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You might be ready to leave a contentious, anxious 2024 behind, but we’re not going to let go quite yet [4] BY SUN STAFF

Contents

From Your Friends at

DECEMBER 26, 2024 - JANUARY 2, 2025 VOL. 25 NO. 44

ABBEY CARPET & FLOOR

CARPET H HARDWOOD H LVP/LVT H TILE H LAMINATE H CUSTOM AREA RUGS

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ven though we’re always moving forward, it’s sometimes good to take a look back at everything that’s happened to bring us to the place we’re standing today. And the end of the year is always conducive to that sort of gander—hindsight is always 20/20 or whatever “they” say. In our annual Year in Review issue, the Sun staff sorted through all of the stories we published to find the local ones that stood out in a presidential election year full of angst, memes, and controversy. We’ve compiled some but not all of 2024’s big stories in northern Santa Barbara County news [4]; arts [18]; food and drink [21]. Camillia Lanham editor

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NEWS

News Briefs ...............................................................................4 Political Watch.........................................................................4 Spotlight...................................................................................... 7

OPINION

Commentary .............................................................................8 Letters ..........................................................................................8 Web Poll ......................................................................................8 Mayfield.......................................................................................8 Canary ........................................................................................10 Lic. 668152

ARTS

Arts Briefs ................................................................................18

MOVIES

Reviews ....................................................................................20

CLASSIFIEDS, HOME, AND REAL ESTATE .................................................... 23

EVENTS CALENDAR

Hot Stuff .................................................................................... 12

Happy New Year

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POLITICAL WATCH

• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) was elected to serve as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, according to a Dec. 18 statement from Padilla’s office. As a ranking member, Padilla said he will be focused on strengthening democracy and ensuring that every eligible citizen is able to freely, fairly, and fully participate in elections. He will also conduct oversight over Capitol operations. He said he believes that “democracy is strongest when every eligible American participates,” and he has spent his career “fighting to expand and preserve voting rights.” While serving as California’s secretary of state, Padilla implemented automatic and same-day voter registration, expanded vote-by-mail, and launched early vote centers. In the Senate, Padilla has pushed for stronger voting rights and bipartisan election administration reforms, and increased funding to modernize and secure our elections. “I recognize the importance of protecting and defending free and fair elections,” Padilla said in the statement. “And whether it’s in the Capitol, the Library of Congress, or the Smithsonian museums, I will work to ensure that our government institutions serve the American people more effectively, efficiently, and equitably.” • Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Dec. 17 that California’s Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel identified and approved reading difficulties risk screening instruments. Local educational agencies (LEAs) can use these tools to meet a new requirement taking effect for the 202526 school year to annually screen all kindergarten through second grade students for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, according to Newsom’s office. Current law does not require California’s students to be screened for reading difficulties. Identifying and addressing reading difficulties earlier in childhood can help students succeed and prevent them from falling behind their peers, his office said. “I know from my own challenges with dyslexia that when we help children read, we help them succeed. … We are taking an important step toward early, universal reading screenings for California’s kids,” Newsom said in a statement. “When added to other investments that we have made to funding literacy coaches and reading specialists at high-needs schools, as well as professional development for teachers in the state, we are doubling down on our commitment to ensure no student falls behind in their reading, or on their path toward a happy, successful future.” m

Turn around A peek back at 2024 BY SUN STAFF

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• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) called out House Republicans for “dragging their feet” on finalizing government funding for the current fiscal year, leaving more than $14 million in funding specifically designated for Central Coast projects in limbo, according to a Dec. 18 statement from Carbajal’s office. “Republican leadership in Congress has spent months prioritizing culture war poison pills over governing, refusing to work across the aisle to reach a funding deal for this year. These needless delays have real impacts on the Central Coast,” Carbajal said in the statement. “The funding in limbo will help build new fire stations, renovate public spaces, and improve education and public safety in our region. I urge my colleagues to drop the extremism that has caused these delays and reengage with House Democrats so we can finalize the funding levels for a fiscal year that we’re already one-fourth through.” The funding for Central Coasts projects includes $2.4 million for new fire stations in Santa Maria and Santa Margarita; $1 million for renovations at the Guadalupe Senior Center; and $1.8 million for public safety upgrades in Ventura and SLO counties.

December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025

➤ Spotlight [7]

News

2024

n a year overshadowed by a contentious presidential election full of surprises, northern Santa Barbara County still managed to make its fair share of headlines. Local elections had their own drama in places like Lompoc and Santa Maria, where some incumbents held their own while others were voted out. The Lake Fire broke out near Los Olivos, burning thousands of acres over the summer, while senior mobile home park residents battled against new owners and management, and SLO and Santa Barbara counties struggled to clean up the Santa Maria Riverbed. Of course, more than that happened, but we couldn’t include it all. So we picked a few highlights to reflect on as 2024 comes to a close. m —Camillia Lanham

YEAR IN REVIEW

Wildfire returns after two quiet summers The brush and chaparral that thrived during a relatively wet winter dried out in the summer heat, fueling the Lake Fire that ignited outside of Zaca Lake over Fourth of July weekend. The blaze consumed more than 38,000 acres in the span of three weeks, prompting evacuations for

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK VAN DE KAMP

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMANTHA SCROGGIN

Another election, familiar faces The 2024 election cycle was packed with candidates, tax measures, and school bond measures. Alice Patino and Carlos Escobedo will return to the Santa Maria City Council as mayor and 1st District representative, respectively. They’ll be joined by newcomer Gloria Flores, who beat incumbent Mike Cordero to represent the 2nd District. In Lompoc, former city officials will join 4th District City Councilmember Jeremy Ball—the only candidate who ran unopposed in the county this election—on the dais. Former City Councilmember Jim Mosby beat out incumbent Mayor Jenelle Osborne in his third attempt at the job, and former Planning

Commissioner Steve Bridge will represent the 1st District after Gilda Aiello decided not to run. Lompoc voted to privatize Ken Adam Park (pictured) to make way for a space education center and theme park and approved a $160 million bond to upgrade to Lompoc Unified School District’s 16 sites. Santa Maria-Bonita School District will also see new improvements after voters approved its $77 million bond, but two other North County school districts— Santa Maria Joint-Union High School District and the College District in Santa Ynez Valley— didn’t make the cut. Santa Barbara County, Buellton, and Solvang visitors will see higher lodging bills at the end of their stays thanks to voter-approved 2 percent bed tax increases, driving rates up to 15 percent. —Taylor O’Connor FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE BRYANT

Santa Ynez Valley residents and faculty residing at Midland School, a boarding high school outside of Los Olivos on Figueroa Mountain Road. Firefighters expected the blaze to grow, but cooler temperatures and some extra humidity helped the response teams contain the blaze. As part of fire suppression efforts, the Los Padres Forest Service carved 170 miles of 12-foot-wide contingency lines to keep the fire from crossing. At the end of fire season, the Forest Service aimed to restore the damage. From mid-October into early January, Forest Service units and the Chumash Fire Department went back to the Lake Fire sites to push the soil back, repair roads, protect tribal historical and cultural sites, build berms to direct water flow, pull out invasive plants, and restore the forest to its natural state as much as possible. Los Padres anticipates campers and hikers can return to the area after Jan. 12. —Taylor

Lompoc faces the grand jury

Firefighters on the ballot Several union contracts expired at the end of 2023, and two unions—the Service Employees International Union Local 620 (SEIU), which represents almost half of the city’s employees, and the Firefighters Union Local 2020 (57 members)—spoke up during Santa Maria City Council meetings to advocate for higher wages and cost of living adjustments. SEIU’s efforts came to fruition in February with a new contract agreement, but the firefighters’ union never got there, with the city declaring an

4 • Sun • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • www.santamariasun.com

impasse in April. Displeased and determined to get to an average market salary, the union shifted its efforts to the election and backed candidates in each of the three City Council races and contributed more than $15,000 to the campaign efforts. The new contract became a center talking point during debates and campaigns, but the efforts didn’t sway enough voters. None of the firefighter-backed candidates won their races, and the contract remains up in the air. —Taylor

Lompoc’s Tourism Business Improvement District organization came under scrutiny from the Santa Barbara County grand jury early in 2024 for underreporting more than $500,000 to the city between 2020 and 2022. A grand jury report accused the city of a consistent lack of oversight when it comes to how Explore Lompoc spends the bulk of a 3 percent tax hotels pay to the city to fund tourism enhancement projects. Community members also accused then Lompoc City Councilmember Gilda Aielo, who’s also Explore Lompoc’s president, of misappropriating funds, but the city disagreed with many of the allegations in the report, including that any money was misappropriated. —Camillia Lanham

NEWS YEAR IN REVIEW continued page 6

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News

YEAR IN REVIEW

NEWS YEAR IN REVIEW from page 6

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

Allan Hancock College chases a bachelor’s After 12 years of trying to provide a fouryear degree pathway to local students at Allan Hancock College, the community college finally got one—kind of. At the start of the 2024-25 school year, 20 sociology students started taking classes as part of the 2+2 program, a Cal Poly and Hancock partnership that enables students to complete a Cal Poly bachelor’s degree in sociology on Hancock’s campus

while taking classes from Cal Poly professors. Hancock also received provisional approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office for a new Bachelor of Science degree in applied professional studies, a career tech degree that prepares students for ag, manufacturing, space, and health care, among other industries. But it’s just a first step. If any of the state’s public universities object to Hancock offering the degree, it could stop the process from moving forward. —Camillia

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FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM BRANDEBERRY

2024

Mobile home park protection

Santa Barbara County’s senior residents took center stage this year after Del Cielo Mobile Estates, an Orcutt 55-and-older mobile home park, fell under new ownership that brought in Harmony Communities, a Stockton-based property management company, to oversee the park. Shortly after the park’s sale, Harmony Communities notified Del Cielo residents of the owners’ intention to convert the park into an all-ages community. Fearful of rent increases and losing needed

senior housing options, senior park residents throughout the county requested that the Board of Supervisors protect mobile home parks with an overlay that prevents conversion. Supervisors acted quickly and approved a 10-month moratorium that would prevent park conversion until an overlay could be finalized. The new Del Cielo owners responded with a lawsuit against the county, claiming that the moratorium forces them to violate the federal Fair Housing Act that prohibits “discrimination based on familial status.” —Taylor FILE PHOTO BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Royal Theater addresses funding woes Guadalupe chased deadlines and ran down bumpy, alternative routes to try and get the Royal Theater project off the ground, leaving residents frustrated with a lack of updates and communication from the city. The City Council and city staff found out that the funding pot was about $3 million short of what’s needed to complete the project—which proposed revitalizing the historic site with a new state-of-the-art movie theater and performing arts center and a meeting space for local organizations. Facing federal deadlines FILE PHOTO BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

Santa Maria Riverbed cleanup

To address the fire risk, sanitation and safety concerns, and environmental impacts of people living in the Santa Maria Riverbed, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties partnered to spearhead a multi-phased cleanup to remove debris from the riverbed and connect individuals to case management services and shelter options. With an estimated 110 to 150 unhoused individuals with approximately 100 pets living there, local nonprofits, including C.A.R.E.4Paws and Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO), among others, teamed up

to use $4.8 million provided by the U.S. Economic Development Agency, Guadalupe originally proposed a bond measure to fund the gap, but the measure didn’t make the election ballot. Still, the city marched forward with bids for new construction, historic renovation, and a manager to operate the building while simultaneously seeking donations from foundations and launching a capital campaign. To cut costs, city staff submitted design changes to halt construction on certain amenities until later, before getting the City Council’s approval and letting the public weigh in. —Taylor final approval. Some small farmers and vintners celebrated, saying it would bring supplemental income to the table for them, while growers who focus on row crops (particularly in the Santa Maria Valley) worried about the impacts additional activities would have on the health and safety of people and the crops—which face strict regulations. —Taylor

All day, all night at the YMCA during the months-long encampment cleanup to provide pet and human health care services on Tuesdays through mobile clinic operations. C.A.R.E.4Paws sent volunteers out to provide food, water, and flea medications to the pet families, and its clinic served 70 pets by the end of the cleanup’s duration—with 35 spay/neuter surgeries taking place. Human health care service providers saw cases of syphilis, hepatitis C, wounds, substance use, and poor dental hygiene. The nine-month effort removed 150 tons of debris and provided approximately 100 people with services. —Taylor

6 • Sun • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • www.santamariasun.com

Agriculture and outdoor recreation Santa Barbara County’s growers and ranchers will be able to add farm stays or campsites, host special events, process their food, and/or sell it at a farmstand on-site since the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the county’s Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance in December. County Planning and Development staff invested years into the document, the first of its kind that encompasses a plethora of activities for agriculturalists to apply to their operations. The Planning Commission discussed the ordinance eight times before sending it to supervisors for

Some Santa Ynez Valley residents opposed the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA’s proposal to expand its operation to 24/7. The 2023 request asked to allow one exercise area and restroom to operate seven days and nights a week without limitation, but neighbors appealed the permit due to concerns about noise, safety, and light. The Planning Commission pushed a midsummer decision to later in the year, and then a September decision to November, requiring the YMCA to put an adaptive management plan in place to deal with complaints that might come in about day and night operations. In November, the Planning Commission approved the plan. —Camillia

News

SPOTLIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD DAWSON

ATTENTION-GRABBING: In order to serve more Lompoc folks at a centralized location, the Lompoc Parks and Recreation Division launched its Food Truck Collective where permitted food trucks can park in an Ocean Avenue parking lot and serve food every Friday from 3 to 8 p.m.

Food truck feast The Lompoc Parks and Recreation Division offers new Food Truck Collective for its mobile businesses

WE TAKE PRIDE IN CARING for both the physical and emotional needs of your child.

BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR

month to enhance the visitor experience. “I think it will really benefit the community hether it’s sipping on a sweet agua fresca, to have one place where they know they can munching on smoky roasted corn, or go and get all the different kinds of food they chowing down on a juicy burger and crisp want,” Dawson said. “I think it will turn into a fries, Lompoc residents can find a variety of really nice family outing, family activity. They’ll goodies at the city’s new Food Truck Collective. like the consistency of it.” “This is a great opportunity for families to The Food Truck Collective sits at 200 W. come out to experience some of the wonderful Ocean Ave. Vendors interested in participating food trucks in Lompoc,” Lompoc Parks and have to pay a $30 fee, with a discount offered Recreation Division Recreation Supervisor when registering for four consecutive weeks. Chad Dawson said in a statement. Vendors can direct questions to (805) 875-8100 The collective came to be after Lompoc food during business hours. truck operators approached the city in the last two months, asking for a more centralized Highlights location to serve up their grub. When the operation is more visible, it’s easier to draw • The Lompoc Parks and Recreation Division people into their business, Dawson told the invites the community to sign up for its 5K Sun. In response, the city opened its lot on Resolution Run. The Jan. 1 event is open to Ocean Avenue to the vendors every Friday from people older than 5 years old and all ability 3 to 8 p.m. since its launch on Nov. 22. levels. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the With the holiday season in full force, run starts at 9 a.m. on the River Park Trail. it’s tough to say how many vendors are Children ages 5 to 7 will run a 1K, and people 8 participating in the Food Truck Collective and and older will run a 5K. First and second place how many people are in attendance. winners will be awarded in each age group. “It’s hit or miss right now,” Dawson said. “I People interested can register at cityoflompoc. think after the first of the year, the numbers will com/recreation and will pay a $20 registration solidify, and we’ll have a better idea as to how fee per athlete for the 1K and $30 for the 5K. many [participants there are].” Registration ends Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. Call (805)Food truck operators need to have their 875-8100 for more information. licenses, certifications, and permits in order • The Santa Barbara Foundation announced and be in compliance with city regulations in that it awardedMUSIC nearly $610,000 in grants to 26 order to participate. Dawson estimated that nonprofits across Santa Barbara County for there’s about 30 legal food truck operations their work in conservation, environment, and FLAVOR/EATS in the city, and there’s double the amount of public trails (CEPT). The CEPT grant program unpermitted food trucks. launched in 2021 and awarded $222,000 in grants to 10 organizations. Since then, the Lompoc also welcomes permitted food trucks INFO foundation’s contributions have increased, to to its outdoor market, which takes place every $440,000 in 2022 and more than $514,000 Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Unlike a farmers Norris fund made this market, the outdoor market only has one produce in 2023. The Hollis CALENDAR grant possible and aligns with the foundation’s stand, and vendors sell baked goods, flowers, long history of supporting environmental crafts, toys, and clothing to residents who stop conservation and restoration projects. This year’s by. Lompoc doesn’t have a farmers market at this OPINION recipients support a wide range of efforts, from time because its licensing and requirements are tricky, according to Daqwson. The closest farmers preserving and expanding pollinator habitats in Carpinteria toNEWS rehabilitating fire- and stormmarket takes place in Vandenberg Village. damaged trails in the Santa The Food Truck Ynez Valley, Lompoc, and Collective brings another STROKES Figueroa Mountain areas. m family-friendly activity to the otherwise quiet city. Send business and Reach Staff Writer Taylor Eventually, Dawson said, nonprofit information to ARTS O’Connor at toconnor@ he’d like to add pop-up tents spotlight@santamariasun.com. santamariasun.com. and entertainment to once a

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Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly 801 S Broadway Suite 3 Santa Maria, CA 93454 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING | 805-347-1968 E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com WEB | www.santamariasun.com FOUNDER | Steve Moss 1948-2005 EDITORIAL EDITOR | Camillia Lanham ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Andrea Rooks STAFF WRITERS | Taylor O’Connor ARTS EDITOR | Caleb Wiseblood STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | Jayson Mellom ART DIRECTOR | Alex Zuniga EDITORIAL DESIGNERS | Leni Litonjua, Taylor Saugstad CONTRIBUTORS | Glen Starkey, Anna Starkey, Ross Mayfield ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | Kimberly Rosa ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES | Katy Gray, Stasja Knopf, Gracie Jones, Aja Castilleja MAGAZINE DIVISION EXECUTIVE | Lee Ann Vermeulen PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Mary Grace Flaus GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Ellen Fukumoto, Danielle Ponce Business Cindy Rucker CIRCULATION | Jim Chaney, Michael Ferrell, Margo Baldives, Simon Lopez PUBLISHERS | Bob Rucker, Alex Zuniga OFFICE MANAGER | Stephanie West MARKETING & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR | Michael Gould SUBMITTING LETTERS WRITE | Mail your letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Include your name, address, and phone number. FAX | (805) 546-8641 E-MAIL | mail@santamariasun.com, letters@santamariasun.com

COMMENTARY

➤ Canary [10]

Forward motion Protecting endangered steelhead and our region’s water future can go hand in hand

BY BENJAMIN PITTERLE

s organizations committed to both the health of our region’s ecosystems and the well-being of our communities, we feel compelled to respond to San Luis Obispo County 4th District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding’s recent editorial regarding the Lopez Dam lawsuit (“‘Environmental groups are threatening South SLO County’s water security,” Dec. 19). While we respect the supervisor’s concerns for water security, his characterization of the lawsuit as “scorched earth” is dramatized for political effect, misleading, and fails to recognize the decades of scientific evidence, state and federal agency findings, and the urgent need to restore balance to Arroyo Grande Creek for the benefit of all— wildlife and people alike. This legal action was not taken lightly. For 30 years, San Luis Obispo County has been warned by state and federal agencies about its failure to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The county’s ongoing operation of Lopez Dam has significantly degraded Arroyo Grande Creek’s critical habitat, blocking the migration of threatened South-Central California Coast steelhead and disrupting the natural flow patterns

essential for their survival. Steelhead are not just an isolated species—they are a keystone species whose health reflects the broader vitality of our watershed, which in turn supports the entire region. It is important to correct the misconception that this lawsuit jeopardizes water security. The recent court ruling does not threaten Lopez reservoir as a critical water supply. Instead, it requires the county to release water in a way that balances both ecological needs and community water use. Such balance has, to this point, been entirely overlooked. The county has had decades to address these issues proactively and has made little progress. The habitat conservation plan mentioned by Supervisor Paulding remains incomplete due to county foot-dragging and inaction. The court’s recent ruling reflects what many state and federal experts have confirmed for decades: The county’s current management of

Lopez Dam is inadequate. The court recognized that the county’s arguments lacked sufficient data, contradicted the findings of state and federal agencies, and even conflicted with statements made by its own experts. Far from being “scorched earth,” this lawsuit represents a measured and long-overdue effort to ensure that Lopez Dam operates in a manner that complies with environmental laws, restores vital habitat, and protects our region’s ecological legacy. We agree with Supervisor Paulding that collaboration is key, but true collaboration requires meaningful action and accountability— not decades of delay. Rather than wasting taxpayer resources on legal battles to avoid environmental compliance, county leadership should strongly consider that the community’s best interest is served by committing to solutions that secure water for people while restoring the creek and its ecosystems. Both are essential for a sustainable future, and both are achievable. We welcome Supervisor Paulding and his fellow board members to join us in crafting a solution. m

The habitat conservation plan mentioned by Supervisor Paulding remains incomplete due to county foot-dragging and inaction.

Benjamin Pitterle is the director of advocacy for Los Padres ForestWatch. To respond with a letter for publication, email it to letters@ santamariasun.com.

LETTERS

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Biden has one last month to ensure climate protections

ongoing legal battles surrounding it are reaching a critical point.FLAVOR/EATS The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe continues to fight against corporate and state interference toINFO protect their sacred land and the With just one month left before Donald Trump safety of surrounding communities. In 2021, concerned citizens urged President returns to the White House, we are running out Biden to cancelCALENDAR the Keystone XL pipeline, and he of time to lock in protections for our climate and listened. Now, we must continue communities. One critical to press him to take immediate action President Biden can take OPINION action on DAPL before Trump right now is to permanently takes office. The risk of further shut down the Dakota Access Send us your environmental harm and Pipeline (DAPL). views and opinion to NEWSdisruption to Indigenous land is The pipeline is currently letters@santamariasun.com. too great to ignore. operating illegally, even as the

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Shawn Jones Pismo Beach

Lompoc lost its best mayor in years

Lompoc has taken a bad turn after good years of reconstruction. Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann encouraged Lydia Perez to run to unseat Mayor Jenelle Osborne, a decline-to-state candidate (“The election is over, now can we all just get along?” Nov. 14). But at the same time, Jim Mosby, a longtime Lompoc activist on the past Lompoc City Council and a Republican, jumped in. The Republican Party supported him, and the two parties acted like a vise to squeeze out the best mayor we have had for years and gave the votes needed by Osborne to Perez, and Mosby won because of Hartmann’s involvement. Hartmann was after Mayor Osborne because she ran against her in the last Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors election, causing Hartmann embarrassment with the low voter numbers. Mayor Osborne did this because Hartmann stopped Lompoc from expanding housing to the west in new annexed farmlands to satisfy the housing requirements of the state of California. Santa Barbara and Santa Maria are doing so but not Lompoc due to a “no growth” policy by Hartmann. Infill is her position. So thanks to Hartmann, we now have a “destroyer of cities” as our mayor with Mosby for four years.

Justin M. Ruhge Lompoc

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8 • Sun • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • www.santamariasun.com

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Opinion

Hopes and dreams

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his past year was a bit of a rough one. Starting in Guadalupe—the littlest city that could, but only if the deadline is tomorrow and staff has to overnight something to a state agency after City Council approves it tonight. Talk about last minute! That city is flying by the seat of its pantaloons. The Royal Theater project is moving along, but barely, thanks to some extremely last-minute maneuvering by city staff that included a failed attempt to put a measure on the ballot that would have paid for part of the project because it’s now costing more than it was originally anticipated to cost. Which, let’s be honest, was predictable. What wasn’t predictable was how long the Santa Maria Riverbed cleanup would take. Nine months. Most cleanups are zip, zap, zop—in and out, baby; millions of dollars spent in a week! But not this one. Santa Barbara County, SLO County, Caltrans, and all of the respective nonprofits that pitched in to help took their sweet time on this go-around. And maybe, maybe, maybe, this time, this one time, a cleanup will have worked to connect unhoused people with resources and housing permanently. But I’m not holding my breath. The Firefighters Union Local 2020 in Santa Maria held its breath all through the election. And its 57 members might still be holding their breath, wondering when the hell they’re going to get a raise! After reaching a stalemate with the city early in 2024 over what the union saw as not a big enough pay raise, firefighters are still waiting for a pay bump.

And they’ll likely have to keep on waiting. The union spent more than $15,000 (possibly way more) backing City Council candidates in this year’s election, and none of those candidates will be taking seats on the Santa Maria dais. But Jim Mosby is taking a seat on the Lompoc dais, and who knows what the city is in for next year! He has a bit of a reputation as a disruptor, so I’ll definitely be watching to see if he makes good on his promises to reel in government spending and redirect the city to the track it was on while he was last in office. And I guess we’ll also see if Lompoc finally gets a space center! Voters decided to privatize Ken Adam Park so a private company can turn it into the place the city’s always dreamed about. Nobody’s been able to make it happen in yet. Maybe Pale Blue Dot Ventures is the one, you know? Or not. Hopefully, this is the year that Allan Hancock College finally gets to offer local students a bachelor’s degree. And no, I don’t mean with the help of Cal Poly. I mean all on its own! With provisional approval from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in applied professional studies, I’m crossing my fingers that none of the CSUs or UCs in the state object to the idea. Cal Poly better stay in its lane! I will hold my breath for this one and cross my feathered fingers and clawed toes. m Send your hopes and dreams to canary@ santamariasun.com.

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Christmas Tree Collection CITY OF SANTA MARIA RESIDENTS n Discarded Christmas trees will be collected at no charge from the curb on your scheduled trash collection day during the week of JANUARY 13, 2025 –JANUARY 17, 2025, on residential trash collection routes. (Charges apply after January 17.) n Place your Christmas tree on the curb, at least three feet away from your trash container, on your scheduled collection day. Trees must be free of all stands, tinsel, and ornaments. Flocked trees or artificial trees are not accepted. Trees taller than 8 feet should be cut in half. n Cut�up trees can also be placed in organics containers.

(805) 925-0951 ext. 7270 www.cityofsantamaria.org

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Hot Stuff

10-DAY CALENDAR: DECEMBER 26, 2024 - JANUARY 5, 2025

FIRE FEST

The annual Solvang Christmas Tree Burn will take place near Old Mission Santa Ines on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. (weather permitting). Described as Solvang Julefest’s unofficial finale, this annual event is one of the Central Coast’s largest fire safety demonstrations. To find out more about the Solvang Christmas Tree Burn, visit solvangusa.com. —Caleb Wiseblood PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY DE LA PENA/ CITY OF SOLVANG

ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. KleinDance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria. DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/. FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. LOCAL BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB FINE ART EXHIBITION Come celebrate the fine art created by young members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast. Through Dec. 31 (805) 598-9611. centralcoastkids.org. Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, 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. valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

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. 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-yearspaint-sip/. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang. 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. 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. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Jan. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $85 per day or $355 for full five-day enrollment. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang. WINTER CELEBRATION AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Visit site or contact venue for more details on the show and its participating artists. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 31 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION’S CYPRESS GALLERY FEATURES “CALIFORNIA WILDS” Angelina LaPointe, a printmaker living and working in Lompoc, will showcase her collection “California Wilds.” LaPointe says

her prints illustrate California’s diverse animal life and distinctive landscapes. Jan. 2-26 (805) 291-9317. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, lompocart.org. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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. 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. SAN LUIS OBISPO

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

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com. 12 • Sun • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • www.santamariasun.com

for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com. ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CAPTURING THE MAGIC OF COWBOY COUNTRY An equestrian photography exhibit featuring authentic cowboys and cowgirls horse wrangling, galloping, and traversing the foothills of the majestic Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming in winter. Through Jan. 15, 2025 (805) 423-6427. The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo. CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays,

INDEX Arts.......................................12 Culture & Lifestyle ...........13 Food & Drink ......................15 Music ...................................17

Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. 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. 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) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

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 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. OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 540-8300. saintsbarrel. com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com. SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com. VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and

ARTS continued page 13

Hot Stuff ARTS from page 12 try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. 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/whitneybedford/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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. Through Jan. 5, 2025 $25-$65. ccwsart.com/aquarius2025-prospectus. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504. COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint. com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria. COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.

DECEMBER 26, 2024 - JANUARY 5, 2025 FINE ART DRAWINGS BY DON DOUBLEDEE AND LINDA BENCH Come be inspired by the drawings of animals, landscapes, and more each made with pen and Ink or Prisma Color Pencils. Through Dec. 29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. 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. 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. 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. Through Dec. 29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS BY BRIAN JOHNSON Stop by to see Johnson’s mixed media abstract art that incorporates inks, gels, and mirrors. 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. LARRY LE BRANE’S ART IN LOS OSOS: HARVEST AND HOLIDAY SEASON Explore Larry Le Brane’s fused glass, sculpture, paintings and drawings at

COURTESY PHOTO BY VALERIE FREMIN PHOTOGRAPHY

GUITAR HERO

Rockabilly and roots artist Rosie Flores will be one of the featured acts at an upcoming concert benefit to support the Lompoc Theatre Project. The fundraiser is scheduled to take place at Stone Pine Hall in Lompoc on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. Grammy Award winner Grey DeLisle, backed by Eddie Clendening and the Blue Ribbon Boys, will open the show. Visit lompoctheatre.org for tickets and more info. —C.W.

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. 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. Through Dec. 29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. ATHE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com. PROCREATE MONTHLY ARTIST GROUP Learn the basic tools for using the iPad app, Procreate. Every month, group focuses on a different way to use Procreate, sometimes starting with a “how-to” video. Join a supportive community and navigate the digital world together. First Wednesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. through

March 6 $10. (805) 927-8190. cambriaarts. org. Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main St., Cambria. SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW AT THE MORRO BAY EAGLES Have a laugh with the SLOFunny Comedy Show. Lineups are subject to change, but always include amazing comedians. For ages 18 and up. Dec. 28, 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Eagles Club, 2988 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-1384. UNCORK YOUR CREATIVITY: COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Offering a unique opportunity to sip wine while painting stunning ocean-inspired landscapes. All materials included. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria. 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.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750. CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria. FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 14

Everybody Can Dance!

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Call 805-345-5570 for information www.santamariasun.com • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • Sun • 13

Hot Stuff

DECEMBER 26, 2024 - JANUARY 5, 2025

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 13 FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt. FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 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. NEW YEAR’S EVE: OLD ORCUTT BLOCK PARTY Roll out the red carpet with Old Town Wine and Brew, Lark and Sparrow, and Naughty Oak. This evening of Hollywood glamour will feature countdowns, drink specials, food, entertainment, a photo scavenger hunt, and more. Check-in at any of the three participating locations. Dec. 31, 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Naughty Oak Brewing Co., 165 S. Broadway St. suite 102, Orcutt. 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 VALLE Y

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. Through Dec. 28 solvangusa.com/

things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang. 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. 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. Through Dec. 28, 10 a.m. solvangusa.com/ things-to-do/solvang-julefest/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang. NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE MAVERICK SALOON Ring in the new year with a special performance by LiveWire followed by DJ Lex. Guests can expect a balloon drop, champagne toast, and an appetizer buffet. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $58. my805tix.com/. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, (805) 686-4785. 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. Through Jan. 5, 2025 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. Through Jan. 5, 2025 solvangusa. com. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, 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. 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.

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. 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. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms CLASS Do something good for yourself into a celebration and showcase of and stay fit for outdoor sports, while local artists during this monthly event, enhancing flexibility, strengthening which features live music, art, exciting your core to prevent lower back issues, exhibitions, performances, and a variety improving your posture through yoga, MUSIC of unique vendors. First Thursday of every and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach I St., Lompoc. Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., FLAVOR/EATS Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com. LOMPOC VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN HOUSE The Lompoc Valley COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN Historical Society offers tours of the MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Fabing McKay Spanne House. Come learn INFOa variety of Volunteers accomplish a little bit about tasks including Lompoc’s history. pathways Dec. 28, 10 maintenance, CALENDAR a.m.-1 p.m. Fabing litter patrol of the McKay Spanne garden perimeter, House, 207 N. weeding, Send event information to calendar@ OPINION L St., Lompoc, irrigation system santamariasun.com. (805) 735-4626, expansion/ lompochistory. repairs, pruning, NEWS org. and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This hat, drinking water, and tools related to the event is for the whole family. There will STROKES above activities. First Saturday of every be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Come out and spend part of your Saturday Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo. ARTS supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR Vandenberg Village Community Services FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Lompoc, (805) 291-6370. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp

Spread the word!

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

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

Can I crash on your couch for awhile? Ask us about our Foster Program

or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances. Last Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo. CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo. DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 15

Adoptable Pets of the Week

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14 • Sun • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • www.santamariasun.com

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Hot Stuff

DECEMBER 26, 2024 - JANUARY 5, 2025 PHOTO COURTESY OF SLOFUNNY COMEDY

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 14 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 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 MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 4659182. missionsanluisobispo.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. FULL MOON YOGA AT SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS Strengthen, stretch, calm, and rejuvenate your way to a better you. Jan. 1, 7:30 p.m. sycamoresprings. com/spa/yoga. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, 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. HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place to share life experiences with those who have depression or have had and recovered from the devastating effects of depression. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. through Dec. 30 Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. First Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK CLUB A weekly book discussion, on a wide variety of titles from the general subject of metaphysics, spirituality, and comparative religion. By invitation. For more information, contact David Higgins, email: davidhiggins67@gmail. com. Location revealed to those invited. Wednesdays Free. rationalmetaphysics. com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. 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. Through Dec. 28, 5-8 p.m. $28 for adults. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo. PLAY GROVE, AN OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM A nature-based and placebased enrichment program. This means we use the environment as our guide as we play, grow, create art, garden, and learn together. Play Grove will allow young children to access this experience alongside enthusiastic playworkers. Through June 7, 2025, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Options: 2 day, 3 day, or 5 day. (805) 2426301. onecoolearth.org/play-grove.html. Jewish Community Center, 875 Laureate Lane, San Luis Obispo. PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR Puppies (10 weeks to 5 months old) will learn appropriate play style with other pups, acceptable manners with people, tolerance for gentle restraints, confidence with the approach of friendly strangers, and more. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. $25. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/training/.

t the Melodram a c i g a M a 2024 LAUGHTER LINEUP

California-based comedian Trent Babb is among a handful of comics slated to perform at the SLOFunny Comedy Show at the Justin Downtown Tasting Room in Paso Robles on Friday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. Hosted by Chris Dunham, the show will also feature Jackie Gold, Tommy Savitt, and headliner Vince Royale. For more info or tickets to the event, visit my805tix. com. —C.W. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo. Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc. org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime.toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID. SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

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. Through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m. $25-$40. (800) 966-6490. cambriachristmasmarket.com/. Cambria

Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria. CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index. html. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654. DISCOVERY SATURDAYS Join the Coastal Discovery Center crew in discovering the wonders of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There is no reservation required and these events are free and fun for all the family to experience. Dec. 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 801-0773. Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, CA-1 and SLO San Simeon Road, San Simeon.

805.489.2499 info@americanmelodrama.com 1863 Front Street, Oceano, CA

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come

Stay informed about Northern Santa Barbara County. Breaking news, insightful opinions, and local event updates sent directly to your inbox every Thursday morning.

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FOOD & DRINK continued page 17 www.santamariasun.com • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • Sun • 15

Emily V: Not Your Typical Violinist

SLO Climate Coalition 2025 New Year Kickoff Party

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

Libertine Brewing Company, SLO

SLO Grange

THURS-SAT, DECEMBER 26-28

Shamanic Morning Rituals for Vitality

SLOFunny Comedy Show

SLO Craft Beer Fest

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO

Meditate with Dawn

Coastal Wine & Paint Party

SLOFunny Comedy Show

Embodied Yoga on the Central Coast

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Morro Bay Eagles Club

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 Aurora Sacred Events in Morro Bay

New Year’s Rituals for Prosperity & Rejuvenation

MiniNova, A Unique Blend of Funky Latin Rock

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 Aurora Sacred Events At Morro Bay

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 JUSTIN Downtown Tasting Room, Paso Robles

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Aurora Sacred Events in Cayucos

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, Cambria

Orcutt New Year’s Eve Block Party

Libertine Presents: New Year’s Eve with Molly Ringwald Project TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Libertine Brewing Company, SLO

Ring in the New Year

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Blast and Brew, Atascadero

New Years Eve Party 2025

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 Aurora Sacred Events at Yoga Village Templeton

Ride the Cyclone, The Musical

Manifesting & The Law of Attraction, Meditation & Self-Hypnosis, & Soul-Centered Living

Oil Painting Workshop with Drew Davis SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Drew Davis Fine Art, SLO

Heavy Metal Saturdays

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Bill Mays Trio

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO

Joan Baez Tribute Concert: “The Lady from the House in the Tree”

Beethoven’s Fourth and Eighth

After Eight Band

JBird’s Burlesque (40th!!!) BIRTHDAY Bash!

MMX presents: How to Actually Drum

Frequency Within, Mechanical Ghost, Bandwidth, & More!

Sunday Slow Flow

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Naughty Oak & More, Old Orcutt

FRI-SUN, JANUARY 10-26 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 Mission San Miguel Arcangel

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 YSLASH Carocha‚Äôs Gallery & Art Studios, Morro Bay

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

SAT & SUN, JANUARY 18 & 19 Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

SELL TICKETS WITH US! It’s free! Contact us for more info: Full Moon Yoga

MON-THURS, JAN 13-DEC 4, 2025 Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, SLO

Point San Luis Lighthouse Tours IN-PERSON TOURS: WED & SAT VIRTUAL TOURS: ON DEMAND Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach

SLOFunny Comedy Show 2025 Season Pass 12 MONTHS OF SHOWS Paso Robles & Morro Bay

16 • Sun • December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025 • www.santamariasun.com

Garagiste Annual Tasting Pass 2025

FRI-WED, NOW-DEC 31, 2025 Various Participating Wineries

805-546-8208 info@My805Tix.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Congregation House, SLO

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 Cambria Center For The Arts

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 Dharma Loft, Paso Robles

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ONGOING EVENTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

UPCOMING EVENTS ON MY805TIX.COM

Nature Nights 2024

FEATURED EVENTS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT MY805TIX.COM

Hot Stuff

DECEMBER 26, 2024 - JANUARY 5, 2025

Tickets on sale now at My805Tix.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF AURORA ADVENTURES

FOOD & DRINK from page 15 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/. 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.

SELL TICKETS WITH US! IT’S FREE! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO.

“Harvest Calls” Screening and Live Performance Event SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 Cambria Center For The Arts

Lounge Act & The Harsh Carpets

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 Flower City Ballroom, Lompoc

Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot and Sarah McLachlan

Yoga’ssage, All Are Welcome

Tomb Dweller, Utter Scorn, Ritual Of Despair

February 2025 Central Coast Cooking Show

Garagiste Wine Festival: 11th Annual Southern Exposure

Winter Wine Walk

Big Sirs of Swing Return

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 Cambria Center For The Arts

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 COUNT Y

TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/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. 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. 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. NOON YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION DANCE The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club presents this dance with the Riptide Big Band. Grant funding by the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County keeps the dances free to the public. Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., 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. SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend

BREATHE BY THE BAY

Aurora Adventures founder and local yoga instructor Dawn Feuerberg will lead Embodied Yoga for Vitality in Morro Bay on Sunday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tickets to this outdoor yoga session—as well as Feuerberg’s upcoming New Year’s Rituals and Abundance Ceremony at Yoga Village Templeton on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m.—are available in advance at my805tix.com. —C.W. 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.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 Crows End Retreat, SLO

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Dark Nectar, Atascadero

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Idler’s Home, Paso Robles

31, 6-10 p.m. Lido Restaurant at Dolphin Bay, 2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, thedolphinbay.com. SAN LUIS OBISPO

SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y

EMILY V: NOT YOUR TYPICAL VIOLINIST Originally from the Central Coast, Emily LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 V. is now based in LA. This is an event p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. for ages 21 and over. Dec. 27, 8:30-11:30 Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, p.m. $13. libertinebrewing.com. Libertine brickbarnwineestate.com. Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis NIGHTLY LIGHT AND MUSIC SHOWS Obispo, (805) 548-2337. This holiday-themed, choreographed LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY light and music display, which is free to FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar attend, entails two different shows that Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick will alternate on the hour each evening. Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Through Jan. 5, 2025, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (805) 544-2100. solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvangBon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, julefest/. Solvang Park, Mission Dr. and San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe. First St., Solvang. com/index.htm. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH MOLLY Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn RINGWALD PROJECT Ring in the Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. new year with ‘80s hits, dancing, and celebration in downtown SLO. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing LOMPOC/VANDENBERG MUSIC Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING (805) 548-2337. CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, NYE 2025 An evening packed with as and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, FLAVOR/EATS much fun as you can sneak in before 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, 2025. Each ticket includes: three drinks, coldcoastbrewing.com. INFO 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. Rod & Hammer CALENDAR Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com. Send event information to calendar@ OPINION RHAPSODY IN BLUE Ring in the New Year santamariasun.com. with the SLO Symphony and pianist Maxim Lando, celebrating the 100th anniversary NEWS of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony. LOMPOC THEATRE PROJECT CONCERT org/calendar/. Cal Poly Performing Arts FUNDRAISER With featured musicians Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. Rosie Flores and Grey DeLisle. Proceeds STROKES will benefit the Lompoc Theatre Project. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y Dec. 28, 7 p.m. lompoctheatre.org. Stone Pine Hall, 210 South H St., Lompoc, (805) ARTS CAB STREET BAND Enjoy a casual blend of original music and stylized 736-3888. covers from this blues and jazz act. Dec. YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, 28, 2-5 p.m. Free admission. The Siren, welcoming environment for first time 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, performers and an opportunity for kids thesirenmorrobay.com/. and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes FAN HALEN Described as the world’s awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 most authentic tribute to Van Halen. For ages 21 and over. Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m. The p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc. 1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y THE ROLLING CROWS A tribute to SUNNY WRIGHT JAZZ, FUNK, AND SOUL the Rolling Stones and Black Crowes. QUARTET: NYE Ring in the new year with Dec. 28, 7:30-10:30 p.m. The Siren, 900 live tunes from Sunny Wright, Jake Odell, Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, Dylan Johnson, and James Conver. Dec. thesirenmorrobay.com/. ❍

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Paso Robles Downtown Wine District

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cambria

Efflorescence: Embodiment Workshop for Women at Flip Tease Studio

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Flip Tease Pole Fitness Studio, Atascadero

SLO Tribute to Jerry Jeff Walker and Nanci Griffith

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Drew Davis Fine Art, SLO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Private Location, SLO

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Adelaida Vineyards and Winery, Paso Robles

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

Santa Barbara Winter Wedding Expo

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Ken Ludwig’s, The Game’s Afoot

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Santa Barbara Women’s Club

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Humdinger Brewing, SLO

FRI-SUN, MARCH 7-23 Santa Maria Civic Theatre

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Arts

YEAR IN REVIEW FILE COURTESY PHOTO BY JENNIFER “Z” ZORNOW

FILE IMAGE COURTESY OF ARVIND ETHAN DAVID

WHERE THERE’S A BILL: If there’s one person in the local theater scene who truly bookends 2024, it’s Billy Breed (center), whose performances at the Great American Melodrama never fail to impress. Between January and March, Breed practically stole the show at the Melodrama’s first vaudeville revue program of the year, titled Whatever the Weather We’ll Weather the Weather Together (try saying that five times fast), especially while taking center stage and lead vocals during “It’s Raining Men.” The theater’s 2024 season concludes with Breed in top form as the top-hatted Ebeneezer Scrooge during The Holiday Extravaganza, which opened in November and will remain on stage through Dec. 31.

Take me back to the start An arts editor’s trip down memory lane

TOUCH OF GRAY: To benefit the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, Story of Soil Wine in Los Olivos hosted an author talk with local graphic novelist Arvind Ethan David in February. David discussed elements of Gray: Vol. 2, the second entry in his graphic novel series, described as a modern, gender-swapping reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Notable fans of the series include Diablo Cody (the Academy Award-winning screenwriter behind Juno), who praised David’s first volume as “an inventive, empowered, and thoroughly entertaining twist on a classic.”

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY CHRISTINE JESZECK

igers. Clowns. Men in top hats. This year in arts reporting was quite a circus, in all the right ways. Between one edge of the Sun’s coverage area to the other, 2024 was full of visually compelling art displays and equally dazzling live performances. There’s even still time to catch some of them before the year is out, including the California Nature Art Museum’s ongoing exhibit of breathtaking, scuba-inspired sea life scenes, and the Great American Melodrama’s beautifully bombastic winter production. But for those who missed out on 2024’s art festivities, I hope this roundup serves as a small consolation. I can only imagine what 2025 has in store for the Central Coast art-wise, based on this year’s output, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In the words of Willy Wonka, “The suspense is terrible—I hope it will last.” ❍

WHISKERS A GO GO: In May, Cypress Gallery in Lompoc showcased a collection of acrylic pours by local painter Christine Jeszeck in a solo show titled Pouring My Heart Out. Some of Jeszeck’s pours result in pure abstracts, while others are repurposed as the surreal backdrops for less surreal portraits, including animal paintings like Tiger, Tiger. “I knew the pour would serve as a beautiful background for something, but until I came across a beautiful photo reference … it sat waiting,” said Jeszeck, who eventually decided to base her tiger on a photograph by Denise McQuillan. “The original colors of the pour were in fact similar to the tiger, so I gave it a subtle wash of dark green to help the tiger stand out.”

Send your New Year’s resolutions to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com. FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY JASMINE GONZALEZ

FILE COURTESY IMAGE BY DAVID GALLUP

SEND IN THE CLOWNS: Eye on I in Lompoc displayed mixed media pieces by local artist Jasmine Gonzalez during the month of June. Gonzalez’s inspiration for her solo exhibit, full of collages and other artworks centered on clowns, stemmed from a vintage crafting brochure she discovered at an estate sale. The creepy, yet jovial, clown dolls featured in the 1970s-ish pamphlet initially grabbed Gonzalez’s attention with an unsettling surprise. “There’s a photo of a woman posing with what looks like a bunch of children,” she recalled. “And then you look closer, and you realize they’re all dolls surrounding her.” FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SMCT

BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS: The Santa Maria Civic Theatre (SMCT) staged its production of Godspell, a musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew that places Christ and his disciples in a contemporary setting, from composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), in August. “In my opinion, the core of the show is community,” the show’s director, Janelle Steller, told the Sun. “By using the parables from the book of Matthew, we learn lessons about how we should live our lives and interact with others.” Jaime Espinoza (center, left) portrayed Jesus in the show. On Jan. 10, SMCT will debut its latest production, Ride the Cyclone: The Musical.

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IN AN OCTOPUS’S GARDEN: Oceanic paintings by husband-and-wife duo David and Nansi Gallup are currently on display at Solvang’s California Nature Art Museum, where the pair’s exhibit, dedicated to promoting coral reef preservation, opened in September. “Not only are coral reefs the most visually exciting subject we could find, they are also desperately in need of our attention and protection,” said David, whose oil paintings in the show include Blue Octopus. “While most of us don’t think about coral reefs every day, we do rely on them for healthy oceans,” he said. The showcase, titled A Deeper Love, will remain on view at the museum through Feb. 24, 2025.

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Film

SUN SCREEN

Sugar cookie

COURTESY PHOTO BY BIB MAHONEY/NETFLIX

the implausible conclusion, which contradicts all that preceded it. Anna: Don’t get the Hallmark community after you, honey. We already took enough heat this year with all the jokes about the plotlines and story tropes. Lohan has become a Christmas star lately, and I’ll agree that most of the time these flicks depend on their audience letting go of a certain amount of reality (or dare I say … cynicism) in order to enjoy. Chenoweth is also a Christmas movie classic, and she plays the haughty mom with an attitude quite well. One of the running jokes is the family portrait she has painted every year and how while her family seems to grow and age around Glen: I think I feel about TV her, she never does. I mean, OUR LITTLE SECRET Christmas movies the way you I’ve seen a lot of Christmas What’s it rated? TV-14 feel about superhero flicks— movies, and I can tell you this What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it they’re not really my jam. Sure, lands pretty far from the most What’s it worth, Glen? Stream it I’ve learned to love some. Love far-fetched and ridiculous. It Where’s it showing? Netflix Actually has become one of our lets Lohan be funny and has holiday traditions, for instance. a great scheming character in But unlike you, I can’t do a Hallmark Channel 17-year-old brother Callum (Jake Brennan) who marathon. This Lindsay Lohan vehicle may be discovers the exes’ secret early on and blackmails slightly better than a Hallmark Christmas movie, them to gain himself beer runs and rides home but it’s so far-fetched and its characters are so from a rave. It’s cute and hokey and full of by-the-numbers that it’s hard to forget you’re Christmas at the in-laws’ tomfoolery. watching a very contrived movie. Chenoweth as Glen: Dear Hallmark community, I support the family matriarch is catty as heck, insulting your right to gobble up holiday hokum all Avery from the moment she arrives. Obviously, you want. I’m sure such films are an acquired no one is good enough for her son Cameron, … taste, and my rudimentary palate is simply not well, except maybe his old flame, Sophie (Ash sophisticated enough to fully appreciate the Santos), who shows up to further complicate the robust bouquet of holiday spirit with notes of romantic … it’s not a triangle. Maybe a semiromantic reconciliation. Our Little Secret is certainly trying to be funny, and it elicited a cubical parabola. And don’t get me started on tephen Herek (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Mr. Holland’s Opus) directs Hailey DeDominicis’ script about old flames Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding) whose relationship ended a decade ago but who coincidentally wind up at the same Christmas gathering at their new significant others’ parents’ house. Worried that their old relationship would be a distraction as they both try to ingratiate themselves to Cameron (Jon Rudnitsky) and Cassie’s (Katie Baker) mother, Erica (Kristin Chenoweth), and father, Leonard (Dan Bucatinsky), they agree to pretend to be total strangers. (101 min.)

PERFECT STRANGERS: After a 10-year separation, two former lovers—Logan (Ian Harding, center) and Avery (Lindsay Lohan, right)—must pretend they don’t know each other when they arrive at their current paramours’ parents’ house for Christmas, in Our Little Secret, streaming on Netflix.

chuckle or two from me, but I wouldn’t call it a “rousing” comedy. At best, I achieved a lowlevel state of bemusement. Other than Lohan; Chenoweth; Henry Czerny as Mitchell, Avery’s widower father; and Tim Meadows as Stan, a real estate developer and Sophie’s father who may be the key to Logan moving his career forward, I didn’t recognize any of the actors. Avery’s still struggling with her mother’s death, and Logan wants to be her knight in shining armor. Will she eventually let him? If you don’t know the answer, you haven’t seen many Christmas movies. Anna: You can get away with a lot of nonsense

COURTESY PHOTO BY LINDSAY SUI/CBS BROADCASTING INC.

TRACKER

What’s it rated? TV-14 When? 2024 Where’s it showing? Hulu, Paramount Plus Created by Ben H. Winters, this series debuted on CBS earlier this year and is now streaming. It follows the exploits of Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley), a “rewardist” who uses his tracking skills to find missing people and collect the reward. It’s exactly the kind of show I would have loved as a 14-yearold. Colter’s a lone wolf with a dark backstory who no matter what he’s up against manages to save the day in 40-minute increments. Shaw drives around the country in a big black pickup truck hauling a silver Airstream trailer. He’s always on the move to the next reward. His handlers are Velma (Abby McEnany) and Teddi Bruin (Robin Weigert), a doting lesbian couple who funnel him assignments. When he draws outside the legal lines, they send in attorney Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene), who uses her skills to free him while flirting with him. His tech support is Bobby Exley (Eric Graise), a double amputee who’s a wizard on a computer. As the series moves along, we find out more about Shaw, how he acquired his skills, his family, and his penchant for

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by slapping some Christmas cheer all over a shaky storyline, but I’m happy this time of year (and pretty much anytime) to watch the good, the bad, and the cringey Christmas movies that flood our streaming services. Our Little Secret is no different, and I have no doubt that Lohan will grace our screens again next year with a new silly storyline and plenty of Christmas cheer. It’s not a classic, but it sure fits a certain holiday film niche. m New Times Senior Staff Writer Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE

BOY KILLS WORLD

LONE WOLF: Justin Hartley stars as Colter Shaw, an expert in finding missing people, in Tracker, streaming on Hulu.

solitude while also being driven to help those in need. (21 approximately 40-min. episodes) —Glen

What’s it rated? R When? 2023 Where’s it showing? Hulu Moritz Mohr, in his feature-length debut, directs this script he co-wrote with Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers about “Boy” (Cameron and Nicholas Crovetti when young, Bill Skarsgård as an adult), whose mother and sister are murdered during “The Culling,” an annual event where Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen), the ruler of the dystopian city they live in, chooses 12 citizens to murder on live television. Boy is rendered deaf and mute and left for dead during the execution, but he’s nursed back to health by “Shaman” (Yayan Ruhian), who over many years trains Boy to become an unbeatable assassin to exact revenge on Hilda and her entire family. This is another one of those bat-shit crazy action flicks that goes beyond excessive. Lots of fighting, lots of splatter and gore, and lots of plot holes. If you’re into a film like this, you’re here for the spectacle, not the logic of the story. Skarsgård is a beast, and though he’s non-verbal, we know his thoughts thanks to voice actor H. Jon Benjamin’s narration. There’s a lot of dark humor in this unhinged,

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demented action flick, and it’s certainly an impressive debut for Mohr. Me likey! (111 min.) m —Glen

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LET’S GET PHYSICAL Boy (Bill Skarsgård, left) is trained by Shaman (Yayan Ruhian) to exact revenge on a corrupt despot, in Boy Kills World, streaming on Hulu.

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Eats

YEAR IN REVIEW FILE PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA HOT DOGS

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHUMASH CASINO RESORT

SHOYU AND TELL: 2024 marked the fifth anniversary of—and my first visit to—Ramen Kotori in downtown Solvang. I highly recommend the ramen shop’s shoyu ramen with pork belly. In August, the eatery tied with Paula’s Pancake House and peasants FEAST for Best Solvang Restaurant in the Sun’s 2024 Best of NSBC readers poll.

A soup box to stand on The ramen, shave ice, tater tots, chicken wings, and vanilla lattes that defined 2024 BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

fter looking back at my foodie adventures over the past 12 months, I feel so grateful for the outpouring of winemakers, chefs, and business owners who invited me to their places of work for savory grub, sweet treats, soft and hard drinks, and warm conversation. In summing up this year’s most memorable occasions, I’d be remiss to not mention one that’s particularly bittersweet and less feel-good than the rest, and it happens to be my earliest restaurant-related memory of 2024. One morning in January, New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the Sun’s sister paper and I visited Highline Adventures in the Santa Ynez Valley for a zip-lining feature in Get Outside magazine. After our zip-lining tour ended, I knew exactly where I wanted to take her for lunch—Pea Soup Andersen’s, just a few miles away. I’d been about a dozen times, but she had never been. Upon reaching the Buellton gem’s front entrance, we noticed a large on-brand green sign posted on the door, to the right of mascot chef Hap-Pea, that read: Temporarily closed for redevelopment. We caught the 1924-established eatery during its first week of closure, at the start of its centennial, and it hasn’t reopened since. But I never lost hope—and rumors of the Buellton staple’s eventual revival under new ownership began to circulate during the fall. In the meantime, please enjoy my rundown of 2024 in Eats below, or feel free to hit me up to carpool to the Santa Nella location! I might need a designated driver depending on my BSC (blood soup concentration). ❍ Send food and drink tips to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT: During the spring, Avila Beach’s California Hot Dogs opened its first drive-through location on Nicholson Avenue in Santa Maria, in the same plaza as Cool Hand Luke’s and Costa de Oro Winery. Hot dogs are a given, while other menu staples include smash burgers, shave ice, and tater tots (nicknamed Napoleon’s Tots, in honor of Napoleon Dynamite).

RAISING THE BAR: Visitors of the Sports Bar at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez can look forward to pairing their libations with food selections from six distinct eateries, including Bok Bok’s, where guests will find chicken wings, sandwiches, and more. The Sports Bar opened at the casino in June. FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF JZPR

TICKET TO RIDE: In May, winemakers from Lompoc, Santa Maria, Los Alamos, Buellton, and other areas across Santa Barbara County converged at the Santa Barbara Zoo for Roar and Pour, where attendees enjoyed oodles of wine tastings during their zoo visit. “It’s exciting to drink great wine when you’re right next to an animal that could kill you in a second,” Lumen Wines winemaker Will Henry told the Sun with a laugh.

EATS YEAR IN REVIEW continued page 22

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Eats

EATS YEAR IN REVIEW from page 21

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SLAW AND ORDER: When Terri Buzzard took on the role of executive chef at Roblar Winery in August, one of her first signature dishes at the Santa Ynez destination was the crispy pork schnitzel, plated with farm harvest slaw and spicy mustard sauce. FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACA COFFEE

LIVE AND LET LATTE: Santa Ynez Valley-based coffee roaster Zaca Coffee opened its first brickand-mortar coffee shop in September on Highway 246 in Buellton. In December, the company celebrated another grand opening, with the debut of its new coffee trailer, permanently stationed in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

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