Encampment risks
Those living in the Santa Ynez Riverbed are at risk for human trafficking, something local officials want to tackle [6]
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
The Brutalist: worth the runtime [18]
n Lompoc, human trafficking and homelessness intersect in the Santa Ynez Riverbed, where advocates say some people might have to deal with sexual violence in order to have a tent to sleep in. Tackling the issue is tough, and one Santa Barbara County supervisor believes it will take the city, nonprofits, and the county working together to address both the encampments and trafficking. Staff Writer Emma Montalbano talks to county and city elected officials and nonprofits about the issue and one advocate’s plan to help the most at-risk population: women [6]
Also this week, read about the return of Santa Maria Riverbed encampments [4]; a new group show at Gallery Los Olivos [16]; and a Santa Ynez spot’s shift from coffee to cocktails [20]
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• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) responded to the executive actions that President Donald Trump made on his first day in office by calling some of them illegal and unconstitutional. This includes orders to pause funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), to no longer extend citizenship to everyone born in the United States, and to repeal efforts aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. “President Trump couldn’t make it one day without issuing orders that are both illegal and detrimental to American families. As the president was literally impeached over his withholding of Congressionally approved funds in his first term, I would have thought he’d remember this law the second time around,” Carbajal said in a press release. Congress approved the funds allocated as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, he said, and halting that funding is forbidden by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. “Not only is this executive order illegal, but it will be a job killer for communities across the United States.” He added that birthright citizenship is protected in the Constitution’s 14th Amendment and that the “Constitution beats executive order— every time.” “I will continue to fight in Congress to ensure the bedrock rights of our citizens are not undermined.”
• In response to a Jan 16. battery energy storage facility fire in Moss Landing that lasted several days, state Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) introduced the Battery Energy Safety and Accountability Act to improve safety standards and restore local oversight for energy storage facilities in California. The bill would require local engagement for the permitting process for battery or energy storage facilities and create environmental setback requirements for sensitive areas, including schools, hospitals, and natural habitats. In a Jan. 24 press release from her office, she called the legislation “a proactive measure that will ensure companies like Vistra go through the normal, local regulatory process.” Vistra owns and operates the Moss Landing facility that caught fire in January and has also proposed a battery energy storage system for the old power plant property in Morro Bay. The bill “is designed to build trust, increase safety, and give communities a choice, by restoring local community processes for permitting these projects.” On Jan. 22, Addis, state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) sent a letter to the president of the California Public Utilities Commission asking the commission to investigate the fire in Moss Landing. “Specifically, we are asking for a fully transparent and independent investigation, updated safety enforcement, prevention enhancements, and for the Vistra [battery energy storage system] to remain offline until safety is guaranteed,” the letter said. “We have been working to move California away from carbon producing energy and toward meeting our critical climate goals. It is imperative that as we transition, we ensure safety for our communities and our environment.” The fire is the third safety incident at Vistra’s Moss Landing facility, the letter said. “The Moss Landing facility has represented a pivotal piece of our state’s energy future; however, this disastrous fire has undermined the public’s trust in utility scale lithium-ion battery energy storage systems,” the letter said. “If we are to ensure California moves its climate and energy goals forward, we must demonstrate a steadfast commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, transparency, accountability, and emergency prevention.” m
Encampments return to Santa Maria riverbed
About 20 encampments have sprung up in the unincorporated areas of the Santa Maria Riverbed since it was cleaned out last year.
“The majority of the folks that are out in the riverbed … are the more hardcore, where they’re not going to accept the resources that we provide,” Senior Park Services Officer Ruben Ramirez told the Santa Maria City Council on Jan. 21. “In the city, we are encountering more homelessness in the parks.”
For now, Ramirez said, the best that the city can do to address the riverbed camps is to notify the respective jurisdictions that they exist, either Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County or Caltrans. Santa Barbara County collaborated with the city, SLO County, Caltrans, and local nonprofits to clean encampments out of the riverbed over the course of several months in 2024, spending around $6 million. The project aimed to connect the estimated 110 to 150 people living there with resources to help them get housing, employment, health care, and more.
Since the cleanup, Santa Maria Police Sgt. Felix Diaz told the council that calls for service have increased and that the department and city are constantly doing encampment cleanups and responding to calls about transient issues.
“A lot of people who have relocated out of the riverbed have come into the city. A lot of them are in the railroad tracks area,” he said, adding that the initial offer is always to connect unhoused individuals with services. “Last week, we were in the railroad track area, we did arrest 11 subjects for various charges. … So we’re doing our enforcement.”
Ramirez said that Santa Maria City Rangers also patrol the riverbed five days a week for two hours a day, but the jurisdictional boundaries do present an issue for enforcment.
Buellton City Council’s 4th District seat will remain empty through August
Boos erupted during a Buellton hearing after the conversation shifted from how to fill a City Council vacancy to second-guessing the outcome of November’s mayoral election.
“The only reason we’re doing this is because you didn’t do your four-year term, and that’s a fact,” 3rd District Councilmember John Sanchez told Mayor and former 4th District Councilmember David Silva at the Buellton City Council’s Jan. 23 meeting.
Sanchez then insinuated that many voters were unaware that Silva’s mayoral victory would lead to an empty seat on the City Council, otherwise they would have voted differently.
“I thought it was a stupid idea for you not to finish your four years because you didn’t fulfill your four-year promise, and I knew that we would have to do this. … If everybody knew that, it would have been a whole different deal,” Sanchez said. “A lot of people would have said, ‘I don’t want this kind of trouble. I don’t want to have these kinds of problems. I don’t want to have all this hoopla,’ because most people didn’t know that we were going to have to do this.”
The room was in a brief uproar after Sanchez’s comments triggered shouting from some members of the public in attendance.
“Let’s try to keep everybody civil, even when we don’t agree,” 2nd District Councilmember Elysia Lewis told the audience.
“That’s not a disagreement. That’s a fact,” Sanchez interjected, referring to his original comment to Silva about not completing his term as 4th District council member.
Silva fired back: “Your No. 1 goal seems to be to mitigate an election result you disagree with.”
“It’s not a whole lot, but it’s the best we can do right now,” he said.
City Councilmember Maribel AguileraHernandez asked whether there was a way to negotiate some kind of agreement with the other entities that enables the city to patrol the riverbed outside of its jurisdiction, do what it needs to do to address the issue, and send them the bill.
Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu said he was in the middle of trying to negotiate memorandums of understanding with the counties, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol to do just that.
Councilmember Gloria Soto asked how much the city spent tackling the issue and how it was planning to measure success. A document tracking the city’s progress on the issue is in the works, Wu said. It would include what the city’s done, what it’s going to continue to do, and plans for the future. He added that success can be hard to measure.
“Some of it is visible, and when we consider what was visible in the Santa Maria Riverbed a year ago versus what is visible in the Santa Maria Riverbed today, there is a clear difference,” Wu said. “In terms of the riverbed, there is a distinct change and improvement for the better, but we understand that as those individuals move out, they move into the community and require ongoing monitoring.”
Soto said she was glad that the city was planning to take more initiative by tracking what it’s doing and measuring the outcome rather than relying the counties for that.
“It feels as if we’re being really reactionary when it comes to addressing homelessness rather than being strategic,” she said. “Those efforts are still not enough, and additional resources need to be added. … and that investment really needs to come from the city, again, rather than waiting to see what other jurisdictions are going to do to address homelessness in our city.”
—Camillia Lanham
Tensions were also high at the Buellton City Council’s prior meeting on Jan. 9, when the dais was split down the middle between two potential appointees to take the 4th District spot.
Silva and Lewis supported candidate Carla Mead, while Sanchez and 1st District Councilmember Hudson Hornick argued to appoint former Mayor Dave King, who lost his reelection campaign to Silva in November 2024.
Of the two, Mead—a Buellton resident and Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society board chair— was the only person to comply with Buellton’s direction for candidates to submit a formal letter of intent. The City Council agreed upon this application route in December 2024. Notices outlining the procedure were posted on the city’s website and social media pages.
“I would like to believe that we could put on our big-boy pants and hash this out. … I still maintain that King … is the best and most qualified candidate for this position,” Hornick said at the Jan. 23 meeting. “Twelve-hundred people in the city … voted for him [for mayor in November]. I’m also keenly aware that those 1,200 people did not all come from District 4, but still, it’s a significant number of people, … I would like to honor them.”
Silva said he struggled with Hornick’s and Sanchez’s insistent use of the November 2024 mayoral election as “a point of reference,” in deciding who will fill the council vacancy.
“I just want to make sure it’s clear what we’re discussing here is representation of District 4,” Silva said. “No one from Districts 1, 2, or 3 will vote in the representation of District 4.”
During public comment, Sean Newton, who identified as a resident of Buellton’s 4th District, expressed gratitude to King “for years of dedicated service,” but said his reinstatement on the council would create the “appearance of cronyism—particularly given the voters’ recent decision not to reelect Mr. King as mayor.”
After a 3-1 vote (with Silva dissenting), the Buellton City Council directed staff to prepare for a mail-in special election to determine who
RIVER RETURN: After 2024’s efforts to clean out encampments in the Santa Maria Riverbed, unhoused individuals are starting to return to the space, something the city of Santa Maria is trying to address.
will take the 4th District seat. City Manager Scott Wolfe told the council that staff predicts the election will cost $35,000 or more, and the soonest it can take place is August.
—Caleb Wiseblood
Guadalupe to form capital campaign committee for the Royal Theater project
Guadalupe City Councilmember Whitney Furness is the first member of the city’s capital campaign committee that will raise money to complete the Royal Theater renovation project. The council voted to form the committee and have her serve on it at the Jan. 14 meeting where it also received an update on the project’s redesign, which is 50 percent complete. With only $10.5 million in state and federal grants to fund the project and projected construction costs that put the remodel at $14 million, the city reduced the size of the project from three stories to one story and was granted an extension on the project’s start time. But Project Manager Thomas Brandeberry said the project may still require more funding than the city has. “With the other funding sources that have not turned out to be available, it’s probably time for us to start thinking about doing a capital campaign,” he told the council. “Just to ensure we have enough funds.”
In early January, the city applied for a $900,000 grant from the California Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program as an additional funding source. Brandeberry said the city made it through the first round of eligibility for the grant and is waiting to hear about the second, final round.
“Some of the things that a capital campaign could pay for and cover are not necessarily things that are in the grant funding,” he said. “For instance, once the construction is complete, there’s a need for, in essence, finding funding to getting the project up and running prior to the project getting any revenue being generated.”
The City Council wondered whether Guadalupe had enough money to complete the project as it was planned. Brandeberry said he wouldn’t know for sure until the revised estimate is complete for the project, something the city should have “in the next couple of weeks.”
He added that the estimate would come with a detailed price breakdown that goes item by item.
“They like to say price estimate. I like to say price guesstimate,” Brandeberry said. “The detail is a guess; it isn’t the actual construction cost. … We’ll have to wait for the bid.”
Resident Melanie Backer said she was concerned about Brandeberry running the capital campaign.
“My problem is the project manager who didn’t let everyone know there was a $3 million shortfall, now wants to head up the campaign,” Backer said. “One person cannot run this whole Royal Theater situation.”
Committee members will be appointed by the council, and the committee will be made up of residents and one council member. Furness, who was appointed to serve on the council last year and elected in November, said she was excited to move forward with the process.
“It sounds great. I actually, several months ago, put together a thought process on the capital campaign,” she said. m
—Camillia Lanham
Joseph Nunez, M.D.
Shane Rostermundt, D.O.
Michele Kielty, D.O.
The Sun is giving back to our youth in the local community by awarding one student this incredible opportunity to nurture their artistic talents. This year, we are proud to award J.J. Lemus with this honor.
J.J. Lemus is a senior at Orcutt Academy High School and is widely regarded as an exceptional young man. As an active participant in the OAHS Theatre Arts Program, he is now eager to broaden his creative talents by learning music. J.J. is thrilled and highly motivated to have been awarded 10 lessons in either guitar or piano at the Coelho Academy of Music.
Power in partnership
Addressing homelessness in the Santa Ynez Riverbed could also target the region’s human trafficking issues
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
The struggle to survive in a Santa Ynez
Riverbed encampment can be brutal.
“In order to have a tent to sleep in, you might have to go have sex with somebody,” said Ann McCarty, executive director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. “If you want something to eat, this is what you’ve got to do. If you want a hit off the pipe, this is what you’ve got to do. That’s exploitation. That’s trafficking. We know it’s happening.”
In Lompoc, the intersecting issues of homelessness and human trafficking are complex, with local leaders and organizations working to address the root causes, including inadequate resources and a growing need for coordination. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, human traffickers often target individuals in poverty, homelessness, or marginalized communities, and without access to safe and stable housing, survivors remain vulnerable to re-exploitation.
One of the main challenges to addressing trafficking within the riverbed is the lack of people coming forward, McCarty said, noting that some individuals don’t identify as trafficking victims while others fear the consequences of seeking help.
“The shame that’s associated with sexual violence keeps them stuck in that position, because, No. 1, they think nobody’s going to believe them,” McCarty said. “No. 2, they’re thinking everybody’s going to blame them for their situation.”
Another main hurdle, according to McCarty, is the lack of health care and shelter resources in the area. While shelters do exist in Lompoc, she said that they are not always the safe spaces they’re meant to be.
“There’s abuse that happens at homeless shelters as well, and they know that,” McCarty said. “So then they think, ‘Well, I can’t go to that homeless shelter because my friend got raped there.’ Or, ‘I’ve been there before, and I was verbally abused, or sexually harassed, or just didn’t feel safe.’”
The North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center is in the process of starting a
Care and Coordination Center that will be open one day a week to support women experiencing homelessness. With funding from local nonprofit Kingdom Causes Inc. (KCI), McCarty hopes they will be able to have this center up and running in a few months.
“We know that they’re not going to walk through the door the first day and identify someone that’s been trafficked,” McCarty acknowledged.
“But it’s a small community, and we’re hoping that through the trust that we’re hoping to build with the individuals that walk through the door to seek services, that we’ll be able to get people connected with resources that we already have in place,” she said, adding that those connections include counseling services and anybody else who can provide support. “So that we can get them out of that life.”
Jeff Shaffer, the Santa Barbara regional catalyst for KCI and a member of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force, explained that KCI’s mission is to bring together partners throughout the county to address the needs of society and create positive change.
Unhoused women are one of the populations most vulnerable to trafficking, he said. He shared data from the Homeless Management Information System showing that there were 176 women experiencing homelessness in Lompoc in 2023.
Shaffer recognizes that trafficking can happen to both women and men, but he noted that data has shown women as the most at-risk group. To address their needs, KCI launched an initiative focused on creating a network of coordinated care and resources to ensure lasting safety and stability.
“Really the plan is more around ending women’s homelessness in Lompoc because if you end that risk factor, there’s not going to be trafficking happening anywhere in that city with that population,” Shaffer said. “That’s kind of our overarching goal—how do we increase care, coordination, training, outreach, and specified housing so that women are no longer on the streets?”
While this might seem like a lofty goal, Shaffer
See something, say something
To learn more about efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation across the county, visit kingdomcauses.org/ httaskforce. To report possible cases of human trafficking, contact 911 for emergencies or email humantrafficking@ sbsheriff.org for nonemergencies.
said that no woman is safe living on the streets, so they must do everything they can to combat this issue. To make that to happen, they need cooperation from “everyone.”
“If you’re going to deal with a major social issue, you have to bring everyone together—the funders, government structures, nonprofits, for-profits, businesses, faith communities, volunteers,” Shaffer said. “Educate them, bring them into the room, and get everyone going in the same direction based on the same plan.”
When it comes to addressing the unhoused population in the Santa Ynez Riverbed, Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann explained that historically, city and county officials have struggled to reach a consensus on how to tackle the issue. She emphasized that the county has effectively worked with other cities to clean up encampments and get people off the streets.
“We’ve seen from the huge strides that have been made in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria that this is a problem that’s solvable,” Hartmann told the Sun. “It just takes consensus on the part of the people that are going to do it. You’re going to have homeless people. Do you want it managed or unmanaged? Do you want just a wild place in the river, or are you willing to create the kind of housing and services that can transform people’s lives?”
In 2018, Lompoc made a concerted effort with the help of the county to clean out the riverbed, dismantling 60 to 70 encampments and displacing more than 100 people experiencing homelessness. The goal was to keep people out of the riverbed and off the streets by partnering with local agencies and organizations to provide care and shelter, but many unhoused individuals returned to the riverbed.
“What happened when we cleared the river in Lompoc the first time was that it was too short a period, and there was no follow-up,” Hartmann said. “You’ve got to make sure that the river is cleared over time. Rivers just aren’t a safe place for people to live, so clearing them, I think, is a moral imperative.
“We have to have someplace, though, for them to go. We can’t just say, ‘disappear from the face of the earth.’”
While Hartmann said that the county is actively engaged in “solving the homelessness issue in Lompoc, funding extensive outreach and services to those living in the riverbed,” recently elected Lompoc Mayor Jim Mosby said that the county “has been turning a blind eye to it.” Mosby expressed a desire for more involvement from law enforcement, especially when it comes to issues of drugs, violence, and theft, noting that in the past “it’s been hugs, not handcuffs.”
“There’s a new mayor on the block here, and my attitude is zero tolerance to the insanity that’s going on with multiple felonies that are happening out here,” Mosby said.
Hartmann remains confident that Lompoc can clean up the riverbed and reduce homelessness in the area through partnerships with Mosby and other city leaders. Before that can happen, though, McCarty from the North County Rape Crisis center said that local officials need to ensure that mental health care, medical services, and ample housing options are readily available.
“I think riverbed cleanups are beneficial when all of the processes that should be put into place are put into place prior to them happening,” McCarty said. “Just going in and doing a sweep is not effective, and it is dangerous because when people scramble, they can get even more aggressive because they get scared.” m
Staff Writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@newtimesslo.com.
CLEANED UP? In 2018, Lompoc spent half a million dollars cleaning out encampments in the Santa Ynez Riverbed and connecting displaced residents with services. Within the year, people had moved back into the riverbed.
Positive progress
Local dog trainer embraces positive reinforcement to help dogs stay in homes
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Training a dog is 70 percent about teaching the human and 30 percent about teaching the canine, Ember Leash Dog Training owner Skylar McClellan said.
“It’s about consistency and bringing everybody together so that they are all being as consistent as possible with the way that they’re responding to their dog’s behaviors,” McClellan noted. “When the whole family is on the same page, it’s a manageable experience.”
McClellan didn’t discover his passion for dog training until 2019 when he started working at the Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo. On his second day of work, he participated in a safety training class with the shelter’s trainer and has loved working with dogs ever since.
“It was like a bolt of lightning,” McClellan said of his first training experience. “I just decided I had to do it.”
At the shelter, he saw firsthand the effectiveness of positive reinforcement training, which the Humane Society of the United States defines as training that “uses a reward for desired behaviors.” In McClellan’s experience, positively reinforcing behaviors has proven much more effective than “teaching a dog to avoid pain or discomfort” by doing the right thing.
“To me, it’s about figuring out what is going on with a dog and giving them a reason to do the behavior that we want them to do,” he explained. “It’s about going toward something rather than about avoiding something.”
One concern people often bring up when it comes to positive reinforcement training is that it requires too many treats, but McClellan noted that a reward does not always have to be food. It can be access to a toy or even some simple love and attention.
“I understand that frustration or that fear from a lot of people because they think that we’re just hot dog peddlers and we just constantly shove treats at the dog, and that’s
Promote!
not the case at all,” he clarified. “There’s a very scientific approach to why we use those levels of reinforcement.”
In 2022, he passed the test to become certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, and within the next year, he started Ember Leash Dog Training as a side business while he continued to train dogs at the shelter.
He emphasized that the credentials of a trainer are important because the dog training industry is not regulated, meaning anyone can claim to be a dog expert.
“If you hire a trainer that’s certified, you’re hiring somebody who actually went through courses, and went through the work, and actually did the requirements for it,” he said. “There’s a really intense test.”
McClellan ultimately decided that he wanted to pursue his own dog training business full time in 2024, providing in-home services to dog owners from Paso Robles to Santa Maria. With experience training more than 100 dogs, he specializes in addressing challenges such as impulse control, reactivity, and poor manners, establishing a stronger connection between owners and their pets.
“Helping dogs to stay in their homes rather than helping them to find a home is definitely rewarding,” he said.
McClellan plans to offer group training classes in the new year. To learn more about his methods and the services he provides, visit emberleash.com.
Highlight
Send business and nonprofit information to spotlight@santamariasun.com.
• The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to honor the grand opening of El Pollo Loco in Lompoc. The event will be held on Jan. 31 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 925 North H St., featuring a live broadcast from La Buena radio station as well as games and music. El Pollo Loco is a chain restaurant known for its Mexican-inspired
cuisine and fire-grilled chicken. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the first 100 customers will receive a special offer of free chicken for one year. For more information about this event, contact the Lompoc Valley Chamber at (805) 736-4567. m
Reach Staff Writer Emma Montalbano at emontalbano@ newtimesslo.com.
CANINE CONNECTIONS: Skylar McClellan works with dog owners to help them understand their pets better and more effectively guide behavior through positive reinforcement.
Should the county continue the contract with its jail health care provider?
50% Only if it also works with the Public Health Department.
33% Definitely. The company is doing fine in a complicated setting.
17% No. That company can’t keep its positions filled.
0% Maybe, but it’s bad that its parent company, Wellpath, filed for bankruptcy.
6 Votes
Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.
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No reception
Speak out against the supervisors’ plan to change the county’s wireless ordinance
BY LESLEY WEINSTOCK
We are all mourning the devastating fires in Los Angeles. The opportunity and responsibility to prevent and stop wireless facility-caused fires in Santa Barbara County is missing in the proposed wireless ordinance.
On Feb. 4, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors are planning to vote on amendments to the county wireless ordinance that will allow the telecoms to blanket our residential neighborhoods with wireless facilities. The proposed ordinance removed notification, hearings, the opportunity to oppose, setbacks, and environmental protection. There is no monitoring, maintenance, fire safety protocols, and emergency shutoffs. Instead, applications and permits will be “ministerial,” aka rubber stamped. We need added protections and checklists, including a requirement that every wireless facility be
inspected, maintained, and monitored by a licensed electrical engineer.
Small cells close to homes will increase the risk of fires.
The 2007 Malibu Fire was caused by an overloaded utility pole.
The 2018 Malibu Woolsey Fire cost $6 billion and consumed more than 1,600 homes. SoCal Edison and two lashing wires triggered the fire.
The 2020 Silverado Fire was caused by a telecom loose lashing wire, forcing the evacuation of over 90,000 people.
There are design and engineering flaws in almost every application for cell towers.
Telecom- and utility-initiated fires are not included in the Santa Barbara County and municipal wildfire protection plans.
Telecoms are exempt from most electrical and fire codes at the federal, state, and county levels.
Cell tower fires leave little or no time to evacuate. Dangerous electrical equipment fires cannot be put out with water and require waiting for the power to be shut off. Proliferation of powerful small cell antenna arrays adjacent to
The price is wrong
The state’s largest egg distributor raises prices, makes record profits though its costs are down
BY GARY FREIBERG
Cal-Maine Foods is the largest egg distributor in California. It recently released its financial statement 2024.
Max Bowman, vice president and chief financial officer of Cal-Maine Foods, said, “For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, our net sales were $954.7 million compared with $523.2 million for the same period last year. The higher sales were primarily driven by an increase in the net average selling price of shell eggs as well as an increase in total dozens sold.”
The primary egg distributor in California had a one-year 84 percent increase in net sales income. This past year its gross profit went up from $91.13 million to $356.02 million. And it came out of our pockets.
There is nothing referring to the loss of egg-laying birds as we have been told is the reason for the price of eggs to have almost doubled in price in the last year.
This is the same ploy oil companies have used, claiming there is a shortage, therefore the prices have to increase. It’s a corporate manufactured diversion from the real reason egg prices are what they are; because Cal-Maine can. Just like the big oil companies could. And oh, by the way, the stock price for Cal-Maine is up 96.73 percent for the past year.
Here’s more from the Cal-Maine financial report: “Overall, our second quarter farm production costs per dozen were 8.5 percent lower compared to the prior-year period, primarily due to more favorable commodity pricing for key feed ingredients. For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, feed costs per dozen were down 12.8 percent compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2024.”
homes show a disregard for human life and safety. Do you want overpowered wireless facility radiation a few feet from your bedroom window? Do you want your property values decreased by 20 percent; huge carbon footprint; fire risk; health, safety, and environmental impacts?
Our public officials mistakenly think that their hands are tied regarding regulating wireless facilities. Other California local governments have created protective ordinances that follow federal regulations and protect public safety.
Please urge the county supervisors to vote no and direct the supervisors and county planning staff to do collaborative workshops with the community and their legal and fire experts, who have no conflicts of interest with the wireless industry, to red-line and amend this ordinance and add legal protections.
Please join us Feb. 4, at the Santa Barbara County Supervisors meeting. Send written comments to: sbcob@countyofsb.org. Urge the supervisors to vote no on the proposed amendments to the wireless ordinance. m
Lesley Weinstock writes to the Sun from Santa Barbara County. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
Cal-Maine’s production costs are down almost 13 percent, yet its net income went up 84 percent! The wholesale cost of a dozen eggs went up from $1.66 to $2.57, a 54 percent price increase! This gouging has significant economic ripple effects. Eggs are a basic food commodity; they are an ingredient in countless numbers of food production. Cal-Maine knows consumers will pay the increase because we have to; like the price of gas, whatever oil companies charge we pay because we have to have gas.
Cal-Maine’s egg price gouging is a major squeeze on consumers. What’s a restaurant to do? Bakeries? Corporate food manufacturers? Raise prices. And Cal-Maine’s unregulated profit-driven increases in egg prices have little to do with avian flu. Here’s what they give as the reason for price increases: “Current indications for corn and soybean supply project a favorable stocks-to-use ratio similar to today’s prevailing levels for the remainder of fiscal 2025. However, as we continue to face uncertain external forces, including weather patterns and global supply chain disruptions, price volatility could remain,” Bowman said.
Nothing about what we are being told that record egg prices are due to the culling of their egglaying birds. That doesn’t seem to be anything the company is worried about in its financial report. The gouging price of eggs distorts the inflation reading, which affects interest rates. And eventually will cause job loss. Less sales in restaurants and food products leads to fewer hours for employees and potential layoffs. In California, restaurant owners have been hit with a $20 an hour minimum wage. When a basic component of their recipes has had a significant price increase, there’s a limit to how much a business can increase their prices. With everything being as high as it is, consumers can only afford so much before we stop doing it. What needs to be done is for California state legislators to regulate the food distribution industry. State Sen. John Laird, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, please do something about the uncontrolled price gouging of Cal-Maine and other food distributors. The affordability of food is the foundation of all our lives. If in the wrong hands, there’s nothing that will cause more social unrest then hunger among masses. For immediate action, eat fewer eggs. Have one less with your breakfast; there’s many ways to get morning protein. Like oil, we can’t boycott eggs, but we must collectively send a message to Cal-Maine that we will not buy into their greed. Or fund it. See calmainefoods.gcs-web.com for the entire Cal-Maine financial report. m
Gary Freiberg writes from Los Osos. Respond to letters@santamariasun.com.
Hot and bothered
If things weren’t spicy in Buellton before the November election—with a sitting City Council member running against the sitting mayor— they are now.
The council is split down the middle, with two council members on one side and the newly elected mayor and another council member on the other. They couldn’t decide on who to appoint to fill the 4th District seat vacated by David Silva, who beat out Dave King to become the city’s mayor. Now the city is hosting a special election so residents can decide who to put there.
But it’s not happening until August, and it’s going to cost the city $35,000.
“The only reason we’re doing this is because you didn’t do your four-year term, and that’s a fact,” 3rd District Councilmember John Sanchez told Silva at the Jan. 23 meeting. “I thought it was a stupid idea for you not to finish your four years because you didn’t fulfill your four-year promise, and I knew that we would have to do this.”
Damn! Shots fired.
Meeting attendees booed and shouted from the galley as the conversation on the dais got heated. Sanchez insinuated that voters are stupid and didn’t realize that there would be a vacancy if Silva was elected mayor. If they did, he added, Silva wouldn’t have been elected.
Councilmember Elysia Lewis told the audience to calm down, but she should have told her fellow elected officials to chill out instead.
Silva was pissed! Obviously.
“Your No. 1 goal seems to be to mitigate an election result you disagree with,” he told Sanchez. And indeed, that is what it seems like. This whole little circus is pretty normal on City
Council daises. Council members run for mayor before their terms are up. It happens! Maybe Sanchez should have run for mayor too?
And maybe they need to take a page out of Lompoc’s new mayor, Jim Mosby’s, book and deliver “hugs not handcuffs” to one another. He actually wants local law enforcement to do the opposite of that and deliver transients and unhoused folks to Santa Barbara County jails in handcuffs for their audacity!
“There’s a new mayor on the block here, and my attitude is zero tolerance to the insanity that’s going on with multiple felonies that are happening out here,” Mosby said.
Meanwhile 3rd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann is ready to provide the folks living in the Santa Ynez Riverbed with services, housing, and help.
“Rivers just aren’t a safe place for people to live, so clearing them I think is a moral imperitive,” she said. “We have to have someplace, though, for them to go. We can’t just say, ‘disappear from the face of the earth.’”
The two elected officials couldn’t be further apart when it comes to how to deal with the issue in Lompoc, and somehow, they’re going to have to work together.
While Hartmann said the county’s been actively engaged in “solving the homelessness issue in Lompoc,” Mosby accused the county of “turning a blind eye to it.”
Ouch! I wonder if Hartmann is wishing that she’d supported Jenelle Osborne a little more in her reelection run last year. m
The Canary puts extra hot sauce on spicy politics. Send some to canary@santamariasun.com.
we’re turning sweet 16
and feel so “fortunate” to celebrate this amazing milestone with YOU!
Because of you, we’re making February extra special with two exciting promotions happening all month long!
fortune cookie fun!
Shop at any of our 6 locations and crack open a FORTUNE cookie at the time of purchase to reveal prizes and exclusive discounts!
the passport is back!
Join in on the fun by picking up a passport at any one of our Wildflower Women boutiques. Shop each of our five locations through February 28, 2025 and receive a stamp on your passport. Fill your passport with all five stamps and you will be entered into the big drawing to win the Ultimate Girls’ Day Getaway for Two!
Enjoy a luxurious one-night stay at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, complete with a spa package and dinner at Lido Restaurant & Lounge.
We look forward to celebrating with you all month long! wildflowerwomenboutique.com | #LOVEWFW | @WILDFLOWERWOMENBOUTIQUE
(Discounts for Fortune Cookie and Passport promotions cannot be combined)
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Hot Stuff
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE
CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. KleinDance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.
DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN
DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. ongoing Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
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. Through April 6 elverhoj.org/. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, (805) 686-1211.
NEW PERSPECTIVES AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Gallery Los Olivos is excited to welcome eight new members, with a featured show, “New Perspectives.” Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 28 GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, (805) 688-7517.
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) 6887517. 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. my805tix. com. Hangar 7, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 430-8328.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
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.
CHARACTERS AND RELATIONSHIPS:
IMPROVISATIONAL THEATER CLASS
Learn to access emotion in the moment, build characters and relationships on emotional perspectives, and use patterns of emotional behaviors to drive scenes forward. Sundays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. through April 13 $80. (805) 556-8495. improvforgood.fun/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., 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,
WINE LINEUP
Solvang’s 11th annual Garagiste Festival features two days of wine-centric festivities, including the event’s grand tasting at the Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. About 30 featured wineries, including Kaleidos Wine of Paso Robles, will pour more than 100 wines during the program. Tickets are $79, while weekend-long VIP passes are $179. Visit garagistefestival.com for more info, or my805tix.com for tickets.
—Caleb
ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET Step into the jazzy world of the roaring twenties with this new production of the World Ballet Company. See the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel live on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers. Feb. 6, 7-10 p.m. $45-$95. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ the-great-gatsby-ballet/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
“HOW MUSIC STAYS IN THE BODY”: A FREE POETRY WORKSHOP BY THE CA POET LAUREATE LEE HERRICK Learn how to bridge breath, memory, and sound in your poem with CA Poet Laureate Lee Herrick. Feb. 1 10 a.m.-noon Free. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo, 929-3994, slolibrary.org.
THE LOVE SHOW Visit site for tickets and more info. Jan. 31 7 p.m., Feb. 1 7 p.m., Feb. 7 7 p.m., Feb. 8 , 7 p.m. and Feb. 9 2 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.
ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark. EDNA Contemporary, 967 Osos St, San Luis Obispo, (805) 459-1711.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
DAISY PATTON: BEFORE THESE WITNESSES Check out Massachusettsbased artist Daisy Patton and her work, which includes large scale, mixed media paintings with found photographs layered with vibrant colors and floral patterns. Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 546-3202. cuesta.edu. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
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. JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
JULIE ALPERT: STRANGE MAGIC As you step into Strange Magic, artist Julie Alpert’s first solo show in California, you’ll know one thing for certain: “Life is being lived.” Through March 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/julie-alpert-strange-magic/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.
MARC MARON: ALL IN TOUR Maron 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. Starts
Wiseblood
RAISE A GLASS
Flying Goat Cellars in Lompoc will host its February Wine Club Pickup Party on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will be held at the local winery’s main tasting room at 1520 E. Chestnut Court, suite A, Lompoc. Flying Goat is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a slew of special gatherings and tastings scheduled throughout 2025. Visit flyinggoatcellars.com to find out more.
—C.W.
at $49.50. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5468600, fremontslo.com.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET On a Tuesday night, shortly before Christmas 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley gathered at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. This was their only performance together, and a cultural flashpoint that caught rock ‘n’ roll at the moment of creation. WednesdaysSaturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through March 9 $30-$55. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.
MORNING AND AFTERNOON GLASS GARDEN ART WITH JANINE Learn techniques for cutting glass and getting creative with your designs. This class is for all experience levels. Feb. 1 10 a.m.-noon & 1:30-4 p.m. $65 and $50 material fee. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
MUSHROOM DISCOVERY TWO-DAY WORKSHOP: EXPLORATION AND IDENTIFICATION Join this hands-on class that will move outside through a portion of the SLO Botanical Garden. Tips and instructions on collecting mushrooms will be given to all participants. Feb. 9 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $275. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Delve into the world of oil paints with guidance from local SLO artist Drew Smith, who has over 20 years of painting experience. Feb. 9 1-3:30 p.m. $105. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
OPEN MIC COMEDY Sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Aidan Candelario. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 540-8300. saintsbarrel. com/event-calendar. Saints Barrel Wine Bar, 1021 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS
This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
STEPPIN’ UP TO THE MIC: CONTRA DANCE CALLING WORKSHOP SERIES
Learn to lead contra dances from the best callers across California! Year-long workshop series for new and aspiring contra dance callers, with opportunities to
call! Feb. 8 $120. cccds.org/stepup.
Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING
WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
WHITNEY CUMMINGS: BIG BABY
Comedian and actress Whitney Cummings is the co-creator and co-writer of the Emmy-nominated CBS comedy series 2 Broke Girls and has appeared on countless television shows and stand-up specials. Feb. 6 7 p.m. Admission varies. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY THE COLOR OF LIGHT: AN ALL MEDIA PAINTING GROUP EXHIBITION This group show showcases how its featured painters capture the interplay of color and light through various fine art painting media. Feb. 1-27 Free. (805) 772-1068.
galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY LAURA MURPHY Murphy is a Central Coast artist who creates abstract, nonrepresentational 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, 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.
FOR THE BIRDS Held in conjunction with the 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.
FREE ZINE WORKSHOP AT BABYDUDES A zine (pronounced ‘zeen’) is a DIY publication that can look like and be about whatever you want. All supplies provided during this workshop. For ages 15 and older. Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Babydudes, 307 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay. MORRO BAY ART ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A FREE DEMO WITH ANDREW COOK WITH FABRIANO PAPER, SENNELIER COLORS, AND ISABEY BRUSHES Join this free demo of art materials with Andrew Cook, North American Education Manager for Fabriano Paper, Sennelier Colors, Isabey Brushes, and several other art materials brands. Feb. 2 1-2 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.
Hot Stuff
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CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.
CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.
CLUES AND CURTAINS Enjoy a dramatic night with an investigative element presented by Exit Pursued by a Bear. Registration is required. Feb. 2 2-3 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/ library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
The Peking Acrobats
Saturday, February 8 • 2:00pm Clark Center, Arroyo Grande
Leon Bridges Wednesday, June 4 • 7:30pm Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles
Rod Stewart Sunday, June 15 • 7:30pm Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles
Go to NewTimesSLO.com & CLICK ON SIGN UP TO WIN
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.
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:309:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.
FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17 Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
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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.
PLANES OF FAME AIR MUSEUM Santa Maria is set to receive an interactive museum featuring exhibits, educational programs, flight demonstrations, and more. Visit site for more information. Feb. 1 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
SMV HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL LUNCHEON SPEAKER JIM BRAY Join Jim Bray from Planes of Fame as he speaks at SMV Historical Society’s luncheon meeting. Feb. 8 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $35. (805) 922-3131. santamariahistory.com. Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
DROUGHT TOLERANT GARDEN CARE DAY
Help LVBHS care for Lompoc’s demonstration garden. Group will weed and beautify. No previous skills required. Wear comfortable clothes, a sunhat, and closed-toe shoes. Feb. 8 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 450-3668. lvbhs. org/activities. City of Lompoc Drought Tolerant Garden, 1801 W. Central Ave., Lompoc.
LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.
THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
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.
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.
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.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/ index.php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 9046615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
VENUS RETROGRADE DISCUSSION: ASTROLOGY STUDY GROUP Join February’s meeting to discuss Venus and her upcoming retrograde, as well as how this effects attendees’ personal birth charts. Feb. 6 6-7:30 p.m. $20. (805) 773-7063. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach, pismobeach.org.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BATTLETECH SUNDAYS AT CAPTAIN NEMO
GAMES AND COMICS Join this group of miniature gamers for a fun evening of freeto-play mech warrior battle games. The event takes place in the separate Game Hall. Visit site for more information. Feb. 2 , 5-8 p.m. and Feb. 9 5-8 p.m. downtownslo.com/do/battletechsundays-at-captain-nemo-games-and-comics. Captain Nemo Games, 565 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This
SHORES THAT FLOOR
Oil painter Joan Brown is among the featured artists showcased in The Color of Light, a new group exhibit slated to open on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay. The show highlights paintings of various media that depict light in dynamic ways. A free opening reception to celebrate the exhibit will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. Visit galleryatmarinasquare.com for more info.
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.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/ month. (646) 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. my805tix.com. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo.
FRIDAY MUSHROOM DISCOVERY LECTURE: THE STATE OF FUNGI IN CALIFORNIA Join Christian, author of ‘Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast’ and the newly released ‘Mushrooms of Cascadia’ for an immersive and educational lecture. Feb. 7 6:30-8 p.m. $25. (805) 5411400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
HEALING DEPRESSION
SUPPORT GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. HOPE FOR ALSP Join this fundraiser that will raise money and awareness for patients living with a rare, rapidly progressive, and fatal neurological condition, known as ALSP. Proceeds from Hope for ALSP will go to the Sisters’ Hope Foundation. Feb. 7 (805) 405-6271. charity.pledgeit.org/c/kyTNdzdNHT. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. LUNAR NEW YEAR PALM STREET BLOCK PARTY Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a
block party nestled amongst SLO’s historic Chinatown district. This free, family-friendly event will feature cultural performances, vendors, and booths honoring the Year of the Snake. Jan. 30, 6-8:30 p.m. downtownslo.com/ do/lunar-new-year-palm-street-block-party. Ah Louis Store, 800 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
OPEN PLAY AND GYM JAM CLINIC Join for one hour of progressive gymnastics skill training followed by an hour of open play. No experience is necessary at this clinic for ages 5-17. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 1 , 1-3 p.m. $25/ 1st child, +$10 per additional sibling.. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com/ saturday-event-clinics. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. SLO COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY ZOOM MEETING Join Speaker Luana Darby to discuss both traditional documentation and DNA. Visit site for more info. Feb. 1 , 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. (805) 478-1951. slocgs.org/events. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY Stamp Collector? The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets in the SLO UMC Conference Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@ gmail.com. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. (805) 801-9112. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is 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.
MEDITATE WITH DAWN Guided by Dawn Feuerberg, a local mindfulness life coach and yoga instructor. Feb. 1, 10-11:15 a.m. my805tix. com. Aurora Sacred Events, 21 24th St, Cayucos. MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week.
By the Sea Productions
Various Dates and Times Morro Bay
All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
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. presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET: LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (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.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
11TH ANNUAL GARAGISTE FESTIVAL SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
About 30 featured wineries will pour more than 100 wines during the program’s grand tasting. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 my805tix.com. Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
FEBRUARY WINE CLUB PICK-UP PARTY Flying Goat is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a slew of special events scheduled throughout 2025. Visit website to find out more. Feb. 8 , 4-6 p.m. flyinggoatcellars.com. Flying Goat Cellars, 1520 Chestnut Court, Lompoc, (805) 757-6649.
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing. com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA DINING FUNDRAISER Dine at Mountain Mike’s anytime throughout the week to support local youth programs. Feb. 1 , 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (805) 481-7339 ext. 410. bgcslo.org. Mountain Mike’s Pizza-Pismo Beach, 441 5 Cities Drive, Pismo Beach.
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
FOOD & DRINK continued page 15
TOWER
Management reserves the right to change or cancel promotions and events at any time
Gambling
Don’t Be a Prick: Girls Night Out (Cactus Garden Class)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY
7
Gravity Brewing Company, SLO
Libertine Presents: Couch Dog, The Let Downs, Joone FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Libertine Brewing Company SLO
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.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO
BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
MARDI GRAS DANCE Join the Santa Maria Valley Senior Club along with Riptide Big Band, and vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Feb. 9, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775)8135186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY
Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
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.
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
DAVID BRIGHTON’S SPACE ODDITY:
THE QUINTESSENTIAL DAVID BOWIE
TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE Experience a live, theatrically-staged, multi-media spectacle with David Brighton transporting audiences on a musical journey through the profound career of David Bowie. Feb. 7 7:30-10:30 p.m. $45-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/space-oddity/.
THINK BIG, PAINT SMALL
Cruise Control Contemporary in Cambria presents River, a showcase of small oil paintings by Big Sur-based artist Abigail Smith, which is currently open and scheduled to remain on display through Monday, Feb. 10. Originally from Templeton, Smith resides in a mountain cabin near the freshwater streams she depicted in her artworks on display in River. For more info on the exhibit, visit cruisecontrolcambria.com.
—C.W.
Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
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 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-platterscoasters/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BINGO LOCO Bingo takes on a whole new meaning at this 21 and over event, with lip-sync battles, dance-offs, and prizes. Bingo Loco is described as “a show with the mentality of a theater performance and the energy of a festival.” Feb. 1 , 7 p.m. $32. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
BRASS MASH: FIRST FRIDAY First Fridays are magical nights filled with the vibrant energy of an all-horn band. Join the festivities at Liquid Gravity and immerse yourself in the unique fusion of your favorite rock and pop songs. First Friday of every month, 6-10 p.m. my805tix.com. Liquid Gravity, 675 Clarion Court, San Luis Obispo.
THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS THOMAS
BLUMBERG FEATURING ARNO
KRISTENSEN Join jazz guitarist Thomas Blumberg and special guest Arno Kristensen as they hit the stage of the Bunker. Jan. 30 6-10 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
BURLEY THISTLES LIVE An alternative rock band known for their guitar-driven sound and memorable songs. Feb. 1 , 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Free. eastoneverett.com. Frog and Peach Pub, 728 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-4764.
CAL POLY PIANO STUDENT RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student pianists. Jan. 30 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly. edu/calendar/free/. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
SEVENTH ANNUAL BOB MARLEY DAY
This show will pay homage to the reggae legend with a lineup including The Kicks, Resination, True Zion, and Rastan. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 1 , 6 p.m. $28. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
YÄCHTLEY CRËW LIVE This seven-piece
SoCal band is set to grace the stage of the Fremont and deliver a live performance of yacht rock for audience members. Visit the site to get tickets and more info about the group. Feb. 2 7 p.m. $44. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
DIRTY CELLO AT THE MORRO BAY
THEATRE The Bay Theatre will roll up its movie screen and put on a live concert with Dirty Cello. Feb. 2 , 2-3:30 p.m. $20. dirtycello.com. Bay Theatre, 464 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay.
MICHAEL NOWAK AND FRIENDS
PERFORM ALL-MOZART Highlighting compositions from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Feb. 2 3-5 p.m. my805tix.com. Trinity United Methodist Church, 490 Los Osos Valley Rd., Los Osos, (805) 528-1649. THE MOJO COMBO A blues-based band and Central Coast fave since 2011. Feb. 1 2-5 p.m. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312, thesirenmorrobay.com/. m
Shasta Ave, Morro Bay
PIUS Estates, Paso Robles
Ernie WattsBill Cunliffe
Vineyards and Winery, Paso Robles
Iron Maidens
16 Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez
ARTS BRIEFS
California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick leads writing meeting in Nipomo
The Coastal Dunes California Writers Club will host a presentation by California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick at the Nipomo Community Library on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The event is titled How Music Stays in the Body: On Breath, Memory, and Sound in Poetry, as Herrick will discuss topics related to bridging memory with breath and sound.
Born in Daejeon, Korea, Herrick is the first Asian American to hold the role of California poet laureate. The prolific poet is the author of four poetry compilations: In Praise of Late Wonder Scar and Flower, This Many Miles from Desire, and Gardening Secrets of the Dead Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Herrick to serve as California’s 10th poet laureate in November 2022.
“As a teacher, poet, and father, Lee writes about his identity as a Californian and encourages others to reflect on what the state means to them,” Newsom said in a statement. “Lee’s dedication to highlighting the diverse experiences of Californians, and making them so accessible through his poetry, makes him a perfect candidate for poet laureate.”
For more info on Herrick’s upcoming appearance at the Nipomo Community Library, visit coastaldunescwc.com.
PCPA seeks young performers to audition for a child’s role in Waitress
To cast the role of Lulu in its upcoming production of Waitress the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) is hosting auditions at its rehearsal studios, also known as Santa Maria’s Columbia Business Center, on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. Young performers who feel fit to play the character—a girl who looks to be between 5 and 7 years old—are invited to participate. Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m., and participants are asked to prepare 30 seconds of memorized material (either a poem, song, nursery rhyme, or short excerpt from a play or musical).
The role of Lulu is “a very small, but extremely important role that appears only in the last scene of the show,” according to press materials. Lulu is described as “a sweet, carefree child,” and PCPA is seeking young performers who are confident and “able to engage in a small amount of dialogue and movement on stage.”
Rehearsals for Waitress begin in March, and performances will run at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria in April and May. In early June, rehearsals for PCPA’s summer iteration of Waitress at the Solvang Festival Theater will begin, followed by performances in late June and July.
For additional info, email casting@pcpa.org. m
Rebel alliance
Gallery Los Olivos’ newest members bond over bending rules, moods, and feelings
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Two dancers lock torsos in Ann Wirtz’s eyecatching—and feet-sweeping—piece, Lean In, one of eight works by the Goleta-based artist featured in Gallery Los Olivos’ latest group exhibition.
Acrylic, ink, and graphite were among the media Wirtz chose to bring Lean In to life. She described the piece, as well as her other seven in the Los Olivos showcase (on view between Feb. 1 and 28), as abstract figurative.
“The figures are interwoven with abstract marks that provide looseness and spontaneity,” Wirtz said in an email interview. “This allows me to bring the figures alive with the paint while incorporating them into an abstract design.”
In one of Wirtz’s other pieces, Evening Waves, two surfers are clearly defined in front of a backdrop enveloped in soft hues and shades that subtly form shapes akin to ocean water and a sandy shoreline.
“I have a background in graphic design, so my natural tendency is to have a cohesive piece of artwork when it is finished,” said Wirtz, who clarified that her path toward cohesion doesn’t start with any strictly placed stepping stones.
“When starting a piece of artwork, I do not adhere to design or art rules. I may have a color scheme in mind,” Wirtz said. “But I like to allow myself to experiment, play, and infuse energy into the beginning layers. This allows for me to have creative freedom of expression that needs to be revealed for that particular piece. Once the composition starts to come together as the layers are added, I will begin to focus on values, balance, rhythm, and variety.”
She prefers creating “in the moment, and not for an intended outcome,” to allow her ideas to “flow more consistently into the artwork and result in a better outcome,” Wirtz added.
One of Gallery Los Olivos’ newest members, Wirtz joined the collective in October 2024. The group show she’s part of is called New Perspectives, which highlights artworks of various media—including photography and mosaic pieces—by eight artists who haven’t been members for long.
“It is nice to be part of a close-knit group of local artists, especially since I grew up here,” said Wirtz, born and raised in Santa Barbara County.
Like Wirtz, local painter Susan Kounanis’ first month of Gallery Los Olivos membership was October 2024.
February flair
“I love the charm of Los Olivos,” Kounanis said over email. “I was inspired to join [Gallery Los Olivos] the very first time I walked through the doors and saw the gallery. … I remember telling my husband it felt so right for my work.”
Gallery Los Olivos presents New Perspectives, a group exhibition scheduled to open on Feb. 1 and remain on display through Feb. 28. The exhibit showcases artworks by Ann Wirtz, Susan Kounanis, Christine Marie, Wendy Brewer, Debbi Green, Deborah Kalas, Chuck Klein, and Garrett Speirs.
To find out more about New Perspectives, visit gallerylosolivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos is located at 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
Most of Kounanis’ paintings are still lifes, “usually with flowers and a vintage vessel,” said the artist, who’s accumulated several of her tabletop subjects over the years
through visiting antique shops and estate sales.
“One of my personal favorites currently on display in the gallery is Tea Time,” Kounanis said, “which consists of a copper tea kettle, tea cup, vintage lace cloth, and a bit of roses.”
Although Kounanis’ work is far from abstract, one of her goals with pieces like Tea Time was similar to Wirtz’s approach in making clear choices to evoke specific feelings in Lean In—using certain colors to make figures feel alive and pop out against their surroundings in Wirtz’s case, or, in Kounanis’ case, encourage viewers to feel snug as a bug.
Evening Waves is one of eight pieces by Ann Wirtz—who works with acrylic and other media—featured in Gallery Los Olivos’ New Perspectives. Alongside paintings, the show highlights photography and other disciplines.
“I love trying to capture a mood or feeling, and to me, this painting [Tea Time] feels very cozy and familiar, yet elegant,” Kounanis said.
There’s a 60-mile stretch between Gallery Los Olivos and Kounanis’ home in San Luis Obispo, and one thing she’s been enthused about so far in terms of her displayed works at the gallery is garnering a new frontier of viewership, and patronage on occasion.
“I am currently working on a commission piece for a familyowned winery here in the Santa Ynez Valley. They saw my work in Gallery Los Olivos and asked me to paint a [commission] featuring their wine,” Kounanis said. “[I’m] very honored that they reached out to me.” m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood loves art, wine, art depicting wine, and everything in between. Send comments to cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.
CUT A RUG: Gallery Los Olivos’ New Perspectives exhibition showcases artworks from eight of the gallery’s newest members, including Goleta-based artist Ann Wirtz, the painter behind Lean In
COURTESY IMAGE BY SUSAN KOUNANIS
ONE LUMP OR TWO: SLO-based artist Susan Kounanis became a Gallery Los Olivos member in October 2024. Tea Time is one of her featured still life paintings in the gallery’s latest group exhibit.
COURTESY IMAGE BY ANN WIRTZ
COASTAL COUPLE:
Tooth and nail
Brady Corbet (The Childhood of a Leader, Vox Lux) directs this screenplay he co-wrote with Mona Fastvold about Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor and visionary architect László Tóth (Adrian Brody), who flees Europe in 1947 to immigrate to the U.S. Once there, his life becomes entwined with a wealthy client, industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. (Guy Pearce) and his son Harry Lee (Joe Alwyn). Later, he’s reunited with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), who was left in Europe after the war. (three hours and 34 min.)
Glen: Epic in scope and rich with symbolism, The Brutalist feels like an instant classic—a film that will endure. Focused mainly on one character, Tóth, the film explores antisemitism and Zionism, classism, capitalism, the perversion of the American Dream, addiction, and—obviously—modernist architecture, art, and design. It feels like a biopic, but this is a masterful work of fiction. The film deservedly won best drama and best director at the Golden Globes, and Brody won best actor. It’s also garnered 10 Oscar nominations. Despite its long runtime that includes a 15-minute intermission, the story never lags. It also doesn’t try to wrap up all its threads in a neat little bow. You may leave the theater with unanswerable questions, but you’ll also leave impacted by its depiction of life’s struggles. It’s a masterpiece. Anna: Brody has a disarming meekness about him that plays well in Tóth, whom we feel an immediate need to look out for. Soon we learn, however, that quiet does not equal weakness, and Tóth has a calculated way about the world and those in it. He understands what it means to be an immigrant, a Jew, an “other” in a world and a country that seems less than interested in giving him a second thought. The moment he begins to trust, it seems everything finds a way to fall apart. When his brilliant work lands him in the scope of Harrison Van Buren Sr., it seems
HOW TO DIE ALONE
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2024-present
Where’s it showing? Hulu
Mel can’t seem to get out of the rut she finds herself in every day. She’s got a good crew of people at work, including Rory (Conrad Ricamora), who she tools around with on one of those airport golf carts. But then there’s Patti (Michelle McLeod), who’s sure that everyone is out to get her—but she’s going to get them first.
Mel also works with her ex, Alex (Jocko Sims), who she’s clearly still enamored with but has pushed away with her own insecurities. The problem is, Alex is getting married, and an invite has shown up in Mel’s inbox to join the wedding party in Hawaii. While Mel and Rory fantasize about going there to ruin it all, Mel’s fear of flying is standing in the way of any last-minute grand gestures. When her love of IKEA furniture building goes awry and Mel ends up with a head injury, it seems her
that Tóth’s luck may have changed. The opportunity for his wife and niece to join arises as well as work—work that is meaningful and big and true to his talent. This film may be long, but it’s beautiful. And heart-wrenching, and melancholy. It is one that won’t be forgotten with time, an absolute classic.
THE BRUTALIST
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna?
Full price
What’s it worth, Glen?
Full price
Where’s it showing?
Regal Edwards RPX
Santa Maria
Glen: Van Buren is such a despicable bully, a classic example of an ugly American. He’s rich, he’s mean, and he’s deeply jealous of Tóth’s talent. His equally awful son, Harry, and much nicer daughter, Maggie (Stacy Martin), secretly hire Tóth to reconceptualize their father’s library as a gift while he’s away, and when he returns, he flies into a rage because he doesn’t understand how amazing the new design is. He’s a philistine, but he eventually realizes Tóth’s genius and hires him to design a community center as a tribute to his mother. I won’t spoil it for you, but this project that’s supposed to be a tribute to Van Buren’s mother instead becomes a personal project for Tóth. The acting is incredible. Brody is positively soulful in his portrayal of this flawed genius, Jones plays Erzsébet hovering between fragile and impossibly strong, and Pearce’s Van Buren is corrupt to the core. All three deserve Oscars.
Anna: Agreed. This movie is nothing but an absolute force of talent. When Tóth caught Van Buren’s eye, I was immediately wary—he gives bad dude vibes and lives up to them, as does his son. Money is ugly and so are the people who have it. This film makes sure we know the inherent and deplorable truth of that. I’m so impressed with Jones as an actress, and her role as Erzsébet is another feather in her cap. Viewing this film is a commitment, but one worth making. Let yourself get lost in it. It’s one that will haunt you for days after and has earned its accolades. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Glen compiles listings. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
LEARNING TO LIVE: After a near-death experience, sad-sack airport employee Mel (Natasha Rothwell, who also created the show) decides it’s time to change her life, in How to Die Alone, streaming on Hulu.
BACK IN ACTION
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Netflix
After an 11-year acting hiatus, Cameron Diaz has returned to the big screen, but good grief, she couldn’t find something better than this derivative, silly, rote action comedy? Co-written and directed by Seth Gorgon (Horrible Bosses Identity Thief ), the film follows CIA spies Emily (Diaz) and Matt (Jamie Foxx) on a dangerous operation that goes sideways. Since Emily is pregnant, she and Matt decide to get out of the spy game. Fifteen years later and now married with children, they’re pulled back into espionage after their secret identities are compromised. Foxx and Diaz do their best to make this generic pablum spicy, taking its Mr. and Mrs. Smith and True Lieslite storyline into something entertaining. Unfortunately, its bland globetrotting nonsense is eye-rollingly implausible, and though the two stars have some chemistry and trade pithy quips with aplomb, it’s not enough to make this film
This is forgettable Netflix fare, the equivalent of cinematic fast food. If you’re really hungry for an action comedy,
AMERICAN SCREAM: Adrian Brody stars as Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor and visionary architect László Tóth, who immigrates to the U.S. and becomes entwined with a wealthy industrialist, in The Brutalist, playing in local theaters.
ahead, indulge, but like a cheap burger, it may lead to momentary regret until your memory of the storyline quickly fades to black. (114 min.) m
RUN AWAY! Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx star in the Netflix film Back in Action, a generic action comedy about retired spies forced to return to espionage.
chef and head of concepts Jonny McDermott described the porcini doughnuts as a surprise hit. “Starting a meal with savory doughnuts seemed crazy but luckily they have become a house favorite,” McDermott told the Sun
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere
Call
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
What began as a Santa Ynez coffee shop now pours a different kind of iced drink, thanks to the restaurant makeover that led to Pony Cocktails + Kitchen. At the site formerly known as Pony Espresso, proprietor Alberto Battaglini went all in to revamp his business, which originally opened in 2019.
“From the very beginning of running Pony Espresso, the idea of transforming the venue into a fullservice restaurant and bar was always part of the bigger picture,” Battaglini said in an email interview. “It wasn’t a sudden epiphany or a shift in focus— it was the plan from day one.”
With a new menu and later hours than its predecessor, Pony Cocktails + Kitchen debuted its expansive lineup of breakfast, brunch, lunch,
and dinner options to the public in late 2024. As its name suggests, the restaurant dishes out plenty of mules, but no horses.
Some of Pony’s cocktails pay tribute to the venue’s roots, as espresso-centric martinis are among the venue’s drinks geared toward breakfast and brunch pairings, alongside concoctions like Pelo de Perro (hair of the dog)— Battaglini’s South American spin on a classic hangover cocktail mixed with a choice of tequila or mezcal, green chili, cucumber juice, agave, and herbs.
It’s designed to pair swimmingly with Pony’s daytime dishes, including some standards that carried over from Pony Espresso’s menu, especially the Hungover Hash (roasted potato, locally sourced veggies, avocado, house salsa, soft boiled eggs, and herbs) and its signature loaded
Meanwhile, Battaglini had Pony’s new dinner entrees and appetizers in mind when creating cocktails like Mr. Rooster (beeswax-washed whiskey, vanilla Chartreuse, ginger extract, lemon, honey, and Peat Monster spray), intended to mesh well with the eatery’s new savory porcini doughnuts, roasted cod, and other evening dishes.
Regardless of what time of day you’re grabbing a sweet or sour libation at Pony, Battaglini said that all of his drinks rely heavily on a specific ingredient that often gets lost in the mix when people think about the essential components of a good cocktail.
“Ice is one of the most overlooked yet vital elements in crafting exceptional cocktails. It’s not just about chilling a drink; it’s about controlling dilution, maintaining the right temperature, and creating a visually stunning presentation,” Battaglini said. “We treat ice as an integral part of the recipe, not an afterthought. We work with specific shapes depending on the cocktail.”
Large-format cubes or spheres are “perfect for sipping spirits like whiskey, as they melt slower, preserving the integrity of the drink,” he explained, but crushed ice, on the other hand, “works beautifully for tiki-style cocktails, enhancing the texture and presentation.”
While spearheading Pony’s new cocktail program, Battaglini—born and raised in Verona, Italy—brought Santa Ynez local Jonny McDermott on board as Pony’s chef and head of concepts. McDermott’s past roles
breakfast burrito, known as the Sunrise Burrito.
DINNER IS SERVED: Since 2019, Pony Espresso has been a Santa Ynez staple for coffee, breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Late 2024 marked the debut of a reimagined version of the café, Pony Cocktails + Kitchen, which kept the venue’s daytime menu intact while adding a new dinner and cocktail menu.
DO OR DOUGHNUT: While discussing Pony’s new dinner and evening appetizer options,
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
include culinary positions at the Michelinstarred Madera in Menlo Park, Sear Steakhouse in Solvang, and The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos.
“We share the same passion for the hospitality business and a mutual understanding of what it takes to create memorable guest experiences,” Battaglini said about his partnership with McDermott. “Together, we’ve created a menu that celebrates bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and the kind of innovative approach that sets Pony apart.”
McDermott described his cooking style as French in technique, Italian in spirit, Californian at heart, and easy to align with Battaglini’s sensibilities.
“Our views on hospitality and food paralleled each other. … I think we both knew we would be a formidable team,” McDermott told the Sun
over email. “I would describe the food I wanted to do, and he would talk about the style of service and the bar program.”
The prolific chef said that the cuisine you’ll find at Pony is “globally influenced, yet familiar and delicious. Simple, but bold.” Battaglini thinks the world (pun intended) of McDermott’s approach.
“His ability to create globally inspired dishes with precision and passion is unparalleled, and his input has been crucial in tying together the bold, innovative flavors we aim to deliver,” Battaglini said. “His talent has been instrumental in crafting a cohesive and exciting dining experience, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have him as a collaborator.” m
Catch Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood riding the ponies at Waller Park, or email him at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
NIGHT MOVES: Prior to its rebranding near
