Jury finds a Georgia man guilty of a Santa Maria resident’s murder 37 years later [7]
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
In 1988, Santa Maria resident Ofelia Sandoval was strangled and left on the floor, discovered under a blanket by her housemate. In 2024, a former San Maria Police Department investigator headed to Georgia with Sandoval’s photo and evidence that could finally put the 36-year-old cold case to bed. Earlier this year, Santa Barbara County prosecuted the man she interrogated on that trip, and a jury convicted him of Sandoval’s murder. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about her case this week and the DNA evidence that finally brought about justice [7].
Also, find stories about the Solvang mayor’s new app [4]; crafty activism in Lompoc [18]; and the burgers that dreams are made of [22] Camillia Lanham
•On March 9, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced that he secured new federal funding for two infrastructure projects in San Luis Obispo County. These two projects are related to improving the Shell Beach Road shared use path and Morro Bay’s city stormwater system, respectively. In order to extend the local shared use path, the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) was awarded $2 million. The extension will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, enhance local and regional mobility, and increase access to retail and commercial services, coastal access points, and trailheads along the corridor, according to Pete Rodgers executive director of SLOCOG. “We’re thrilled this multimodal pathway will provide a key regional connection through one of the most congested areas in SLO County,” Rodgers said in a March 9 statement. To repair and upsize Morro Bay’s storm drains and enhance resilience against floods by rerouting lines and constructing new drains, the city was awarded $250,000. During storms in early 2023, the city experienced heavy flooding partly because Morro Bay’s storm drain system failed to convey water out of the flood zone and other areas. “This funding is vital for maintaining and improving our storm drainage system, which is essential to protecting our community from flooding and ensuring the safety of our residents,” Morro Bay Mayor Carla Wixom said in a statement. Carbajal described both projects as representing “a step forward in ensuring San Luis Obispo County’s infrastructure is upgraded to meet the needs of the community.”
• In response to former U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent appointment to Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas–Western Hemisphere , U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) issued a statement on March 5. Padilla described the shift as a firing from President Donald Trump, who appointed U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) to replace Noem in the role of DHS secretary. “It’s about time. Kristi Noem’s tenure was a complete failure, and she never should have been confirmed in the first place. But make no mistake: A new secretary doesn’t change the need for serious reforms at DHS and doesn’t undo the cruelty and terror the agency has unleashed on our communities at the direction of Donald Trump,” Padilla said in his statement. “We still need a full overhaul of ICE and CBP to ensure these agencies enforce our immigration laws in a way that reflects our values, doesn’t tear families apart, respects civil rights, and upholds the Constitution.”
•U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) condemned the Trump administration for “prioritizing an illegal war with Iran” over solving affordability issues that are plaguing the U.S., Schiff said during a recent interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins During the March 5 program, Schiff criticized Republicans for hesitating to name the current involvement in Iran as a war. “There is no doubt about this being war, and I think Republicans both don’t want to own it themselves, because they know this could go very badly, but at the same time, they’re not willing, at least at this point, to stand up to the president,” Schiff told Collins. “We’re going to keep holding their feet to the fire, because, frankly, the president misled the country when he said he wouldn’t embark on new wars of regime change. And there are the needs of millions and millions and millions of Americans that are being ignored and resources that could be used to help them afford their life are being squandered over Iran right now.” m
Solvang Passport mobile app raises City Council conflict concerns
A new smartphone app with local ties invites those who download it to make Solvang their own personal “playground.”
Created by Mayor David Brown, Solvang Passport highlights dozens of businesses across the city while promoting “stamps” (QR codes) at each location for app users to seek out and scan. The more stamps users collect through the app, the more points they rack up toward getting special rewards, including discounts or deals at some participating businesses.
To be featured on the app, a business must pay a monthly $250 fee, something that raised a red flag for Solvang City Councilmember Elizabeth Orona.
“I just want to take a moment and say why this is of concern to me in particular,” said Orona, who brought up Brown’s new app during council comments at the March 9 meeting.
“The app actually creates incentives to visit these select businesses but leaves other businesses out. And for that promotion, the mayor is asking for those businesses to pay him $250 a month—for that treatment over others,” Orona said. “That necessarily creates an area of confusion, potential confusion, for our businesses. Can our businesses be sure that the mayor is acting on the public’s behalf … ”
Solvang City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan interjected: “Councilmember Orona,” just before Orona finished her thought.
“ ... or those who are participating in his model,” Orona said.
“I think this is getting outside the scope of what is allowed, or envisioned by council comments,”
O’Sullivan told Orona. “So, if you could please give any direction to staff for what we could bring back to a future agenda to discuss this item.”
Orona then asked her peers if they would support directing staff to send Brown a cease and desist order, “to avoid a number of gray areas of potential conflict.”
“In his role as making key decisions, it will be disruptive for us,” Orona said, “as a … functioning council to have him constantly recuse himself from key decisions.”
O’Sullivan told Orona that asking the council to vote on her request was not possible that
evening but that staff could bring back an agendized item on the topic.
“Staff does not police the private business entities of council members in that way, but we can look into it if directed by the majority of the council,” O’Sullivan said.
Councilmember Louise Smith then motioned for staff to take that route. It passed 3-1 with Councilmember Claudia Orona dissenting, while Mayor Brown recused himself from voting.
“Because it’s been brought up, in reference to the business, … it’s a game. It’s a tourist game,” Brown said of his app. “Anybody’s welcome to download it and see what they think of it, but I’ve been transparent as best as I can.
“Also, I’ve received counsel, communications, and direction as to subscriptions and pricing and the like,” Brown added, “and I can say that there’s been no conflict of interest.”
—Caleb Wiseblood
Lompoc to petition state for exemption from solar mandate
Lompoc wants the California Energy Commission to exempt the city from the state’s renewable energy mandates for new homes.
The Energy Commission’s 2025 code for new construction requires photovoltaic solar and battery storage systems on homes to reduce wasteful and expensive energy use. However, under the state’s economic model, Lompoc residents wouldn’t be saving as much money as predicted because the city’s utility is publicly owned.
To fix the discrepancy, Lompoc City Council members voted at the March 3 meeting to ask the state for a waiver that would give developers the option to pay a fee into the public utility fund instead of building solar and battery storage on every new home.
“It provides a more affordable compliance path and allows the city to still invest the funds in local energy projects that can benefit all ratepayers,” Michael Loew, Lompoc’s chief building official, told the council.
Unlike most cities, Lompoc’s energy is a publicly owned utility with lower rates.
The state calculated that new solar homeowners would save $0.20 per kWh, but in Lompoc that figure is only $0.07 per kWh.
“This 65 percent reduction in the homeowner benefit means that the state’s cost effectiveness conclusions do not hold true for our city,” Loew said.
It costs an estimated $25,000 to install solar panels and battery systems, according to Loew, which is usually financed through a homeowner’s 30-year mortgage. Over that period—with a “conservative” interest rate of 5 percent for the sake of calculation—the resident would pay more than $48,000 over the mortgage term.
“My analysis projects the total lifetime energy benefit or savings for that homeowner to be less than $9,000, so the problem with the state’s policy is that the homeowners would not recoup the capital investment,” Loew said. “It increases the upfront costs of new construction.”
With the more than 2,000 new homes being built in the next five years, as outlined in the city’s general plan, there could be a total of $78.7 million lost by Lompoc homeowners over the course of three decades, Loew explained.
“We have no benefit in our cost structure. We don’t have a way of subsidizing anybody that goes on solar,” Councilmember Victor Vega said at the meeting. “So basically, it’s not a good investment for someone to do that here.”
In addition, if all new homes generated their own solar power, Lompoc would sell less electricity and lose revenue. Loew estimated that the Utility Department would see an annual deficit of $610,000 as a result of the 2,000 planned new solar-powered homes. The loss could cause the city to cut services or increase electricity rates, he added.
City Council members are expected to formally adopt a resolution to file the petition in April.
—Madison White
Santa Maria City Council seeks applicants after Carlos Escobedo resigns
With two years left on his Santa Maria City Council term, Carlos Escobedo resigned from his role as the 1st District’s representative in early March.
Eleven minutes into the council’s March 3 meeting, Escobedo announced his decision from the dais during the public comment period.
“Due to my upcoming move outside District 1, I will no longer meet the residency requirement necessary to continue serving this role,” Escobedo said. “While this decision comes with mixed emotions, I believe that stepping down is the appropriate and responsible course of action.
“Serving the residents of District 1 and the broader Santa Maria community has been a tremendous honor,” he continued. “I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff and the community partners in service to our city.”
Some attendees of the meeting applauded after Escobedo’s remarks, including all four of his peers on the dais. Mayor Alice Patino and Councilmember Gloria Flores also gave Escobedo standing ovations before he exited council chambers, while Councilmembers Maribel Aguilera and Gloria Soto stayed seated.
“So, that’s effective now?” Soto asked staff after Escobedo walked away. “Do we talk about what happens next? … Staff didn’t have prior notice of this?”
“No,” City Attorney Thomas Watson responded. “I’m equally surprised, … I will be providing the council with a memorandum as to next steps, but as of right now, that seat is vacant.”
Soto then glanced over to Patino, who said she also didn’t know about Escobedo’s resignation prior to his announcement.
ROAM IF YOU WANT TO: During the Solvang City Council’s March 9 meeting, officials directed staff to investigate potential conflict of interest concerns related to Mayor David Brown’s new independent business venture, Solvang Passport—a scavenger hunt-style mobile app that highlights select businesses and venues across the city.
During the council’s previous meeting on Feb. 26, one of the last topics
Escobedo weighed in on was about considering the formation of an immigration ad hoc committee—as part of a discussion that the council tabled in October 2025.
“I think it’s going to be an interesting conversation,” he said.
Escobedo also said he was looking forward to finally getting “things done, … not just about this item, but all sorts of items. … We’ve been putting aside so many decisions.”
About an hour after Escobedo resigned on March 3, a motion to establish the ad hoc failed with a 2-2 vote (Patino and Flores dissented).
“After five months, are you kidding me?” someone said from the audience.
Similar comments bled into the next item, prompting Patino to call some attendees “out of order” and announced that there would be a five-minute recess.
MID-TERM VACANCY: Santa Maria plans to wait until the general November 2026 election to elect a new 1st District City Councilmember, following Carlos Escobedo’s recent resignation. In the interim, the deadline to be considered for a temporary appointment to the role is March 26.
On March 6, the city announced an online application process for residents of the 1st District to complete if they would like to be considered to temporarily fill the vacant seat. The deadline to apply is March 26 by 5 p.m.
After applications are collected, the council will have the option to appoint someone to represent the 1st District until the November 2026 election. At that time, the elected council member will serve the remainder of Escobedo’s term, through 2028, according to the city. m
—Caleb Wiseblood
FETCH BETTER BEHAVIOR
Send any news or story tips to news@santamariasun.com.
Closer to closure
Decades after Ofelia Sandoval’s murder, revisiting DNA evidence helped lead to a guilty verdict
BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
On a trip from California to Georgia in 2024, Julia Tatarian brought a photo of a woman she knew a lot about but had never met.
It was a portrait of Ofelia Sandoval, who was found dead at age 30 in her Santa Maria residence on Sept. 18, 1988. Authorities ruled her death a homicide by strangulation.
When Tatarian—a former investigator with the Santa Maria Police Department—arrived in Hall County, Georgia, and showed the photo to the man who would later be tried and found guilty for Sandoval’s murder, he denied knowing her.
“Do you remember talking to detectives back in ’88?” Tatarian asked Aloysius James shortly after his arrest, according to court documents.
“Vaguely,” said James, formerly a Santa Maria resident. “I think they asked me if I know her. … I didn’t know her.”
“But, … your DNA [was] inside of her body,” Tatarian told James. “Your DNA matched to the DNA [at] the scene of the crime.”
Tatarian was among several investigators from various regional and federal law enforcement agencies who were assigned to examine Sandoval’s case at different points between 1988 and 2024.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted James for first degree murder and rape in early 2026. In late February, the jury delivered a guilty verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for April 14.
“You can’t undo what happened, but you can provide some sense of justice,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Ann Bramsen told the Sun. “As technology advances, we’re seeing more success in obtaining DNA from old samples.”
Starting in the early 2000s, the Department of Justice (DOJ) used items collected during Sandoval’s autopsy in 1988, including some of her clothes, to develop a DNA profile of an unknown male.
According to court documents, criminalists from the DOJ compared the unknown profile to DNA reference profiles from individuals with ties to Sandoval’s case, including James.
Santa Maria detectives first questioned James about Sandoval on Oct. 31, 1988, about a month after her death. Court documents identified him as a friend of one of Sandoval’s neighbors.
“In 2018, the FBI assisted us in obtaining a surreptitious sample from Mr. James,” prosecutor Bramsen told the Sun. “It’s a fairly common practice for the FBI to assist in obtaining covert DNA samples.”
Court documents state that at one point during the FBI’s stakeout operation in Georgia, Special Agent Thomas Smith watched James “take off a pair of blue nitrile gloves and throw them in the trash” on Feb. 23, 2018. Smith immediately collected the gloves, which the FBI sent to the Santa Maria Police Department.
In 2019, the DOJ assigned Lauren Guerrero— senior criminalist for the federal agency’s DNA analysis unit—to develop a DNA profile from James’ nitrile gloves. She then compared it to previously developed DNA profiles from samples collected at Sandoval’s residence the night she was found dead.
“The profiles were a sperm fraction profile from a T-shirt and a sperm fraction profile from a white towel,” court documents stated. Guerrero concluded that both profiles were consistent with the one she developed from the gloves.
With access to Sandoval’s sexual assault response team kit, Guerrero performed an additional DNA analysis in 2023. She took a vaginal swab from the kit, sampled it, made a slide, and “concluded there were possible sperm present.”
The criminalist then developed a sperm fraction profile, which revealed a DNA mixture of two people other than Sandoval.
“There is a very strong support that the person who left their DNA on the nitrile gloves is a contributor to the mixture,” reported Guerrero, who described the probability that James was a contributor as 78 sextillion times more likely than not.
Guerrero’s analysis also showed “moderate support” that Jose Alberto Ceballos—one of Sandoval’s housemates at the time—was a contributor. Ceballos was the person who called 911 after discovering Sandoval’s body, according to court documents.
That night, Santa Maria Police Department officials questioned Ceballos about his relationship with Sandoval. He told them that he and Sandoval occasionally had sex, including in the early morning of Sept. 18, 1988, around 3 a.m.
When Ceballos got out of bed around 6:30 a.m.
to leave for work, he said that Sandoval rolled over and pulled the blanket over her head, according to court documents. He told authorities that when he returned home that evening around 7 p.m., he could see Sandoval on the floor, who he thought was asleep, lying under the same blanket.
He sat down near her and watched TV for about 15 minutes. After extending his hand to tickle Sandoval’s leg, Ceballos knew something was wrong. He pulled back the blanket and realized she was dead. Ceballos then called 911.
According to court documents filed during James’ trial in early 2026, authorities in the U.S. and Mexico were not able to locate Ceballos to testify.
Court documents also state that in January 2024, defendant James voluntarily gave law enforcement a direct sample of his DNA, which the DOJ analyzed and matched with their original reference sample from the covertly retrieved nitrile gloves.
During James’ trial, prosecution cited past indications of alleged violent behavior by summarizing police reports and child welfare reports related to an ex-girlfriend of his, Antoinette Johnson. They lived together between 1991 and 1997 in Chino.
According to Johnson and her daughter, Lakeisha Smith, James physically and sexually abused both individuals on several occasions.
On one occasion, Johnson reported to the Chino Police Department that James choked her until she lost consciousness, and that she woke up the following morning with a swollen neck.
Several people from the Santa Maria Police Department were on the trial’s witness list—some active and some retired. Some have since moved on to other roles, like former Santa Maria detective Tatarian, who currently works as an investigator with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.
In a statement to the Sun, Santa Maria Police Department Chief Christopher Williams commended the efforts of those “who spent countless hours investigating this horrific crime.”
“There were a lot of moving parts in this case and I’m thankful that we were able to bring justice for Ofelia Sandoval and her family,” Williams said over email.
Sandoval’s daughter was among her family members who were “intricately involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case for years,” prosecutor Bramsen told the Sun
“Her family has been amazingly resilient throughout the process,” Bramsen said, “and they will be speaking at his sentencing.” m
Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
SENTENCING APPROACHES: The man found guilty for the murder of Ofelia Sandoval (1958-1988) is facing a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 14 in Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria.
Bowling for minds
BY FIONA HASTINGS
Over the last four decades, bowling has helped sustain an important mental health resource on the Central Coast.
Since the 1970s, Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) has held an annual bowl-athon. The nonprofit serves San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties with the aim of reducing stigma around mental health and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness.
“I think the idea was that it was unique,” TMHA Executive Director Jill Bolster-White said of the Strike Out Stigma! Bowl-A-Thon’s beginning. “It’s always fun to do something that’s different from others—it’s not a gala or a golf tournament.”
According to Bolster-White, a bowling team of five has to raise $600 through social media to participate. Every year, TMHA gets bowling groups from different law enforcement offices and civic organizations across SLO and Santa Barbara counties. Local businesses can also sponsor teams.
“It is a great way of just having fun, doing something maybe you don’t do that often,” she said.
The bowl-a-thon is now the primary fundraiser for the Central Coast Hotline, a free 24/7 confidential mental health guidance, crisis, and suicide prevention hotline. The fundraiser fills funding gaps for the hotline, according to Bolster-White. Other funding comes from grants, the San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department,
and from assisting the Lumina Alliance with their calls.
“It really is a very critical resource,” she said, noting that they work to “give people a chance to stop and think about what’s happening in their lives and what other options they have.”
The hotline was its own nonprofit agency until 2010, when TMHA became the new operator, according to Bolster-White and Community Engagement Director Michael Kaplan. They both believe it’s an important resource to be accessed locally beyond national resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—and testimonials TMHA’s received about the hotline illustrate its value.
“If this wasn’t available, I might not be here,” one testimonial said.
According to Kaplan, Must! Charities in Templeton recently gave TMHA about half a million dollars in funding to add a texting feature to the hotline, something he and Bolster-White saw as a breakthrough for the service.
“We didn’t feel like we were really a resource that younger people were relying on for the simple reason that a lot of them didn’t want to make a phone call,” he said. “Every month, we’re getting hundreds of text conversations along with our normal phone conversations.”
The bowl-a-thon is happening March 27 to 29 and April 3 to 4 at three venues: Pismo Bowl in Pismo Beach, Rancho Bowl in Santa Maria, and Mustang Lanes on Cal Poly’s campus. Visit t-mha/events. php for the 2026 Strike Out Stigma! Bowl-AThon schedule and registration.
The Central Coast Hotline’s number is (800) 783-0607.
Highlights
• The Santa Maria-Bonita School District recently completed a library modernization project across all of its school campuses. Funded through Title I funds, upgrades included new shelving on some campuses, mobile shelving on all campuses, and new book displays, furniture, and books. Each site received roughly 300 new book titles, ensuring that students have access to fresh, relevant, and diverse reading materials, according to the district.
• The Lompoc Solid Waste and Urban Forestry divisions are hosting an Earth Day celebration on April 18 in the city’s Corporate Yard at 1300 W. Laurel Ave. In addition to plants, prizes, and opportunities to learn more about the city’s beautification commission, Lompoc residents will be able to pick up mulch, compost,
and other materials for free from 10 a.m. to noon. Residents should bring their own containers and tools for collection, and households are limited to five containers.
• The American Ballet Theatre Studio Company will be performing at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande on March 15 for another tour season. The performance group is composed of 12 to 18 dancers ages 17 to 21 who blend classical and neoclassical masterpieces with contemporary works. Watch the passion and artistry onstage from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $49 to $79. Visit clarkcenter.org/ shows/abt-studio-company for more information and ticket purchases. m
Reach Intern Fiona Hastings, from the Sun’s sister paper, at ntintern@newtimesslo.com.
BOWLING FOR A CAUSE: Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) Executive Director Jill Bolster-White (left) and her team competed at Pismo Bowl during TMHA’s 2024 bowl-a-thon.
Should Solvang stop allowing short-term rentals in some neighborhoods?
60% Yes. Outside the village area should only be for long-term residents.
40% No. Vacationers deserve lots of options for where to stay.
0% Only if it allows current rentals to continue in perpetuity.
0% I don’t stay in vacation rentals. 5 Votes
Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.
Know before you vote
BY ROY REED
Fifth District voters face an important decision June 2 as three candidates compete to succeed the departing Steve Lavagnino on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.
First, Cory Bantilan, for the past 16 years chief of staff for Supervisor Lavagnino. Quietly competent and skilled in the operations of county government, Mr. Bantilan has set his sights on succeeding his former boss.
candidate better embodies the spirit of residents of the 5th District or would represent them better on the Board of Supervisors.
So the choice appears a simple one: 5th District voters do not need a ghost, nor do they need a puppet.
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While he launched his campaign a few months ago and has been active in his fundraising efforts, he has remained largely a stranger to voters in the district, particularly in Santa Maria. While he has purchased a home and moved into the district in a residence located on the fringes of Santa Maria’s carriage district, he has retained his longtime residence in the 3rd District, as he told me when we met a few months ago so he could ask for my support.
I told him then, as I am writing now, that he has been essentially invisible to local 5th District voters over the last 16 years despite the fact that he was serving as Supervisor Lavagnino’s chief. While I have been deeply involved in county politics for decades, including several years as president of the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association, this was our first meeting.
preserving residents’ access to social services and health care, and restricting the activities of ICE in the district.
Surprising for a history teacher is his stated aim of keeping ICE from “receiving local taxpayer support.” ICE is funded by the federal government, primarily from federal income taxes, far from the domain of the county Board of Supervisors. His goals, as reported in the Santa Maria Times, are long on blue sky but fall short on concrete actions that the Board of Supervisors can actually achieve.
One 5th District county supervisor candidate has what it takes to lead North County Northern Santa Barbara County’s News & Entertainment Weekly
Fifth District voters do not need a supervisor who is little more than a puppet to activist groups.
Most troubling of all for Mr. Valencia are the many familiar faces we see in his campaign photo—smiling faces from local activist groups like CAUSE, MICOP, and Indivisible (despite the moniker, all about dividing the community), and, front and center, the Fund for Santa Barbara, long dedicated to radicalizing North County government and subjugating it to the control of South County elites. Fifth District voters do not need a supervisor who is little more than a puppet to activist groups.
The people of the 5th District need Maribel Aguilera as their supervisor, and they need her now! Vote for Maribel Aguilera for 5th District supervisor on June 2! m
Roy Reed writes to the Sun from Orcutt. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
Sharing the dunes goes both ways
Regarding the “Learn to share” opinion piece (March 5), I agree with the thought, “You need to learn to share with those who have just as much right to the beach as you do.” In that spirit, I propose “vehicle-free beach days” be implemented for Oceano residents and others who would like to enjoy the beach too. It is rather arrogant to tell residents to go south to Guadalupe Dunes for peaceful beach enjoyment. Why drive 10 to 15 miles south, into another county, when you live a mile from the beach?
As I said before, while Mr. Bantilan could prove a competent supervisor for 5th District voters, I feel that they, and the county at large, would be better served if he were to redirect his efforts to beat or succeed lefty Supervisor Joan Hartmann in his native 3rd District.
Next, Ricardo Valencia, Santa Maria High School teacher and Santa Maria-Bonita School District board member. Mr. Valencia’s campaign messaging appears to center on social issues, supporting expanded workers’ rights and protections,
Finally, Maribel Aguilera, attorney and Santa Maria City Council member. Raised in Santa Maria from modest means. No stranger to the unforgiving conditions of field labor. Someone who took the initiative to set high goals and to achieve them through hard work. Obtaining her law degree and working tirelessly in support of vital North County businesses to bolster the economy, provide jobs, and lift up employees and families in the 5th District.
Speak up! Send us your views and opinion to letters@santamariasun.com.
Maribel has demonstrated outstanding service on the Santa Maria City Council and has acted to support and unite the community. There is no reason to doubt she would continue her fine record of service as 5th District supervisor. No
State Parks management has the ability to implement vehicle-free beach days now. Perhaps start with two days per month, one weekday and one weekend day. Seasonal events could be coordinated such as Chumash Heritage Day; Birding Day; Fly a Kite Day; Dunite History Day; etc. This would also give State Parks and the county data and insight into how many non-OHV visitors would come here.
Having personally walked the beach south of Pier Avenue while dodging vehicles, being honked at and yelled at, I can understand visitor reluctance to come here. It is well known that OHV use tends to drive out all other uses (bicyclists, hikers, birders, hunters, etc.). There are many thousands of miles of off-road trails in California. Let the OHV enthusiasts go elsewhere on the vehicle-free beach days. Sharing goes both ways.
Rachelle Toti Arroyo Grande
We have power over fossil fuels despite the administration’s rollbacks For those of us who dream of a future where fossil fuels are something only our grandparents can remember, the administration’s recent climate rollbacks have been disappointing, to put it mildly. Overturning the EPA’s endangerment finding was only the latest blow to protecting the climate for our children. But regardless of what happens in Washington, we can make local choices that make a big difference.
For example, the city of SLO aims to be carbon-neutral by 2035. That’s daunting, but it’s achievable if we pull together. For example, we could follow the example of other cities and subsidize the purchase of solar panels, batteries, and EVs. Fortunately, Central Coast Community Energy already offers some incentives, and the SLO Climate Coalition offers free energy advising for people who want to electrify their homes. But more of us need to take advantage of these opportunities. Our cities could also host regular events where residents can borrow an electric vehicle for 24 hours. I bought my first EV after a friend loaned me his for a day.
RFK Jr. recommends we eat more beef—advice that runs counter to both medical guidance and climate science. Instead, we could shrink our beef intake and learn to cook some of the delicious plant-based dishes that come from India, the Middle East, and Ethiopia.
We have more power than we think. Let’s use it. Don
Gaede San Luis Obispo
Santa Maria Style Banking 25 Years in the Making
See how you can nominate your favorite 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for a share of $25,000. Just stop by or go to our website for details. Then every month, March through December, we will draw one name per month from those nominated and each will receive $2,500. Please join us
Surprise, surprise Opinion
The Santa Maria City Council had at least one surprise during its March 3 meeting— and no, it’s not that the council isn’t forming an ad hoc immigration committee. One of the council members resigned 11 minutes into the meeting.
Why? Well, Carlos Escobedo said he’s moving out of his district and didn’t feel right sticking around. So, he quit, dumbfounding his aboutto-be-former colleagues on the dais and the city attorney before walking out of the room.
This is the same Escobedo who was so cryptic in the last meeting when he spoke about the potential ad hoc committee. Is this one of the things he was talking about finally making a decision on? Is this what he meant when he said people weren’t going to like what he had to say?
Was his upcoming move such a surprise he couldn’t warn anyone? Like he found out before he walked into the meeting that day and the moving truck was waiting outside … or did something else happen?
Inquiring minds want to know. Like mine. I have so many questions.
And because he left, the ad hoc committee on immigration was a non-starter, thanks to a split 2-2 vote with Mayor Alice Patino and Councilmember Gloria Flores dissenting.
“After five months, are you kidding me?” someone from the peanut gallery said. No jokes here. Patino and Flores also gave Escobedo a standing ovation as he walked out the door, which did not hit him on the behind. You know who’s not getting a standing ovation? Solvang Mayor David Brown. His nifty new mobile phone app, Solvang Passport, is causing consternation on his dais.
Solvang Councilmember Elizabeth Orona brought up the app during the March 9 meeting to say that it could cause the mayor to have conflict of interest concerns due to the way Solvang Passport makes revenue. Participating businesses pay $250 a month to be included on the app’s scavenger-style hunt for stamps at the respective businesses.
“Can our businesses be sure that the mayor is acting on the public’s behalf … ,” she said before the city attorney interrupted her, “ … or those who are participating in his model.”
City Attorney Chelsea O’Sullivan warned Orona about speaking too much about the unagendized item. Orona wanted to have the city go so far as to send Brown a “decease and refrain” order, “to avoid a number of gray areas of potential conflict.”
O’Sullivan said that was a no-go. So Orona then asked her fellow council members if they would join her in directing staff to agendize an item on the topic—and the majority did (with Brown recusing himself, of course). That whole recusal thing is what Orona said she’s most concerned about.
“In his role as making key decisions, it will be disruptive for us as a … functioning council to have him constantly recuse himself from key decisions,” she said.
Think about it: Any four-person governing body needs a fifth to help make controversial decisions. That ad hoc committee vote is the perfect example: without a tiebreaker, it was 2-2.
But if you get 10 stamps at the Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor you get a free single scoop of ice cream. m
Janet Silveria President & CEO
Document Shredding Open to the Public
Hot Stuff
SPICY SIPS
Sample more than 35 chili and salsa varieties, along with drinks from countless wineries, craft breweries, and spirit companies during the Buellton Wine & Chili Festival at the Flying Flags RV Resort on Sunday, March 15, from noon to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy live music and merchant vendors. Tickets range from $28.17 to $71.59. Visit buelltonwineandchilifestival.com for additional details.
—Angie Stevens
ARTS
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria. CREATIVITY HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE: LOCAL AUTHOR DEBORAH BRASKET ON PUBLISHING LATE IN LIFE Local author
Deborah Brasket and SBCAN Co-Executive Director Jeanne Sparks discuss how Brasket came to publish her debut novel, When Things Go Missing March 22 , 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 739-1836. sbcan.org/ creativity. Shepard Hall Art Gallery (Santa Maria Public Library), 421 South McClelland St., 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/. THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER
Christopher Robin has decided to run away with his friends. Probably they’ll go to the North or South Pole. For there is a dark, mysterious threat that he’s to be sent away to Education. Nobody knows exactly what or where that is, and if he’s sent to such a distant place, what can his friends possibly do without him? So it’s generally agreed that they’ll run away. As the situation becomes clearer, Christopher
Robin isn’t quite so sure that running away is the answer. March 13, 7 p.m., March 14, 7 p.m., March 15 1:30 p.m., March 20, 7 p.m., March 21, 7 p.m. and March 22 , 1:30 p.m. $17.91-$23.27. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
PCPA PRESENTS MEASURE FOR MEASURE The PCPA presents Shakespeare’s most provocative and morally complex play, Measure for Measure Get show times and tickets at the link. Through March 15 $25-$41. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria, (805) 922-8313.
SATURDAY CRAFTERNOON: DIY TOTE BAG Get creative with a DIY tote bag! This workshop is free, and all materials are provided. Registration is required, for patrons 18 and older. March 21, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.
SIP & PAINT: CENTRAL COAST POPPIES
Join for an evening of wine, creativity, and Central Coast Inspiration! Enjoy El Vinero wine by the glass or bottle. March 22 5-7 p.m. $38. (805) 354-0260. elvinero.com. El Viñero, 130 N. Broadway Suite A, Orcutt.
VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery display their works at the airport. See 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 WORKSHOP: ORIGAMI GARLANDS
Learn how to make a colorful garland of origami cranes or butterflies with a variety of decorative accents. March 22 , 2-4 p.m. $30. calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.
BETWEEN EARTH & SKY EXHIBIT
Featuring 20 dazzling photos of bright and beautiful birds amidst the backdrop of California wildflowers, Between Earth & Sky showcases some of local photographer Deborah Kalas’ most spirited work. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays. through April 20 calnatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE STUDIO COMPANY
Composed of 12-18 extraordinary young dancers, aged 17 to 21, this elite group represents the next generation of top ballet talent. March 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $49-$75, Platinum $79; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA
Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES
Actor’s Edge offers film and television acting training in San Luis Obispo, plus exposure to Los Angeles talent agents. All ages and skill levels welcome. Classes available in SLO, LA, and on zoom. ongoing $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free.
(805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY BAND FESTIVAL FINALE
CONCERT: MUSICAL JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD Cal Poly’s Wind Bands will present works drawn from American, Cuban and Spanish traditions– a new setting of “Shenendoah”, John Mackey’s “Foundry,” and much more! March 13 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/winds/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
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.
COMEDY NIGHT WITH JEFF APPLEBAUM (WITH DINNER + CHILDCARE!)
Comedian Jeff Applebaum will bring his sharp humor to SLO! Enjoy pasta dinner before the show. Adults only, an onsite childcare available! March 14 6-8:30 p.m. $40. bethdavidslo.org. Congregation Beth David, 10180 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-0760.
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.
FREE DOCENT TOURS Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s new docent tours. Every Saturday, join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions. Saturdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/visit/tours/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
INTRODUCTION TO MONOPRINTING WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Learn monoprinting with Gelli plates using acrylic paint, botanicals, stencils, and found objects to create unique textured prints for collage, journaling, cards, or framed art. March 21 2-4:30 p.m. $95. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART
Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy (Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.
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, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2-7:30 p.m. $30$75. app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule. php?owner=22676824&appointmentTy pe=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.
PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com). Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.
SAMANTHA NYE: WEB OF LOVE See Guggenheim Fellow Samantha Nye’s immersive video installation starring Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens filmed on location in SLO. Mondays, Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through March 13 Free. cuesta.edu/ community/cuesta-arts/artgallery/20252026-Exhibitions/WebofLove.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-3202. SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.
SLOCAL COMEDY RETURNS TO OAK & OTTER BREWING Enjoy an evening of laughs with Headliner Phil Johnson (Sirius FM, Bob and Tom Show), Bay Area favorite Iris Benson, and Unpaquito (Comedy Store). March 14 8-10 p.m. $20. (805) 878-2038. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo. UBU’S OTHER SHOE STAGED READING: WIFE OF A SALESMAN A devoted housewife – from a certain classic American drama – tracks down the woman who is sleeping with her husband and discover unexpected commonalities. March 13 7-9 p.m. and March 14 , 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. $18-$23. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/staged-reading-wifeof-a-salesman/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.
VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San
Luis Obispo.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUELLTON WINE AND CHILI FESTIVAL
WHAT MOVES US: PINA BAUSCH AND EMBODIED
COGNITION Experience PINA (2011), a tribute to Pina Bausch, with a psychology talk on movement and memory, plus a collaborative choreography exercise—no dance experience required. March 14 7-9 p.m. $22. (805) 541-5161. slofilmcenter.eventive. org. Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St, San Luis Obispo.
WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
COSTA GALLERY SHOWCASES Features works by Ellen Jewett as well as 20 other local artists, and artists from southern and northern California. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. (559) 799-9632. costagallery.com. Costa Gallery, 2087 10th St., Los Osos.
FOREVER STOKED PAINT PARTY Join us at the gallery, for a few hours to travel on a creative paint journey. You will receive as much or as little instruction as you prefer. No artistic experience is necessary. Saturdays, 7-9 p.m. $45. (805) 772-9095. foreverstoked.com. Forever Stoked, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE MARCH 2026
FEATURED ARTISTS See the seven new featured artists on display until the end of March. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com/. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS
“PACIFIC LIGHT” AN OIL PAINTING GROUP SHOW
“Pacific Light” features fine art oil paintings by Joan Brown, Carol Astaire, and Patricia Newton in Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 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 CARY LARSON-MCKAY, EXHIBITING MIXED MEDIA
SMALL WORKS See mixed media small works by Cary Larson-McKay, watercolor, collage, and more in the Craft Atelier Space in Gallery at Marina Square.
Through March 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 TERESA FERGUSON, FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
Central Coast photographer Teresa Ferguson exhibits majestic landscapes of the central coast in the Upper Gallery at Gallery at Marina Square. Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS: GRANT KREINBERG & LORA SALVADOR, PHOTOGRAPHY Discover a fine art photography exhibition by Grant Kreinberg & Lora Salvador in the Upper Gallery in Gallery at Marina Square.
Through March 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 7721068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.
INTERMEDIATE FORGING: SPOONS AND UTENSILS An intermediate forging class focused on spoons, spreaders, and functional utensils. Emphasis is placed on form, proportion, and finish, with room for experimentation and personal expression. March 14 1-5 p.m. and March 15 1-5 p.m. $320. (805) 237-8632. randystromsoe.com. Randy Stromsoe Metalsmith, Highway 46 West, SLO County.
THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS
FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 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. (805) 343-2455. dunescenter. org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
SANTA BARBARA HUMANE’S WILD WEST FEST
Join us at the third-annual Wild West Fest, a lively Santa Maria fundraiser supporting animals through dinner, auctions, community connection, and support for SB Humane. March 14 , 5-9 p.m. $85. (805) 570-7733. sbhumane.org/wildwest. Santa Maria Elks Lodge, 1309 N. Bradley Road, Santa Maria.
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) 5700620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.
SANTA MARIA WOMEN’S NETWORK MIXER TO SUPPORT SANTA BARBARA HUMANE Join Santa Maria Women’s Network Mixer, supporting Santa Barbara Humane! Bring new pet toys, pet food, treats, kitty litter. Connect, give back, and make a difference. March 12 , 4:30-7 p.m. (805) 478-3057. smwn.net. Guadalupe Social Club, 945 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.
WINE COUNTRY COLORS
Art Spot on Wheels is hosting a Painting in the Vineyard class at Brick Barn Wine Estate in Buellton on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gather under the estate’s oak trees, sip thoughtfully made wines, and paint the sprawling scenes of Santa Barbara County wine country. Tickets are $89. Head to artspotonwheels.com for more information. —A.S.
ST PATRICK’S DAY CAR SHOW Only entrants, vendors and sponsors need to register. Everyone else can come on down and enjoy! Get vehicle and vendor registration pricing at the link. March 14 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. St. Louis de Montfort Church, 1190 East Clark Avenue, Santa Maria.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
BUELLTON WINE & CHILI FEST Sample from over 35 wineries, craft breweries, seltzers, cider and spirit companies! Sample over 35 chili and salsa competitors and vote for your favorite! Enjoy live entertainment by Maclovia, Salty Strings Band and DJ FIU, along with plenty of merchant vendors.
March 15 12-4:30 p.m. $28.17-$71.59. Flying Flags RV Resort, 180 Ave. Of The Flags, Buellton, (805) 688-3716.
LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
TOWN HALL AND MEET AND GREET WITH GOVERNOR CANDIDATE CHAD BIANCO Join Sheriff Chad Bianco, candidate for California Governor, for a meet and greet and town hall to discuss his plans for the future of California. March 15, 1-4 p.m. Free. biancoforgovernor.com/events. Lompoc Elks, 905 E. Ocean Ave., Lompoc.
SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY
ADULT SOFTBALL Let’s play ball! The City of Arroyo Grande’s Adult Softball League is a fun and competitive program offering leagues for Coed Teams and Men’s Teams. Sundays, 3-9 p.m. $671. (805) 473-5474. arroyogrande.org/709/Adult-Sports. Soto Sports Field, Ash Street, Arroyo Grande.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
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.
GRAND DUNES TRAIL GUIDED HIKE Guided walk on Grand Dunes Trail (soft sand) through dune habitat and shoreline. Meet at the plaza area at 25 W. Grand Avenue in Grover Beach. RSVP at the number provided. March 13 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/. Pismo State Beach, W. Grand Avenue, Grover Beach. MORE EVERYDAY IMPROV: SKILLS FOR LIFE Interactive applied improvisation classes build empathy, emotional intelligence, resilience, and creativity through accessible, laughter-filled exercises. No experience is required; attend individual sessions or the full series. Every other Sunday, 6-7:30 p.m. through March 29 $15 each or $75 all. theagilemind.co/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 270-5523.
MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth,
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 15
12pm to 6:30pm
2pm to 5:30pm
Monday & Tuesday
Irah Nox, Mark of the Altar, Ghostframe, Vicious
MARCH 21
Brewing, SLO
Brew, Atascadero
Pour House, Paso Robles
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) 3623739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.
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.
OCEANO’S BEAVERS Join State Park
Docent Dan to learn about Oceano’s beavers and enjoy a walk around Oceano Lagoon. Space is limited. RSVP by calling the number provided. March 14, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 474-2664. centralcoastparks.org/awn/. Oceano Dunes Visitor Center, 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
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.
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.
THE VINTAGE VASE MARKETPLACE
Enjoy this indoor vintage and handcrafted marketplace, with artisans selling handcrafted items, including pottery, art, jewelry, and vintage and collectibles. Check their Instagram @ vintagevasemarketplace for more information about upcoming events.
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, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.
AERIAL SILKS CLINIC Build memory, strength, coordination, confidence, and endurance at the Aerial Silks Clinic, for ages 7 to 17. All levels are welcome. March 14 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 5471496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
THE BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT
INAUGURAL EVENT The Beautiful Movement is a celebration of liberalism and democracy, featuring speakers,
games, live music and more! Come and let’s save this sinking ship! March 21 , 12-4 p.m. Free. Gazebo Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos ST, San Luis obispo, (805) 781-7306, slocountyband.org.
BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:306:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit website for full list of weekly Zoom groups available. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays calhopeconnect.org. Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
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, San Luis Obispo. CIRQUE KALABANTÉ Afrique en Cirque fuses Guinean culture, acrobatics, and live Afro-Jazz, with dazzling feats, human pyramids, and music on kora and percussion celebrating strength and agility. March 20 7:30 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ cirque-kalabante. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
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, 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.
LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD
SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free 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, San Luis Obispo.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION
(ONLINE) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.
MISSIOIN 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
DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo. FAMILY CLIMB (PARENT-CHILD AERIAL SILKS) Family Climb is a parent-child structured silks class for ages 5 and older! Together you’ll build strong muscles and memories. No experience is necessary. March 14 , 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. $15. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
Get inspired by local action, connect with others, and discover ways to get involved with SLO Climate Coalition. Virtually or inperson. 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.
PUBLIC TALK: BE SET FREE Enjoy this public talk by Christian Science practitioner, Nicole Virgil, CS, about how a spiritual sense of God-given liberty opens the way to overcome what binds us. March 15, 1-2 p.m. Free. (805) 543-5853. christianscienceslo.org/talks-events.
Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, 801 Grand Ave., suite 102, San Luis Obispo.
Q YOUTH GROUP (VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 1118. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
REPAIR CAFE Get free help fixing household appliances, outdoor gear and apparel, phones, laptops, game consoles, bikes, tools, clothing, and more! March 14 1-4:30 p.m. Free. repaircafe5cities.org. iFixit, 1330 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 464-0573.
SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (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, 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 Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are welcome. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, slocity.org/seniors.
SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-
TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
MEETING SLO RAMs is a group or retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. $10 coffee meeting. retiredactivemen.org. Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.
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, San Luis Obispo.
SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+ AA GROUP
(VIA ZOOM)
Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@ gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.
TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more details. Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/.
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.
LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT CLUB!
Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: 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. March 14 - Aug. 9 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.
MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS DISCUSSION
GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many
MORNING BIRDERS
Join the Estuary Program and Morro Coast Audubon Society for a birdwatching morning on Sunday, March 15, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Sweet Springs Natural Preserve in Los Osos. Visit eventbrite.com to reserve a spot.
years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.
SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main 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 FRIDAY
Head to Food Truck Friday, with wine bottle specials and local food trucks every Friday at the Wine Stone Inn. Fridays, 4-9 p.m. through April 24 Free. (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.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.
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
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine. com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.
LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
LIVE MUSIC 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. LIVE MUSIC AT THE GATEHOUSE Experience an afternoon of live music with Ruby Jane and Estate-grown wines at The Gatehouse. March 21 12-2 p.m. (805) 688-0881. tockify.com. The Gatehouse at Bein Nacido, 3503 Rancho Tepusquet Road, Santa Maria.
MUSIC AT ROSCOE’S KITCHEN Live DJ and karaoke every Friday and Saturday night. Featured acts include Soul Fyah Band, DJ Nasty, DJ Jovas, and more. Fridays, Saturdays, 9 p.m.2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.
SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463. cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.
TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m.
Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.
TAP THURSDAY Head to Tap Thursdays at the Wine Stone Inn every week, featuring $5 draft beers and $5 Cava’s. Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. through April 16 Free. (805) 332-3532.
Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.
THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.
WINE BINGO WEDNESDAYS Join Wine Bingo Wednesday at the Wine Stone Inn –– the original bingo night in Old Orcutt. The event will occur weekly with the purchase of an adult beverage. Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. through April 29 (805) 332-3532.
Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.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
PACIFIC POURS Join on our oceanfront lawn, for an open-air afternoon of wine, unlimited tacos, and live music by the ocean. March 21 12-4 p.m. $55. (805) 773-1011. event.marriott.com. Vespera Resort, 147 Stimson Ave., Pismo Beach.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BREAKFAST ON THE BAY A monthly occasion that brings together the passionate citizens and business owners of the greater Estero Bay region in one place to deepen connections and share information. Breakfast is included with ticket price. Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. $20 per member; $25 per nonmember. (805) 772-4467. morrochamber.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay.
MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. ongoing (805) 9250464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.
SUNDAY NIGHT FUN End the weekend with some good vibes. Music by DJ Van Gloryious. Sundays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
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 CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE, FEATURING EVIL WOMAN – THE AMERICAN ELO See this dynamic performance that will reimagine Jeff Lynne’s fusion of orchestral elegance and classic rock with vibrant visuals and masterful musicianship. Tickets and more info are available at the link. March 20, 7:309:30 p.m. $49-$75, Platinum $85; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE BROTHERS DOOBIE Always delivering high-energy and precise musicianship, The Brothers Doobie brings the full range of Doobie Brothers classics to life. Hear them live at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts! March 12 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45$65, Platinum $75; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: THE WORLD FAMOUS GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA The most sought-after big band in the world returns with its signature swing sound and timeless charm. March 13 , 7:30-9:30 p.m. $39-$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
CLARK CENTER PRESENTS: WOMEN OF AMERICANA - A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN MUSIC Celebrate the roots of American music with Women of Americana, a powerful and heartfelt tribute to early folk, gospel, and Western swing. March 14 7:30-9:30 p.m. $34-$54, Platinum $59; Senior Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate fingerstyle guitar playing. March 12 , 5-7 p.m. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach, (805) 595-4000.
JAZZ/BLUES/SOUL AT PUFFER’S WITH SUNNY WRIGHT, JAKE ODELL, JOE DURAN AND JAMES CONVER! Hear Sunny Wright, Jake Odell, Joe Duran, and James Conver live at Puffer’s. March 15 5-8 p.m. $5. (805) 773-6563. puffersofpismo.com/. Puffer’s of Pismo, 781 Price St a,, Pismo Beach.
KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.
KERRY IRISH PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN IRELAND Experience the true spirit of Ireland! Immerse yourself in the heart of Irish traditions with a rollicking celebration of music, song, and dance. March 15 2-4 p.m. $28-$67. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale after-hours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo.
WEST COAST PERFORMING ARTS CONCERTS PRESENTS: MOTOWN MANIA! THE GOLDEN HITS OF THE TEMPTATIONS & THE SUPERSTARS OF MOTOWN Revisit the classic songs and stars of the Motown era complete with heart-stopping harmonies, dazzling choreography, and the memorable hits you love most from Motown’s golden age! March 21 , 7:30-9 p.m. $45-$65. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CAL POLY ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE SPAIN TOUR PREVIEW
CONCERT Musicians and dancers will preview the ensemble’s upcoming tour to Spain with guest artists, a reunion with alumni members and much more! March 14 7:30 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ame. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY CHOIRS: PERSICHETTI WINTER CANTATA Cantabile will sing Vincent Persichetti’s “Winter Cantata” with John Astaire on marimba, and Suzanne Duffy on flute. PolyPhonics will sing work from its spring tour. March 14 2 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/choirs. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, 981 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY SYMPHONY WINTER CONCERT: SOLOIST SHOWCASE AND PINES OF ROME The concert will showcase winners of the symphony’s Solo Competition. Ottorino Respighi’s symphonic poem “Pines of Rome” will conclude the concert. March 15 3 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music. calpoly.edu/calendar/symph/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.
CAL POLY VOCAL STUDENT RECITAL Enjoy this free recital, presented by Cal Poly Music Department student vocalists. March 12 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/free. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
CUESTA JAZZ WITH ERNIE WATTS Join for an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, and community at the annual Central Coast Jazz Festival concert! March 13 8 p.m. $10-$20. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.
EASTON EVERETT Easton Everett is a singer-songwriter who blends folk blues and world-beat styles with intricate fingerstyle guitar playing. March 13 , 6-8 p.m. Farmhouse Corner Market, 1025 Farmhouse Ln Ste 1G San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, San Luis Obispo, (805) 465-7900.
MOONSHINER COLLECTIVE WITH SPECIAL GUEST CARBON CITY LIGHTS Hear local americana and rock favorites Moonshiner Collective, with special guests Carbon City Lights at SLO Brew Rock. March 20 6-11 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. PEACE, BEAUTY, HARP Unwind into the weekend with the peace and beauty of the harp in the peace and beauty of SLO’s historic church. Fridays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. through March 20 Free. (805) 543-7212. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1344 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.
NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY
BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.
FAULTLINE BAND LIVE Returning from their rockin’ show at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, Faultline Band brings their live classic rock show to Niffy’s Merrimaker. March 13 , 8-10 p.m. Free. (805) 439-1735. Niffy’s Merrimaker, 1301 2nd St, Los Osos.
KELLYTOWN, ST.PADDY’S DAY PARTY Hear rockin’ Irish pub songs, fiddle tunes, polkas and sea shanties. March 17, 3-5 p.m. WeAreKellytown.com. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos, (805) 534-1007.
KELLYTOWN, ST.PATRICK’S DAY PARTY! Hear rockin’ Irish pub songs, fiddle tunes, polkas, and sea shanties! March 17 6-8 p.m. WeAreKellytown.com. The Siren, 900 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 225-1312. m
Arts
ARTS BRIEFS
Indah Gallery presents a site-specific multimedia exhibit
Roy Vessil’s art will be up at the Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez through April 5. There’s an opening reception for the show, titled Galls and The Secrets of the Universe, on March 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The show is “an absurd mythos theory of the humble oak gall,” Vessil described in press materials.
Vessil’s portfolio consists of painting, drawing, and wood carving.
“Roy Vessil is an interdisciplinary artist seeking to create stories that personify, anthropomorphize, and illustrate living beings and things; traversing realms of magical realism, mythologies, and folklore derived from historical, scientific, virtual, and imaginary sources,” according to press materials.
Artist Max Gleason opened the gallery in March last year inside a barn at Roblar Winery. The Santa Ynez property is also home to his personal art studio. Vessil’s installation is the gallery’s first show of 2026 after a two-month winter hiatus.
The Indah Gallery is a space for contemporary art made by Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County creatives. It’s just a short walk from the Roblar Winery tasting room located at 2190 N. Refugio Road in Santa Ynez. Indah is open Friday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Visit indahgallery.org for more information.
Everyone’s welcome to a family dance in Santa Maria
Gather the whole family for some two-stepping and disco moves at the Japanese Community Center on March 28. The theme for this year’s dance is Under the Sea.
“Families are invited to dance, play, and connect at this ocean-themed, family-friendly rave,” according to the city. “Enjoy high-energy music, interactive fun, and dazzling lights in a safe, inclusive atmosphere.”
Dancers can play games and compete for prizes while a DJ spins the tracks. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dance runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per couple or $10 per individual. Children age 2 and younger can enter at no cost.
The dance will be held at 1851 N. Bradley Road in Santa Maria, the new Japanese Community Center, and it’s one of the first events held at the site. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be scheduled once final details like landscaping are complete, the city’s community outreach and marketing coordinator, Karen Ramos, told the Sun Tickets are available online at cityofsantamaria.org. Call the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department with questions at (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260. To request accommodations for guests with special needs, email rpinfo@cityofsantamaria.org in advance. m
Soft resistance
Indivisible Lompoc members use arts, crafts to stand up for their beliefs
BY MADISON WHITE
Artistry has been intertwined with social justice activism for hundreds of years. Quilt patterns gave signals to slaves escaping through the Underground Railroad, one Lompoc resident said. Red knit caps symbolized resistance in Norway during Nazi occupation, another told the Sun. Today, the practice is called “craftivism,” a way for people to show support without having to wave signs in the streets.
“To think about it, a flag is a symbol of craftivism,” Lompoc activist Tracy Van Wie said. “Every nation’s flag was crafted to represent something.”
On March 8, the organization Indivisible Lompoc hosted a creative workshop inspired by the Angry Knit-In held in Washington, D.C., that day.
Inside the Lompoc Valley Democratic Club office, locals at the Knot Today, Fascism event crafted as their act of resistance, making knitted hearts, beaded charms, coloring pages, and embroidered bean bag animals.
The event coincided with a nearby rally at the corner of H Street and Ocean Avenue in honor of International Women’s Day.
It’s been a little more than a year since Lompoc’s local chapter of Indivisible formed. The national organization aims “to build a real democracy that works for all,” as described on its website.
Van Wie has been with the Indivisible Lompoc since its origins after the 2024 election.
“When the election turned out not the way we wanted, it took about two weeks, and everybody was really pissed off. We got together for an evening of food, wine, and venting,” Van Wie said with a laugh. “By I think December, we had our first unofficial living room meeting. And it grew from there.”
Since officially registering in January 2025, Indivisible Lompoc has acquired more than 650 people on its email list, the organizer said. The group provides space for a community of likeminded thinkers.
Van Wie explained the local movement in these terms: She and her husband went from having five friends to having hundreds, all within a year’s time.
At monthly meetings, the group discusses news headlines and trainings in exercises like de-escalation tactics. Members participate in No Kings protests (the next planned for March 28) and other rallies.
One of Van Wie’s goals is to open as many avenues as possible for people to join Indivisible Lompoc. One of the newest entry points is craftivism.
Beth Cook, another member of the group, sent Van Wie the Angry Knit-In link. From there, the Lompocans started to plan Knot Today, Fascism.
To Cook, crafting is a huge umbrella that can accommodate different types of people on their path to activism. Everyone has their own thing, Cook explained, and some people enjoy being creative.
Calls for action
For more information about joining Indivisible Lompoc’s events, visit indivisiblelompoc.org or follow on Instagram @lompocindivisible.
The next No Kings protest is planned for March 28 from noon to 2 p.m. at N. H Street and Central Avenue in Lompoc.
“It really allows for a large number of people to be able to get in underneath that umbrella, so to speak, and participate,” Cook said. “If they make something and we can give it for donations, then they’ve helped in a way that they might not have been able to otherwise. Maybe they didn’t have the money to donate, but they had yarn sitting around in their house.”
A lifelong artist herself, Cook recently picked up beading as a new hobby. Her colorful, inch-tall charms spell out phrases like “FCK ICE” in tiny beads. Cook became part of Indivisible Lompoc after seeing a protest on the street. Of all her experiences so far, the moment that sticks out the most is participating in her first protest.
“I thought I was alone. I thought we were alone. Maybe a few of us but not a ton,” Cook said. “My wife and I were like, ‘Wow, there’s so many people here.’”
It’s likely that Vicky McClain was also protesting that day. She agreed with Cook’s sentiment about feeling alone, but since joining Indivisible Lompoc in early 2025, McClain has made her own community around town.
“Meeting all these wonderful people in Indivisible has been life-changing,” McClain said. Throughout her life, she’s embodied what it means to be an activist and an artist. McClain has fun combining those two parts of herself and sharing it with others.
“It’s an opportunity for people to be an activist using their creativity,” McClain said. “And it’s an opportunity for people to be an activist without being out on the street protesting. It’s just a different avenue.”
At the Knot Today, Fascism event, she taught people how to make bean bag frogs with blue kerchiefs, a sign of resistance inspired by protesters in Portland, Oregon, after activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last year. She sewed and filled a few samples and made kits for those who wanted to take the craft home.
Indivisible Lompoc also organizes events to make protest signs, mail postcards to government representatives, and stitch blankets for community members in need.
The club is gearing up for its next big craftivism session on March 20 ahead of the No Kings protest eight days later. Locals are invited to make posters and connect with the community.
Van Wie’s advice is to “bring your glitter and your glue.” m
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
LOCAL LEADERS: Vicky McClain (left), Tracy Van Wie (center), and Beth Cook (right) are members of Indivisible Lompoc who use the arts to take a political stand. Their chapter is part of the national movement, Indivisible.
PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA
PHOTO COURTESY OF VICKY MCCLAIN
WATCHFUL, GOOGLY EYES: Vicky McClain created frogs with blue kerchiefs to represent peaceful resistance inspired by protesters in Portland, Oregon, during Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. McClain helped others make frogs at Indivisible Lompoc’s March 8 craftivism event.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRACY VAN WIE
BEADS OF GLORY: Indivisible Lompoc member Beth Cook enjoys painting, drawing, and crocheting. Cook recently started making beaded charms to share with other members, including at the Knot Today, Fascism event on March 8.
PHOTO COURTESY OF INDAH GALLERY
Damn the man!
Writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal helms this updating of the Bride of Frankenstein story. Set in 1930s Chicago and up the Eastern seaboard, the story follows Frankenstein’s monster (Christian Bale), who’s referred to as Frank, as he asks Dr. Euphronius (Annette Bening) to create him a companion to help cure his deep loneliness. They resurrect a dead woman (Jessie Buckley), who’s uncontrolled behavior attracts the police and inspires social change. (126 min.)
THE BRIDE!
Glen: Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Young Frankenstein (1974)— and yes, there’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” involved—both Joker (2019) and Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), and even Bonnie and Clyde (1967) are this film’s forebears. Gyllenhaal’s film is positively brimming with ideas, arguably too many, but front and center is fighting the patriarchy, right down to our protagonist yelling “me too, me too”—hashtag implied. Yes, it borders on heavy-handedly didactic, but men are awful. It’s about two monsters trying to be human in a monstrous men’s world. As our narrator Mary Shelley (also Buckley) explains as she struggles from some unknown purgatory to “write” the Bride’s story, is it a ghost story, a horror story, or most frightening of all, a love story? Viewers get to decide.
DEAD OF WINTER
What’s it rated? R When? 2025
Where’s it showing? HBO Max
What’s it rated? R
What’s it worth, Anna? Full price
What’s it worth, Glen? Full price
Where’s it showing? Regal Edwards
RPX Santa Maria, Movies Lompoc, Regal Edwards Arroyo Grande
Anna: Buckley turns out quite a performance as the Bride, as Ida, and as Mary Shelley. She’s a live wire in life and one in death too. The tale of her death is not just that of madness and an accident, but we learn that Ida was working to take down the corrupt mob boss, Lupino (Zlatko Buric). As a clandestine spy for police, her fate, along with many other young women working as escorts, is dark. When Frank’s appeal of vast loneliness to Dr. Euphronius sparks the doctor’s heart— and her somewhat rabid lust for reinvigoration—Ida is reborn, but with only vague and fleeting recollections of life before. Frank is overjoyed with his new companion, but Pretty Penny, as he calls her, is not one to go lightly into the wash of a new life. In fact, I think she might say, “I prefer not to.” This stylized film has a lot going on, but I loved it.
Glen: The real monster is Lupino, who keeps women’s severed tongues in jars of formaldehyde like floating chicken thighs. All the men just plain suck. Even the detective pursuing the couple—Jake Wiles (Peter Sarsgaard)—is a corrupt weakling who takes credit for his secretary, Myrna Malloy’s (Penelope Cruz), deductive prowess. The Bride’s murderous rampage is so inspiring to women that she sparks a feminist movement. In fact, Gyllenhaal’s film is best described as
a feminist manifesto. It’s also a completely bonkers over-the-top ride, but is it too much? Does “too much” have any meaning in the age of Babylon (2022) and Megalopolis (2024)?
Judge for yourself.
Anna: I really like Gyllenhaal both as an actor and a director, and she uses her brother, Jake, in this film as the other object of Frank’s admiration—dancing movie man Ronnie Reed. But when Frank stumbles upon the star at a gala, it’s soon clear that sometimes it’s best to leave our heroes on the big screen and away from real life. There are chaotic
dance numbers, a turbulent mix of fantasy and reality—very Joker: Folie à Deux. Much of the film is the two on the run after Frank’s unbridled anger takes out a couple of thugs who assault Penny. You can’t help but see Bonnie and Clyde written all over these two characters. Both Bale and Buckley are stars, and they shine here. Put on your black lipstick and get ready for the revolution. m
New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
Like Allison Janney’s Lou (2022), Dead of Winter is Emma Thompson’s turn to embrace her age and wrinkles while still proving what a tough, resourceful old bird she can be. Barb is in mourning, and her memories of her husband, Karl (Cúán Hosty-Blaney), are coursing through her as she’s searching for Lake Hilda, where they had their first date. She comes upon a cabin to ask for directions from “Camo Jacket” (Marc Menchaca), but something seems off, and it is. Camo Jacket and his wife “Purple Lady” (Judy Greer) are up to some shady business, but can an old, unarmed woman rescue Leah (Laurel Marsden) from these two armed assailants who clearly have nefarious plans for the girl.
Thompson is terrific as Barb, with her Midwestern accent. She’s straddling between heartbreaking loss and the determination not to let down a desperate girl chained up in a basement. Both Hosty-Blaney and Greer offer complex takes on the bad guys—she’s in need of an organ transplant while
he wants to do the right thing but also save his wife. Their relationship and its limits are integral parts of the story.
The wintery landscape offers a severe backdrop to this chilly psychological tale. (98 min.).
—Glen
EVENTS WIRE CENTRAL
DAWSON’S CREEK
What’s it rated? TV-14
When? 1998 to 2003
Where’s it showing?
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
BL AST BL AST FROM THE FROM THE
After the recent and untimely death of James Van Der Beek at age 48 due to colorectal cancer, I—and probably a lot of women my age—was sent into a nostalgic tailspin. It seems just yesterday that the weekly show rotation featured Dawson, Pacey, Joey, and Jen, teens coming into their complicated social dynamics, their sexual renaissance, their angsty and misunderstood lives.
Cuddled up and cozy, my cousin and I spent a weekend rewatching Dawson’s Creek , and what a wildly different watch it is as a seasoned adult. What was once so romantic turns out to be so cringe in moments, the problems of teens so dwarfed by the experience of age once life has kicked your ass a few times. Yet nostalgia rules, and we soon found ourselves reciting monologues and remembering plotlines that somehow still reside in our brains.
If you want a trip down memory lane (and a great reminder of how truly dramatic being a teen can feel), give this WB classic another watch and honor the legacy of Van
SHOOT FIRST: Jessie Buckley stars as a resurrected dead woman meant as a companion to Frankenstein’s monster, but she has her own agenda, in The Bride!, screening in local theaters.
Der Beek and the absolute icon of a teen star he was as Dawson. (128 approximately 45 min. episodes) m —Anna
PHOTO
TRUE GRIT: Emma Thompson stars as Barb, a widow fulfilling her late husband’s request to have his ashes scattered in a remote lake, who stumbles upon a kidnapping, in Dead of Winter, streaming on HBO Max.
SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT: (Left to right) Pacey (Joshua Jackson), Jen (Michelle Williams), Dawson (James Van Der Beek), and Joey (Katie Holmes) star in Dawson’s Creek , streaming on various platforms.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
Eats
Order’s up
BY MADISON WHITE
During the busiest shifts at his food trailer, Willie Galvan can crank out a smashburger in 10 or 11 minutes. When there’s no line, he can do it in five.
“The buns take longer to toast than the burgers,” the Santa Maria native said.
After an order comes in, he toasts the buns and heats up burger toppings. The last step is to grill the freshly ground brisket patty for about four minutes.
Part of the reason Galvan and his wife, Angie, put smashburgers instead of regular patties on their menu was because they hoped to be so busy that they’d need every extra minute. They were right, but success didn’t happen overnight.
In March the husband-and-wife team hit three years of operating their food trailer, Culture, selling burgers, fries, and mac and cheese. A big milestone came in January when they secured a spot outside Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria to serve lunch and dinner on Wednesdays and Fridays. It marked the start of a much-needed semipermanent schedule for Culture.
“It was a big moment for us, getting in at the hospital,” Galvan said.
Around the same time, the Galvans booked the Thursday lunch hour at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo. They station their colorful, space-themed trailer
by the entrance, so members of the public can park in the lot and hop in line.
Central Coast residents can also find Culture at Birchwood Nipomo on Thursdays for dinner and at Laetitia Vineyards and Winery on Saturdays. Occasionally the trailer pops up at Santa Maria’s Rancho Bowl (where the couple met) and Orcutt’s Naughty Oak Brewing Company. The Galvans update their website with their monthly schedule—they’re currently the busiest they’ve ever been.
“Lately, we’ve just been on fire,” Galvan said.
That would also describe their menu, which Galvan said is a greatest hits sampling of all the entrees they’ve created. Galvan and his wife are “pretty proud” of how the menu looks.
Though it’s a close race for the title of best seller, The Impala burger sits
at the top of the list now. Its patty is smashed with onions and jalapeños, then topped with cheddar cheese, pickles, and chipotle aioli.
Also sky high in popularity is The Cadillac, Galvan’s personal favorite. It’s the same signature patty filled with onions and jalapeños. In between the buns he also layers red wine garlic mushrooms, pickles, citrus herb aioli, and a melted pepper jack “cheese crust.”
The Cadillac is the best burger Galvan has ever had, and the phrasing caught on in his social media posts. Customers couldn’t help but agree.
“It’s got the sweetness from the onions. It’s got the crispiness from the patty. It’s got the umami from the mushrooms,” Galvan described. “It’s just a really good, balanced burger that hits all the senses for me, and it’s so good I can’t get enough of it.”
With so many popular entrees, the Galvans walk the line between prepping too many ingredients and selling out. Freshness is key to their work.
“We use our fresh-ground USDA prime grade brisket, and we fresh grind the beef every day,” he said. “We slice the onions every day. We chop the lettuce.”
Every detail matters when it comes to quality. He knows they’re just selling burgers, but at the same time, it’s much bigger than that.
As a culinary school graduate, Galvan understands how to balance flavors and fill in gaps with the right ingredients. At 19 years old, he got classic French training in Scottsdale, Arizona, at a Le Cordon Bleu program. It was an intense but exciting time for the young chef.
One dish that stands out from his training is crème brulee. He’s been making it the same way ever since and brings his butterscotch recipe to the food trailer. Galvan said it comes out perfectly every time.
Culture’s mac and cheese is made with a classic béchamel sauce, Swiss cheese, and bacon. All three mac varieties on the current menu— Korean Beef, Buffalo Chicken, and Nashville Chicken—have won awards at the Avila Beach Macaroni and Cheese Festival.
“We take a lot of pride in what we do just because we like to eat the food ourselves,” he said.
Culinary school was Galvan’s first experience working in a kitchen, and he got hooked. Before becoming a business owner, he gained experience in many fine dining restaurants, including the private Club 33 at Disneyland.
He found himself back in Santa Maria with Angie, noticing scarce food options in town. They had a “crazy” idea to set up social club nights serving five- and six-course
meals for up to eight guests out of their home. Each event featured a different cuisine, hence the name Culture, which carried over to their food trailer. When everyone kept asking for burgers and mac and cheese, they knew they’d found their specialty.
The power duo is no stranger to working together, having met in in the kitchen at Rancho Bowl 10 years ago.
Nowadays they are the only two working at Culture, except for the occasional third pair of helping hands during busy events. Galvan is the chef, and Angie does everything from taking orders to stocking the trailer.
“She’s the muscle behind the operation. She preps. She cleans,” Galvan said about his wife. “She’s just running around doing everything with a smile on her face, taking care of everything.”
They haven’t always worked together but realized when they were apart professionally, they missed it. The two got married last year and have plans to continue growing Culture.
“It took a while for us to get really busy, but we’ve been hot lately,” Galvan said. “It’s exciting, and we’re ready for it.” m
Staff Writer Madison White and Staff Photographer Pieter Saayman don’t think you can go wrong at Culture. Tell us what you tried at mwhite@santamariasun.com.
THE NEWLYWEDS: In March, Angie and Willie Galvan celebrated three years since opening their food trailer, Culture. They make smashburgers, mac and cheese, and crispy side dishes at rotating locations on the Central Coast.
SAUCED UP: The most popular burgers at Culture are made with the “Caddy patty,” a smashed mix of jalapeños, onions, and fresh-ground brisket.
