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While Solvang is planning to keep short-term rentals in its downtown core, those in other residential areas could get axed [7]

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Solvang’s suburban neighborhoods won’t see any more short-term rentals popping up on their streets if the City Council’s recent vote clears a final reading at the next meeting. Illegal, unpermitted rentals are part of the problem, according to city staff, and the city needs to comply with both its own housing element and the state’s housing initiatives aimed at alleviating the housing crisis. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the decision this week and residents’ response to it [7] Also, find stories about what the county’s doing about unpermitted food vendors [4]; a yarn shop in Orcutt that’s just like home [18]; and a Swedish coffee cart in Lompoc with big dreams [22].

Camillia Lanham editor

• On Feb. 28, U.S. Rep . Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) issued a statement in response to the Trump administration’s military strikes in Iran. “Congress was not given any information that would indicate there was an imminent threat coming from Iran. Without such credible evidence, there’s no justification in sending our servicemembers into this conflict,” stated Carbajal, who described the strikes as an example of the administration bypassing Congress to unilaterally launch an unprovoked military operation with no defined plan. “President Trump promised to put Americans first and end foreign wars, but his actions in Iran clearly break those promises,” Carbajal stated. “The American people want solutions to the issues close to home, such as addressing the costof-living crisis. They do not want to be dragged into another reckless and endless war in the Middle East that will result in countless casualties.” U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) described Iran’s nuclear ambitions as posing “significant risks to the safety of Americans and regional stability” but condemned the Trump administration’s bypass of Congress. “Regardless of what the president may think or say, he does not enjoy a blank check to launch large-scale military operations without a clear strategy, without any transparency or public debate, and not without congressional approval,” Padilla said in a statement. “ Donald Trump is now pushing the country toward a war that risks American lives without presenting a clear justification to the American people or any plan to prevent escalation and chaos in the region.”

•U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) recently weighed in on Paramount Skydance Corporation’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, following Netflix ’s official withdrawal from its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery on Feb. 26. “What was true for Netflix is still true now for Paramount. The merger of two of Hollywood’s biggest studios must be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny,” Schiff stated, “free from White House political influence, to determine its impact on American jobs, freedom of speech, and the future of one of our nation’s greatest exports.” Earlier in February, Schiff sent a letter to Netflix Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters and Paramount Skydance Corporation CEO David Ellison, pressing for commitments to protect California jobs and American workers as both companies were at the time pursuing the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. “We need to bring moviemaking back to our shores, increase production, and invest in our workforce,” Schiff said in his Feb. 26 statement. “For the sake of America’s moviemaking workforce and movie lovers everywhere, I will continue to push all parties to do their part.”

• The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently released its fiscal year 2024-25 report to the Legislature on its Cutting the Green Tape initiative, now in its fourth year. The report shows that, over the past four years, the program has helped restore nearly 300,000 acres of habitat, reconnect 5.5 million acres of land, and improve more than 700 miles of California streams, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. Newsom described the Cutting the Green Tape initiative as making the approval process for restoration projects easier to navigate. “Good environmental work shouldn’t get buried in paperwork, and we’ve proven it doesn’t have to,” Newsom said in a March 2 statement. “More than 500 restoration projects, nearly 300,000 acres of habitat returned to health, and permits approved in an average of 42 days. … California will keep restoring and protecting our environment for this generation and every generation that follows.” m

County supervisors approve overtime, equipment to deal with unlawful food vendors

One freezer. Two steel storage containers. Six months of designated overtime. To improve and increase its enforcement efforts against unlawful food pop-ups across Santa Barbara County, Environmental and Health Services (EHS) recently asked the county Board of Supervisors for an extra $42,000.

More than 75 percent of the sum will fund overtime hours for up to four EHS inspectors between April and October, while the remaining $9,500 would be used to purchase one freezer chest to store impounded food and two seatrain containers for impounded cooking equipment.

Although 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson was part of the 5-0 vote that approved the allocation, he said he wished that EHS would designate regular evening and weekend shifts rather than incur overtime.

“I know it’s not very convenient for some of our employees to work night shifts, but I think that’s something I’d like to see come back,” Nelson said at the supervisors’ Feb. 24 hearing. “We’re already paying and we already have enforcement staff. It’s just how we deploy them. They’re often sitting at a desk from 8 to noon. We really hope that from 5 to 9 they’re actually out on the street.”

County Health Deputy Director of Operations Lars Seifert told the board that EHS accrued more than 500 hours of overtime last year. He also said that enforcement logs show that EHS facilitated 58 “inspection events” since March 2024, “typically on afternoons and weekends,” Seifert added.

“… [58] enforcement actions or shifts in the last year is about one a week,” Nelson said. “I hope that whatever comes out of what we do today is that we hit them hard, we hit them early, and we hit them often. … with shock and awe if necessary.”

A set of code revisions, including clarified and expanded definitions of sidewalk vendors and what counts as a sidewalk as opposed to the side of a highway or road, was also on the table for the board to consider approving that evening.

While remaining compliant with state legislation that protects sidewalk vending, the ordinance places new time, place, and manner restrictions on vending directly related to public safety risks, staff explained.

For example, one part of the ordinance prohibits vending in street medians, “to protect the health and safety of vendors and their patrons, because they are at risk of being struck by vehicles and/or causing vehicular accidents,” the staff report states.

Another piece of the ordinance limits sidewalk vendors’ hours of operation within residential neighborhoods to specific daylight hours “to protect the safety of sidewalk vendors and residents who would be more vulnerable to criminal activities during evening hours,” staff wrote.

The ordinance also emphasizes some existing regulations with new or clearer definitions, which helps give EHS “more impetus for a coordinated response” with local law enforcement and city code enforcement agencies, Seifert told the board.

“But it’s been clear. I mean, this has been an issue for two years. … We’ve known it’s illegal for the last two years, and it’s not more illegal after this,” Nelson said. “I guess I’m just frustrated. … We’re at the same spot that we were a year ago. What’s difficult for people out there is this is a long-standing problem and we’ve known about it.”

“It’s hugely important that this stuff gets taken care of early and often,” Nelson continued, “[and] not have to add so much bureaucracy and conversation about it.”

Before the board voted, 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann asked staff to amend one section of the code revision ordinance about operating near school campuses. A hot spot for unpermitted food pop-ups in her district, she explained, is on the side of Highway 246, directly across the street from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

“They’re not there so much during school hours, but they’re there during athletic events. They’re there for plays and musical concerts,” Hartmann said. “Any evening activity. They’re right across the street.”

Staff revised the ordinance to prohibit sidewalk vending within 500 feet of a school during school hours and school-sponsored events.

In October, EHS will return with an update on how the $42,000 allocation impacted its enforcement efforts, including the extra storage capacity for impounded food and cooking equipment.

“Have we confiscated any equipment at this time, or has it just been food product?” Nelson asked staff.

Over the past year, Seifert said that EHS

impounded 4,200 pounds of meat from unlawful vendors. Apart from food, EHS only took away utensils and serving containers on occasion, he added.

Nelson also asked staff if any vendor has ever come forward to recoup their impounded food. EHS Director Jason Johnston responded.

“We’ve had one vendor that has requested a hearing to reclaim their adulterated meats,” Johnston said.

—Caleb Wiseblood

New affordable senior housing is coming to Santa Maria

The city of Santa Maria is one step closer to breaking ground on 85 new senior housing units at the corner of Broadway and Stowell Road. A new three-story building will sustain 54 units, and an additional 31 will be added to the existing Vandenberg Senior Residence property.

Apartments will be available for people 55 years and older who earn 60 percent or less of the area’s median income, City Planner Cody Graybehl explained at the Planning Commission meeting on Feb. 18.

“I think it’ll be a successful project because we know we’ve got a lot more seniors every day,” Planning Commission Chair Tim Seifert said. Commissioners approved the permit with a 3-0 vote. Robert Dickerson recused himself because he lives near the site, and Yasameen Mohajer was absent.

An L-shaped building is set to occupy roughly 40,000 square feet facing Stowell Road. Inside there’ll be 25 studios, 17 one-bedrooms, and 12 two-bedrooms ranging from 400 to 800 square feet.

Residents will also have access to a bus stop with shelter and a turnout on Stowell.

“I think it’ll be a nice refreshment to that corner,” Commissioner Tom Lopez said.

In the middle of the 4.9 acres, located at 1314 S. Broadway, the outdoor area will be redesigned to include a pool, lounge area, and barbecue pits. Landscaping and gardens will be added, and the Vandenberg Senior Residence will be repainted to match the new complex.

Developers also plan to refurbish the Vandenberg Senior Residence sign to reflect the building’s history as a hotel, which was originally built in the 1960s. Architect Michael Song of EZ Plans said he saw the original rendering and was inspired to incorporate the “atomic ranch” style design into his company’s modern plans.

To round out the project, 31 units will be added to Vandenberg Senior Residence. Builders want to convert the nonresidential space on the first floor to studios. The area was once a restaurant and bar from the building’s hotel era but hasn’t been maintained, according to the staff report.

An additional 2,225 square feet will be built onto the property for the rest of the new apartments at Vandenberg Senior Residence. All but one unit will be studios, according to the staff report, ranging from 370 to 494 square feet. New recreation and fitness rooms are set to accompany the studios.

Previous iterations of the project went before the Planning Commission in the past. The current proposal is an amended version of a 2017 planned development that never came to fruition. Most recently, commissioners discussed the project at a study session last December.

“Senior housing—and housing in general—is something that we need in the community,” Planning Commission Chair Esau Blanco said on Feb. 18. “So, I feel like this is a very good project.”

Next, the developer must submit drawings to the city as part of its building permit application.

—Madison White

Guadalupe abandons Brown Act route for Royal Theater committee

Over the past six months, the Guadalupe City Council has discussed its intention to form a Brown Act advisory committee to oversee the Royal Theater revival project multiple times.

In September 2025, the council voted 4-1 (Councilmember Christina Hernandez dissented) to appoint a five-member board.

On Feb. 24, Councilmember Whitney Furness motioned to uphold that decision, after staff presented an alternative route to form a two-member advisory ad hoc—not subject to Brown Act rules—instead.

Furness’ motion failed without a second from any of her peers.

“The Brown Act would actually force it to not be behind closed doors, … agendized and open to the public,” Furness said about the public meetings that would take place if the council stuck to its original plan.

“I still stand firm that we need an agendized oversight committee that can come ask the questions,” she continued. “I understand it could be time-consuming to city staff, but I also think, like I said before, you could utilize the resources of those folks that are joining the committee to do some of the things that city staff does not have time for right now.”

As part of the agenda that evening, staff noted in its report that it did “not see a significant operational advantage to establishing an oversight committee.”

Interim City Administrator David Trujillo expanded on staff’s stance during the hearing.

“We’ve tried to, I guess, kind of sway council to just, … give us a chance,” Trujillo said.

“We are by no means saying don’t elect an oversight committee or establish an oversight committee. It has both its pros and its cons. That’s why we let you guys make the policy and we just enforce it.”

After Furness’ motion to uphold the five-member Brown Act board failed, she motioned to move forward with an ad hoc committee that included two council members. She also volunteered to serve as one of those members.

Mayor Ariston Julian seconded the motion, which passed 3-2 (Councilmembers Hernandez and Amelia Villegas dissented).

“I’m not in favor of either at this point,” Villegas said.

Hernandez said she would have preferred if staff presented the council with quarterly updates about the Royal Theater project, rather than form an ad hoc to privately meet with staff.

“What I think is the community doesn’t trust us, so let’s create that trust. Let’s open the doors and invite them in, whether it’s quarterly or every six months,” Hernandez said. “I think everybody should have the opportunity to come ask questions.”

In response, Mayor Julian said he doesn’t believe that “the whole community says that they don’t trust us.”

“If they don’t trust us, there’s upcoming elections,” he said. “If they don’t like the way we’re operating, vote us out— some of us.” m

—Caleb Wiseblood

The Santa Maria Joint Union

High School District

Special Education - Child Find

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) seeks to identify, locate, and evaluate high school age students suspected of having a disability who may be eligible for special education services designed to meet their educational needs at no cost to families. This includes students that are highly mobile, migrant, experiencing homelessness, students that are wards of the state, and students attending private schools located within SMJUHSD boundaries. If you suspect your child has a disability, contact the school special education department or district office Special Education Department.

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

El Distrito Escolar de las Escuelas

Preparatorias de Santa Maria

Educación Especial - Búsqueda de Estudiantes

El Distrito Unificado de Escuelas Preparatorias de Santa Maria (SMJUHSD) busca identificar, localizar y evaluar a los estudiantes en edad de escuela preparatoria sospechosos de tener una discapacidad que puede ser elegible para servicios de educación especial diseñados para satisfacer sus necesidades educativas sin costo alguno para las familias. Esto incluye a los estudiantes que son altamente móviles, migrantes, sin hogar, estudiantes que están bajo la tutela del estado, y los estudiantes que asisten a escuelas privadas ubicadas dentro los limites de SMJUHSD. Si sospecha que su hijo tiene una discapacidad, comuníquese con el departamento de educación especial de la escuela u oficina de Educación Especial del distrito SMJUHSD.

Staff | Special Education | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (smjuhsd.k12.ca.us)

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Keys to the city

Solvang considers preventing short-term rental numbers from growing in suburban neighborhoods

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

From a zebra-themed bed and breakfast to a permitted treehouse in someone’s backyard, Solvang resident Max Hanberg has booked some pretty wild vacation getaways in his lifetime.

He and his wife were already frequent users of Airbnb and Vrbo by the time they began using both platforms to list a short-term rental of their own during the spring of 2021.

Previously a one-bedroom apartment for long-term occupancies, the couple’s towering property on Alisal Road in downtown Solvang is hard to miss thanks to its height of 38 feet. Hanberg’s Danish-born father built the multilevel structure during the 1980s with inspiration from Denmark’s 17th century Rundetaarn, or Round Tower, in Copenhagen.

“He had an epiphany and decided he was going to build a round tower,” Hanberg told the Sun. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with the one in Denmark, but it’s the highest observatory in all of Europe.”

Available for about $550 a night, Hanberg’s short-term rental affords its guests a living room, kitchen, and bedroom, all connected via a spiral staircase that leads to a rooftop patio.

“There’s not a better view in town, other than living up in the hills,” said Hanberg, whose property is located in Solvang’s village mixeduse zone.

While some of Solvang’s short-term rentals are within the city’s residential zones, the city won’t issue new permits to allow that use outside of the village mixed-use zone if a proposed policy moves forward.

On Feb. 23, the Solvang City Council unanimously approved new restrictions on shortterm rentals—regularly listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo like Hanberg’s—including a cap that limits active short-term rental permits to 40. If the council maintains its stance and clears the policy during its final reading on March 9, the new rules would go into effect in April.

One aspect of the policy update Hanberg is pleased with is that it would ban new short-term rentals from popping up in suburban neighborhoods, “not just because of competition,” he explained.

“Adding vacation rentals in neighborhoods congests parking,” Hanberg said. “Some locals are already upset about parking, so having it out there would just contribute to that irritation.”

Solvang Community Development Director Rafael Castillo told the Sun that the proposed policy reform was partly shaped by “chatter from members of the community that there were some illegal rentals out there, and that some of these rentals were in their neighborhood.”

“We just want to make sure that everyone’s playing on the same playing field,” Castillo said.

Part of staff’s investigation into the issue involved combing through vacation rental listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar websites.

“We did do an enforcement back in

to alleviate the housing crisis in California,” Castillo said. “We have a housing crisis, whether we like it or not.”

Although the new policy, if enacted, will stop future shortterm rental permits in residential zones, current permit holders in suburban areas will be grandfathered in, to an extent, Castillo explained.

“If you have an existing vacation rental permit and you’re in that [residential] zone, we’re going to let you renew that. However, we’re not going to let you transfer that,” Castillo said. “What that means is if you’re going to sell that house on the open market, … then it goes to longterm housing. But for now, we’ll let you stay in the program. We’ll let you do your thing.”

Based on direction from the City Council, the proposed ordinance doesn’t differentiate between short-term rentals with off-site property owners and homestay rentals where owners reside on the property.

“Owner-occupied homestays are a completely different issue than a large absentee-owned vacation rental,” Solvang resident Susie Townsend said during public comment at the council’s Feb. 23 meeting. “I completely understand the concern with allowing larger homes within the city to be rented as an unsupervised short-term rental. However, when the owner lives on the property, there is built-in oversight and far fewer, if any, issues, especially in the smaller ADUs and studios that can only accommodate up to two people.”

Townsend was the sole public speaker at the hearing, where she opposed multiple restrictions laid out in the proposed policy update.

“We need to recognize that short-term rentals and homestays are a very popular way for people to travel today. Travelers increasingly choose this option. They want a different experience—a quiet neighborhood setting or an owner-hosted stay in a more homelike environment,” she said.

‘Limiting the number of homestays in Solvang, especially in the outer neighborhoods within walking distance to downtown, will cost our city revenue that will be taken to Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Buellton.’

—Solvang resident Susie Townsend

November. We had approximately 20 [properties] that were illegally advertising shortterm rentals without a permit,” Castillo said.

“These were properties that were outside of the area that we’re going to be allowed for shortterm rentals, so they had no way forward. So essentially, what we did was we sent out a letter about the new ordinance, and … [asked them] to remove their listing. We actually had a complete 100 percent voluntary compliance of all the properties.”

Castillo also described the city’s potential shift in short-term rental policy as living up to goals set by Solvang’s current housing element—which calls for preserving long-term, high-density housing—and state initiatives.

“The state is really taking a look at each individual municipality and making sure they’re actually doing what we’re supposed to be doing

“Severely limiting these options … puts us behind current traveling trends.

“We can comfortably add more permitted homestays in the surrounding neighborhoods without bothering anyone and only adding revenue to the economy that will otherwise be lost,” Townsend continued. “Limiting the number of homestays in Solvang, especially in the outer neighborhoods within walking distance to downtown, will cost our city revenue that will be taken to Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Buellton.

… When they stay there, they are more likely to dine and shop there.”

Vacation rental operator Hanberg told the Sun he doesn’t believe the proposed restrictions will impact Solvang’s tourism numbers.

“It crosses over. I see people from the casino here in my store all the time. The whole valley is a destination,” said Hanberg, who owns the Solvang Shoe Store on Copenhagen Drive.

“There’s vacation rentals all over the valley, so I don’t think it’s going to affect tourism one bit if they shut down the, for lack of a better word, illegal ones.” m

Reach

New year, new chamber

BY MADISON WHITE

In 2009, the Air Force brought Melanie Lindley to Lompoc. She discovered a love for the area and decided to stay in town after retiring.

“It is really just a fantastic place. You don’t have to drive far to find something amazing to do,” Lindley said. “The beaches, the mission, the wineries, … even without spending money.”

Lompoc is home to many small businesses and passionate residents, Lindley added, who need a central hub to discover the city’s latest and greatest. She’s one of the newest additions to the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce, helping bridge the gap between businesses, visitors, and residents.

Lindley took her role as the executive director in January. After last year’s brief closure announcement and financial woes with the Lompoc City Council, the chamber is navigating a path forward in more ways than one.

The other half of the chamber’s two-person staff is Communications Director Amanda Mansfield, who started in February. Together Lindley and Mansfield run the organization along with guidance from the board of directors. They welcome volunteers who’d like to greet visitors at the front desk, too.

Right now, they’re focusing on improving communication with the public and rebuilding trust with businesses.

“We’re making sure that we’re freshening up the way we communicate. We’re revamping our website,”

Lindley said. “Our weekly emails—if I’m being honest—had gotten stale, so we’re making sure that every week those are updated.”

In addition to new staff members, the chamber also welcomed four board directors: restaurateur Dave Jaskolski, aerospace engineer Dane Drefke, health care executive Yvette Cope, and aerospace professional Zack Pohlman. The new directors represent sectors that are growing in Lompoc, including the needs of those who work at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

“Having people on the board that understand the need for those items in our community I think is really helpful,” Lindley said.

The chamber’s refresh also extends to its physical location. By the end of March, it’ll move into a new building on H Street, just one block away from its previous office. During the move, visitors can still visit the chamber’s old office on I Street. Lindley keeps the doors open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. giving out pamphlets filled with local recommendations.

“The priority of the move was to get us to where we were able to better serve our community,” Lindley said.

In the historic office at the chamber’s previous location, there was a lot of unused space on the first and second floors. The front desk was downstairs, but staff offices were upstairs, Lindley explained, making it difficult to meet visitors when they walked through the doors. Situated next door to Certain Sparks Music, the new location will be

prime for making community connections and bringing in new members, she added.

Businesses want to see the chamber step up, which is exactly what Lindley and Mansfield are planning to do. The executive director said she brings transparency and integrity to her role.

“I’m going to always tell people where we’re at,” Lindley said. “Where we’re at right now is just trying to put in the work and show value. That’s something that I brought with me to this job—the willingness to do the work and the willingness to do it right.”

Highlights

• Allan Hancock College offers free child care for its students at the campus library in Santa Maria. Kids ages 2 to 8 will receive a snack bag

and can join story time and crafting activities. Parents are required to stay in the library and can use the time to study. Kids’ Corner takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information call (805) 922-6966, Ext. 3474.

• The Santa Maria Communications Division won a first-place award for an episode of Culture in the Valley at the Alliance for Community Media conference in February. Culture in the Valley and the award-winning episode on the Natural History Museum are available on the city’s YouTube channel and streamed at cityofsantamaria.org/tv. m

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

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0% Incorporating gorgeous flowers without breaking the bank.

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There’s space at the Oceano Dunes for everyone to use the beach how they want

BY JOHN DONEGAN

The use of the Oceano Dunes offroad vehicular area has remained a lively topic of discussion locally. New Times’ Jan. 8 opinion section contained a couple of pieces opposing the use of the area by off-road vehicles, and the topic pops up frequently in often heated debate (“Oceano deserves a vehicle-free beach,” and “Restore Oceano’s natural defenses”).

The vehicle use area comprises roughly a third of the long stretch of beach that runs from Pismo Beach to Point Sal. The majority of the beach is, for the most part, inaccessible by road and in a wild state. Historically, for a hundred years, the beach was routinely used by vehicles, with modern use restricted to the 7 or so miles of the park.

Our strong local winds created the dunes, and you can often see a plume of dust rising from the entire length of the beach, not just the vehicular area. Opposition to vehicular use of the beach was originally based on the theory that vehicle use created finely ground crystalline silica dust, which was dangerous to the downwind communities of Oceano, Nipomo, Santa Maria, and Guadalupe. Although the SLO County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) originally claimed that all of the wind-borne dust was unhealthy crystalline silica dust, a later study by Dr. Lynn Russel of Scripps Institute showed that it actually only constituted 14 percent of the dust.

Currently, opposition is centered on environmental impacts, such as damage to the plover and plant life.

A lot of areas have been fenced off to address those concerns.

Obviously, any human use of an area is bound to impact the natural native environment. Our entire region was once wild and pristine.

If you believe that an existing use of an area should be eliminated and the area “returned to nature,” are you prepared to live in a traditional Chumash shelter and to give up your coffee shops? Or is natural restoration just for others?

As with many of our most fractious issues, the real fight just boils down to the culture wars and blue vs. red tribalism.

Those who oppose vehicular use tend to be environmentally oriented suburban liberals who cannot say the terms “internal combustion” or “MAGA” without spitting. Many came to SLO from elsewhere to attend Cal Poly and stayed.

As with many of our most fractious issues, the real fight just boils down to the culture wars and blue vs. red tribalism. Speak

Those who support vehicular use tend to be from more rural areas and Central Valley towns and lean more conservative. They tend to like large 4×4 pickup trucks or Jeeps, may have an ATV or motorcycles for everyone in their family, and have immense RVs or camping trailers. Overall, they represent an enthusiastic embrace of the motor culture rejected by the opponents.

They also display cultural traits that liberals find off-putting, like flying American or Mexican flags at their campsites or on their vehicles or displaying signs endorsing MAGA, Trump, or the Second Amendment. All in all, there is a lot to annoy the liberal environmental warrior.

There is land enough for both groups. Those who prefer a remote, quiet, untouched beach have the rest of the local coast readily available for their use, from Oso Flaco and the Guadalupe Dunes southward, which is roughly twice the size of the vehicular use area used by many more people. Mechanical disturbance of the dunes quickly “heals” in the wind, and plants and birds soon re-establish themselves.

Is it fair and reasonable to eliminate the enjoyment of the hundreds of thousands who currently use the area, just to accommodate the relative few who are capable of walking a number of miles on soft sand in search of an isolated and a pristine environment?

The hundreds of thousands of people who prefer vehicular use are also residents of California, pay taxes, and contribute to the local economy. They vastly outnumber the people who use the remote, natural areas of the coast. They’re also entitled to a “playground” to pursue their interests.

You need to learn to share with those who have just as much right to the beach as you do. You are not entitled to a private seaside naturalists club where the “undesirables” are excluded. You often preach “inclusion” and the acceptance of other lifestyles. Now is the time to practice it. m

John Donegan is a retired attorney in Pismo Beach who confesses to occasionally driving on the dunes in his old Jeep. Send a response for publication to letters@newtimesslo.com.

NOW! We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. You can also fax it (1-805-546-8641) or e-mail it (letters@santamariasun.com). All letters must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes; may be edited for space or clarity; and will be posted to santamariasun.com.

Our democracy is under attack

We have lived over half a century in this lovely idyllic locale and through many uncertain and traumatic events and times. However, none compare to what is happening at this moment in time—none!

To say that we are living in an unprecedented time cannot be overstated or over-emphasized. As such, our individual and collective responses need to be equally focused, strong, and unprecedented to meet this moment.

To be crystal clear, our democracy is under attack from within, the rule of law is being undermined and broken on a daily basis, along with the freedoms and rights our Constitution has provided now for more than 250 years. The news is overwhelmingly worse each day and impossible to digest before the next day’s onslaught of more of the same.

What we do in this moment is critical and will determine the fate and future of our fragile social experiment of democracy, not only for ourselves but for all our children and grandchildren to come.

It is for future generations that we speak today, as well as for our current friends, neighbors, all trying to cope with the unspeakable fact that our own government is attacking us both individually and collectively, undermining our institutions at every level, and creating unnecessary, unprecedented chaos, discord, and dysfunction where none existed. Homeland Security/ICE is the increasingly lawless, reckless, and destructive mechanism the Trump administration is using to dehumanize, demoralize, and divide our citizens and neighbors, terrorize our communities, and intimidate local government officials and institutions while dismantling our sovereignty and independent local governance. We have serious and increasing concerns regarding the recruitment, training, supervision, and accountability of the ICE agents in particular.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has overtime on the brain. Only this time, it’s not the Sheriff’s Office taking up space on the meeting agenda. It’s Environmental Health Services (EHS)

If you’re a public-facing business that could potentially be hazardous to public health, you know what this agency is all about. But the rest of you are clueless!

That little known department is getting a little extra focus these days, thanks to the two-year struggle over how to tackle unpermitted food vendors taking up space along the county’s highways and some sidewalks, too.

Last year, EHS racked up more than 500 hours of overtime, conducting “inspection events”—where code enforcement officers go out and catch scofflaw food purveyors red-handed.

Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson was enthusiastic in his encouragement: “I hope that whatever comes out of what we do today is that we hit them hard, we hit them early, and we hit them often … with shock and awe if necessary.”

What kind of an operation is EHS conducting!?

emotional

Our team at Pediatric Medical Group is dedicated to the health and well-being of your child. Whether you have an infant, preschooler, or teenager, we work closely with parents to make sure that our care meets their children’s personal needs.

Call to schedule your child’s well exam today.

The supervisor cautioned against relying on overtime for the afternoon and weekend hours when illegal food vendors operate. Why not schedule shifts, he asked.

But in the end, EHS received a little less than $50,000 to pay for needed overtime—shock and awe, included—a freezer to store confiscated food, and seatrain containers to store confiscated equipment. Has EHS done any equipment confiscating? Nope.

Ooh, is that where the shock comes in?

But code enforcement has confiscated a lot of food from these operators. Has anyone tried to

petition to get that food back?

“We’ve had one vendor that has requested a hearing to reclaim their adulterated meats,” EHS Director Jason Johnston told supervisors.

Ew.

Adulterated means those meats are impure, unsafe, or lower in quality than they should be. And this is why said meats have no place on the streets, which is why supervisors are trying to do something about it. The vendors that are being targeted with shock and awe don’t store their food at correct temperatures, among other things— like not having permits and not having a hand-washing station and dumping grease on the side of the road.

I think the shock and awe of Guadalupe City Council’s march to bring the Royal Theater Project into something more transparent for the public has reached a disappointing finale for at least one elected official. Councilmember Whitney Furness has been playing a tiny violin for a big Brown Act committee to oversee the project since last September. Her attempts to once again reinvigorate staff to pursue the item was met with silence as her colleagues on the council finally acquiesced to city staff.

No five-member Brown Act committee, just a miniature committee with two members who can check in with city staff about the project without official publicized agendas or public hearings. And the ad-hoc committee almost didn’t pass.

“I’m not in favor of either at this point,” Councilmember Amelia Villegas said.

No kidding. It’s taken up so much time on council agendas, I hope we’re done hearing about it. m

The Canary is apathetic, sometimes. Send invigorating emails to canary@santamariasun.com

Hot Stuff

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES 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 Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and the rest. Probably they’ll go to the North Pole or to the 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. and March 15 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. VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING

DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

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.

SYV COMMUNITY ART SHOWCASE

WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION Friends of the Buellton Library Art Showcase will be on display through the month of March, and an artist reception on Saturday, March 7. Gallery hours are Monday 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, 2 to 4 p.m., and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1p.m.) March 7 4-6 p.m. Free. sites.google.com/view/ fobl-buellton/home. Buellton Library, 202 Dairyland Rd, Buellton, (805) 688-3115.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

OCEANO SEABREEZE MARKET Browse from handcrafted artisanal goods and exclusive collections from local makers, artisans, and curators! Enjoy a live DJ, a delicious menu, and family fun! March 7 12-4 p.m. Free. discoveroceanoca.com. Oceano Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

Check the venue’s calendar for storytelling workshops, lectures, movie nights, and discussions held on a periodic basis. ongoing thelavra.org/home. The Lavra, 2070 E. Deer Canyon Road, Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

“ONE VISIT” POTTERY CLASS This is a great class if you are looking to try out pottery! Throw on the wheel or paint pre-made pottery. Get a student discount with a valid school ID. Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

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.

ALL AGES SCULPTING WITH JOHN ROULLARD John a retired school teacher who patiently guides potters of all ages to sculpt and work on details and design. Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ALL LEVELS POTTERY CLASSES Anam Cre is a pottery studio in SLO that offers a variety of classes. This specific class is open to any level. Teachers are present for questions, but the class feels more like an open studio time for potters. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. $40. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7.

Free. slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, 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.

CERAMIC LESSONS AND MORE Now offering private one-on-one and group lessons in the ceramic arts. Both hand building and wheel throwing options. Beginners welcomed. ongoing (805) 8355893. hmcruceceramics.com/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

CLAY BABY HANDPRINTS Offers a unique experience of pressing your baby’s hand/ foot into clay so parents can cherish this time forever. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays $55. anamcre.com/babyhandprints. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

COMMUNITY MURAL PAINTING EVENT

25 to 30 community volunteers of all ages will come together in shifts to help paint a new mural as part of the City of San Luis Obispo Public Art Program. This marks the second of three community painting days. March 7 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. volunteer.slocity.org/need/detail/?need_ id=1198355. C.L. Smith Elementary School, 1375 Balboa St., San Luis Obispo.

DATE NIGHT POTTERY Bring your date and throw a cup on the pottery wheel. Next, texture a clay slab and press into a form creating a personalized piece. Guest are welcome to bring drinks; venue provides aprons. Pieces are fired, glazed, and ready in two weeks. Saturdays, 6-7:30

CAR CULTURE

The 13th annual St. Patrick’s Day Car Show is set for Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Louis de Montfort Church in Santa Maria. Browse beautiful vehicles and enjoy a live performance from ’60s rock ’n’ roll band Unfinished Business. The show is free and open to the public. Get vehicle and vendor registration pricing at my805tix.com.

p.m. $140. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOP: LARGE PLATTER CLASS Fun for all ages.

Instructors will guide you in creating large platters and decorating them. Create pieces together for your home. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. anamcre.com. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

FIRST FRIDAYS Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 5438562. sloma.org/events/first-fridays/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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.

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO: IGNITE

THE SOUL! America’s original jazz dance company enters its 63rd season, honoring Gus Giordano’s legacy with bold works by Emmy winner Al Blackstone, Ray Leeper, and more. March 10, 7:30 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ giordano-dance-chicago-ignite-the-soul. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

LEARN TO WEAVE MONDAYS An opportunity to learn how a four-shaft loom works. You will get acquainted as a new weaver or as a refresher with lots of tips and tricks. This class includes getting to know a loom, how to prepare/dress a loom, and much much more. Mondays, 1-4 p.m. $75 monthly. (805) 441-8257.

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

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET This highenergy jukebox musical is a celebration of music history, packed with heart, humor, and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic. Fridays, 7-9

p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through March 5 $43-$63. (805) 786-2440. slorep. org/shows/million-dollar-quartet-2026/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo. MOBILE CLAY CLASSES Offering handbuilding, throwing, and ceramic decorative arts. All ages and abilities are welcome. Call for more info. ongoing (805) 835-5893. hmcruceceramics.com/ book-online. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo. 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.

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/2025-2026-Exhibitions/ WebofLove.html. Harold J. Miossi Gallery, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 546-3202. SATURDAY FAMILY POTTERY CLASS This family-friendly open studio time is a wonderful window for any level or age. Saturdays, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $40. Familyfriendly open studio welcomes all ages and skill levels. Book online in advance. Bring an idea; we assist with wheel or handbuilding! Saturdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $40. anamcre.com/. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. SATURDAY NIGHT IMPROV AT THE BUNKER This head-to-head short form improv showdown pits quick-thinking performers against each other in a high-energy battle of wit, creativity, and laughs. Teams will face off in fast-paced games, taking bold risks and big swings as they compete for audience favor and bragging rights. March 7, 6:15-8 p.m. $10. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

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.

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY

OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. slonightwriters.org.

United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB

This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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, 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, 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, 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, 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: 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, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MOSAIC POT WORKSHOP Join us at Cambria Nursery for a hands-on Mosaic Pot workshop. March 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $60. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

ANDROID PHONE CLASS First Thursday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 6 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria.

D&D AND BOARD GAMES AT THE LIBRARY Play board games, D&D, and other tabletop games! Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Presented by the Santa Maria Valley Adventurers League. March 8 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria. org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

JAZZ AT HANCOCK

Allan Hancock College music students will perform a mix of jazz styles—including swing, ballad, and Latin selections— during the Jazz Band Concert on March 6, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Hancock’s Boyd Concert Hall in Santa Maria. Tickets and more information are available at hancockcollege.edu.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt.

FIRST FRIDAY First Friday of every month facebook.com/firstfridayoldtownorcutt/. Historic Old Town Orcutt, S. Broadway and Union Ave., Orcutt.

FREE PARENT EDUCATION NIGHTSYOUTHWELL Learn how to support gifted

youth who also navigate challenges like anxiety, ADHD, and additional needs. March 10, 7-8:15 p.m. (805) 770-1239. youthwell.org/workshops/. Online Webinar,, Compliance Key,364 E Main Street, Suite 1009, Middletown.

FREE VIRTUAL TEEN WELLNESS WORKSHOP Join YouthWell for a free virtual workshop designed to help

students explore meaningful volunteer, internship, and leadership opportunities across Santa Barbara County. March 11 , 5:45-7:15 p.m. (805) 770-1239. youthwell. org/workshops/. Online Webinar,, Compliance Key,364 E Main Street, Suite 1009, Middletown.

GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY Second Tuesday of every month Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.

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 BOXING CLUB PRESENTS LEGENDARY 009 CLUB Get ready for an action-packed afternoon of amateur boxing as local fighters step into the ring and bring the heat! This is a family-friendly event celebrating athleticism, discipline, and community spirit. March 7, noon $25. my805tix.com. Edwards Community Center, 809 Panther Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-3158.

SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria.

SMV HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL LUNCH AND JULIA MORGAN PRESENTATION SMV Historical Society

Annual Meeting Lunch, presentation about Julia Morgan and Minerva Club Building sponsored by The Foundation at Hearst Castle. March 7, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $35. (805) 922-3130. santamariahistory.com.

Minerva Club, 127 W. Boone, Santa Maria.

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.

VALLEY READS BOOK CLUB Join the monthly book club for adults 18 years and older, which features discussions. The book for March is The Heaven &

Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Registration is required. March 7, 2-3 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. cityofsantamaria.org. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. SANTA YNEZ VALLEY THE WOMEN WINEMAKERS AND CULINARIANS GRAND TASTING The casitas, barn, and lawns of 27 Vines will be filled with dozens of women winemakers and their lady culinary colleagues, fronted by the just-awake March 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 688-0881. 27 Vines, 27 Vines, Santa Ynez, CA, USA, Santa Ynez. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG AFTERNOON BINGO Bingo with potluck. Parking in rear. Buy one of everything for $20. Guests can participate without bringing food. Look forward to a fun afternoon. Second Tuesday of every month, 12-4 p.m. All games are $1 each. (805) 736-6669. Valley of Flowers HalfCentury Club, 341 No. N St., Lompoc. LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event, which features live music, art, exciting exhibitions, performances, and a variety of unique vendors. First Thursday of every month, 5-8 p.m. Old Town Lompoc, H and I St., Lompoc.

THE VILLAGE TREASURE CHEST This event is for the whole family. There will be vendors selling their wears, music, facepainting, and some kind of food booth. Come out and spend part of your Saturday supporting local vendors. First Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Vandenberg Village Community Services District Office, 3745 Constellation Road, Lompoc, (805) 291-6370.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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. through May 17 $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.

BYE BYE BIRDIE

See this musical satire about teen idol Conrad Birdie, inspired by Elvis Presley’s draft. Get tickets at the link. March 6, 7 p.m., March 7 7 p.m. and March 8 2 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. The Studio Black Box Theater, 835 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 473-0377.

COMMUNITY NATIVE GARDEN

MONTHLY VOLUNTEER WORKDAY

Volunteers accomplish a variety of tasks including pathways maintenance, litter patrol of the garden perimeter, weeding, irrigation system expansion/repairs, pruning, and plantings. Volunteers should bring work gloves, a hat, drinking water, and tools related to the above activities.

First Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 710-3073. Nipomo Native Garden, Camino Caballo at Osage, Nipomo.

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.

HUGE LIBRARY BOOK SALE Join our biggest book sale ever. Books are sold by the inch — paperbacks are 50 cents and hardbacks are $1. The bag sale starts at 1 p.m. Cash only. March 7 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 481-4131. Grover Beach Community Library, 240 N 9th St., 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 $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, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52

Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index. php/chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE TOURS

A docent-led tour of the buildings and grounds of the historic Point San Luis Light Station. Check website for more details. Wednesdays, Saturdays pointsanluislighthouse.org/. Point San Luis Lighthouse, 1 Lighthouse Rd., Avila Beach.

QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card with no expiration. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

Balance your mind, body, and spirit with Qi Gong — gentle stretching and strengthening movements that promotes physical wellbeing and inner peace. This is geared towards all fitness levels and ages. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $14 per class or $55 for 5-class card. (805) 4404561. 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.

BOOK DRIVE FOR RAISING A READER

Head to this book drive to collect new and gently loved English, Spanish, and Bilingual books for infants and toddlers through 3rd grade readers. March 9, 2-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 712-1224. themondayclubslo.org/event-6541299.

The Monday Club San Luis Obispo, 1815 Monterey St,, San Luis Obispo.

BUILDING A BETTER SLO PRESENTS COMMUNITY LAND TRUST:

PLACEKEEPING FOR THE LOCAL

PLACEKEEPERS Join in welcoming Ofelia Bello to San Luis Obispo to talk Community Land Trusts and their growth throughout the US. March 5 5:45-7:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, 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 DIALYSIS ORGAN

TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Not faith based. All are welcome. Please wear a mask. First Saturday of every month, 9:3011:30 a.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church SLO, 650 Pismo St., San Luis Obispo.

DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/ week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 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.

BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

EDITORS AND EDITING: HOW TO CATAPULT YOUR STORY FROM GOOD TO GREAT Rolynn Anderson, author of 13 suspense novels, and Mark Parsons, author of two young adult novels, present how to edit your work effectively. March 10 6:30-8 p.m. Free. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, 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.

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. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

(ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

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The Brothers Doobie

Thursday, March 12 • 7:30pm Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Arroyo Grande

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Hot Stuff

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 15

ON THE ROAD: TWO GERMAN WRITERS

SHARE THEIR WORKS This Goethe-Institut’s nationwide tour brings a free literary exchange of writings, culture and storytelling (in English) by award-winning writers, with continued discussion and reception. “What makes this tour stop on their month-long journey across America so meaningful is that dialog is coming to our rural county where the conversation can be personal,” says Amy Kardel, a German School Committee and Rotary Youth Exchange volunteer. March 7 3-5 p.m. Free. (833) 842-5683. History Center of San Luis Obispo County, 696 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, historycenterslo.org.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

SLO NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB

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American Ballet Theatre Studio Company

Wednesday, March 18 • 7:30pm Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Arroyo Grande

Saturday, April 11 • 2:00pm CPAC,

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 PUB TRIVIA MEETUP GROUP Trivia lovers wanted! Join for Study Hall trivia with Mr. Perez, every second Wednesday. All ages over 21 are welcome. RSVP with the link. Second Wednesday of every month Free. meetup.com/ slo-bartrivia-group. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-2529.

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SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN: WEEKLY COFFEE

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.

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP

Shine On: The Live Pink Floyd Experience

Saturday, April 11 • 7:30pm Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Arroyo Grande

COLOR COMING TO LIFE

Around 30 community volunteers will grab buckets of paint and work in shifts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the community mural painting event on Saturday, March 7, along the walkway between W. Newport Street and CL Smith Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. For additional details about the event, part of the San Luis Obispo Public Art Program, visit volunteer.slocity.org.

triumphant! All levels welcome. For children 5 to 17 years old. March 7 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com. Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

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.

Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 540-6576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo.

TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN

CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org.

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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.

TRANS* YOUTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP

This group is a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning, from ages of 11 to 18. A facilitated emotional support group to be heard, share your story, and hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Second Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. GALA Pride and Diversity Center, 1060 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 541-4252.

TRICKZONE PARKOUR AND TUMBLING

CLINIC Join this two-hour combo of tumbling and parkour takes kids from timid to

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, handspun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

SIPPIN’ SUNDAYS Every Sunday, come cozy up inside the tasting room and listen to great artists. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. (805) 937-8463.

cottonwoodcanyon.com. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard And Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria.

TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m.

Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

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

MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES New topics each month with a thorough demo and explanation of the process that creates non-alcoholic, probiotic, and nutrient-dense fermentations. Leave the class confident and prepared with recipes to make your own at home. Limited seating; reserve spot prior to class by phone/email. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Join to expand your knowledge of the fermentation process and get started fermenting at home. We alternate between demonstration and hands-on classes. Second Sunday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 779 Price St., Pismo Beach.

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

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo.

SLO GRANGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee will be served, and proceeds will benefit local non-profits. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. (805) 543-0639. slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a twohour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS ANNUAL ST. PADDY’S DANCE The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents the Annual St. Paddy’s Dance with Riptide Big Band and vocalists. March 8 , 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC Celebrate the first Friday in March with live music from Ryan Jenkins. Enjoy wine tastings---glass or bottle! March 6 5-8 p.m. Free. (805) 354-0260. elvinero.com/ events-1. El Viñero, 130 N. Broadway Suite A, Orcutt.

HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine. com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

JAZZ BAND CONCERT Hancock’s Jazz Ensembles will take center stage in the Boyd Concert Hall, performing a mix of jazz styles, including swing, ballad, rock, and Latin

selections. March 6 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10. hancockcollege.edu.

Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

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

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

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

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO ACADEMY Learn to play piano, drums, guitar, base, ukulele, or violin, or take vocal lessons. (805) 925-0464. coelhomusic.com/Lessons/lessons.html.

Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria. 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

ALMA ROSA WINERY SOLVANG FIRST FRIDAY - MARCH

Celebrate the first Friday of every month with 50% off bottles and glasses enjoyed at Alma Rosa’s Tasting Room. Hear live music by Matthew Clark Trio! March 6 4-7 p.m. (805) 691-9395. almarosawinery.com/events. Alma Rosa Tasting Room, 1623 Mission Dr, Solvang.

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: STEEP CANYON RANGERS Steep Canyon Rangers are set to return with their signature blend of bluegrass, Americana, and rich Carolina storytelling. Hear them live at Clark Center for the Performing Arts. March 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $45-$59, Platinum $65; Senior & Student Discounts. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

ELECTRIC ELTON - A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN Moon Coin Productions Inc. presents Electric Elton: A Tribute to Elton John. Get tickets at the link. March 11 7:30-9:30 p.m. $41.50$79.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE®: A JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE STARRING RICK SCHULER A Rocky Mountain High Experience® offers more than nostalgia—it’s an authentic celebration of the music that defined a generation. March 6 7:30 p.m. $69.50-$86.25. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO ANNUAL MUSIC FACULTY CONCERT: A FUNDRAISER FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS Experience the artistry, energy, and improvisation of live jazz and classical music as the Cuesta Music Faculty take the stage to benefit music student scholarships! March 8 , 3 p.m. $10-$30. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY CHOIRS: ‘CANTUS NOVUS’ CONCERT PolyPhonics and the Chamber Choir will sing Renaissance and Renaissanceinspired works by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Claudin de Sermisy, and Cristóbal de Morales among others. March 6 8 p.m. $12-$22. (805) 756-4849. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ choirs. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY JAZZ COMBOS SHOWCASE Cal Poly’s jazz combos will perform classic jazz repertoire as well as original student compositions. Dylan Johnson will be the director. March 5, 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/jazz/. PAC Pavilion, Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo. 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.

PUNK ROCK DRAG SHOW Enjoy band performances by Martirio, Lot in Life, and Bone Maggot, and drag performances by The Shimmer, Marceline Powerchord, Vicky Jean, Carbon Bard, and Estrella Electrica. March 8 6 p.m. $15. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

SLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS CLASSICAL HITS Celebrate the brilliance of musical genius with timeless works from history’s greatest composers, Bach Brandenburg Concerto, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”. March 7, 7:30 p.m. $12-$92. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. m

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 , 8PM

ARTS BRIEFS

County opens free public art workshop series

In March the county launched Make It: Building a Public Art Practice to help artists of all experience levels plan community-based projects. They’ll receive guidance about all the practical questions that arise when creating public art. The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, an umbrella for creative programs within the county, is offering the program.

The series will be the first of its kind in the region, the county announced in press materials. Public art professionals Susan F. Gray and Pat Gomez will teach the workshops in a hybrid format. Participants can attend eight weeknight sessions and in-person networking events where they’ll learn how to find public art opportunities, manage contracts, make a budget, design proposals, and construct installations.

“We’re excited to work with artists to expand public art production in the region,” the office’s executive director, Sarah York Rubin, said in a statement. “This program is an essential bridge to making that possible.”

Registration is open for the sessions, which start on March 5 and end on May 2. Artists can sign up for the entire series or select individual classes. Those who attend four or more courses are eligible for a public art commission opportunity.

Visit sbac.ca.gov/workshops to register.

Submit drawings to Buellton’s community art project

Into the Forest is the theme meant to inspire local artists as they create work for Buellton’s newest community banner project.

The nonprofit Hearting Arts, led by Kristin Neperud Merz, helps boost art programs in the city. Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit their pieces before April 19 to be considered for one of the banners. Drawings need to be original (no AI) and showcase imagination related to the Into the Forest theme.

Submitted drawings will be converted into digital illustrations and printed on banners that’ll hang on light posts around Buellton. Driving down main streets in the city, people should see the colorful flags on display starting in July. They’ll be hung on Avenue of Flags, Highway 246, and Industrial Way, like the Up in the Air themed banners from the nonprofit’s last project, Neperud Merz said in an email to the Sun

Hooked

Discovery beckons all ages and experience levels to the Old Orcutt Yarnery

BY MADISON WHITE

Lisa Long learned how to knit at a Del Taco 15 years ago. At that point in her life, her routine was a long cycle of working, cooking dinner, studying for her degree, and falling asleep in the early hours of the morning. She needed to reactivate her creative brain.

“I called a friend of mine who knit, and I said, ‘I have got to use the other side of my brain again. I forgot what it’s like,’” Long told the Sun. “So, she met me at Del Taco with knitting needles and yarn and taught me to knit. I never looked back.”

To submit artwork, fill out the online form by visiting buellton.art/submit-art. Artists don’t need to live in Buellton to participate.

Grants from the city and the Arts and Culture Committee support this community art project. For more information about the committee and starting new initiatives in the community, email Allison Firey at allison@cityofbuellton.com. m

Staff Writer Madison White compiles

A crocheter since childhood, Long said she picked up knitting pretty quickly. She describes herself as a lifelong learner, constantly reading books and watching videos about new knitting techniques.

After realizing there was a lack of yarn shops in Santa Barbara County, the knitter researched what it would take to open one. Long’s husband was still working, but she was retired and wanted to occupy her time. She found just the right retail space in Orcutt and moved in four years ago. The Old Orcutt Yarnery was born.

An Orcutt resident since 1988, the owner has built an even stronger community by running her shop. She hosts classes and workshops for all skill levels, but one of the biggest events is the Central Coast Yarn Crawl coming up from March 6 to 8.

It’s the third year of the crawl that leads knitters from Cambria to Simi Valley and everywhere in between searching for passport stamps and raffle prizes. Eight shops will open their doors to the scores of avid craftspeople.

“We’ll have hundreds of people in here that weekend. It’ll be crazy,” Long said.

“Yarn people” love finding new shops everywhere they go. A bundle of yarn, called a skein, is often Long’s travel souvenir. When most knitters go into a new store, they ask for something they can’t get anywhere else. The Old Orcutt Yarnery owner has the perfect answer: custom yarn colors.

Two and a half years into the business, Long expanded the shop by more than double the square footage. The grand reopening came in August 2024, marked by a new line of custom yarn hung on the walls of the extra retail space.

A Canadian-based dyer colors Long’s line by hand. The skeins have names like Lompoc Flower Festival, Space Force, Guadalupe Dunes,

Showtime!

Send gallery, stage, and cultural festivities to mwhite@santamariasun.com.

Poppy Field, and Santa Barbara County Fair.

Every yarnery has its own “flavor,” too. Long feels hers is a cozy, homey shop with old furniture and windows lined with stained glass from the house her mother-in-law grew up in. The Old Orcutt Yarnery has a wraparound porch where visitors can sit and work on their projects, weather permitting.

It’s been a relaxing venue for Long’s drop-in woolgathering sessions on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. There are also stitch and sip events on the first Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. Disguised as work sessions for the hobbyists, the events are more like social gatherings because Long didn’t open the store for the sole purpose of selling yarn.

“I’ve met so many great people. So many people from every background, every walk of life, everything,” Long said. “This is a place where, whether we agree on things or not, whether we come from the same background or not, it doesn’t matter. We all love yarn.”

One of the people Long met at the shop is Tracy Syslo, who came in to buy skeins and attend workshops. She’s been knitting since she was a kid. Eventually Syslo started working at the Old Orcutt Yarnery.

Join the yarn folks

Stop by the Old Orcutt Yarnery (350 E. Clark Ave.) Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Learn more about classes at oldorcuttyarnery.com or by calling (805) 862-2171. Visit centralcoastyarnshophop.com for details about the upcoming Central Coast Yarn Crawl. See tips and tricks on YouTube or Instagram @oldorcuttyarnery.

It feels good to spend time with people who like the same things, Syslo said, and she rarely has a customer with a negative attitude. For the most part everyone is happy to visit.

Syslo and Long knit a lot of the sample garments hung around the Orcutt Yarnery, and they wear their handmade clothing, too. Samples inspire knitters.

“Buying yarn is a really tactile experience. You want to touch it. You want to feel it. You want to see the colors in person,” Long said.

With a wide variety of yarn, needles, and accessories, there’s a price point for every knitter. That doesn’t mean a sacrifice for quality though, which is a top priority at Old Orcutt Yarnery. Good yarn feels soft and easy to work with.

“Junk yarn, you’re fighting it all the time,” Syslo explained.

Learning how to knit is frustrating enough without having to battle the yarn for success. It’s like committing to a new language. Once a knitter knows how to read patterns, the hardest part is over.

“I always tell people when you learn how to read it and you learn how to fix mistakes, you feel like you have a superpower,” Long said. “You don’t have to be afraid of making mistakes because you know how to fix it.” m

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

Bloody hell

Director Frank E. Flowers (Haven) cowrote with Joe Ballarini (A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting) this swashbuckling tale about former female pirate Ercell Bodden (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) now living a quiet and peaceful life on Cayman Brac with her disabled son, Isaac (Vedanten Naidoo), and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Safia Oakley-Green), who knows nothing of Ercell’s past. All three await the return of her captain husband, T.H. (Ismael Cruz Cordova), whose ship is overdue. (103 min.)

Glen: This is a classic “past comes back to haunt you” tale. As it opens, T.H.’s ship is being overtaken and then boarded by pirate Capt. Connor (Karl Urban) and his crew of suitably bloodthirsty buccaneers. When he discovers T.H. has a gold bar from a stash that was stolen from him long ago, he knows he’s finally found a way to avenge the theft and recover his gold by finding the notorious pirate Bloody Mary (now Ercell), who we learn he kidnapped as a teen, forcing her into the pirate’s life. That’s the setup for a protracted action-packed rolling battle as Connor lands on Cayman Brac and sets about wreaking havoc. It’s very violent but not too gory—only one thrown severed head.

THE BLUFF

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna?

Matinee

beginning of the film, we’re meant to think her husband is the revered seaman, but we soon learn that her quiet island life hides many secrets of her past as a captain. Urban as Connor is appropriately menacing and rugged—a man on a mission, ready to sacrifice his own band of merry men to find Bloody Mary. His drive is clearly not all about the gold; he’s enamored with the child (now woman) that he once groomed. It’s a tale of a mother’s love, and about a fierce pirate pushed out of hiding whose killer instincts still simmer just below the surface. She’s protecting her teenage sister-in-law, who dreams of a life off the island, and her disabled son who relies on a wheelchair and leg braces for mobility. They wind up being a part of her final plot to end Capt. Connor.

What’s it worth, Glen?

Streaming

Where’s it showing?

Amazon Prime

Anna: Rolling it is; be prepared for a lot of swashbuckling in this one. Ercell is a badass, and a fiercely protective one at that. At the

HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2026

Where’s it showing? Netflix

Glen: If you’re expecting tonguein-cheek pirate fare like Cutthroat Island (1995) or Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), this ain’t it. The Bluff is dark and gritty, and characters you care about will die. Like Crank (2006), The Raid: Redemption (2011), and John Wick (2014), once the violence ball starts rolling, it doesn’t stop until the end. I already knew Urban was a credible action star, but I was surprised at how fierce Chopra Jonas came off. But look, this is not a great film. It’s competently put together with a good cast and good acting, including the always welcome Temuera Morrison as the pirate Quartermaster Lee. But as a straight-

to-streaming action flick, it’s solid, and the cinematography by Greg Baldi, as well as the Australian and Cayman Islands locations, is beautiful.

Anna: It isn’t the kind of film I’d choose to watch, but it holds its own enough, and Chopra Jonas was the strong female lead the film needed. Personally, I get pretty bored when fighting seems to be the main drive of

THE COPENHAGEN TEST

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Peacock

a film, and while The Bluff suffers from that a bit, it does at least give us some people to root for. Watch this when you’re looking for an action-packed flick that doesn’t have very high stakes. m

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

Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), and Robyn (Sinéad Keenan) are childhood friends that have—as many do—grown up and grown apart. All in Belfast, the three hear of the tragic death of their fourth childhood friend, Greta (Natasha O’Keefe), who mysteriously fell down the stairs and died at 38. When they head to her tiny town to attend the wake, it soon becomes clear that there’s more to the story than meets the eye—especially when Saoirse’s curiosity gets the best of her and she realizes that the woman in the coffin is not Greta. The woman in the coffin is missing the friends’ matching Gaelic tattoo on her wrist. So, who’s in the box and what really happened to Greta? Buckle up and put on your listening ears because these actresses are full-blown Irish as is everyone around them, and their quick banter likely means you’ll be glued to the subtitles like I was. This romp through the countryside, through mysteries, through fake death after fake death, unveils a secret cult, a web of false identities, and more shady characters than one ever hopes to run into. The real magic is the leads, who ping off each other with vigor. I absolutely loved this! (eight 47- to 56-min. episodes)

Created by Thomas Brandon ( Legacies ), this sci-fi spy thriller follows former U.S. Special Forces soldier turned analyst Alexander Hale (Simu Liu), who works for clandestine organization The Orphanage that oversees the rest of the intelligence community. He’s in a budding relationship with hot bartender Michelle (Melissa Barrera), but he’s grown tired of his office work, so he puts in for a field position and gets it. What he doesn’t know is that his brain’s been hacked by a nanite technology that transmits everything he sees and hears.

A fantastic premise with a lot of potential, this might have been great as a two-hour movie, but in between the effective action sequences, the series can feel plodding. Too many characters, too many storylines, and this potentially taut little thriller is a sprawling behemoth that moves back and forth in time, including to the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.

—Anna

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Eventually, Hale discovers the hack and informs his superiors, who decide to use the knowledge to draw out the hacker, but in the spy world, Hale doesn’t know who to trust. He’s a pawn, and the way to control his outcome is to stop following orders. (eight 47- to 56-min. episodes). m

Breaking news, insightful opinions, and local event updates sent directly to your inbox every Thursday morning.

Coffee or matcha?

Fika Coffee Company is available to book for private events. Find the coffee cart at the farmers markets in Lompoc on Sundays starting at 10 a.m. and in Buellton on Mondays starting at 2 p.m. Email fikacoffeecentralcoast@gmail.com with inquiries and follow on Instagram @fikacoffeecart_.

Casual traditions

A husband-and-wife duo bring Swedish heritage to Lompoc with coffee and pastries

BY MADISON WHITE

Elizabeth Hudson quit her day job last year to follow a longtime dream of running a coffee business. Her husband was 100 percent in.

“We retired the 9-to-5 and started a 24/7 instead,” Hudson said with a laugh. “It’s been a blessing. It’s been my dream job.”

The Lompoc couple founded Fika Coffee Company, a small cart equipped with an espresso machine and a pastry case. By May 2025 the coffee cart was fully built, and they were ready to start selling. Though Fika hasn’t yet celebrated its first birthday yet, the Hudsons are already working on expanding business with a small coffee truck.

With a couple of years’ worth of experience as a barista, Hudson knew the job well. Her idea of a coffee cart came from watching a TikTok video, but her husband Jordan’s encouragement led Hudson to seriously pursue it. Before they realized it, the hobby became the couple’s full-time job. Hudson grew up in Sweden, where her family is from, and lived there for almost a decade. She brought Jordan to the country on a business trip last year to teach him more about the culture and Swedish flavors. The heritage is still alive with Hudson, which she and Jordan incorporated into Fika.

“I wanted to do the cart, but I also wanted to bring my culture because Sweden is very big on relaxing and enjoying your time,” Hudson said. “Fika in Swedish means a coffee and pastry break.”

The husband and wife share their love for caffeine and sweet treats with community members at the Route One Farmers Market on Sundays in Lompoc. When the Buellton market

begins on March 16, Fika will be there as well. Students at Cabrillo High School can also get a taste on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 a.m.

At the Fika cart, customers will see a menu of Swedish-inspired coffee drinks and pastries. The Hudsons make syrups like caramel, maple, and vanilla cardamom. Changing seasonally, the current menu for spring offers a lavender white mocha with salted honey whip, a blueberry matcha, and a salted honey whip chai. One of their most popular staples is the vanilla cardamom latte.

In their commercial kitchen, Hudson makes coffee syrups and bakes pastries. Most of the baked goods have Scandinavian roots, like her cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron buns.

However, there are plenty more Scandinavian treats (like ones with whipped cream) that Hudson can’t make because of refrigeration limits. That’s where the idea for a coffee truck comes in.

Not long after the Hudsons launched the Fika cart, they began thinking about retrofitting a bus. Not only will the coffee truck allow them to carry more milk options and perishable desserts, but it’ll be a much easier setup process.

Upon arrival, it takes more than an hour to set up or break down the coffee cart. It’s the most frustrating part of the job. They use her car, her husband’s truck, and a trailer to bring all the ingredients and supplies to their destination.

“It’s kind of a three-car business,” she said.

The bus will eliminate that struggle. It’s small enough to fit inside a parking spot but big enough to provide more options than the coffee cart. Hopefully it’ll be operational by April, Hudson

said. Just like he built the cart, Jordan’s taking on the role of finishing the plumbing, electrical, and flooring inside the bus.

“It’s kind of shocking actually,” Hudson said. “I don’t know how he knows how to do this, but he’s great at it.”

While they’ll keep using the cart to cater small, private events, the business owners want to find a permanent location for the bus and stay open five days a week.

“We’re trying to really focus on the bus because we can pump out a lot more drinks, a lot more products,” Hudson said. “With the cart we’re very limited on space.”

In the coming year, the baker wants to continue growing Fika and sharing her Swedish culture with the community. For her, working the coffee cart is “true bliss.” m

Staff Writer Madison White doesn’t cope well without a morning latte. Reach her at mwhite@santamariasun.com.