ome businesses adjacent to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area had to close while the park complied with an April court ruling over the Endangered Species Act. Those businesses and the park are back open now that the dunes has what it needs from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—an incidental take permit for snowy plovers. But environmental advocates say the process was rushed, that State Parks has more to do. Intern Katy Clark writes about it [6]
Also, find stories about what happened in the 5th District race [4]; a Lompoc artist who makes giant puppets for the World Cup [22]; and the Baked Bliss at Route One [26]
Kyle Amundsen
After attending Art Center College of Design Kyle pursued a career in design and advertising that lead him to work at John Moran Auctioneers for 15 years. It was here he became fascinated with American & California Impressionist art, fine jewelry and diamonds. For the last 15 years Kyle has owned a company in Pasadena brokering estate jewelry, fine art, buying and selling diamonds & cutting diamonds.
Hana Goble
Hana attended Gemological Institute of America after graduating from UC Riverside and has been passionate about antique jewelry for over a decade. Her deep interest in the history and craftsmanship of fine jewelry led her to work as a traveling buyer for a prominent estate jeweler, specializing in old-cut diamonds and signed pieces. She especially enjoys researching hallmarks and uncovering the history behind jewelry she encounters.
Michael Merritt
Mike is the owner of this company and host of the event. He has 36 years of experience in buying and selling new and vintage jewelry, wrist watches, pocket watches, currency and silver. Mike personally takes almost every call for the appointments and will be happy to answer all of your questions about the process and about what items are purchased.
Alan Bedwell
Alan grew up working in the family jewelry business in London. That store is still located in the prestigious Gray Antique Market today. It was here that Alan learned the trade of fine English and American silver, signed European vintage jewelry and Swiss watches. For the last 18 years Alan has been living in New York City and owns a business curating special pieces for stores all across the country.
• With about a month left to officially certify the June 2 primary election results, state and federal incumbents led the races to represent northern Santa Barbara County. In the 24th Congressional District, which covers Santa Barbara County and parts of Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties, longtime liberal U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal led with 54 percent of the votes as of June 8. Republican challenger Bob Smith trailed with about 38 percent of votes and will head to the run-off against Carbajal. Candidates Democrat Sarah Bacon (6.3 percent of votes) and Democratic Socialist Helena Pasquarella (1.9 percent) are out of the race. In the 37th state Assembly District, incumbent Democrat Gregg Hart led with 61.5 percent of the votes in Santa Barbara County and a southern portion of San Luis Obispo County. He will face off in November against his opponent, conservative Sari Domingues (38.5 percent of votes), who ran against him previously in 2024.
• Out of the dozens of candidates who ran to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in the June primary, the November governor’s race will likely be between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton , who was endorsed by President Donald Trump Becerra—a former state attorney general, congressman, and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary—pulled ahead of former British political operative and Fox News personality Hilton after initial vote counts showed Hilton in the lead. As of June 8, Secretary of State totals showed Becerra with more than 27 percent of votes, Hilton with almost 26 percent, billionaire progressive candidate Tom Steyer with 21.5 percent, and conservative Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco with about 10.6 percent. Former failed SLO County supervisor candidate and Grover Beach resident Stacy Korsgaden , who ran for state insurance commissioner, was in third place on June 8 with 16 percent of votes. She trailed Democrat Jane Kim (almost 26 percent) and Republican Ben Allen (almost 20 percent).
• On June 1, the CenCal Health board of directors passed an official resolution recognizing U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Medi-Cal beneficiaries, providers, and communities across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, according to a press release. “Your relationship with CenCal Health didn’t begin in Washington, D.C., but began here locally in 2005 as a member of our board of directors,” CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen told Carbajal during the presentation. “This resolution speaks to how long you have been advocating for health care access on the Central Coast.” The press release stated that Carbajal’s work has secured more than $50 million in federal funding for regional priorities that include health care. “Together, we’ll continue to fight and work to help those who are most vulnerable, those who need a hand up,” Carbajal said. “So that they too, and their families can live up to their potential and contribute to our country and live that American dream.”
• With the Legislature’s June 15 budget deadline looming, state lawmakers, immigrant rights advocates, health providers, and communities gathered in Oakland on June 5 to demand that Gov. Gavin Newsom deliver a state budget that protects the health, safety, and economic opportunity of all Californians, regardless of immigration status. Cohosted by the California Immigrant Policy Center and the California Latino Legislative Caucus, speakers asked for the state to restore Medi-Cal access for immigrants, invest in immigration legal services, ensure that no Californian loses CalFresh food benefits, and pursue meaningful solutions to offset federal cuts under H.R. 1. “California made a promise: health care for all. We are here to make sure the victories we have won cross the finish line,” Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) said at the press conference. m
Santa Barbara County’s 5th District heads to a November runoff
For the first time in years, the race for 5th District Santa Barbara County supervisor will extend to the general election.
Initial vote counts for the June 2 primary put Ricardo Valencia and Maribel Aguilera on the November ballot, with Cory Bantilan out of the running. Count totals released on June 8 show Valencia with 41.7 percent of the votes (3,370) and Aguilera with 31.2 percent (2,521). Bantilan was at 26.6 percent.
“It looks like at this point, we’re up by hundreds of votes. It’s an approximate 10-point lead. And so, for me, it’s really indicative that the people of District 5,” Valencia said, “we’re tired of ICE attacking our communities. … We’re tired of rent being unaffordable.”
The county Elections Office said it has about 1,295 votes left to count countywide, so the results are unlikely to change.
“As the count continues, I’m not taking a single vote for granted,” Aguilera, a current Santa Maria City Council member, said on June 9.
The opportunity to continue serving the 5th District “is the honor of my life,” she said.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. The Santa Maria and Guadalupe families across the 5th District opened their doors to me, told me their hopes and worries, and trusted me with their stories,” Aguilera said. “This community raised me and shaped me. … I just want to serve the district and give back the way it served me to become the attorney I am today.”
Knocking on doors and talking to constituents has been one of her favorite parts of the campaign so far, she said. It’s something she looks forward to continuing to do in the months ahead.
As Valencia looks toward November, he said he would continue what his campaign has already been doing: grassroots funding with volunteers knocking on doors and phone banking.
“It’s youth-led, and that’s what gives me faith for the future. We’re seeing a multi-generational, multi-faith group come together,” Valencia said, adding that he’s grateful for the support he’s received. “Folks that are challenging the draconian measures of the federal administration. … Our path to victory is going to be with unity.”
Steve Lavagnino has been the county’s 5th District supervisor for 16 years, and for the last
three cycles, he ran unopposed. His votes were reliably conservative alongside those of his 4th District counterpart, now Bob Nelson. Bantilan, Lavagnino’s longtime chief of staff, campaigned on some of the issues that Lavagnino worked on in office—such as the arrests of individuals with felony warrants and helping clear out the Santa Maria Riverbed of encampments and connecting the homeless individuals with services.
Valencia said that those who voted for Bantilan in the primary should consider supporting him in the general election as there are areas where the campaigns could align, such as “holding our government accountable.” Other issues for Valencia include not expanding the North County Jail, putting money into youth and affordable child care, and using county-owned land to invest in affordable housing.
Major 5th District issues for Aguilera are streamlining the process for building housing so that it’s affordable for young families, public safety, and investing in youth programs for North County. She encourages voters who haven’t made up their minds to take a look at the candidates running in the general election with a critical eye.
“Do they have a plan? Do they know where they’re going to get the money from? And how are they going to execute it?” she said. “This is not political. This is nonpartisan, and both parties have worked really hard to make this a partisan race. This is really about the 5th District and who’s going to represent you.”
As the vote counts stood on June 8, incumbent 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps held 78 percent of the votes against challenger Elijah Mack, enough to skip the general election and retake her spot. Current county Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor Joseph Holland will lose his job to challenger Melinda Greene, who leads with 60 percent of the votes. To win the position outright in the primary, Greene needs 50 percent of the votes plus one.
The County Elections Office will release updated counts on June 11.
—Camillia Lanham
Lompoc voters came up short at the polls for a special road repair tax
As much as people in town want the potholes fixed, Lompoc’s attempt to pass a special sales tax for road maintenance failed. It would’ve brought in roughly $3.75 million annually.
In January, the City Council discussed putting a tax measure on the primary election ballot. The Sun reported that a half percent special sales tax designated for street and sidewalk repairs was greenlit at the Jan. 6 meeting, and the council eventually decided to put it before voters. To officially adopt the measure, 66.67 percent of Lompoc voters need to be in favor. However, after a roughly $60,000 effort by the city to get the measure on the primary ballot, only 46.87 percent had checked yes, according to June 8 vote counts. The next round of results will be posted on the county’s elections website by 3 p.m. on June 11.
From the beginning, Councilmember Jeremy Ball was against the special tax. He instead advocated for a general tax because it’d have a higher chance of adoption, only requiring confirmation from 50 percent of the community plus one.
Ball said he wasn’t surprised to see the measure failing.
“I thought it was going to be hard to pass, which it ultimately proved to be,” Ball told the Sun. “I also was stressed about when we raise taxes, but we only allow it to be spent on one thing. If something else goes wrong, we’re just out of luck. We don’t have the flexibility to pivot and address something else that might happen— public safety issues or fixing up a park or any of those things.”
Another element was a race against the county, which turned out to be a nonstarter. The half percent addition would’ve pushed Lompoc sales tax up to the state’s current maximum of 9.25 percent. Council members wanted to fill the gap before the county stepped in to raise taxes and control the revenue.
Santa Barbara County has not moved forward with any discussions about a sales tax measure for the November ballot, according to the county. In early February, the Board of Supervisors discussed a sales tax increase for unincorporated areas of the county but did not take further action.
During a Lompoc City Council hearing on Jan. 20, resident LeAnne Woolever spoke in favor of keeping the potential sales tax revenue within the city’s discretion.
“I want the money to stay here in Lompoc like all of us want,” Woolever said. “I think if the community members realize what’s happening, I think they would be more apt to vote yes on that. I’ve lived in Lompoc since 1962, and I have seen over and over the Santa Barbara County getting money and it never comes to Lompoc. Never. And so I would encourage you guys to really look at that and try to win the horse race.”
Even though the battle didn’t play out this year, it could in the future because the county needs revenue after facing significant budget cuts.
“I’m disappointed because I feel like Lompoc does need the revenue—and I get that no one likes new taxes—but there’s that half cent that’s left, and eventually the county will probably go and take that from us,” Ball said.
At the June 2 City Council meeting, Ball attempted to move forward with a half percent general tax to put on the November ballot. Councilmember Dirk Starbuck also showed approval, but the request was denied in a 3-2 vote. Mayor Jim Mosby and Councilmembers Victor Vega and Steve Bridge dissented. —Madison White
Proposed Paul Nelson pool closure could be saved from Santa Maria budget cuts
Santa Maria is looking for a way to keep the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center open year-round next year, despite an initial budget proposal that would have closed it for six months from December to May.
HEADING TO NOVEMBER: Frontrunners Ricardo Valencia (left) and Maribel Aguilera (center) knocked Cory Bantilan (right) out of the running for Santa Barbara County’s 5th District.
“Please be sure we are listening to the community’s feedback,” Mayor Alice Patino told a packed City Council chamber on June 2. “Our goal is to address the current budget concerns and collaboratively work to explore any kind of resolution that we can have and to preserve that year-round access.”
The city received 120 public comment letters about the closure prior to the council meeting that night, when the city discussed the proposed budget for the 2026-28 fiscal years. The almost $350,000 in potential pool savings was part of a slew of cost-cutting measures city staff proposed to make up for a projected $18 million budget deficit for the two-year cycle.
Santa Maria resident Nancy Jo Ward was one of many who advocated for the city to figure out how to keep the pool open.
“Every dollar matters, but I’d ask you to weigh the savings against the community,” she said during public comment. “This facility has deep roots in Santa Maria, and I say that as someone who swims there.”
Patino said that the budget ad hoc committee would meet with pool representatives to discuss ways to bridge the operating fund gap prior to June 16, when the council plans to adopt the full budget.
Other cost saving proposals included cutting contracting costs and staff training costs, reducing the library’s hours, eliminating subsidies to local museums and the United Way, and deleting unfilled vacant positions. City
Finance Director Rebecca Campbell said the 2026-27 fiscal year was balanced out with the help of $7.3 million in Local Economic Augmentation (LEAP)
funding, but doing the same to close the gap for the 2027-28 fiscal year wouldn’t be possible.
“We have a lot less reserves than what we were tracking,” she said, adding that an audit of the 2023-24 fiscal year showed that. “On the budget side, it was showing up in two funds, so we thought we had more money than we did, and so the audit caught it, and now we’re back to reality.”
The city should have about two and a half months’ worth of operating expenses in reserves, Campbell said, or more than $16 million. The future reserve fund is projected to hold less than $1 million. That’s something Campbell’s planning to help change with a new policy proposal, she said, adding that the current policy allows for too much movement between different city funds.
“We’re going to solve this deficit. We are. We have to,” Campbell said.
Although, the city implemented a “hiring chill” that got it through a couple of tough budget years without laying off any staff, Campbell said that could change in the future. Personnel costs are the city’s largest expenditure.
“Our wiggle room was the vacancies,” she said. “Now we’re at the point where most of our costs are personnel costs, and we’re at the point where people will be impacted.”
In addition to considering future personnel cuts, she said city staff is also looking at selling “various residential sites throughout the city” and evaluating Measure U funds to ensure that the way they’re spent aligns with city policy.
“Our financial rebalancing efforts are not yet complete,” Campbell said. m
Act now! Send any news or story tips to news@santamariasun.com.
Open again
A court ruling closed the Oceano Dunes to vehicles for more than a month, but the park reopened in late May FREE TICKETS! FREE TICKETS!
BY KATY CLARK
For SunBuggy Fun Rentals owner Randy Jordan, when the Oceano Dunes reopened to vehicle traffic and campers on May 21, it meant his business could start renting out ATVs, dune buggies, and side-by-sides again.
“I think it’s great, and I think you really know how much you’re going to miss something when you have to not be able to do it for a while,” Jordan said.
When an April court ruling closed the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) to non-pedestrians, it meant SunBuggy also had to close.
“Financially, [it] creates a few difficulties, but in seeing all the things that the parks department had to do while the beach was closed, I can see why it was closed, and I can see that it was really amazing that they could get it all done in that amount of time,” Jordan said.
The Center for Biological Diversity sued California State Parks Director Armando Quintero and California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot because it said the SVRA wasn’t complying with the Endangered Species Act when it came to protecting snowy plovers and other endangered species. The organization asked the court to declare that State Parks was violating the act by allowing vehicles to drive on the beach in snowy plover habitat without obtaining a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to the complaint filed in October 2020.
State Parks appealed the April 9, 2026, ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. The Oceano Dunes SVRA also received an incidental take permit from the Fish and Wildlife Service on May 20, which enabled the park to resume normal operations.
The permit allows for the incidental take— accidental harm or killing—of protected species in the park, including the Western snowy plover and other species. The SVRA also finalized its habitat conservation plan, a detailed
document that memorializes the conservation program for special status species and other wildlife and plant species. The plan has been in the works for decades.
“The plan will allow California State Parks to take a strategic approach to supporting species protection and recovery while providing recreation opportunities for the local community and visitors,” a Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson said.
Reopening the SVRA meant the park could benefit from being open to campers on Memorial Day weekend. The park lost approximately $250,000 in revenue during the six-week closure, according to Oceano Dunes District Superintendent Jon O’Brien, who added that the park had to cancel many camping reservations.
“People come and they camp at Oceano Dunes, they come and enjoy the beaches, and then they frequent local business, and so there is an impact to the local community when the number of visitors visiting Oceano Dunes is fewer,” O’Brien said.
‘I think generally, it’s pretty outrageous that State Parks rushed to reopen Oceano Dunes to off-road riding and beach driving in the middle of snowy plover nesting season.’
—Zeynep Graves, senior attorney for Center for the Biological Diversity
But Zeynep Graves with the Center for Biological Diversity believes State Parks rushed the reopening.
“I think generally, it’s pretty outrageous that State Parks rushed to reopen Oceano Dunes to off-road riding and beach driving in the middle of snowy plover nesting season,” the attorney said. “It’s just unfortunate for the wildlife, particularly the endangered and threatened species that are there, that State Parks kind of rushed to reopen because obviously animals change their behavior when there are fewer
vehicles out there to contend with.”
Graves described the SVRA’s habitat conservation plan as deeply flawed and said it will make things worse for the snowy plovers, least terns, and other endangered species.
“Instead of really protecting wildlife, we think State Parks’ plan puts off-road vehicles first, and it paves the way to open even more sensitive dune habitats to vehicles,” Graves said.
State Parks stands behind the finalized plan, according to O’Brien, which includes monitoring special status species, posting speed limits on the beach, and offering enclosed areas for species during the nesting season with buffers around the nests.
“We’ve got one of the most successful shorebird conservation programs on the West Coast,” O’Brien said. “So the habitat conservation plan essentially memorializes that program.”
The number of Western snowy plover nests in the park’s habitat conservation plan area gradually increased from 2003 to 2017, according to the plan, and leveled out at an average of 241 nests annually, as of 2023.
And now, with the summer months coming up, people are once again heading to the dunes with their vehicles and camping gear. Paso Robles resident Scott Cozart, who owns a CanAm side-by-side, will be one of those going back out to ride the dunes.
“Obviously, I’m for the off-roading on the dunes, and I don’t think that it’s something that they should close in the future,” Cozart said.
“I know people are trying to close the whole off-roading out there in general, but obviously I think that brings a lot of business to the local economy there, so hopefully they don’t end up doing that in the future.”
As Jordan returns to renting off-road vehicles to those who visit the dunes, he said that there are bird species out there that are endangered and everyone needs to be careful. But the two groups can coexist.
State Parks’ O’Brien agrees.
“We’ll continue as we always do, continue to have this historic recreation on the dunes while at the same time protecting the sensitive natural and cultural resources on the dunes,” O’Brien said. m
Reach intern Katy Clark at intern@ newtimesslo.com.
CAMP OCEANO: After being shut down by a court ruling for more than a month, the Oceano Dunes reopened to campers and vehicles in time for Memorial Day weekend.
CommUnify’s 20th Annual Champion’s Dinner
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A Central Coast photographer receives recognition from a national magazine’s photo contest
BY MADISON WHITE
Trends have changed drastically since Amy Marlan posed for her high school senior portraits. She remembers wearing the same pearls and drape as the rest of the women in her class. The men put on the top half of a suit.
Then, their family photographer took some shots of Marlan on a film camera, but the photos had to be “safe” because of the nature of film.
Little room for error.
“Very ’90s with lots of hair spray,” Marlan told the Sun “But it was documented. I have the picture.”
parent or guardian and learns the senior’s personality and interests. Then she talks with the student to bounce ideas around for different settings and props, building trust and familiarity.
“They get to be part of the creative process,” Marlan explained. “I also am a big believer in dumb jokes. I’m not afraid to make myself look silly to help everyone else feel comfortable. I’m also not an over-the-top gregarious person, so I just meet people where their personality is.”
Her methods work. Past clients, especially young men, claim that these are the only pictures they’re proud to show their friends. Instead of the photo shoot being about what mom wants for the family, for example, it’s a snapshot into the senior’s life during a big milestone.
“To see especially the boys be like, ‘I hate having my picture taken,’ to, ‘This is me. This is so cool,’” she described. The photographer enjoys taking portraits because it’s a chance to slow down and take her time. Large events like weddings can feel chaotic. With portraits she gets to set up lights and stage props, and help the students find a comfortable posture. In addition to shoots on location, Marlan also has two staging areas at her business in Grover Beach. It’s a full-service photography studio where the owner creates framed artwork for clients’ homes. She said digital copies of photos may not be around in 20 years if they aren’t saved just right.
Freeze the moment
To schedule a creative consultation with Amy Marlan Photography, visit amymarlan.com or call (805) 7097273. Marlan offers portraits, branding sessions, pet photos, family photography, and more. See the possibilities on Instagram @amy_marlan_photography.
Now, as the founder behind Amy Marlan Photography, which turned 20 this year, she snaps portraits a little differently. Today it’s all about the lifestyle shots.
“I call them rapper photos,” she said.
Rather than just a photo shoot, it’s a full experience. Think of a high school or college senior sitting inside of a Porsche at the dealership or exploring Boomers’ mini golf or arcade. A student in a red track suit roaming through InN-Out or one with a snake wrapped around his shoulders. With the help of underwater camera equipment and weighted vests, students have even posed beneath the surface of the pool at Santa Maria’s Paul Nelson Aquatic Center.
Those types of out-of-the-box shots were part of Marlan’s submission to the Senior Muse magazine’s annual 50 to Follow contest. Despite this being her first year entering, the local photographer made it on the list.
“It’s just such an honor,” Marlan said. “Especially for the students, it’s the biggest deal.”
Her work centers on telling the story of each person. Marlan starts with a call to their
“I take pictures of their walls, and I digitally put their portraits on their walls to show them, ‘This is what it’s going to look like,’” Marlan said. One of the most common shoots she conducts in the studio are seniors with their pets. It’s a less distracting environment for the animals, and Marlan can arrange the lighting perfectly. She’s booking for the class of 2027 now. Though it might seem early, many local high schools require yearbook photo submissions in the fall. Business gets busy quickly, and since the pandemic she’s noticed fewer senior portrait photographers in the area. With moments captured forever, it’s best not to be in a hurry.
“We want them to be able to have their hair cut and pick out their outfits and not rush,” Marlan said. “The summer is really advantageous for that, and it’s lighter later. We just have a lot more fun that way.”
Highlights
• Support Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People by attending the 2026 Polo Classic at Happy Canyon Vineyard. The fundraiser is scheduled for June 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets include access to the polo matches, a ranch-style barbecue lunch, wine, beer, and soft drinks. To purchase a spot, visit happycanyonvineyard.com.
• The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce is calling for local bands to play at the Old Town Market in July and August. Performing is a way to connect with the community and be part of the summer tradition. Reach out to the chamber for more information by emailing chamber@ lompoc.com or by calling (805) 736-4567. m
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
CALLING THE CLASS OF ’27: When Amy Marlan takes senior portraits, she wants the personality of the student to shine through. Bonus points for props, like a snake, that add texture to the shot and give the senior something to do with their hands.
FETCH BETTER BEHAVIOR
How will you celebrate Pride Month?
60% Checking out local drag shows.
20% Dressing up for PCPA’s Pride Nights.
20% Dancing the night away at a local Pride Prom.
0% Singing with friends at Maverick’s gayraoke.
5 Votes
Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.
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It will be another few weeks before we learn our next leaders, candidates for local, state, and federal races
BY RON FINK
As everyone who pays attention to California politics knows, elections are never resolved on Election Day. It’s always weeks and sometimes months before the final tally is complete.
But initially, it appears that Democrats are satisfied with the pitiful condition of our state and county as they continue to support politicians who couldn’t care less about their quality of life.
But it’s not over yet; this was only the preliminary sorting out of candidates for statewide and federal offices. At least we may have a choice in our congressional district; hopefully in November there is a change of representation.
At the county level, it looks like the 2nd District reelected ultra-liberal Laura Capps for another term of wreaking havoc on both her
Noise is pollution, too
The recent weeks of quiet, with no roar from dune buggies, brought forth a realization. Living 2 miles from the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, parts of Oceano and the Nipomo Mesa bear an undiscussed, invisible physical toll. When coastal wind carries engine roars into our yards and homes, it does more than disturb our peace.
Neuroscience proves our bodies do not “tune out” erratic engine revving and low-frequency noise. This acoustic pollution forces the nervous system into a chronic “fight-or-flight” state. Our brains interpret these sounds as threats, triggering a relentless flooding of adrenaline and cortisol. For some individuals, the consequences are elevated blood pressure, fragmented sleep, and severe cognitive fatigue. Our brains burn massive mental energy filtering out the chaos, leaving residents feeling exhausted, anxious, and physically drained, not knowing why.
The heaviest burden falls on the young
district and the rest of the county. Her supporters don’t seem to care that the policies she advocates create higher gas and consumable goods prices and her anti-oil positions hurt low- and middle-income families.
Maybe she doesn’t have to worry about the costs associated with her poorly thought-out positions on issues that matter most to her constituents. And being reelected in a solidly liberal enclave of Isla Vista, with its large transient voting bloc, is not difficult.
In the governor’s race it appears that there will be a choice between the same-old stale politics and a fresh approach. At least voters rejected a guy who tried, unsuccessfully, to buy the election with a lengthy $200 million ad campaign that was fraught with promises of “free stuff” that he could never deliver.
In Lompoc, Councilman Jeremy Ball seems to have succeeded in defeating a tax measure designed to fix our streets. Ball not only opposed the tax and voted against placing it on the ballot, he also authored ballot language opposing the measure. And it’s likely that he rallied his
and elderly. For some children, this constant auditory chaos can impair speech acquisition, stunt reading scores, and trigger behavioral hyperactivity. For some older adults, long-term exposure to transportation noise is linked to hypertension and accelerated cognitive decline, including dementia.
Beyond human health, this noise severely damages wildlife. The acoustic impact on nearshore marine life is profound; engine vibrations disrupt marine mammal communication, disorient fish, and drive protected nesting shorebirds from critical shoreline habitats.
As our community debates dune management, we must look past economic and recreational arguments. This is a legitimate public health and ecological crisis. It is time to address the neurological and environmental impacts on local families.
Karl Kempton Oceano
supporters to defeat a measure that would have provided a tangible benefit to everyone in the city. Instead, he favored a general tax that could later be used for almost any trendy project that he and his followers felt was more important than serviceable roads.
Or did it fail because the public didn’t trust the City Council to use the funds to fix roads? Back is 2020, some of the currently sitting council members had hijacked Lompoc Measure I2020, which was supposed to be used to “maintain and improve public services, including neighborhood police patrols, firefighter staffing, gang enforcement, crime and vandalism prevention, street improvements, community and recreational services, and park upgrades.” Those improvements never happened. Instead they used it to try and pay down retirement obligations. So, it’s easy to understand voter mistrust.
Once again, this isn’t over. In past elections, Democrats have found ways to “harvest votes” or “find lost ballots” if the initial tally shows that their anointed choice is coming up short. m
Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
USS Arizona holds part of Arroyo Grande history
There was something terribly morbid and terribly wrong about the report of FBI Director Kash Patel’s VIP snorkeling dive on USS Arizona. It’s yet one more example of this administration’s casual indecency.
I take it personally, and this is why.
Two sailors who died on the Arizona were from my hometown, Arroyo Grande, population 1,090 in the 1940 census. Wayne Morgan and Jack Scruggs were grammar school classmates here, long before they became shipmates. Morgan, as an 18-year-old, had visited Japan as a crewman on an oil tanker sailing out of Port San Luis. Scruggs, a trombonist in Arizona’s band, once played “Happy Birthday” on the accordion for the wife of Adm. Isaac Kidd. Scruggs’s body was recovered from Pearl Harbor. All that remained of Kidd was his Naval Academy class ring, fused to a bulkhead. Arizona’s destruction had a tragic impact here: 25 of the 58 seniors in the high school’s class of 1942 were Nisei, or second-generation Japanese. On April 30, 1942, they were taken away to be incarcerated in the Arizona desert. Many never came back to Arroyo Grande.
More than 80 years later, Project 85 is devoted to using refined DNA science to identify the battleship’s casualties. Many of the unidentified sailors and Marines were buried, some in mass graves, in the Punchbowl Cemetery on Oahu.
In December, those remains will be disinterred for DNA testing.
I just sent Project 85 a sample of my DNA. Another unidentified Arizona sailor, Electrician’s Mate 3c Charles B. Taylor, is my cousin—we share a common grandfather—and, God willing, they might find him so that my family can bring him home.
“Home” would be the Boone Creek Cemetery in Missouri. His mother, my Aunt Aggie, is buried there, along with Charles A. Taylor, the sailor’s father.
Despondent over his lost son, in July 1942, Charles A. Taylor walked out to the middle of one of his farm fields, put a .22 rifle to his heart, and pulled the trigger.
Aunt Aggie Gregory Taylor lived for 38 years with this double loss. She moved to Minnesota. We never met, but every year, without fail, she sent birthday and Christmas cards to us in Arroyo Grande.
So, yes, Kash Patel, in my mind, you had no right to your little “joy dive.”
Jim Gregory Arroyo Grande
Deficits and taxes
The Paul Nelson Aquatic Center’s potential six-month closure really got Santa Maria residents interested in what the city is doing with its budget!
With 120 public comment letters submitted prior to the City Council’s discussion about the next two-year budget cycle on June 2, the city had no choice but to listen. The meeting was noisy!
Mayor Alice Patino let everyone know that the city took their concerns seriously.
“We are listening to the community’s feedback,” she said. “Our goal is to address the current budget concerns and collaboratively work to explore any kind of resolution that we can have and to preserve that year-round access.”
The “budget concerns” are not insignificant. It’s a more than $18 million deficit over the next two years, which follows two years of tight budgets in which the city had already trimmed off a lot of the excess fat.
As city Finance Director Rebecca Campbell put it: The city has a lot more to do.
Facing potential layoffs in upcoming years and the need to possibly sell off city-owned property, it may seem like the $344,000 Santa Maria could save by closing the pool for a few months is small potatoes. But without those cost savings, the city has to look elsewhere.
Perhaps, the budget ad hoc committee and the Paul Nelson reps will find a middle ground. Maybe fees to use the pool will increase (as Patino put it, the city subsidizes 75 percent of the cost for running the pool) or swimmers won’t be so quick to complain that the pool’s temperature is off by a few degrees—it costs money to heat the pool even one degree.
One thing’s for sure, closing the pool for several months is a nonstarter with city residents. Closing the library for eight hours a week? Not a big deal!
The reserve fund mix-up caught thanks to a city audit (the city was accidentally double-counting reserve dollars)? Not a big deal! And poor Campbell, who has a little more than year under her belt at the city, gets to take on the fix, which she seems adamant about.
“We’re going to solve this deficit. We are. We have to,” she told the council on June 2.
She’s not wrong. All governments are trying to decrease their deficits. Costs are up, revenues are stagnant, federal and state funding is uncertain, and if ballot tax measures on the Santa Barbara County primary ballot are any indication of how people feel about giving more money to local governments, it’s not good!
Lompoc asked its voters to set aside half a cent in extra sales tax to pay for its road maintenance. That special tax needed two-thirds of voters to pass it. Well, it wouldn’t even have passed if it just needed a simple majority—although Councilmember Jeremy Ball has convinced himself that something like that would pass. Only about 47 percent of city voters opted to support the measure.
“Lompoc does need the revenue—and I get that no one likes new taxes—but there’s that half cent that’s left, and eventually the county will take it from us,” he said.
Maximum sales tax in the state is 9.25 percent. Lompoc’s sales tax is currently at 8.75 percent. Whoever bites first gets it? m
The Canary’s not a biter. Send pecks to canary@ santamariasun.com.
Hot Stuff
Spread the word! Send event information to calendar@ santamariasun.com.
10-DAY CALENDAR: JUNE
A FESTIVAL FAVORITE
The 38th annual Live Oak Music Festival is returning to El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21. Enjoy a weekend of music, art, camping, activities, vendor booths, and more. Artists spanning bluegrass, soul, Americana, and world music genres will perform on three stages. Full festival and day tickets range from $58.37 to $224.35 and can be purchased at my805tix.com. Access the lineup and additional information at liveoakfest.org.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
“ALONG THE HIGH EMBANKMENTS”
AT PRESQU’ILE Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Presqu’ile present Cole Sternberg’s work along the high embankments, a free, self-guided installation. Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Free. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
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 There are weekly dance classes, from ages 2 to adult, at KleinDance Arts Mondays-Saturdays, 4-8 p.m. (805) 268-2530. kleindancearts.com. KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, 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/.
GIAFUNNI’S ROCKIN’ COMEDY JUNE
20TH Enjoy another great night of Hilarious Stand-Up Comedy featuring Nationally Touring Comics and delicious homemade food all enjoyed from cozy seats in a our beautiful and welcoming Orcutt family owned Giavanni’s June 20, 8 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Giavanni’s Pizza, 1108 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, (805) 934-8555.
LUCHADORA BY ALVARO SAAR RIOS
Luchadora! is a vibrant, family-friendly tale of love, identity, and the courage to step into your own power. Thursdays-Sundays,
7-8:25 p.m. through June 28 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria.
“POST-WILD: NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY” The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to present Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, a juried exhibition featuring artworks by 34 emerging and established Santa Barbara County artists. Co-curated by Allan Hancock College Professor of Fine Arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the Office of Arts and Culture, the exhibition highlights artists working across painting, ceramics, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. sbac.ca.gov/post-wild-nature-in-the21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria.
SUMMER SOLSTICE ARTISAN FAIRE
Spend a beautiful Saturday with us celebrating Summer Solstice! Discover vintage finds, handmade goods, one-ofa-kind art and thoughtfully crafted pieces. There will be kid and adult vendors! June 20 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 478-2818. oakfolkstudio.com. Oak Folk Studio, 4850 South Bradley Road, Suite B, Santa Maria.
VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
37TH SEASON OF “AN INVITATION TO DANCE” This presentation, under the direction of Christine Fossemalle and Sonia
Ibarra Corona, showcases the elegance and refinement of ballet and lyrical, along with the excitement of jazz and tap, and trendy hip-hop. Each style will be set to a mix of sounds, from classical ballet to opera music, to iconic movies. June 17 7 p.m., June 18 7 p.m. and June 20 7 p.m. $30. (805) 688-8494. tixtree.com/o/syvpac. Santa Ynez High School Little Theater, 2975 CA-246, Santa Ynez.
COME FROM AWAY Come From Away is a powerful, uplifting celebration of human kindness and the community we create when we welcome the unknown. Tuesdays-Sundays, 8-10 p.m., through June 27. $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.
PAINTING AT RANCHO SAN MARCOS
GOLF COURSE The painting classes provide a beautiful, stress-free environment that will both inspire your creative spirit. Supplies, guidance, and appetizers are included. June 20, 10 a.m. $89. (805) 3258092. artspotonwheels.com. Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, 4600 CA-154, Santa Barbara.
“WHEN THE EARTH WHISPERS BACK: NATURE’S HOPE” Woman Painters West, an organization of juried professional woman artists (100 + years old) were invited to exhibit at this museum creating paintings that answered their theme. See 48 paintings juried from 100 entries on view at the museum. Through Sept. 16 Canatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
BASIC WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Claudette Carlton will once again be teaching two watercolor classes at Cypress Gallery. Go to lompoc-arts.com for a complete description and course
New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Angelena Stevens directly at astevens@newtimesslo.com.
requirements. June 13 9:30 a.m.-noon and June 17 9:30 a.m.-noon $50. (805) 588-1640. lompocart.org. Lompoc Valley Art Association (Cypress Gallery), 119 E. Cypress, Lompoc, CA.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
“BRAVO!” THE 2026 FLEX PERFORMING ARTS RECITAL Welcome to “Bravo!”, the much-anticipated 2026 Flex Performing Arts Recital! June 19, 6 p.m., June 20 1 & 6:30 p.m. and June 21 12 & 3 p.m. $31.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
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. (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
PULSE STUDIO OF THE ARTS PRESENTS: OFF THE CHARTS Get ready for an unforgettable night as Pulse Studio of the Arts proudly presents our end-of-season showcase, Off the Charts. June 12 , 7 p.m. $35. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint
pre-made pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.
A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING Celebrate the timeless music of Rodgers and Hammerstein in a charming and elegant revue that reimagines the legendary duo’s most beloved songs, leaving audiences spellbound! Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through June 25 $28-$50. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/a-grand-night-for-singing/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., 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.
CENTRAL COAST COMEDY THEATER
IMPROV COMEDY SHOW An ongoing improv comedy program featuring the CCCT’s Ensemble. Grab some food at the public market’s wonderful eateries and enjoy the show upstairs. Second Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $10. centralcoastcomedytheater.com/shows/. SLO Public Market, 120 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo.
CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. CREATIVITY DAYS WITH THE SILK ARTISTS OF CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST An opportunity to work on your own
projects and materials while picking up new skills among friends. Note: this event is held mostly every third Monday (attendees are asked to call or email to confirm ahead of time). Third Monday of every month $5; first session free. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 747-4200.
DADS AND GRADS STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT Celebrate Dads and Grads with an all-star lineup of touring comics guaranteed to make you laugh. Bring your Dad, and he gets in free! June 13 8-10 p.m. $20. (805) 878-2038. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, 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. ELEMENTS OF ART FOR TWEENS AND TEENS WITH CAROLINA LUNA Join Carolina as she guides your young artists through the fundamentals of art. Each week will focus on a different element. All materials are provided. Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. through Aug. 5 $200. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages. Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
IMPROV PLAYGROUND Join Improv for Good at the Improv Playground! Enjoy quick games, silly scenarios, and genuine connection. All are welcome to play short fun games. Second Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. through Aug. 14. Free. (805) 556-8495. improvforgood.fun/ improv-playground. Unitarian Universalist Church, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY ROBERTSHAW
VOTE ONLINE AT WWW.SANTAMARIASUN.COM • SCAN TO GET TO ONLINE BALLOT
Voting Closes June 22 at 5pm VOTE ONLINE
Anew challenge is before you, dear readers, and it’s all about trust—as in who do you trust to outserve, outshine, and outsmart the rest. Who is the Best of Northern Santa Barbara County? We’re not looking for any fake community idols here; we want the real deal. We need you to tell us who deserves to keep their torch lit. Vote for your favorite coffee shops, bars, restaurants, dentists, salons, and more—we’ve got categories for all of them!
DINE AND DEVOUR
No need to strategize or discuss it with the rest of your tribe. This challenge is yours alone.
Find the ballot online at santamariatimes.com. Remember, you need to complete at least 25 categories to make the cut.
Return this ballot to the Sun office, or complete the online ballot by Monday, June 22, at 5 p.m., and keep an eye out for our biggest issue of the year highlighting the sole survivors on Aug. 20.
LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257. Patricia Martin: Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.
PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE! Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! There is fun for all ages, and prices are based upon size. Mondays, WednesdaysSaturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30-$75. app. acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner= 22676824&appointmentType=35974477.
Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
PETER KRASHES: PASSAGE THROUGH New York–based artist Peter Krashes’ first solo exhibition on the West Coast, uses paintings of daily experience in an ever-changing world. Thursdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through June 28 Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/ peter-krashes/. 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. Family-friendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance. Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
SHAPING THE DUNES: EXPLORING LIFE IN AN EVERCHANGING SYSTEM: THE HOUSE OF SAND (2005) Join us for Science on Screen: The House of Sand (2005), followed by local experts exploring what our dunes can teach us. June 13 4:15-5 p.m. $10.
slofilmcenter.eventive.org. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ARTIST’S OPENING RECEPTION FEATURING
CATHY RUSS, KERRY DRAGER, JANET
NEWLAND, AND THOMAS BROWN Meet the artists and explore four new exhibitions in a relaxed waterfront setting. Enjoy light refreshments and conversation. All are welcome. June 13 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS
CRYSTALLINE GLAZE CERAMICS BY THOMAS BROWN View handmade porcelain ceramics with rich surfaces and flowing forms, created through years of glaze exploration–– a chance to see something both technical and visually compelling. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHY RUSS
Cathy’s pursuit of streetscape, wildlife, equine, landscape, photography has taken her around the world for over 30 years. Explore the world by visiting her show! Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS
FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY DRAGER
Experience colorful and dynamic landscape photography shaped by light, timing and place, created entirely in camera. See the Central Coast in a whole new light. Through June 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
OCEAN ART PAINTING WORKSHOP Join acclaimed artists Wade Koniakowsky and Colleen Gnos for a two-day ocean wave and pelican painting workshop set along Morro Bay’s stunning Central Coast. June 11 1-5 p.m. and June 12 1-5 p.m. $385. (858) 354-9299. facebook.com/events/s/sign-up-for-ocean-artpainting/1608618057099891/.
Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. ORANGE CRUSH EXHIBIT Come to the gallery and explore the emotion of orange: the energy, heat, joy—expect to see diverse artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Through June 22, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.
POST-WILD ON DISPLAY
See the work of 34 Santa Barbara County Artists in the juried exhibit Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, co-curated by Allan Hancock College professor of fine arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the county Office of Arts and Culture. The exhibit is open until November at the Betteravia Art Gallery, located at 511 E. Lakeside Pkwy. in Santa Maria, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. View paintings, ceramics, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Visit sbac.ca.gov for additional information.
—A.S.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:309:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt.org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.
GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
SANTA MARIA COIN CLUB: MONTHLY
MEETING Coin collectors of all ages invited. Bring coins for free appraisals. Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. Yearly membership: $20$25. (805) 937-3158. Cornerstone Church, 1026 E. Sierra Madre Ave., Santa Maria.
SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SMKA 2026 KART RACING SEASON
Participate in this local kart racing series, featuring kid karts, LO206, and two-cycle classes, delivering competitive sprint racing, driver development, and family-friendly events for all skill levels. June 14 , 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. smka.org. Santa Maria Karting Association, 3951 S Blosser Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 464-6114.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
GOING BATTY AT THE NATURE CENTER Going Batty consists of weekly talks and observation of hundreds of native California Myotis bats. Fridays, Saturdays. through Sept. 6 Free. (805) 693-0691. clnaturecenter.org. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. SYV PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL Produced by Santa Ynez Valley nonprofit, SYV Pride, the 5th annual SYV Pride Parade & Festival is a family-friendly event in downtown Solvang. June 13 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (877) 327-2656. syvpride.org/. Citywide, Downtown Solvang.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.
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.
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, Arroyo Grande.
CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
CHAKRA FLOW SOUND JOURNEY: NIPOMO
Join Dee DiGioia, founder of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity, during a gentle enrichment, immersive sound journey, and reflection. June 12 6-7:30 p.m. $25.41-$37.19. my805tix.com. Mystic Nature, 330 W. Tefft, Unit E, Nipomo.
DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/ month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/ qigong. Online, See website, 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.
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.
FATHER’S DAY WITH LIVE MUSIC AT THE SECRET GARDEN Bring the whole family to the Secret Garden at Sycamore for a Father’s Day filled with burgers, beers, live music, and sunshine! June 21 3 p.m. Free. my805tix.com.
The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.
GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/ events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA Flow with the energy of yoga lovers around the world in celebration of International Day of Yoga! June 21 10:30-11:30 a.m. $12.56. my805tix.com.
The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.
LA CONVERSACIÓN La Conversación is a Spanish Conversation group. There’s no homework, no lessons, just conversation. All levels of speakers are welcome. Todos son bienvenidos! Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (805) 748-9123. Coffee Bean, 354 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach. Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.
LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A prorecovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgmentfree support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other.
Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m.
Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS
Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.”
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/ index.php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano. NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP & POTLUCK Bring a dish to share and join for a potluck, along with general meeting updates and local informative guest speakers. Third Wednesday of every month, 12:30-2 p.m. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org.
Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo. PISMO STATE BEACH SANDCASTLE COMPETITION Pismo State Beach and the Central Coast State Parks Association welcome you to the 3rd annual Sandcastle Comp! There are limited build plots left. Spectators are welcome! June 13 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. Pismo State Beach, W. Grand Avenue, Grover Beach.
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)
This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.
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.
SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)
A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups.io/g/ lezbfriends. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386
N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.
STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong
boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
SUMMER BLAST CAMP 2026
Join us for our full week of Camp which includes tennis lessons, pickleball lessons, swimming, arts and crafts, marital arts class, and much more! Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 7 $395-$445. (805) 595-7600 ex 113. Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa, 6699 Bay Laurel Place, Avila Beach, avilabayclub.com.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+
AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@ gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.
WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS
Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 4816399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY
FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy.
outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., 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.
MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DOCENTS
ORIENTATION MEETING Mission
SLO Docents give free daily tours for visitors of all faiths. Orientation for new docents - help share the special story of Mission SLO! Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 657/465-9182. missionslodocents.org/. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION
Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover more ways to get involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable snacks and childcare will be provided. Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, San Luis Obispo.
THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing weekly fresh flower market, open to the public. Enjoy the historic gardens with local blooms from nine local flower farmers. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Nov. 5 Free. sloflowercollective. com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., 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 The SLO
SUMMER SOLSTICE SATURDAY
Oak Folk Studio in Santa Maria will host a free Summer Solstice Artisan Faire on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spend the afternoon perusing handmade goods, vintage finds, and oneof-a-kind art. Visit oakfolkstudio.com for more information.
$31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your
TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space
providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more
FOOD & DRINK
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com.
Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE
INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET:
LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.
WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing. 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
MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES
New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/ classes/. Join to expand your knowledge of the fermentation process and get started fermenting at home. We alternate between demonstration and hands-on classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.
SAN LUIS OBISPO DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. NAME THAT NOISE: MUSIC TRIVIA A monthly special music-only trivia at Oak and Otter Brewing Co. Call ahead
Soda Crackers w/Archer Moze
Robles
SWING WITH THE SODA CRACKERS
The Soda Crackers, a country and western band based out of Bakersfield will hit the stage at Club Car Bar in Templeton with support from Archer Mozé on Friday, June 19, at 7 p.m. Hear the fivepiece band perform popular swing hits and their timeless originals. Head to my805tix.com for tickets ($10.41 each) and more details.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
“S” IS FOR SUMMER DANCE! Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents a “S” is for Summer Dance, with live music by the Riptide Big Band and vocalists. June 14 , 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.
CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Enjoy Concerts in the Park 2026, with live music, summer nights, and community fun. June 20, 6-8 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0951. anc.apm.activecommunities.com /santamaria/activity/search?onlineSiteId= 0&activity_select_param=2&activity_ category_ids=35.
Pioneer Park, 1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt.
HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for 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 JAZZ SATURDAYS Enjoy live jazz, featuring guitarist Keegan Heitman (@ keegan_heitman) and friends. June 13 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0860. instagram. com/Crumblescafeandbakeshop.
Hear live Jazz, featuring swing jazz guitarist Edwin Hite. June 20 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0860. instagram.com/ Crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.
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.
SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m.
Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
PETTY PARTY delivers a high-energy, heartfelt tribute to one of the most iconic catalogs in rock history. June 14, 3-5 p.m. $35. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org /show-listing. Solvang Festival Theater, 4 20 2nd St., Solvang.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CELEBRATING QUEEN Celebrating Queen is a Las Vegas-based Queen tribute band, and have also toured extensively in Europe, as well as playing many high profile festivals. June 13 7:30 p.m. $34-
$60. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
FAULTLINE BAND LIVE The hottest new band in the Central Coast is playing live at Rancho Nipomo. Enjoy great BBQ and great music, and dance to top classic hits. June 13 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 925-3500. ranchonipomobbq.com. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo.
PACIFIC BREEZE CONCERTS IN PISMO
BEACH This concert series is a threeshow summer event featuring exceptional regional musical groups and special family-friendly activities in one of Pismo Beach’s most scenic settings. Second Sunday of every month, 1-4 p.m. through July 12. Free. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach. org/73/Recreation. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach.
POSTCARDS FROM ARMENIA Music For Unity presents Postcards From Armenia, an evening of memory, longing, and musical homecoming. June 11, 7-8 p.m. $39.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC IN THE PARK Free concerts with SLO County Band at Rancho Grande Park. June 11 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/rec. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
LIVE OAK 2026 The Live Oak Music Festival is returning to El Chorro Regional Park! Enjoy a weekend of music, art, camping, activities, and community. There will be three stages, featuring bluegrass, soul, Americana, world music, and more. June 19 -21 $58.37-$224.35. liveoakfest.org/. El Chorro Regional Park, California 1, San Luis Obispo. m
Nature Gems & Crystals, Nipomo
ROCK LORD Debut Show at The Pour House!
JUNE 27
Pour House, Paso Robles
Stevie Nicks Illusion
27 Blast and Brew, Atascadero
ARTS BRIEFS
Lompoc Pops presents a patriotic tribute
Celebrate the Fourth of July a little early with the Lompoc Pops Orchestra’s recognition of America’s 250th birthday. The group’s performance on June 21 will honor those who have served the country through tributes to the nation’s Broadway, Hollywood, opera, and Americana traditions.
“The program will feature familiar patriotic favorites, stirring selections, and a special military tribute recognizing all branches of service,” according to press materials.
Listeners can expect pieces by Leonard Bernstein, Henry Mancini, and George Gershwin. Hear from baritone Ralph Cato, soprano Thalia Moore, and cellist Megan Chartier.
“Together these works create a dynamic and welcoming musical experience that celebrates America’s diverse artistic legacy, past, present, and future,” the organization announced.
Showtime begins at 4 p.m. on June 21 at the First Methodist Church of Lompoc, located at 925 N. F St. General admission costs $25, but children under 12 are welcome at no cost. There are discounts for active-duty military service members and full-time students with a valid ID. Buy tickets at The Box Shop, Lompoc Valley Florist, or at the door.
Call Evelyn Baxter for reservations at (805) 733-1796 or visit lompocpopsorchestra.net for more information.
A comedy festival for charity promises laughs in Santa Ynez
After a sold-out debut year, the Corkscrew Comedy Festival is returning to the Santa Ynez Valley from June 18 to 20 starting at 7 p.m. each night. Three venues are set to host the locally produced festival.
This year’s event is a fundraiser for Atterdag at Home Meals on Wheels, which delivers nutritious food to low-income and homebound seniors in the valley.
“Whether you were part of our inaugural festival or are joining us for the first time, we cannot wait to welcome you to an even bigger and better second year,” the festival announced online.
The weekend begins at The Maverick Saloon on June 18 with a lineup of five comedians. The bar’s food and drinks will be available for purchase, too.
Catch four more stand-ups on June 19 at The Tavern at Zaca Creek. The restaurant will serve a curated menu of empanadas, grilled sausages, pork ciabatta sandwiches, and dessert. Close out the weekend at Brander Vineyard in Santa Ynez with jokes from six performers. Audience members can taste the estate wines and try bites from local vendors.
Buy tickets online by visiting corkscrewcomedy.com. Enjoy special perks with an all-access pass or a weekend-long VIP package for two guests. See sneak peeks of the comics on Instagram @corkscrewcomedy. m
Sewn together
Giant puppets made in Lompoc are heading to World Cup watch parties in LA
BY MADISON WHITE
ost people have never been the puppeteer inside a 12-foot-tall puppet, but Jennifer Racusin has.
“You are completely surrounded by fabric, and you have this big, heavy wooden thing attached to you,” Racusin recounted. “You don’t feel like yourself at all because you’re hidden inside of this thing. … You kind of become whatever it is that you want to be.”
Some of the only vision the puppeteer has is through the bottom, watching their feet with every step. There’s a sheer fabric in front of their face, but if the light hits it just wrong, it’s blinding. They must trust that nobody will walk in front of them.
“You get to just travel through space and watch how you’re transforming the tone of the event as you move through it,” Racusin said.
She’s been a puppeteer in the past, but the Lompoc artist’s latest project is designing costumes for two enormous puppets that will appear at watch parties for the World Cup. The project is a collaboration between an organization called Community Arts Resources and One Grain
of Sand Puppet Theater in Los Angeles. Racusin is working with her friend, Beth Peterson, who founded the LA puppet theater company. Even though Racusin no longer lives in LA, the pair still work on projects together.
“We’ve been commissioned to build these two puppets and a ball and create this tableau,” Racusin said. “It’s really just two kids playing in the park with a soccer ball.”
The puppets will dance around at watch parties in June and July. Some will be at Metro stations, and others will be at neighborhood parks. Their goal is to represent the kids who dream of becoming soccer stars.
When it comes to designing the puppets, Racusin and Peterson are still in the early stages. Racusin made measurements and renderings in her sketchbook. Swatches of fabric in different colors line the pages, too.
A cardboard mockup will help with scaling because of the puppets’ sizes. The top of the puppeteer’s head will just about reach the waist of their puppet.
“It’s like a backpack kind of thing. So, there’s this wooden structure that goes up and you put it on like a backpack,” Racusin said. “Normally we control the arms when we do it, but this time it’s going to be the legs.”
Have a little fun
To keep up with Jennifer Racusin’s community art events, follow @msjandthefairies on Instagram. For more information about the World Cup watch parties, visit carsla.net.
is in a predominantly Black neighborhood, and the other’s in a Latino neighborhood. The puppets’ attire will represent the communities surrounding both parks.
“On top, one is going to be the moon, and one is going to be the sun. There’s kind of African imagery in one and Mexican imagery in the other,” Racusin said. “There’s all of these layers of things that we’re thinking about and talking about what we want to have represented in these puppets, thinking about the people that love sports and soccer.”
Instead of honoring the great fútbol stars, the puppets are average kids running in the park, dreaming of professional play. She hopes the creations will add extra joy to the World Cup extravaganza while representing a community facing threats from immigration enforcement.
“There’s a little bit of the Central Coast that’s coming down to celebrate the World Cup in Los Angeles,” Racusin said.
Puppetry intrigued her while she was an undergrad at the California Institute of the Arts, where she studied theater and costume design. The artist enjoyed the fact that when it comes to making puppets, the costume is the character. She also likes the engineering behind it all.
“I really enjoy the challenge of piecing together something with no clear instructions,” Racusin said. It’s something she conveys to her students, too. She spends her days in Lompoc classrooms as an artist in residence. Schools give her a designated classroom to set up a maker space that she fills with art supplies from her home studio. Racusin described her lessons as cardboard art and engineering education.
With students, her goal is to guide them through the process of making their ideas tangible. Openended challenges require students from TK through sixth grade to learn new tools and make models.
“I love fighting against standardized education and letting everybody have their own voice and their own method of problem solving,” Racusin said. “The joy on their faces is the absolute best.”
When the artist isn’t leading creative activities in schools or building giant puppets, she may be found at the Cypress Gallery in Lompoc hosting a zine of the month club. Materials are provided for community members to make their own tiny books based on a monthly theme.
The vision is for the puppets to be kicking the ball around with each other and the fans at the watch parties. One park
“I just wanted to give people a chance to have a regular creative practice with people where you don’t have to come up with what you’re doing,” Racusin said. “You’re not feeling the pressure of having to generate the idea. Everything’s there, and whatever comes through you is what comes through you.” m
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
ART HAS NO RULES: Lompoc resident Jennifer Racusin sets up creative spaces at community events like the Route One Farmers Market. Crafting invites people to stay longer and strike up conversations with others.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER RACUSIN
PHOTO COURTESY OF CORKSCREW COMEDY FESTIVAL
PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER RACUSIN
SAGE PUPPET: Jennifer Racusin has made roughly one gigantic puppet every year for the past 20 years. They usually stand 12 to 15 feet tall.
COURTESY PHOTO BY BETH PETERSON
EARLY STAGES: Beth Peterson of One Grain of Sand Puppet Theater designed the paper mâché layers of the masks before painting them for the puppets.
Peter Farrelly (Green Book) directs this script by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese about product inventor Elijah DeBell (Paul Walter Hauser)—who dreams up a condom that fully covers male genitals, which he calls The Testicle Sentinel—and salesman Brad Lewison (Mark Wahlberg), who with Elijah is tasked with pitching the product to Brazil’s Travel Ministry as the official condom of the World Cup. (110 min.)
Glen: Peter Farrelly is of course one half of the famed Farrelly brothers (Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary), and Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese are the writing team behind Deadpool & Wolverine and Zombieland. In addition to Wahlberg and Hauser, the cast includes Sacha Baron Cohen, Benjamin Bratt, and Molly Shannon. That’s a lot of talent amassed, so you’d think this would be much better than the result, which is occasionally chuckle-worthy but mostly repetitive and somewhat tedious—a braindead collection of vulgar gags and an improbable comedy of errors. If you’re really stoned or really bored, you might come away thinking it was worth your time, but it’s earned its 24 percent Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score. Even its audience score—people who chose to watch it and were inspired to review it—sits at a dismal 30 percent. Highlights
THE BOROUGHS
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Netflix
Last year The Thursday Murder Club saw some older stars solve a mystery in their retirement home, and now The Boroughs does the same—but with a very Stranger Things twist.
Sam, played by the always epic Alfred Molina, has come to the “idyllic” community kicking and screaming after the death of his beloved wife and with his daughter fed up with him. He feels like he’s been put out to pasture, and everyone around this place is a little too friendly. But when a mystery arises, Sam starts to make friends whose suspicions about the community’s founders only deepen as more cover-ups are revealed.
include Elijah and Brad swallowing drug-filled Testicle Sentinels at gunpoint and Elijah having to remove a candiru fish with his teeth from Brad’s penis after Brad peed into the Amazon River and the fish followed his urine stream into his urethra. Hilarious, right? Right?
Anna: It’s the kind of film that makes you a little mad when you chuckle because it is, quite literally, so dumb. Why a condom would need to encapsulate all that doesn’t make much sense, and when you start with a premise that is built on genitalia jokes, we’re likely in for a rough ride. The film relies heavily, one might say too heavily, on its cast to make the sell, but there’s little that Wahlberg, Hauser, and Shannon can do to make this one a hit. It’s flat, not terribly funny, and wacky—but not in a very charming way. I think the audience you identified is exactly right: stoned and bored. Don’t get me wrong, the two leads aren’t bad at the buddy comedy bit, they just weren’t given a whole lot to work with, it seems. The film definitely needs all the antics to keep it rolling, but even then, it feels like a slog.
Glen: Without giving too much away, after their successful sales pitch goes south when Brad peer-pressures Brazilian executive and recovering alcoholic Senhor Santos (Bratt) into a celebratory toast, which leads to a booze-fueled debacle and public nudity, all three lose their jobs. They reunite again, however, when Elijah
R) Wally
O’Hare), Judy
Woodard), Sam
Judy (Alfre Woodard) is suspicious of Wally (Denis O’Hare) and Sam at first—they’re acting like two dudes trying to cover up a crime, but once she’s on board, and Art (Clarke Peters), joins them, they’ve got their work cut out for them trying to find out what the mysterious creature is that took their friend’s life.
Art
With stars like Bill Pullman and Geena Davis joining the cast, this series is full of fun and talent. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things or any of the cast mentioned, this is worth the watch. (eight 40-to-55-min. episodes).
—Anna
and Brad get an all-expenses-paid trip to the World Cup because no one thought to cancel the tickets Senhor had secured for them before getting fired. Let’s just say things go off the rails (and over the falls) and involve a drug cartel, eco-warriors, a caiman, the Brazilian army, and an Argentinian spy. It’s a lot, but quantity doesn’t equal quality.
Anna: Well said. The film doesn’t lack for things happening. It feels like an attempt at throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what will stick, but this movie isn’t going to stick with
MEMORY OF A KILLER
What’s it rated? TV-MA
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Hulu
Based on the 1985 Belgian novel and 2003 film De Zaak Alzheimer this TV series follows Angelo Doyle (Patrick Dempsey), a contract killer trying to keep his family life separate from his life of crime while experiencing early signs of dementia. He often visits his brother, Michael (Richard Clarkin), who’s got Alzheimer’s disease and lives in a nursing home. His wife is dead, but he’s close with his pregnant daughter, Maria (Odeya Rush), and her husband, Jeff (Daniel David Stewart). Angelo works for Dutch (Michael Imperioli), and while they appear friends on the surface, Dutch keeps tight control over his hired killer. Angelo’s “assistant” is Joe (Richard Harmon), Dutch’s nephew. As his memory fades, it puts Angelo’s separate lives on a collision course, and when Special Agent Linda Grant (Gina Torres) starts sniffing around, his life is further complicated.
me. Even a couple of days later, I’m struggling to remember what it is that’s making me say to “stream it” and not “forget it.” I have to believe it comes down to the charm its two leads give off and the pure antics of it all. If you need a bit of dumb, grab the nearest edibles and get comfy on the couch. My guess is that’s how this film is meant to be enjoyed. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
It’s interesting to see McDreamy shed his typical role to play a morally ambiguous antihero with impressive life
compartmentalization skills. Since it’s written to air on Fox, it’s not as gritty as its source material, and it drags on longer than necessary. Surprisingly, it’s been greenlit for another season, so expect this cow to keep getting milked. (10 41-to-43-min. episodes) m —Glen
RUN FOR YOUR LIVES: After they disrupt the World Cup, Elijah DeBell (Paul Walter Hauser) and Brad Lewison (Mark Wahlberg) find that the entire country of Brazil wants them dead, in Balls Up, streaming on Prime Video.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
SEPTUAGENARIAN HEROES: (L to
(Denis
(Alfre
(Alfred Molina), and
(Clarke Peters) team up to solve a mystery plaguing their retirement community, in The Boroughs, streaming on Netflix.
MCMURDERY: Patrick Dempsey stars as contract hitman Angelo Doyle, who’s struggling to keep his professional and family life separate while experiencing early signs of dementia, in Memory of a Killer, streaming on Hulu.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HULU
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Hundreds of cookies
A crowd favorite at the Route One Farmers Market offers cookies, cheesecakes, pies, and more
BY MADISON WHITE
Tamara Warren has a selectively superb memory.
When it comes to her passion for baking, she has muscle memory. Anything else, and it can get a little murky.
The baker doesn’t keep an ingredient list or measure anything out. Recently she debuted a banana chocolate chip cookie, and somebody asked her what’s inside.
“I was telling her everything I put in, and I was like, ‘You know what? I think I put cinnamon sugar in it,’” Warren said with a laugh.
Outside of the kitchen she can’t recite how many cups of flour go in each batch, but when she’s in the process of making dough, she can rattle that number off the top of her head. Though she measures with her heart, the sweets come out of the oven perfectly every time.
She officially started her cottage bakery, Warren’s Baked Bliss, in September out of her home on Vandenberg Space Force Base. Since then, business has skyrocketed. Customers count on seeing her every Sunday at the Route One Farmers Market in Lompoc, but she also pops up at other markets, like one at Orcutt’s Oak Folk Studio on June 20.
Warren brings brownies and cookies to markets but also sells pies and cheesecakes for delivery or pickup. Some of her customers also live on the base, but those who don’t may arrange pickups at the visitor’s center. Warren drops off local orders, too.
Growing up, it was Warren’s aunt who was known as the baker in the family, but in college Warren started carving her own path. It started the classic way, with a hobby that doubled as gifts for friends. Years later, it turned into a much-needed creative expression.
The military lifestyle comes with a lot of variability and change. Baking is one of the more consistent aspects of her life no matter where her family is stationed.
One reason baking comes so naturally to her may be linked to her knack for science.
“I love science,” she said. “Love, love, love science.”
While working remotely, running the bakery, and caring for her son during her husband’s deployments, Warren is also getting her second master’s degree in health care management. Her first was in biomedical engineering.
Despite those credentials, she said she’d never want to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, she strives to learn from them.
“I don’t know how to stop going to school, unfortunately,” she joked.
Her kitchen is also a laboratory where
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Send tidbits on everything food and drink to mwhite@santamariasun.com.
she fine-tunes recipes. Warren makes as much by hand as possible, down to add-ins like cookie butter and lemon custard. The baker supports other small businesses by buying local ingredients. Oreo, Biscoff, chocolate chip, and s’mores always appear on the Warren’s Baked Bliss menu. It also features rotating flavors like this season’s lemon and strawberry cookies, and her banana chocolate chip cookie, which she released at the end of May at Route One.
“I think that was the first cookie to sell out,” Warren remembered. “As people were eating it, other people heard them talking about it, so other people came over to grab it.”
Granted, because it was the debut, the baker only brought three dozen banana chocolate chips to the market that day. Her total inventory was 500.
DOZENS AND DOZENS: Tamara Warren is a mom and military spouse who lives with her family on Vandenberg Space Force Base. Last year she started her own cottage bakery business, making cookie dough in bulk to sell at farmers markets and vendor events.
It only took about an hour until her whole booth was sold out.
Sweet treats for all
To see the menu and place an order for delivery or pickup from Warren’s Baked Bliss, visit warrensbakedbliss.com. Find the bakery’s booth at the Route One Farmers Market in Lompoc on Sundays. It will also be at the Oak Folk Studio farmers market, 4850 S. Bradley Road, suite B, in Orcutt on June 20.
People line up at 9:30 a.m., half an hour before the Lompoc farmers market officially begins. Not many other booths garner such a line, but the Fika Coffee Company is one of them, the baker noted.
See the sweetness on Instagram by following @warrensbakedbliss.
preparation demands. Her kitchen is already home to three stand mixers.
“I think the last four weekends that I’ve been at Route One, I’ve sold out within an hour. I was like, ‘Holy crap. I feel like I’m kind of famous,’” Warren said. “It was super cool to experience that.”
During the early stages of her business, Warren only brought 150 cookies. Then she upped the number to 300.
Now, at 500, it’s hard for her to imagine increasing because of the
“It’s so much quicker,” she said. If she plans it out right, Warren will designate one day a week for baking. It’s a very chaotic day, but she enjoys being in the flow state.
Baking day starts with some music. Anything from country songs to beats by Cardi B. The tunes help her get “in my zone.”
After the oven timer beeps, it’s time to package the goodies up and slap on stickers, the most tedious part.
“I bought a Cricut, and so I do all my stickers by hand,” Warren said. “I will design them on Canva and then put them on Design Space.”
Two hours is all it takes with a helping hand, but if Warren is taking on the task alone, she might need all day so she can take breaks.
Warren also likes a second opinion when taste testing new recipes. Without a big sweet tooth herself, one bite of each creation is usually enough for her. The baker will call in her husband or son for their comments because for Warren, the ritual of baking is about the creative outlet, not eating the end result.
“It was [baking] or it was yoga,” Warren said. “But I always go back to baking.” m
Reach Staff
has a major sweet tooth, at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
Writer Madison White, who
OOEY GOOEY: The Warren’s Baked Bliss menu features cookies, pies, brownies, and cheesecake. Classic chocolate chip cookies are made with rich dark chocolate.
GOLDEN: Lemon cheesecake and cookies are crowd pleasers. Baker Tamara Warren uses lemon extract from a local artisan.
BISCOFF THIS, BISCOFF THAT: Take a bite of blissful small-batch cookies and cheesecakes inspired by Biscoff.
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