Nearly 100 locals recently took to the streets with handmade signs emblazoned with slogans decrying the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency. “Nobody elected Musk.” “Fight against fascism.” “This shit makes Watergate look like a high school musical.” The Feb. 17 rally was part of the nationwide President’s Day demonstrations—50 protests, 50 states, one day. Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood visited the rally and talked with the protesters from all walks of life for the story [4]
Also this week, read about Santa Maria’s work on collaborative enforcement to prevent re-encampment of the riverbed [7]; an improv group bringing laughter and workshops to the Central Coast [22]; and the Santa Maria native who’s running Talley Vineyard’s tasting room [25]
Camillia Lanham
SIGNS: Protesters in Santa Maria joined others in cities across the Central Coast as part of nationwide demonstrations against the current presidential administration and its policies.
• U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) helped introduce legislation that would restore guardrails on federal enforcement activities to protect immigrant communities at sensitive locations, according to a press release from his office. Since 2011, the Department of Homeland Security’s sensitive locations policy prohibited immigration enforcement actions in places that provided vital services such as schools, houses of worship, and food banks. President Donald Trump rescinded that policy. “No one should have to face the fear of being detained while taking their children to school or seeking medical care,” Carbajal said in the release. “In light of the increasing attacks on our immigrant and mixed-status communities, this legislation will be critical to ensuring immigrant families can continue to access health care, education, and other services without the fear of being detained or separated from their loved ones.” The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act introduced by Carbajal and 12 other lawmakers in February would re-establish the policy that Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection can’t take enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations—this includes medical treatment and health care facilities, public and private schools, early childhood learning centers, preschools, places of worship, federal and local courthouses, DMVs, Social Security offices, polling places, and more.
• On Feb. 11, State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) introduced a bill that would establish a voluntary California Do Not Sell List that allows state residents to proactively prevent themselves from purchasing firearms by adding their own name to a state registry. If passed, the Department of Justice would be required to develop a system by Jan. 1, 2027, where individuals can voluntarily submit a form to a local sheriff’s office or municipal police department to be added to the list, which would then be reflected in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The bill would also allow a person to request removal from the list. Limón introduced a similar bill in the last legislative session. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) put forward a similar bill in 2023, which also failed. In 2018, then Assemblymember Rob Bonta—now the state’s attorney general—authored a bill directing the Justice Department to study options and recommend an approach to develop a system that would allow a person to register themselves on a list to prohibit them from purchasing a firearm. It passed the Legislature and was vetoed by then Gov. Jerry Brown. In his veto note, he said that while he thought it was interesting, “I do not believe that we need to mandate additional study of this type.”
• On Feb. 11, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced some changes to California FAIR Plan—an insurance safety net that the state requires insurance companies to operate—in the wake of the fires in Los Angeles. As part of those changes, he approved insurers’ request to put an “assessment” on Californians’ home insurance bills in order to raise the funding necessary to help pay for the $1 billion in additional funding needed to help wildfire survivors who had insurance under the FAIR Plan recover. “Insurance companies may issue a temporary supplemental fee as a percentage of the policy premium,” the announcement said. The FAIR Plan provides state-sponsored wildfire insurance to those living in the state’s highest wildfire risk areas who are unable to get coverage from a private insurer, including those who recently lost their homes in the Palisades and Eaton fires. “I took this necessary consumer protection action with on goal in mind: The FAIR Plan must pay claims just like any other insurance company,” Lara said in the announcement. “We must rebuild stronger and be better prepared for future wildfires through common-sense mitigation.” m
Protesters rally against Trump at Santa Maria City Hall during nationwide President’s Day demonstrations
Dozens of protesters converged at the intersection of Broadway and Cook streets in Santa Maria on President’s Day. Some arrived with text-heavy banners in hand, while others laid out blank posters on the lawn outside of Santa Maria City Hall to mark with colored Sharpies.
“Nobody elected Musk,” “Democracy not oligarchy,” “Fight against fascism,” “This shit makes Watergate look like a high school musical,” and “#50501” were among the phrases emblazoned across different picket signs at the Feb. 17 gathering.
The latter refers to a hashtag used by participants of a nationwide movement that stands for “50 protests, 50 states, one day.” As part of the initiative, demonstrators across the country protested the second presidency and current tenure of President Donald Trump outside of state capitols, city halls, and other locations.
Many local protesters were members of the Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley, including Robin Dean, who’s participated in several protests over the years. Born and raised on the East Coast, Dean was in Washington, D.C., for a Vietnam War protest that ended in tear gas.
“The stakes are much higher now. The balance of power has shifted,” Dean said. “It used to be where judges would make a judgement and then the president would follow that. That seems gone right now. … We’re depending on the judiciary.”
Federal judges are in the midst of reviewing a growing number of lawsuits targeting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its access to Treasury Department records, including Social Security and bank account numbers—“a dangerous move” and an invasion of Americans’ privacy, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) said in a statement.
“We are taking action to stop it,” Carbajal said in the Feb. 7 statement centered on the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which he described as “part of our efforts in Congress to hold the Trump administration accountable and prevent Elon Musk and his minions from rifling through the private data of everyday Americans.”
On Feb. 9, Vice President JD Vance addressed the DOGE lawsuits in a post on X: “If a judge tried to tell a general how to conduct a military operation, that would be illegal. If a judge tried to command the attorney general in how to use her discretion as a prosecutor, that’s also illegal. Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.”
Santa Maria resident Cyndi Cornett, who protested the Trump administration during the Feb. 17 event, said that she and her wife, Sheila Dellenger, have voted for Democrat and
Republican candidates alike over the years.
“I don’t think it’s about Republicans and Democrats anymore; I think you can be a Republican and still be against the way things are being done,” Cornett said. “I feel like we’re losing our democracy.”
Both Cornett and Dean described the Santa Maria City Hall protest—which brought together more than 80 participants between noon and 2 p.m.—as peaceful. There were many honks of affirmation from cars passing by, with just a few stink eyes and thumbs down gestures here and there.
Holding a sign that said, “Stop arming Israel,” Santa Maria local Gale McNeeley attended the demonstration partly to ask other protesters which federal policies they want to see changed.
“Everyone has a right to say whatever they want about politics or the president or whatever, but … I think that the most important thing is to know what issues you’re for or against,” said McNeeley, who voted for Green Party candidate Jill Stein in the 2024 election.
“I don’t believe it helps to bash the president because you don’t agree with him—whoever the president is,” McNeeley continued. “[It’s] better to suggest the policies that you think they should adopt.”
—Caleb Wiseblood
Federal agency approves state waiver for Sable oil pipeline
The list of steps that Sable Offshore Corporation needs to take to restart the oil pipeline that was shut down after the 2015 Refugio oil spill is getting shorter.
“The big picture is that Sable is trying to restart this pipeline system that ruptured in 2015,” said Julie Teel Simmonds, the Center for Biological Diversity’s senior counsel. “They’re moving fast and they’re pushing hard, and it seems like that process is accelerating right now.”
In a February filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Sable pointed to its progress, highlighting Feb. 12 letters Santa Barbara County sent to Sable and the California Coastal Commission pushing back on a November cease-and-desist order for what the commission called “unpermitted development in the coastal zone.” Sable’s filing also pointed to a Feb. 11 U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) notice that it did not object to the state fire marshal’s December waiver of certain corrosion protection regulations for the pipeline.
Sable responded to a request for comment with a copy of the filing.
PHMSA’s notice came as a surprise to the
POTUS PROTEST: Between noon and 2 p.m. on Feb. 17, more than 80 people gathered in front of Santa Maria City Hall as part of the nationwide President’s Day protest against President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
CLOSER TO RESTART: Sable Oil Corporation moved
Joseph Nunez, M.D.
Shane Rostermundt, D.O.
Michele Kielty, D.O.
Leachman, D.O.
NORTH COUNTY RAPE CRISIS & CHILD PROTECTION CENTER
Center for Biological Diversity, which was told that federal regulators would need more time to review the fire marshal’s waiver, Simmonds told the Sun. But that was in December, under the Biden administration.
“But when the administration changed, apparently that changed as well,” she said. “That was disappointing and, I suppose, not surprising.”
The waiver releases the pipeline from complying with what’s called “cathodic protection” regulations aimed at preventing corrosion like rust that can lead to leaks. It prevents corrosion on pipeline exteriors by applying electric current to the metal, according to PHMSA, which states that “as long as the current is sufficient, corrosion is prevented, or at least mitigated and held in check.”
The state waiver requires that Sable comply with “over 60 conditions,” PHMSA’s notice states, including testing before the pipeline goes into operation and a yearly reassessment thereafter, wall thickness measurements, and crack detection in-line inspections tools.
Simmonds said the state waiver means that the pipeline is already so corroded that cathodic protection measures didn’t work. The pipeline’s 2015 oil spill was caused by Plains All American Pipeline’s failure to address external corrosion on the pipeline, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Since they know they can’t have that, … instead of corrosion prevention, it just looks like they’re going to be doing more monitoring and hopefully catch [corrosion],” Simmonds said. “That’s where we disagree with Cal Fire and Sable’s conclusion that these state waivers are as safe as or safer than a cathodic protection system in protecting public safety and the environment.”
She said the pipeline was poorly designed from the start and is still vulnerable to corrosion.
“It’s a much riskier plan than having a pipeline that’s properly designed and properly functions as intended,” Simmonds said. “I just think there’s a lot more room for error.”
On Valentine’s Day, Sable resumed its work along the Gaviota coast without Coastal Commission approval, Simmonds said, adding that the company “potentially felt emboldened” by the county’s letter responding to the commission’s cease-and-desist order. The county said that Sable’s work was authorized under previously issued permits.
“Planning and Development has concluded that the ‘anomaly repair work’ … is authorized by the existing permits and was analyzed in the prior environmental impact report/environmental impact statement,” county Planning and Development Department Director Lisa Plowman wrote to the Coastal Commission.
Santa Barbara County referred the Sun to the state fire marshal for answers to questions about any future restart. Several other state agencies have oversight when it comes to a pipeline restart, including the Coastal Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, among others.
The county added that on Feb. 25, the Board of Supervisors will hear an appeal to the Planning Commission’s November decision to approve a transfer of ownership for the Santa Ynez Unit’s three offshore platforms, its offshore and onshore pipelines, and other affiliated facilities from Exxon to Sable.
The state fire marshal has a webpage dedicated to questions about the Sable pipelines and includes a restart plan, which is currently under review. ❍
—Camillia
Lanham
Collaborative effort
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
The Santa Maria River runs through multiple jurisdictions, including those belonging to Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and Caltrans. This makes tackling issues related to homelessness in the riverbed uniquely difficult, Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu said.
Santa Maria solidifies coordination efforts with counties, Caltrans to strengthen homelessness response in riverbed Find support
“The approach that we take to address homelessness is multifaceted,” Wu said. “It takes work far beyond what the city alone is able to achieve. It has to be in partnership and collaboration with the other local jurisdictions and with service providers.”
Shortly after last July’s $6 million riverbed cleanup effort, Santa Maria started drafting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the two counties.
“We needed to have an MOU in place for the ongoing monitoring of the riverbed,” Wu said. “We anticipated that—after the riverbed was cleaned—there would be those that would try to move back in. We knew that was going to happen, and so we knew that we needed to put something in place that would solidify those coordination efforts.”
Since the cleanup effort, about 20 encampments have emerged in the riverbed, posing enforcement issues for Santa Maria City Rangers who don’t have authority in each of the jurisdictions. According to Wu, the MOU will outline the responsibilities of law enforcement from each of the areas.
‘There’s
“The agreement is that the city of Santa Maria Rangers would provide that work of monitoring the riverbed, but the MOU would spell out how Santa Barbara County sheriffs and San Luis Obispo County sheriffs would also provide work toward preventing re-encampment and how those two counties would provide funding support for city rangers,” Wu said.
presence. The MOU, Wu said, would simply act as a written agreement to support what they’re already doing and share the costs associated with these efforts.
Addressing homelessness requires more than just enforcement, Wu said, noting that it also entails connecting individuals to local services such as shelters. While making such connections was an integral part of their cleanup efforts back in July, he said that some individuals experiencing homelessness are drawn to the riverbed.
“It’s too big, and in many ways, too tempting for people that are accustomed to living there,” he explained. “I think there are some that have lived there that want to go back because they’re accustomed to that lifestyle.”
Despite this, Wu wants to dispel any misconceptions that the riverbed is back to how it was before the cleanup efforts.
“There are some that are moving back in or trying to move back in on the east side of the riverbed, but those numbers have paled in comparison to the population that was there last year,” he said. “There’s also recognition that preventing re-encampment of the river requires active engagement, active management, and active monitoring of the riverbed.”
temporarily left or declined services that may have gone back, our teams report back that there’s still a significant difference made from the outreach efforts.”
It will take continuous concerted and collaborative efforts to ensure that the riverbed population does not go back to what it was before last July, she said.
Wu hopes to have the MOU in place in the next couple of months so the jurisdictions can
work toward these assurances.
Joseph Dzvonik, deputy director of Housing and Community Development in Santa Barbara County, explained that it’s essential to have the city and the two counties in agreement and working together to handle homelessness in the riverbed.
“Everybody has a responsibility to address the issue, and it would be unfair for any one jurisdiction to assume all responsibility,” Dzvonik said. “I also think that if one jurisdiction did assume all responsibility, then nothing would happen because it’s almost an insurmountable problem for one jurisdiction to deal with.” m
Staff Writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@newtimesslo.com.
—Chuen Wu, Santa Maria assistant city manager
According to previous reporting by the Sun, an estimated 110 to 150 people lived in the Santa Maria Riverbed prior to cleanup last year. During cleanup efforts, the city worked with SLO County, Santa Barbara County, Caltrans, and local nonprofits to connect individuals to resources, including housing, employment, and health care.
He explained that Santa Maria Rangers patrol the riverbed on a daily basis already, making contact with individuals who shouldn’t be there and informing the respective county sheriff’s offices of their
Even though some encampments have sprung back up in the riverbed, those collaborative efforts created a “significant positive impact,” said Good Samaritan Shelter Director of Homeless Services Kirsten Kahoon.
“We sheltered a lot of people from the river that are still existing in our shelters today,” Cahoon said. “Whether it’s new folks that are heading down there or some folks that
NOT LIKE THIS: Although unhoused residents are starting to return to encampments in the Riverbed, Santa Maria Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu said it looks nothing like it did prior to last year’s
FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
Concussion care
these rankings, the patient will have a specific postconcussion symptom score.
“Depending on what that score is, we determine how much that concussion has affected that person,” Ritter said. “The highest possible score someone could get would be 132 if they scored 6 out of 6 on all 22 items.”
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
In the past, health care practitioners advised patients with concussions to “rest and wait.” Now, research suggests this might not be the most effective approach after all.
According to Stacey Ritter, a certified athletic trainer and founder of Concussion Navigation Services, patients recover faster and more fully by participating in physical, cognitive, balance, and visual activities guided by someone experienced in concussion management. With March being Brain Injury Awareness Month, she wants to spread awareness about the signs and symptoms of concussions and the most effective ways to treat them.
“The most current research evidence is very clear that ‘rest and wait’ is no longer considered the best practice and that early active rehab leads to the best outcomes,” Ritter explained.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that a designated day of cognitive and physical rest did not shorten post-concussion recovery time. This finding corroborated a previous study suggesting that light activity does not necessarily negatively impact the healing process.
Patients can start rehabilitation as soon as day three after a concussion, Ritter said. Since everyone’s experience with a concussion is unique, she ensures that each person goes through a full evaluation to determine the nature of the concussion and how it affects the individual.
“Once we determine what subtype of concussion someone is experiencing, then we can create an individualized treatment plan that’s specific to their needs,” Ritter said. “Some people might need ocular motor activities, some people might need vestibular balance therapies, and some people might need to work on their cognitive skills.”
To determine the severity of a person’s injury, Ritter explained that they have each patient rate the intensity of 22 different symptoms on a scale from 0 to 6. By the end of
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Ideally, people experiencing concussion symptoms will get their score as close to 0 as possible after recovery activities. Ritter said that Concussion Navigation Services is the only clinic in all of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties that offers “baseline testing,” which includes a history of predisposing factors that might make someone more vulnerable to a concussion or more likely to have a delayed recovery.
“We evaluate for those vulnerabilities or modifiers, and then often we can give people some activities that they can do to minimize their risk of getting a concussion,” Ritter said. “When I do baseline testing, I usually test balance, reaction time, impulse control, visual processing, speed, memory, the vestibular system, and the ocular motor system.”
As part of the baseline testing, Ritter also educates people on the signs and symptoms to look out for to catch a concussion, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. She emphasized how it’s important for everyone to be aware of these symptoms because concussions are not “something to be taken lightly” and should be treated as soon as possible by someone trained in that specific care.
“It’s a brain injury,” she said. “Anytime the brain is injured, it deserves every chance to heal completely.”
Ritter invites groups interested in receiving concussion education to reach out to her via theconcussionnavigator.com.
Highlight
• Sheccid Diaz, a Santa Maria resident and member of the California Conservation Corps (CCC), is part of a large-scale effort to protect Los Angeles burn areas from hazardous runoff during winter storms. With more than 400 young adults, the CCC works to install barriers like compost socks and gravel bags to filter contaminants from rainwater. The crews work alongside state agencies to place hundreds of thousands of protective materials, under the guidance of engineers and environmental scientists. Diaz, who first joined the CCC for a job, now finds purpose in conservation work and takes pride in
helping communities recover, according to the CCC. For more information about CCC’s mission and opportunities to join the crews, visit ccc.ca.gov. m
Staff Writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@newtimesslo.com
Elks Event Center
BRAIN GAINS: Founder of Concussion Navigation Services, Stacey Ritter, explained that the clinic completed a “robust certification program” called Complete Concussion Management, making it one of only six certified clinics in the state of California.
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Cracked
Californians were duped into policies that raised the cost of eggs—avian flu’s only making things worse
BY RON FINK
In 2018, California voters were dupped by animal rights activists into passing Proposition 12, which required farmers who raise laying hens to allow them to “roam freely”; it went into force in 2022. The theory was that this would be more humane and “free them from confinement.” Several other states also adopted this new idea so they could sell their products in California. It freed the chickens, but what has been the result?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) pushed this idea with the theory that free range chickens would lead happy and enjoyable lives if they weren’t caged. For farmers who keep thousands of chickens to produce the eggs you eat every day, this meant a huge investment to rid their farms of henhouses with separate cages and
Until Palestine is free
Since Oct. 7, 2023, all of us have experienced continuing, intense grief. Many of us are mourning cousins, siblings, classmates, parents … all of us are grieving the astounding loss of Palestinian lives as well as the very structure of Gazan life. There is nothing left of Gaza, yet its people rush back—on foot—to sift through the rubble of the difficult lives they led, hoping to find the bodies of their family members, neighbors, friends. Every single person is irreparably traumatized, and it’s hard to imagine anyone daring to feel even a bit of hope.
And yet hope is everywhere! Gazans speak of rebuilding even while they are grieving. They envision a new life amid the remains of their old lives. They say the same things we now hear from
convert the living areas for the hens.
Of course, this meant that any disease could be easily transmitted between large groups of birds.
Bird flu is a viral infection that spreads in flocks of birds. In August of 2024 The Hill reported that more than 100 million chickens and turkeys had been “culled” (killed) resulting from exposure to the bird flu.
Wouldn’t it be “more ethical” to keep the hens in cages to prevent exposure to bird flu thus facing an early death?
Each chicken lays an egg every day, and it takes 18 weeks before they start producing eggs. Do the math—that’s a lot of lost eggs. Healthy chickens can live for 10 years, but if flocks are “culled” to prevent the spread of the bird flu, it would take more than four months to replenish the brood and once again begin producing eggs.
When the demand for eggs remains the same and supplies are reduced by millions of eggs while farmers replenish the brood, the price will naturally go up; it’s called supply and demand.
The Centers for Disease Control says, “Cooking poultry, eggs, and beef to the appropriate internal temperature kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses. And there is no evidence that anyone in the United States has gotten infected with avian
influenza A viruses after eating properly handled and cooked poultry products.”
So, while according to the CDC there is no clear danger to humans when proper food safety protocols are followed, the government solution was to kill entire flocks of hens and continue to support cage-free policies.
So, why did egg prices go up? Because California voters, most of whom live in cities, were convinced through clever and often misleading advertising to require chickens to be “set free” where they were easily exposed to the bird flu and killed, thus reducing the egg supply and causing price increases. Other states followed because California refused to allow poultry products into the state unless they came from cage-free farms.
This is what happens when we allow activist groups like PETA to influence public policy and the government doesn’t consider the actual risk to humans if they eat infected birds or their eggs.
The only remaining question is if, according to Newsweek, the average cost per dozen for eggs is $4, why do eggs in California cost twice as much? m
Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com
the fire victims in Southern California: They talk out their grief over family members who were killed, but they look ahead to rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives.
The difference, though, is immense. Fire victims are enveloped in the sympathy of the worldwide community, plus material assistance and more donations than they can absorb. The genocide in Gaza—which continues now, of course—was headline news for the first few weeks, and then casually accepted into that cruel category of news known as “business as usual.” In this country and some others, Israel is portrayed as the victim, yet Palestinians were massacred in so-called “safe zones,” and in schools, and then in hospitals and clinics. No place was safe.
But here’s the miracle in all of this: Yet again, Palestinians rise! They themselves express hope
for the future. They remind us that they survived and even thrived after the devastation and displacement of the 1948 Nakba.
Local leaders must protect our immigrants
In one of Donald Trump’s first acts in office, he stripped away protections for schools, hospitals, and places of worship from immigration enforcement. These were once safe spaces where people could learn, receive health care, and pray without fear. Now they have been turned into targets for ICE raids.
This is unconscionable. As the world’s largest historical climate polluter, the United States has a responsibility to immigrants. Our pollution is causing the climate chaos—droughts, floods, hurricanes, rising waters—that is forcing people in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and elsewhere to leave their homes. Others are fleeing violence, poverty, and hunger—all of which are caused or made worse by the climate crisis.
People have the right to be able to leave their homes and migrate with dignity to find safe haven. But right now, immigrant families are facing the unimaginable: the fear that seeking education or health care could mean deportation, or that a peaceful moment of prayer might be shattered by ICE agents barging in.
As municipal leaders, mayors have the power to fight this. They can protect immigrant families by ordering police not to participate in ICE raids and even to block ICE agents’ entry into schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
The future of so many families in our communities is on the line. We must call on local leaders to do the right thing, even as the federal government does not. I’m writing to urge mayors to hear this call and take action to protect immigrants.
Donna Pulling Santa Maria
Shawn Jones Pismo Beach
Re-encampment Opinion
Is re-encampment the same as an oil pipeline restart?
Can’t unhoused people just get a waiver to restart their lives in the Santa Maria Riverbed? After all, the system that aims to provide resources, housing, and help to these folks isn’t quite working for them.
So we should all collectively shrug, right? Live and let live.
That’s what the state is doing for the Sable Offshore Corporation, which can’t use a specific required corrosion protection method on the pipeline that ruptured in 2015 due to, you guessed it, corrosion The company asked the state fire marshal for a waiver of that regulation— called cathodic protection—because it doesn’t quite work for the pipeline.
Sable received the waiver and support in the form of a notice from the federal agency in charge of regulating pipelines not objecting to the waiver.
Shrug, right?
Live and let live.
This seems to indicate that the feds are willing to let the state allow the county to allow Sable to take the risk of another oily environmental mess on the Gaviota coast. So this means there are certain risks we as a community, as a government, are willing to take—or are being told to take?
For the sake of argument, what would it take to allow people to legally live in the Santa Maria Riverbed? What risks are people willing to take?
I’m not pretending to solve the problem—one so complicated that it’s taken months of work to get San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties and Caltrans on the same page with a recently drafted memorandum of understanding—I’m just posing a thought experiment. Permits?
Waivers? Portable potties? Environmental cleanup crews on call 24/7? End runs around the California Coastal Commission? Extra monitoring for corrosion, I mean crime?
That’s essentially what Sable’s been up to in order to get its pipeline back up and running, a pipeline so corroded the usual mandated system won’t work. Maybe the county should hire Sable to solve the homelessness issue in the riverbed.
The oil company does appear to be “moving fast and they’re pushing hard, and it seems like that process is accelerating right now,” according to Julie Teel Simmonds, the Center for Biological Diversity’s senior counsel. That’s where the local environmental watchdog comes in, right? This watchdog has teeth, right?
The Center was told that federal regulators would need more time to review the fire marshal’s waiver, Simmonds told the Sun. But that was in December, under the Biden administration.
“But when the administration changed, apparently that changed as well,” she said. “That was disappointing and, I suppose, not surprising.” Live and let live. With a system that isn’t quite working. For anyone.
Sable’s restart with the waiver and extra monitoring is “a much riskier plan than having a pipeline that’s properly designed and properly functions as intended,” Simmonds said. “I just think there’s a lot more room for error.”
Exactly. This is why we don’t ditch the properly vetted protocols for health and safety, whether on the coast or in the riverbed. m
The Canary is worth the risk. Send cleanup crews to canary@santamariasun.com.
SMJUHSD Special Education Students born 2000!
All records for any Special Education student that was born within the year 2000 and attended a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school, your physical special education records are available for pick up at no charge from the District Office. All 2000 not picked up by June 1, 2025 will be destroyed.
If you have any questions, or to arrange a pickup date/time, contact:
Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District 2560 Skyway Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-922-4573 ext. 4311
ATENCION estudiantes anteriores de SMJUHSD nacidos en 2000!
Todos los registros de cualquier estudiante de Educación Especial que haya nacido dentro del año 2000 y asistió a una escuela del Distrito Escolar de las escuelas preparatorias de Santa Maria, sus registros físicos de educación especial están disponibles para recoger sin cargo en la Oficina del Distrito. Todos los registros del 2000 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2025 serán destruidos.
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
Special Education - Child Find
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate high school age students suspected of having a disability who may be eligible for special education services designed to meet their educational needs at no cost to families. This includes students that are highly mobile, migrant, experiencing homelessness, students that are wards of the state, and students attending private schools located within SMJUHSD boundaries. If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department.
Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)
El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes ATTENTION
Si tiene alguna pregunta, o para programar una fecha/hora de recogida, comuníquense con:
Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District 2560 Skyway Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455
805-922-4573 ext. 4311
El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD.
Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)
Hot Stuff
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
MOON OVER BUFFALO
As described by Orcutt Community Theater, “this madcap comedy centers on two fading stage actors who may have one last shot at stardom if they can just keep their act, and relationship, together.” Feb. 21 7:30 p.m., Feb. 22 , 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23 , 1:30 p.m., Feb. 28 , 7:30 p.m., March 1 7:30 p.m. and March 2 1:30 p.m. $15-$20. my805tix.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.
ART TALK CELEBRATION An exciting evening in the Foxworthy Gallery with artist Colleen M. Kelly, who’ll be sharing her art. Look forward to conversations, live dance, and more. Feb. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. (805) 694-8894. hancockcollege. edu. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.
ARTIST TALK AND CELEBRATION
Join for an exciting evening in the Foxworthy Gallery with artist Colleen M. Kelly, who will be sharing her art. Feb. 20 5:30-7 p.m. Free. (805) 694-8894. hancockcollege.edu. Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.
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. Klein Dance 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. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING In Shakespeare’s cherished comedy, love, wit, and mischief entwine. The results are hilarious and heart-aching in this timeless battle-of-the-sexes. Through March 2 pcpa.org. Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria.
RAINBOW READS BOOK CLUB Join to discuss literature with LGBTQIA+ authors, characters, and themes. The book for February is One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. Registration required. Feb. 21 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. SANCTUARY CITY In this powerful coming-of-age story, two teens forge a deep bond amid the complexities of immigration, identity, belonging, and love. Feb. 27- March 16 Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, pcpa.org.
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.
VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB Valley Reads is a monthly book club for adults. The book for February is Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. Call to register. Feb. 22 , 2-3 p.m. Free. (805) 925-
SHAKESPEARED, NOT STIRRED
The cast of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) new production of Much Ado About Nothing features Michael Gould (left) as Claudio, and George Walker (right) as Benedick. This local iteration of William Shakespeare’s classic opened in mid-February at Santa Maria’s Marian Theatre, where performances are scheduled to run through Sunday, March 2. Visit pcpa.org for tickets and more info.
—Caleb Wiseblood
0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
6-WEEK KIDS DRAWING CLASS IN SOLVANG Calling all young artists! This 6-week kids drawing class meets Tuesdays, starting Feb. 25. Visit the website for more information. Feb. 25 4-5:15 p.m. $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, 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.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
COMEDY NIGHT AT THE HISTORIC FLOWER CITY BALLROOM UnPaquito Mas Productions presents an evening of standup comedy featuring a killer lineup of top-tier comedians. A portion of ticket sales benefits SYV Humane Society. Feb. 22 7-9 p.m. $20. (805) 878-2038. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
OLIVER Directed by Shannon Lowrie and Nataly Plotner, collaborating with Music Director Dakota Simpson. Visit the link to
purchase tickets and get more info. Feb. 21 , 7 p.m., Feb. 22 7 p.m., Feb. 28 7 p.m., March 1 7 p.m. and March 2 , 2 p.m. $17. my805tix.com. The Studio of Performing Arts, 805 Grand Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 709-5293.
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, 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.
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WITH KEIKO TANABE Juror of Aquarius 2025 and award-winning artist Keiko Tanabe will run a three-day watercolor workshop for artists of all levels. Presented by Central Coast Watercolor Society. More details provided on website. Feb. 24-26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $390 for non-members. ccwsart.com/aquarius-
2025-prospectus. Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church, 1235 N Thompson Rd., Arroyo Grande, (805) 219-0133.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
ADAM CAROLLA LIVE With a long-standing career in comedy, radio, writing, and film, Adam Carolla will hit the stage to share a set of stand-up comedy. This is an all ages event. Feb. 28, 7 p.m. $29. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Fourth Thursday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY
BALLET PRESENTS STAR DUST: FROM BACH TO BOWIE Led by dance icons Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, this NY-based awardwinning dance company known for multicultural mix of classical and contemporary dancers presents their blockbuster hit Star Dust, a tribute to the musical legends that captivates and inspires. Presented by Cal Poly Arts. Feb. 25 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20242025-season/complexionsstardust. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., 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. through March 14 Free. (805) 546-3202. cuesta. edu. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
ESTEBAN CABEZA DE BACA: REMEMBERING THE FUTURE Ranging from 2015 to 2024, the eleven paintings in the gallery explore issues of belonging and identity, activism, and joy and celebration. Feb. 22-June 22 , 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV COMEDY SHOWS AT THE HUB The show contents will be rotated among the group’s ensemble, house, and musical improv team casts, as well as stand-up and student shows. Fourth Friday of every month, 6 p.m. my805tix.com/. The Hub, 1701 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
THE MEMOIRS OF BEATRICE MILLER A radio theater broadcast event. Set in 1940 at the World Famous Breckschnider’s Department Store, Beatrice Miller learns Aunt Ruth’s eccentric and unconventional technique of letting go. Feb. 28 - March 1 my805tix.com. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo. 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,
COURTESY PHOTO BY LUIS ESCOBAR, REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
Weddings
Hot Stuff
Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through March 9
$30-$55. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE SECRET GARDEN
Sit back nestled under the stars in the Sycamore Secret Garden and enjoy a special screening of 50 First Dates Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visit site for more information and to RSVP for a spot. Feb. 21 , 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, 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.
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. THE REBOOT SPEAKEASY PRESENTS
LOVE AND OTHER BLUNDERS Head to the cozy venue of The Bunker to enjoy a curated showcase of true personal stories about the glorious, flawed ways we love as well as an open mic portion to share your own 99-second story. Feb. 21 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 439-0355. facebook.com/ the.reboot4u. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
SLO COMEDY FESTIVAL Visit website for the full festival lineup and tickets. How to sum up the fest briefly? “It’s gonna be nuts!” Feb. 27- March 2 my805tix.com.
SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
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.
THURSDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT THE BUNKER A class showcase. Come enjoy an evening of learning and discovery as intro and advanced improv classes wow you with their shiny new improv chops. Feb. 20, 6:15 p.m. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
TULIP SUNSET ACRYLIC WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Host will personally lead you in creating an expressive sunset scene with tulips. Feb. 22 , 2-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific 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, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY AQUARIUS 2025 WATERMEDIA EXHIBIT
Central Coast Watercolor Society presents its annual juried exhibit at Art Center Morro Bay, featuring excellence in all forms of watermedia by California artists. Juror Keiko Tanabe will give awards at the reception on Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. See website for info and frequent updates. Feb. 20 - March 31 ccwsart.com/ aquarius-2025-prospectus. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.
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. Through Feb. 27 Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY LAURA MURPHY Murphy is a Central Coast artist who creates abstract, non-representational art using acrylic and inks on canvas. Through Feb. 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. Through Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FIREFLIES Enjoy this By The Sea Production, written by Matthew Barber and directed by Anita Schwaber. Visit site to get your tickets and learn more about the show. Feb. 21 - March 9 7 p.m. $29. St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2368, stpetersmorrobay.org/.
FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
SLOFUNNY COMEDY SHOW MORRO
BAY Enjoy a night of comedy with actor, comedian, and host Aisha Alfa, who currently resides in Los Angeles. Dave Yates, Chris Lewis, Justin Foster, and the the headliner Ronn Vigh will also be performing. Get tickets at the link. Feb. 22 7-8:45 p.m. $29. my805tix.com. Taco Temple (Morro Bay), 2680 N. Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-4965.
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria. SEEAG’S FREE “FARM DAY EVERY DAY” TOUR AT PLANTEL NURSERIES Guests will learn about the process of growing vegetable transplants and technology’s role in plant growing, as well as explore greenhouses, and take home vegetable seedings. Visit link for more details. Feb. 22 , 9-11 a.m. Free. (805) 892-8155. seeag.org. Plantel Nurseries, 2775 E Clark Ave., Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
CELEBRATE THE WINSTON’S FIFTH ANNIVERSARY Experience the best of Solvang and join in celebrating five years of exceptional service and community spirit at The Winston’s anniversary event. Feb. 27 5-7 p.m. The Winston, 486 1st Street Solvang, Solvang, (805) 688 2965, thewinstonsolvang.com/.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG 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
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CAPTAIN HANCOCK’S ACQUISITION OF THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY RAILROAD Head to this centennial ceremony that will be held outside of the former SMVRR Offices. Feb. 26 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Former Santa Maria Valley Railroad Offices, 625 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, (805) 922-7941.
AGING WELL IN SANTA MARIA: WILLS, TRUSTS, AND ESTATE PLANNING
Join Attorney Julianna Malis from Santa Barbara Estate Planning and Elder Law, for an informative workshop on wills, trusts, and estate planning. Registration required. March 1 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. D-AND-D AT THE LIBRARY Join an epic adventure with Dungeons and Dragons presented by Central Coast Games. Registration is required. Designed for patrons 18 and older. Feb. 23 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria. org/services/departments/library.
Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE LESSONS This beginning dance class teaches the essentials of Argentine Tango. No partner or previous experience is needed. Sponsored by Arroyo Grande Parks & Recreation. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. through Feb. 24 $12 per class. (805) 473-5473. arroyogrande.org. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande. BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY
Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
DISCOVER THE MONARCH CLUB: WHERE FOOD AND EVENTS MEET The Monarch Club invites you to explore their versatile event spaces, enjoy food from
Adelina’s Bistro, take guided tours, and participate in prize drawings. RSVP now. Feb. 26 5-7 p.m. Free. my805tix.com/. Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, 1645 Trilogy Pkwy, Nipomo.
DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies.
Contact empoweryoga805@gmail for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.
Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
DREAM BIG ANNUAL GALA
FUNDRAISER Help The Boys and Girls Club continue their mission by joining them for an inspiring afternoon, as they celebrate this year’s recipient of the 2025 Betsy Kelton Changemaker Award. Feb. 22 , 2-4 p.m. $100. (805) 481-7339. bgcslo. org/dreambig.html. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.
FIVE CITIES REPAIR CAFÉ Handy volunteers will help fix broken bikes, small appliances, electronics, computers, tablets, smart phones, game consoles, clothing, and outdoor gear and apparel for free. Feb. 22 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (650) 367-6780. repaircafe5cities.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
MEET THE MACHINES Come on out to this free family event where kids can see, learn, and touch all of the machines that help our community. Feb. 22 9 a.m.-noon (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/events. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS
FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
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.
ALL ALONG THE CLOCK TOWER
The Winston in downtown Solvang is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an immersive showcase event on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests of this reception can explore the boutique hotel, where local vendors will be stationed with special offerings. There will also be live music, and wine and appetizers provided by Brick Barn Wine Estate. Visit thewinstonsolvang.com for more info.
RESTORE YOUR WELL-BEING WITH JIN
SHIN JYUTSU Learn how to harmonize your energy and enjoy greater resilience and well-being. Register with Pismo Recreation. Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. through March 18 $150 for 6; or $30 drop-in. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach/org/recreation. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ABALONE DIVERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST Join the History Center of SLO County for their next Carnegie Chat, Abalone Divers of the Central Coast with Steve Rebuck. This event is in person and on Zoom. Feb. 21 , 5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 543-0638. historycenterslo.org/lecture. History Center of San Luis Obispo County, 696 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ASTROLOGY BASICS: HOW TO READ YOUR BIRTH CHART Build community during a six-week deep dive into personal astrology. Perfect for beginners and those looking to strengthen their foundation. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. through March 27 $150. (805) 242-1168. anc.apm. activecommunities.com. Cuesta College Community Programs, Building 4100 Cuesta College Road, San luis obispo.
Jan 31 ~ Mar 8
BATTLETECH SUNDAYS AT CAPTAIN NEMO GAMES AND COMICS Join this group of miniature gamers for a fun evening of free-to-play mech warrior battle games. The event takes place in the separate Game Hall. Visit site for more information. Feb. 23 5-8 p.m. downtownslo.com/do/battletech-sundaysat-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 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, 5:306:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, San Luis Obispo. BIRDS AND BOTANY MONTHLY WALK AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is excited to present a monthly bird walk series on the fourth Thursday of every month which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Fourth Thursday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10 for Garden Members; $40 for general public. (805) 541-1400. slobg.
org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
BREWS AND BRAWLS BeatDown Promotions and SLO Craft Beer Festival invite you to this “electrifying night of mixed martial arts action and unlimited beers.” Get tickets and more information at the link. Feb. 21 5 p.m. $45. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN
TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
FILM SCREENING: WE WERE HERE – THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF BLACK AFRICANS IN RENAISSANCE EUROPE Followed by a guest lecture by award-winning filmmaker Fred Kuwornu. Attendance is free and open to the public. Held at Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering, Building 8, Room: 123. Feb. 21 5 p.m. No entry fee. calpoly.edu. Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour
San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. and MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 4659182. missionsanluisobispo.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
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.. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346. NAMI MONTHLY EDUCATION MEETING: MOBILE CRISIS SERVICES Learn about the County’s Mobile Crisis Team and their response to persons experiencing a mental health crisis. Guest speaker is Regional Program Manager Joshua Simpson. Feb. 25 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 434-7220. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo. PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition. org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo. SLO FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Around 10,000 books for all ages will be on sale. $1.50 an inch (reduced to $5 a bag all-day Saturday). Feb. 20 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Feb. 21-22 , 9 a.m.-5 p.m. slofol.org. San Luis Obispo Library, 995 Palm St., San Luis Obispo. SLO SKIERS MONTHLY MEETING SLO Skiers is a local sports and social club for adults. Stop by for a social hour with food and drink, followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 Free. sloskiers.org. Milestone Tavern, 972 Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-4316.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TREAT YO’ SELF WAVEMAKER MEETUP Hosted by Women Making Waves. All tickets are a direct support to the Next Wave Mentorship Program. Feb. 22 , 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Ranch Market, 851 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo. WEALTH, WOMEN, AND WOO Learn how to release your money fears and blocks and achieve a prosperous mindset, and live an abundant life with ease and flow. Feb. 22 4-6 p.m. my805tix.com/. Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, 672 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
Studio of Performing Arts Drama Dept Presents: Oliver FRI-SUN, FEB 21-MAR 2
Studio of Performing Arts, Grover Beach By The Sea Productions Presents: Fireflies FRI-SUN, FEB 21-MAR 9
FEBRUARY 22
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Humdinger Brewing, SLO
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Brews & Brawls
21
Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO
Shasta Ave, Morro Bay
SLOFunny Comedy Show Morro Bay
Taco Temple, Morro Bay
RADIO STARS
Five Cities Repair Café volunteers will be fixing broken items for the public, free of charge, at the Grover Beach Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The group repairs small appliances, clothing, outdoor gear, laptops, phones, bikes, and more. For additional info on the local nonprofit and its free services, visit repaircafe5cities.org.
—C.W.
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.
MANDALA RHYTHMS CIRCLE Join this sacred circle for a journey of drumming, rhythm-making, improvisation, and vocal expression. Register and get more details at the link. Feb. 23 12-2 p.m. $26. my805tix.com. From the Roots Up Healing Studio, 2055 9th St., Los Osos.
MEDITATE WITH DAWN Hosted by Aurora Sacred Events. Visit site for reservations and more info. Feb. 20 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. 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. ongoing presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check
Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO
TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company
every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. 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
ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION MARDI
GRAS FISH FRY The St. Patrick’s Italian Catholic Federation is hosting a Mardi Gras Fish Fry dinner. Take-out food will be available. Feb. 28 , 4-7 p.m. $10-$20. St. Patrick’s Church, 501 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, stpatsag.org.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. OX + ANCHOR: “INDIES & EATS” In support of the SLO International Film Festival, Hotel SLO’s Michelin-recognized modern steakhouse, Ox + Anchor, is offering evenings of film and fine dining. Movies and dinner are running every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday now through mid-February. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 7 p.m. through Feb. 23 hotel-slo.com/events/indies+eats/. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.
SLO CRAFT BEER FEST Celebrate the makers of craft beverages and raise a toast to their unique and wonderful creations. Breweries from around the country will be featured with selected cider, spirits, and kombucha. For more info, visit site. Feb. 22 1-5 p.m. Starts at $92. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
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.
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR
Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY
Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.
SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC SEASON CONCERT: STYLISTIC IMPRESSIONS
Enjoy an evening of musical moods and emotions with the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit the site for tickets and more info. Feb. 22 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $50. (805) 925-0412. givebutter.com. Grace Baptist Church, 605 E. McCoy Ln., 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
CENTRAL COAST JAZZ GUITAR FEST
A weekend of listening and learning. Featuring classes, artists, concerts, exhibitors, jam sessions, and more. Feb. 28 - March 2 my805tix.com. Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, Buellton.
DAVID WILCOX AT TALES FROM THE TAVERN Enjoy an evening with folk singer and songwriter David Wilcox. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 26, 7-10 p.m. $36. talesfromthetavern.com. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, (805) 686-4785.
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.
PORTRAIT PAIR
Corazón Café in San Luis Obispo is soliciting contributions to its second annual Chingonas show, a collection of portraits of women in any medium—painting, photography, etc. The deadline to submit artworks for consideration is Sunday, Feb. 23 (email submissions to corazoncafeslo@gmail.com). The showcase is slated to open in early March. Last year’s exhibit included pieces by artist Jennifer Grant (left) and artist and Corazón Café co-owner Sara McGrath (right).
—C.W.
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
BASIN STREET REGULARS Features the Big Sirs of Swing and the Arroyo Grande High School Jazz Band. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 23 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m. my805tix.com. Pismo Beach Veterans Memorial Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach.
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA
EXPERIENCE From symphonic rock anthems to catchy pop tunes, The American ELO faithfully recreates Electric Light Orchestra’s diverse catalog, including their chart-topping hits like “Evil Woman,” “Mr. Blue Sky,” and more. Feb. 20 7:30-10:30 p.m. $49-$69. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/evil-woman/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT
International Guitar Night has pulled together some of the world’s finest and innovative acoustic guitarists and taken them on the road. This year’s line-up includes: Lulo Reinhardt, Alexandra
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Whittingham, Sönke Meinen, and Niwel Tsumbu. For music enthusiasts, guitar aficionados, and all seeking exceptional live music. Feb. 24, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $34-$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/international-guitar-night/. 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. LED ZEPAGAIN LIVE Replicating the legendary musical work of Led Zeppelin, this long-standing tribute band is set to hit the stage. Visit the site for tickets and more info. Feb. 22 7:30 p.m. $54. clarkcenter.org. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-9444.
MARK HUMMEL’S BLUES HARMONICA BLOWOUT Since 1991, blues harmonica master Mark Hummel has assembled the finest blues musicians and taken them on the road. This year’s lineup includes Curtis Salgado, Rick Estrin, Nick Moss, Dennis Gruenling, Rodrigo Mantovani, Wes Starr, Bob Welsh and, of course, Hummel himself. Feb. 27, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $34-$54. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/ blues-harmonica-blowout/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
RHYTHM INDIA: BOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND Experience vibrant costumes, dynamic music, and soulful rhythms, “from the echoing heart beats of royal palaces and sacred temples, to the
swaying voices of desert villages and modern stages.” Feb. 23 , 7-10 p.m. $45$67. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/rhythm-india/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
AGE OF LOVE: EUPHORIC AND WORLD
HOUSE MUSIC Curated by Sunset Tribe, the night will feature a lineup of artists, creating and spinning a fusion of stunning melodics. Feb. 21 8 p.m.-midnight $20. my805tix.com. Kreuzberg Coffee Company, 685 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 430-0260.
THE ALTONS AND THEE SINSEERS: CLUB HEARTACHE TOUR Listen to the soul rock band The Altons and East LA group Thee Sinseers live. This is an all ages event. Feb. 21 7 p.m. $30. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
CAL POLY WINTER JAZZ CONCERT: SOUNDS OF GROOVE The concert will feature performances by various jazz ensembles, including the University Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jamaal Baptiste; and the Jazz Combos, directed by Dylan Johnson. Feb. 21 7:30 p.m. $17 and $22 general; $12 students and Jazz Federation members. (805) 7564849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/jazz/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CRUEL IDOLS/4199 Features a handful of acts who play metal, punk, and more. All ages welcome. Feb. 23 , 6 p.m. my805tix. com/. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
DEAD OR ALIVE Hear live performances by six bands, including Bandwidth, TITVN, and Eternal Bloom. Visit the link to get tickets and more info about this 21 and over show. Feb. 22 6 p.m. $10-$15.
my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
FACULTY CONCERT: A SPECIAL EVENT FOR ARTS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Enjoy a night of music and art while benefiting student scholarships. Visit site for tickets and more information to this event. Feb. 22 , 6 p.m. $20-$45. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. FOOSER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS SICK FEESH Fooser, the four-piece pop punk band hailing from SLO, is set to hit the stage with Sick Feesh. Get tickets and more information at the link. Feb. 22 6-10 p.m. $12. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
LUICIDAL (OG SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
MEMBERS) Head to Humdinger Brewing for a night of live music from six bands, including Luicidal, Terminally Ill, Hostile Takedown, and local group Suburban Dropout. This is an all-ages show. Feb. 20 6 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
MAX MINARDI LIVE Reminiscent of artists like James Taylor, The Avett Brothers, and John Mayer, Minardi uses clever lyrics and live looping with modern folky guitar work to bring to life tales of his life and time on the road. Feb. 21 7-9 p.m. my805tix.com/. CongregationHouse, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
ZEPPARELLA: THE LED ZEPPELIN
EXPERIENCE Join the all-female American tribute band, Zepparella, as they bring the famous songs of Led Zeppelin to town. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb.
27 7 p.m. $28. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 5431843, slobrew.com.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE
IRON AND WINE: 2025 TOUR Iron and Wine is set to perform with support by Anna St. Louis. This is an all ages event. Feb. 20 7 p.m. $38. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600, fremontslo.com.
JUKE BOILER ROOM Enjoy a night of high-energy rhythms and deep grooves with Sam Gray, GUSTAVÉ, and PROMI$E, the three dynamic DJs that are set to bring their own unique sound to Kreuzberg Coffee in the heart of downtown. Get tickets at the link. Feb. 20, 9:30 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. Kreuzberg Coffee Company, 685 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 430-0260.
JUST SOME MO’ JAZZ Check website for details TBA, and for tickets. Feb. 23 , 1 p.m. my805tix.com. SLO Public Market, South Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.
Freelance Food Writer Wanted
Are you a passionate food writer with a knack for storytelling? New Times is looking for a freelance food writer to contribute twice a year to our Menus publication.
We’re seeking someone who can craft engaging, insightful, and mouthwatering articles featuring our Menus clients. The ideal candidate will have:
• Experience in food writing
A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
FREE SATURDAY NIGHT ROCK SHOW WITH COUNTERFEIT KINGS Head to the Siren for an evening of live music from The Counterfeit Kings. The act has been entertaining the Central Coast for more than 10 years, transporting audiences back to the 90s and 2000s with grunge and modern rock hits. Feb. 22 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. m
• A strong voice and the ability to bring food stories to life.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently.
This is a freelance position, with contributions expected twice a year. If you have a passion for food and the words to match, we’d love to hear from you!
ARTS BRIEFS
Local teen spearheaded crafty gift drive at Marian Regional Medical Center
Young patients in the pediatric unit at Santa Maria’s Marian Regional Medical Center were given stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons, and other fun prizes during the week of Valentine’s Day, thanks to a project organized by 17-year-old high school student Sophia Ferreira.
Inspired by her own childhood experience of staying in the hospital, Ferreira organized an initiative to donate 40 Valentine’s Day-themed gift boxes to help cheer up children at Marian.
“I hope this inspires other young people to find ways to make a difference in their communities,” Ferreira, a student at Arroyo Grande High School (AGHS), said in press materials. “You never know how much a small gesture can mean to someone else.”
Once a participant of St. Patrick Catholic School’s Mercy Projects, Ferreira said she was encouraged by her AVID program teacher at AGHS to organize the Valentine’s Daythemed gift drive. Each box in the gift drive contained a variety of items, curated to “bring comfort and smiles” to young patients at Marian.
Ferreira’s desire to give back to the community was fueled by her extended hospital stay during her childhood. At age 4, she underwent emergency surgery for a rare bacterial infection.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sophia for her generous donation to Marian’s pediatric unit,” Chief Nurse Officer Candice Monge said in press materials. “Her kindness and selflessness will make a lasting impact on the lives of many children and families in need of care.
“I am deeply moved by your compassion,” Monge continued. “Thank you for your remarkable generosity and for setting an inspiring example for all of us. … I can attest to how your contribution will enhance the healing environment for our young patients.”
2025 Buellton Wine and Chili Festival announces music lineup
Attendees of this year’s Buellton Wine and Chili Festival (Sunday, March 16, from noon to 4:30 p.m., at Flying Flags RV Resort) can look forward to live entertainment from multiple featured acts.
Known for his signature, high-energy yodeling and genre blending, local musician Jared Nels will be among the festival’s music lineup, which also features rock, pop, and country act Sound Investment, and DJ FIU.
Visit buelltonwineandchilifestival.com for more info on the upcoming event. General admission for ages 21 and over is $65. Guests under age 20 can attend with a $25 ticket, which grants unlimited chili and salsa tastings, but no alcohol. m Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
Spur of the moment
Improv for Good supplies local laughs at workshops and fundraisers
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Striking gold in the world of improv is more about being off-the-cuff than thinking on your feet, according to Pismo Beach resident Thia Anlo, who once feared that the reverse was true.
“I was really nervous because I thought you’d have to be able to … think really fast and [find] something funny to say. And it’s really not like that at all,” said Anlo, the founder and director of Improv for Good, a local collective that’s brought improv classes and fundraiser performances to a handful of venues over the past year.
The relief Anlo felt after taking her first formal improv class a few years ago is one she and her colleagues aim to replicate for newcomers at Improv for Good’s workshops. The group was formed during the spring of 2024.
“Anybody can improvise because it’s really … a matter of letting go of your thinking, planning, logical brain, and just kind of going with the flow,” Anlo said. “Being really present in the moment and responding to your scene partner in the moment without thinking about it ahead of time. And the ‘funny’ just happens.
… We don’t want people trying to script it out in their head.”
Anlo compared improv to another hobby she’s fond of—a sport that probably doesn’t share many Venn diagrams with the former.
“I also surf, although not so much lately. But one thing about surfing is that you have to be in the moment,” Anlo explained. “You have to be paying attention to where the waves are and what’s happening around you, otherwise you could end up smashed by a wave.
“But improv is kind of the same way. It forces you to be in the moment. … You’ve got to be responding to what’s going on.”
She described the mission of Improv for Good as multi-pronged, as the group hosts events such as workshops that
On the spot
To find out more about Improv for Good and its lineup of monthly classes and periodic performance events, visit improvforgood.fun or email improvforgood@gmail.com.
invite interaction and performances for attendees to simply enjoy watching as well. The collective curates these programs “with a charitable mindset,” she added.
“[We’re] doing improv for people who could really use some extra laughs in their life,” said Anlo, whose group has hosted free or low-cost events for seniors and retirees at the Oceano Community Center, Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, and other venues, and performed during fundraisers at locations in Nipomo and Grover Beach to support Meals that Connect, the 5Cities Homeless Coalition, and other nonprofits.
“We’re not making money off of this at all,” Anlo added.
When the group does charge an admission fee, it’s to cover the costs of using a facility, she clarified.
Starting on March 1, Improv for Good will host improv classes on the first and third Saturday of each month at Flex Performing Arts in Grover Beach for locals ages 12 and older. Admission is $24 per month, or $20 for current Flex dancers, and the first class is free of charge.
Anlo said the group has a few community programs slated for the near future.
“We’re going to start offering applied improvisation, which means helping people to bring improv … off the stage and into their lives,” Anlo said. “Because doing improv yourself can build your resilience, … your ability to relate to people. Social empathy has a lot of benefits.” m
Empathize with Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DIGNITY HEALTH
THE WORLD’S A STAGE: Since the spring of 2024, Improv for Good has hosted free and low-cost improv comedy programs for the public at a handful of venues in Nipomo, Oceano, and Arroyo Grande. PHOTOS
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUELLTON WINE AND CHILI FESTIVAL
THE FLOORED PROJECT: Mike Schmidt and Enid Kelly examine Janice Lamont—either playing possum or in a deep sleep—during some Improv for Good shenanigans at the Woman’s Club in Arroyo Grande.
IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE: Improv for Good rarely uses physical props within skits and improv exercises, instead relying on dialogue and actions to illustrate a scene. “What we’re doing in an improv world is we’re creating a world, and we all see it, and the audience can see it as well,” founder and director Thia Anlo said.
TAKE THE WHEEL: Improv for Good participants Noreen Vance, Kimberly Volkmann, Mike Schmidt, and Garrett Stewart (from left to right, respectively) take part in “the carpool game,” one of the local group’s improv exercises.
Love at the gates of hell
Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange, The Black Phone) directs Zach Dean’s (Deadfall, The Tomorrow War) script about two highly trained snipers—Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy)—stationed on either side of a vast crevice containing a mysterious evil that must be contained. When the evil emerges, they work together to survive. (127 min.)
Glen: The film begins by introducing our two leads, showing us they’ve got personal baggage out the yin-yang. Soon they’re both on-site, and even though they’ve been ordered not to communicate, Drasa and Levi meet-cute by writing messages to one another that they read with binoculars. It doesn’t take long for the so called “hollow men” to emerge from the gorge and try to attack them. Cue flying bullets and exploding monsters. They soon realize that by working together, they have a better chance of survival. Eventually, we’ll all discover what’s really going on down there. So what we have here is a rom-com wrapped in a sci-fi horror mystery with a frosting of family drama thanks to Drasa’s dad, Erikas (William Houston), who’s promised to off himself on Valentine’s Day so he can rest next to Drasa’s dead mom. Aw, sweet! We also have Sigourney Weaver as Bartholomew, who it turns out works for a corporation called Darklake. In essence, this film wants to be all things to all people but instead is a semi-hot mess.
THE GORGE
What’s it rated? PG-13
Anna: Luckily this film is straight to streaming, so if you’re an Apple TV subscriber, the only thing you’d be wasting on it is your time. I like both leads—Taylor-Joy and Teller both have their charms. But it just wasn’t enough for me to put this film up too far in the ranks. Granted, this type of film has a rough chance with me to start with. Admittedly, some of the banter between the leads comes off as cute, and the two loners do have chemistry, but there’s definitely some groan-inducing dialogue, and even with the hollow men emerging from the mist, the stakes didn’t feel high enough to engage me. There’s an evil corporation and a mystery for Levi to piece together, but it all fell pretty flat. It also felt like they could have cut this film way down—at more than two hours, this flick would have benefitted from another run through the editing bay.
What’s it worth, Anna?
Streaming
What’s it worth, Glen?
Streaming
Where’s it showing?
Glen: Yeah, some of the platitudes Levi utters are beyond corny. Poets, eh? Things get a bit more exciting when the two find themselves in the gorge scrambling to get out. All manner of creepy human-animal hybrids abound, and how they came to be is a twist that won’t surprise anyone who’s ever seen a sci-fi movie involving a shadowy corporation. If you don’t have Apple TV, this earnest genre-masher isn’t enough to warrant signing up, but if you have a subscription and couple of hours to waste, you might like it. I will say this: Despite the ridiculousness of the story, our leads are trying
TO SIR, WITH LOVE
What’s it rated? Not rated
When? Monday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m.
Where’s it showing?
The Bay Theatre
In honor of Black History Month, the Bay Theatre is screening writer-director James Clavell’s aspirational 1967 film, To Sir, with Love based on the autobiographical novel by E. R. Braithwaite. The story deals with important issues of class and race and ultimately is a testament to the power of treating adolescents—even badly behaving ones—with care and love, which has the power to change lives.
Unable to find engineering work, Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) reluctantly accepts a teaching position. Little does he know, his class consists of students rejected from other schools for behavioral problems. Thackeray makes it his mission to make well-behaved young men and women out of them, with plenty of problems along the way.
It’s a compelling story and time capsule of its era, but it’s also very pat and preachy in retrospect. The script has been called sententious, pious, sentimental, and unrealistic—and it is—but Poitier is wonderful, and some of the performances by his students are effective. One of the students, the singer
their damnedest to sell it. That said, maybe if the film didn’t take itself so damn seriously, it might have been so bad it’s good.
Anna: The hollow men did have some interesting special effects that gave them a sort of half tree, half zombie look, and their underworld forest-like setting was creepily scenic. Movies aren’t an easy to make or get made, so even when a film doesn’t quite
KINDA PREGNANT
What’s it rated? R When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Amy Schumer is often thought of as a comedian you either dig or you don’t, and luckily, I personally find her pretty dang funny. This new feature-length offering tells the story of Lainey, a woman who’s been a bit obsessed with pregnancy and motherhood since she was a kid. When everyone around her is getting knocked up, Lainey can’t help but let FOMO take over.
In a rom-com cliché, Lainey winds up with a fake baby bump after an afternoon shopping for maternity clothes with a friend and soaks up the “congrats” and sweet smiles from strangers on the street. She can’t leave it at one afternoon walk though, and soon she befriends a woman named Megan (Brianne Howey) when she attends a prenatal yoga class.
get it right, it still represents a lot of work by a lot of people, and The Gorge was an ambitious undertaking for these two leads. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t enough there for them to make it shine. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com
—Glen
She then meets Megan’s cutie of a brother, Josh (Will Forte), who she instantly connects with, but how do you navigate a big ol’ lie in the form of a big ol’ bump with someone you want to date? It gets messy and then, predictably, gets resolved. If you’re a fan of Schumer and Forte like I am, my guess is you’ll dig this lighthearted rom-
GUN LOVERS: Elite snipers Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy)—tasked with guarding opposite sides of a mysterious crevice—find romance among the flying bullets, in The Gorge, streaming on Apple TV+.
Lulu in her film debut, also sings the theme song, “To Sir with Love,” that became the bestselling U.S. single in 1967. (105 min.)
com topped with a sprinkle of laughs. (97 min.) m —Glen
PHOTO
IDEALISTIC: Sidney Poitier stars as Mark Thackeray, an unemployed engineer who reluctantly accepts a teaching job of a rowdy classroom, in the 1967 classic To Sir, with Love, screening at the Bay Theatre on Feb. 24.
KINDA NEEDY: When she’s mistaken for pregnant and likes the way she’s treated, Lainey (Amy Schumer) goes all in on the ruse, digging herself deeper into trouble, in Kinda Pregnant, streaming on Netflix.
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Imagine a cozy blanket in wine form. That’s what makes Talley Vineyards’ 2022 grenache perfect for cold, stormy nights, according to the local winery’s new tasting room manager, Juliana Neel.
“[It’s] pure comfort in a bottle. With notes of pomegranate and cardamom, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening,” Neel said in an email interview. “I like to call it our ‘binge-watching’ wine. It pairs with anything as dramatic as Real Housewives of Salt Lake City—a personal favorite [of mine] … go Mary Cosby!—to the suspenseful storytelling of Severance.” Brian Talley, Talley Vineyards president and CEO, announced Neel’s promotion from hospitality lead to tasting room manager in mid-February. Born and raised in Santa Maria, Neel has worked for the Arroyo Grande-based winery since 2021, when
she started her Talley tenure as a tasting room attendant.
“When I applied, I was 20 and had absolutely no wine knowledge whatsoever. I had to wait until my 21st birthday—three weeks after my initial interview—for my first day on the job,” Neel said. “But I was eager for the challenge. … I even took viticulture classes at Allan Hancock College after earning my political science degree to be better equipped to serve the guests visiting our tasting room.”
Neel’s multi-layered background in local government (she once interned for the Santa Maria City Council, where she worked directly for Councilmember Gloria Soto) and performing arts continues to shape how she approaches working in wine and hospitality.
For example, her theater chops come in handy when producing sketches for Talley Vineyards’ Instagram reels, while managing the winery’s social media presence.
“I have the ability to infuse my passions and past experiences into every aspect of my job,” Neel said. “Growing up, I was very shy and reserved. I surprised my family and schoolmates when I came out as transgender in 2015. I think subconsciously, I loved theater/acting because I was able to escape my reality and become
whatever I wanted—whether it was a nerdy pirate, a professor, or even Mother Superior in a convent.”
She still loves theater, and enjoys attending PCPA and SLO REP shows regularly, but now channels her performance skills in different ways, “through hospitality, hosting events, or social media content creation.”
When Neel looks back on her City Council internship with Soto, she remembers being “incredibly inspired by her work ethic— balancing a full-time career alongside her duties as a council member and active board member of various local organizations.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF TALLEY VINEYARDS
ACQUIRED TASTE: Born and raised in Santa Maria, Talley Vineyards’ new tasting room manager, Juliana Neel, is the self-described “wine snob of my friend group,” she revealed in an email interview.
PRIDE PROJECT: Reflecting on her four years working at Talley Vineyards, Juliana Neel said one of her personal favorite career highlights was “spearheading our 2023 Pride wine project with my fellow queer-identifying coworkers,” she recalled of the joint effort.
continued page 26
ROOM TO GROW: In 2021, Juliana Neel started
Soto “continues to be a fierce advocate for the well-being of my hometown,” Neel added.
Neel was inspired to apply for a job at Talley Vineyards in 2021 because she “needed a breath of fresh air,” she explained.
“I wanted to try something new,” said Neel, whose own wine preferences also changed as a result of working at Talley. “I’ll admit it. I started out loving sweet, mass-produced white blends you’ll find at the grocery store. But after almost four years in the industry, I’ve definitely become the wine snob of my friend group.”
One of her favorite hobbies since joining the Talley team is seeking out—and encouraging her friends to try—local, family-owned wineries.
Esfuerzo Wines in Buellton and Sinor-LaVallee in Avila Beach are among those she’s enjoyed discovering.
She has two consistent personal favorites of Talley Vineyards’ wines, which will come as no surprise to her colleagues, Neel explained.
“Luckily, working in the tasting room has its perks. The best perk—in my opinion—is getting to take home the leftover wine,” Neel said. “My coworkers know that my first pick is always either our 2023 rosé or 2023 grüner veltliner. Both are pure sunshine in a bottle—bringing brightness to even the rainiest of days.” m
Send grenache, cocktail umbrellas, and regular umbrellas to Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com
FAMILY VALUES: Talley Vineyards’ new tasting room manager Juliana Neel expressed gratitude “to the Talley family for entrusting me and seeing the potential in me,” and said it’s been an honor working in other roles over the past four years with co-owner Elizabeth Talley (center), pictured here with co-owners Brian Talley (left) and Rosemary Talley (right).
