n Feb. 8, more than 150 wines from about 30 vintners will settle down in Solvang for the 11th annual Solvang Southern Exposure Garagiste Festival. Many of those wines come from wineries without tasting rooms, including those from Pars Fortuna Wine. Winemaker Kira Malone released her first vintage in late October and will be pouring her two pinot noirs that day. She said it’s a great opportunity for her and the others who will get face-to-face time with potential customers. Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood talks to her and a couple of others who are set to pour their wines for this year’s attendees [25]. Also this week, read about Guadalupe’s EV charging station conundrum [4]; how local school districts are attempting to alleviate fear over federal immigration policy changes [6]; and the Central Coast Art League [22]
Lanham editor
Santa Barbara County.
The 11th annual Solvang Garagiste Festival will highlight about 30 small wineries, some of which don’t even have tasting rooms, including wines from Kira Malone, the winemaker at Pars Fortuna Wine.
• On Jan. 29, one day after President Donald Trump moved to freeze funding for a range of federal programs, the president’s budget office rescinded the order, according to the Associated Press (AP). Trump’s move had prompted “widespread confusion and legal challenges across the country,” AP News reported. Locally, Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) issued a statement lambasting the president’s action, saying it was “not only cruel, it is also illegal.” The Central Coast received more than $1.4 billion in grants and other federal aid last year alone, Carbajal said in the statement. “Halting federal assistance—even temporarily—has the potential to harm every single Central Coast community,” the congressman said. The funds were approved on a bipartisan basis to help local programs, including Head Start and other education organizations, first responders and law enforcement, health clinics, infrastructure, housing assistance, and more, according to Carbajal’s office. AP News reported that Trump administration officials said on Jan. 28 that the pause was necessary to review whether spending aligned with Trump’s executive orders on issues like climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. But the next day, officials sent out a two-sentence notice rescinding the original memo. “President Trump has retreated, for the time being, on his dangerous and illegal executive action that would have devastated the Central Coast,” Carbajal posted on Facebook in response. “While this fight is far from over, don’t lose sight of this: When we all stood together and called out extremist policy, we won.”
• On Jan. 31, U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-California) joined Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and all Democratic members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in demanding answers from newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin about the agency’s freezing of congressionally appropriated funds, including those that have already been obligated. According to Politico’s EnergyWire reporting, the EPA sent letters to grant recipients explaining it was pausing all funding actions related to the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These funding cuts are already having “devastating effects” on communities, according to a statement from Padilla’s office, with reports of jobs in jeopardy and essential infrastructure projects on the chopping block. The senators noted that failing to allow grant recipients to access funds that have already been obligated violates federal law. “We write concerning troubling reports that the Environmental Protection Agency is attempting to claw back funds that have already been obligated to grant recipients. We believe that this is contrary to federal law,” the senators wrote. “Many of us have also been contacted by grantees in our states reporting that they no longer have access to the grant money that has been obligated to them.” The letter to the EPA administrator also notes federal law requires that obligated funds be provided to grantees. “We further note that the Solar for All program furthers several goals, all of which are part of EPA’s core mission, which you support. It is designed to help reduce carbon pollution, air pollutants, and household energy costs by financing community and rooftop solar in low-income communities. It will further help drive American manufacturing, boosting the economy and creating jobs.” The senators asked that Zeldin provide a valid legal justification for the funding freezes and explain when he plans restore the availability of the funds to grant recipients. In addition to Sens. Padilla, Schiff, and Whitehouse, the letter is also signed by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Maryland), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). m
On Jan. 28, the
Guadalupe enacts new parking policy to increase turnover at public EV chargers
For a full battery, electric vehicles on empty parked at either of Guadalupe’s two free charging stations need to stay plugged in for about 11 hours, according to city staff. But anyone caught parked in those spots for more than four hours is now subject to ticketed fines thanks to a new city ordinance.
During its last meeting of January, the Guadalupe City Council sided with staff’s recommendation to begin enforcing a timed restriction—not previously addressed in the municipal code—at the city-owned charging stations, located in front of the Guadalupe Senior Center and the Veterans Hall.
What staff and the council didn’t see eye to eye on from the outset, however, was how short of a time duration to enforce.
Originally, staff suggested an eight-hour limit due to the slow speed of Guadalupe’s free chargers, although four-hour restrictions are common in many cities, City Attorney Philip Sinco said at the council’s Jan. 28 meeting.
“[Four hours] was initially what I was leaning toward, but, … our chargers are a little bit older,” Sinco said. “It takes about 11 hours to fully recharge a vehicle. Yeah, they’re slow chargers. So, it seemed that an eight-hour restriction was probably more reasonable. … That would get a vehicle most of the way charged.”
After hearing Sinco briefly summarize complaints from the public, about “people allegedly hogging the parking spaces, not letting others use the EV stations,” Councilmember Whitney Furness said the free city-owned stations should help someone get from A to B, but should not be regarded as spots to achieve a full charge to begin with, especially due to the speed issue.
“If it’s the same as plugging it into a wall, … they could do it at home,” Furness said.
An eight-hour restriction could also be perceived as a half measure if the city’s goal is to stop people from hogging the charging stations, Police Chief Michael Cash explained at the meeting.
“Eight hours is problematic to a certain degree,” Cash said. “Having eight hours, you pretty much take up a large percentage of the day. … That would only allow maybe one car; maybe two at most.”
At the City Council’s prior meeting on Jan. 14, Guadalupe resident George Alvarez complained
during public comment about certain occupants of the charging stations.
“There’s one or two guys who use it every day, and [don’t] give … other people the ability to use it,” Alvarez said.
Before the City Council voted (4-0; Councilmember Eugene Costa Jr. was absent) in favor of the time restriction—altered to reflect a four-hour limit rather than the original eight-hour limit—at the Jan. 28 meeting, Cash confirmed that there was at least one individual the police department has observed leaving a vehicle parked and on charge overnight.
“They park, and then they’ll take their scooter out and go home,” Cash said. “We’re not going to say where they go home to, but we know the person.”
—Caleb Wiseblood
County Planning Commission gets closer to cannabis odor ordinance changes
Santa Barbara County’s cannabis odor ordinance needs to include a time element, according to 3rd District Planning Commissioner John Parke.
“Measuring your [odor] at 10 a.m. for an event that occurred at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. is just meaningless,” Parke said during the Jan. 29 county Planning Commission meeting. “It’s not going to be effective.”
He made those comments during a hearing on proposed amendments to the current cannabis odor ordinance, which will go back before the commission on Feb. 19 and head to the Board of Supervisors in mid-March for a final decision. While the changes aim to specifically address odor issues that persist with greenhouse cultivation in Carpinteria, the amendments will target all indoor growing and processing operations in the county.
Parke’s questions about timeliness referred to complaints from Carpinteria residents who say they get woken up by the smell in the middle of the night. They can’t file their complaint with the county until 9 a.m., Parke said, and then maybe someone will be out there to test for odor around noon.
“We have to reverse engineer what it would mean to have the ability to react on a real-time basis,” he said.
The problem with measuring odor at a different time than when it was first detected is that the air mixes and changes, according to
Hamish Corbett-Hains with county consultant Geosyntec.
“You lose confidence in that measurement. It becomes less certain where those emissions are coming from, and it becomes less certain what you’re smelling,” he said.
The proposed amendments would set a threshold for cannabis odor at the grower’s property line, set up a complaint system that would trigger a tiered compliance response for operators, require runtime meters on electrical equipment, and require operators to provide data to the county when requested.
The commission discussed those changes last September and November. And the Board of Supervisors added to the list in January with new directives, including requiring operators to use multi-technology carbon filters or an equivalent technology to scrub odors, implementing a 12-month compliance period, and allowing changes to existing odor abatement plans.
What exactly that odor threshold should be is still an issue for the commission, which has plans to discuss it further on Feb. 19. Staff recommends 7 D/T—dilution over threshold—measured with a device called a Nasal Ranger at the property line of a cannabis operation for a three-minute period.
Fourth District Commissioner Roy Reed said he initially had concerns about the Nasal Ranger, but after looking further into it, he thinks “it’s acceptable.” It’s a device that’s placed over the nose and measures odor as the wearer—who’s certified to use it—breathes in.
“We can’t let perfect be the enemy of the good, and I think it’s good enough,” Reed said. “I don’t think neighbors in Carpinteria are satisfied with intermittent odor at property line. … I think they want no odor at lot line.”
County staff explained 7 D/T is an intermittent odor that isn’t consistent. Anything higher than that would be classified as a persistent odor. Anything lower than that would be an odor that’s even more diluted in the air. For instance, 4 D/T is below the nuisance threshold, Corbett-Hains said, adding that achieving an odor level of zero would be impossible, even with brand new greenhouses with the best equipment.
Another issue for commissioners was defining “multi-technology carbon filters,” something Parke said was a new term to him. County Planning and Development Director Lisa Plowman said that was a term coined by the Board of Supervisors and intended to include many different odor-controlling technologies. It’s meant to encompass carbon filters, photocatalytic oxidation (aka infinity scrubbers), and other best available odor control technologies.
“This isn’t prescriptive,” she said. “We will attempt to define what this is … make it broad enough that we are not penalizing some of the system growers that were early adopters.”
The commission is expected to decide on final recommendations for odor ordinance amendments during its Feb. 19 meeting. —Camillia Lanham
Dana Reserve developers hit with new lawsuit over environmental impact concerns
The Nipomo Action Committee and the San Luis Obispo chapter of the California Native Plant Society filed another lawsuit against Dana Reserve developer Nick Tompkins and the San Luis Obispo Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) over the potential discovery of a new manzanita plant on the Nipomo Mesa.
Bill Waycott with the California Native Plant Society told the Sun that he first discovered this new species of manzanita on the Nipomo Mesa while out on a hike with his wife in 2021.
“We found a particular plant that looked very different, and I wasn’t willing to just leave it alone.
FREE OF CHARGE:
Guadalupe City Council greenlit a four-hour restriction on cityowned electric vehicle charging stations, free for anyone to use and therefore susceptible to some patrons “hogging” them, or leaving their cars parked overnight.
I told my wife that we have to try and figure out what’s going on here,” he said. “So, from there, we took cuttings, and we were able to create roots through propagation, … and we started showing them to the experts of this particular lineage.”
Those experts stationed at San Francisco State University and UC Riverside agreed with Waycott that this might be a new species, and thus he began his study of the situation.
Waycott said he looked at the morphological characteristics, such as the leaves, stems, fruits, and flowers, as well as took DNA extraction to help pursue the level of diversity in this new species versus other manzanita plants.
“This initial work was done in 2022 to 2023, and then the DNA was extracted at the end of 2023 into 2024, and then we had the results in front of ourselves in June of 2024. So, it really only came to light in June of 2024, and the Dana Reserve process was already well on its way,” he said. “The Board of Supervisors had already decided to approve the project, and we didn’t know if we had a new species during those deliberations or not, so we didn’t say anything.”
However, shortly after the Board of Supervisors approved the 1,370 residential unit housing development during a two-day meeting on April 23 and 24, Waycott said the documentation of this new species was beginning.
“We had to write the academic paper, then the academic paper had to be peer-reviewed and that took six months,” he said. “During that process, I approached the LAFCO commission and told them that we were certain that we had a new species and that it would directly impact the decisions regarding the environmental impact review. They didn’t agree with me or my team, and through that process the Nipomo
Action Committee and the California Native Plant Society joined forces to join in a lawsuit challenging their decision.”
LAFCO Executive Officer Rob Fitzroy didn’t provide a comment on the lawsuit, which was filed on Dec. 13, but instead directed the Sun to a recording of the Nov. 14 LAFCO meeting where staff member Emily Creel addressed the topic of this possible newly discovered manzanita.
Creel said staff received a letter from a representative of the San Luis Obispo chapter of the California Native Plant Society claiming that there was a report that did morphological and DNA molecular testing on these new manzanita plants that exist within the Dana Reserve property. But Creel said she had some issues with the report.
“It’s very preliminary. The report, I’m not going to call it a report, the comment letter references a report that’s not even available because it hasn’t been published. It hasn’t been peer-reviewed; the information hasn’t been weighed in on by any regulatory agencies, much less has the species been identified as new and listed on any regulatory agencies,” she said. “The comment letter is very speculative and preliminary in native and references this report, which is not even available.”
This lawsuit came a few months after the Nipomo Action Committee sued Tompkins and the SLO County Board of Supervisors with claims that the project would stress “local resources and burden local emergency services such as Cal Fire and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff.”
Jocelyn Brennan, a representative of the Dana Reserve team, told the Sun that they don’t believe this new lawsuit will have any impact on development, as the project approvals already include mitigation measures for manzanita. m
—Samantha Herrera
Classroom concerns
Campus: Santa Barbara
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Federal laws entitle every child, regardless of immigration status, to a public elementary or secondary education, according to the United States Department of Education.
However, a new federal directive from the Trump administration grants Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the authority to enter previously designated “sensitive” areas, causing some local families to fear sending their children to school.
“I’ve heard from school administrators and from counselors who have told me of numerous families that have said, ‘I’m not, not going to allow my students to go to school,’” said Brian Jaramillo, the assistant superintendent of Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD).
“Whether that’s for today, or for a week, or for the last week and a half, there are a lot of students who haven’t been coming to school because of the situation.”
Local school districts like LUSD are taking measures to reassure families, protect student privacy, and uphold every child’s right to an education. Additionally, some are working closely with legal teams and community organizations to ensure families have accurate information about their rights and available resources.
“Our district really firmly believes that every student has the right to free public education under the Constitution, and we’re going to work to provide that to every student,” Jaramillo said.
According to guidance for schools from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, federal and state laws protect student records by requiring parental consent for their releases, with limited exceptions such as a court-ordered subpoena. Jaramillo said that if ICE came to one of the LUSD’s campuses, they have informed staff to ensure adherence to proper protocols.
“When we have immigration enforcement officers—if they do come on campus—we have specific directions for our site administrators to contact the district office and to make sure that
we check on any requests with our legal team before we provide any information,” he said. “We’re going to have a pretty stringent standard to make sure that we’re not giving out any information that we’re not required to.”
Guadalupe Union School District (GUSD) has similar processes in place to ensure the safety and privacy of its students, Superintendent Emilio Handall told the Sun. He highlighted how the new federal directive is not going to change the district’s dedication to ensuring that every student receives a quality education.
“We instituted a board policy four years ago in anticipation of this environment, and we’re going to continue to do everything we can to keep our students safe,” Handall said. “We’re committed to keeping our students safe and our community safe, and we’re balancing keeping them safe without creating more anxiety.”
Handall explained that GUSD wants to remain focused on providing students with a high-standards education but that this new policy has been a “huge distraction.”
“We have a tremendous obligation and load to lift,” Handall said. “All of this chaos is putting more on the plates of educators, and we’re hoping to inform our community, keep our students safe, and continue to stay focused on our primary mission, which is educating our children.”
Superintendent Darren McDuffie of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD) wrote in a statement to the Sun that the safety and well-being of students are the district’s “top priorities,” emphasizing the SMBSD’s dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
“The Santa Maria-Bonita School District understands that the national events and conversations around immigration may be causing anxiety for some members of our community,” McDuffie wrote. “We share a dedication along with other California school districts to safety, respect, and inclusivity, regardless of race, immigration status, identity,
ICE information
or personal circumstances.”
Local community organizations are also stepping up to help families navigate the uncertainty this new policy has brought on. One organization is CAUSE (Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy), a local nonprofit that functions as part of the 805 Immigrants coalition to provide resources and support to undocumented community members.
CAUSE Co-Executive Director Hazel Davalos said that the organization is currently trying to inform everyone of their rights, “making sure that local institution leaders, whether school districts or hospitals, know their rights if ICE tries to conduct raids in these areas that were once considered safe.”
Davalos encourages undocumented individuals to stay home as much as possible right now, recognizing the importance of still attending work or school. From what she’s seen and heard from local community members, ICE activity has significantly increased in the region.
“I think we all hope that the intensity of the ICE activity is more of a statement at the beginning of [Trump’s] administration and that things will calm down,” Davalos said. “But, I think the greatest hope we have is that our community will come together and find the best ways to hold on to one another, keep each other safe, and really call in institutional leaders who perhaps were on the sidelines before to step up and support immigrant families in our region.”
She said it was important for local school districts to disseminate accurate information about immigrant rights and provide training to faculty and staff to ensure the safety and security of every student.
“The fear is palpable right now,” Davalos said. “We really need to look to the institution leaders locally to do what they can to provide some protection at this moment.” m
DISTRICT DUTIES: The Lompoc Unified School District is one of several districts in the county taking steps to protect student privacy and ensure student safety while immigration enforcement increases across the region.
The local coalition, 805 Immigrants, operates a regional alert system to notify community members of confirmed ICE activity. Individuals can sign up by texting “alerta” or “alert” to (805) 870-8855.
Health & Wellness
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Breaking barriers
Allan Hancock College starts program in Guadalupe
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Enrollment in Allan Hancock College’s new classes in Guadalupe more than doubled in just one week, as word quickly spread about the chance to earn college credit closer to home.
The community college partnered with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District to offer classes in Guadalupe, allowing local high school students the opportunity to earn college credit through in-person classes at the Guadalupe Senior Center. Hancock Dean of Student Services Yvonne Teniente noticed that students from Guadalupe often struggled with transportation, making it difficult for them to get to and from classes on Hancock’s campus after school.
“Our mission is to ensure that all students have access to our courses, to our services, and all modalities, whether it be online or in person,” Teniente said. “I think the missing piece was Guadalupe.”
With this mission in mind, the college worked with the city to ensure that all students had access to free bus passes. In the first two weeks of instruction, Teniente noted that the program received positive feedback from local families.
“The parents are like, ‘Wow, we’ve lived here all our lives, and this is something we’ve never seen; thank you very much,’” Teniente said.
The idea to bring classes to Guadalupe started at a summer retreat, where members of the college’s management team were tasked with devising a project to improve the college. According to Teniente, the team decided that they should offer more accessible services to community members in Guadalupe.
“Wouldn’t it be great to not only provide courses but to provide a center where students are able to come in and receive mentorship, tutoring, and a study space?” she said.
Teniente explained that one of the first people to volunteer to teach a class in Guadalupe was Jennifer Schroeder, professor of communication studies. Schroeder said that the first two weeks of class have been exciting, adding that “it’s nice to be able to provide this opportunity for students.”
“These students are starting early,” Schroeder said. “They don’t have to be there, but they’re passionate about their education.”
After collaborating with local high schools to see what classes they felt were important and determining which professors were available to teach, the community college decided to offer Communication Studies 101: Introduction to Public
Speaking, and Psychology 101: Introduction to Psychology. Schroeder, who teaches the course on public speaking, believes that the class is essential for students in their early college careers.
“It really helps them develop the skills and confidence that they’ll need to succeed throughout their college journey,” Schroeder explained.
The Guadalupe initiative is an expansion of the school’s already established College Now program, which allows local high schoolers to take college-level classes on Hancock’s campus. According to Teniente, the new branch of the program aims to limit the barriers to higher education so that all students have a pathway to follow.
“My hope is that every student knows that they are able to go to college and that they are more than capable of passing these courses and continuing on to get whatever degree,” she said. “My hope is that they feel that they’re valued, that they have met some great role models, and that they work with each other to make it to their goals.”
After seeing the traction the two classes gained in just one week, Teniente is optimistic that they will be able to expand the program to offer more classes and potentially provide an opportunity to earn a degree.
“I think we’re going in the right direction, but we definitely have to see what the needs are of the community and what we can offer,” she said. “We’re ready. We definitely got the staff. We got the people who really want to make this happen.”
The application for the spring 2025 term closes on March 14. For more information on the College Now program, visit hancockcollege.edu/ admissions/college-now.php.
Highlight
• The Lompoc Family YMCA recently launched its 2025 annual campaign with a fundraising goal of $110,000 to support community outreach, financial assistance, and program access. Leticia Leon, a board member, will chair this year’s campaign. In a statement from the organization, she said that the YMCA has made a positive impact on her family, making her excited to give back. Donations can be made to the Lompoc Family YMCA in person or over the phone at (805) 7363483. For more information, visit ciymca.org. m
Staff writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@newtimesslo.com.
HOMETOWN HOMEWORK: High school students taking classes as part of a new program in Guadalupe will have access to services like tutoring, mentoring, and career readiness training from Allan Hancock College.
WEEKLY ORGANICS COLLECTION IS
Organics
Organics
How should Lompoc address homelessness and human trafficking in the riverbed?
46% Better collaboration among the county, city, and nonprofits.
31% Enforce the laws: fewer hugs, more handcuffs.
23% More encampment cleanups and resources.
0% Everything’s fine in the riverbed. 13 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.
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How many endangered species will be eradicated while misguided politicians try to ‘save the earth’?
BY RON FINK
In July 2023, a local media outlet reported on progress of a wind farm project south of Lompoc: “Strauss applied to the federal agency for the incidental take permit [to kill birds] in March 2023, with a BayWa representative saying an oversight led to the delayed application,” (Noozhawk, “Strauss Wind Energy Project Seeks to Operate Without Golden Eagle Permit”).
Strauss, the wind farm developer, was requesting that the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission allow it “to begin operating despite not having a federal permit regarding harming or killing golden eagles.”
The county Planning Commission decided that it could circumvent federal law just because, as 3rd District Commissioner John Parke said, “This is not a moral issue. Should we spank BayWa for being slow? I don’t really care. I want to get things done for the citizens of California,” according to the Noozhawk article.
Of course, this same courtesy has never been and still isn’t provided to other developers.
Ultimately the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized the incidental take (killing) of up to 12 golden eagles throughout the 30-year life of the project.
The Canary of the Santa Maria Sun observed,
“The project that was late to the party when it came to managing the deaths of endangered or threatened species but got the go-ahead anyway went back to the county after a year of data collection. Guess what? One golden eagle was killed in the past year. It was one of 47 winged creatures who bit the dust beneath those giant wind turbines outside of Lompoc. Not bad, I guess, considering that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicted that 15 golden eagles would succumb to the spinning blades,” (“Soaring to new heights,” Dec. 19, 2024).
This demonstrates the hypocrisy of the environmental movement; when a commercial project, farmer/rancher, or private home builder wants to do something on their property that might directly harm an endangered species or disturb their habitat, the project will be denied. But when it’s a project favored by environmentalists, then killing several endangered birds or wrecking their habitat is OK.
When the county Planning Commission asked BayWa what they were going to do to reduce the killing of birds, they said there was a nondisclosure agreement “that prevents Santa Barbara County from understanding how a new technology will help prevent the Strauss Wind Energy Project from killing too many winged things,” as stated in the Canary.
MAYFIELD
All people deserve dignity
In response to “Encampments return to Santa Maria Riverbed” (Jan. 30): I understand that Japan removes homeless people from the street, provides a livable detention area with basic needs. Basically, they are incarcerated. They are cleaned up (from addiction) and given an opportunity to improve their ability to thrive and return back into society. If this does not work, they may return again, stay off the streets, and are provided for.
All people deserve dignity. Just need to provide the correct measure.
The root cause is not necessarily high prices to
Somehow, I don’t think environmentalists or the Planning Commission would accept an explanation like that from any other project, but the local Planning Commission, which stands in the way of many projects for lesser reasons, seems OK with it. And those environmentalists—they are silent.
There is another potential issue that shouldn’t be overlooked by the neighboring Vandenberg Space Force Base. SpaceX has a camera mounted on one of the wind towers that overlooks Space Launch Complex 4. They use it to stream videos of all their launches.
The questions that come to mind are: What else is up there and who put it there? Recently a foreign national was caught using a drone to photograph portions of the base, and he is currently awaiting prosecution, according to the Santa Barbara Independent (“Chinese Citizen Arrested for Allegedly Flying Drone over and Photographing Vandenberg Space Force Base,” Dec. 12, 2024). It seems plausible that someone could “rent space” on one of those towers to snoop on base activities.
Another question that comes to mind is: Just how much power does the Strauss project generate? It was sold to the public based on capability, not actual output.
I doubt we will ever know the answer to these questions, and the eradication of endangered species will continue as misguided politicians support “saving the earth” while killing off its original inhabitants. m
Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.
LETTERS
A small group of us could change a lot of things
This is to thank Gary Freiberg for his opinion piece in the Sun reminding us of the power of the people (“The price is wrong,” Jan. 30). Yes! Let’s start with having fewer eggs (or none at all until prices come down). Buy some nuts at the farmers market. Walnuts are shaped like our brains, our brains like them, they last a long time and no dishes. Our coffee shops and restaurants could join the parade by cooking up even more delicious, nutritious, and eggless meals and treats helping to make a tremendous impact.
While we are not eating eggs, let’s remember Margaret Mead’s famous words: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Thanks again, Gary.
Safer wind farms for all
live, or job market, but the influx of very powerful drugs, causing substance addiction. People’s ignorance of “just” trying the drugs “one time,” of the vulnerable, is the tipping point to heading downhill. These drugs only take one time to take a hold of a person. Some people absolutely cannot shake the addiction. It is so strong.
Just wanted to share my thoughts on this issue. We are all empathetic, but also frustrated.
I wonder if we still teach students in our schools that illegal drugs are bad.
Gregory A. Jensen Camarillo
Whether you are for or against wind farms off our coast, or on land for that matter, we all want them safer for the planet. With the idea of minimizing bird mortality, I have a couple of suggestions. To minimize deaths during the day, the blades as well as their support structure could be painted colors that contrast well with the background. The colors might also be patterned, in say stripes, to help with immediate identification as flight hazards.
To help in low-light conditions, blades could have a row of LEDs along their length on both sides. The support structures could also have LEDs along their lengths, probably in four rows to account for which way the birds approach. The LEDs should, of course, be powered by the wind turbine.
Some experimentation should be done to identify the best colors and patterns for paint and LEDs to match them with the types of birds most prevalent in those areas.
Sybil P. Ashley Morro Bay
Don Merrill Arroyo Grande
ATTENTION all former SMJUHSD Special
Education Students born 2000!
All records for any Special Education student that was born within the year 2000 and attended a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school, your physical special education records are available for pick up at no charge from the District Office. All 2000 not picked up by June 1, 2025 will be destroyed.
If you have any questions, or to arrange a pickup date/time, contact:
Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
2560 Skyway Dr.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
805-922-4573 ext. 4311
ATENCION estudiantes anteriores de SMJUHSD nacidos en 2000!
Todos los registros de cualquier estudiante de Educación Especial que haya nacido dentro del año 2000 y asistió a una escuela del Distrito Escolar de las escuelas preparatorias de Santa Maria, sus registros físicos de educación especial están disponibles para recoger sin cargo en la Oficina del Distrito. Todos los registros del 2000 que no hayan sido recogidos para el 1 de junio de 2025 serán destruidos. Si tiene alguna pregunta, o para programar una fecha/hora de recogida, comuníquense con:
Sandra Hernandez/ Dept. of Special Education
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
2560 Skyway Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455
805-922-4573 ext. 4311
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
Special Education - Child Find
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate high school age students suspected of having a disability who may be eligible for special education services designed to meet their educational needs at no cost to families. This includes students that are highly mobile, migrant, experiencing homelessness, students that are wards of the state, and students attending private schools located within SMJUHSD boundaries. If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department.
Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)
El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria
Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes
El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD.
Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)
Zapped! Opinion
Testy and zesty. That’s a good way to describe some of 3rd District county Planning Commissioner John Parke’s exchanges on Jan. 29.
With cannabis odor on the agenda and potential ordinance changes set to come back—again—to the commission, he managed to take over the entire discussion. His insistences left commission chair, 2nd District Commissioner Laura Bridley, audibly exasperated. Bridley was trying to do her job and move the meeting along, but Parke wasn’t having it.
It was, after all, the third time commissioners had debated cannabis odor ordinance changes. By the end of the hours-long discussion, Bridley wrapped up the hearing and was ready for the next item when Parke interjected again!
“I have one more thing to say,” Parke said. “I know that that bothers you.”
Bridley let out an exaggerated breath.
“We still have one more item on the agenda,” Bridley responded.
Parke continued by saying that his supervisor— Joan Hartmann—wants the county to also address outdoor cannabis grows and he’ll address it on Feb. 19, when the commission hopefully makes its final recommendations.
“Don’t tell me on the 19th that we can’t discuss it,” he said while looking at county staff.
Aggressive much? It seems like the county needs to wrap this discussion up before it adds anything else. Regulating odor on indoor operations is complex enough without adding outdoor. I can’t wait to hear how they address this.
Just like I can’t wait to hear about what’s happening with a conveniently discovered new plant species in the Dana Reserve development area on the Nipomo Mesa. It seems so sudden, but the
Nipomo Action Committee and SLO County’s chapter of the California Native Plant Society actually sued the SLO Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) over the “new species” of manzanita. It’s the committee’s second lawsuit over the approved development.
The manzanita did come up during LAFCO’s November Dana Reserve hearing. Bill Waycott, who says he discovered the species, spoke and submitted a written comment.
LAFCO staffer Emily Creel had some choice words about the supposed discovery: “The information hasn’t been weighed in on by any regulatory agencies, much less has the species been identified as new and listed on any regulatory agencies.”
A peer-reviewed paper that studied 54 samples of manzanita from across the Central Coast was published January in PhytoKeys. It names the species A. nipumu. It might take more than an arguably small sample size to halt a development of 1,370 residential units that oak trees couldn’t stop. Speaking of stopping, Guadalupe is asking residents to stop charging their electric vehicles overnight—or get a ticket. The city’s new ordinance establishes a four-hour time limit. Yet said chargers take 11 hours for a full charge.
City Attorney Philip Sinco said residents complained about “people allegedly hogging the parking spaces.”
Police Chief Michael Cash weighed in, since his department will be doing the enforcement. Cash confirmed that officers have their eyes on at least one potential EV abuser.
“They park, and then they’ll take their scooter out and go home,” Cash said. “We’re not going to say where they go home to, but we know the person.” m
The Canary has eyes in the sky. Send goggles to canary@santamariasun.com.
Hot Stuff
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
MOON OVER BUFFALO As described by Klein Dance Arts, “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. 14 7:30 p.m., Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 16 1:30 p.m. $15-$20. my805tix.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, 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. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.
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. Feb. 13 - March 2 Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, pcpa.org.
POETRY FOR SELF-CARE Workshop participants will be introduced to a poem and explore their reaction through writing or illustration with guest facilitator Dot Winslow. Registration is required. Feb. 16, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. (805) 9250994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON:
VALENTINE’S DAY CLAY EARRINGS Let
your creativity loose with these DIY clay Valentine’s Day earrings. All materials will be provided and registration is required for this 18-and-over event. Feb. 8 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
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. (805) 686-1211 Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang.
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. (805) 6887517 Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
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.
DIY MACRAMÉ WITH LADONNA! Make your own macramé from a classic 1976 pattern. All supplies and hands-on instruction are included in the class. Feb. 8 1-4 p.m. $55. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA
The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its monthly meeting. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 15 Free. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, (805) 773-4832.
THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET Step into the jazzy world of the roaring twenties with this new production of the World Ballet Company. See the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel live on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers. Feb. 6 7-10 p.m. $45-$95. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/the-great-gatsby-
ballet/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
THE PEKING ACROBATS For more than 30 years, The Peking Acrobats have astounded audiences worldwide with their breathtaking Chinese acrobatics. Perfect for families, their performances feature gravity-defying stunts, such as balancing atop towering chairs, trick-cycling, and precision tumbling. Feb. 8, 2-5 p.m. $39-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/ shows/the-peking-acrobats/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
AFTER AFTER DARK WITH JACOB DORN Art After Dark will kick off the new year with Jacob Dorn, their first featured artist whose work includes mixed media and abstract still life photography. Dorn is a skateboarder and artist from rural Northern California, currently living in SLO. Feb. 7, 5-7 p.m. slocountyarts.org/ art-after-dark. Ceremony Skate Shop, 1235 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark. EDNA Contemporary, 967 Osos St, San Luis Obispo, (805) 459-1711.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART
CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BRUSHSTROKES AND BURROS:
SIPS AND SONGS
Presqu’ile in Santa Maria presents local singer-songwriter Jineanne Coderre, live in concert, on Friday, Feb. 7, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. This performance is part of the winery’s Happy Hour Music Series. Attendees can look forward to food specials and by-the-glass and bottle wine options during the event. No reservations are required (seating is first come, first served). For more info, visit presquilewine.com
PAINTING WORKSHOP Rancho Burro
Donkey Sanctuary urges you to join in on this event to paint with a purpose and support their rescued donkeys. Delicious donated food, fine wines, dessert and supplies will be included. Donate to reserve your easel today.
Feb. 8 1-4 p.m. $125. (805) 710-8445. ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org. Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, 4855 Righetti Road, San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN: NORTH AMERICAN TOUR This Tony and Grammy Awardwinner takes a groundbreaking look — from multiple points of view - at our complex, interconnected, social mediafilled lives. Feb. 12 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 13 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts. org/20242025-season/dear-evan-hansen.
Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam
Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
JULIE ALPERT: STRANGE MAGIC As you step into Strange Magic, artist Julie Alpert’s first solo show in California, you’ll know one thing for certain: “Life is being lived.” Through March 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/ exhibition/julie-alpert-strange-magic/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.
THE LOVE SHOW Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 7 7 p.m., Feb. 8 7 p.m. and Feb. 9, 2 p.m. $35. Studio of Performing Arts, 805 West Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo. 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’
—Caleb Wiseblood
Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through March 9
$30-$55. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.
MUSHROOM DISCOVERY TWO-DAY
WORKSHOP: EXPLORATION AND
IDENTIFICATION Join this hands-on class that will move outside through a portion of the SLO Botanical Garden. Tips and instructions on collecting mushrooms will be given to all participants. Feb. 9, 10 a.m.4 p.m. and Feb. 10 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $275. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH DREW DAVIS Delve into the world of oil paints with guidance from local SLO artist Drew Smith, who has over 20 years of painting experience. Feb. 9, 1-3:30 p.m. $105. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
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, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS
This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. (805) 703-3132. slonightwriters.org. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
THIS IS ONLY A TEST Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility commemorates its 20th anniversary with this photography exhibit. Reception will take place on Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Through Feb. 14 The Photo Shop, 1027 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING
WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors.
To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Wednesdays, 1:303:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB
This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY BEDFORD: THE WINDOW The Window intricately bridges the natural, the historical, and the imagined. Through Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/whitney-bedford/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Listen to music while enjoying an afternoon of creativity, sipping, and mingling. The party includes a complimentary glass of wine and canvas with materials. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $55. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
THE COLOR OF LIGHT, LAURA MURPHY, AND GEORGE ASDEL: ARTISTS RECEPTION AND ATRIUM PARTY: Come meet the artists, be inspired, and enjoy
LES BON TEMPS
The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizen Club presents its Mardi Gras dance at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center in Santa Maria on Sunday, Feb. 9, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The event will feature live music for attendees to dance to from the Riptide Big Band, and guest vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Call (775) 813-5186 or visit riptidebb.com for more info.
food, refreshments, a tree-filled atrium, and all the businesses in Marina Square. Feb. 8 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
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 Works by Ellen Jewett as well as other local artists, and throughout California. ThursdaysSaturdays, 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.
FOR THE BIRDS Held in conjunction with the Morro Bay Bird Festival. This group exhibit features artworks depicting various avian subjects from the show’s pool of artists. Through Feb. 17 artcentermorrobay.org. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
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.
STEP INTO THE LIFE OF SCULPTOR SALVATORE ORLANDO Join this free demonstration with sculptor Salvatore Orlando to learn and immerse yourself in the creative field. Feb. 10, 3-5 p.m. (805) 558-6662. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org. UNCORK YOUR CREATIVITY: COASTAL WINE AND PAINT PARTY Offering a unique opportunity to sip wine while painting stunning ocean-inspired landscapes. All materials included. Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
VALENTINE’S SPECIAL PAINT YOUR PARTNER Coastal Wine and Paint Party is calling all couples to join for an afternoon of “painting, sipping, and roasting your significant other.” No painting experience is necessary. Feb. 15 12-2 p.m. $60. (805) 394-5560. coastalwineandpaint.com. Harmony Cafe at the Pewter Plough, 824 Main St., Cambria.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.
CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open
to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.
FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.
FLIRTY FICTION BOOK CLUB Sit and chat about the selected book for February, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. Light refreshments will be served and registration is required at this 18 and over club event. Feb. 10, 5:15-6:15 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria. org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
GALENTINES DAY CRAFTERNOON:
FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS Celebrate
Galentine’s Day at the Santa Maria Public Library with friendship bracelets. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. For patrons ages 18 or older. Feb.
13 5-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. 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.
JUNK JOURNAL BOOK CLUB Join in on the second Junk Journal Book Club meeting. Please call the reference desk (Ext. 8562) to reserve a seat. Feb. 15 3-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
LOS FLORES RANCH PARK HIKE/ CAMINATA POR LOS FLORES RANCH
PARK Join the Land Trust for a hike through some of Santa Maria’s trails. Feb. 15 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 448-8012. eventbrite.com. Los Flores Ranch Park, 6271 Dominion Rd., Santa Maria.
ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY Second Tuesday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS Visit the mall this holiday season to meet Santa Claus and take a photo with him. Contact mall management for dates and details. ongoing Santa Maria Town Center, 142 Town Center East, Santa Maria.
SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SMV HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL LUNCHEON SPEAKER JIM BRAY Join Jim Bray from Planes of Fame as he speaks at SMV Historical Society’s luncheon meeting. Feb. 8 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $35. (805) 9223131. santamariahistory.com. Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.
TABLETOP GAMING WITH SANTA MARIA
ADVENTURER’S LEAGUE Everyone is welcome to this event, regardless of previous experience. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and registration is required. Feb. 9 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria. org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
DROUGHT TOLERANT GARDEN CARE
DAY Help LVBHS care for Lompoc’s demonstration garden. Group will weed and beautify. No previous skills required. Wear comfortable clothes, a sunhat, and
VISTA POINTS
LA-based artist Whitney Bedford’s solo exhibit, The Window, will remain on display at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) through Sunday, Feb. 16. The showcase opened in October and highlights a collection of multi-layered landscapes where eras collide to comment on urbanization, climate change, and “how we look back on history,” Bedford told the Sun. Visit sloma.org to find out more about the exhibit.
—C.W.
closed-toe shoes. Feb. 8 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 450-3668. lvbhs.org/activities. City of Lompoc Drought Tolerant Garden, 1801 W. Central Ave., Lompoc. LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.
TRIBAL FLOWER FEST: BELLY DANCE FESTIVAL Enjoy a day filled with dance performances, cultural education, live reggae music, vendors, and exotic food and drink. Feb. 15, 12-10 p.m. $13. (805) 819-0174. Flower City Ballroom, 110 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE LESSONS
This beginning dance class teaches the essentials of Argentine Tango. No partner or previous experience is needed. Sponsored by Arroyo Grande Parks & Recreation. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. through Feb. 24 $12 per class. (805) 473-5473. arroyogrande.org. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande. BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening your core to prevent lower back issues, improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com.
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.
LITTLE RANGER PROGRAM: ANIMAL HABITATS Join Interpreter Sarah to learn about the different places that animals call home. An RSVP is required to this event, for ages 3 to 6. Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano. 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. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano. VENUS RETROGRADE DISCUSSION: ASTROLOGY STUDY GROUP Join February’s meeting to discuss Venus and her upcoming retrograde, as well as how this effects attendees’ personal birth charts. Feb. 6 6-7:30 p.m. $20. (805) 773-7063. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach, pismobeach.org.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
BARS AND BOUNCE CLINIC Bars and Bounce is a great way to have fun and workout, by building full-body strength swinging on bars and bouncing on trampolines. No experience is necessary at this clinic for ages 5-17. Feb. 15 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child; plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
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. 9 5-8 p.m. and Feb. 16 5-8 p.m. downtownslo.com/do/ battletech-sundays-at-captain-nemogames-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, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
The Iron Maidens
FEBRUARY 16 Maverick Saloon, Santa Ynez
Von’s Island, Exporter, Tiny Plastic Everything, & More!
Bunker SLO Austin Powers, International Man Of Mystery
FEBRUARY 17 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay Transmute Anger to Inspiration Thru Kriya Yoga
FEBRUARY 18
19 Junction Tapas and Wine Bar, Paso Robles
Luicidal (OG Suicidal Tendencies Members)
FEBRUARY
Studio of Performing Arts Drama Department Presents: Oliver
Studio of Performing Arts, Grover Beach
LOVE us Some Spa Day Fur Babies! Awesome Job Grooming Department; Colette, Bella, Janae, Cody, Z, Ember & Maddie. Our Front Receptionists; Linda, Addy, Ember & Gezelle. Thank you for holding down the schedule! Our Amazing Clients & Fur Babies we get to work with! We appreciate you all at That’s Fetch!
Hot Stuff
COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE (FAMILYFRIENDLY) An inclusive, fun-focused drum circle experience designed for people all ages, backgrounds, and rhythmical abilities. Feb. 9 2-3:30 p.m. my805tix.com. SYYNC Studio, 871 Froom Ranch Way, 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. ENERGY ALCHEMY HEALING REIKI CIRCLE Visit website for more info and registration details. Feb. 9 6-7 p.m. my805tix.com. Aligned Acupuncture and Wellness Spa, 672 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and about the development of this area. Tours, led by docents, are free at 1:15 p.m Monday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Sundays, 2-3 p.m. and MondaysSaturdays, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. (657) 4659182. missionsanluisobispo.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
FREE VIRTUAL QPR SUICIDE
PREVENTION TRAINING For participants to learn about community resources in Santa Barbara County and be able to recognize the warning signs of suicide for parents and adults (ages 18 and over) who work or live with youth between ages of 12-18. Offered in partnership with Family Services Agency of Santa Barbara and thanks to a grant from SAMHSA. Feb. 15 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 770-1593. youthwell. org/mental-health-first-aid. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
FRIDAY MUSHROOM DISCOVERY
LECTURE: THE STATE OF FUNGI IN CALIFORNIA Join Christian, author of ‘Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast’ and the newly released ‘Mushrooms of Cascadia’ for an immersive and educational lecture. Feb. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. $25. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT
GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
HOPE FOR ALSP Join this fundraiser that will raise money and awareness for patients living with a rare, rapidly progressive, and fatal neurological condition, known as ALSP. Proceeds from Hope for ALSP will go to the Sisters’ Hope Foundation. Feb. 7 (805) 405-6271. charity. pledgeit.org/c/kyTNdzdNHT. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
KIDS’ PARTY PARADISE: BUDDY
BANQUET Drop your kids off at Kids’ Party Paradise for pizza, a movie, and gymnastics fun while you get an evening off. No experience is necessary at this clinic for ages 4-13. Feb. 15 5-9:30 p.m. $50-$70. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. METAPHYSICAL/SPIRITUALITY BOOK
CLUB A weekly book discussion, on a wide variety of titles from the general subject of metaphysics, spirituality, and comparative religion. By invitation. For more information, contact David Higgins, email: davidhiggins67@gmail.com. Location revealed to those invited. Wednesdays Free. rationalmetaphysics.com. Private location, TBA, Location not to be published. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon. (805) 270-3346 Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo.
PARODY ON A PRECIPICE
In commemoration of the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility’s 20th anniversary, the Photo Shop in San Luis Obispo presents This Is Only A Test, an exhibit of photographs David Weisman took specifically for a parody calendar. While lampooning SLO County’s annual PG&E calendar, Weisman’s landscapes capture various angles of the region’s emergency sirens. The show opened in mid-January and will remain on view through Friday, Feb. 14. To find out more about the Alliance, visit a4nr.org
—C.W.
THE MOUNTAIN AIR BLOOD DRIVE Head
downtown to The Mountain Air to donate blood to those in need. Feb. 7 10 a.m.-2 p.m. donors.vitalant.org/. (805) 543-1676
The Mountain Air, 667 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
MUSHROOM DISCOVERY – MONDAY
FIELD TRIP Search for and identify mushrooms in their natural habitat with an experienced leader. As part of the Mushroom Discovery series, this Monday field trip is an opportunity only for individuals who participated in the Saturday and Sunday workshops. Feb. 10 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $50. (805) 541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.
PARKOUR CLINIC Performance
Athletics Gymnastics believes parkour offers a path to social confidence. Bring your children ages 5-17 to flip in a safe, nurturing environment at this parkour clinic. All levels are welcome. Feb. 8 1-3 p.m. $25 for first child, plus $10 per additional sibling. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com.
Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484
Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+
AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m.
No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
TECH BREW MEETUP Tech Brew is a free networking event where people interested in technology can hang out in an informal environment with a small TEDtalk-like presentation from an interesting speaker. Learn more online. Second Monday of every month, 5-7 p.m. (805) 323-6706. meetup.com/softec/. StoryLabs, 102 Cross St, Suite 220, San Luis Obispo.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
THAT’S SO DRAG BRUNCH AT LIBERTINE BREWING CO. Head downtown to enjoy an afternoon of high energy and stunning costumes. See drag performances by Nala Diamond, Juicy CW, Miss Gender, Cleo Van Scarlet, and Viola Tile. Food and drinks will be available throughout the show, including bottomless mimosas, breakfast burritos, and frozen espresso martinis. This is an event for ages 18 and over. Feb. 16 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $22. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.
TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252. TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP This group is a safe place for trans and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound like your own. Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 541-4252. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/.
CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information,
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 20
Grooming Team: Colette Florey, Janae Amador & Isabella Moreno Groomers’ Assistants: Jacob Hughes, Brandi Janke, Cody Dugan & Morgan
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/. (805) 772-6278 Coleman Park (Morro Bay), 101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay.
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.
SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET:
LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
11TH ANNUAL GARAGISTE FESTIVAL: SOUTHERN EXPOSURE About 30 featured wineries will pour more than 100 wines during the program’s grand tasting. Visit site for tickets and more info. Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 my805tix.com. Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
FEBRUARY WINE CLUB PICK-UP
PARTY Flying Goat is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with a slew of special events scheduled throughout 2025. Visit website to find out more. Feb. 8 4-6 p.m. flyinggoatcellars.com. (805) 757-6649. Flying Goat Cellars, 1520 Chestnut Court, Lompoc.
HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO
TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES
New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 8016627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
MLK JR. HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
FUND ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ This
annual barbecue raises funds for student scholarships at PBHS, Mission CP, and SLOHS. Feb. 9 12-3 p.m. $15. (805) 5952526. mlkfund.org. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.
OX + ANCHOR: “INDIES & EATS” In support of the SLO International Film Festival, Hotel SLO’s Michelin-recognized modern steakhouse, Ox + Anchor, is offering evenings of film and fine dining. Movies and dinner are running every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday now through mid-February. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 7 p.m. through Feb. 23 hotel-slo.com/events/indies+eats/. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. (805) 937-8110 Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria.
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 & 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 5-7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
MARDI GRAS DANCE Join the Santa Maria Valley Senior Club along with Riptide Big Band, and vocalists Bob Nations and Mitch Latting. Feb. 9 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775)8135186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria. SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
THE IRON MAIDENS LIVE Maverick Saloon invites you to come see the allfemale tribute band to Iron Maiden, the English heavy metal group. This is a 21 and over show. Feb. 16 6 p.m. $28. my805tix. 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.
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.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
DAVID BRIGHTON’S SPACE ODDITY: THE QUINTESSENTIAL DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE Experience a live, theatrically-staged, multi-media spectacle with David Brighton transporting audiences on a musical journey through the profound career of David Bowie. Feb. 7 7:30-10:30 p.m. $45-$59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/space-oddity/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. THE MOONSTONE BAND AT MULLIGAN’S Gather for an evening of classic rock tunes and delicious food and drink. Feb. 7 5-7 p.m. Free. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.
TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT: A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES Eagles fans, mark your calendars, because this Eagles tribute band from Vancouver, Canada, is landing in Arroyo Grande for the first time. Feb. 10 7:30-10:30 p.m. $59-$69. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/take-it-to-thelimit/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
8-2-L8 AT KREUZBERG Head to the downtown SLO coffee shop and spend an evening amongst the blissful energy of house and techno music, with sets from three DJs: PROMI$E, Sam Gray, and GUSTAVÉ. Feb. 8 , 8 p.m. $10. Kreuzberg Coffee Company, 685 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 430-0260, kreuzbergcalifornia.com/.
CLASSICAL HITS The SLO Symphony presents an all-orchestral program including works by Schubert, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. Feb. 8 , 7:30 p.m. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/calendar/. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo.
FLAVOR PACKET AT KROBAR CRAFT DISTILLERY A California-based jazz band with an imaginative, contemporary sound. Feb. 8 6-9 p.m. Free. eastoneverett.com. Krobar Craft Distillery, 10 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
GOOD KID, M.A.A.D PARTY: A KENDRICK LAMAR NIGHT DJ Salenie will spin the best of Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Baby Keem, Future, J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, Travis Scott, and more. Get tickets and more info at the link. For ages 18 and over. Feb. 8 8 p.m. $23. fremontslo.com. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
SUTRATMA, TRAGIC VISIONS, AND MORE With Mechanical Ghost and Wormreaper. Visit site for tickets and more details. Feb. 8 , 7 p.m. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), (805) 781-9974. 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo. m
ARTS BRIEFS
Santa Maria Airport displays Valley Art Gallery’s latest exhibit
The Valley Art Gallery is currently showcasing a collection of artworks by its new featured artist, Adria Chalfin, whose diverse pieces range from mixed media to copper repoussé.
The display debuted at the Santa Maria Airport in early February and is scheduled to remain on view through Sunday, April 6.
A graduate of CalArts, Chalfin began her artistic journey as a dancer and choreographer but began focusing on visual art after becoming inspired by cave paintings and other ancient arts, according to press materials. Many of the local artist’s works are paintings or other media centered on geometric designs.
“I use symbolic design to communicate to people,” stated Chalfin, who self-published a book in 2020, Sacred Geometry for Healing: Art on a Mission, that compiles several of the painter’s art prints.
“It is meant to take the viewer through a journey, personal, and collective,” Chalfin said about the book in press materials. Chalfin is the co-founder of the Los Alamos Gallery, which exhibits works from various artists based in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The gallery is located at 515 Bell St., Los Alamos, and is open Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Valley Art Gallery’s current solo exhibit of Chalfin’s works are available for the public to view for free at the Santa Maria Airport, located at 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
For more info, visit valleygallery.org or email valleyartgallerysm@gmail.com.
The Sun awards local high school senior with 10 lessons at the Coelho Academy of Music
Orcutt Academy High School (OAHS) senior J.J. Lemus was recently selected to receive an award from the Sun in collaboration with the Coelho Academy of Music, designed to nurture his artistic talents.
Regarded among those who know him as an exceptional participant of OAHS’s theater arts program, Lemus is eager to broaden his creative horizons by learning music, according to press materials. The Sun is awarding Lemus with 10 complimentary lessons at the Coelho Academy of Music in either guitar or piano.
Led by prolific music instructor Jerry Coelho, the Coelho Academy of Music has offered music lessons to the community for more than 50 years. The academy is located at 325 E. Betteravia Road, suite B4, Santa Maria. Visit coelhomusic.com for more info on the academy and its programming. m
Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood. Send information to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
Pieces, be still
Central Coast Art League members showcase still lifes at Los Olivos General Store
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
In a garage-sized studio in Los Alamos, members of the Central Coast Art League usually spend a day or more a week painting still life pieces. Their paintings occasionally dive into self-portrait territory, albeit very subtly, when the artists’ own reflections make small imprints upon cookware and other tabletop objects they depict.
“The reflection with copper is really fun because you can even paint your own self-portrait. … Well, barely. It’s like a swish of paint, could be
the color of your T-shirt,” longtime Central Coast Art League member Rachelle Witt said, while sitting near her designated easel at the group’s Los Alamos studio.
Still lifes by Witt and other members of the collective are currently on display at the Los Olivos General Store, as part of a classical realism exhibition set to remain on view through March 3. The show opened in late 2024.
The Central Coast Art League is led by local painter Mary Kay West, who guides group members during their respective projects, helping them fine-tune their skills and offering tips and advice when needed. Among the resources available at West’s studio in Los Alamos are several kinds of ceramic and metallic vessels begging for painters’ attention.
Prior to becoming one
Still life is for the living
The Los Olivos General Store debuted the Central Coast Art League’s current group show in November 2024. The exhibit is slated to remain on display through March 3. For more info, visit centralcoastartleague.com. The Los Olivos General Store is located at 2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
of West’s students in 2016, Witt had no formal training painting-wise.
She was inspired by her mother-in-law, a former student of West’s, to join the Central Coast Art League, shortly after enjoying an art demonstration and paint-along experience hosted by Christi Belle, of Art Spot on Wheels in the Santa Ynez Valley.
One of the first things West taught Witt was how to “see” properly, Witt explained.
“I learned how to see things, … all the different shadows. You have to learn how to see before you learn how to paint,” said Witt, who would dedicate about three months’ worth weekly studio sessions to a single still life painting.
Today, she usually churns out about one painting per month. Her still lifes often feature some kind of vessel next to either fruit—especially apples—or veggies. She enjoys giving some of them to her husband, who processes strawberries, celery, and other foods in the Santa Maria Valley. A bell pepper was the subject of her most recent gift to him.
“I still need to frame it for him, for his office,” Witt said.
The current group show featuring Witt’s and other artists’ pieces at the Los Olivos General Store immediately followed the closure of a solo exhibit of seascapes and landscapes by local painter Michelle Juliet Feldman, a Central Coast Art League member who got the chance to highlight both sides of her art output back-to-back in the same venue.
“The works featured in this exhibition are all traditional still lifes that reflect my formal training as an artist, emphasizing perspective and utilizing a limited color palette,” Feldman said.
While Feldman’s solo show—held in between January and November 2024—highlighted depictions of horizons over the ocean and hillside terrain, her still lifes currently on display at the Los Olivos General Store are more similar to that of her Central Coast Art League peers.
“My subject interests include exploring glass, metal, reflection, and the interplay of light and shadow,” said Feldman, who became one of West’s students about three years ago. “Each time I enter the studio; I am both focused and eager to enhance my skills and embrace new challenges.” m
Embrace the send button and contact Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIA CHALFIN
AN APPLE A DAY: Local painter Rachelle Witt and other students of Mary Kay West, as part of the instructor’s Central Coast Art League, often paint still lifes with fruits, floral arrangements, vessels, and other objects at an intimate studio space in Los Alamos.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHELLE WITT
PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM ROSA
PHOTO BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
COURTESY IMAGE BY MICHELLE JULIET FELDMAN
SWITCHING
showcase of her landscape
seascape work at the Los Olivos General Store, Central Coast Art League member Michelle Juliet Feldman is now showcasing the still life side of her portfolio at the venue as part of its current group show.
human and that her boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid), merely rented her, in Companion, playing in local theaters.
Grave new world
First, it would be better for you to go into his movie cold, and we highly recommend you do, so stop reading and just go if you like clever, quirky, twisty horror movies. Still here? Fine. Writer-director Drew Hancock helms this future sci-fi horror set not too far in the future about Josh (Jack Quaid) and his (unbeknownst to her) AI “girlfriend” Iris (Sophie Thatcher), who doesn’t understand she’s a sex bot. She has memories and feelings! And makes tears! The couple are on their way to stay with Josh’s
SLINGSHOT
What’s it rated? R When? 2024
Where’s it showing? Multiple streaming platforms
Mikael Håfström (Evil 1408 Escape Plan) directs this psychological sci-fi thriller about a trio of astronauts—Capt. Franks (Laurence Fishburne), John (Casey Affleck), and Nash (Tomer Capone)—on a mission to Saturn’s moon, Titan, that requires several chemically induced hibernation cycles on the multi-year journey. They awaken from stasis every 90 days to perform routine maintenance, communicate with Earth, and make sure the mission is proceeding accordingly. Unfortunately, the hibernation drugs can come with disorienting side effects.
Things get weird when John starts hearing his girlfriend Zoe’s (Emily Beecham) voice, and then sees her onboard. Meanwhile, the ship was damaged when the crew was asleep, and now Nash is questioning its ability to withstand the slingshot maneuver around Jupiter that will give the spacecraft the momentum it needs to reach its destination. Is a mutiny afoot?
Affleck turns in a gripping performance as John, and Fishburne exudes his patented gravitas. Through flashback, we learn about John and Zoe’s romance and preparation for the
friends at a remote lake house, and this being a horror movie, people start to die. (97 min.)
Glen: Holy shiznatti! This little gem is a hoot. It brings up so many interesting ideas about how humanity and technology intersect. When we anthropomorphize robots to be wholly lifelike, what’s our ethical obligation on how to treat them? If you have a glitchy printer like in Office Space, and you decide to beat and stomp it into oblivion in a field, no
harrowing mission. There’s also an unexpected twist ending that spices things up. With a general atmosphere of dread and the inherent claustrophobia of being trapped in a hunk of metal hurtling through space, the tension is palpable. (108 min.)
—Glen
biggie, right? It’s your property. But instead of a printer, what if it’s an android that believes she’s human? Can you destroy her with impunity? With artificial intelligence now at our fingertips, what are our ethical obligations in its use? If you’re a rapist or pedophile and you use AI to play out your sick fantasies, is it immoral if no actual person is harmed? What if using AI fulfills a sicko enough so they don’t try to carry out their crimes in real life? Is it ethical then?
Anna: Iris seems at first to be a bit of a manic pixie dream girl, but luckily, we get to see her break out of that role and become the protagonist—and badass. She’s utterly in love with Josh, who she thinks, dreams, and worries about all day. She’s convinced that his friends don’t like her, especially Kat (Megan Suri), but she agrees to a weekend away with his crew that also includes Eli (Harvey Guilién); Eli’s beau, Patrick (Lukas Gage); and Kat’s lover, Sergey (Rupert Friend). The place they wind up is Sergey’s breathtakingly beautiful and thoroughly isolated house in the woods, 17 miles from the nearest neighbor. Things quickly go from fun to frantic after an incident between Iris and Sergey that forces the truth to come out and Iris to realize that her doting boyfriend has been playing her all along. The humans didn’t know what they’re dealing with in Iris, and soon the game of hunt and chase becomes deadly as Iris fights
ON CALL
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Amazon Prime
Created by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, this police procedural follows Long Beach Police Department veteran Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) as she trains her rookie partner, Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente). Harmon is a no-nonsense, by-the-book officer, which puts her at odds with old-school Sgt. Lasman (Eriq LaSalle), who wants to see Diaz take a tough approach to increasingly violent street gang East Barrio.
It’s a gritty show with a fair amount of body camera point-of-view, which adds to the realism, but the short 24- to 30-minutes episodes don’t leave a lot of time to fully develop characters or plotline. On the other hand, the short runtime makes this very bingeable, and season 1 zips by. I was immediately ready for season 2, which has yet to be greenlit.
COMPANION
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande
to keep her autonomy. It’s a wild, wicked, and very fun ride.
Glen: The thing about technology is it’s only as good and bad as its programming. We learn that Iris’ parent company, Empathix, installs fail-safes in their bots so that they can’t lie, hurt a human, or hurt another bot. So what goes wrong? Human behavior, that’s what. Nothing is as it seems on the surface, and as the story unfolds, new layers of deviancy emerge. Hats off to both Quaid and Thatcher, who have the biggest character arcs. Josh seems like a nice guy—nerdy, a bit of a sad sack. Iris can be controlled by a phone app, so Thatcher has to play Iris on a spectrum. Gage, too, has some acting “heavy lifting” to do as Patrick. It’s an amazing feature-length debut from Hancock.
Anna: Give humans rules, and they’ll show you how to break them pretty quickly. AI is becoming more of a thinking, breathing thing in this world, so this film felt closer to reality than you might think. While a second watch won’t pack the same punch knowing the outcome, this one’s already on my rewatch list. Well done to Hancock and his cast: Companion is a winner! m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
What the series does best is communicate the difficulty of police work. Doing the right thing and the by-the-book thing aren’t always the same. Harmon’s job isn’t just to show Diaz the ins and outs of police work, it’s also to show him right from wrong. Diaz has complications with East Barrio, and he’s a bit of a hothead. Can Harmon train him and keep him safe? (eight approximately 30-min.
BAD ROBOT? Iris (Sophie Thatcher) is an AI sex bot who’s troubled to learn she’s not
episodes) m —Glen
PHOTO COURTESY OF BLEECKER STREET
TITAN BOUND: Capt. Franks (Laurence Fishburne, foreground) tries to keep John (Casey Affleck), a delusional crew member, focused on their mission, in Slingshot, streaming on multiple platforms.
ETHICS: Long Beach Police Department veteran Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario, right) tries to teach her rookie partner, Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente), right from wrong, in On Call, streaming on Amazon Prime.
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
If there’s one small-town tradition that’s a pretty big deal for several micro-wineries each year, it’s Solvang’s Southern Exposure Garagiste Festival
More than 150 wines from 30 artisan vintners—many with no brick-and-mortar tasting room to call home—are set to be poured during the two-day program’s grand tasting event on Feb. 8 (preceded by a rare and reserve tasting on Feb. 7).
“Without a tasting room, it’s important to have places to meet wine consumers, introduce yourself and your wines, a put a personality to the label,” Santa Ynezbased winemaker Kira Malone said in an email interview. “Last year, I attended the Solvang Garagiste Festival as a consumer, with the goal of returning this year to launch my 200-case production label.”
Malone worked for a handful of producers along the Central Coast for about two decades before establishing her
Hall of fame
own boutique wine brand, Pars Fortuna, in 2023. She bottled her first two wines last year.
“I released my first vintage in late October with 200 cases, and here we are,” Malone said.
She’ll be pouring both of her two pinot noirs—“our first and only releases for Pars Fortuna to date”—during Solvang’s Garagiste Festival, which she described as a wonderful opportunity for small-lot wineries to showcase their wines face-toface with customers, all while supporting a good cause.
“It is an added benefit that proceeds from the Garagiste Festival are donated to a scholarship fund for students in Cal Poly’s wine and viticulture program, where I found my passion in winemaking,” the Cal Poly alumna said.
Malone isn’t alone when it comes to
Solvang’s 11th annual Southern Exposure Garagiste Festival will hold its rare and reserve tasting on Friday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and its grand tasting on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. Both events will take place at Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall, located at 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang. For more info, visit garagistefestival.com . To purchase tickets, visit my805tix.com
the Garagiste Festival’s first-time pourers this year. BeckersChild Wines , WineSpread Panic Cellars, Tabalipa Wine Co., Sapien Wine, and Exprimere Wine are among the microwineries set to mark their Garagiste Festival debut at Solvang’s 2025 iteration.
“Any time I have the opportunity to spend time with others who share my passion, I get excited,” said Gregory Becker, a probate and estate lawyer by day and winemaker by night, whether it’s while he’s asleep or awake.
“I go to bed thinking about my winery. I dream about it. … Wine is a passion for me,” Becker, founder of BeckersChild Wines, said over email. “[The Garagiste Festival] has interested me for years. I first learned about it through friends who raved about the Solvang event. This was before I entered the industry.”
Visitors of Becker’s tasting booth at Solvang’s 11th annual Garagiste Festival will get the chance to try at least two of his wines, including his most popular release,
THE VINES ARE ALIVE: Local winemaker Kira Malone is among the first-time Garagiste Festival participants set to pour at Solvang’s event this year. She’ll be pouring her first two wines that were released in 2024 under her boutique brand Pars Fortuna. PHOTO
BLENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS: Marking his first time pouring at Solvang’s Southern Exposure Garagiste Festival, attorney and winemaker Gregory Becker plans to offer tastings of his most popular Paso Robles red blend, called the Black Widow, which he described as a low tannin wine full of “velvety smoothness” to comfort the palate.
PANIC AT THE PICPOUL: WineSpread Panic Cellars founder Mitchel Cahoon’s background as a sommelier and sales professional eventually led him to winemaking. He’ll be pouring his three wines to date during the Garagiste Festival in Solvang.
the Black Widow.
“It’s a big red blend from Paso Robles. The fruit-forward cabernet sauvignon combined with a brambly berry petite sirah get the taste buds jumping,” said Becker, whose winery also sources fruit from Ballard Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills.
“[The Black Widow] is also a low tannin wine,” Becker continued. “Its velvety smoothness comforts the palate. … On the back end is a second layer of fruit brought in by a unique malbec. … Some taste dried apricots, while others [taste] white peaches and nectarines.”
Unlike Becker and Malone, WineSpread Panic Cellars founder Mitchel Cahoon mainly uses fruit grown in areas outside the Central Coast. Pouring at Garagiste for the first time, Cahoon—whose background in sales and sommelier work led him toward winemaking—will share some of his wines tied to vineyards in Lake County and Madera County.
“I’m really small-
production—around 150 cases a year— so I only have three wines currently available,” said Cahoon, who’s based in Mammoth Lakes but resides in Palmdale while caregiving for his 90-year-old mother.
“I don’t get [many opportunities] to get out and promote my brand,” Cahoon said over email. “I need to take advantage of events like these to get my wines out there and meet as many folks as possible. … I chose the Solvang event because of my love and familiarity of
When Cahoon’s in town for the fest, he’s hoping to stop by one of his favorite Solvang staples, Coast Range
“The food and wine list are great. … I’ve become a huge fan of chef Steven [Fretz] … I’ll more than likely be posted up at his bar when not at the [Garagiste Festival],” Cahoon said, noting that the chef is a “super chill guy.”
“We’re also huge Dodger fans, so there’s that.” m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is rooting for everyone at the fest. Send corky comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com
FORTUNE FLAVORS THE BOLD: One of the wines Kira Malone plans to pour at Solvang’s Garagiste Festival is Par Fortuna’s 2023
Sundays Only - 8 am ‘til 3 pm
Vegan Hash. Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, onions, local mushrooms, garlic, cilantro, harissa, and avocado. Toast or biscuit.
Breakfast Burger. Snake River Farms American Wagyu beef patty, melted provolone, and an egg, with sliced tomato and warm bacon-onion jam, on a home-made hamburger bun.
Avocado Toast. Avocado, heirloom tomato, and poached eggs on home-made sourdough toast.
Ceviche. Mexican sea bass, shrimp, and lobster marinated in Meyer lemon and seasonings. With radishes and corn tortilla chips.
John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills.
