American Primeval: two thumbs up [18]
Care behind bars
Wellpath begins negotiations with county over jail health care, despite bankruptcy and personnel concerns [6]
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Coastal Commission gets sued twice [4] Epiphany celebrates 25 years of wine [20]
Last April, a Santa Barbara County grand jury report questioned the county jail health care provider’s ability to provide mental and physical care to inmates. In November, Wellpath, the parent company of the county’s contracted health care provider, filed for bankruptcy. In January, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors allowed the Sheriff’s Office to begin negotiating a shorter-term contract with Wellpath despite those concerns and others. Staff Writer Emma Montalbano writes about the issue [6] Also this week, read about two lawsuits against the Coastal Commission over SpaceX launces [4] ; the Trilogy Art Group’s show at the Gallery at Monarch Dunes [16] ; and how Fess Parker’s boutique winery, Epiphany, will celebrate its 25th anniversary. [20]
Camillia Lanham editor
HELP SUPPORT OUR MISSION
• On Jan. 16, Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) called out House Republicans for repeatedly suggesting their interest in obstructing delivery of federal disaster aid to Southern California. “What makes these families different from families we have helped after hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods? To suggest that we should hold hostage the aid we give American families—families who have lost everything—is wrong and un-American,” Carbajal said, addressing Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, (D-Louisiana), according to a statement from the congressman’s office. Carbajal highlighted a recent report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace that found that families in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas received the most federal disaster aid over the past decade—relief that was provided without political conditions or policy riders, according to the congressman’s office. “Mister Speaker, I rise today to say—Los Angeles, we are with you. Our hearts are with every single family who has lost a loved one, a livelihood, or some part of their community. We also give thanks to the heroic first responders working to contain these fires and help those in need. But I also rise to ask, Mister Speaker: Are these families not Americans?” Carbajal said in his remarks. “Just look at what has been approved over the past decade, especially for so-called red states, I might add. Have we ever said that those families should be punished for their state’s political choices? Absolutely not. I am appalled and frankly sickened at calls for conditioning aid [to] these American families. They are crying out for help. Congress should respond, without hesitation or delay.” Carbajal noted that he represents many of the California firefighters who have been deployed to Los Angeles County to help fight multiple deadly fires across the region.
• As devastating wildfires rage across Southern California, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) introduced a package of three bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire resilience and rebuilding efforts, according to a Jan. 17 statement. The fires that broke out on Jan. 7 have killed more than two dozen individuals and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. Two of the fires, the Palisades and Eaton fires, have burned more than 40,000 acres, as of Jan. 17, according to the senator’s office. “I’ve spent the last week seeing firsthand the devastation caused by the fires ravaging Southern California—people who have lost loved ones, families who have lost the homes their children and grandchildren grew up in, and businesses and places of worship reduced to rubble,” Sen. Padilla said in the statement. “These bills would improve readiness, response, and recovery for disasters that are becoming all too common across the county, from expanding and expediting disaster housing options to investing in essential prepositioned firefighting forces. And we must make sure the federal firefighters laying their lives on the line to protect our communities are given a permanent pay raise.” The first bill, the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, would prevent attrition and provide long-term workforce stability. Specifically, the bill would permanently increase federal wildland firefighter pay, establish a new pay scale for wildland firefighters, establish additional pay supplements for wildland firefighters, and require consistency in agencies’ policies related to work-life balance, according to Padilla’s office. Padilla’s second bill, the Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act, co-led by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), would ensure that pre-deployed state and local fire suppression assets are eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Fire Management Assistance Grants and allow flexibility for the federal cost share of such grants to be increased beyond 75 percent. The third bill, the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act, sponsored by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), would expedite, expand, and improve temporary housing available to victims of disasters like wildfires and storms. m
Coastal Commission faces two lawsuits after last year’s decision on SpaceX launches
Four months ago, the California Coastal Commission denied Vandenberg Space Force Base’s request for approval to increase the number of SpaceX launches. Now, the state agency is battling two lawsuits stemming from that decision.
In December, a conservative nonprofit sued the agency for allegedly not complying with public records requests for emails and other correspondence between commissioners and staff related to the decision. Judicial Watch is asking a San Francisco court to compel the commission to “perform its clear ministerial duties” under the California Public Records Act.
In the lawsuit, Judicial Watch outlines that this means the commission should determine whether the requested documents are in the commission’s possession, determine whether they are “disclosable public records,” disclose why it made the decision it did, and notify the nonprofit of when the information will be made public.
In October, commissioners opted not to approve Vandenberg’s request for a federal consistency determination—meaning that the project complies with applicable state policies and regulations—to increase the number of SpaceX launches at the base from 36 per year to 50. The request came months after the commission approved a similar request to increase SpaceX launches from six per year to 36. This year, Vandenberg is expected to increase the number of SpaceX launches to 100. The U.S. Air Force is currently collecting public comments on the proposal’s environmental impact statement.
The Coastal Commission hadn’t yet filed a response to the public records lawsuit before the Sun went to press and told the Sun that it didn’t have a comment on the lawsuit.
On Jan. 14, California Attorney General Rob Bonta did file a motion to dismiss a separate lawsuit that SpaceX filed against the commission in October. The federal suit alleges that the commission showed “shocking, political bias” that month when it denied Vandenberg’s
federal consistency request for the increased SpaceX launches.
SpaceX alleges that the commission’s decision violates free speech, interferes with the national space launch program, that launch facilities at the base are constitutionally protected from “intrusive” state regulation, and that the commission’s governing powers don’t apply to federal land.
“The justification the commission relied on to unlawfully intrude into the national security and the other federal interests implicated by SpaceX’s launch program—that some of SpaceX’s launches at the base are commercial—misses the mark,” the company’s October lawsuit states.
Bonta’s response argues that the commission’s decision hasn’t actually impacted SpaceX’s current or future activities at Vandenberg.
“The commission objected to the Air Force’s consistency determination, but the Air Force, as allowed by federal regulations, chose to proceed with the project over the commission’s objection,” the motion to dismiss states.
Vandenberg didn’t respond to a request for comment before the Sun went to press.
The case is set for a scheduling conference on March 14 in Los Angeles.
—Camillia Lanham
Buellton developer seeks to amend drive-through policy on Avenue of Flags
One year after Buellton put the brakes on bringing an In-N-Out to town, the developer behind a separate drive-through project is asking the city to consider a crucial policy change.
Unlike the rejected In-N-Out development, which would have neighbored an existing McDonald’s drive-through, the Central Holding Group’s project site for its proposed drivethrough coffee shop is in an area of Buellton where drive-throughs are outright banned.
At the Buellton Planning Commission’s Jan. 16 meeting, it discussed aspects of the coffee shop pitch, one of a handful of proposed developments listed in the Highway 246 Commercial Center project, which encompasses seven parcels south of Highway 246, in between Avenue of Flags and Highway 101.
The Central Holding Group’s project includes the coffee shop, a separate market and deli venue, and a 24-unit motel.
While drive-throughs are not uncommon in Buellton, they’re prohibited on Avenue of Flags, as codified in the Avenue of Flags Specific Plan. Currently under review by Buellton’s planning department, the Highway 246 Commercial Center project application includes a request for a specific plan amendment to allow drivethrough sales on Highway 246 frontages within the specific plan’s sphere of influence.
“The Highway 246 frontage is unique compared to the Avenue of Flags frontage in that it experiences a greater volume of commuter traffic from neighboring valley communities and travelers,” Project Planner Lonnie Roy, of ON Design Architects, stated in the application. “For business along the frontage to be economically competitive with the community, specifically the commercial hub east of [Highway 101], vehicleoriented amenities such as drive-through sales are needed.”
During public comment at the Buellton Planning Commission’s Jan. 16 meeting, Buellton resident and WE Watch (formerly Women’s Environmental Watch) board member Theresa Reilly described the project site attached to the drive-through coffee shop as “already a hideously crowded block of traffic.”
“In addition to the influx of cars for residents, business owners, and customers through all of these new buildings, the drive-through proposed for the commercial center promises to be a traffic nightmare,” Reilly said.
Reilly also criticized the coffee shop’s aesthetic approach, specifically the Central Holding Group’s plan to erect a 28-foot-tall coffee potshaped tunnel that cars will go through before reaching the pickup window.
“The idea of a 30-foot-tall coffee pot, I understand some people think that’s cute, but for the most part, people do not appreciate the design element of that,” Reilly said. “It seems rather out of place.”
Shortly after Reilly’s comments, Planning Commissioner Shannon Reese asked staff about the status of the Highway 246 Commercial Center’s plan review.
LAUNCH CONTROVERSY: The California Coastal Commission faces two lawsuits after denying approval of Vandenberg Space Force Base’s request to increase the number of annual SpaceX Falcon 9 launches.
“We are working through the scope of the traffic study,” said Planning Director Andrea Keefer, who added that staff predicts to agendize the project for its first formal public hearing before the Planning Commission within the next few months.
—Caleb Wiseblood
The
Santa Barbara County Fair cancels this year’s poultry
shows
Students who were looking forward to raising chickens and turkeys for this year’s Santa Barbara County Fair will have to make other plans.
The fair canceled this summer’s poultry exhibitions after the state veterinarian indefinitely banned poultry and dairy cow exhibitions at fairs and other shows because of the current bird flu epidemic. County Fair Livestock Superintendent Hailey Rose Switzer said that it’s disappointing, but she was glad the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) announced it early enough that most kids haven’t purchased their projects yet.
“It’s a super bummer, but it’s a super easily spread disease, so we are definitely following the CDFA’s ruling and are not going to host one,” Switzer said. “It is a contagious disease that would then turn into a much bigger problem for many of our exhibitors.”
Since August 2024, H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in more than 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks in the state, impacting more than 15 million birds with new dairies and flocks being detected, according to a Jan. 7 letter from State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones. The virus is often fatal in poultry.
The Santa Barbara County Fair doesn’t have dairy cow exhibitions, Switzer said, but students entered 300 poultry projects at last year’s fair.
That includes turkeys and chickens for meat and for breeding.
Students in 4-H, the FFA, and Grange usually purchase their fair projects in May or June, said Ramon Estrada, the small animal leader for the Orcutt-Sisquoc Grange. Small animals include rabbits and poultry.
For younger club members, small animal projects are their only options for the county fair. Older club members often raise meat chickens and turkeys to sell at the fair and help pay for the cost of raising a larger animal (such as sheep or cow), which are a larger investment of time and resources, Estrada said.
“A lot of kids do depend on that part of the fair,” he said. “It’s pretty important for these kids because, for one, it teaches them responsibility … because it gives these kids responsibility on how to take care of an animal and how to stay organized and [how to track] how much money they’re spending.”
But avian flu takes a while to go away, he said, adding that he has birds at home for egg production. His family is making sure that they don’t come into contact with other flocks. The problem, though, is that wild birds are also spreading the virus, he said.
The disease spreads through wild bird species, the state vet’s letter said, “through movement of infected or exposed birds, direct or indirect contact with infected wild and domestic birds” or contact with the virus on surfaces like hands, clothing, or fur of other animals.
“We will continue to assess the threat over the next few months and rescind this ban if the situation changes,” the letter stated.
This isn’t the first time the fair has canceled its poultry shows due to an infectious disease. In 2019, the fair canceled the event to prevent the spread of Newcastle disease, a contagious respiratory disease that’s often fatal in poultry. m
—Camillia Lanham
Hot Jazz Dance Parties
Contract controversies
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: Female
Weight: 50 lbs.
Age: 5 years,
Breed: Domestic Medium Hair
Sex: Female Weight: 10 lbs. Campus: Santa Maria
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently decided to allow the Sheriff’s Office to negotiate a new shorterterm contract with the current jail health care provider, despite voicing concerns about the company’s money troubles and ability to offer quality care.
“Performance is the best indication of future results,” 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson told the Sun. “The Sheriff’s Department has not done a great job holding Wellpath accountable.”
Since 2017, the Sheriff’s Office has contracted with California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG), often referred to by the name of its umbrella company, Wellpath. In April 2024, the Santa Barbara County grand jury uncovered systemic issues with the health care provider, including persistent staffing vacancies, lack of 24/7 mental health care, insufficient financial oversight of contract-mandated credits for staffing shortages, and significant delays in annual reporting.
At the Jan. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Sheriff’s Office presented an overview of the more than $1 million in credits the county has received since April 2023 for unfilled Wellpath positions. Nelson said that the continual need for reimbursements makes him wary of the company’s ability to comply with a new contract.
“I was the one who had to bring it to their attention and make a big deal about it that we were continuing to pay them for work that they weren’t doing, and for me, that’s pretty offensive,” Nelson told the Sun. “Not only are they not staffing these positions, but they’re cashing the check every month. I don’t think we can really talk about Wellpath’s performance until we make sure that they actually have bodies in the positions.”
Sheriff Bill Brown said that blame for staffing credit and accountability issues in the past belongs to both the Sheriff’s Office and Wellpath, but they have resolved those issues. As part of the presentation to the board, he explained why Wellpath was the most qualified vendor from which they received a proposal.
“Services must be delivered under intense scrutiny and amidst a myriad of legal and health considerations while providing care to an incarcerated population of patients,” Brown told the board. “Correctional health care is, as I said, very specialized in nature, and it must be provided while balancing cost with quality of care. It is for these reasons that we believe the county should continue to contract with Wellpath for our correctional health care services.”
According to Brown, the Sheriff’s Office has worked closely with the Public Health Department and Behavioral Wellness over the past few years to modify the monitoring of Wellpath’s contract. In an email to the Sun, he said that Public Health added two new positions—a correctional health quality care improvement manager and a chief correctional health medical advisor—to ensure better contract compliance.
“These two positions were onboarded in October 2024 and December 2024 and are assisting with contract monitoring to help improve all aspects of care,” he wrote. “They are advisory to the sheriff, reporting regularly to Sheriff’s Office staff, and they help recommend adjustments to policies, procedures, and workflows to increase efficiencies, adherence to the contract, and, ultimately, to improve care.”
Following the presentation given by the Sheriff’s Office, Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami, presented a rough estimate of what the costs and staffing needs would be in the event that the Public Health Department needed to take over and provide correctional health care.
Hammami told the Sun that while the Public Health Department could manage to take over if needed, it would not be their first choice. Two of the main challenges he noted include difficulty competing with privatesector salaries due to government limits, as well as the logistical and financial burden of running extra 24/7 clinics without the cost efficiencies and centralized operations of a national company.
“From past experience, there are many county-run operations that opted to outsource care because it is the economy of scale,” Hammami said. “When you go with a national company, then you are cutting a lot of your overhead and a lot of the admin costs, so it is more cost-efficient to outsource jail health care than to run it yourself.”
First District Supervisor Roy Lee suggested a potential hybrid situation, where Public Health and Wellpath work together to provide care at the county jails. But according to Sheriff Brown, it would be difficult to “parse out portions of health and mental health care within a closed system.”
Second District Supervisor Laura Capps raised concerns about Wellpath filing for bankruptcy in November 2024, noting that it adds to her hesitation about proceeding with a new contract. Brown explained that the contract would specifically be with CFMG, not Wellpath and that CFMG is not a part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
As a result of the concerns regarding Wellpath’s past performance and the current bankruptcy proceedings, the board unanimously agreed that while the Sheriff’s Office can continue with contract negotiations with the company, the final contract should be for less than five years.
The Sheriff’s Office began negotiations on Jan. 15 and will present a new contract to the Board of Supervisors sometime before Wellpath’s current contract ends on March 31. In his email response to the Sun, Brown noted that they are focused on continuing to “provide quality health care and improve care” for those in custody.
“On balance, and contrary to some of the criticism that has been leveled against these two companies,” Brown wrote, “Wellpath and CFMG have done a good job of providing health and mental health care for inmates in the Santa Barbara County jail system.” m
Staff writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@newtimesslo.com.
QUESTIONS: Santa Barbara County supervisors aren’t as satisfied with the jail health care provider as the Sheriff’s Office is, but they voted to move forward with new contract negotiations anyway.
Paw and order
Community support fuels Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit expansion
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Before Santa Barbara County Deputy James Carovano reports for duty, he gets his partner ready for patrol by helping him put on his vest and opening the car door for him.
His partner, Obi, is a 2-year-old German shepherd, trained in patrol, urban tracking, and narcotics detection. Carovano and Obi recently joined the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit alongside Deputy Oscar Covarrubias and his highly trained German shepherd partner, Draco.
When introducing the new K-9 teams to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Jan. 7, Sheriff Bill Brown noted that Obi and Draco are more than just dogs.
“They are partners—K-9 partners—who play a vital role in protecting and serving the people of our community,” he said.
With the addition of these two K-9 teams, the Sheriff’s Office now has five working canines—three assigned to patrol and two for narcotics detection in county jails. In an interview with the Sun, Carovano said that even though he now responds to higher-risk calls, he feels safer with Obi close by at all times.
“As deputy sheriffs, we don’t really often work with a partner in our car,” Carovano said. “I mean, of course, we have partners we go to calls with and stuff like that, but to have him in the car with me, … and him watching my back when I’m on a call, it’s an amazing feeling.”
Before starting patrol, Carovano and Obi went through 200 hours of training together at the Inglis Police Dog Academy. On top of that, to ensure that he and Obi are always prepared for any call that comes their way, Carovano explained that they continue to do about 40 hours of training each month.
“The trainer is really good at making scenarios where if we’re ever in a situation where all hell breaks, he’s well prepared,” Carovano said. “We did expose him to a lot of stuff, and we trained at all different locations.”
According to Carovano, a K-9 is a unique tool used by law enforcement because, unlike a firearm, Obi can be recalled once he’s deployed.
He also highlighted that Obi’s mere presence on a call can
often prevent situations from escalating.
“It actually keeps the use of forces down because when they see the K-9, they don’t want to mess around,” Carovano said. “They don’t want to fight because they see the dog. Even though Obi is a sweet dog, and he’ll do what I tell him to do, it’s scary to some people.”
While he recognizes Obi’s importance as a tool for patrol, Carovano emphasizes their strong bond as partners.
“I love him,” Carovano admitted. “I want him to have a successful career. When it’s his time to retire, I want him to have a good retirement.”
Obi and Draco were donated through funding from Project Deputy Dog of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse.
According to Sean Koffel, the group’s president, the Posse is a nonprofit organization made up of local citizens that aims to “support the Sheriff’s Office in their efficiency.”
He explained the importance of using donations to help close the gap between rising public safety demands and the county’s limited budget. As an example, he noted that the K-9 Unit is not a specific county budget line item but is an essential asset to public safety, so they raise money to fund it.
“There have been numerous moments and incidents within our community where the patrol dogs have kept homes and communities safe,” Koffel said, “ranging from apprehending potential burglars, etc., to drug-sniffing dogs that keep fentanyl and other narcotics, in this awful opioid surge were facing, off the streets and out of our jail.”
He expressed gratitude for the individuals and families that have given money to support and enhance the K-9 Unit, noting that he’s excited to see what Project Deputy Dog might be able to do in the future.
“I think that given the recent generosity, there’s a strong possibility that the sheriff’s department might be able to expand the K-9 Unit in the coming years,” Koffel said.
For more information on the Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse and the work it does, visit sbsheriffsposse.org.
Highlight
• The Lompoc Aquatic Center expanded its offerings of private swim lessons to provide more opportunities for swimmers of all skill levels and abilities. The center now offers private lessons Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., and it will continue to offer a variety of other swim programs, including group lessons, swim evaluations, and parentchild swim lessons. For more information, contact the Lompoc Aquatic Center at (805) 875-2782 or visit cityoflompoc.com/ government/departments/ parks-recreation/lompocaquatic-center. m
Staff Writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@newtimesslo.com.
for
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DEPUTY DOGS: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office recently added two new K-9 teams: Deputy James Carovano (left) with his partner, Obi, and Deputy Oscar Covarrubias (right) with his partner, Draco.
Joseph Nunez, M.D.
Shane Rostermundt, D.O.
Michele Kielty, D.O.
Leonards, N.P.
What do you think of when you hear the name Lou Ferrigno?
63% The Incredible Hulk!
25% Watching his green Hulk makeup routine on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
12% His rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Pumping Iron.
0% His legendary bodybuilding career. 8 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.
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Bad decisions
Incompetent political leaders led to the challenges LA firefighters are facing
BY RON FINK
There is a lot of criticism in the media concerning the response to the catastrophic fires in LA County in mid-January, but is it all justified? Was it the fire department’s response or the result of politicians making bad decisions?
First there was the water supply. A retired Orange County fire chief correctly pointed out that water distribution systems are designed to supply enough water for homes and businesses plus one large-scale structure fire for a limited time. In this case scores of fire engines and water tenders were trying to draw water simultaneously and overtaxed the system.
Secondly, water supply pumps are generally electrically powered. When the utilities shut off power, the pumps can’t provide water to the system unless they have reliable, well-maintained fossil-fuel powered generators. And as the fire progresses, privately owned water system piping is damaged and large amounts of water are released only to flow down the street as the piping fails.
To design/build a system capable of reliably supplying that much water in worst-case situations would cost hundreds of millions more than the current systems.
But an empty reservoir, reported by several media sources, during high fire danger periods is inexcusable. Anyone, including the providers of an adequate water supply and politicians, who have lived for more than a year in Southern California knows that December through January produces strong winds, abundant dry vegetation, red flag fire warnings, and large fires.
Air resources weren’t used early in the fire simply because it was too windy to fly safely, and any retardant or water they dropped would have literally been blown away.
Next are building codes that do not consider that hurricane force winds will push fires out of the wildland and through adjacent developed communities within minutes. Add to that state mandated changes that substantially reduced the distance between buildings and requirements to increase housing density to solve the “housing crisis,” and you have a recipe for a deadly conflagration.
When local politicians, like those in the city of Los Angeles, reduce fire department budgets so they can support “nonemergency services,” the result is fewer resources to respond.
The LA city fire chief confirmed that 100-plus fire apparatus were out of service due to budget cuts when these fires erupted.
For decades there have been substantial fires in LA County, which have destroyed thousands of structures; many have occurred along the coastal communities of Malibu and Pacific Palisades and in the canyons of LA County and most of Southern California. So these fires weren’t as “unique” as politicians want you to believe.
So for politicians, who are responsible for public safety above all else, to simply shrug their collective shoulders, point fingers at other agencies, and seemingly say “what could we do” in the wake of one of these fires even though every fire chief in the state keeps warning them of the hazards, simply proves they are unfit for elective office.
Even though some homes were spared in the current fires, the inevitable mud flows that will come with winter rain may destroy them too, and it will take months to restore utilities and remove the rubble.
It’s going to take at least a decade to rebuild these communities, and many people may never recover from their losses. Then vegetation will return, the wind will blow, and more large fires will occur. And if property owners can afford to rebuild, bureaucratic red tape will impede their efforts.
Despite reduced budgets and the lack of water, responding firefighters and law enforcement people risked their lives to assist in evacuations; however, the wind and fire still claimed many lives and destroyed 10,000-plus homes and businesses.
It doesn’t matter what your economic status is, when you lose your home, you are homeless and if you lose your business, you can’t provide services or jobs. When will politicians start focusing on protecting the public from these predictable catastrophic fires and start listening to fire officials’ concerns? If they don’t, there will be more fatalities and vacant lots. m
Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
MAYFIELD
Are we prepared?
As wildfires rage across Southern California, it’s impossible not to think about how vulnerable our own Santa Ynez Valley could be in a similar scenario. Fires are unpredictable, devastating, and increasingly common in drought-prone areas like ours. Add to that the overgrowth, high winds, and the growing number of high-density developments here, and it’s clear we need to ask ourselves some serious questions about the future of our valley.
In a fire emergency, evacuation routes are critical. Yet here in Santa Ynez, we have limited access points: Highways 246, 101, and 154. These roads are already congested on regular days. Imagine trying to escape a wildfire while navigating gridlocked traffic with flames closing in.
Overgrowth and high-density building only make matters worse. Fires thrive in areas with overgrown vegetation and closely packed structures, making it easier for flames to spread and harder for emergency responders to contain the blaze. Recent fires in Southern California have shown us how quickly entire communities can be wiped out when development outpaces safety planning. Do we want the Santa Ynez Valley to face the same risk?
The reality is that new developments bring added pressure on our already limited water supply, greater traffic congestion, and, critically, increased fire risk. These are not problems we can ignore, and they need to be thoroughly studied before we add more strain to our valley. This isn’t about opposing all growth; it’s about responsible growth. It’s about making sure our community’s safety, resources, and unique character aren’t sacrificed for outside interests.
Fires don’t wait for us to get prepared—they strike when we least expect it. If we don’t take a stand now to advocate for thoughtful planning and responsible development, we could be putting ourselves and future generations in harm’s way. Brian Carrillo Solvang
Our Pyrocene era
We live in the “Pyrocene” era … the age of fire. Supercharged Santa Ana winds, record high temperatures, and drought have fueled the current wildfire crisis. There is death in Los Angeles County, tens of thousands have been displaced, and countless homes are reduced to ashes.
In the far north of our state, massive fires have torn through rainforests where climate change burned off the region’s protective layer of fog and mist.
As with increasing hurricane devastation in Florida, and massive flooding in many other states, insurance losses mount. Our insurance premiums continue to rise, if coverage is even available.
We are in the midst of natural disasters caused by climate change. The burning of fossil fuels is the main culprit. Profits for ExxonMobil officers and shareholders continue to grow, while we pay the price.
ExxonMobil seeks to restart oil production off Santa Barbara and, via its creation called Sable Oil, ship it in the same pipeline that caused a catastrophic spill 10 years ago.
The U.S. is already the world’s biggest producer of oil and gas. No new production is needed. Unless we actively favor a clean energy economy over the shortsighted mercantile interests of Big Oil, wildly destructive weather events will only escalate in frequency and ferocity.
Our county Planning and Development folks must do more thorough, creditable, and rigorous reviews of proposals pushed by Big Oil. And if county Supervisors Bob Nelson and Steve Lavagnino would truly work in the best interest of constituents, we could all navigate climate change with less calamitous damage and with less onerous insurance premiums for us all.
Seth Steiner Los Alamos
Slow claps all around
The Santa Barbara County jails’ health care contractor has paid the county back $1 million since 2017. Why?
Well. The California Forensic Medical Group—aka Wellpath—hadn’t employed all the staffers it was contracted to employ and was paid for it anyway. That $1 million in credits is Wellpath’s way of reimbursing the county for unfilled positions.
Must be nice. I wish I could get paid for hours I didn’t work and then “reimburse” my employer for it on the honor system.
County Sheriff Bill Brown didn’t seem to see an issue with the issue, but 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson was ticked!
“I was the one who had to bring it to their attention and make a big deal about it that we were continuing to pay them for work that they weren’t doing, and for me, that’s pretty offensive,” he said. “Not only are they not staffing these positions, but they’re cashing the check every month.”
In addition to that, Wellpath—CFMG’s parent organization—filed for bankruptcy in November. So … does that mean at some point, Wellpath won’t be paying the county back?
Brown asserted that it’s nothing to be worried about. After all, CFMG didn’t file for bankruptcy. Wellpath did. But CFMG is listed as a party affiliated with Wellpath in the federal bankruptcy docket. Nothing to see here?
I guess the county supervisors did the only thing they could and approved the Sheriff’s Office to start negotiating for a new contract that’s shorter than five years. Slow clap. SpaceX gets a slow clap, too! With plans to eventually hit 100 launches a year from Vandenberg Space Force Base, the company sued the California Coastal Commission
for disagreeing with the U.S. Air Force over compliance with local rules and regulations.
The commission’s October decision to deny Vandenberg’s federal consistency determination for an increase to 50 launches per year violated the First Amendment, SpaceX asserts in the lawsuit. In addition, Elon Musk’s company alleges that the commission’s decision was illegal.
The commission’s decisions about Vandenberg launches, though, don’t really mean anything. All it really means is that the state disagrees with the federal agency. As state Attorney General Rob Bonta states in a motion to dismiss the SpaceX lawsuit, the U.S. Air Force moved forward with the project anyway.
So, what’s the problem, Musky? Is this a political lawsuit? Sure seems like it.
The politics over drive-throughs is heating up in Buellton, but not so hot you’ll burn your tongue— at least not yet. A gigantic coffee pot is holding up the planning process along Avenue of the Flags.
Who doesn’t want to drive through a Paul Bunyon-sized coffee pot to snag a cup of joe?
Apparently, Theresa Reilly doesn’t.
“The idea of a 30-foot-tall coffee pot, I understand some people think that’s cute, but for the most part, people do not appreciate the design element of that,” she said.
It does sound hideous.
But more importantly, the area’s specific plan doesn’t allow drive-throughs. Naturally, the project developer wants to throw that part of the plan right into the trash.
After the In-N-Out fiasco, what will Buellton decide? m
Stay tuned for our next episode. Send ideas to canary@santamariasun.com.
Hot Stuff
TROLL KIN
Danish artist Thomas Dambo will take part in an art talk program on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m., at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Building. Attendees can look forward to hearing about Dambo’s career and use of recycled materials to create his colossal wooden trolls, including his new troll installation set to debut on Sunday, Feb. 2, inside the California Nature Art Museum. Visit calnatureartmuseum.org for more info.
—Caleb Wiseblood
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. KleinDance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria. CASUAL CRAFTERNOON: BEADED
CURTAIN PINS Follow a pattern or make your own design to wear as a pin. Registration is required for this event, designed for patrons 18 and older. Jan. 28 5-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN
DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. 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.
RIDE THE CYCLONE: THE MUSICAL When six teen choir singers meet an unexpected fate on a roller coaster, their afterlife takes a surprising turn. With the help of a mechanical fortuneteller, they’re given a chance to harmonize their way back to the world of the living. Through Jan. 26 my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
A DEEPER LOVE: NEW PAINTINGS
INSPIRED BY CORAL REEFS A vivid duo exhibition that highlights a collection of paintings by husband and wife team David Gallup and Nansi Bielanski Gallup. Through Feb. 1 calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.
FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING Castle has long been interested in shamanic rituals and the masks associated with them. This exhibit provides a rare glimpse of the many sides of Castle that unfolded while creating this series. Jan. 25 - April 6 elverhoj.org/. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, (805) 686-1211.
ONCE THERE WAS A TOWN: THE PORT CHICAGO STORY Join local nonprofit Artist Advocacy Foundation as they host a fundraising event and showcase an original docudrama for voices. Jan. 29 7-8:30 p.m. $35. 805-4484208. artistadvocacyfoundation.org. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez.
SILENTS ON THE ISLANDS: SILENT MOVIES ON THE CHANNEL ISLANDS
Listen in on an author-led lecture of “Silents on the Islands” by Betsy J. Green. Visit site for more information. Jan. 29 5:30-7 p.m. $0-15. (805) 966-1601. sbhistorical.org. Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E. De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara.
THOMAS DAMBO: TROLL INSTALLATION
With help from a crew of local and visiting volunteer builders, Danish artist and activist Thomas Dambo constructed his first troll sculpture in an indoor setting. Feb. 2 calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., 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
DRAG AND DIM SUM BRUNCH Celebrate the energy of Chinese New Year with performances by drag queens Babie Blue Delusional and Nova Cane, followed by Juicy CW. Stand-up comedian UnPaquito and DJ Ezra Paco will set the vibes for the afternoon. Feb. 2 , 11 a.m. $24. Hangar 7, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 430-8328. THE LOMPOC VALLEY ART ASSOCIATION’S CYPRESS GALLERY PRESENTS 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. Through Jan. 26 (805) 291-9317. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, lompocart.org.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
THE ALUMINUM SHOW This high energy performance combines dynamic dance, captivating visual theater, and plenty of humor for an unforgettable family outing. Talented dancers and actors bring aluminum-made industrial materials to life. Jan. 25 7:30-10:30 p.m. $39-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/
aluminum-show/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
BEHIND BARBED WIRE: A GLIMPSE AT CENTRAL COAST JAPANESE
AMERICAN LIFE DURING WWII Watch this production that commemorates the time when around 45 percent of Arroyo Grande high school students were bussed to internment camps with their JapaneseAmerican families. A live orchestra and big band, guest performers, video, poetry, swing music of the ‘40s and narration will showcase our region’s local heritage of “sacrifice, friendship, patriotism, hard work, and community solidarity.” Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 31 , 7:30 p.m. $12. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444, clarkcenter.org.
CENTRAL COAST PRINTMAKER SHOW
Stop by to check out a diverse collection of original artwork through the month of February. The Central Coast Printmakers’ Show reception is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 from 2-4p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 12-6 p.m. through Feb. 27 Free. (805) 4899444. centralcoastprintmakersofCa.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
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. DIY SPRING BULB GARDEN Turn winter into spring with your own spring bulb garden, with daffodils, crocus, dwarf irises, and more. All supplies, including the container, provided. Jan. 25 2-3 p.m. $55.
(805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com.
The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
GALLERY AT MONARCH DUNES WINTER
SHOWCASE ART RECEPTION The Gallery at Monarch Dunes is delighted to announce a reception for the opening of its all-new Winter Showcase Art Exhibit. Jan. 24 , 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 709-2281. Gallery at Monarch Dunes, 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo.
LA CASITA COMEDY SHOW Features local talent recently coming off tours. Jan. 25, 8-10 p.m. my805tix.com. La Casita, 1572 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
THE LOVE SHOW Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 31 , 7 p.m. and Feb. 1 7 p.m. $35. Studio of Performing Arts, 805 West Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam
Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters.
Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
BANFF CENTRE: MOUNTAIN FILM
FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR The Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to town to showcase more mountain films. Each night features 7 to 9 diverse films that range from compelling outdoor adventures to rich storytelling about the environment. A portion of the proceeds support the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. Jan. 24 7 p.m. and Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Starts at $27. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand
building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. 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.
INDIES + EATS The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre partnered with Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo on Indies + Eats, a series of film screenings and three-course dinner specials to support the SLO International Film Festival. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays. through Feb. 2 thepalmtheatre.com. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.
JULIE ALPERT: STRANGE MAGIC As you step into Strange Magic, artist Julie Alpert’s first solo show in California, you’ll know one thing for certain: “Life is being lived.” Through March 2, 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
Hot Stuff
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.
LEWIS BLACK LIVE Join Lewis Black on his Goodbye Yeller Brick Road tour during this all ages event. Black has been described as “one of the most iconic voices in American comedy,” with a decades-long career. Jan. 23 7 p.m. $45. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
MARC MARON: ALL IN TOUR Join Maron as he hits the stage during this all ages event. He has released many hit stand-up comedy specials on platforms such as HBO Max and Netflix, and starred on the recent Netflix series “GLOW.” Jan. 31 7 p.m. $49. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
ON THE EDGE COMEDY PRESENTS: CHRIS WILLIAMS Join local and traveling comedians during this night of laughter and drinks. Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 28 7:30-9 p.m. $13. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
OPENING RECEPTION FOR BEFORE THESE WITNESSES Join for a reception and artist talk for Daisy Patton’s ‘Before These Witnesses,’ along with food, drink, live music, and art. Jan. 30
4:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 546-3202. cuesta.edu/ student/campuslife/artgallery/index.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
THE PACK DRUMLINE Official drumline of the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Sky (WNBA), this dynamic performance group has skyrocketed to fame with their expert drumming, intricate choreography, and stunning visuals that will have you on the edge of your seat. Performance presented by Cal Poly Arts. Jan. 26
2 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org/20242025season/the-pack-drumline. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., 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.
THIS IS ONLY A TEST Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility commemorates its 20th anniversary with this photography exhibit. Reception will take place on Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Through Feb. 14 The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
WHIP IT: A WEST COAST SWING JAM Groove with Nexus SLO during an intermediate west coast swing lesson at 7p.m. followed by social dancing. Jan. 25 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.
WHITNEY BEDFORD: THE WINDOW The Window intricately bridges the natural, the historical, and the imagined. Through Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/whitney-bedford/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY LAURA
MURPHY Murphy is a Central Coast artist who creates abstract, non-representational art using acrylic and inks on canvas. Feb. 1-27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 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. Through Jan. 29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART PAINTINGS, POETRY, AND SMALL WORKS BY GEORGE ASDEL Asdel has been creating small works featuring his poetry and art for many years here on the Central Coast. Feb. 1-27 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. FOCUS ON BIRDS: A GROUP WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Come discover what all our bird friends in the Estuary have been up to. Through Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FOR THE BIRDS Held in conjunction with the
FIGURE OF SPEAK
To celebrate the debut of local artist Joe Castle’s new solo show, titled Figuratively Speaking, the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang will host an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests of the free event can look forward to enjoying light refreshments and viewing Castle’s diverse range of contemporary artworks on display. To find out more, call (805) 686-1211 or visit elverhoj.org.
—C.W.
Morro Bay Bird Festival. This group exhibit features artworks depicting various avian subjects from the show’s pool of artists. Through Feb. 17 artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504. 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. Through Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS BY BRIAN
JOHNSON Johnson creates mixed media abstract art using inks, gels, and mirrors. Through Jan. 29 Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
STAINED GLASS WINDCHIMES WITH DEBORAH WOGAN Participants will be provided with a choice of patterns and materials to create wind chimes, while learning how to cut glass, copper foil, solder, and hang. Jan. 24 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $110. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:309:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE LESSONS This beginning dance class teaches the essentials of Argentine Tango. No partner or previous experience is needed. Sponsored by Arroyo Grande Parks & Recreation. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. through Feb. 24 $12 per class. (805) 473-5473. arroyogrande.org. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS
CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
CUPID PAWS DOGGIE PARADE This year’s parade participants will receive goodie bags donated by Petco Arroyo Grande. Visit site for more info. Feb. 1 , 11 a.m. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Promenade, 404 Front St., Avila Beach.
GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS Visit the mall this holiday season to meet Santa Claus and take a photo with him. Contact mall management for dates and details. ongoing Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria.
RAINBOW READS BOOK CLUB The book for January is Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune. Registration is required to this 18 and over book club. Jan. 24 , 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: ORIGAMI
BOOKMARKS Make reading more exciting with an origami bookmark of your choice. Registration is required to this event for ages 18 and over. Jan. 25, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/ library. Get ready to join an epic adventure with Dungeons and Dragons presented by Central Coast Games. Registration is required and it is designed for patrons 18 and older. Jan. 26 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/ library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
UPWARD MOBILITY SUMMIT The Coalition for Upward Mobility in Santa Barbara County will host its first Upward Mobility Summit simultaneously at Allan Hancock College and Santa Barbara City College. Jan. 24 , 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. communifysb.org. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and
DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com. Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS
Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE
ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at this clinic. All levels welcome. Jan. 25 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK
AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Garden
is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit
website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions
Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
CAMP POLYHACKS 2025 HACKATHON
Join in on this immersive multi-day problem solving workshop that includes hours of collaboration, as well as free food and prizes. Event is limited to Cal Poly students. Jan. 24 Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 Free. my805tix.com/. Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 872 Higuera Street, 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, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong.
Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
DESIGN FOR DIGNITY: HOUSING FOR QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Join Lawrence Scarpa and Angela
Brooks for a discussion on new models and emerging trends in affordable and low-income housing design, as well as some inclusive approaches to fostering equitable communities. Jan. 30, 5:45-7:30 p.m. $18. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, thepennyslo.com.
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.
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. rationalmetaphysics.com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published.
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,
REEL TO TABLE
The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre partnered with Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo on Indies + Eats, a series of film screenings and three-course dinner specials to support the SLO International Film Festival. Upcoming program dates include Jan. 25, 26, and 30, and Feb. 1 and 2. Visit thepalmtheatre.com for more info on the curated film and dinner pairings, and to purchase tickets.
fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
SLO SKIERS “MONTHLY” MEETING
Stop by for a social hour with food and drink, followed by the meeting at 6:30. Jan. 28 , 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. sloskiers.org. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San
Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4316.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+
AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@ gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land
Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Fourth Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.
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.
TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
55 AND OVER HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR Stop by this fair to meet with over 40 exhibitors covering all areas of senior living including physical therapy, nutrition, free tax preparation, scams, dementia, transportation and housing. Jan. 25, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 772-6279. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, morro-bay.ca.us.
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.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 14
Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot and Sarah McLachlan
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Cambria Center For The Arts
Tomb Dweller, Utter Scorn, Ritual Of Despair
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Dark Nectar, Atascadero
Yoga’ssage, All Are Welcome
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Crows End Retreat, SLO
Design for Dignity: Housing for Quality of Life and Social Change
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 The Penny, SLO
On the Edge Comedy Presents: Chris Williams
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 Libertine Brewing Company, SLO
Thomas Blumberg Featuring Arno Kristensen
Nature of YOU: Earth Element, Sound Journey
Casita Comedy Show
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
La Casita Mexican Restaurant, Grover Beach The Night Blooming Jazzmen & Tu Chez
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 Central Coast Body Therapy Center, Los Osos Embodied Vinyasa Yoga in Morro Bay
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 The Bunker SLO Noelle & The Deserters with Anna Hillburg and Mary Simich
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
Car Bar, Templeton
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Aurora Adventures on the Beach, Morro Bay
and Dim Sum Brunch
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
Wednesday
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29
The Drum Brewery, SLO
Base @ Hanger 7, Lompoc Michael Nowak and Friends
All-Mozart
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
United Methodist Church, Los Osos
Trivia
Night with Brain Stew Trivia
Be a Prick-Girls Night Out (Cactus Garden Class)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Golden State Goods, Atascadero
Sirs of Swing Return
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Efflorescence: Embodiment Workshop for Women
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Flip Tease Pole Fitness Studio, Atascadero
Painting Workshop with Drew Davis
Sutratma, Tragic Visions, Mechanical Ghost, & More!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Humdinger Brewing, SLO
Alchemy Healing Reiki Circle
Hot Stuff
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION The Cambria Land Trust invites you to join at the Creekside Reserve to celebrate Chinese New Year. Jan. 26 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 927-2866. Creekside Reserve, 2264 Center St., Cambria.
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.
PALI KAI OUTRIGGER RACING CANOE CLUB Join, train, and race with these Sunday morning demonstrations. Enjoy getting in a canoe and on the water. These sessions are a great way to make new friends and stay in shape. Sundays, 9-11 a.m. through March 1 Three practices for free. palikai.org/joinus/. Coleman Park (Morro Bay), 101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay, (805) 772-6278.
FOOD & DRINK
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE
INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
REJUVENATING RITUAL
Aurora Adventures founder and yoga instructor Dawn Feuerberg will lead Embodied Yoga for Vitality in Morro Bay on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This outdoor class includes meditation and is described as a nourishing and grounding yoga practice. Visit my805tix.com to register. Participants are asked to meet at 102 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay.
—C.W.
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) 9250464. coelhomusic.com /Lessons/lessons. html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria. OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria. SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Drew Davis Fine
SLO
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, SLO
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check
Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO
TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.
OX + ANCHOR: “INDIES & EATS” In support of the SLO International Film Festival, Hotel SLO’s Michelin-recognized modern steakhouse, Ox + Anchor, is offering evenings of film and fine dining. Movies and dinner are running every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday now through mid-February. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 7 p.m. through Feb. 23 hotel-slo.com/events/indies+eats/. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.
PIÑATAS ON THE PATIO What is more festive than a piñata? Join for some brunch drinks and a couple of good hits to a piñata (or two). Good times and goofy prices promised. Turns will be determined on a first come, first served basis. First Sunday of every month Free. Rambling Spirits, 3845 S. Higuera St. (inside SLO Public Market), San Luis Obispo, drinkramblingspirits.com.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
BRASS MASH LIVE Dance and sing along to this unique band’s brass-powered mashups of pop, rock, and hip-hop hits. Jan. 25, 4-8 p.m. $19. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777, blast825brewery.com/.
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
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.
LOUNGE ACT AND THE HARSH CARPETS Come dressed in your best grunge attire and rock out to live music, along with trivia, and drinks. Jan. 25 7 p.m. $18. my805tix.com. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
THE MOANIN’ FROGS The Moanin’ Frogs offer an electrifying approach to chamber music. Conservatory-trained and entertainment-minded, the band offers dynamic performances of classical, ragtime, and jazz. Jan. 25 7-9 p.m. $25. lompocconcert.org. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc. YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY EASTON EVERETT LIVE Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate finger style guitar playing. Jan. 23 5-7 p.m. Free. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.
Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cambria
Victoria Bailey with Emilee Morrison
Club Car Bar, Templeton
Art,
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
THE NIGHT BLOOMING JAZZMEN AND TU CHEZ Ring in 2025 with Pasadena-based group, The Night Blooming Jazzmen, and local favorite Tu Chez. There will be a jam session followed by the main concert. Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $15. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo.
THE PLATTERS, THE DRIFTERS, AND THE CORNEL GUNTER COASTERS
“It’s not a concert — it’s a party!” Spend a nostalgic evening saluting three of the world’s most beloved musical groups, all of whom were instrumental in creating the rock and doo-wop sound. This show has songs to please every palate. Feb. 1 , 4-7 p.m. $49.50-$80.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/shows/drifters-platters-coasters/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CAL POLY BACH WEEK CHAMBER CONCERT: BUXTEHUDE — THE ITALIAN INFLUENCE IN NORTHERN GERMANY The music of Dietrich Buxtehude was a profound influence on Bach’s style. In this program, Tesserae Baroque and festival bass John Buffett will explore works by Buxtehude and his contemporaries alongside selected early Italian works. Jan. 24 7:30 p.m. $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY BACH WEEK FINALE CONCERT: MAGNIFICAT
Members of Cal Poly’s Chamber Choir, Symphony, and faculty will join with guest artists to perform works based on the Magnificat text, a canticle from the traditional Vespers service that shares the song of Mary as found in the gospel of Luke. Jan. 25, 2 & 7:30 p.m. $22 general; $12 students. (805) 756-4849. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY BACH WEEK INSTRUMENTAL MASTER CLASS AND CONTINUO WORKSHOP Guest artists Leif Woodward, cello, and Anna Washburn, violin, will coach Cal Poly students in instrumental repertoire from the Baroque era. Jan. 23 , 11:10 a.m.-
1 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY BACH WEEK VOCAL MASTER CLASS Guest artist
John Buffett will coach several Cal Poly voice students in repertoire from the Baroque era. Jan. 23 3:10-4 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY BACH WEEK: AKADEMIE LECTURE-DEMONSTRATION Music Department Chair Alicia M. Doyle will present a lecture titled “Music for the Golden Hour” which will explore the evolution of service music for Vespers from chant to J.S. Bach. Guest performers will demonstrate the lecture concepts. Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. bachweek.calpoly.edu/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student pianists. Jan. 30 7:30 p.m. . (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. CHANNEL FREQUENCIES PRESENTS: WITCHIN ALLEYS, KROOKS, EXCUSE ME SIR, THE LET DOWNS Embrace a night of eclectic sound and local talent as these four bands hit Libertine’s stage. This is an 18 and over show. Jan. 24 , 7-11 p.m. $5. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
LIBERTINE AND CHANNEL FREQUENCIES PRESENTS: SONYA, BIG SIERRA, AND DUSTY SOULS Head to town for a night of live performance and dancing with these three California-based bands and musicians. This is a 21 and over show. Jan. 23 8-11:55 p.m. Free. libertinebrewing.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD
DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (805) 544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com/index.htm.
RAINBOW GIRLS LIVE Step into a realm where shadows dance, and whispers echo through the night. For ages 18 and over. Jan. 24 7 p.m. $29. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.
SONGS OF SOLACE: A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR LOS ANGELES
WILDFIRE RELIEF Enjoy music from more than nine artists, including Moonshiner Collective, The Vibe Setters, and Funk Junket. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the California Fire Foundation. Visit the link to get tickets and donate. Jan. 26 12-8 p.m. $24. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AFTER EIGHT: FREE AFTERNOON DANCE PARTY Bust a groove with eight-member cover band After Eight, who will bring their energy and play a diverse setlist of pop, rock, country, and Spanish hits. Jan. 25, 2-5 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/.
SEA SHANTY SING-ALONG Enjoy as The Morro Bay Shanty Project performs sea shanties and other songs of the sea. Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 225-6571. Dockside Restaurant, 1245 Embarcadero bay front, Morro Bay. m
Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER. ©2024 Chumash
Grooming Team: Colette Florey, Janae Amador & Isabella Moreno Groomers’ Assistants: Jacob Hughes, Brandi Janke, Cody Dugan & Morgan
ARTS BRIEFS
Elverhoj Museum of History and Art highlights The Absent One during next book club meeting
Attendees of the next book club meeting at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang will discuss author Jussi Adler-Olsen’s novel The Absent One The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m.
The Absent One is the second entry of Adler-Olsen’s Department Q series and follows an investigator who reopens a cold case. Two decades prior to the novel’s start, two siblings were brutally murdered, but the investigation closed when a suspect confessed to the crime and has been serving time in prison ever since.
Despite the confession, the protagonist of The Absent One is convinced the real killer hasn’t been caught yet, according to press materials. Copies of The Absent One are available for sale at the Elverhoj Museum’s store, open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Elverhoj Museum’s book club is open to adults ages 18 and older. Refreshments are available for guests during the club’s meetings, held monthly. For more info on the program as well as the museum’s current exhibits and various offerings, call (805) 686-1211 or visit elverhoj.org. The museum is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang.
Chumash Casino Resort brings Tower of Power to Santa Ynez in February
Tickets are currently available to attend legendary R&B and funk band Tower of Power’s concert at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez on Friday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. Admission to the performance, set to be held in the resort’s Samala Showroom, ranges from $39 to $79.
Formed in 1968, Tower of Power is best known for hits like “You’re Still a Young Man,” “So Very Hard to Go,” and “Don’t Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream).” The ensemble’s first album, East Bay Grease was released in 1970, while its latest album, It’s Christmas , hit shelves last year. The band has received widespread acclaim partly thanks to its influential horn section. Artists who have collaborated with Tower of Power over the years include Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Santana, and others. Tower of Power’s founding members Emilio Castillo and Stephen “Doc” Kupka are among the group’s current lineup.
To purchase tickets to Tower of Power’s upcoming concert or find out more about the Chumash Casino Resort’s additional upcoming events, visit chumashcasino.com. The Chumash Casino Resort is located at 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. m Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
Crowning achievements
Nipomo’s Gallery at Monarch Dunes showcases paintings and photos from Trilogy residents
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
The colorfully mysterious settings found in Nipomo artist Lynne Hanna’s abstract landscapes evoke feelings of familiarity for some viewers, and otherworldliness for others. Her oil, acrylic, and mixed-media pieces range from those inspired by a specific terrain or viewpoint, to others that depict several settings simultaneously.
She had deserts, prairies, lagoons, and other environments in mind while painting Hidden Places—one of the artist’s pieces currently on display in a group exhibit at the Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo. But whether they’re even in the painting or not is entirely up to the viewer, as far as Hanna is concerned.
“That’s why I really like abstract, because everybody’s going to look at that differently,” Hanna said while walking through the Gallery
at Monarch Dunes. “[I want] the viewer to find their own way into the painting.”
Hanna moved to Nipomo from Colorado with her husband about four years ago and has been drawn to capturing Central Coast sights via abstract and impressionistic landscapes ever since, but solely from memory, rather than reference photographs, she said.
Although her pieces tend to depict or allude to specific settings and objects once they’re complete, her end goal isn’t set in stone beforehand and seems to evolve with each brushstroke during her painting process, which she described as instinctual yet unemotional.
“A lot of abstract painters will paint their inner emotions. I usually don’t know if I find feelings [in my work], but it’s more of an intuitive kind of thing where I just make a mark and keep going from there,” Hanna explained, “rather than starting out with, you know, anger or something.”
Hanna is one of several artists whose works are included in the Gallery at Monarch Dunes Winter Showcase. An opening reception for the show—which highlights various media created by members of the Trilogy Art Group—is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Dune patrol
The Gallery at Monarch Dunes will host an opening reception to celebrate the Trilogy Art Group’s Winter Showcase on Friday, Jan. 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The show will remain on display until sometime in March. The gallery is open to the public each Saturday, from 1 to 3 p.m., and is located at 1640
The show will remain up until sometime in March, when a new rotation of featured artworks will line the gallery’s walls.
Gallery spokesperson and participating artist Fred Ventura has two pieces on display in the current exhibit: one digital painting and one photograph. Ventura is both a member of the Trilogy Art Group and the Monarch Shutterflies, a local photography collective displaying more than 60 photos at the gallery in conjunction with the Trilogy Art Group’s Winter Showcase. Ventura’s featured photograph in the exhibit is titled Lotus Flower, which he took during a group field trip from Nipomo to Lotusland in Montecito arranged by the Monarch Shutterflies last August. Members of the Trilogy Art Group and Monarch Shutterflies live at Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, a residential community in Nipomo near the Monarch Dunes Golf Club.
Although the club’s golf courses didn’t inspire any of the green hues found in Hanna’s landscapes currently on display, they’re in her line of sight quite often.
“I’m not a golfer, but my husband and I will watch them whenever we’re eating at the grill,” Hanna said, referring to the Butterfly Grille, which overlooks the Golf Club. “It’s great for people-watching.” m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is watching his inbox at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
HUED HORIZON: Local abstract painter and Trilogy Art Group member Lynne Hanna is one of several artists with pieces—including Evening Light—currently on display in a new group exhibit at the Gallery at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo.
COURTESY IMAGE BY LYNNE HANNA
COURTESY PHOTO BY JIM STEPKOWSKI
DOWN BY THE BAY: As part of the Trilogy Art Group’s Winter Showcase, a collection of photographs by members of the Monarch Shutterflies is currently on display at the Gallery at Monarch Dunes. Jim Stepkowski (whose work is pictured) is one of the exhibit’s featured photographers.
COURTESY IMAGE BY FRED VENTURA
WING STOP: Gallery at Monarch Dunes spokesperson and digital painter Fred Ventura completed Pelicans in Flight in early January. It’s one of Ventura’s two featured pieces included in the Trilogy Art Group’s Winter Showcase.
Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo.
COURTESY IMAGE BY LYNNE HANNA
RIDERS ON THE STORM: Nipomo-based artist Lynne Hanna captures impressions of rainfall in her abstract landscape, titled Stormy Monday
How the West was wrong
Peter Berg directs creator Mark L. Smith’s Western TV miniseries set in 1857 during the Utah War and the violent clash between the Mormons, the U.S. government, early settlers, and the indigenous tribes, focusing on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The miniseries mixes historically real people with fictional characters. (132 min.)
Glen: Most Westerns are romanticized stories of good triumphing over evil, but American Primeval makes it clear that its version of westward expansion will not be romanticizing Manifest Destiny. It doesn’t pit black-hatted bad guys against white-hatted good guys. Its morals are more complicated. Good guys don’t win. Justice is not served. Power trumps all. Violence is the language of the land. The main storyline follows mother and son Sara (Betty Gilpin) and Devin (Preston Mota), who are heading west to meet with Devin’s father, but finding a dependable guide proves nearly impossible. They end up attached to an ill-fated wagon train guided by Fancher (director Peter Berg) that includes some Mormons: Jacob (Dane DeHaan) and his new wife, Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon). Meanwhile, led by Brigham Young (Kim Coates), the Mormons are claiming Utah as their Zion, drawing the ire of the U.S. government and a platoon led by Capt. Edmund Dellinger (Lucas Neff). Also in the mix are the indigenous tribes of the Shoshone, led by fierce warrior Red Feather (Derek Hinkey), and the Paiute, who are aligned with the Nauvoo Legion,
LANDMAN
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2024-present
Where’s it showing? Paramount Plus
the Mormon militia led by James Wolsey (Joe Tippett), a murderous mercenary. I have to say, the depiction of these early Mormons is ugly. It’s a compelling drama with kinetically filmed action sequences and significant gore. I loved the grit and realism. If you enjoyed The Revenant (2015), which was co-written by Smith, you’ll love this too.
Anna: It doesn’t paint this period in a rosetinted light. It’s dirty and mean, and it seems that most people are just fighting to survive— some in more unscrupulous ways than others.
What’s it rated? TV-MA
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Sara Rowell is a no-nonsense woman whose single-minded focus is getting her son to Crook Springs, and come hell or high water, she’ll find a way to get there. Unfortunately, they’re late to meet their hired guide, and he’s gone. Sara has little choice but to join the wagon train setting out. Mr. Reed (Taylor Kitsch) refused to guide Sara and Devon, but he can’t help but follow them when they leave. When things go awry, he swoops in to save them, and it isn’t the last time.
The three become four when a young native woman named Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier) reveals herself as a stowaway after fleeing her village. While the series follows various groups, this is the one at its core. There’s danger around every corner, and soon many are on the hunt for Sara, who had a bounty on her head for murder. Gripping and gritty and filled with both strong, admirable characters along with vile, terrible counterparts, all the threads that weave these stories together are evocative. Glen: Mixing in real characters such as Brigham
Young, wagon train leader Fancher, Fort Bridger owner Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), and Young’s goon Wild Bill Hickman (Alex Breaux) with fictional ones like Isaac, Sara, and Devin adds to the realism. Even some of the fictionalized characters are based on real people, including Shoshone tribal chief Winter Bird (Irene Bedard), based on a historical chief. It’s a thrilling story and, if this is how the West was won, an ugly one. Anna: It certainly doesn’t romanticize the period. Things were wholly unpleasant and
dangerous, it seems. I loved how Sara and Reed grew on each other and how the four became so close. Trauma-bonding, no doubt, but sweet just the same. I also loved Abish’s story and watching her turn from meek wife into a strong woman. This paints the West with blood and grit, a story that’s unfortunately more truth than fiction. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Score another TV hit for writer/actor Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone 1883 1823 Mayor of Kingstown Tulsa King Lioness). Landman is another macho neo-Western, this time about the boom-or-bust oil business. The story centers on Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), a fixer for M-Tex petroleum company owned by Monty Miller (Jon Hamm). Norris is operations VP, but that really means he’s in charge of containing the series of disasters that daily befall the business. Tommy lives in a McMansion with petroleum engineer Dale Bradley (James Jordan), and uptight company attorney Nathan (Colm Feore). But soon his estranged and wild wife, Angela (Ali Larter), comes back into his life with his free-spirited daughter, Ainsley (Michelle Randolph). Meanwhile, his son, Cooper (Jacob Lofland), has dropped out of college and wants to learn the oil business. Tommy’s putting out fires in both his business and personal life.
Thornton is fantastic—funny, profane, impatient, but unflappable and loving toward his family and loyal to Monty and Monty’s wife, Cami (Demi Moore at the top of her game).
legal snafus while also keeping his dysfunctional family together, in Landman, streaming on Paramount Plus.
It’s the story of gamblers trying to win big every time they place a bet on a new piece of land and a new well. (10 approximately 55-min. episodes)
A REAL PAIN
What’s it rated? R When? 2024
Where’s it showing? Hulu, Amazon Prime I missed this one when it played at the Palm Theatre, but it’s made many critics’ Top 10 lists for 2024. I wouldn’t put it in my top 10 (A lot of competition last year!), but this is a thoughtful film exploring complex human emotions and family dynamics. Deftly written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg (When You Finish Saving the World ), who’s better known as an actor ( Zombieland The Social Network The Squid and the Whale), the film stars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as cousins David and Benji Kaplan, who reunite for a guided Holocaust tour through Poland in honor of the recently deceased grandmother they both dearly loved. David and Benji were close as children, but they’ve drifted apart. David, married with a child, is a nebbish workaholic. Benji is charming and fearless but adrift. They couldn’t be more different, and the story busies itself by examining their dynamics as well as how they interact with the other members of the tour group.
It’s a charming, heartfelt, and smartly written dramedy, with a score consisting almost entirely of piano pieces by
RELUCTANT HERO: Frontiersman Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch, center) rescues a mother and son, Sara (Betty Gilpin) and Devin (Preston Mota), after their wagon train is attacked, in American Primeval, now streaming on Netflix.
Polish virtuoso Frédéric François Chopin. Eisenberg (reserved) and Culkin (an unpredictable force of nature) effectively play to type. (90 min.) m
CRISIS MANAGEMENT: Billy Bob Thornton stars as oil company fixer, Tommy Norris, who has to deal with everything from drug cartels to oil rig accidents to
THE ODD COUPLE: Jewish cousins Benji (Kieran Culkin, right) and David (Jesse Eisenberg) reunite over the loss of their beloved grandmother and embark on a Holocaust tour of her native Poland, in A Real Pain, streaming on Amazon Prime.
Share tasty tips! Send tidbits on everything food and drink to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
Sipping jubilee
Fess Parker celebrates 25th anniversary of boutique label Epiphany BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
One couple’s honeymoon plans set in motion the creation of Epiphany, a Santa Barbara County-based boutique label celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Had Tim Snider and Ashley Parker Snider decided not to spend their first vacation as husband and wife in Australia, who knows how or when Epiphany would have come to fruition. The concept unfolded during a wine tasting excursion in Barossa Valley—the two weren’t traveling on their own though, Ashley clarified during an email interview.
“We were ‘chaperoned’ by three winemakers, one of whom was my brother, Eli Parker,” Ashley, daughter of Fess Parker (1924-2010), recalled of the trip that spawned Epiphany.
The Fess Parker Family Portfolio includes multiple hospitality and wine brands, including Epiphany, which has its own dedicated tasting room, located in Los Olivos.
Ashley and Eli both work as stewards of their late father’s vision for the family business, and Ashley’s husband, Tim, holds the position of winery president.
While wine tasting at Rockford Wines, the trio had a joint epiphany, or “light bulb moment,” which explains the label name they eventually landed on, Eli stated in press materials.
His sister elaborated.
“We were hosted by [Rockford] winemaker and owner Robert O’Callaghan, and [he shared] his Rockford Basket Press Shiraz with us. He also had a stunning GSM [grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre] blend,” Ashley told the Sun. “All of those wines age incredibly well, and I think Eli sensed that the natural acidity in the fruit we grew—because of our long, cooler growing season—would lend itself to big, bold Rhone blends. That was kind of the epiphany if you will. I remember Eli being very excited about the prospects.”
Rhone tastings at Penfolds and d’Arenberg were also instrumental in creating Epiphany, particularly the label’s inaugural blend of syrah and grenache, titled Revelation—which
has maintained its reputation as Epiphany’s flagship wine.
“After trying a few of the wines at d’Arenberg, specifically their stand-alone grenache called The Custodian, the idea of a big syrah/grenache blend kind of took hold of Eli,” Ashley said. “Revelation was the end result.”
Revelation and other wines under the Epiphany brand are available locally at the label’s aforementioned Los Olivos tasting room as well as Fess Parker’s Santa Barbara tasting room located in the Funk Zone. Outside the Central Coast, Epiphany can also be found at Fess Parker’s tasting room in downtown Napa.
To celebrate Epiphany’s 25th anniversary, Fess Parker plans to hold commemorative events throughout the year, including an ongoing Throwback Thursday flight series and the upcoming Rhone Rodeo in June, which will highlight multiple Rhone producers during a roundtable panel discussion and through a handful of curated wine tastings.
Before Epiphany debuted in 2000, growing Rhone varieties wasn’t unheard of in the Santa Ynez Valley and other areas of Central Coast wine country, but it was far less common than today, Ashley recalled.
“Back then a lot of people in Santa Barbara County made syrah, but the other Rhone varietals like grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault, and counoise weren’t super prevalent,” she said. “We all thought syrah was going to be the next big thing. But a few years later along came Sideways, and pinot noir stole the show.”
While the Fess Parker family is proud to call 2025 a milestone anniversary for Epiphany and reflect on the label’s growth throughout the past quarter of a century,
the company’s focus remains on future endeavors and continuing to produce Rhone wines that capture the “essence” of Santa Barbara County, Ashley said.
“The Rhone varietals grown in Santa Barbara County make for complex, wellbalanced wines that age beautifully. They are also very approachable both from a flavor profile standpoint—blackberry, blueberry, and darker red fruits—and an affordability standpoint,” she said. “All of those descriptors kind of capture the essence of Santa Barbara County to me. Delicious, approachable, and fun.” ❍
Be sure to patent your epiphanies before emailing them to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
Boutique and chic
To find out more about Fess Parker’s boutique label, Epiphany, call (805) 686-2424 or visit fessparker.com. Epiphany Cellars is located at 2974 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
AGING WELL: 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Epiphany, a boutique label of Rhone blends produced by Fess Parker.
VINTNER TRINITY: From left to right, Fess Parker stewards Eli Parker and Ashley Parker Snider and Winery President Tim Snider were visiting Australia’s Barossa Valley when they had a joint epiphany, which led to the creation of Epiphany in 2000.
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE: The Epiphany label is known for its Rhone-based wines sourced primarily from the Fess Parker family’s estate vineyard and other vineyards located across Santa Barbara County.
TASTING DESTINATION: Fess Parker owns a cozy tasting room, Epiphany Cellars, on Grand Avenue in Los Olivos solely dedicated to the company’s boutique label.
2025 DINE OUT SANTA MARIA STYLE
January 10 - February 9
These restaurants have special deals on select items! Check them out between January 10th - February 9th for exclusive deals. For more details & full list of deals scan the QR code or go to: SantaMariaValley.com/RestaurantMonth
Maya Mexican Restaurant
110 S. Lincoln Street, Ste 106
Santa Maria CA 93458
(805) 287-9920
Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch
335 E. Betteravia Rd.
Santa Maria CA 93454
Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill
1130 E. Clark Ave #160 Orcutt CA 93455 (805) 938-7958
(805) 250-4116
Capuno's Lutong Bahay
2025 S. Broadway, Ste. B
Santa Maria CA 93454
(805) 287-9442
A Mi Manera Mexican Cuisine & Mariscos 1701 N. Broadway Santa Maria CA 93454 (805) 347-7748
Klondike Pizza
2059 S Broadway Santa Maria CA 93454-7810 (805) 348-3667
Cool Hand Luke's
1321 S Nicholson Ave.
Santa Maria CA 93454
(805) 928-6196
Straw Hat Pizza
1822 N Broadway
Santa Maria CA 93454-1449
(805) 347-1942
California Hot Dogs
1311 Nicholson Ave.
Santa Maria CA 93454
(805) 998-0265
Craft Cocktail
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