Sun, June 25, 2026

Going home

New rules attempt to facilitate the return of ancestors and artifacts taken from Native American graves [5]

BY CHLOË HODGE

LEY HOFFMAN

or more than 30 years, federal law has required institutions to return Native American ancestors and artifacts to where they belong. But many have not complied. Recent changes at both the state and federal level have facilitated better compliance, but tribes still grapple with red tape and institutional malaise. In the first of a two-part series, New Times Staff Writer Chloë Hodge, from our sister paper, speaks to local tribal officials, museums, and universities about repatriating what was stolen and the legacy of how tribes were treated in the United States [5]

Also, find stories about the county’s suit against Kroger stores [3] the tuition-free community classes at Allan Hancock College [14] and the magical, floral drinks and more at Tribe Coffeehouse [17]

In response to the California Senate’s passage of the 2026-27 budget, Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) issued a statement on June 15. “The California State Senate remains committed to our communities, which is why this budget prioritizes the needs of Californians. This Senate vote brings us one step closer to protecting health care, child care, and the long-term fiscal health of the state,” stated the Senate president pro tempore, who thanked Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) for his work as budget chair as well as other budget subcommittee chairs. Laird described the budget as working toward mitigating federal cuts to hospitals, food banks, and other state resources. “California can’t replace every federal dollar that may be cut to medical care, food support, and public education. But within our state’s limited resources, we can make responsible choices,” Laird said in a June 15 statement. “In a time of growing uncertainty, it protects Californians today while putting the state on stronger fiscal footing for the future.”

County lawsuit ends with $1.2 million penalty for Foods Co. parent company

however, showed a different number: 50 calories per slice.

at the intersection of 7th Street and Ocean Avenue, according to his public comment letter.

“I don’t see how high-density residential is going to make things better or safer,” Harris said at the meeting. “I don’t think it would be a better situation when it comes to public safety.”

Another community member said Harris’ claims were valid but was interested in the idea of new housing potential in Lompoc.

“Housing that doesn’t chew up farmland and is within the city limits is good,” the speaker told the council. “We need more housing, and I’m glad you’re thinking about using areas that are not on farmland.”

Since the sites are now considered residential, they count toward Lompoc’s numbers for the statemandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which requires that jurisdictions plan how to meet local housing needs.

Lompoc’s current RHNA cycle lasts until Feb. 15, 2031, by which time the city will need to have identified land suitable to construct around 2,248 housing units, according to the city’s housing element.

On June 18, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) was among the eight legislators who introduced the Protect Our Polls Act. Padilla’s office described the legislation as aiming to protect the integrity of American elections from federal interference by armed military or federal law enforcement. “No American should have to pass a line of federal troops, ICE agents, or armed officers to exercise that right. The Protect Our Polls Act will make sure they never have to,” Padilla said in a statement. “The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy.” While strengthening an existing federal law that restricts the deployment of military forces and armed federal agents to polling places, the Protect Our Polls Act closes “any potential loophole” the Trump administration might try to create by requiring Congress to pass a joint resolution of approval before President Donald Trump can send troops or federal law enforcement to election sites, according to Padilla’s office. The legislation also requires the president to provide Congress with intelligence, legal justification, and evidence that a state or local government cannot handle a threat on their own at least 48 hours before deploying forces. Padilla’s fellow legislators behind the Protect Our Polls Act are U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan). “From 2016 until just last week, President Trump has worked to sow doubt in our election results, and I am glad to be joined by senators from across the country,” Slotkin stated.

U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) recently introduced legislation that would prohibit anyone convicted of offenses related to the Jan. 6 insurrection or interference in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections from receiving payouts funded by taxpayer dollars. Known as the Preventing Payouts for Insurrectionists Act, the legislation follows the president’s “comments this weekend refusing to rule out a so-called ‘anti-weaponization fund’ to allow the government to pay out the president’s allies,” a June 9 press release from Schiff’s office said. “President Donald Trump still wants to pay off violent insurrectionists who attacked police officers on Jan. 6, despite claims from members of his administration that say otherwise. Our taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay out criminals, and we can pass a law right now to prevent this president or any future administration from paying off their friends and political allies,” Schiff said in the release. m

Questionable and inconsistent calorie counts on some food products’ packaging were at the heart of a multi-year civil suit filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. That suit concluded in early June when Judge Thomas Anderle ordered the Kroger Company, which owns Foods Co. stores in Lompoc and Santa Maria, to pay $1.25 million in civil penalties. In court documents, Anderle described his judgement as “adequate to protect the public from the occurrence in the future of the conduct alleged.”

His verdict followed about two years of court proceedings that began in May 2024 when three district attorney’s offices—Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Riverside—jointly sued the Kroger Company for violating state laws regarding false advertising and unfair business competition. Their complaint outlined instances from as early as 2018 where Kroger “misled consumers and gained an unfair competitive advantage by falsely representing the calorie content on multiple bread products advertised under the Kroger Carbmaster name,” Santa Barbara County Senior Deputy District Attorney Morgan Lucas wrote in court documents.

“California consumers—particularly those on specialty diets—care about the nutrition content of the products they purchase. As a result, many companies, including the Kroger Co., have developed products specifically targeting dietconscious consumers,” the complaint states. “In most instances, defendant understated the calorie content of Carbmaster bread and related products by 20 percent to 50 percent, misleading consumers to believe they were purchasing a product that was considerably healthier than it was.”

The district attorney’s offices alleged that consumers began complaining in 2018 about some Carbmaster packaging, including hamburger buns marketed as 50 calories per bun when they were allegedly 100 calories per bun. By 2022, some disputed calorie counts were amended on the back of Carbmaster bread products, “however, defendant continued to advertise inaccurate and false nutritional information on the consumer-facing portions of the packaging.”

In June 2022, a Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office investigator visited a Ralph’s store—owned by Kroger—in Santa Barbara to observe how certain Carbmaster products were marketed and displayed.

One display that the investigator photographed showed loaves of Carbmaster classic white bread neighboring loaves of Dave’s Killer Bread. According to their consumer-facing, front sides, Dave’s Killer Bread was marked at 70 calories per slice while Carbmaster advertised 30 calories per slice. A look at the latter’s back nutrition panel,

“Unless enjoined by the court, defendant will continue its wrongful practices,” the complaint stated. “The court should issue a permanent injunction and such other orders as may be necessary to prevent future acts of unfair competition by defendant.”

With a June 19, 2026, deadline, Judge Anderle directed the Kroger Company to pay the $1.25 million penalty—including $334,000 to each district attorney’s office involved. The remaining funds were split between the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office (to cover court filing and additional costs) and the California Consumer Protection Prosecution Fund, created by the state in 1989 to help enhance investigation and enforcement of consumer protection actions in California.

In court documents, one of Kroger’s Los Angeles-based defense attorneys, Jacob M. Harper, described the district attorney’s offices’ “efforts to ‘fix’ alleged packaging errors” as “overreaching.”

“This case raises a discrete issue of federal preemption: the district attorneys may not, as a matter of law, enforce federal standards regarding FDA [Food and Drug Administration] Panel labeling,” Harper argued in court. “Given that the FDA allows any of six prescribed methods for calculating caloric content, there is no single ‘accurate’ caloric content figure for a particular packaged food.

“A caloric content statement that complies with federal law may be ‘accurate’ under one method and ‘inaccurate’ under another,” Harper continued. “What matters is whether the statement complies with the federal standard—not whether they could be construed as misleading or false under general alternative standards supplied by state law.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Lompoc changes zoning designations to make way for more housing

Three Lompoc properties along Ocean Avenue could be the sites for future housing developments thanks to the City Council’s decision on June 16. Council members approved zoning changes that turned commercial designations into high-density residential uses.

In May, the city Planning Commission approved zone changes for around 3.88 acres of vacant land at 1308, 1316, and 1406 East Ocean, as well as 1220 West Ocean. At the request of the property owner, 1406 East Ocean was included, but the City Council excluded it from the plan in part because of feedback during the June hearing.

Dr. Michael Harris, owner of the Lompoc Veterinary Clinic located at 1416 East Ocean, spoke out against the zoning changes because of public safety concerns. Harris purchased the practice in 1996 and has observed dangerous traffic patterns

“Last year we built zero homes,” Mayor Jim Mosby said at the meeting. “The year before that we built two single-family residences. We have a few ADUs and garage conversions. We’re going to get a few hundred this year.”

The city fears that if it doesn’t meet its RHNA goals, the state could come in and take control of housing.

“[How] I’m trying to look is proactive so that we don’t get our butts in a ringer and the state come in and mandating and doing this,” Mosby continued.

Councilmember Jeremy Ball backed Mosby’s opinion, agreeing that it would be best for the city to maintain control over managing its properties.

“My biggest fear is that if we don’t at least make the gesture for trying to appease the state to some degree, they have a lot of leverage,” Ball said. Councilmember Victor Vega dissented, but the high-density residential designations were adopted 4-1.

—Madison White

Solvang discusses copyright protections for city assets

Over the past four months, conversations surrounding Solvang Mayor David Brown’s tourism app—an independent business venture not affiliated with the city—warranted his recusals from several public hearings.

His latest departure from the dais was during the Solvang City Council’s June 22 meeting, when his peers took part in a discussion about increasing copyright protections for certain city assets, such as photos and videos on the city’s website.

When Councilmember Elizabeth Orona first raised her concerns about Brown’s app, Solvang Passport, in early March, she mentioned video footage of downtown Solvang that appeared to have been lifted directly from Solvang’s city website.

Discussions between city staff and Brown about that specific concern prompted the mayor to inform City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan via email on March 16 that he removed the video footage from his app.

That same week, Brown added the following disclaimer to the app: “Solvang Passport is not connected, authorized, sponsored, funded, or endorsed by the city of Solvang. The city neither expresses nor implies any approval, association, or endorsement of Solvang Passport. Play at your own risk of having fun.”

At the council’s June 22 meeting, Elizabeth Orona proposed that staff take steps toward registering Solvang’s city website for formal copyright protections, while Councilmember Claudia Orona (no relation to Elizabeth) suggested that adding additional language to the

website would be more appropriate. Their comments followed a presentation from a visiting consultant and copyright lawyer, Matthew J. Smith, who informed the council that it would need to comb through different aspects of the website while seeking individual protections for each item.

Logos, for example, would need different types of formal protections than photos or videos. New content added to the website in the future would need to undergo separate protection applications, he said.

“Is it really worth it if in six months or one year we’re going to have to do it again, when in the history of the city—being a tourist destination since the 1960s—this [issue] has come up one time,” Claudia Orona said. “And the public shame, I think, took care of the problem.”

Councilmember Mark Infanti agreed with Claudia about simply adding new disclaimers to

the city website about basic copyright protection, which Smith assured the council is automatic for the works it creates, such as its website.

“I’ll go along with Clau, I don’t want to do a whole lot more than that right now. I don’t think it’s worth it,” Infanti said.

Councilmember Louise Smith said she was also in favor of the disclaimer additions “without having to go a lot more deeper on this.”

“I’m hearing three of you say—which would be a majority—you would like to direct staff to ensure there’s proper disclaimers for copyright protection on all of the city’s websites,” City Attorney O’Sullivan said. “And if a city asset that we own is being used without permission, that we send a letter to say stop using it.”

Elizabeth said she disagreed with the majority shortly before Mayor Brown walked back into the room.

“I hope no one steals any of our stuff,” she said. m

—Caleb Wiseblood

Native return

Central Coast tribes push to reclaim their ancestors’ remains and belongings

BY CHLOË HODGE

Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series. The second part is scheduled to run July 9.

Some of the shelves at UC Berkeley and other institutions are kept from public view, but Kathy Marshall has seen them.

“When [I] visit schools and universities, [I’m] just like, I bet none of these kids know that they are walking by, you know, 300 of our ancestors sitting in a room downstairs,” the vice chair of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Elders Council said. “These were mothers. These were fathers. These were grandparents. These were babies. You know, I mean, there were so many babies in collections. It’s just horrifying.”

In 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was passed to ensure that these ancestors and other tribal items no longer sat in institutions. The law created a framework for tribes to reclaim human remains and cultural belongings from federally funded institutions. But compliance moved slowly.

The remains of more than 110,000 Native Americans were still in institutional collections more than 30 years after that federal law required their return, according to a 2023 ProPublica analysis.

By 2024, the law was updated with new regulations imposing stricter guidelines, deadlines, and penalties for not repatriating— or returning—these people and tribal belongings.

“NAGPRA is, at its core, a human rights law,”

American remains and objects to the tribes they belong to. UC Berkeley, for instance, has the fourth largest collection in the country. The institution has reported that the remains of at least 4,700 Native Americans have not yet been made available for return to tribes.

Marshall described the university storage spaces as feeling like waiting rooms—places where ancestors remain long after they were meant to be at rest. For her, these are not distant histories but family members still waiting for return.

“There’s no reason to keep our ancestors sitting on these shelves,” she said. “Some of them are just in plastic in boxes. Some of them are just sitting on shelves, exposed. It’s not OK, and it’s hurtful, and it takes a lot out of us.”

Confronting history

The work of bringing ancestors home asks tribes to carry a difficult truth that generations of people accepted: It was OK to unearth certain human beings and keep them.

Marshall said Chumash burial sites became particular targets because ancestors were buried with belongings intended to accompany them after death.

“For Chumash people, we were buried with all of our items. So we were prime for these grave looters to come, and they knew, they knew we had a lot of stuff in our graves,” she said.

tribal communities to repeatedly confront difficult questions.

“How did they let this happen?” she said. “I mean, it’s just insane, and why has it taken so long to get these ancestors back?”

Still, Marshall said the updated federal rules and shifting attitudes have created what feels like a new era.

“There is this revolution of, ‘We understand these are yours,’” Marshall said. That shift matters because repatriation, Marshall said, isn’t about possession. It’s about return.

“We are just caretaking, and we are the venue and the avenue to getting these ancestors back to where they need to be. My focus is reburial, putting them back where they belong,” Marshall said.

“That is the ultimate.”

Compliance push

In November 2025, the California State University (CSU) system adopted its first NAGPRA policy, creating a standardized approach for all 23 campuses to return ancestors and belongings. It also prohibits using Native American remains and cultural items for teaching, research, and public display.

To support the changes, the CSU allocated $3.7 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year to campuses with Native American collections. The funding supported repatriation coordinators, tribal travel reimbursements, reburial costs, and other expenses associated with returning ancestors and cultural belongings home.

The CSU policy came in response to Assembly Bill 389—a 2023 amendment to California’s own NAGPRA law. Before then, repatriation efforts had largely been left up to individual campuses.

“Tribes were getting very frustrated that every campus was kind of doing things slightly different,” Samantha Cypret, executive director of the CSU Office of Tribal Relations, told the Sun. “They wanted something that was more consistent and streamlined in compliance.”

Following the federal NAGPRA update in 2024, Cal Poly hired Dr. Kent Spiers to coordinate the university’s compliance with the law.

In April 2025, Spiers completed an inventory of Cal Poly’s collections and identified the remains of eight Native American individuals.

According to a notice in the U.S. Federal Register, “the human remains are presumed to have been unearthed in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA, as noted in a newspaper clipping from 1958 that was provided with the human remains and given to Cal Poly.”

A second inventory was completed on Feb. 11 of this year, identifying two more ancestors in the university’s possession. Both inventories determined the remains were culturally affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Jonathan Malindine, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s NAGPRA officer, told the Sun. “We’ve always had, as white people, protections about desecration of our ancestors’ graves. You know, there’s laws about that. And for a long time, Indians weren’t afforded that benefit. And so their bones were dug up and brought all over all corners of the world into museums and universities.”

At Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, the remains of 10 Native Americans had been in the university’s possession for years. The university returned all of them to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians within the past year, Cal Poly confirmed on May 13.

Other California public universities have more to do when it comes to returning Native

Those burial sites drew collectors and explorers searching for “artifacts.” Marshall pointed to the history of French ethnographers Leon de Cessac and Alphonse Pinart, who excavated Chumash sites and removed belongings and ancestors.

“Actually, a lot of Chumash collections are in France,” Marshall said. “They just came and just really … ravaged through all of our cemeteries, and they were greedy.”

Marshall said she still struggles to understand how generations of people allowed it to happen.

“I think people thought of us as really not being human,” she said. “I don’t think that they would allow anybody to go through their graves in their cemeteries in France or in anywhere in Europe.”

The legacy of those actions remains deeply personal. Marshall said repatriation work forces

Historically, Native American remains and cultural belongings entered university collections through archaeological excavations, field schools, donated private collections, construction discoveries, and materials acquired for teaching or research purposes, Cypret told the Sun Systemwide, according to the most recent CSU collection inventory, campuses collectively hold the remains of more than 2,000 Native Americans and more than 1.57 million cultural items. Another 500,000 items remain in storage awaiting tribal review and cataloging.

“We recognize the harm that we have caused in our lack of compliance and that we continue to cause,” Cypret said. “We are still causing harm by having ancestors in our possession, on our shelves, and we are actively working to really change that.”

All through the town

Secret Solvang tour guides show visitors and locals the best spots in the city

BY MADISON WHITE

S

ecret Solvang, an infamous Instagram and TikTok page, went viral for revealing all the charming bits of a town that some people view as two-dimensional.

“I think people think of Solvang as being a monolith,” Wes Leslie told the Sun “A town of bakeries and windmills and architecture and wine, maybe. But I think there’s a lot more to it than that.”

On his social media sites, Leslie has interviewed Mayor David Brown, chatted with restaurant owners, and explored funky small businesses. He started Secret Solvang as a tour guide company a little more than a year ago, walking with people throughout the city to expand their perceptions and posting about his discoveries.

In March, the company introduced Viking tours geared toward kids.

knew the concept would transfer well.

“I just kind of fell in love with the place, thought it was so whimsical and quirky,” Leslie said. He blended his knack for storytelling with the fantastical elements of the popular tourist destination. Within the past year, the food and culture tour has taken off.

Guests hear untold stories of the town’s history while meeting restaurant owners and tasting food from places like Ramen Kotori and Peasants Deli and Market.

“Our goal is to help skip the lines at most of these places, meet the chefs and owners where possible, and just expose people to a lot of the things they would want to experience in Solvang,” Leslie said.

From the professionals

For more information about booking Secret Solvang tours, visit secretsolvang.com. Follow @secretsolvang on Instagram and TikTok for all the behind-the-scenes fun. Email info@secretsolvang.com with questions.

“As much as Solvang seems like a kid-friendly town, there weren’t a lot of definitive children’s activities,” Leslie explained. “I wanted to create a really fun, immersive experience where kids get to be the star of the show. Parents get to relax for a little bit.”

Best for ages 5 to 12, kids begin their experience by decorating a Viking crown they get to wear for the next hour and 15 minutes. Then the tour takes them to the Solvang Viking Museum, a bakery for a fresh aebleskiver and the arcade at Peasants Deli and Market. Along the way the tour guide shares stories of Solvang and leads students on a scavenger hunt.

The founder formed partnerships with many of his personal favorite places in town. Customers enjoy the personal touch, and everything is accessible for families and kids, too.

“The food tour used to have a lot more focus on wine, but now wine is an optional add-on, which I changed so that people understand it’s a familyfriendly tour,” Leslie said.

Though there’s a big market for tourists, Secret Solvang guides also love showing locals around. Leslie said one couple has taken the tour multiple times, bringing different family members out during their visits.

‘Local control’

BY RON FINK

All you people out there who worked hard all your lives to live in a single-family neighborhood or think you’re safe from increased congestion in a homeowners association (HOA) managed development, get ready for a relatively new state law that can impact your quality of life.

Send business and nonprofit information to spotlight@santamariasun.com.

Viking tours start at Solvang Park. One adult is required per booking, and there are two sessions available to choose from on Saturdays.

Four tour guides currently work for Secret Solvang. Leslie had the idea to bring the concept to town after leading tour groups in San Francisco and Los Angeles. When he first visited Solvang, he

“It’s fun to see that locals are excited about the tour when they hear about all of the places we go,” Leslie said. On social media, he enjoys sharing all the positive things Solvang has to offer, although the city needs no help with branding. People have started to recognize him around town and thank him for celebrating the Danish Capital of America. If you ever catch Leslie roaming the streets of Solvang, don’t forget to ask him for a piece of his favorite town lore and a Secret Solvang sticker.

Highlights

• A new Humvee exhibit in partnership with the Santa Maria Police Department was revealed on June 17 at the Children’s Resource and Referral Discovery Museum in Santa Maria (705

FOR THE YOUNGSTERS: Secret Solvang launched Viking tours for kids in March this year. Tour guides weave in local history while taking students to many of the town’s popular destinations for young visitors.

S. McClelland St.). The interactive learning exhibit is meant to evoke curiosity while exposing kids to careers in public service, transportation, and engineering. “Your local police department is always looking for positive ways to engage with our community, and this is a great opportunity to do that,” Police Chief Christopher Williams said in a press release.

• Join the community for a rock ’n’ roll bingo fundraiser on June 26 at the Boys and Girls Club of the Mid Central Coast in Santa Maria. Food, drinks, and a live dessert auction are also part of the fun, which benefits Good Samaritan Shelter. For more information, call Kirsten Cahoon at (805) 354-9307. m

Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

On June 10, the Lompoc Planning Commission debated a change to the Lompoc municipal code to address an evolving and misguided effort by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to address the lack of housing. The HCD says, “Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) are innovative and effective options for adding much needed housing in California.”

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off-street parking spaces for the primary unit be replaced.”

When one of the ADU units is occupied by two adults you can bet two vehicles will follow. Thus, streets will become more congested with parked vehicles. And where will the original occupants put their RVs, boats, or other toys they have accumulated?

“Are certain ADUs exempt from parking requirements? Yes. A local agency shall not impose parking standards on any of the following ADUs, pursuant to government code section 66322, subdivision (a): 1) ADUs located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit (a bus stop).” This will lead to an increase in onstreet parking, which is already at a premium.

The city staff report explains that “an ADU is a dwelling unit that is accessory to a primary residence and has complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. A JADU is a specific type of accessory unit that is contained entirely within an existing or proposed singlefamily residence and is limited to 500 square feet.”

This all sounds like a good idea to the political class but will ultimately lead to a substantial increase in population density in areas originally designed for single-family living.

When originally developed, the environmental impact reports required by the California Environmental Quality Act for these projects only envisioned much less water, wastewater, and electric use, but now those systems will need to handle an increased need. And the traffic circulation system was designed for far fewer vehicles. But the staff report says that “the proposed amendments are exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.”

What about parking? Quoting from the state accessory dwelling handbook: “When a garage, carport, uncovered parking space, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU, or converted to an ADU, the local agency shall not require that those

If you think that because you live in a gated community or HOA managed project, you’re safe from this program, you’re not. Again, quoting from the state accessory dwelling handbook: “Homeowners associations (HOAs), can CC&Rs prohibit the construction or use of an ADU or JADU? No.”

On June 10, the Lompoc Planning Commission approved a resolution stating, “City staff recognizes that state law will control over the city’s municipal code and further recommends inclusion of new language acknowledging that in the event of a conflict between the LMC and California Accessory Dwelling Law, that state law will control.”

In other words, “local control” is an inoperative phrase, and previous zoning and development standards regarding housing are null and void.

“The state” knows better, so suck it up. And these laws apply to all local jurisdictions in the state. But some areas may be exempt because property owners don’t want all that congested living. Folks living on estates in the Santa Ynez Valley, Montecito, and Hope Ranch, many who strongly support the elected officials who promoted this idea, have lots of open space available that could accommodate hundreds and perhaps thousands of new homes to relieve the “housing problem,”

but they will be content to let the “little people” absorb the additional congestion. So, keep voting for the same old political party and your quality of life and the things you worked for will continue to deteriorate while the hypocritical idle rich look down on you from their lofty perches. m Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Respond with an opinion of your own by emailing it to letters@santamariasun.com.

New federal mail rules will prevent voters from exercising their rights

Earlier this month, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a proposed rule that would erect barriers to mail voting. The proposed amendments create unnecessary barriers to voting that could prevent eligible voters from receiving and returning their mail-in and absentee ballots and could disenfranchise eligible voters who are unable to vote in person. Under the rule, USPS would need to verify that mailed ballots are being sent only to approved voters on a list supplied by states. This gives USPS a role in election administration that rightfully belongs to state and local election officials. We all agree that election mail must be secure. But these new federal requirements would create barriers that could prevent eligible voters from exercising their right to vote. Voting is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed. Voting by mail is part of that right and a critical part of the election process throughout the United States.

USPS is accepting public comment on the proposed rule until July 2 at 5 p.m. ET. Defend the right to vote, protect mail voting, and ensure the role of states in the election process. Email your comment to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with the subject line “Ballot Mail.” Be sure to include your name and address.

Janice Langley

Joanne Schultz Wendy Brown League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County

Hikers and bikers need separate trails

With only a fast-approaching rattling noise from behind to warn me, I leapt off the trail to my right to avoid being struck by the mountain biker sailing by me. He was first in a group of what would be eight young adult riders who would go by in quick succession, none with warning bells. Pleased to be uninjured this time, I continued on. Though, this scare caused me to reflect on the ways mountain biking has changed since I used to ride area trails, some 15 years back. The equipment has advanced significantly, but the style of riding has changed as well, particularly on the downhill. Today’s riders skim the tops of the higher rocks and features and descend down the single track at breakneck speed. It’s impressive but hugely unsafe for hikers.

This near-miss happened on the upper section of the Lemon Grove trail on Cerro San Luis. When San Luis Obispo city administrators were designing trail rules for this trail and others some 20 years and longer ago, the average style of downhill riding was slow and methodical. It is entirely different today with riders cruising at speeds that were unimaginable when decisions were made to allow both mountain bikes and hiking on the same trails.

With the high number of older hikers, as well as young families and kids hiking the trails, an approaching tragedy is entirely foreseeable. The city must reevaluate the SLO greenbelt trails and decide which will be assigned for mountain biking and which to hiking.

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Reach or overreach?

Local governments have been making and/or crossing some interesting boundaries lately.

Lompoc is trying to prevent the too-long arm of the state from taking away the city’s control over where it puts new housing, which hasn’t really been happening in the city of arts and flowers.

“Last year we built zero homes,” Mayor Jim Mosby said at the June 16 meeting.

“The year before that we built two singlefamily residences.” And this year, he said, they’ve got a few accessory dwelling units planned.

The city needs to pick up its pace: The state says Lompoc must plan to build 2,248 units by February 2031. Otherwise Sacramento will come in and overrule its objections to expansion. So, the City Council just approved some denser infill construction on Ocean Avenue and is trying to set precedent for more such plans.

“[How] I’m trying to look is proactive so that we don’t get our butts in a ringer and the state come in and mandating and doing this,” Mosby said. In other corners of the Central Coast, there are a few new flavors of overreach: homestyle lowcarb bread and salty-spicy trademark protection.

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office teamed up with the DAs from Ventura and Riverside counties to sue Kroger two years ago over labeling on a store brand of bread.

Consumer complaints about inconsistent and false labeling of Kroger’s Carbmaster bread somehow reached the ears of the county DA’s Office, prompting an investigator to take photos of the labels. Sure enough, the bread’s front label didn’t match the back, and it advertised fewer calories than it really contained per slice.

Is this really in the DA’s jurisdiction? Kroger didn’t think so.

One of Kroger’s Los Angeles-based defense attorneys, Jacob M. Harper, described the district attorney’s offices’ “efforts to ‘fix’ alleged packaging errors” as “overreaching.”

“The district attorneys may not, as a matter of law, enforce federal standards regarding FDA [Food and Drug Administration] Panel labeling,” Harper argued in court. Nevertheless, the county Superior Court judge sided with the counties earlier this month and ordered Kroger to pay $1.25 million in civil penalties.

Meanwhile in Solvang, our little Danish town that could, a recent City Council discussion delved into copyright issues connected to Mayor David Brown’s app that invites people to “play at your own risk of having fun.”

Back in March, Councilmember Elizabeth Orona noticed that drone video footage on the Solvang Passport app looked like it was lifted from the official city website. Brown later removed the video from the app and added fine print stating that his app isn’t affiliated with the city. But that wasn’t enough.

At the June 22 council meeting, Orona wanted the city to officially copyright everything, which would have cost thousands plus $900 per hour in attorney’s fees.

Turns out, adding some basic fine print will cover their copyright. The council majority went that route, but not before Orona made a last jab. “I hope no one steals any of our stuff.” m

The Canary can’t reach very far. Send an Inspector Gadget appendage to canary@santamarisun.com.

Hot Stuff

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/.

FREE BOOK SUNDAYS FOR AGES 0-17

Visit the Youth Services Desk on the first Sunday of each month to receive a coupon for a free book of your choice from the Library Bookstore. For ages 0-17. First Sunday of every month Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/services/

departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

GIAFUNNI’S FRIDAY FUNNI’S Your Friday’s just got funnier with exciting standup comedy, delicious food and cozy seating! Featuring Touring Comedians and our famous $15 Buffet, this show is sure to Rock the start of your weekend! June 26 8:30 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Giavanni’s Pizza, 1108 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, (805) 934-8555.

LA DOLCE VITA: SOURDOUGH PASTA MAKING Urban Homesteadings & Oak Folk Studios presents La Dolce Vita: Sourdough Pasta Making. Sign up with a friend before the 20th to save $30! June 27 6-8:30 p.m. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. Oak Folk Studio, 4850 South Bradley Road, Suite B, Santa Maria.

LUCHADORA! BY ALVARO SAAR RIOS

A vibrant, family-friendly tale of love, identity, and the courage to step into your own power. Thursdays-Sundays, 7-8:25 p.m. and Wednesdays-Sundays, 7-8:25 p.m. through July 3 $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. through Nov. 1 Free. sbac.ca.gov/post-wildnature-in-the-21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, 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

ART FROM THE HEART Gallery Los Olivos presents new paintings from award winning local artists’ Sheryl Knight and Linda Mutti. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.4 p.m. through June 30 (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOLivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

COME FROM AWAY 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.

DISNEY’S FROZEN With magnificent music, heart, and a flurry of fun, Frozen is an unforgettable celebration of love and letting go. Tuesdays-Sundays, 8-10:15 p.m. through Aug. 2 $25. (805) 922-8313. pcpa.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

GO WEST THREE-ARTIST EXHIBIT AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS JUL1 -31 Three Artists will share artwork inspired by icons of the American west, including Robin Deshayes, Deborah Kalas, and Linda Lewis, at Gallery Los Olivos. The gallery is open daily. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.5 p.m. through July 31 Free. (805) 688-7517. .GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

“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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY 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. ongoing (805) 835-5893.

595-7280. 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.

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. Whispering Vista Studios, 224 Squire Canyon Rd, San Luis Obispo, patriciamartinartist.com.

MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All welcome. Call for info. (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/ book-online. SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

PAINT A PREMADE POTTERY PIECE!

Drop into the studio to pick out and paint a premade piece! For all ages. Prices are based upon size. Mondays, WednesdaysSaturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30-$75. app. acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php ?owner=22676824&appointmentType

iconic mural and unveil a plaque honoring original artist, the late Peter Ladochy. The 650-square-foot, 125,000-piece mural was one of the first large public art projects in the region, designed by Ladochy and installed in 1985 with the help of 100 community volunteers. June 26 2-3 p.m. Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St., Morro Bay, -(805) 772-6394.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

805 RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION IN SANTA MARIA Join the 805 Rapid Response Network! Register to participate in a new volunteer orientation in Santa Maria. Location will be shared via email. June 30 6-8 p.m. Free. 805undocufund.org/alerts. Santa Maria, Citywide, Santa Maria.

SANTA MARIA-BONITA SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB EXPO The Santa MariaBonita School District (SMBSD) is hosting a comprehensive, two-day Job Expo to recruit and hire new personnel. June 26 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and June 27 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 361-8122. smbsd.org. Souza Center, 708 South Miller Street, Santa Maria. WARHAMMER WEDNESDAYS AT THE LIBRARY Calling all Warhammer fans! Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Provided in partnership with Nerdvana. July 1 3-6:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org/ services/departments/library. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

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

BEGINNER’S BONSAI WORKSHOP The workshop is for beginners to learn how to shape plants in the bonsai style with an easy-to-care-for plant that you’ll get to take home. June 27 2-4 p.m. $85. (805) 2704083. theplantedparlour.com. The Planted Parlour, 592 W Grand Ave., Grover 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, 5:306:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

(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.

LA CONVERSACIÓN 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. 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. 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.

MAKE SOME PANTS

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about

p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

COAST

First 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.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd., Avila 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

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. and Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $15 per class or $60 for fiveclass card. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 440-4561. balancedlivingayurveda.com. Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Ave.,

SOLSTICE CIRCLE: MINDFUL DRUMMING AND SONG The Solstice Circle is a homecoming to the self—a joyful invitation to ground your feet, open your heart, and find your unique pulse within the collective rhythm. Nestled within the high-vibration sanctuary of Mystic Nature—a hidden gem of crystals, rocks, and inspired artistry—we honor the longest day and joyful season through connection, creativity, and the primal language of the drum. This is a space to shed the noise of daily living and sink into the rhythms that reside in us all. June 26 6-8 p.m. $18.98-$31.84. my805tix.com. Mystic Nature, 330 W. Tefft, Unit E, Nipomo.

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.

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. MondaysFridays $160-$190. (805) 481-6399. 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. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

CENTRAL COAST CONJURERS (SLO COUNTY MAGIC CLUB) Monthly meeting of magicians of all levels. Please call or email for more info. Meet like-minded folks with an interest in magic, from close-up to stage performances. Last Monday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 440-0116. SLO Elks Lodge, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST DIALYSIS ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask.

First Saturday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST PRIDE 2026: PRIDE IN THE PLAZA Join the Gala Pride and Diversity Center for the annual Pride in the Plaza celebration with live music, vendors, and community! June 27 10 a.m.-5 p.m. instagram.com/thegalacenter/&ved=2a hUKEwj0j57uztqUAxXqH0QIHcVNCLYQFn oECCoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2iY-A5_O2C3Z ghbpqijV-a. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

CENTRAL COAST PRIDE 2026: TRANS PRIDE IN THE PARK Join the Gala Pride and Diversity Center for the annual Trans Pride in the Park celebration, with music, vendors, and community! June 28 1-6 p.m. instagram.com/thegalacenter/&ved=2a hUKEwjcxa3Rz9qUAxWPL0QIHePsHowQ FnoECB8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2iY-A5_O2C 3ZghbpqijV-a. Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo.

EVENING IN THE GARDEN Visit the Garden of the Seven Sisters for a free Sunday evening open garden. June 28 6-7:30 p.m. and July 5 6-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 781-5946. ucanr.edu. Garden of the Seven Sisters, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo.

GARDEN FOUNDER WALK AND TALK Walk and talk with Eve Vigil in the Botanical Garden each month on the first Wednesday. Free garden tour with paid admission to the Garden. Free for members. No need to RSVP, just show up and enjoy. First Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with $5 Garden Entry. (805) 541-1400. slobg.org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A safe place to share feelings of depression with those who suffer and those who have recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

LUNCHTIME IN THE GARDEN UC Master Gardeners of SLO County extend an invitation to the public to visit our demonstration garden. See what’s in bloom and learn something new. First Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through Sept. 2 Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr. edu. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, 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.

NATURE RHYTHMS AT CROW’S END: MINDFUL DRUMMING & NATURE CONNECTION Nature Rhythms is a welcoming circle where we gather to slow down, drum, sing, and reconnect with ourselves, with nature, and with one another. Join us at Crow’s End Retreat Center, a quiet and serene rural setting nestled in Squire Canyon. July 1 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $13.63-$24.34. my805tix.com. Crows End Retreat, 6430 Squire Ct., San Luis Obispo.

NOT YOUR PARENTS PLANNED

PARENTHOOD PRESENTED BY ARIANA

BARRERA This class will explore identity, language, and health in a course designed to inform and empower. Participants will learn inclusive, up-to-date terminology around gender identity, sexual orientation, and selfexpression, building confidence in how they understand and describe themselves and others. June 25 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com.

Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo. PUNK ROCK DRAG SHOW Punk Rock Drag is a combination of live bands and performing drag artists. This is a benefit concert series that is currently fundraising for Colectivo Mariposa. Colectivo Mariposa is a local mutual aid group based in Santa Maria that serves roughly 200 families across the Central Coast by providing food, diapers, and miscellaneous small items to families who have had a family member kidnapped by ICE. June 26 p.m. $15. my805tix. com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

ROD & HAMMER’S SURF BLOCK PARTY 2026

Come to the Surf Block Party and enjoy local vendors, food, drinks, and live music! June 27 12-7 p.m. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843, slobrew.com.

2026 GREENSPACE ADVENTURE AUCTION Greenspace presents live auctions for adventures and experiences, silent auction, plated dinner, local wines all to support our work in conservation, reforestation, education and advocacy! June 27 5-9 p.m. $125. (805) 927-2866. greenspacecambria.org. Joslyn Center, 950 Main St, Cambria. LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero,

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 402-9437. facebook.com/ waterfrontmarketmorrobayca Giovanni’s Fish Market, 1001 Front St., Morro Bay.

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. ongoing presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

SOURDOUGH AT GROWING GROUNDS FARM Urban Homesteadings, your local female veteran owned sourdough specialty shop is at GrowingGroundsFarm. Veterans and first responders get a free cookie! Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. through June 30 Free. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. Growing Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria. TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532,

4TH OF JULY BBQ AT ROBLAR WINERY

Don’t miss the ultimate Independence Day celebration at Roblar Winery! Gather with friends and family as we mark our country’s 250th birthday in style! July 4 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $85. (805) 686-2603. Roblar Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez, roblarwinery.com/.

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

AVILA BEACH 4TH OF JULY PANCAKE

BREAKFAST Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by members of the Board of Directors of the Avila Beach Civic Association and volunteers that consists of pancakes, bacon or sausage, strawberries, orange juice, and coffee. July 4 8:30-10 a.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach.

TRIVIA NIGHT Join BrainStew Trivia for a hilariously witty evening of trivia in Pismo. Teams of 1 to 4 people. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams. Kitchen is open until 7:30 p.m. for brain fuel. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options available. First Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free to play. (805) 295-6171. kulturhausbrewing.com. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

250TH ANNIVERSARY 4TH OF JULY

CELEBRATION AT THE STOCKYARD WITH THE MIGHTY CASH CATS Join the Stockyard and the Mighty Cash Cats: Johnny Cash. This incredible band is back after 4 years to help make this celebration of America’s 250th anniversary the best 4th of July bash around! July 4 noon Free. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, S Broadway St, Orcutt.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Enjoy Concerts in the Park 2026, with live music, summer nights, and community

fun. June 27 6-8 p.m. and July 4 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0951. anc.apm. activecommunities.com/santamaria/ activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_ select_param=2&activity_category_ ids=35&viewMode=list. Pioneer Park, 1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt. DEL CUMBIA AL PERREO BRUNCH June 28 11 a.m.-3 p.m. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt. HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

LIVE JAZZ SATURDAYS Enjoy live jazz featuring guitarist Keegan Heitman and friends. June 27 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0860. instagram.com/ Crumblescafeandbakeshop. Crumbles Cafe & Bake Shop, 1635 S. Broadway, Santa Maria.

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS

Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn

Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING

CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com.

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT A fun, welcoming environment for first time performers and an opportunity for kids and teens to showcase their talent. Prizes awarded every month for Outstanding Performer. Last Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. certainsparks.com/. Certain Sparks Music, 107 S. H St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

4TH OF JULY WITH FREE LIVE MUSIC AT THE SECRET GARDEN Dance it out to live music from the Quadratones band while celebrating the 4th of July at Sycamore. July 4 3-6 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Secret Garden at Sycamore Mineral Springs, 1215 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach, (805) 595-7302.

AMERICA TURNS 250! PATRIOTIC POPS AND VETERAN’S TRIBUTE Opera San Luis Obispo Presents: America Turns 250!, a Patriotic Pops and Veteran’s Tribute June 28 3-4:45 p.m. $40-$50.

LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR

Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com.

MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY

Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic. com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

OLD TIME GOSPEL SING-ALONG

All are welcome. Call for more details.

Last Saturday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (805) 478-6198. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria.

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.

201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

BSR PRESENTS: SAN LYON AND TRUE STORIES Parisian Gypsy Swing meets Central Coast Jazz Heritage. June 28 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Pismo Beach Veteran’s Memorial Building, 780 Bello Street, San Luis Obispo.

LIVE ON THE ROCKS FEATURING THE TOMMY MOON BAND Live on the Rocks is a beloved free oceanfront concert at The Cliffs Hotel and Spa! Dance to a fabulous live band, and enjoy fantastic food. July 4 1-5 p.m. Free. (805) 773-5000. cliffshotelandspa.com. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Rd, Pismo Beach. NIPOMO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Celebrate summer at Nipomo’s free Concerts in the Park series, with live bands, local food, dancing, and unforgettable evenings with friends, family, and neighbors every week. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 929-5437. nipomorecreation.com/. Nipomo Regional Park, 255 Pomeroy Road, Nipomo. SAN LUIS OBISPO

ROCKIN’ THE RANCH: ELECTRIC LAVENDER TRAIN June 28 6 p.m. $7.20. my805tix.com. Filipponi Ranch, 1850 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. m

ARTS BRIEFS

Lompoc invites the community to its 73rd Flower Festival

The annual hometown tradition and quintessential Lompoc experience returns to the valley from June 25 to 28. This year’s Flower Festival in Ryon Memorial Park also recognizes the country’s milestone birthday with a theme titled America in Bloom: 250 Years.

“It is a long-standing community event honoring the region’s deep roots in the flower-growing industry,” according to press materials. “With the event’s origin dating back to the 1950s, the Flower Festival acknowledges the area’s agricultural heritage while bringing community members together.”

Expect four days filled with games, carnival rides ($40 for unlimited rides), crafts, and music. Access entertainment on the main stage through paid admission. Pets aren’t permitted in the park during the festival.

More than 20 food vendors will set up at the park with a variety of cuisines like barbecue, Thai, Mexican, and Filipino food, as well as ice cream and shaved ice for dessert. Vendors are scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Catch the parade on June 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. It’ll feature floral floats starting south on H Street, heading west on Ocean Avenue, and then concluding along South O Street.

The festival is organized by the Lompoc Valley Festival Association. For more details visit lompocvalleyfestivals.com/ home or follow on Instagram @lompocvalleyfestivals.

The Elverhoj Museum celebrates the 100th birthday of a Danish American painter

Artwork by Roland Petersen is up at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art through Aug. 9. The Danish-born American artist is best known for his Picnic series, defined by geometric abstractions and striking colors.

“This exhibition celebrates Petersen’s 100th birthday and honors a remarkable life in art that continues today through his ongoing dedication to painting,” according to press materials.

Petersen’s career spans more than five decades, and he spent most of his time working in the Bay Area. His work is also represented in the Whitney Museum of American Art and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

On July 11 at 2 p.m., Professor Emeritus John Seed of Mount San Jacinto College will give a talk at the museum on the Bay Area Figurative Art movement, which Petersen is involved in. The revolution brought back recognizable human shapes and landscapes, shifting away from abstract expressionism.

“With decades of experience as an educator, writer, and curator, Seed offers valuable insight into the enduring power and relevance of Petersen’s work,” the museum announced. Petersen’s pieces are on display during regular museum hours, Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the center at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. Call (805) 686-1211 with questions. m

What’s next?

Residents

BY MADISON WHITE

I

n a lifelong learning class, Nick and Deborah Carpenter crafted pieces of jewelry that can also last a lifetime: their wedding bands.

The couple has spent the past two decades exercising their creative muscles in tuition-free arts courses at Allan Hancock College, they told the school. While shaping their rings, the Carpenters engaged with other like-minded people eager to continue growing and maintaining a commitment to the arts.

Their journey through Hancock’s Community Education Department is similar to many other students. Alicia Paniagua, the department’s dean, believes the courses offer exciting ways for adults to keep busy at various stages in life. And they keep coming back.

“A lot of our students are students that have been with us for over 10 years, so the feedback that we hear is that they are making friends here,” Paniagua told the Sun. “They appreciate the creativity that is being brought to the community, whether it’s painting classes, whether it’s photography classes, or jewelry making classes, or sewing classes.”

There are dozens of classes students ages 18 and older may register for, and most are tuition-free with the exception of exercise classes and College for Kids summer camp. Some no-cost classes require a fee to cover the cost of supplies, but it’s given back to the students in the form of their creations. For example, an $80 fee is collected for the floral design class, which divides out to $10 per session.

Not all classes are directly based in the arts. Some instructors teach students how to do their income taxes, speak conversational English, improve computer skills, study for the GED exam, and interview to become a U.S. citizen. The department’s newest course beginning in the fall is barbering.

ART SCENE

“We want to build possibilities for students, offer opportunities for students,” Paniagua explained. She likes to say community education offers something for everybody, no matter how old they are or what their background is. The department is even working on changing one of the course prefixes, OLDR, to something more inclusive that represents the sentiment of lifelong learning rather than an age range.

The dean and her team are constantly collecting feedback from students and collaborating with faculty to make changes that best help individuals grow.

“Santa Maria, being a large agricultural community, has folks that want to be able to support their students with their homework, but the language barrier is there,” Paniagua said.

“So, we offer low beginning classes, intermediate classes, advanced classes, not only grammatical classes, but also conversation classes.”

After building greater English skills, there are continued pathways for students to learn about child care opportunities or working as an instructional bilingual aid. Just like after taking non-credit and tuition-free fashion courses, there’s the option to enter Hancock’s degree program for the subject. Hancock is a starting point for lots of future pathways.

The importance of community education is in its name: building community. Students make friends and establish new support systems.

“I think it’s for well-being,” Paniagua said. “I mean, we recognize that during COVID it was hard to just be at home. And so, oftentimes we seek that human connection.”

For the dean, community education opportunities hit close to home. Paniagua grew up as an English language learner and remembers her family grappling with the same situations that many of her students find themselves in.

“I see students, and I see my family. I see myself,”

Paniagua said. “I saw my parents with that same struggle. … For me, really, it’s seeing family in the work that I do.”

Delicia Navarette has been a community education coordinator for three years and oversees programs including career preparation, U.S. citizenship, computer literacy, art and fashion, and home economics.

“We offer estate planning, investment, and stock market basics, a woman’s guide to finance, and those are just the programs that I support,” Navarette said. “We have other programs in the department as well, but those are supported by other coordinators.”

The community education classes don’t impact transcripts or GPAs. There aren’t lengthy admissions processes or strict qualifications.

Everyone is welcome.

“Students are always really happy with the programs. They love to share photos of their designs and artwork,” Navarette said. “We love to hear success stories when they’ve become employed and have changed their lives with taking our program.”

She added that the department is searching for new instructors and hoping to expand opportunities to students in Guadalupe, Lompoc, and Santa Ynez.

Team members are available to make registration as easy as possible for students. Interested participants will fill out a short, standard application form with basic information about their goals and previous experiences.

“Just the formality of the application, and then logging into their My Hancock portal,” Navarette said, “and then the possibilities are endless.” m

Maximum stressors

Created by David Rosen (Us & Them, Citadel), this series follows divorced mom and fastidious magazine fact checker Paula Saunders (Tatiana Maslany) as she becomes involved in murder and blackmail connected to webcam boy Trevor (Brandon Flynn). (10 33-to40-min. episodes)

Glen: This series doesn’t conclude until July 15, so we’re only a bit more than halfway through, but if you’re not on board with it yet, I highly recommend it. It’s a super engaging black comedy, and Tatiana Maslany as Paula Saunders is terrific. She’s a divorced mom to Hazel (Nola Wallace), and her ex-husband, Karl (Jake Johnson), is threatening to sue for full custody. Karl and his new wife, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), are also contemplating a move to the other side of the country. Meanwhile at work, Paula’s boss, Suzie Tell (Tara Summers), is trying to get her to cut corners in her fact checking, and her co-workers—Rudy (Charlie Hall) and Geri (Kiarra Hamagami Goldberg)—are less than supportive but very funny. And to top it off, Trevor, the webcam boy Paula has been interacting with online, is blackmailing her and giving Karl the information he needs to cut her out of Hazel’s life. The first episode is a doozy, and if you’re not immediately hooked, I’ll be surprised.

THE FOUR SEASONS

What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025-present

Where’s it showing? Netflix

The gang is back for season 2, and some high tensions and satisfactory resolutions are headed your way. If you haven’t watched season 1, first of all, get it together. Tough love? Maybe, but have you seen this cast list? Go watch it before you cannonball into season 2. The gang is one fewer after the passing of Nick (Steve Carell), but since his younger girlfriend, Ginny (Erika Henningsen), is pregnant, they’ll be seven again soon. Kate (Tina Fey) is furious with Danny (Colman Domingo) for moving to Italy with his husband, Claude (Marco Calvani), and Ginny is furious with Anne (Kerri KenneySilver) for what she sees as her late love’s ex hoarding control over his estate out of spite. It’s not a great time for the old gang to see each other, but conflict be damned, tradition overrides. Plus, they need to scatter Nick’s ashes, even if they aren’t happy with each other.

Anna: I hadn’t really heard anything about this series until it was already rolling, but boy, has it delivered. I’m getting Pluribus vibes without the body snatching. It’s slick and the main character in it, Paula, like Carol from Pluribus is messy but smart—while also lacking some compulsion control. Sometimes we shouldn’t walk into potential crime scenes that we are rogue investigating. That doesn’t always go well, girl. But she’s determined to keep her daughter in her life, and not in a secondary role. Jake Johnson has a podcast I listen to called We’re Here to Help alongside comedian Gareth Reynolds (definitely recommend for my comedy podcast peeps), and they have been having the actors in this show on as guests recently—and I can tell you, it sounds like this cast had a blast making the series, and you can see it on-screen. Known as a nice guy but willing grump on TV, Johnson plays Paula’s ex, and man, he’s not a fun one to have. He’s found the end of his rope with her and he’s moved on, and not in a nice way. This is a good series, folks—don’t sleep on it. We want a season 2 if there’s meant to be one!

Glen: My favorite supporting character is Detective Sofia Gonzales (Dolly De Leon), the wry, wise, methodical investigator looking into Paula’s role in a murder. She’s deadpan funny, and Gonzales is an excellent foil to her younger reactionary partner, Detective Baxter (Jon

FEELIES: On an adventure to scatter ashes, a group of longtime friends navigates the ups and downs of their complicated group dynamics, in The Four Seasons season 2, streaming on Netflix.

As with the first season, the second’s episodes cluster into seasons, places, and life stages over the course of a year. Four different locations, hardships and triumphs, mourning and celebration. The cast is funny, and the tender moments still feel authentic. (16 27-to-35min. episodes) —Anna

Michael Hill). There are police procedural aspects to the show and family drama aspects, but the fun is watching Paula get herself into hot water. The series also has a role for Murray Bartlett as Frank Budkin, Trevor’s older boyfriend. You may recall him as the hotel manager Armond from

The White Lotus Great cast!

Anna: Definitely a great cast! It’s funny, but there’s also murder, mystery, and a quick pace that makes every episode fly by. Frank turns out to be quite the … character, and who Trevor really was behind the webcam-boy persona

BODY DOUBLE

What’s it rated? R When? 1984 Where’s it showing? The Palm Theatre

BL AST BL AST FROM THE FROM THE

of San Luis Obispo, Friday, June 26, at 7:15 p.m.

Brian De Palma directs this 1984 neo-noir

erotic thriller about struggling actor Jake Scully (Craig Wasson), who becomes ensnared in a murder plot. With themes like obsession, voyeurism, illusion, and panic attacks, the film is an homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s films Rear Window Vertigo and Dial M for Murder

It stars Melanie Griffith as porn actress Holly Body, who Jake falls for; Gregg Henry as Sam Bouchard, a fellow actor who meets Jake in an acting class; and Deborah Shelton as Gloria Revelle, a beautiful neighbor who Jake watches through a telescope from the posh home he’s housesitting.

gets twistier. The messy mystery and Paula’s involvement and curiosity soon put her in the eyes of Trevor’s killer, even though Detective Baxter is sure they should be looking at her. While I would love to binge this show, I’m glad to know that I’ll still be getting new episodes for the weeks to come. I can’t wait to see what our girl Paula gets herself into (and out of) next! m

New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.

a

of the

Upon its release, it was a commercial failure and got mixed reviews, but over time, the film has become a cult classic; its aesthetic indulgences are an apt reflection of ’80s excess. It’s also got a thumping new wave soundtrack, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood performs their hit “Relax.” It was included in a college class took examining the

films of Hitchcock and De Palma, and it’s reached into popular culture. Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, American Psycho about serial killer, references the film as the killer’s favorite because of a ghastly but iconic murder-by-powerdrill scene. (114 min.) m —Glen

Coffee alchemy

Tribe Coffeehouse in Arroyo Grande serves seasonal lattes, floral drinks, and a creative coffee menu

BY CHLOË HODGE

Espresso, strawberry rose, coconut, mint and guava with steamed milk, topped with strawberry dust— sounds like a potion brewing in a witch’s kitchen. But in reality, it’s a cup of coffee in Arroyo Grande.

At Tribe Coffeehouse, magic is on the menu.

Here, espresso mingles with rose petals and lavender. Matcha arrives infused with seasonal fruits and florals. Tarot cards inspire drink specials. Zodiac seasons are marked not by horoscopes alone, but by limited-edition lattes and teas that disappear with the stars. The shelves are stocked with oracle decks, books on herbalism, and tiny treasures sourced from women-owned makers across the country.

Walk through the front door and you’ll quickly realize Tribe isn’t trying to be the trendiest coffee shop on the Central Coast. It’s trying to be something rarer: a place with a soul.

“I wanted something unique to this area that didn’t exist here before,” owner Amy Lemus told New Times.

The café opened in 2019, born from Lemus’ love of coffee and her desire to create a gathering space that felt warm, inviting, and deeply personal.

Raised in Nipomo, Lemus is the oldest of four sisters and a self-described creative at heart. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a studio art degree and spent more than 11 years working for Anthropologie as a visual manager and artist. She also worked in restaurants for decades and spent several years designing wedding flowers.

In many ways, Tribe feels like all of those experiences folded into one colorful, caffeine-fueled package.

“I love curating and merchandising products too,” Lemus said. “I really take the time to hand-select special items to sell here. And I just choose things that I like and that I want to buy.”

That same artistic instinct shapes the drink menu, where flavors are layered together less like recipes and more like color palettes.

This summer’s collection draws inspiration from the ocean.

In the Moonshell, Earl Grey tea is infused with brown sugar, mango, and lavender. The Junonia combines mocha, toasted marshmallow, and coconut before arriving topped with a chocolate-dipped marshmallow coated in graham cracker crumbs. The Ammonite swirls together espresso,

desert pear, coconut, lavender, and steamed milk into a drink that somehow manages to taste both beachy and botanical.

Each season brings a completely new theme.

One year it might be flowers.

Another might be tarot cards. This summer, it’s seashells. The goal isn’t simply to create another seasonal latte—it’s to build an entire world around a collection of flavors.

“We kind of go with a theme for each season,” Lemus said. “Our customers really like it. They have fun with it.” Lemus develops the menus alongside manager Meggan Clark, whom she calls her “right-hand woman.”

Together, the pair dream up combinations that often sound slightly unhinged on paper but somehow work beautifully in a cup.

“We have a lot of fun just kind of coming up with different combinations, you know, trying different things out and just kind of seeing what works,” she said.

“Sometimes we’ll kind of reinvent the wheel or sometimes we might bring something that [was] really successful

the year past and kind of bring that back or alter it and fine tune it.”

That willingness to experiment has earned Tribe a devoted following.

The Honey Rose Latte remains one of the café’s best sellers, combining floral sweetness with rich espresso.

The Pistachio Rose Latte has become something of a local legend. The Lavender Honey Latte offers a softer, more herbal profile.

And then there are the zodiac drinks. Every astrological season gets its own beverage and tea, available for roughly 30 days before vanishing until next year. Customers can even purchase matching zodiac stickers designed in-house by Clark.

The current Cancer latte features blackberry, frosted mint, coconut, espresso, and milk. Its companion tea combines silver needle white tea, green tea, ginger, and turkey tail mushroom. Despite the whimsy, the café takes coffee seriously.

Lemus partnered with Shawn Clark of Cacti Coffee Roasters from the beginning, sourcing high-quality

beans and focusing on consistency behind the bar.

“It’s all about the details for us,” Lemus said. “Each shot is weighed and timed to ensure consistency with every drink.”

The nitro cold brew is brewed and kegged in-house before being infused with nitrogen and poured from the tap. The result is silky, creamy, and powerful enough to convert even the most devoted energy drink enthusiast.

Tea drinkers fare equally well. Tribe’s ceremonial-grade matcha arrives in small batches from Japan and serves as the foundation for many of the café’s seasonal creations.

Then there are the pastries.

Every morning, fresh baked goods arrive from SLO Baked bakery in San Luis Obispo. Depending on the season, customers might find strawberry crunch muffins, ube scones, almond croissants, morning buns, brownies, or savory croissants stuffed with spinach and feta.

Of course, the food and drinks are only part of the story.

The café itself feels like stepping into a particularly charming aunt’s living room if that aunt happened to collect tarot decks, read astrology charts, and make excellent coffee.

Turquoise floors brighten the space. Plants spill from corners. Books about herbal remedies, manifestation, and intentional living fill shelves. Weekly tarot readings draw curious visitors, while monthly makers markets bring local artisans, jewelers, and creators to the front patio.

Lemus describes herself as spiritual rather than religious, and that influence gently weaves through the shop without overwhelming it.

“I just wanted a place that created serenity and calmness and connection to other people,” she said.

The result is a coffeehouse where college students work alongside retirees, where first dates unfold over lavender lattes, and where regulars greet one another like old friends.

“It’s kind of a melting pot of everyone,” Lemus said. “That’s what I wanted to create.”

The name Tribe reflects that vision.

For Lemus, coffee has always been about more than caffeine. It’s about ritual. It’s about community. It’s about carving out a small moment of joy in an increasingly chaotic world. m

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