. LOMPOC TURKEY TROT Lompoc Parks and Recreation hosts the Turkey Trot Three-Mile Fun Run (9:30 a.m.) and Kids Turkey Dash (for kids ages 5 to 13, at 9 a.m.). Nov. 24 9 a.m. $20-$30. cityoflompoc.com/government/departments/

OPEN HOUSE The Lompoc Valley Historical Society offers tours of the Fabing McKay Spanne House. Come learn a little bit about Lompoc’s history. Nov. 23 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fabing McKay Spanne House, 207 N. L St., Lompoc, (805) 735-4626, lompochistory.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ADVENTURES WITH NATURE: INATURALIST

Join State Parks Interpreter to learn about iNaturalist (a free app to identify plants/ animals). Please have the app downloaded before the program. RSVP by calling. Nov. 24 , 10-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.

AQUATIC BIRDS OF OSO FLACO LAKE Join The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County for a short hike to explore the dune ecosystem and the aquatic birds of our lakes. Nov. 23 9-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 448-8012. sblandtrust.org. Oso Flaco Lake, 3098 Oso Flaco Lake Road, Arroyo Grande.

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.

BINGO AND CRAFT NIGHT FUNDRAISER WITH CAL POLY An evening of fun, friends, and creativity; all for a great cause. For ages 21 and over. Nov. 21 , 6:30-8:30 p.m. $35. (805) 481-7339. bgcslo.org/events.html. Boys and Girls Clubs of South San Luis Obispo County Clubhouse, 1830 19th St., Oceano.

BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS

CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.

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.

HOLIDAY MARKET Discover local artists, quality specialty gifts, handcrafted delights, and more. Don’t miss the chance to find that perfect gift. Nov. 24 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 595-7600. avilabayclub.com. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach.

HOLIDAY PARTY: THE SPA AT THE CLIFFS Visit site for tickets and more info on this annual holiday party. Nov. 21 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com/.

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) 905-9274. theartofsilence. net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CHRISTMAS CLAY DROP-IN Drop in for some creative holiday clay creation time. Teachers will be present to help you create pieces such as platters, Christmas trees, and ornaments. No experience necessary. Limited to two trees or six ornaments per person. Book a second class to glaze your pieces. Mondays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 16 $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FREE PALESTINE PROTEST SIGN-MAKING EVENT Free sign-making supplies will be available for anyone to come and make a sign to protest U.S. involvement in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. through Nov. 30 Free. (805) 703-4090. instagram.com/sloactionforpeace. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo. FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 465-9182. missionsanluisobispo.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. FREE VIRTUAL QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING For participants to learn about community resources in Santa Barbara County

and be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide for parents and adults (ages 18 and over) who work or live with youth between ages of 12-18. Offered in partnership with Family Services Agency of Santa Barbara and thanks to a grant from SAMHSA. Nov. 22 , 10 a.m.-noon. (805) 770-1593. youthwell.org/ mental-health-first-aid. Online, See website, 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.

HANDSPRINGS AND AERIALS TUMBLING CLINIC Even beginners can start working on the fundamentals of these intermediate skills. All levels welcome. For ages 5 to 17. Nov. 23 , 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child, plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., 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.

LIGHT UP THE PLAZA Free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Join Downtown SLO, the City of SLO, event sponsors, and community partners as we “switch on” the lights in the Plaza, ushering the start of the 2024 holiday season. Grab a cozy drink downtown and enjoy the festivities. Nov. 29, 5 p.m. downtownslo.com/events/holidays. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

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

NATURE NIGHTS 2024 Come see what’s going on at Nature Nights, a holiday light festival featuring live music, local food vendors, and beverages like beer and wine. Also features a local artisan marketplace. Nov. 27 5-8 p.m., Nov. 29, 5-8 p.m. and Nov. 30 5-8 p.m. $28 adults. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. NATURE SUNDAY: MANZANITA MYSTERIES (EVOLUTION IN ACTION) This experience will start with a talk about manzanitas, followed by a walk to the garden to examine the specimens. Nov. 24 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

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

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, 9:3010:35 a.m. through Dec. 12 $115 per semester. (805) 549-1222. ae.slcusd.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

THANKSGIVING DAY SERVICE A festive service with hymns, readings from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and time to share your remarks of gratitude. All are welcome. Child care provided. Nov. 28 10-11 a.m. (805) 543-5853. First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1326 Garden St., San Luis Obispo.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

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

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the

Ma ini Lunch with The Amigos

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Oceano Elks Lodge 2504 One Voice, One Hea Song Circle

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, SLO

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Acrylic Workshop: Winter Scape with Drew Davis

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24

winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

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

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

THANKSGIVING BRUNCH Features

a carving station, salads, an omelet station, a waffle bar, bottomless mimosas, and more. Nov. 23 10 a.m.-4 p.m. santamariainn.com. Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

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

SYLVESTER’S FUNDRAISER FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SOUTH SLO COUNTY A delicious way to give back. 50 percent of all sales that use the codeword (“Boys&GirlsClubs”) goes directly to local youth programs. Nov. 22 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. (805) 481-7339. bgcslo.org/events. Sylvester‘s Burgers (Oceano), 1875 Front St. (Hwy 1), Oceano.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

AHC CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERT Song selections at the concert will include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, “Sleigh Ride,” and other winter tunes. Nov. 23 , 7 p.m. $8-$10. hancockcollege. edu. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

FRIENDSGIVING WITH DJ JAMIE Enjoy happy hour specials, buy-one-get-onefree deals on pizza, and music vibes from DJ Jamie. For ages 21 ands over. Nov. 27 8-11 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

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. THE KILLER DUELING PIANOS Appealing to all ages, The Killer Dueling Pianos will have you clapping, singing, and laughing along all night with their special brand of entertainment. Nov. 30 3-8 p.m. my805tix. com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

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

LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO

BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

WET YOUR BEAK

The SLO County Turkey Trot at the Pismo Beach Pier will take place on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Proceeds from this fun run/walk event support the SLO Food Bank’s mission to provide those in need with holiday meals. To find out more about the program, visit slofoodbank.org/turkey-trot. —C.W.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

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

Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

RED OAK COUNTRY BAND Start your holiday break with an unforgettable afternoon of live country music. Nov. 23 , 1 p.m. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S Broadway St., Ste. 101, Orcutt, (805) 934-3777, blast825brewery.com/.

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.

NIGHTLY LIGHT AND MUSIC SHOWS

This holiday-themed, choreographed light and music display, which is free to attend, entails two different shows that will alternate on the hour each evening. Nov. 29 -Jan. 5 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m. solvangusa. com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and First St., Solvang.

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

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

THE LOMPOC POPS ORCHESTRA:

XMAS CONCERT The upcoming concert’s song selection includes renditions of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and other seasonal favorites. The orchestra will occasionally be accompanied by featured soloist Jennifer Freye and the Lompoc Valley Master Chorale. Dec. 1 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc.

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

ABBA HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS An unforgettable night of your favorite Christmas songs intermixed with some of ABBA’s greatest hits. Starring the cast of ABBAFAB, a band that “recreates ABBA’s iconic sound so closely that it’s hard to believe every Christmas song wasn’t recorded by ABBA themselves,” according to the Clark Center. Nov. 29 7:30-10:30 p.m. $49.50-$70.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/abbaholly-jolly-christmas/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

CELEBRATING QUEEN The set list is varied with many deep cuts and popular hits that span across the band’s vast music catalogue. Nov. 23 7-9 p.m. $30. (213) 306-9300. celebratingqueen.com. Nipomo High School, 525 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

CHRIS LAMBERT: BE GREAT An acoustic performance to celebrate the release of Lambert’s new album, Be Great Nov. 23 7 p.m. humdingerbrewing.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

LIFE ON PLANETS/ ARDALAN For ages 21 and over. Nov. 23 7 p.m. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

NEW TIMES MUSIC AWARDS

SHOWCASE 2024 Designed to showcase music and songwriting from local musicians throughout the Central Coast of California in a wide variety of genres. Nov. 22 7-9:30 p.m. my805tix.com/. SLO Brew Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

SAN LUIS OBISPO MASTER CHORALE

Visit site for more info on the ensemble’s 2024/2025 season and 40th anniversary. Nov. 24 slomasterchorale.org/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, 756-4849.

ST. VINCENT FOLK/ VINCENT BERNARDY (LIVE MUSIC SHOW) With brunch waffles and mimosas available. Nov. 24 , 12-2 p.m. Free music. (805) 2036301. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. m

Arts

ARTS BRIEFS

Santa Maria-based dance studios bring Diane Rose Zink’s The Nutcracker to life at Arroyo Grande’s Clark Center

Everybody Can DANCE and the Santa Maria Civic Ballet present their annual collaborative production of The Nutcracker choreographed by Diane Rose Zink, at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 1, at 3 p.m.

As the show’s artistic director, Zink has helmed the unique version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet since its Central Coast debut at the Santa Maria Town Center in 1987.

Over the years, Zink has frequently enhanced and embellished this youth-based production with new flourishes. This year’s iteration, for example, features a new version of the classic story’s grandfather clock,

which mesmerizes the show’s young protagonist, Clara, into a dream she has on Christmas Eve, as well as a Flamenco soloist, according to the Clark Center’s website.

Prior to her dream, Clara receives a wooden toy soldier as a gift. When the dream turns into a nightmare, thanks to an attack from the Mouse King and his dreadful army of evil mice, it’s up to a personified version of Clara’s toy soldier, the brave Nutcracker Prince, to stop the threat and restore order.

Zink once described her annual production of The Nutcracker as a complex, rewarding show full of challenging choreography.

“You have to know exactly what you are doing and where you are, so you don’t smash into anyone else,” Zink told the Sun in 2014, “and it really is fun seeing the children and parents getting into the spirit of the season.”

Tickets to The Nutcracker are $25 for children (ages 12

and under) and $30 for adults. To find out more about the program and other upcoming shows hosted by the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, call the venue’s box office at (805) 489-9444 or visit clarkcenter.org. The Clark Center is located at 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. The box office is open one hour prior to each performance of The Nutcracker (held in the Clark Center’s Forbes Hall), and regularly Tuesday through Friday, from 1 to 6 p.m., and every Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Each performance of The Nutcracker is approximately two hours, with a 20-minute intermission at the show’s halfway point.

For more info on either Everybody Can DANCE or the Santa Maria Civic Ballet, visit facebook.com/ecdsmcb, or email everybodycandance@msn.com. ❍

Paws that imprint

Canine Companions at Cypress Gallery is full of heartfelt hues BY

The theme of Lompoc artist Liz Poulin Alvarez’s latest solo exhibit—dedicated to the dogs who’ve left lasting impressions on her throughout her life—sprung from a very human place.

“The impetus for the show was influenced by Fred, … my daughter’s dog,” Alvarez said in an email interview. “[Fred] is a kelpie-blue heeler mix and currently lives with us. … He’ll be returning to my daughter next month, and my plan was to capture his personality in a variety of outdoor settings.”

During the rescue dog’s temporary stay with Alvarez, the prolific artist—who shifts between oil, acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal when working—painted pieces inspired by their walks together, from casual neighborhood strolls to creekside hikes and beach outings.

“The show evolved from that point,” said Alvarez, whose November exhibition at Lompoc’s Cypress Gallery features paintings of Fred and seven other canine subjects.

“All the dogs featured are ones that I’ve met and lived with—spanning 20 years,” Alvarez said. “Each one has a distinct personality.”

Some of the show’s paintings pay tribute to her pets that have passed away, including Jack, her beloved Huntaway brought over from New Zealand—where Alvarez earned her Master of Fine Arts, while studying at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in Auckland.

“Jack was a rescue dog and a remarkably smart fellow,” said Alvarez, whose personal favorite of her dog paintings is Jack at Jalama Beach. “Jack is no longer with us so this environment embodies my memory of him. … [He] always seemed happiest by the ocean.”

Prior to Alvarez’s Cypress Gallery exhibit, which opened in early November and is scheduled to remain on display through Nov. 24, Jalama Beach became a frequent destination for her recent walks with Fred, among other scenic spots along the Central Coast.

“We take him along on our adventures to the beach, … as well as hiking in the mountains,” said Alvarez, who currently has about a dozen additional paintings on display at Leo’s Cafe in Solvang, where they’ll remain up through the end of December.

Solvang also happens to be one of Alvarez’s favorite cities to take Fred to because it’s so dog-friendly, she said, but she clarified that he’s pretty much “welcome everywhere,” including at Lompoc’s Cypress Gallery, where the dog was invited to attend Alvarez’s art reception to celebrate her exhibit, titled Canine Companions, in mid-November.

Although participating artists

at Cypress Gallery are scheduled to showcase their works at least a year prior to their exhibits, they’re not required to commit to a concept or theme ahead of time, which allows creative flexibility for Alvarez and others, gallery board member Kathy Badrak explained.

“We book our featured artists a year in advance, and asking for a plan that far off could discourage an artist from applying,” Badrak said over email.

“Artists must follow our gallery guidelines … regarding practical matters such as wiring, size of work, and pricing, but they are encouraged to get creative with the ‘featured artist’ area and express themselves any way they choose,” Badrak said.

Periodically, the gallery—managed by the Lompoc Valley Art Association—hosts training workshops intended for both artists and art collectors hoping to apply for membership and exhibition consideration, specifically for a featured artist solo showcase.

“We like to encourage our new members as well as longtime members to apply for a featured artist show,” Badrak said. “We find it’s a great opportunity to introduce a new artist to the community, as well as welcome collectors of a known artist.” ❍

Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is taking his chihuahua for a walk. Send comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

Vista points

The Lompoc Valley Art Association presents Canine Companions, a solo show featuring paintings by local artist Liz Poulin Alvarez that opened at Cypress Gallery in early November and will remain up through Nov. 24. Visit lompocart. org to find out more. The gallery is located at 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. A separate collection of Alvarez’s paintings is currently on display at Leo’s Cafe in Solvang through the end of December. Leo’s Cafe is located at 606 Alamo Pintado Road, suite 1, Solvang.

COURTESY IMAGE BY LIZ POULIN ALVAREZ

RUFF TERRAIN: One of Liz Poulin Alvarez’s goals with her latest show—which includes this piece titled Fred Follows in Alisal Creek—was to pay tribute to the dogs she loves, and the scenic settings she depicts them in.

FURRY FRIENDS: Local painter Liz Poulin Alvarez’s solo show—titled Canine Companions—at Cypress Gallery includes Jack at Jalama Beach and other pieces inspired by the dogs in her life and those who have passed on.

COURTESY IMAGE

POULIN ALVAREZ

CALEB WISEBLOOD

BEHIND THE BRUSH: Central Coast-based artist Liz Poulin Alvarez is a member of the Lompoc Valley Art Association and the Cypress Gallery’s current featured solo artist for the month of November.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ POULIN ALVAREZ

Super Santa?

Editor’s note: Anna Starkey was camping in Death Valley last weekend, so Glen tapped his hair stylist and favorite stand-up comic, Cori Ramsey, to co-write this week’s review.

Jake Kasdan (Orange County, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Bad Teacher, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) directs this holiday comedy-adventure about Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons), code name “Red One,” who’s kidnapped, leading the North Pole’s Head of Security Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), to team up with a notorious bounty hunter, Jack O’Malley (Chris Evens), to embark on a mission to save Christmas. (123 min.)

Glen: Considering Hollywood’s penchant for churning out big-budget, CGI-rich superhero flicks, it stands to reason we’d eventually get a superhero Christmas movie complete with The Rock and Captain America/Loki/Human Torch. This one opens 30 years ago with young Jack O’Malley (Wyatt Hunt) ruining Christmas for his cousins by arguing that Santa isn’t real. No wonder he’s been a lifelong member of the Naughty List, which we learn was started by Santa’s brother, Krampus (Kristofer Hivju), and stolen by winter witch, Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), to once and for all punish the world’s bad people. The film’s got a

JANET PLANET

What’s it rated? PG-13

When? 2023

Where’s it showing? HBO Max

Eleven-year-old Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) lives in rural Massachusetts with her mother, Janet (Julianne Nicholson), an offbeat acupuncturist who stumbles from one romantic situation to another until she tires of them. This quietly ambitious film is a meandering love story of a mother and daughter and the tenuous time between childhood and young teen. In many ways, Lacy acts as a caretaker and spouse to her mother, and the two have a closeness that is both endearing and claustrophobic at times. The film is quiet and introspective, framed around and through Janet’s various love interests. First, we meet Wayne (Will Patton), whose daughter, Sequoia (Edie Moon Kerns), soon becomes a best friend to Lacy. Wayne is not long for their world, however, and after they part ways, the mother-daughter duo attends a performance put on by Avi (Elias Koteas), a local cult leader. She meets old friend Regina (Sophie Okonedo), who moves in. Then Janet is pulled into Avi’s orbit, however briefly.

lot to accomplish. Thoroughly unscrupulous adult Jack has an estranged teenage son, Dylan (Wesley Kimmel), to reconcile with. Head of Security, Cal Drift, has to sort through his crisis of faith in humanity. Oh, and there’s that whole “save Christmas” thing. Whew.

Cori: Why wouldn’t you want to add more action into your Christmas movie? Have you ever wondered what Daddy Santa looked like? What if Santa was ripped and kind? What if his right-hand elf was bigger than him? What if Nick Kroll were one of the bad guys in a heart-racing heist film about good vs. evil that contains every trope from every genre?

Jack O’Malley is your classic handsome, smart guy who never lived up to his potential morally. He could have had it all, but he blew it because of his pesky nihilism. By the time the opening credits were done, we knew Jack—a genius who happened to be on the Naughty List because he used his big brain for selfish reasons. Conversely, the real villain of this story was a woman, I mean a witch, Gryla. She and Santa’s brother, Krampus, really felt Santa had been too easy on Earth’s children. The Naughty List was too lax. So they did what anyone would do. They kidnapped Santa so The Rock and the hot guy have to go get him while they both face their own demons.

Glen: When you put it like that, the film seems even more ridiculous than I already thought— another “check your brain at the door” flick. But I have to admit, I found parts emotionally resonant. We want Jake and his son to bond, we want Jake to grow some scruples, we want Krampus and Santa to reconcile, and we want Cal’s faith restored. I just wish it was funnier. Amusing? OK, but I don’t think I laughed aloud once, though seeing Simmons as Santa grinning like a jackal as he puts his sled into overdrive might alone be worth matinee price.

Cori: Go into this film with the knowledge that you’ll never be bored. It ticks every box. This movie has it all! It’s the same heartwarming

redemption story of holiday cheer we re-create every year, just bigger, faster, and stronger. I laughed out loud a few times because it was delightful to see every cheesy idea they had in that writers room come to life. There were times when I couldn’t remember if it was an action film, a horror film, or a buddy comedy. We got to see them through a very emotional journey to save Christmas, and I didn’t look at my phone once! This film was exactly what it was supposed to be. Your dad will love it. m

New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and contributor Cori Ramsey wrote this week’s Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

RED RIGHT HAND

What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2024

COMING OF

Janet (Julianne Nicholson) and her 11-year-old daughter, Lacy (Zoe Ziegler), navigate a warm Massachusetts summer as visitors come into Janet’s life, in Janet Planet, streaming on Max.

It’s a slow meander, a quiet walk through Janet and Lacy’s world, and Ziegler and Nicholson’s performances prove engrossing. If you don’t mind a bit of a slow burn, give Janet Planet a watch. (113 min.)

—Anna

Where’s it showing? Hulu Siblings Eshom and Ian Nelms (Small Town Crime) co-direct this action thriller asking, “Is violence ever justified?” The answer is heck yeah! Cash (a jacked Orlando Bloom) is living quietly after extracting himself from a gang run by crime maven Big Cat (a deliciously demented Andie MacDowell). He’s working the family farm with his alcoholic brother-in-law, Finney (Scott Haze), who’s mourning the loss of his wife, Cash’s sister, while caring for his daughter, Savannah (Chapel Oaks). After trapping Finney in an impossible loan, Big Cat gives Cash an ultimatum: Do three jobs to forgive the loan. Cash reluctantly agrees, but the question remains: Will Big Cat ever truly let Cash go? There’s some early groan-inducing dialogue and general cheesiness to the story, but the action sequences are engaging, and man, you really want Cash to mete out the justice Big Cat deserves. She’s a dreadful character, and MacDowell is terrific,

gobbling up the scenery and stealing every moment she’s on-screen.

Garret Dillahunt

KRINGLENAPPED! When Santa is kidnapped, North Pole head of security Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson, left) teams up with notorious bounty hunter Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) to rescue him and save Christmas, in Red One, screening in local theaters.

makes an appearance as Wilder, another reformed criminal and now the town preacher. Like Cash, he finds his resolve to do good undermined by righteous vengeance. Be careful what you unleash, Big Cat! (111 min.) m —Glen

PHOTO COURTESY OF A24

AGE:

GOOD AND EVIL: Orlando Bloom stars as Cash, a reformed criminal trying to live a quiet life, who’s forced to resort to violence to protect his family, in Red Right Hand, streaming on Hulu.

COURTESY PHOTO BY STEVE SQUALL/MAGNOLIA PICTURES

Central Coast authors pen books celebrating food and wine

BY CHERISH WHYTE

The Central Coast, an agricultural oasis, is also a hotbed of literary talent. Stretching from Monterey to Santa Barbara, the region’s crops, ranches, and vineyards provide plentiful fodder for food and beverage publications.

This year, notable industry books were published by a handful of local authors—Lori Rice and Candice Custodio penned cookbooks, while Brigit Binns, Debbie Thomas, and Sean Weir released memoirs, all of which are compelling reads.

The California Farm Table Cookbook

In the introduction to The California Farm Table Cookbook: 100 Recipes from the Golden State, author and photographer Lori Rice wrote that “the beauty of and accessibility to the food and drinks we have here will never be lost on me.”

“Quite frankly,” she continued, “I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. In December, I browse farmers’ market aisles with a skip in my step, asking vendors the names of blood orange varieties. I pull my car off on the side of the road to capture photos of pomegranates and persimmons in the fall. I stop to marvel at trees loaded with lemons. … I say all this to tell you that what you hold in your hands is the culmination of everything I am passionate about.”

Rice’s third cookbook—following Food on Tap: Cooking with Craft Beer and Beer Bread: Brew-Infused Breads, Rolls, Biscuits, Muffins, and More, published in 2017 and 2020, respectively—takes readers on a statewide journey via profiles, recipes, and beautiful color photographs.

Four of the 40 producers featured in the book are from Santa Barbara County, including Pico Los Alamos, Good Witch Farm in Lompoc, and Winfield Farm in Buellton.

The majority of the 100 recipes, however,

Reach the writers

To connect with the authors and purchase their books, contact: Lori Rice, The California Farm Table Cookbook loririce.com; Candice Custodio, The Versatile Chef chefcandice.com; Brigit Binns, Rottenkid , brigitbinns.com; Debbie Thomas, Fork Me!, winedinetravelwithdeb.com; and Sean Weir, The Mad Crush, seanweir.com.

FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE: Five must-have cookbooks and memoirs from local food and beverage heavyweights hit stores and online retailers nationwide in 2024.

were developed by Rice herself, whose vast experience and numerous accolades include nutritional scientist, educator, content creator, and winner of a 2019 food writing award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Her platforms, courses, and regular publications include CreatingYOU, Substack: From Every Corner of the World, Chickens magazine recipe columnist, and Edible San Luis Obispo magazine contributor.

The Mad Crush

This year, author Sean Weir released a second, expanded edition of his acclaimed 2015 memoir, The Mad Crush: An Obscure California Vineyard and the Quest to Make One Great Wine. Chronicling his experience working Saucelito Canyon’s 1995 harvest under the tutelage of renowned winemaker Bill Greenough, the latest version features 30 pages of additional storytelling, as well as a new afterword, cover, and subtitle.

“The Mad Crush is more than a book about winemaking,” said Weir, a writer and brand strategist for wineries. “It’s an indomitable tale of mentorship, natural history, and the countercultural heritage of California.”

The memoir details the fascinating history of Saucelito’s zinfandel vineyard, which was planted in 1880 in remote Arroyo Grande Valley, abandoned for decades, then rediscovered and restored by Greenough in 1974.

Weir’s second edition marks the 50th anniversary of the family-owned vineyard, which continues to produce potent zinfandel and other wines, with a tasting room in San Luis Obispo.

Purchase a copy online or, better yet, grab one at the tasting room, sample the subject matter, and don’t be surprised if you bump into 80-yearold Greenough himself.

The Versatile Chef

Custodio’s debut cookbook, The Versatile Chef, offers comfort-food recipes, clever tips for variations and leftovers, and stunning visuals courtesy of Los Angeles photographer Ariette Armella.

In addition to each recipe, “you’ll delve into stories of my life that have served as an inspiration for them,” wrote the private chef and caterer. “For me, food holds meaning when it evokes memories or forms new ones.

“Whether through the simplicity of a perfectly seasoned tomato soup or the dazzle of a rum cake, this book serves as a tribute to the joy of cooking.”

Custodio’s cookbook reflects her life experience as founder of Latin dining experience Club SupSup, resident chef at Kindred Oak Farm in Paso Robles, independent chef and instructor for events throughout Southern California, and contestant on the Food Network’s Chopped series.

This month and next, catch her cooking at Sagrada Wellness in Santa Margarita for its

PHOTO BY CHERISH WHYTE

COURTESY PHOTO BY KAYCEE

FROM LAND TO SEA: Writer, photographer, and nutritional scientist Lori Rice spotlights the Golden State’s bountiful crops and producers in The California Farm Table Cookbook

EATS continued

COURTESY PHOTO BY EASTON WEIR

year-end yoga retreats and at MCV Wines in Templeton on Dec. 11 for her roving supper club. She’ll be whipping up a “fun (six-course) Puerto Rican fusion dinner,” she said, “and I also have a great lineup for 2025.”

Rottenkid

Brigit Binns, author of 29 cookbooks, broke her streak this year with her first non-cookbook. The entertaining memoir, Rottenkid: A Succulent Story of Survival, details her dysfunctional upbringing “co-starring her alcoholic actor-father Edward Binns and glamorous but viciously smart, narcissistic mother,” as noted on the back cover.

“Growing up as the child of an actor inured me to the knowledge that everything was mutable,” she wrote. “There was no commitment, no special occasion, no birthday, nor graduation that could not be canceled in favor of The Work.”

On the upside, she experienced hilarious interludes, such as when house guest and actor William Shatner lost his toupee in their pool, leading to the discovery of “a drowned rat.”

With “a silver spoon in my mouth and a knife in my back,” she reflected, she ultimately sought refuge and found self-worth in the kitchen.

Binns dedicates the book to her “third and final” husband, Casey Biggs—“the guy who rode in on the white truck.”

Biggs, an actor who has appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and several other shows and films, is known locally as the Paso Wine Man, creator of winerelated YouTube videos and member of the Paso Wine Man Band.

Binns will be featured in Cindy Hattersley’s Ageless Style Blog in December and is also “hard at work on my next book, which is fiction,” she said.

Fork Me!

Debbie Thomas, founder and former proprietor of Paso Robles’ Thomas Hill Organics, details the thrills and thuds of restaurant ownership in her memoir Fork Me! A Humorous Journey Through the Chaotic World of Restaurant Entrepreneurship.

Abandoning upper management roles at apparel companies including Foot Locker and Adidas, Thomas pursued her passion for locally sourced organic food, turning her Paso property into Thomas Hill Farms.

“What started as the simple planting of field greens, fruits, and nut trees burgeoned into a thriving farm with 900 trees and various row crops,” she said.

Her vision snowballed into the launch of her own restaurant in 2009 that “quickly became a beacon of culinary excellence,” she continued.

However, after 14 years at the helm of Thomas Hill Organics, Debbie passed the ownership torch to two of her employees and turned to storytelling and exploration.

Thomas currently writes for travel and food publications such as The SOMM Journal Join her at a book signing at Paso’s Ulloa Cellars on Nov. 30. The $25 event will feature wines paired with bites from local chef Alma Ayon and include a signed copy of Fork Me! Thomas will also present a book reading at Paso’s Serial Wines on Dec. 21. m

Contributor Cherish Whyte is still engrossed in all five books. Find her perusing pages and sipping Saucelito at cwhyte@ newtimesslo.com.

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HELP WANTED

Advertising Sales Pro Wanted

The Sun, Santa Maria’s premier community newspaper is expanding its sales department. The Sun is owned by the New Times Media Group which includes its sister paper New Times in SLO. The Sun is a proud, active member of the Santa Maria community contributing comprehensive local news, and entertainment coverage for northern Santa Barbara County. We are seeking energetic and self-motivated individuals looking for a career in advertising sales. As part of The Sun team, you can build a career in an exciting industry, enjoy a small office atmosphere, a wonderful work environment and be a part of a company that makes a difference in our community. These are full time positions. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable automobile. Sales experience preferred. Competitive compensation base on your sales experience and health benefits included. Please send cover letter and resume to crucker@newtimesslo.com

FOG TRAPPERS

n The City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is offering FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) Trappers and other items for Santa Maria water customers,

Saturday, December 7th, 2024 TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PLACE: 2065 East Main Street (Santa Maria Regional Landfill) *Proof of address may be required