County’s updated cannabis ordinance establishes threshold for odors from indoor grows [6]
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Demetria winemaker celebrates her own label [20]
The colorful world of Helen Yanez [16]
The Alto Knights: double De Niro [18]
Cannabis growers in the county with indoor operations will soon have specific thresholds to meet regarding what wafts from their grows, thanks to the newly amended cannabis ordinance. The county also has some new rangers to keep those growers in compliance. The Nasal Ranger devices measure D/T, dilution over threshold, and put numbers to the cannabis odors that have long offended neighboring residents. For the story, Staff Writer Emma Montalbano gets input from county officials about how they amended the rules, when they’ll take effect, and what happens if growers don’t comply [6]. Also this week, read about the new long-awaited playgrounds at four Santa Maria schools [4]; Helen Yanez’s quest for color [16]; and the passion project of winemaker Emily Myers [20]
We accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long.
Entries submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 24, 2025
• Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) spoke at the 10th annual Association of California School Administrators Mid-State Conference held in San Luis Obispo about growing challenges to public education at the federal level, according to her office. “As a former public school teacher of 21 years, I know firsthand the dedication and resilience it takes to support our schools, especially in times of uncertainty. I was in our classrooms through layoffs, economic crashes, COVID, and much more,” she told attendees. “While President Trump and Republicans seek to undermine public education, California is doing the opposite. We are leaning into investing in our students, our educators, and the future of the state. Education is vital, and I will continue to work for the betterment of all.”
• On March 24, U.S. Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and April McClain Delaney (D-Maryland) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) led 63 of their colleagues in a “bipartisan, bicameral letter” to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, according to Carbajal’s office. They pressed for more information about FEMA’s decision to cancel trainings for firefighters and first responders at the National Fire Academy and Emergency Management Institute in Maryland. The two organizations gather experts and first responders to train with stress-related technology, share best practices on hazard and fire safety, and innovate emergency response methods, Carbajal’s office said. The federally funded National Fire Academy offers the training programs for free, and FEMA announced on March 7 that it was canceling all of its in-person trainings. “As the representative for California’s Central Coast, where wildfires are a constant and growing threat, I am deeply concerned about the decision to cancel critical training for our firefighters and first responders,” Carbajal said in a statement. “These brave men and women risk their lives every day to protect our communities, and they should have access to the best training and resources available to ensure their safety and effectiveness in the face of increasing wildfire risks.” In their letter, lawmakers asked for answers about the rationale behind the cancellation, the length of the review process, and whether first responders will be reimbursed for travel that was booked to nowcanceled courses.
• In March, state Sen. Monique Limón honored 11 women at the annual Women of Year celebration held during Women’s History Month. According to her office, she recognized leaders who support students, women, children, small businesses, farmers, local governments, health care providers, and communities in need. “As the vice chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus, it is an honor to recognize 11 women in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties,” she said in a statement. “Each woman has left their mark on their industry and plays an important role in the success of their organization. As a former Woman of the Year, I know just how much this award means to our honorees and I want to congratulate them on this well-earned achievement.” The women honored this year include:
Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara Chief Programs Officer Gina M. Gonzales-Carbajal, Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization
Executive Director Ashley Costa, LEAP Executive Director Lori Lander Goodman, Roberta M. Jaffe from Condor’s Hope Vineyard, Dr. Katrina B. Mitchell at Sansum, First 5 Santa Barbara County Executive
Director Wendy Sims-Moten Visit Ventura President and CEO Marlyss Munguia Auster, Ventura County
Leadership Academy Executive Director Pattie Braga, National Volunteer Caregiving Network
Executive Director Tammy I. Glenn, Martin Luther
King Jr. Committee of Ventura County chair LaRita
Joice Montgomery, and Gold Coast Transit District
General Manager Vanessa Rauschenberger m
Students at four Santa Maria-Bonita schools finally get their playgrounds
After months of playing on concrete slabs, students at Alvin, Fairlawn, Ontiveros, and Tunnell elementary schools are now jumping, swinging, and climbing on new equipment.
On March 20, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District announced that construction, which started last summer, was finished at those four schools and that all of the district’s schools either have or are in the process of getting shade structures. Contract errors delayed the projects, but the school board approved new contracts last November, allowing construction to move forward starting over winter break.
“Over winter break, for the most part, our facilities department worked with the principals to make sure that their priorities were met,” Deputy Superintendent of Business Services Matt Beecher said. “Each of them elected to have their TK-K playgrounds first, so, to the extent possible, we worked on those to get them completed first.”
The funding for the playgrounds came from one-time funds, Beecher said—a mix of federal COVID-19 era funds, state learning recovery dollars, and discretionary arts and music grants. The projects updated playground equipment on the four school campuses as well as the material beneath those structures, replacing engineered wood fiber (which looks like big bark chips) with rubber tiles for fall protection.
“They’re both considered appropriate for fall protection and accessibility, but the wood fiber is more difficult for our students who may have disabilities with mobility to make their way through,” Beecher said. “Also, it creates a lot more debris around the perimeter of the playground.”
Wood fiber is also “consumable” and breaks down over time, needing to be replaced. He said while the material is less expensive, it requires more attention and maintenance than something like rubber tiles or pour-in-place recycled rubber.
Beecher said the district would like to replace wood fiber with rubber materials on more campuses, eventually, but those plans depend on future resources.
“These are big investments to make and require sacrifices for school sites,” he said adding that Alvin, Fairlawn, Ontiveros, and Tunnell had to wait months for their new playgrounds.
“Overall, it makes a more pleasing environment and a better place for students to be active during their day.”
In addition to the shade structures and playground equipment, the district also
installed a new 35,000-square-foot playing field at Bonita Elementary School using capital funds.
Superintendent Darren McDuffie said the district is happy to be able to provide students with enhanced outdoor space.
“Our much-anticipated new school playgrounds and the turn field at Bonita Elementary demonstrate our commitment to creating enriching and safe environments where our students can play and thrive,” McDuffie said in a press release. “These facilities are an investment in the well-being and development of our students.”
—Camillia Lanham
Santa Maria Planning Commission pushes ‘de facto moratorium’ on BESS projects forward
The fallout from Monterey County’s battery plant fire in January continues to take on new forms, legislatively speaking, across the state. About 170 miles from the site of the incident in Moss Landing, Santa Maria is drafting regulations on battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities for the first time.
A proposed ordinance, which would restrict future BESS development proposals to specific industrial areas, among other limitations, is heading for a Santa Maria City Council hearing with a recent recommendation from the Santa Maria Planning Commission.
“The purpose is to get in front of this, put something in place to give us control when things do come forward,” Assistant City Attorney Heather Whitham told the Planning Commission at its March 19 meeting.
City staff introduced the ordinance with fewer restrictions than Commissioner Robert Dickerson’s motion pushed forward, approved after a 4-0 vote (Commissioner Tom Lopez was absent).
Partly inspired by comments from commissioners Yasameen Mohajer and Tim Seifert, Dickerson included some amendments to staff’s ordinance in his motion that narrowed down future potential developers’ options nearly to the point of “a de facto moratorium,” he said.
For example, staff’s original ordinance defined residential neighborhoods, hospitals, and schools as sensitive sites with certain parameter protections from BESS developments. The Planning Commission’s recommendation includes agricultural land, whether it’s cultivated or fallow, as an additional sensitive area.
“There’s very, very few spaces that might fit within the parameters that we’ve discussed. … A de facto moratorium would take place because there wouldn’t be any place you could actually
fit the thing in?” Dickerson asked staff at the meeting.
“I can’t say definitely that it would eliminate every opportunity, but pretty close,” City Planner Frank Albro said.
Dickerson also asked staff about whether simply recommending a literal moratorium on BESS facilities to the City Council was feasible for the Planning Commission.
“You can only do a moratorium when you have an application pending and you’re concerned that your zoning code doesn’t fully address and protect the city from whatever use is being proposed, and you need time to put the brakes on,” Assistant City Attorney Whitham said. “We don’t currently have an application pending, so that could be difficult to address.”
As part of the Planning Commission’s recommendation, Dickerson added a contingency plan to address future BESS development applications.
In his motion, Dickerson explained that if a potential BESS developer happens “to figure out a way” to apply for a project within the ordinance’s tight restrictions, that application should “trigger” staff to notify the City Council and look into “possibly creating a moratorium.” —Caleb Wiseblood
Planning Commission punts Richards Ranch decision to Board of Supervisors
After accusing Santa Barbara County of acting in bad faith and playing politics, Richards Ranch didn’t get what it wanted: for the Planning Commission to overturn staff’s decision calling the project application incomplete.
“Normally, this is not how the county would treat an applicant. I think politics are afoot,” Richards Ranch attorney Beth Collins told the commission at its March 19 meeting. “I think the county’s heading to some trouble.”
Collins said the project applicant took issue with several things, including the timeline of the county’s response, the parts of the application staff said were incomplete, and staff’s determination that the project had forfeited its builder’s remedy application. Initially filed while the county’s housing element was out of compliance with state housing rules, the proposed mixed-use housing and commercial development in Orcutt filed its application as a builder’s remedy project under state Senate Bill 330 (updated by Assembly Bill 1893)—which means it doesn’t necessarily need to conform with the county’s zoning rules if a certain percentage of the housing units are deedrestricted to low- or very low-income.
By pulling the project’s builder’s remedy vesting, staff is essentially denying the project under the state’s Housing Accountability Act, Collins said.
“It’s the gotcha part of this, where we lose our builder’s remedy,” she said. “Obviously we wouldn’t be here if the stakes weren’t so high.”
Developer Michael Stotley proposes 750 housing units and commercial development that includes retail, a gas station, and a car wash just outside city limits near the Santa Maria Airport. His project is concurrently going through an annexation request with the city of Santa Maria so it can use city water.
As part of the county application process, Richards Ranch alleges that the county responded to its resubmitted application in 31 days, not within the required 30 days. And because the county was late, the application defaults to being accepted as complete.
At issue is whether the county has to count Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Day, when county offices were closed and when the application was submitted, as the first day in its response
PLAY ON: Students at Alvin Elementary School play on brand new equipment in March, after spending the majority of the school year waiting for it to be installed.
timeline. The county says it doesn’t, and the applicant disagrees.
“Planning and Development’s policy is to receive applications on the days that we are open,” Supervising Planner Gwen Beyeler said. The developer also alleges that the county introduced new problems with the application, beyond “clarification.” The county made the decision after a third round of submittal and responses for the project application, which Collins said means the county can’t introduce new issues.
Planning and Development Deputy Director Travis Seawards pushed back, saying that all of the issues were introduced in earlier backand-forths between the county and applicant. Any added language in the most recent county response was intended to clarify anything staff felt was misunderstood in previous requests.
“They identified the things that they needed, they repeated those needs in subsequent areas, and they clarified things they needed to clarify,” he said.
County staff also believe the project’s proposed construction square footage has changed by more than 20 percent since its initial application, which means it forfeits builder’s remedy. That amount of change means the project needs to submit a new application altogether, the staff report states.
“Staff is saying we changed our project; we didn’t,” Collins said. “Our project seems to be treated differently.”
California’s Housing and Community Development Department is planning to write the county a letter regarding the decision, as well, Collins said.
“I’m just hopeful you can see the train, where it’s going here, and see the county
in, honestly, what could end up in a bad faith situation,” she said, adding that the wrong decision could end up in court.
Fourth District Commissioner Roy Reed asked when that letter would be arriving. Collins said she wasn’t sure.
“So you’re asking us to make a decision based on promises of an imaginary letter and what it’s likely to contain. … Does that sound reasonable to you?” Reed asked. “I don’t appreciate the multiple references to litigation and saberrattling.”
The project, he said, would be a great benefit to the community as a whole. It’s multi-use with commercial and would develop an area along Union Valley Parkway that he said needs it.
“I find myself distressed that it has gone down this path where we’re sitting here hearing potential threats of litigation,” Reed said. “I feel very strongly that the proper board/ group to handle this issue is the Board of Supervisors, not us.”
Other commissioners agreed that with the legal issues involved in the appeal, it was best to punt the decision to supervisors, as well. First District Commissioner Michael Cooney said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the issues resolved by one of the county’s superior court judges.
Third District Commissioner John Parke added that there’s a lot at stake for both the developer and the county and that the Planning Commission doesn’t have the expertise to deal with legal issues.
“I think this matter should be decided by the Board of Supervisors so they can weigh the risk in saying no to this applicant for the county,” Parke said. Commissioners unanimously decided to deny the appeal and uphold staff’s decisions on the project. m
—Camillia Lanham
Cannabis crackdown
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
While standing on the property line of a licensed cannabis grower in a little more than one year’s time, a trained operator of a Nasal Ranger device will need to measure 4 or less D/T—dilution over threshold—for three minutes to determine whether the grower complies with the now amended cannabis ordinance.
Arriving at this number was not simple for the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors at its March 17 meeting. From confusion about how the measuring system works to disagreements over what seemed like a reasonable measurement, discussions were filled with technical explanations and differing views on how to effectively regulate cannabis odor.
The Nasal Ranger works by allowing a user to dilute ambient air to detect the strength of an odor, Erinn Briggs, deputy director of the county Energy, Minerals, and Compliance Division, explained to the Sun. The standard D/T ratios that the device uses include 2, 4, 7, 15, 30, and 60.
“Generally speaking, it’s really hard for folks to understand D/T without really spending a lot of time talking about it and learning about it,” Briggs said. “It’s a concept that we don’t think about every day.”
At the meeting, 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee, who represents Carpinteria, where locals have complained of persistent cannabis odors from indoor cultivation operations, expressed a desire for stricter regulations that stipulate 4 D/T being a violation. In response, County Director of Planning and Development Lisa Plowman explained that this would prove to be a major challenge for the department to enforce.
“Our consultants have told us that would be very difficult for us to even be able to detect,” she said. “It’s not a workable threshold for us. We can consistently pick up 7, but we can’t at 4. So, if you exceed 4, then we can pick it up.”
Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino expressed concerns that strict regulations might affect a grower’s ability to comply and stay in business. However, after reviewing consultant data showing that only 14 out of 335 readings measured at 7 D/T, he said he felt reassured and agreed to move forward with the board.
Carpinteria resident Lorraine McIntire urged board members during public comment to consider sticking with a measurement of 7 D/T being a violation instead of 4 D/T as suggested by Supervisor Lee, noting that cannabis growers “are farmers, not criminals.”
“If this were garlic, would we be having this same level of discussion as we are having now with cannabis?” she questioned.
The board unanimously decided to establish an odor threshold in the Coastal Zone of 4 D/T, meaning that any grower maintaining less than 7 D/T is within compliance.
Laura Capps, 2nd District supervisor, acknowledged that opinions on the Nasal Ranger vary but added that “it definitely seems as though it’s the technology we have, and it’s more accessible.”
The board also decided to mandate multi-technology carbon filtration (MTCF), phase out vapor phase systems, and implement a 12-month compliance period for cannabis odor abatement plans with one potential extension.
As part of the decision, the board agreed to define an MTCF as an “air filtration technology
that utilizes activated carbon, which may include carbon filters, photocatalytic oxidation units, and/or other equivalent technologies that utilize carbon filtration.”
With this definition in place, and the decision to phase out vapor or misting phase systems, growers will need to implement MTCFs by March 31, 2026, to be in compliance with their odor abatement plans. One-year extensions may be granted for reasons like supply chain delays or problems upgrading on-site power supply, but failure to meet the deadline could put cannabis cultivation business licenses at risk.
During the meeting, Lavagnino asked how many growers would need to make changes to comply with the amendments to the plans. Planning and Development Department staff responded that approximately five to seven
growers already have these systems in place, while about 15 to 20 would need to implement the new technologies.
Lavagnino told the Sun that even though he sided with the board on these changes, he still has reservations about the ordinance. He said he’s worried that without these efforts, though, community members and potentially other members of the board might make moves to shut the cannabis program down entirely.
“Honestly, I think we’ve over-regulated this industry to death,” he said. “I know there are people that will say that the ordinance gave [growers] free rein, basically, and that’s just utterly ridiculous. I mean, it’s just revisionist history.”
The board is set to receive a second reading of the amendments to the cannabis ordinance on April 1 to make final decisions. ❍
BREATHE DEEP: The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors updated the county’s rules on cannabis odors, setting a threshold for what can be smelled at the edge of an indoor cannabis cultivator’s property.
FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
From cribs to classrooms
LEAP opens new early learning center to bridge education gap in Lompoc
BY EMMA MONTALBANO
Just 7 percent of children ages 0 to 2 and 62 percent of children ages 3 to 5 have access to licensed early childhood education in Lompoc, according to data from the Lompoc Early Learning Project.
To help bridge this early education gap, LEAP opened the Lompoc Children’s Center at the Trinity Church of the Nazarene and welcomed its first students on March 17. Lori Goodman, the executive director of LEAP—which stands for learn, engage, advocate, and partner—explained that the organization aims to address the impacts of poverty, racism, and trauma by offering child care, family support, and community leadership.
“We’re an organization that’s deeply connected to the community, investing in young children’s and their families’ well-being with an eye toward really addressing deep societal problems,” Goodman said. “We think that starts with young children.”
The new center provides care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Goodman noted that by providing these additional opportunities for young children, they are making a dent in filling that early education need for the community of Lompoc.
“We hope that certainly for the families who are able to send their children to LEAP, they will feel supported,” she said. “The parents will be able to work and to know that their children are in a safe, high-quality, enriched space that’s close to where they live. We hope to provide a sense of parent education, but also a sense of joy and community.”
Goodman expressed gratitude to Trinity Church of the Nazarene for offering up space and working with LEAP to make this center happen. She noted that the process of creating the center was not without challenges, however.
“This was considerably harder than I could possibly have imagined when we started our partnership, and we just persevered,” Goodman said.
Before opening the center, LEAP had to secure a contract with the church and change the space to accommodate children by complying with safety codes and installing size-appropriate toilets and sinks. Throughout this process, they dealt with lawyers, plumbing issues, construction delays, and even changing policies.
“If it were up to us, we would have been open in October, but in order to get all the permits, all the building codes, and then to get licensed, and have fire sign-off, all of that took a long time,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Goodman said that LEAP would be excited to expand its services in other areas of Santa Barbara County, adding that the only limiting factor to doing so is finding the space.
“If there is another place that has spaces and they want to bring in a contractor that knows how to provide child care, we are ready to do that,” she said. “We think that the way for us to have the most impact is to grow. We think that the benefits we bring are high.”
According to Goodman, LEAP implements trauma-informed care at its facilities, which involves an emphasis on connective approaches that support emotional regulation rather than relying on punitive measures. She highlighted that when they open a center, they aim to build meaningful relationships with community members.
“We start with child care, but then we’re able to wrap our arms around the entire family, and we connect with them very deeply,” she said. “People connect with their children’s teachers at those schools, and then we’re able to address other family needs
Home of Orcutt Youth Softball
Orcutt Youth Softball Association is beyond grateful to our amazing sponsors.
Thank you “Garber Family” for your continued contributions to our fields. Because of the donations from our amazing sponsors, OYSA is proudly hosting a community Easter Egg Hunt at our OYSA softball fields. Save the date: Saturday, April 19th, 2025, Egg Hunt starts at 11am. Thank you again to all our sponsors for all you do.
because we’re building trust. So, hopefully, that becomes part of strengthening the Lompoc community and all of Santa Barbara County.”
Highlight
• The Delta High School Robotics team earned the judges award while competing among the top 40 teams at the Vex Robotics California Regional State Championship from March 14 to 15. According to a press release from the Santa Maria Joint Unified High School District, the team ranked above 90 percent of teams and narrowly missed the excellence award by just three points. The team fell four points short in qualifying for the World Championships, but they impressed the judges with their knowledge and engineering skills. The team spent countless hours of work after school building a “top-tier robot,” the press release noted. m
Staff Writer Emma Montalbano can be reached at emontalbano@newtimesslo.com.
LITTLE LEARNERS: The Lompoc Children’s Center, which can accommodate up to 58 students, features different spaces and rooms designed to serve children ages 3 months to 5 years old, LEAP Executive Director Lori Goodman said.
How should Sable’s oil permit transfer request be handled?
82% Green-light it! The supervisors’ 2-2 vote means approval.
12% It should be denied by everyone. Locals don’t want the pipeline restarted.
6% The deadlocked vote means denial.
0% It’s too complicated for me to follow! 17 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.
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Oily ignorance
BY LEN FLECKENSTEIN
The city of Buellton is in a unique situation relative to Sable Offshore Corporation’s crude oil pipeline, yet city residents’ and city officials’ concerns are being ignored.
To the Buellton City Council’s credit, the mayor recently sent a letter to the county Board of Supervisors explaining Buellton’s perspective and the need to ensure protection of residents and property before the pipeline restarts. The mayor’s letter focused on safety issues and not on oil production issues.
Regardless of whether the pipeline restarts without the requested safety measures, the Buellton City Council stood up for the unique safety concerns of its residents, even when so many county, state, and federal agencies, and the oil companies, don’t seem to care.
Unique risks
Buellton is the only town through which the crude oil pipeline runs for its entire 122mile length, crossing Buellton residential neighborhoods and the city’s main park. Thus, a potential catastrophic pipeline rupture in Buellton poses risks to people, homes, property, roads, and parks. It’s a situation that doesn’t exist elsewhere in Santa Barbara County, but agencies seem to be ignorant of Buellton’s unique risks.
The pipeline’s original permits from 1988 didn’t address the unique situation of the pipeline running under residential areas in Buellton because those housing areas didn’t exist when the pipeline was constructed in the late 1980s. The city of Buellton didn’t even exist at that time; the city was incorporated in 1992.
The original permits from 1988 logically focused only on risks to largely vacant land and of course to sensitive habitats, but not to residential developments. Now the Buellton landscape above the
pipeline is dramatically changed from what it was 37 years ago. The county should condition the pipeline’s permits to reflect this changed landscape, by addressing the capabilities of Sable (or any other owner) to manage the pipeline safely and to handle any problems that might occur in an urban residential environment.
Buellton’s need and request
Sable can best address Buellton residents’ safety by realigning the pipeline outside city limits as Exxon had proposed in 2017. After the pipeline ruptured on the Gaviota coast in 2015, Exxon incurred huge costs and realized the pipeline was a liability, especially in Buellton. Exxon knew a realignment around Buellton would reduce the company’s financial liability.
The pipeline in Buellton would have been filled in and left in place; no need to dig it up. A draft Environmental Impact Report was prepared, which fully describes the project. Realignment might have been completed by now if Sable hadn’t withdrawn the project application from the county Planning Department.
Ignorance of Buellton
If the pipeline remains in place in Buellton, Sable’s plans should be revised: to acknowledge the city’s existence, to describe how Sable will prevent or detect leaks and breaks, and to explain how Sable would address worstcase scenarios of pipeline rupture in Buellton. Currently, both Sable’s transition plan and its contingency plan describe the pipeline’s route without mentioning that it goes through Buellton’s neighborhoods and principal park. Sable’s transition plan, in Section 15.2, includes a “description of pipeline corridor” that provides detail on the pipeline’s route, naming specific creeks, canyons, roadways, and ranches, and then stating: “The pipeline crosses the
Santa Ynez River west and south of Buellton and continues north across the Purisima and Solomon Hills.”
Incredibly, this description neglects to say the pipeline goes through Buellton and its residential neighborhoods, thus implying the pipeline bypasses the city. Are Sable’s managers really so ignorant about Buellton?
When Sable’s director of government affairs attended a recent Buellton City Council meeting on Feb. 27, he said he’d been coming to the Santa Ynez Valley for 50 years but admitted, “I had no idea Buellton was a city.” (His remarks can be seen at 27:53 minutes into Buellton CityTV’s online archived video of the meeting.)
In Santa Barbara County, there are only two local governments directly affected by the pipeline: the county and Buellton. Sable’s government affairs director should have known that Buellton has a city government, but ignorance about Buellton seems widespread at Sable.
Unique costs
The pipeline’s location in Buellton should raise red flags regarding Sable’s financial capabilities. Sable may not be financially able to handle costs from a major pipeline rupture in Buellton, where costs would likely be higher than in a more rural landscape.
Sable doesn’t have deep pockets as Exxon does. Sable’s only assets are the oil production and pipeline facilities, which it acquired in Santa Barbara County. In fact, Sable was able to purchase those facilities only by borrowing over 95 percent of the money from Exxon itself (“Enviro groups join Exxon lawsuit as company sells offshore unit,” Nov. 9, 2022).
If there is a major pipeline rupture in Buellton, Sable probably doesn’t have the financial resources to cover the costs of impacts to people, property, and the environment, while also paying back the loan from Exxon, especially if the pipeline is again shut down. Unless Sable realigns the pipeline outside Buellton, the company’s ignorance of Buellton doesn’t bode well if breakage occurs within the city limits. m
Len Fleckenstein writes from Buellton. Send a response for publication to letters@ santamariasun.com.
Allow us to bid farewell to Dana Reserve habitat
It is my prayer that the slayers of the “Dana Reserve” native oaks at least allow a ceremony to be performed by the native Chumash and kindred spirits to bid farewell to the 3,000-plus Native Oaks that are to be sacrificed so that nonnatives can now reside on stolen Chumash land.
In sympathy with our native people, I submit a loose translation of a Germanic people’s forest hymn:
Who raised you, oaken forest, with heavenward reaching branches? I will praise the creator, as long as my voice still rings.
The confused world can’t hear the sound of grazing deer, as we sound the alarm of continuing harm that fades away with a thousand tears.
Oh, breeze that flows coolly beneath the green canopy, you faithfully call us to piously pray, “Stay! Oaken forest, stay!”
We silently sigh, oh dear oaken forest, our honest desire is that you remain ’fore us, until our last songs and prayers fade away.
Stephen Siemsen
Lisa Caillas-Siemsen
Orcutt
Nasal navigator
Sniff, sniff.
Do you smell that? Of course not. You need a Nasal Ranger to really get a good whiff of odorific cannabis. I don’t mean to make light of the plight of Carpinteria’s cannabis-odorplagued residents, but tying a Santa Barbara County ordinance to something you wear on your nose is simply too much.
Especially with a name like that. Do you wear a park ranger hat and badge while operating the Nasal Ranger? I hear there’s a couple of federal agencies with an excess of hats and badges right now and not enough employees to wear them.
Would a Nasal Ranger fit on my beak? I’ll get certified to operate one, if so.
We can’t have any unauthorized operators out there, you know. They would be Rogue Rangers, and we can’t have that! And if you’re a mouth breather, don’t even think about going through the certification process. We can’t have that, either!
As part of a raft of cannabis odor ordinance modifications, the Nasal Ranger is tasked with testing cannabis odors at the property lines of indoor cannabis cultivators within the Coastal Zone. The county Board of Supervisors voted to implement the ranger and mandate multitechnology carbon filtration (MTCF) systems and set an odor threshold of 4 D/T (umm, dilution over threshold, duh). WTF?
I feel very lost in the lingo. My language skills are at a loss.
But everyone in the know, knows, you know? As long as they know, that’s all that really matters. While the ordinance amendments passed
“Honestly, I think we’ve over-regulated this industry to death,” he said. “I know there are people that will say that the ordinance gave [growers] free rein, basically, and that’s just utterly ridiculous. I mean, it’s just revisionist history.”
It’s really just NIMBYs at their finest, or at their worst, whatever you want to call it. The board can’t make everyone happy with its decisions, but I got a little cackle out of it, even if it was at others’ expense!
You know what else has me cackling?
The city of Santa Maria, which is always complaining about onerous state regulations stifling business but wants to regulate battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities out of city limits. Santa Maria is looking at implementing a “de facto moratorium” on those bad boys of the energy industry. It used to be oil, right? What happened?
The blame for that can be placed squarely on Vistra Corp. and its management of the Moss Landing BESS facility that caught fire in January. It’s literally like no one on the Central Coast even knew what they were before that catastrophe, and now public officials can’t distance themselves enough.
Santa Maria Planning Commissioner Robert Dickerson seems hell-bent on just regulating them out of the city. He said that the commission is recommending that if a potential BESS developer happens “to figure out a way” to apply for a project, the application should “trigger” staff to look into creating a literal moratorium. That’s wild. I get it. The technology is still fairly new with lots of unknowns. But isn’t there another
Maria C. Barrágan
Maria Barragán, 58, of Guadalajara, Mexico passed away on March 9, 2025 at home with family in Santa Maria, CA. On December 4, 1966, Maria Concepción Barragán was born to Rita Cisneros & Antonio Navarro. She known to many as Bug, Conchita, or Concha. She grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, and after losing her mother, she emigrated to the United States at 12 years old. She moved to Guadalupe, CA with her Aunt & Uncle (Lupe & Armando Narez), where she attended Kermit Mackenzie Jr High School.
She later attended Ernest Righetti High School, and was able to intern with VTC Enterprises. After graduating she was hired as an employee of VTC for a few years. During early adulthood she was asked to be a bridesmaid in her uncle’s wedding. That is where she met an annoying groomsman, Mario Barragán, who became her loving and sarcastic husband. During her married life she attended Allan Hancock College, where she obtained her CNA & LVN nursing degree and worked for private care. While raising her two daughters, Erika Barragán Albert & DeAnna (DeeDee) Barragán, she would remind them “If I could get a 4.0 GPA without knowing English, you can too!”
Due to health circumstances, she stepped away from nursing and began working at Sojourns Inc. where she helped infants and families with play therapy until 2008 when the company closed. Maria hunted for work and became office manager for St Joseph’s Supported Living Services. Shortly after her health was steadily declining until the fateful day on July 1, 2009 she got the phone call saying “we have lungs for you.” Mario and Maria raced to UCLA where she received a double lung transplant.
With these blessed extra 15+ years she was able to see her daughters graduate from high school and college. She was able to experience her oldest daughter’s wedding and the subsequent birth of her two grandchildren. Maria went on many travels thanks to Grandma Carey taking her on her first cruise, and that began her urge to travel with her friends that became family. They all helped her make laughable memories, bring back rocks to decorate her yard, and brought
back COVID-19 twice. The one thing she wants everyone to know is “live your life to the fullest, no matter what happens, life goes on, so keep on going!”
Maria loved to sing, dance, cheer, and prank her extended family and friends by showing them there is nothing wrong with having fun. She was preceded in death by many animals, and people in life that made a loving impact on her, especially “Ma and Pa” Beatriz & Salvador Barragán. Maria was a joy to all, and made fabulous relationships with everyone she came across. She is survived by her loving husband Mario Barragán, daughter Erika Albert, Son-In Law Brett Albert, daughter DeeDee Barragán, her three crazy dogs, and her favorite people (her grandchildren) Oliver and Willow.
On Thursday April 3, 2025 at St. Louis De Montfort at 10 a.m. will be the Rosary & Mass Service that Maria wanted. She asked that people who attend her services wear red and black “dress like a ladybug.” In lieu of flowers Maria requests to bring a toy donation for Toys 4 Tots.
Visit dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.
Hot Stuff
CUCKOO AT CYPRESS
Cypress Gallery in Lompoc will host local artist Mitra Cline’s art show, Cuckoo’s Mixed Reality Nest, from Thursday, April 3, until Sunday, April 27. The show—a compilation of digital art and physical crafts—is inspired, Cline says, by how cuckoo birds lay their eggs in other birds’ nests. The art pieces highlight how all creatures depend on one another to grow and create and are available for gallery visitors to interact with in various ways. Also included in the show is a painted bicycle trailer with traditional folk art patterns that serves as a miniature art studio. Visit lompocart.org for more information, and artplacer.com to view the artwork online. —Angie Stevens
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE
CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. 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/. FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING
DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery display their works at the airport. Check website for monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
ARTIST RECEPTION FOR PATTI
ROBBINS: PIZZAZZ Meet Patti Robbins at Gallery Los Olivos for her solo exhibit, Pizzazz, with bold, contemporary still life oil paintings. April 5 1-3 p.m. (805) 6887517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. COLOR AND COMPOSITION The exhibit highlights paintings by featured artists
Gerry Winant and Britt Friedman. Through March 31 gallerylosolivos.com/. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, (805) 688-7517.
FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING Castle has long been interested in shamanic rituals and the masks associated with them. This exhibit provides a rare glimpse of the many sides of Castle that unfolded while creating this series. Through April 6 elverhoj.org/. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, (805) 686-1211.
GALLERY LOS OLIVOS SPECIAL ARTIST SHOWS MONTHLY Head to Gallery Los Olivos for monthly featured artist exhibits from April to the end of June. See work from artists Patti Robbins, Terri Tabor, Carol Talley, Morgan Green, and Susan Kounanis. Get more info at the link. 1st of every month, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
PIZZAZZ AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS: FEATURED ARTIST PATTI ROBBINS A vibrant solo exhibit of contemporary still lifes, described as a celebration of color, texture, and perspective. MondaysSundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through April. (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.
SPRING BREAK ART CAMP Join this spring break art camp for ages 7-12. Each day will include a morning creative project followed by an afternoon guided painting. March 31 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $85-$385. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang.
YOSEMITE: SANCTUARY IN STONE A solo exhibition by award-winning nature and landscape photographer William Neill. Through Sept. 1 California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, calnatureartmuseum.org.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
CUCKOO’S MIXED REALITY NEST
Showcasing works by featured artist Mitra Cline, inspired by how cuckoo birds make their homes in other birds’ nests, showing how we all depend on each other to create and grow. April 3 -27 Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc, (805) 705-5328, lompocart.org.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ART SHOW DROP A showcase of works from award-winning artist Anne Kunzig. Features scenes of coastal vistas, birds, and more. March 28 , 5 p.m. The Frame Artist, 914 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande.
BEST OF THE SAN FRANCISCO STANDUP COMEDY COMPETITION Laugh with the best at the legendary San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition, hosted by Don Friesen—hilarious, high-energy, and a two-time champion. March 29, 7:30 p.m. $39-$54; Platinum $59. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/best-of-sfcomedy/. 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. MINI-WORLD FAIRY GARDEN
WORKSHOP A fun workshop where you’ll build a glass-globe fairy garden. Materials will be provided. A great class for adults and kids alike. March 30, 12-3 p.m. $45. (805) 270-4083. theplantedparlour. com/event/mini-world-fairy-gardenworkshop/. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
PLAYERS WEST PRESENTS STEEL
MAGNOLIAS In a small Louisiana salon, Truvy and her assistant Annelle style hair and share laughter as the women of Chinquapin navigate life’s joys and challenges. March 28 7-9 p.m., March 29 1:59-4 & 7-9 p.m., March 30 1:59-4 p.m., April 4 , 7-9 p.m., April 5 1:59-4 & 7-9 p.m. and April 6 1:59-4 p.m. General admission $34; child $28.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/shows/steel-magnolias/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SHUT UP, SHERLOCK When a genuine whodunit unfolds during a dress rehearsal for a Sherlock Holmes play, a real-life sleuth steps in to untangle the wacky web of quirky characters (and even quirkier actors) to crack the case. Through April 26 Great American Melodrama, 1863 Front St., Oceano.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA
Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design.
Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam
Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
BEACON ART SHOW Features a juried selection of artworks from several artists working in paintings, photography, and other media, including Larry Le Brane, Janie Holland, Randy Stromsoe, Cheryl Strahl, Paula Delay, and others. Through March 30 beaconartshow.com/. San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 242-6065.
THE CAKE Faith, family, and frosting collide in this timely new play from the writer of NBC’s This is Us ThursdaysSaturdays, 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, 2-4 p.m. through April 13 $20-$37. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 786-2440, slorep.org/.
CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30 p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition
openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
FRIENDS OF THE ARROYO GRANDE LIBRARY ART AUCTION The first ever art auction fundraiser for Friends of the AG Library is now live. Includes work by local artist Ellen November. Every 30 days, 9 a.m. Various. (310) 384-6912. app.galabid. com/aglibrary/items. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
MARGARET CHO: LIVE AND LIVID With a tour celebrating her 40 years as a standup comedian, Cho staunchly supports the causes that are important to her: antiracism, anti-bullying, and gay rights, all while fulfilling her successful creative side with a legendary stand-up career. Visit site for more info and tickets to this event. March 29, 7:30 p.m. Starts at $40. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/ book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
NOTES FOR TOMORROW Features artworks from around the world, brought together to reflect on a new global reality ushered in by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through June 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/notes-fortomorrow/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., 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.
TERRACE HILL VIEW: ACRYLIC WORKSHOP WITH MARINA MARSH Spend an afternoon painting a sight of San Luis Obispo during this workshop
geared towards children ages 10 and up, as well as adults. A ticket covers all essential supplies and two hours of personal instruction. Get more info at the link. March 29 2-4 p.m. $67. my805tix. com. Drew Davis Fine Art, 393 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AQUARIUS 2025 WATERMEDIA
EXHIBIT Central Coast Watercolor
Society presents its annual juried exhibit at Art Center Morro Bay, featuring excellence in all forms of watermedia by California artists. See website for info and frequent updates. Through March 31 ccwsart.com/aquarius-2025-prospectus.
Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504.
DRIFTWOOD ASSEMBLAGES BY
ALAN COHEN See Cohen’s driftwood assemblage sculptures at Gallery at Marina Square. This architect transforms beach-found objects into birds, sea creatures, and more. March 30 - April 29 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 BY SANDRA
SANDERS A California native, Sanders captures seascapes and landscapes in vibrant acrylics. On display in the lower gallery. March 30 - April 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
FINE ART WATERCOLORS BY NANCY
JENSEN Jensen celebrates Central Coast joys through vibrant watercolors of vineyards, wildflowers, and coastal scenes. March 30 -April 29
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
TIMKET: ETHIOPIA 2020 Experience
Timket, an Ethiopian tradition, through the eyes of photographer Michael J. Costa. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through April 27 Free. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos, (559) 799-9632.
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. D-AND-D AND BOARD GAMES Join for tabletop games hosted by Santa Maria Valley Adventurers League. New players get tutorials/materials. Children under 16 must be with an adult. March 30 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
EVERYTHING EDIBLE: GROWING GROUNDS FARM Join Growing Grounds Farm for its Everything Edible plant event. This annual Spring celebration will have everything you need to get your garden growing. Visit the link for more information. April 4 , 10 a.m.-3 p.m., April 5 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and April 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 934-2182. facebook.com/even ts/1416266739755096/141626675308842
8?active_tab=about. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria. FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays,
FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.
FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17
Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. (805) 343-2455. dunescenter. org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
SPRING ROUNDUP COLLEGE RODEO
Experience this inaugural collegiate rodeo in Santa Maria, where college rodeo athletes from all over the West Coast region are set to put on a show. Get ticketing options and more info at the link. March 29 -30 (805)503-9935. ahcbulldogboosters.com/. Elks Event Center, 4040 Highway 101, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
BOUNTY OF THE VALLEY Join SYV Family School as they honor 50 years of educational excellence and community impact. For more information on the event, follow the ticket link. April 5, 5-10 p.m. $150. (805) 688-5440. syvfamilyschool.org. SYV Family School, 5300 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos.
CALIFORNIA POPPY DAY 2025 Enjoy free admission to the California Nature Art Museum for California Poppy Day 2025, held annually in celebration of native plants and pollinators. April 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. calnatureartmuseum.org/news/ california-poppy-day-2025. California
Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.
PEASANTS FEAST 5TH ANNIVERSARY BLOCK PARTY Join Peasants FEAST as they celebrate 5 years with a Solvang block party. Expect food and beverage vendors, along with peasants’ bites, deli arcade games, DJ, and more birthday surprises. April 1 4-7 p.m. Free. (805) 686-4555. instagram.com/ peasantsfeast. peasants FEAST, 487 Atterdag Road, Solvang.
SOLVANG BRICK AND BUILDS The city’s first-ever weekend of brick-building fun. With a pro builder competition, master builders meet and greets, a scavenger hunt, and more. April 5 -6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free, but with ticketed portions of weekend (visit site for more details). (805) 465-7298. solvangusa.com/ solvang-brick-builds-2025/. Downtown Solvang, Citywide, Solvang.
TOMATOMANIA This year’s expanded Tomatomania, hosted by Forage Florals and curated by The Starter Farm, returns with a larger selection of tomatoes, produce, flowers, and classes. April 5 -6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; plus item purchase prices. (310) 770-3226. tomatomania. com/the-starter-farm-forage-floralssanta-ynez/. Forage Florals, 1095 Meadowvale Road, Santa Ynez.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG KITE FESTIVAL AND CAREER, COLLEGE, AND TRADE FAIR A community-driven event that combines a youth-focused career, college, and trade fair with a fun, family-friendly kite festival. April 5 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lompoc High School, 515 W. College 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
RING IN SPRING THROUGH
ART
Art Spot in Solvang will host a five-day spring break art camp from Monday, March 31, to Friday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children ages 7 to 12 to learn, create, and build confidence. An option to join for a single day is available, and a creative project each morning will be followed by an afternoon guided painting. To find out more about camp dates or purchase tickets, visit artspotonwheels.com.
every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.
THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AVILA BEACH BINGO NIGHT Head to Avila for this family bingo night. Wine and beer will be for sale and both prizes and snacks will be available. Get tickets and more info at the link. April 4 6:308 p.m. $8. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach.
MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION
GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
FOOD & DRINK
WAVE OF CREATIVITY
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.
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities. First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.
DONATION-BASED YOGA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, EMTS, AND CARETAKERS Class schedule varies. Contact empoweryoga805@ gmail.com for details and reservations. ongoing (805) 619-0989. empoweryoga805.com.
Empower Yoga Studio and Community Boutique, 775 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.”
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. For all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave., Pismo Beach.
BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence. net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. 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.
Morro Bay’s Gallery at Marina Square will feature an exhibit by acrylic painter Sandra Sanders set to begin Sunday, March 30, and remain on display until Tuesday, April 29. The showcase will highlight various fine art pieces by Sanders depicting the dreamlike seascapes and sprawling landscapes that make up the Californianative’s surroundings. For more info on Sanders’ featured work, visit galleryatmarinasquare.com.
—A.S.
CENTRAL COAST BRIDE SPRING 2025
WEDDING EXPO From sweet treats to signature sips, Central Coast Bride’s Spring 2025 Wedding Expo is your one-stop shop for planning the wedding of your dreams. Get more info at the link. April 6 -4 p.m. $10-$50. (805) 980-1985. centralcoastbride.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
CENTRAL COAST DAHLIA SOCIETY ANNUAL TUBER AND PLANT SALE Don’t miss this year’s annual tuber and mini plant sale. April 5 9 a.m.noon (805) 801-3917. United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo, centralcoastdahlias.org.
CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.
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.
HUMAN ROMANCE: HOOKING HUMANS UP WITH EACH OTHER Host Mike Falzone is set to use his crowd work to connect members of the audience. Three pairs of audience members will go on a date, live, in front of everyone and the rest of the crowd votes on the night’s best match. The winner will have their second date paid for by Falzone. Get tickets at the link. March 29, 8 p.m. $18. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337.
IRA GLASS: SEVEN THINGS I’VE LEARNED Ira Glass is the creator, producer, and host of This American Life the iconic weekly public radio program with millions of listeners around the world. At this event, he will mix stories live onstage and help his audience better follow his creative process. April 5 8 p.m. Starts at $40. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
SAN LUIS OBISPO SPRING WEDDING EXPO
This wedding expo, described as “the one-stop destination for all things wedding and event planning” will include vendor showcases, inspiration galleries, and special discounts. Visit site for tickets and more info. April 6 12-4 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETINGS Want to improve speaking and
leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment? During COVID, we are meeting virtually. Contact us to get a meeting link for info. Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. Free. slonoontime. toastmastersclubs.org. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.
SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY Stamp Collector?
The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets in the SLO UMC Conference Room on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors welcome. For more info, contact SLOPS at slostampclub@gmail.com. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. (805) 801-9112. The SLO Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. First Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP
Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
WORKING HANDS: ETHNIC LABOR IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY People from all over the world played a role in building San Luis Obispo County (in both figurative and literal ways). Join the conversation. March 28 5:30 p.m. Free. (805) 543-0638. historycenterslo.org/lecture. History Center of San Luis Obispo County, 696 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS
MEETING Co-
Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB
Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school, with the goal of getting comfortable commanding your own sailboat. There will be a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Register at the link. April 5 - Aug. 3 $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS EVERYTHING EDIBLE Join Growing Grounds Farm for our Everything Edible plant event. This annual spring celebration will have everything you need to get your garden growing. Get more info at the link. April 4 10 a.m.-3 p.m., April 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and April 6 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 934-2182. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria, t-mha.org.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com.
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and bragging rights. Kekas will be serving their delicious local fare. 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
ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION LENTEN FISH FRY The St. Patrick’s Italian Catholic Federation (I.C.F.) is hosting a Lenten Fish Fry. There will be a cash bar and dessert table, and take outs are available. Fridays, 4-7 p.m. through April 11 $10-$20. St. Patrick’s Church, 501 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, stpatsag.org.
TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus
Embodied Yoga on the Central Coast
SATURDAY, MARCH 29 Aurora Sacred Events in Morro Bay
TUESDAY, APRIL 1 The Penny, SLO
Basin Street Regulars Presents a Cal Poly Jazz Showcase!
SUNDAY, MARCH 30 Oceano Elks Lodge by The Beach
Trivia Wednesday Night with Brain Stew Trivia
WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 2 & 9 Bang The Drum Brewery, SLO
Navaratri Celebration: Awakening the Goddess SUNDAY, MARCH 30 Aurora Sacred Events @ 9th Limb Yoga, Morro Bay
Minka, DJ Grambo, & Samba Loca
THURSDAY, APRIL 3 Rod & Hammer Rock, SLO
Line Dancing Therapy with Tammy V SUNDAY, MARCH 30 Blast and Brew, Atascadero
Brass Mash First Friday: Promish III
theceletialcruise, Saturn Death Dive
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
FRIDAY, APRIL 4 Liquid Gravity Brewing Company, SLO Avila Beach Bingo Night
FRIDAY, APRIL 4 Avila Beach Community Center
Company, SLO
Lounge at Beso FRIDAY, APRIL 4
Lounge @ Beso Cocina, Nipomo
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
CRAIG CAMPBELL LIVE With support from Stephen Styles with Band, and Jane & Shane. All ages welcome. Gates open at 3 p.m. March 29, 4-8 p.m. my805tix.com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO
BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar in Old Orcutt. Dinner served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR
Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY
Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/ Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG All are welcome. Call for more details. Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.
SOULDIES LIVE Hear the Souldies live, featuring The McCharmlys and The Charities. Get tickets to this all-ages event at the link. April 5, 4-8 p.m. $20. my805tix. com. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.
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
BRIAN MCKNIGHT LIVE See the R&B multi-instrumentalist live in concert. April 4 8 p.m. $50-$75. chumashcasino.com/. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, (800) 248-6274.
KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND The 14-member ensemble is best known for topping music charts with hits like “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” “I’m Your Boogie Man,” and “Get Down Tonight.” March 28 8 p.m. $59-$89. chumashcasino.com. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, (800) 248-6274.
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
OZOMATLI This multi-genre band from Los Angeles is a cultural force known for blending Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global sounds into a vibrant musical experience. April 5 7-9 p.m. $55-$95. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/showlisting. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.
SPRING CONCERT: SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
WIND ENSEMBLE The Santa Ynez Valley Wind Ensemble has entertained at local parades, holiday festivals, and Veterans’ ceremonies over the years. Join them for a free performance. April 6 2-3 p.m. syvwindensemble.org/calendar.html.
Bethania Lutheran Church of Solvang, 621 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.
SYMPHONIC ‘60S AND ‘70S (AND A TRIBUTE TO KAREN CARPENTER)
Presented by the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, led by conductor Brian Asher Alhadeff. March 30, 4 p.m. lompocpopsorchestra. com/index.html. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc. YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY BASIN STREET REGULARS: CONCERT AND DANCE DEMO The event’s main act is Kathryn Loomis and Company, known for performing pop favorites and jazz standards. The Early Risers Jazz Combo is set to open and provide the live music for members of the Cal Poly SLO Swing Dance Club to dance to. March 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. basinstreetregulars.com. Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano. BEE GEES FEVER AT THE CLARK CENTER Join Bee Gees Fever for non-stop hits and a fun two hours that will keep you dancing all night long. Visit website listed below for more info. March 30 7-9 p.m. $54. (805) 489-9444. beegeesfeverusa. com. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CALI-TEX-MEX GRAN BAILE Enjoy live music from LA 45. Proceeds benefit G.C.G. 746. Visit site for tickets and more info. For ages 21 and over. March 28 , 6 p.m. my805tix.com. Grover City Grange, 370 S. 13th St., Grover Beach.
EASTON EVERETT AT BLACKLAKE GOLF COURSE A singer-songwriter who blends indie folk, neo-folk, and world beat with intricate fingerstyle guitar. March 29 1-4 p.m. Blacklake Golf Course, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo, (805) 343-1214.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE SPRING CONCERT AT TRILOGY NIPOMO: AMERICAN SAMPLER Listen to an assortment of jazz, folk, and theater at this spring concert ensemble. Get tickets and more info at the link. March 27, 7 p.m. $34. my805tix.com. Trilogy at Monarch Dunes, 1645 Trilogy Pkwy, Nipomo.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
THE AGGROLITES LA-based reggae band The Aggrolites as they hit the Fremont stage. Get tickets and more info at the link. March 29, 8 p.m. $35. fremontslo.com/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
CHRIS BOTTI (GRAMMY-WINNING TRUMPETER) Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades. March 28 7:30 p.m. $78. pacslo.org. Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-4849.
DRUMMING FOR WELLNESS A joyful and uplifting drum circle designed specifically for oncology patients, survivors, and their guests to explore rhythm and creative expression in a supportive group setting, facilitated by Dee DiGioia of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity. April 4 5:30-7 p.m.
my805tix.com. Adventist Health, 1010 Murray Ave., San Luis Obispo.
FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER: DANCE THROUGH THE DECADES Get ready to groove through time with iconic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s. Visit the link to get tickets and more info. March 28, 8 p.m. $26. fremontslo.com/. The Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-8600.
LIVE MUSIC FROM GUITAR WIZ BILLY FOPPIANO AND MAD DOG Join “Guitar Wiz” Billy Foppiano and his trusty side kick Mad Dog for a mix of blues, R&B, and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (805) 544-2100. Bon Temps Creole Cafe, 1819 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, bontempscreolecafe.com.
MECHANICAL GHOST: ALBUM RELEASE PARTY Head to Humdinger for a night of live performances by electro-industrial band Mechanical Ghost, experimental hardcore group Bandwidth, and gothic rock band Rival Cults. This show will also feature goth and horror burlesque performances by JBird, C. Christ, and Claudia Bubbles. There will be vendors such as Phantom Stranger Records and A Pirate’s Life Art Collective. March 29 6:30 p.m. $18. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.
MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE WITH SUPPORT BY BROCK VAN PELT Join for a soulful evening of musical talent on the Central Coast with Moonshiner Collective and Brock Van Pelt of the Charities. Get tickets and additional info to the concert at the link. March 29, 7 p.m. $28. slobrew. com/. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.
SATURN DEATH DIVE, SPACEYY, AND SEROTONIN LIVE Clear Vision Collective and The Bunker SLO presents an eclectic lineup, featuring Saturn Death Dive, Spaceyy, Serotonin, Gypsy, and Corporal Psyche. Get tickets and more info on this live show at the link. March 30 6-9:30 p.m. $8. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.
SLO MEDITATIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Features two performances to achieve calm & clarity. With Bennardo-Larson Duo, PYANOOK, Ralf Schmid, The Ghost Ensemble, and Brynn Albanese. Visit site for details. March 30 -April 6 $20 each show; $30 for both. my805tix.com/e/meditative. United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-7580.
VINCE CIMO’S HOT FIRE LIVE Hear
Vince Cimo and his “ultra funky six-piece band,” Hot Fire, live. The group, consisting of Central Coast musicians, leans into old school funk, modern electronic, and disco. DJ Hobeaux is also set to perform. Get tickets at the link. March 28 8 p.m. $13. my805tix.com. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE SPRING
CONCERT IN SLO: AMERICAN SAMPLER
Enjoy an afternoon of live music. Visit site for tickets and more info. March 30 3 p.m. $34. my805tix.com. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5451.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
AFROMAN LIVE AT THE SIREN American rapper and musician Afroman, best known for the hit single “Because I Got High,” is set to hit the stage and deliver a memorable performance. See him live by grabbing tickets and more info at the link. March 27 7-10 p.m. $25. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
DANTE MARSH AND THE VIBESETTERS
Hear SLO-based pop and soul band, The Vibesetters, play live at The Siren. Get tickets and more info at the link. March 29, 8-10:30 p.m. $14. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312.
ECHO! (FREE AFTERNOON SHOW) Catch Echo live, made up of the power trio of local favorites: Rolf Gehrung, Todd Andrew, and Nathan Slawson. Hear live hits from The Cult, Motörhead, The Fixx, Plimsouls, The Cars, and Tears for Fears. Get more info at the link. March 29 2-5 p.m. Free. thesirenmorrobay.com/. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. m
ARTS BRIEFS
Chumash Casino Resort presents KC and The Sunshine Band
As part of its current world tour, disco and funk group KC and The Sunshine Band is heading to Santa Ynez for a live performance at the Chumash Casino Resort on Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m. Tickets to the concert, held inside the resort’s Samala Showroom, range between $59 and $89.
The 14-member ensemble is best known for topping music charts with hits like “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” “I’m Your Boogie Man,” and “Get Down Tonight.” Formed in 1973, the band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide to date, according to press materials.
In 1976, KC and The Sunshine Band—founded by Harry Wayne Casey (KC) and Richard Finch—received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus. The band’s hit song, “Boogie Shoes,” was featured in the Saturday Night Fever (1978) soundtrack, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year.
Other popular singles from the band include “Blow Your Whistle,” “Sound Your Funky Horn,” “Rock Your Baby,” “Queen of Clubs,” and “Please Don’t Go.” According to press materials, KC and The Sunshine Band was the first act to repeat the Beatles’ record of scoring four No. 1 pop singles within a 12-month period.
For more info on the band’s concert at the Chumash Casino Resort, visit chumashcasino.com.
Performers bring jazz and dance to the Oceano Elks Lodge
A local jazz collective is kicking it up a notch with its next Oceano concert, set to feature a lively dance demonstration courtesy of the Cal Poly SLO Swing Dance Club. Organized by the Basin Street Regulars Hot Jazz Club, the program is slated to take place on Sunday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Oceano Elks Lodge. The Early Risers Jazz Combo is set to open the show and provide the live music for members of the Cal Poly group to dance to. Featured jazz and pop act Kathryn Loomis and Company will follow the demo. Both bands at the event have Cal Poly ties as well. The Early Risers Jazz Combo is a student-led group, under the direction of Dylan Johnson, current director of Cal Poly’s jazz ensemble program. Johnson is also a member of Loomis’ band. Born and raised in Arroyo Grande, Loomis (pictured) is a local singer-songwriter who graduated from Cal Poly in 2021. Tickets to the concert are available in advance at my805tix.com. m
Honorable attention
Santa Maria painter Helen Yanez pays homage to her heritage through illustrations and collaborations
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Habitually armed with colored pencils and crayons as a kid, Helen Yanez rarely went a day without opening a coloring book during her childhood.
The Santa Maria resident described her attachment to the activity as analogous to the relationship between kids and their iPads nowadays.
“I think pastels are like the adult, grown version of a crayon,” said Yanez, who gradually graduated from coloring book fare to pastels and watercolors as she grew older.
Today she uses both to create art for herself and others by commission, through her job as a freelance illustrator. Between that and her role as art program manager at Corazón del Pueblo in Santa Maria, Yanez’s life is wall-to-wall art, so to speak.
As for literal wall space, the interior of Corazón Café in downtown San Luis Obispo is lined with colorful creations by Yanez and other artists featured in the restaurant’s second annual Chingonas show, on display through the end of April.
Participants of the exhibit, which debuted in early March, were asked to submit artworks depicting women, in celebration of Women’s History Month. With this theme in mind, Yanez decided to paint a portrait of her grandmother. As a reference photo, Yanez chose a snapshot taken when her grandmother, seen dressed in traditional Zapatista attire, was 19.
Spring showcase
For more info on Santa Maria-based artist and freelance illustrator Helen Yanez, visit yanezsart.com. Yanez is one of the featured artists in Corazón Café’s second annual Chingonas show, which opened in early March and is slated to remain up through the end of April. The café is located at 847 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo.
“She was not a Zapatista, but dressed that way for an event,” said Yanez, whose works often explore and celebrate aspects of her heritage.
Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Yanez was 12 when her family relocated to the Central Coast. She then attended Tommie Kunst Junior High School and Pioneer Valley High School, two of the seven schools in the Santa Maria Valley where student walkouts commenced on Feb. 18 to protest immigration enforcement tactics.
Yanez was among the adult volunteers who helped chaperone the students who marched 5 miles from Righetti High School in Orcutt to Santa Maria City Hall that day, to call for city officials to designate a 2-mile radius of protection between residents and ICE officers at schools, churches, parks, and hospitals.
Prior to volunteering, Yanez originally got involved with the rally after organizer Cesar Vasquez reached out to her over Instagram to ask if he could use one of her artworks in a flyer to promote the protest.
“It was lovely to not only be part of it through my art but be there myself,” Yanez said.
Through her job at Corazón
del Pueblo, Yanez recently helped coordinate Nuestra Lotería, a multi-week joint project between students at Righetti High School and Santa Maria High School. Young participants were asked to pick “a topic regarding any social issue,” Yanez said, write a report on said topic, and then visualize it through a Loteria card-style artwork.
She said almost half of the students who participated chose to focus their projects on topics related to immigration enforcement and ICE protocols.
“You’re visually educating the Santa Maria community on what you think should be fixed, what you think we should talk about more,” Yanez said about the prompt students were given ahead of the assignment.
Alongside collaborations with local schools, Corazón del Pueblo— also referred to as the Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley—periodically
facilitates free art classes and demos for kids and teens at various venues in town. One of Yanez’s favorite aspects of these events is how surprisingly invested some participants’ parents become.
During a clay crafting program at Santa Maria Bici Centro in December, for example, Yanez said the event “ended up being a workshop for the parents.”
“The kids were, at the end, just eating pizza and playing outside, and the parents were full-on doing the craft themselves,” Yanez recalled. “We’d hear, ‘Oh this is so relaxing, I haven’t done this in years.’ … Some of them from Oaxaca, Mexico, grew up doing pottery [and said], ‘Oh I haven’t done this since I was a teenager.’” m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote the first draft of this article with a crayon. Send comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
SELF PORTRAIT: Santa Maria artist Helen Yanez based this watercolor painting, La Guarecita, on one of her baby photos. Yanez works as a professional freelance illustrator and art program manager at Corazón del Pueblo.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HELEN YANEZ
IMAGE COURTESY OF HELEN YANEZ
MUSIC TO THE EYES: Through her work as a freelancer, Helen Yanez is often commissioned to create visuals for posters and other projects in need of art, such as EP and album releases from Nipomo-based band Los Tranquilos.
FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM
WALK THE WALK: On Feb. 18, local artist Helen Yanez was one of the adult volunteers who helped chaperone student walkouts in Santa Maria to protest national immigration enforcement tactics. One of her artworks was also used by protest organizer Cesar Vasquez in a flyer to promote the rally.
Ciao, mob
Barry Levinson (Diner; The Natural; Rain Man; Bugsy; Good Morning, Vietnam) directs this script by Nicholas Pileggi (Goodfellas, Casino) about two New York crime bosses—Frank Costello and Vito Genovese (both played by Robert De Niro)—whose childhood friendship and successful Prohibition liquor operations in the ’20s and ’30s eventually devolve into open conflict in the ’50s. (120 min.)
Glen: In the grand scheme of great crime dramas, this is an also-ran. It’s more interested in giving a history lesson than being entertaining on the scale of The Godfather, The Departed, or Scarface Both pedantic and didactic, the film feels too much like a docudrama. That said, after the initial distraction of the facial prosthetics, De Niro is a marvel in the dual roles of Frank and Vito, who have very different approaches to mob business. Frank wants to grease wheels and keep everyone happy. Vito wants to take and never give. “You want to be a diplomat, that’s your business,” Vito tells Frank. “I’m a gangster.” The point is that Vito’s violent ways precipitate the end of the American mafia. If you’re looking for a well-acted and directed history lesson that deftly weaves in archival footage and features effective sets, props, costuming, and cars, this is worth a matinee.
ADOLESCENCE
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2025
Where’s it showing? Netflix
THE ALTO KNIGHTS
What’s it rated? R What’s it worth, Anna? Matinee
What’s it worth, Glen? Matinee
Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande
Anna: De Niro is definitely an asset to the film. His turns at both the gangsters are distinct and nuanced roles. I agree that it didn’t manage to engage me as much as the films you mentioned. While it has the grit of a mob film, it seems to lack the heart of a truly good one. Frank seems to be a reluctant mob boss, or at least a regretful one at this later stage of life. He’s ready to turn away from it all and retire to Italy with his wife, Bobbie (Debra Messing), and their two squeaktoy sized pups. Make no mistake though, Frank is a methodical man, and he doesn’t intend to let Vito ruin the empire he built. Vito feels he’s owed everything and isn’t afraid to stab his oldest friend in the back to get it. It’s an interesting true story, one I didn’t really know anything about, but I don’t think it will make a rotation into my rainy-day movies like The Godfather has Glen: I thought Messing was terrific as Bobbie, who had a real partnership with Frank, unlike the dysfunctional relationship between Vito and his wife, Anna Genovese (Kathrine Rispoli). I was also impressed with Cosmo Jarvis as Vincent Gigante, a rising mob soldier whose botched hit on Frank set the entire mess in motion. Gigante comes off as a real dolt, but he’s loyal. When he became a target of the feds, he pretended to have dementia and would wander the streets in a bathrobe muttering to himself. These guys
thought they could get away with anything, that they were untouchable, but Frank was playing chess against their checkers and found a way to get out without going down. Mob stories are inherently fascinating because they’re essentially about the corruption of the American dream. Pileggi’s Goodfellas and Casino are two of the best mob movies ever made. This is an unfortunate addition to the 92-year-old’s oeuvre.
Anna: The costuming was wonderful, and Messing as Bobbie looked absolutely stunning. She knew that Frank had to be strategic with
his exit, and she trusted him to place the pieces on the board one by one. Even when Frank voluntarily testified in front of a congressional board and decided to avoid pleading the Fifth, which is what all the other mob members had done, he’s got strategy at play with every word. It’s worth a matinee if seeing De Niro in this dual role appeals to you. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Glen compiles listings. Comment at gstarkey@ newtimesslo.com.
Jaime Miller (Owen Cooper) is roused from bed by police, accused of murder, and taken to the station for questioning. This wide-eyed boy is a mess, screaming for his dad and absolutely denying having any idea of what has happened let alone guilt. Jaime’s parents, Eddie and Manda (Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco), are flabbergasted—how could the police have it so wrong?
When forensic psychologist Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty) gets in front of Jaime, tales of darkly held secrets, school bullying, and incel culture start to bubble to the surface. Has Jaime been pushed to the limit of his sanity and lashed out in the worst possible way?
UNTHINKABLE: Thirteen-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is accused of killing a female classmate, and forensic psychologist Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty) must unpack issues involving bullying, social media, and incel subculture, in Adolescence, now streaming on Netflix.
British crime dramas are my absolute favorite to watch, and this one is excellent. It’s unusual for me to feel like I don’t have the answers until the bitter end, but this series managed to keep me on my toes. Cooper does well as the lead, and Graham as his father the shadows, beyond the veil of what we see and behind the screens so readily in their hands at all times.
DEADLY WATERS WITH CAPTAIN LEE
What’s it rated? Not rated
When? 2024-present
Where’s it showing? Peacock
Everyone’s favorite Boat Daddy, Captain Lee Rosbach, is back on our screens, but instead of driving mega yachts on reality TV series Below Deck he’s here to give the audience a tour of exotic locales—and deadly accidents that happened there on the high seas. Lee introduces us to the stories of various illfated seamen and women, and his storytelling along with interviews with those close to the travelers or involved in the rescue missions tell episode-long tales of harrowing disasters. From a ghost ship 140 miles off course and missing passengers, to bodies found in watery graves, these grisly tales will make you think twice before buying that boat you’ve always dreamed of.
Lee has spent his life on the ocean, and his knowledge of exotic locations and the dangers their waters present help to find answers to some of these very mysterious circumstances. If any Below Deck fans need a good dose of everyone’s favorite captain now that he is no longer on the main Deadly Waters with Captain Lee is a fun
DE NIRO VS. DE NIRO: Robert De Niro stars as mafia bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, childhood friends whose relationship devolves into open conflict, in The Alto Knights, playing in local theaters.
watch—especially for fans of shows like Unsolved Mysteries and I Survived (eight 43-min. episodes) m —Anna
COURTESY PHOTO BY BEN BLACKALL/NETFLIX
CAPTAIN CRIMESOLVER: Below Deck alumnus Captain Lee Rosbach travels to exotic locations to solve offshore crimes, in Deadly Waters with Captain Lee, streaming on Peacock.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACOCK
Recycle Food Scraps in Your Green Cart!
Residents of the Santa Maria Valley should add food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste to their green carts.
Everything in the green cart is composted locally and used to support agriculture in the region.
Scraps in Your Green Cart!
To make collecting food scraps easier, free kitchen pails are available for pick-up at the County’s Public Works Office at 620 W. Foster Road during regular business hours (M-F, 8AM-12PM and 1-5PM)
• Wrap wet food scraps in newspaper or use paper bags to deposit food scraps into your green
• Store food scraps in your fridge/ freezer during the week and transfer to your green cart closer to collection day.
• Cover food scraps with yard waste inside your green cart.
• Clean your kitchen pail and green cart regularly. Kitchen pails are dishwasher safe!
How it Works:
7:00 am to 7:00 pm Sat-Sun: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Blanc slate
Local winemaker
Emily Myers makes a name for herself through two SYV brands
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
Where grapes become wine at Los Olivos’ Demetria Estate is also where Emily Myers’ fears, anxieties, and other stressors go to die.
“I love the crush pad, because that’s the one place that you have so much work to do that the rest of the world falls away,” the local vintner said in an email interview. “It’s very relaxing in its chaos.”
Myers is winemaker and operations manager at Demetria Estate, where she started working as assistant winemaker in 2021. That year also coincided with her own independent brand’s first vintage, added Myers, founder of Eislynn Wines.
Before putting the final touches on her first release of Eislynn Wines’ syrah, she struggled with straightening out one key aspect of her micro-winery venture.
“I was having a hard time picking a name for my brand that I felt genuinely represented me,” said Myers, who eventually settled on her own middle name, Eislynn. “I’ve never felt much for my first name because it’s so common, but I’ve always loved my middle name.”
Myers has her mother and a prominent romance novelist to thank for the name, she explained.
“My mom was reading The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss while pregnant with me. It’s a smutty novel written in the ’80s whose main character is named Aislinn,” Myers said. “My mom dolled up the name a little and slapped it on me. I finally read the book a couple years ago. Not my favorite book, but it was funny for me to see where my mom’s head was at.”
The vintner said she feels lucky to be
winemaker Emily Myers told the Sun that “simple is best,” when it comes to winemaking. “I don’t want to drink wines with a bunch of products and chemicals added to them, so why would I make wine that way?”
Act naturally
Visit eislynnwines.com or demetriaestate.com for more info on Eislynn Wines or Demetria Estate, respectively.
Both brands are based in the Santa Ynez Valley. On Saturday, April 26, Eislynn Wines will be among the featured wineries at the Natural Coast, a Santa Barbara-based wine festival, from noon to 5 p.m. at The Factory, located at 616 E. Haley St., Santa Barbara. For more details, visit naturalcoastwinefest.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY MYERS
BARREL ROLES: Emily Myers is the winemaker behind local micro-winery Eislynn Wines and Demetria Estate in Los Olivos. She’s also the operations manager at the latter. “Having my own brand [Eislynn Wines] means I can think like an owner when I make decisions for Demetria, which helps,” Myers said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY MYERS
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS: With a focus on low-intervention wines,
SERENELY SCENIC: The sunrise and sunset views at Demetria Estate in Los Olivos are tough to beat, especially during harvest season, winemaker and operations manager Emily Myers said. EATS continued page 22
Summer Guide
able to make her Eislynn-labeled wines on-site at Demetria Estate, and that juggling her two roles is a little easier than it sounds, partly due to the size and output differences between the two brands.
“I’m very busy, but I love to be busy,” Myers said. “I spend the majority of my time working on Demetria wines because of the volume of cases that we produce. Eislynn is still very small with less than 500 cases. So, outside of harvest, I don’t have to spend too much time on maintaining the wines because there are only so many barrels.”
2023 marked the release of Eislynn Wines’ sole sauvignon blanc, made with fruit sourced from White Barn Vineyard in Santa Ynez.
Myers used organically farmed grapes from both Demetria and Santa Ynez’s Alondra de los Prados to create her 2021 syrah, while the winemaking behind Eislynn Wines’ vintages takes place at Demetria.
A long and winding road precedes the estate, situated in a rural stretch of Los Olivos on Foxen Canyon Road.
“Demetria is truly a special place. I think everyone who visits feels it. You’re far off the beaten path once you reach the winery/ tasting room, so it feels like you’re on vacation even if you’re local,” Myers said. “I’ve been making the drive every day for years and I still feel like I’m in a different country.”
The best views at Demetria can be found at sunrise and sunset during harvest, she added.
“The colors during that time of year are very unique, with a lot of purples from the sky mixing in with the greens and yellows from the vines,” Myers said. “It’s a nice reward on a long day to see all those colors. And of course, photos never seem to do it justice.”
Later this spring, Eislynn Wines will be among the featured brands at the Natural Coast, a Santa Barbara-based wine festival slated for Saturday, April 26.
Whether she’s creating wines for Eislynn or Demetria, Myers described winemaking in general as a “conduit of happiness.”
“I get to work outside with my hands, constantly being creative. Not just creative in what wines I make, but also how I set up my tools and being creative in efficiencies,” Myers said. “I also get to meet interesting and kind people, both in and out of the cellar.”
It also doesn’t hurt that Myers gets to make a tangible product that she can share with people, “that has an infinite amount of things to learn about,” she said.
“I am proud of the wines I make, and it makes me happy to see people enjoy them as much as I do.” m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood’s middle name is Nathan. Send your middle names or favorite romance novels to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
