Sun, May 7, 2026

Home plight

Since last year, St. Joseph High School’s neighbors have collected the softballs that drop into their yards. “You can’t enjoy your backyard while a game’s being played because you’re afraid of being hit,” Eleanor Lind said. The county is currently working with the school to address “foul ball containment,” the county said. But the school didn’t apply for a permit before it built the field, which some neighbors argue is too close to their homes (as close as 3 feet) for comfort. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood talks to neighbors, the archdiocese, and the county [7]

Also, find stories about the Santa Maria Courthouse bomber case [4]; how the Cuyama Valley’s taking theater into the community [22]; and a Central Coast group founded for those who don’t eat meat [26]

• Following the Trump administration’s announcement that Morro Bay’s Golden State Wind project will recover $120 million in taxpayer dollars as part of its cancellation arrangement, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) issued a statement on April 28. “I am outraged by this backwards decision to sabotage the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area. In Congress, I championed these projects because they represented a clear win-win-win for the Central Coast,” Carbajal stated. “Because of a bizarre personal vendetta against wind energy, Donald Trump’s administration is turning a historic opportunity into a historic failure. Beyond the strategic failure of this policy decision, today’s announcement also represents a staggering waste of taxpayer dollars.” According to Carbajal’s office, the Morro Bay Offshore Wind Energy Area is the product of negotiations conducted by Carbajal’s Offshore Wind Working Group, created in 2019 to coordinate between federal, state, and local partners. The group includes representatives from the offices of Carbajal and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Navy, and California Energy Commission (CEC).

• On May 1, Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) issued a statement in response to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to reinstate in-person dispensing requirements for mifepristone, ending telehealth and mail delivery options nationwide. Mifepristone is a drug that blocks a hormone called progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue. “Today’s ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is an attack on women, plain and simple. By seeking to gut access to mifepristone and strip away telehealth and mail delivery options, this court has sided with ideology over science, and politics over patients,” Addis stated. “These restrictions are not just dangerous, they are an attack on every woman who deserves safe, effective, and essential care. While the federal administration wages its relentless war on reproductive freedom, we refuse to be silenced. We will continue to fight until every woman has their rights to make our own medical decisions fully restored and permanently restored.”

• Authored by state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Senate Bill 963 recently passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support, advancing the legislation to the Assembly. If passed, SB 963 will require the California Coastal Commission to provide permit applicants with a complete list of any additional information needed within 30 days of determining that an appeal raises a substantial issue, among other mandates. “SB 963 is about making sure the process works clearly and predictably for everyone involved,” Laird said in a May 1 statement. “California’s coast is one of our state’s greatest assets, and the Coastal Act has played a critical role in protecting it for nearly 50 years. … With the Senate’s passage of this bill, we’re taking an important step toward providing greater certainty for local governments, project applicants, and community stakeholders while continuing to uphold the protections and values of the Coastal Act.”

• On April 30, U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) led 12 of their colleagues in reintroducing the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act. According to Padilla’s office, this legislation responds to the Trump administration’s weakening of housing resiliency standards and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation programs. Legislators’ intention behind the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act is to make it easier for survivors to access aid by codifying and expanding acceptable forms of documentation that can be used as proof of residence for establishing disaster assistance eligibility— including a pay stub from an employer, a driver’s license or state-issued identification card, and school registration. m

Trial for alleged Santa Maria court bomber set two years after explosion

Full of black powder, a can the size of a coffee tin wrapped in duct tape and glued-on nails was inside of Nathaniel James McGuire’s backpack the day he was arrested on terrorism charges in Santa Maria, according to law enforcement.

On Sept. 25, 2024, McGuire allegedly threw his backpack into Santa Maria Superior Court’s front lobby and yelled, “Liberty or death!” The bag with McGuire’s homemade bomb exploded and injured at least five people, court documents state. He was detained and arrested outside of the courthouse.

While McGuire’s trial date is set for Sept. 22 this year in federal court, his defense attorney recently asked that the U.S. Probation Office issue a pre-plea investigation.

“I believe it is prudent to request a pre-plea investigation, … in order to obtain [the Probation Office’s] opinion as to its calculation of defendant’s criminal history,” Santa Monica-based attorney Katherine McBroom stated in court docs, “so that I may properly advise my client as to his potential exposure to prison time.”

U.S. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal granted McBroom’s request on April 20. Bernal ordered the Probation Office to provide McBroom with its pre-plea investigation report as soon as possible.

April 20 also marked McBroom’s withdrawal of a motion to dismiss one of the three criminal counts McGuire is charged with: a count alleging that he knowingly possessed unregistered destructive devices, including 10 Molotov cocktails discovered inside of McGuire’s vehicle by law enforcement after he was detained, and his improvised explosive.

Along with the Molotov cocktails and an additional explosive, law enforcement said officers also found a shotgun, a lever-action rifle, a box of fireworks, and a bong inside of McGuire’s Ford Mustang.

McGuire also faces felony counts that include use of a weapon of mass destruction and malicious destruction of a building using an explosive.

“McGuire yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel,” FBI Special Agent Cody

Crutchley wrote in court docs based on testimony from Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies who witnessed the explosion.

Crutchley is part of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, assigned to investigate criminal violations related to international and domestic terrorism, he stated.

Based on info from one of law enforcement’s recorded, Mirandized interviews with McGuire, he admitted that he arrived at Santa Maria Superior Court that day “with the intention to kill the deputies working at the security desk.”

After throwing the bomb, McGuire intended to “go back to his car—a red Ford Mustang—to get a shotgun, a lever-action rifle, and Molotov cocktails [and] then intended to reenter the courthouse to kill a judge,” according to Crutchley’s summary.

McGuire’s trial start date was postponed from last September to this April, and postponed again to Sept. 22, following requested continuances from McGuire’s defense that showed “good cause,” according to Judge Bernal.

“Failure to grant the continuance would be likely to make a continuation of the proceeding impossible, or result in a miscarriage of justice,” Bernal stated in court docs, “[and] would deny defense counsel the reasonable time necessary for effective preparation, taking into account the exercise of due diligence.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Guadalupe adopts its first food truck ordinance

In the name of public health and safety, the city of Guadalupe now has a concrete set of regulations that operators of food trucks and trailers must abide by.

The food truck ordinance saga in Guadalupe has lasted more than seven years, city contracted Planning Director Larry Appel said at a Feb. 24 City Council meeting. In 2023, the Sun reported that Council members directed staff to draft the first-of-its-kind ordinance. It was officially adopted on March 10 this year.

Before the municipal code addition, city staff permitted food truck operators to sell in the city with business licenses and health permits. However, Guadalupe needed a formal ordinance to address complaints from residents

about parking, traffic, sanitation, and safety, according to the document.

Appel explained that the ordinance considers opponents of food trucks by prohibiting operations on state highways like Guadalupe Street and West Main Street.

“That regulation actually addresses the concerns for operating a food truck in front of our many restaurants that are on Guadalupe Street,” Appel said at the February meeting. “The trucks would still be able to operate on the side streets, though.”

The $340 administrative use permits are required for food trucks and trailers. Applicants must also show proof of a business license, a county Public Health permit, and insurance. Operators must renew their permit annually.

Trucks that set up on streets or in parking lots have a limit of six operating hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. They have to wait 72 hours before returning for another round of service.

Business owners may also apply for a permit to allow food trucks to serve customers on their property, and party planners can bring food trucks to events in residential zones once a quarter.

The rules are a little different for city-sanctioned activities, like a food truck night similar to Santa Maria’s Downtown Fridays. It would allow multiple trucks to set up in one area, which normally isn’t the case. Business owner Ernesto Valle hopes to see such an event in Guadalupe’s future.

A butcher for the past decade and a half, Valle opened Lobo Butcher Shop in town four years ago. He offers a rotating list of weekly specials including tri-tip, sausage, steak, pork chops, and chicken wings.

In 2025 Valle bought a food truck to expand his business opportunities. He mainly keeps it on the butcher shop property but occasionally caters events elsewhere.

Valle said he sees the pros and cons of food trucks—it just depends on who you ask. On one hand, they compete for business with mom-andpop restaurants, but large events featuring the mobile restaurants could bring out-of-towners to enjoy Guadalupe.

“We’re trying to bring more people to Guad,” Valle told the Sun. “I think it would be a good thing. I don’t know how the other businesses would react.”

To read more about permit applications in English or Spanish, visit cityofguadalupe.org/ planning-department.

—Madison White

County approves Los Alamos’

Cottonwoods

housing development

Yellowtail Lane. Pargo Drive. Gopher Gulch. Naming a few newly proposed private roads in Los Alamos after fish and rodents fell into the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission’s purview at its final hearing of April.

County Planner Tina Mitchell assured the commission on April 29 that the road names

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before them were cleared by the U.S. Postal Service, County Fire Department, and other agencies. These authorities confirmed that no duplicates of roads with those names exist throughout the county.

The 60-plus unit housing project set to include the new private roads, a community pool, children’s play areas, and other amenities is consistent with the Los Alamos Community Plan, “which envisioned multi-family residential development on this property,” Mitchell added.

Known as the Cottonwoods Housing Project, the proposed 108,000-square-foot development at the intersection of Price Canyon and Price Ranch roads won the Planning Commission’s unanimous approval with a 5-0 vote.

Before putting his motion to approve forward, Planning Commissioner Roy Reed praised the project’s village-style design elements, which he compared favorably to “the mainly cuboidal sorts of grouped, clustered structures we most often see.”

“I think it could be real asset to the county, and perhaps a model for others,” Reed said. “This really fits a need for the community.”

One speaker, who identified himself as a Los Alamos resident since 2008, came forward during public comment to raise concerns.

“All of my neighbors are in accordance that this project is way too thick for the amount of space allocated,” said speaker Neil Goodman, whose home is on Price Ranch Road. “Everybody else in the community has absolutely ‘zippo’ knowledge about what’s going on.”

Goodman said he wished there were additional public forum opportunities to inform Los Alamos residents about the project, but also said he understood that state housing rules probably superseded “any necessity for a community forum.”

“We got a letter two weeks ago or a week and a half ago about the project. I’m the only resident that was able to actually come because everybody else works,” Goodman said at the Wednesday morning hearing. “Like with any kind of thing that impacts a lot of people in the future, I think it’s important for some kind of forum or some kind of more public venue to discuss the impact, not only for me but for the community at large.”

After public comment, Planning Commissioner Reed asked staff how many informational project mailers were sent out to nearby residents of the site ahead of the April 29 meeting. Planner Mitchell said that the first mailer was sent about a year ago, while the latter that Goodman was referring to was sent about 10 days prior to the meeting.

“With respect to the impacts on neighbors, I realize it’s going to be hard to give up essentially a large open space that you’ve enjoyed. … But like the rest of California and the rest of the county, we’re subject to change,” Reed said. “Some of the change we’re subject to we don’t have a great deal of latitude in modifying.

“I think this will prove to be a very attractive and beneficial project,” he continued, “particularly with reference to the potential sorts of developments that could come in were not this one given a chance to proceed.”

Earlier in the meeting, Mitchell described the project as “subject to several state housing law protections,” since it’s a residential subdivision with multiple units proposed.

“Pursuant to the Housing Accountability Act, the project is only required to be consistent with objective requirements,” she said. “Housing development projects cannot be denied or required to reduce the density unless the decision-maker finds with substantial evidence that the project would have a specific adverse effect on public health and safety.” m

—Caleb Wiseblood

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Keeping count of how many softballs land in their backyards became an accidental hobby for several residents of Knollwood Terrace, a townhome community near St. Joseph High School in Orcutt.

Some condo dwellers make an effort to return stray balls to the school, while others keep them stored away in a bag or box. Eleanor Lind and her husband, Andy Philpot, have collected 15 balls since the school unveiled its softball stadium in March 2025, while one nearby neighbor’s tally gradually mounted to 30.

“You can’t enjoy your backyard while a game’s being played because you’re afraid of being hit,” Lind told the Sun. “If the field was there three years ago, we would not have bought this place.”

Lind and Philpot moved into their condo in 2023, two years before St. Joseph High School finished its new softball field. Prior to that, the school held its home games at venues elsewhere, including at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School. Both campuses are associated with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

A year into the field’s use, Santa Barbara County’s Planning and Development Department mailed a letter to residents of Knollwood Terrace informing them of a permit review procedure that “may affect your property.”

The early April notice summarized the school’s application for a project amendment that would “allow for the validation” of softball facility components, including structures like fences and dugouts. Upon reading the notice, Lind said she found it odd that neither she nor any neighbors she knows got this type of letter before the softball field was developed.

That’s because the county never received a permit application from St. Joseph High School to construct the field, according to the Planning and Development Department.

“Because no application was submitted before construction, the project did not undergo the county’s standard discretionary permit review process prior,” county Senior Planner Soren Kringel told the Sun in an email interview.

In response to an “increase in concerns expressed by the neighbors,” the county is currently working with St. Joseph High School “to address foul ball containment,” Kringel said.

Knollwood Terrace homeowners association (HOA) board member David Whitham told the Sun that residents began voicing their concerns about softballs hitting their condos—including cracking roof tiles, damaging walls, and breaking potted plants and one resident’s window—as early as last summer.

According to Whitham, St. Joseph High School’s request for a project amendment—filed in December 2025—is essentially asking for retroactive approval of softball field structures that already exist.

“St. Joseph school never had a permit to build that field,” Whitham said. “When you apply for a permit or an amendment to a permit, you notice the people that it’s affected, and they have a chance for an open public forum to object to, to support, to ask questions. And our residents never got that opportunity.”

While the school waits for the county to review and approve or deny the application, the Knollwood Terrace HOA asked both parties in mid-April to suspend all activities at the field on the grounds that the venue isn’t currently permitted. The HOA also emphasized residents’ safety concerns in its requests—via emails, phone calls, and voicemails to both the school and the county—

which Whitham described as having “fallen on deaf ears” as of early May.

On May 1, the school’s girls’ varsity softball program hosted its last home game of the season, versus San Luis Obispo’s Mission College Prep Catholic High School, as scheduled. Outside of softball season events, the school holds year-round training, youth camps, and other community programs on the field.

“This isn’t just a permit situation where they built something they shouldn’t have. This is a dangerous situation,” Whitham said. “It’s inevitable. We’re going to have an injury. … Some of our residents say they’ve had near misses with their kids in the backyard.”

One of the softball field’s most concerning traits, Whitham said, is that it’s as close as 3 feet away from some condo residents’ property lines along East Foster Road.

Pursuant to the land use code, the school needed approval from the county for rear-yard and side setbacks of less than 15 feet from neighboring properties. In its retroactive permit application, the school included a request for a permit “modification” to “reduce the northern property line (side) setback to 3 feet” to accommodate existing softball field structures.

“They built a grandstand—with a 3-foot setback—adjacent to [someone’s] backyard,” Whitham said. “The top five levels of the grandstand look right down into her backyard. She’s got a rather big dog, and one time it was by her fence, and one of the spectators was petting her dog—from the grandstand.”

Conversations between St. Joseph High School officials and Knollwood Terrace HOA members about improving stray ball containment included an April 16 phone call between Whitham and Assistant Principal of Athletics Tom Mott.

According to Whitham, Mott told Whitham that the county authorized the school to “immediately” erect higher netting to improve safety, but it would take at least three weeks for the netting materials to arrive. This delayed the installation date to after softball season ended.

After the Sun reached out to both Mott and St. Joseph High School Principal Erinn Dougherty for comment, a representative

of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles joined the email thread.

“St. Joseph High School remains committed to being a thoughtful community partner,” Media Relations Director Yannina Diaz stated on behalf of the Archdiocese, “maintaining open communication with neighbors and the homeowners association, and making good-faith efforts to address concerns.”

Diaz added that “bringing softball to the campus had been a goal for over a decade” and described the home softball field as “developed on land already designated for athletic use” before its completion in 2025.

When asked if the high school had any prior land designation that excused it from undergoing the permit application process for construction of the softball field, county Senior Planner Kringel told the Sun: “They are required to get a permit, … and the county is still reviewing this permit.”

As of May 1, the permit remained under review, said Kringel, who described St. Joseph High School’s application as seeking approval of “the as-built” softball field.

Kringel said that county enforcement staff investigated the softball field “after receiving a complaint,” and that investigation prompted the school to file its formal application for the permit review in December 2025.

“The school was cooperative and submitted their application,” Kringel said. “Thus, further enforcement was not necessary.”

Knollwood Terrace resident Whitham said he believes the county is setting a terrible precedent for developers to take an “ask for forgiveness, not permission” approach on future projects in the area.

“If [the county] retroactively approves this, that sends a really, really bad message, in terms of getting away with something like this,” Whitham said. “You pay for bad behavior. And that’s our stance on this. I’m sorry that it may affect other entities, like your softball team and others that want to use that field. But your bad behavior should have consequences.” m

Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

From ear to ear

Longtime hearing aid specialist takes on practitioner role with Santa Maria’s Beltone office

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Constant ringing. Buzzing. Swishing. Hissing. Tinnitus can take on many different sounds for those who suffer from the condition, commonly due to hearing loss.

Local hearing care practitioner Remy Salazar said one seldomly reported form of tinnitus she’s observed over the course of her career is kind of like having a song stuck in your head.

“There’s also—which is very rare—where people actually hear music. It’s very rare, but I have come across some people with it in the past 21 years,” Salazar told the Sun. “Tinnitus is actually in our brain. … The ringing part is when we’re not hearing a certain frequency, and it’s like our brain trying to fill in [the gap].”

Published in January, a new Brain Sciences journal study showed that about 1 in 5 adults who suffer from tinnitus have claimed that harsh symptoms of the condition forced them to either call in sick or quit a job.

Salazar said that those stats didn’t surprise her, based on testimony she’s heard from some Central Coast residents she’s helped cope with the condition. Although hearing aids can help reduce those symptoms, there’s currently no cure for tinnitus.

Salazar has spent the past year working for Santa Maria’s Beltone office (also known as Hometown Hearing Aids, at 2125 S. Broadway, suite 111), and she entered the role with 20 years of experience with Santa Maria’s Costco as a licensed hearing aid dispenser.

As much as she misses looking forward to the free Costco samples each workday, she continues to enjoy her role as a hearing aid professional because of the way her line of work can change someone’s life.

“Some of the people that come in, they’re in tears after I fit them with a hearing aid because they

didn’t realize how much they were missing,” Salazar said. “I love seeing … all these people thankful and grateful that they can hear again.”

Aside from hearing aids, Santa Maria’s Beltone also supplies specialized hearing protection products that can help individuals exposed to loud noises on a regular basis lower their chances of developing hearing loss.

Salazar said she’s helped customize ear protection gear for military personnel at Vandenberg Space Force Base, local farmworkers who often work with tractors and other loud machinery, and visitors of recreational gun ranges.

“People out here who do shooting and hunting really need to, I emphasize, wear ear protection,” she said.

When customizing gear, Salazar takes an ear impression from her customer, similar to a dentist’s dental impression except “with the ear,” she said.

“Then I’ll send it off to the manufacturer,” said Salazar, who added that the Beltone office also carries specific products from other hearing aid manufacturers on occasion, including Starkey and its SoundGear hearing protection line. Depending on the model, a piece of customized hearing protection equipment could reduce up to 26 decibels of noise, Salazar said.

On the other hand, hearing aids meant to maximize hearing can help silence tinnitus symptoms by amplifying natural sounds. For those who suffer from tinnitus, Salazar recommends pairing hearing aid use with meditation, either traditional meditation or through a health and wellness app.

“It’s just really bothersome. There really is no cure for tinnitus. There’s nothing to get rid of the ringing,” Salazar said. “But the hearing aids actually help reduce or make some of that ringing not as noticeable.”

Highlights

• Formerly hosted in the city of Solvang, the outdoor Flying Miz Daisy Vintage Market will take place in Buellton this year—on May 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission— following “a shift in direction” due to Solvang’s enforcement of certain vendor business license fee waivers, which “significantly impacts the small businesses at the heart of the market,” according to market founder Char Goetz. “This is a fresh and exciting chapter,” she stated. “We’re bringing the same beautiful market experience people love—just in a location where that experience is fully supported and encouraged.”

• Alma Rosa Winery’s annual fundraiser walk, Peace of Mind, will benefit two mental health nonprofits: One Mind and Santa Barbara Mental Wellness Center. Registration to join the 4.5-mile walk is $70. The fundraiser will take place on May 29, at 9 a.m. (checkin starts at 8 a.m.), at 7250 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton. Over the course of six years, the annual program has raised more than $1.2 million. m

Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@ santamariasun.com.

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)

What mask would you wear?

50% Phantom of the Opera.

50% An elegant masquerade/carnival/ Mardi Gras mask.

0% A set of classic comedy-tragedy masks.

0% The creepiest clown mask imaginable. 4 Votes

Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

Trump vs. the pope

The president takes on the pope, and it’s not a good look

BY JOHN ASHBAUGH

It’s been two months since the president precipitated his brutal air war against Iran.

This “little excursion” has morphed into a regional war with devastating consequences for virtually everyone: to the unfortunate Lebanese, caught in the cross fire; to every one of the petrostates on both sides of the Persian Gulf; and to every nation that continues to depend on the world market for petroleum products.

Barbara

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a

or

will

It’s a war with Congress blind to the reality that the American people oppose it.

It’s a war that Trump initiated in close consultation with only one ally: Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

Who does benefit from this war? Analysts cite only two nations: Putin’s Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Putin benefits from vastly increased sales of Russian oil and gas—made possible by Trump’s decision to remove the heavy sanctions placed on the Kremlin since the 2014 invasion of Crimea.

The Saudis benefit from rent-free use of American and Israeli armed forces to “obliterate” their sworn enemies in Iran and Iranian proxies like the Houthis in Yemen.

Trump views this war as a 21st century Christian Crusade, as do all the “holy warriors” in the administration who would happily bring us to Armageddon. The crusader-in-chief is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who literally wears his “Christian nationalism” every day with pride: It’s tattooed on his chest. His belligerent views were revealed in a recent “Christian” prayer service in the Pentagon, where he prayed to a vengeful God: “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness [with] overwhelming violence against those who deserve no mercy.”

Just a few days after the media learned of Hegseth’s “prayer,” Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday message to reject such misguided appeals to the Almighty. Citing Isaiah 15, Pope Leo reminded all Christians to view Jesus as “the

King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.”

Then on Easter Sunday, Trump issued a profane demand for Iranians to surrender— on Easter Sunday, the most sacred day for Christians: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”

Then, only two days later, Trump posted this ominous threat: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

In response, Pope Leo told reporters in Italy that Trump’s threat to wipe out an entire civilization was “truly unacceptable.”

On April 12, Trump posted a bizarre AIgenerated image depicting himself as Jesus. Replete with images of high-tech weaponry, Trump extends two AI-enlarged hands toward a prostrate man who holds an astonishing resemblance to Jeffrey Epstein.

Within hours, Pope Leo resoundingly denounced the distortions of the message of Jesus, citing the Beatitudes: “The message of the Gospel is very clear, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’”

But the president wasn’t happy with Pope Leo, and that same day he tried to explain away his post to CBS reporter Weijia Jiang, saying, “I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with Red Cross. …. It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better. And I do make people better.”

Then another reporter asked Trump whether he might apologize to the pope. He declined, of course. Instead, he doubled down on his criticism of Pope Leo, calling him “weak on crime, terrible for foreign policy.”

What kind of leader— what kind of person—would attack the pope as “weak on crime”? The pope isn’t some Democratic big-city mayor; he’s the spiritual leader of 20 percent of Americans who

identify as Catholic. The man who occupies the Chair of Saint Peter often speaks for the 2 billion Christians throughout the world.

In 2024, 55 percent of American Catholics voted for Trump. A recent poll for the National Catholic Register shows that a majority— 52 percent—now disapprove of the job he is doing. And that poll was taken before Trump’s trash talk directed at the pope.

This is the man who has claimed that the only limit to his power is “my own morality.”

We already know where this president has hidden his morality: In the gutter.

And what more insistent moral issue is there than the choice of war versus peace? Jesus’ first words to his disciples when he appeared to them, cowering in their hideaway after the crucifixion, were these: “Peace be with you.” In Matthew 5, the central lesson of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is “blessed are the peacemakers.”

Our nation needs a peacemaker, not a warmonger. Americans need to elect leaders who build bridges, not bombers eager for an apocalypse. In the Oval Office, we need to have an advocate for the rule of law rather than ignoring international alliances. m

John Ashbaugh “strongly approves” of Pope Leo. And he’s not even Catholic. Respond to letters@ newtimesslo.com.

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.

Working Families Party support of Ricardo Valencia for supervisor is troubling

As the race to fill Steve Lavagnino’s soon-to-be vacant 5th District supervisorial seat heats up, a particularly troubling fact has emerged regarding one of the candidates. In a previous piece I characterized Santa Maria High School teacher Ricardo Valencia as a “puppet” of local activist organizations. I have also, on occasion, referred to his ever-present smile, at least in his photos, as Mamdani-like, a reference to New York City’s openly socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Now, in a recent endorsement from a frequent writer (“Ricardo Valencia is best for supervisor,” April 30), it has been revealed that Valencia’s resemblance to the radical Mamdani is more than coincidental—he has been endorsed by the Working Families Party, the very same Working Families Party that supported New York City’s socialist mayor.

So are we to expect that Valencia, like Mayor Mamdani, will support a radical socialist agenda? Confiscatory taxes? County-run grocery stores? Crippling labor policies destructive to our local economy? The prospect of Ricardo Valencia sitting on the Board of Supervisors becomes even more troubling with the revelation that the Working Families Party will likely be one of his string-pullers. I find it incomprehensible that anyone could find that an endorsement by such an extreme group would prove an asset to a political campaign.

As for me, I will stick with my support of Maribel Aguilera for 5th District supervisor, someone who has spent her career supporting property rights, business, job creation, and prosperity for residents of the 5th District. I recommend that the voters of the 5th District join me in supporting Maribel Aguilera for supervisor.

Fly balls

St. Joseph High School claims that it aims to be a “thoughtful community partner.” But some of its closest neighbors would beg to differ.

Especially since softballs have been raining down in their yards, which butt up against the campus’s newest addition: an unpermitted softball field. How nice for the school’s neighbors! They can now watch high school softball for free from the comfort of their upstairs bedrooms.

Apparently, the good book has something in it about begging for forgiveness—but not asking for permission. If St. Joe’s had asked Santa Barbara County for permission before it began designing the field, perhaps one of the dugouts wouldn’t sit so cozily against a backyard fence and the grandstand that looms large over one townhome’s yard would be a little farther away.

“The top five levels of the grandstand look right down into her backyard. She’s got a rather big dog, and one time it was by her fence, and one of the spectators was petting her dog—from the grandstand,” according the Knollwood Terrace homeowners association (HOA) board member David Whitham

The county said that it’s currently working with St. Joe’s to address “foul ball containment” in response to an “increase in concerns expressed by the neighbors.” It’s hard to believe the county wasn’t aware of the issue prior to last summer— but it initiated an investigation in December, and then the school decided it should apply for a permit. Funny how that works.

“This isn’t just a permit situation where they built something they shouldn’t have. This is a dangerous situation,” Whitham said. “It’s inevitable. We’re going to have an injury.” In its retroactive permit application, the school requested a modification to reduce the property setbacks to 3 feet instead of the required at least 15 feet—you know, because the field is already built. So, essentially, all the rules that normally apply in these situations are out the window, including giving residents a chance to weigh in before something gets constructed against their property.

For St. Joe’s part, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is defending its actions by saying the softball field had been a goal for more than a decade and was developed on land already slated for athletic use. And the county is clear: It still needed a permit. Seems unfair, you know? And neighbors want the school to get more punishment than the county seems willing to give.

We accept entries to our annual 55 Fiction writing contest all year long.

Entries submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2026 will be considered for this year’s publications which will be out on July 23, 2026

A brief story, fifty-five words or less, with a headline no longer than seven words. For more details: bit.ly/55Fiction

That’s a little too close.

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a sports field built so close to homes before.

Neighbors have been complaining about cracked roof tiles, damaged walls, and near misses since last summer, he said. They’ve taken to collecting the balls that land on their properties, with one resident at 30 so far.

“You can’t enjoy your backyard while a game’s being played because you’re afraid of being hit,” Knollwood Terrace resident Eleanor Lind said.

“If [the county] retroactively approves this, that sends a really, really bad message, in terms of getting away with something,” Whitham said. “You pay for bad behavior. And that’s our stance on this. I’m sorry that it may affect other entities, like your softball team and others that want to use that field. But your bad behavior should have consequences.” Yes. It’s a teaching moment for the kids, amirite? m

The Canary is averse to flying balls. Send protection to canary@santamariasun.com.

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Email your resume to: Bob Rucker, bob@newtimesslo.com

Hot Stuff

BEE STORIES

National Geographic Explorer and community scientist Krystle Hickman will give a free lecture at the Solvang Library about her studies of California’s native bees and new book, The ABCs of California’s Native Bees, on Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. An optional Zoom webinar will be available, and a book signing will follow the presentation. For more details, visit syvnature.org.

—Angie Stevens

ARTS

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE

CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799.

Kleindancesarts.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES 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/.

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

ARTIST ANN WIRTZ PRESENTS

LIMITLESS Wirtz’s figurative works consider the stories and relationships between people and their environment, offering paintings that speak to human connection in our daily lives. Through May. (805) 698-0084. annwirtz.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE WORKSHOP Join the weekend landscape painting workshop with Robin Deshayes. May 16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and May 17, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang. MOTHER’S DAY PAINTING IN THE VINEYARD AT SUNSTONE WINERY Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Join us at Sunstone Winery to grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush! May 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Sunstone Winery, 125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. THE ABCS OF CALIFORNIA’S NATIVE BEES: LECTURE AND BOOK-SIGNING WITH KRYSTLE HICKMAN Join National Geographic Explorer and community scientist Krystle Hickman for a presentation about her studies of California’s native bees, which culminated in her new book, The ABCs of California’s Native Bees May 13 7-8:30 p.m. Free. syvnature.org. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang.

“WHEN THE EARTH WHISPERS BACK: NATURE’S HOPE” Woman Painters West, an organization of juried professional woman artists (100 + years old) were invited to exhibit at this museum creating paintings that answered their theme. See 48 paintings juried from 100 entries on view at the museum. Through Sept. 16 Canatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

EVOLVING The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Evolving”, an exhibition by artists

C. Wood and Chuck Klein. ThursdaysSundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through May 24 (805) 737-1129. lompocart.org/events.

Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc.

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND PAINTING AT ROCK 12 DISTILLERY Celebrate Mother’s Day with a cocktail and a paintbrush at the picturesque Rock 12 Distillery! May 9, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $89. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Rock 12 Distillery, 6605 Highway 246, Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY ACTOR’S EDGE: ACTING CLASSES 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. $210 per month. actorsedge.com. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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

JUDKINS AND MESA MIDDLE SCHOOLS PRESENT: LION KING JR. Experience the magic of the savanna in this unforgettable production of The Lion King JR., proudly presented by Judkins and Mesa Theater. May 15 7 p.m. and May 16 2 & 7 p.m. $17. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

NORTH COUNTY CAMERA CLUB: REGULAR MEETING A Zoom meeting for the camera club, where photographers of all levels can participate, share photos,

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Angelena Stevens directly at astevens@newtimesslo.com.

exchange information, and learn from each other. Second Tuesday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ groups/PRAAphotoguild. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

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, Arroyo Grande.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

OLIVER! AUDITIONS Head to Atascadero for auditions for Oliver! Seeking ages 8 to 18, and adults. Get more info at the link. May 9 -10, 2-5 p.m. oeatheatrical.com. Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART

CENTRAL GALLERY Schumacher’s work is pensive and introspective, inspiring one to take a solitary walk on a cloudy day. Wander in to reflect on her “delicious, wistful landscapes.” Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/galleryartists/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEGINNING WATERCOLORS WITH JAN FRENCH Come be introduced to this tricky but dynamic painting medium! The class is for beginners or advanced

who’d like to “loosen up.” Inquire via email. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. through May 26 $130. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo. com/workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

BEYOND THE BASICS OF WATERCOLOR WITH VIRGINIA MACK This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. A watercolorbased course, but one that branches out into other media. Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $35 per class. (805) 7474200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY BRASS AND PIANO STUDENT

RECITAL A free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student brass and piano players. May 12 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ free/#brass. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, 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.

COLLAGING MORRO ROCK WITH LINDA

CUNNINGHAM Join us for this four-hour workshop where you will receive step-bystep instructions for creating a beautiful coastal image using a variety of hand printed papers. May 9 12-4 p.m. $45. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CUESTA DRAMA PRESENTS: SPRING

AWAKENING winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is an electrifying rock musical that redefined the boundaries of theatre. May 8 7:30 p.m., May 9 7:30 p.m., May 10 7:30 p.m., May 14 7:30 p.m., May 15 7:30 p.m., May 16 2 p.m. and May 17, 2 p.m. $20-$25. (805) 546-3198.

Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY AND ART Owen and Kyoko Hunt from Kyoto, Japan offer classes for Japanese calligraphy

(Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.), a Japanese art called “haiga” (Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.) and more at Nesting Hawk Ranch. Fridays $45. (702) 335-0730. Nesting Hawk Ranch, Call for address, San Luis Obispo.

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.

MOTHER’S DAY COMEDY SHOWCASE Celebrate Mother’s Day with an evening of great touring comics from The Comedy Store, Laughs Unlimited, and The Improv. Bring your Mom for free! May 9, 8-10 p.m. $20. (805) 878-2038. Oak and Otter Brewing, 181 Tank Farm Road, suite 110, San Luis Obispo.

OUTSIDE TOGETHER: BREATH OF GLOSTER SCREENING AND PANEL See a viewing of the short film Breath of Gloster featuring environmental activist and trail runner Peyton Thomas, and educatoractivist Dr. Krystal Martin. A panel with Thomas and Dr. Martin will follow the film. May 9 1-3 p.m. Free. catalog.slolibrary.org/ outside-together-storytelling-event. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, 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&appoin tmentType=35974477. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. PICKET PAINTING PARTY Decorative picket purchasing opportunities are available to show your support and help fund maintenance and educational

programs in the Children’s Garden. Second Saturday of every month, 1-4 p.m. $75 per picket or 2 for $100. (805) 541-1400. slobg. org. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS OF THE CENTRAL

COAST A self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. Artists meet on site at various locations. Weekly plein air destinations are provided by Kirsti Wothe via email (mrswothe@yahoo.com).

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon SLO County, Locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

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.

THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT When a fresh out-of-Harvard fact-checker is assigned to a talented writer’s essay, they come head-to-head in a hilarious yet gripping battle over facts vs. truth. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through May 14 $28-$47. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/ shows/the-lifespan-of-a-fact/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo.

VIRGINIA MACK: BEGINNING

WATERCOLOR This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. It’s designed for beginners and those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors. To enroll please contact Mack via email: vbmack@charter.net Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com/ workshops-events/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

WHITNEY PINTELLO: SOLO SHOW On display now through mid-April. ongoing slogallery.com/. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

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.

MAY FEATURED ARTIST HEMA SUKUMAR, FINE ART ACRYLIC PAINTINGS FROM THE COAST TO THE HILLS From shorelines to mountaintops, Hema Sukumar catches California and beyond in acrylic with warmth and a sharp eye for color. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MAY FEATURED ARTIST

JARI DE HAM, EXHIBITING SCULPTURES AND SMALL WORKS From Chinese brush painting to stone sculptures, Jari de Ham’s work finds the Central Coast in an ancient artistic tradition. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MAY FEATURED ARTIST NATHAN TOOLE, WHERE COLOR FINDS ITS OWN ORDER

Find color and form that feel right before you know why. Nathan Toole exhibits his acrylic abstract paintings. Through May 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068.

galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

MEET THE ARTISTS: MAY

2026 OPENING RECEPTION AT GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

Meet Nathan Toole, Hema Sukumar, and Jari de Ham and see their new works, along with the art of over 55 artists. May 9 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com.

Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

NEIL SIMON’S CALIFORNIA SUITE

LEARNING THE LANDSCAPE

Award-winning Southern California artist Robin Deshayes will run a weekend Contemporary Landscape Workshop on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Art Spot on Wheels in Solvang. Creatives can dive into an array of landscape painting concepts and dedicate time to deepening their craft. Visit artspotonwheels.com to secure a spot and review a class materials list.

—A.S.

sbcanimalcare.org/events. Blast 825 Brewery, 241 S. Broadway St., Orcutt, (805) 934-3777.

ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY

Second Tuesday of every month

Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt, (805) 937-9750.

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.

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 Half-Century 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.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

18TH ANNUAL PARTY ON PISMO

BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS

Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 9059274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. BOOK SALE Check out the used books for sale to benefit the Friends of Shell Beach Library. May 9 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Shell Beach Veteran’s Community Building, 230 Leeward Avenue, Shell Beach, (805) 878-7454.

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

By the Sea Productions is celebrating its 10th year of live theater in Morro Bay with a director’s workshop production of Neil Simon’s “California Suite .” May 8 7 p.m., May 9, 7 p.m. and May 10, 3 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. By The Sea Productions, 545 Shasta Ave., Morro Bay.

THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. ongoing (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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.

FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

MOTHER’S DAY FURBABY SIDEWALK STROLL AND COSTUME CONTEST

Join us for a family-friendly community event where pet parents and their furry friends dress in costumes, get prizes, and enjoy live music! May 10 12-3 p.m. Free.

VINTAGE TRAILER RALLY View and tour the magical world of vintage trailers as well as shop our vintage swap meet. The event is child and dog friendly. May 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, 165 S Dolliver St., Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5649.

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.

BEGINNER GROUP SURF LESSONS AND SURF CAMPS Lessons and camp packages available daily. All equipment included. Starts at $70. (805) 835-7873. sandbarsurf.com/. Sandbar Surf School Meetup Spot, 110 Park Ave., Pismo Beach.

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.

LA CONVERSACIÓN Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16

MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTY This beautiful event includes tea and lemonade, tea sandwiches, scones, dessert, music, crafts, photo ops, painting class, and more! May 10 1-3:30 p.m. $50. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/rec. Historical Society Heritage Garden, 126 S. Mason St., Arroyo Grande.

MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 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-lospadres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano.

Q YOUTH GROUP (VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 1118. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups.io/g/lezbfriends. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

|2|SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. Oak Park Christian Church, 386 N Oak Park Blvd., Grover Beach.

STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

BRUNCH FOR MOM

Celebrate Mom at Roblar Winery and Vineyard in Santa Ynez during a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a buffet crafted by executive chef Terri Buzzard and live music from Natalie Espinoza between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. General admission is $80. Learn more or purchase tickets at roblarwinery.com.

SUNDAY EVENING RAP LGBTQ+

AA GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM)

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who together, attain and maintain sobriety. Requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Email aarapgroup@ gmail.com for password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande.

WEEKLY WATER SAFETY LESSONS Facility advertised as open and safe. Give the office a call to register over the phone. Mondays-Fridays $160-$190. (805) 481-6399. 5 Cities Swim School, 425 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, 5citiesswimschool.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

2026 MOTHER’S DAY FAERIE FESTIVAL

Join for a Mother’s Day celebration at the SLO Botanical Garden filled with arts and crafts, music, and family fun! May 9 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (805) 541-1400.

slobg.org/calendar-of-events/. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., 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. 5TH ANNUAL SHEEP SHEARING

SHINDIG Join for our 5th Annual Sheep Shearing Shindig and Ag Festival — a free, family-friendly afternoon of live demonstrations, hands-on activities, farm tours, live music, with local food, beer, and wine. Whether you’ve been a friend of the farm for years or you’re visiting for the first time, there’s something here for everyone of all ages. May 9 12-4 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. City Farm SLO, 1221 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, (805) 769-8344.

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.

CITY FARM SLO’S YOUTH

EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM Check site for more info on programming and summer camps. ongoing cityfarmslo.org.

San Luis Obispo, Citywide, SLO.

|2|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.

INNER PEACE DAY RETREAT Join this day retreat in Montecito for meditation, yoga, sound healing, tea, and teachings on inner peace with Bhai Bahadur Singh Ji. May 9 1-8 p.m. (805) 724-4324. drishti.house/ products/innerpeacedayretreat.

Flowing River, Tabor Lane, Montecito.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

BATTLE OF THE CENTRAL COAST Join us at the SLO Vets Hall for an unforgettable evening featuring fighters battling it out in the octagon. Watch top-tier athletes showcase their skills, strength, and strategy in an action-packed lineup of bouts. May 9, 5-11:30 p.m. $44.69. my805tix.com. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 801 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. BEST OF SLO COUNTY WINNERS PARTY

Every year, New Times Media Group hosts the Best of SLO County reader poll, count the votes, contact the winners, hand out awards and banners, and publish all the winners in our annual Best of SLO County edition of New Times. It’s a great opportunity for the community to vote for and support local businesses. To celebrate our 40th year and all 242 winners, they are hosting the first Best of SLO County Winners Party! May 8 , 5-8 p.m. $5. my805tix.com. Marisol Restaurant at The Cliffs Hotel & Spa, 2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-5000 ext. 1.

(ONLINE) Zoom series hosted by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Transitions

Mental Health Warehouse, 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 270-3346.

MOUNTAIN BIKE SKILLS CAMP Join SLO

Ranger Service for a free Mountain Bike Skills Camp with beginner clinics, safety tips, trail etiquette, and fun activities for young riders. May 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. slorangers.org. Laguna Lake Park, 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo.

PARKOUR CLINIC Parkour offers a path to social confidence. Come flip with flair in a safe, nurturing environment at our Parkour Clinic. Geared towards children 7 to 17 years old. All levels are welcome. May 9 1-3 p.m. $25. (805) 547-1496. performanceathleticsslo.com.

Performance Athletics Gymnastics, 4484 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing weekly fresh flower market, open to the public. Enjoy the historic gardens

with local blooms from nine local flower farmers. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Nov. 5 Free. sloflowercollective. com. Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. SLO MASTER GARDENERS, ADVICE TO GROW BY: HOW TO GROW AND PRESERVE YOUR OWN HERBAL BOUNTY Hear speakers from the SLO Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers explain how to grow and preserve herbs. There will also be a plant sale. May 16 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. 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. TEEN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP Learn more about mental health and coping skills to help you through your journey towards wellness and recovery. Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. (805) 5406576. t-mha.org. Hope House Wellness Center, 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. TRANS* TUESDAY A safe space providing peer-to-peer support for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and questioning people. In-person and Zoom meetings held. Contact tranzcentralcoast@gmail.com for more 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.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 19

LIZZ WRIGHT

THURS MAY 14 Rooted in her Southern upbringing, Wright’s sound is anchored by acoustic textures, rich

Audiences can expect an evening of profound musical storytelling that honors tradition while embracing reflection,

Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/index.html.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS

MEETING Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. Free. thecambriaconnection.org/. Cambria Connection, 1069 Main St., Cambria, (805) 927-1654.

LEARN TO SAIL AT MORRO BAY YACHT

CLUB! Learn to sail at the Morro Bay’s only sailing school: Morro Bay Yacht Club. These sessions are led by competent, responsible sailing instructors. Expect a great experience, with the goal of each student being comfortable in commanding their own sailboat. There’s a focus on teamwork, developing leadership skills, and having fun. Through Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $450. my805tix.com. Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, (805) 772-3981.

MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS

DISCUSSION GROUP A group of metaphysically minded individuals that have been meeting for many years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss a different topic each week. All are welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, coalescebookstore.com/.

SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a topic, book, or article you wish to discuss with interested and interesting people? Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, or simply contribute your experiences and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for instructions on entering the Chapel area. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., Morro Bay.

FOOD & DRINK

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com.

FOOD TRUCK 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.

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA Join for the third annual Mother’s Day High Tea at Cuyama Buckhorn! Celebrate all the moms in your life with light bites and freshly prepared tea during this Buckhorn take on a traditional high tea affair. May 10, 2 p.m. $78. cuyamabuckhorn.com. Cuyama Buckhorn, 4923 Primero St., New Cuyama, (661) 766-2825.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call or go online to make a reservation to taste at the winery or find more info on the winery’s Wine Club offerings. presquilewine.com/ club/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110.

SECOND SATURDAY OPEN AIR MARKET:

LOS ALAMOS A carefully curated open air artisan and farm market. Features great vintage finds, handwoven and hand dyed textiles, hand-spun yarn, organic body care products, and locally grown organic eats. Second Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 722-4338. Sisters Gifts and Home, 349 Bell Street, Los Alamos.

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

TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m.

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

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER

Call venue or visit website to find out about featured vintners. Thursdays stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check

Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of classes, for various ages. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT ROBLAR

WINERY AND VINEYARDS Celebrate Mom in fashion at Roblar Winery with a delectable buffet crafted by executive chef Terri Buzzard. Enjoy live music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Natalie Espinoza. May 10 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $40-$80. (805) 6862603. exploretock.com. Roblar Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez.

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 oldfashioned 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 two-hour 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.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH Celebrate the mother figures in your life with a delicious brunch at Cambria Pines Lodge! May 10, 12-3 p.m. $29-$59. (805) 927-4200. cambriapineslodge.com. Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m. 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

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

VOICES OF THE VALLEY We are honored to announce Voices of the Valley, a onenight-only benefit concert supporting three cornerstone arts organizations that enrich the cultural life. May 8, 7-9 p.m. $300. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/ show-listing. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang.

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING

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

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

AN EVENING WITH JIM MESSINA An undisputed expert in the art of making hit music, his legacy of genius spans five decades a three supergroups. May 7 7:30 p.m. $49-$79. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter. org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

HERBAL BOUNTY

A free UC Master Gardener Workshop, focused on growing and preserving herbs, will be held on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the UC Master Gardener Demo Garden in San Luis Obispo. Learn from UC master gardeners and UC master food preservers as they cover herb growth requirements, container herbs, harvesting, and more. There will also be a plant sale. Visit ucanr.edu for additional information and to register for a spot.

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY A weekly event with barbecue offerings and more. Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Rancho Nipomo BBQ, 108 Cuyama Ln., Nipomo, (805) 925-3500.

THE LOUNGE AT BESO An upscale afterhours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com.

Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo. MOTHER’S DAY MARIACHI FESTIVAL: LEYENDAS DEL MARIACHI Celebrating all mothers on their special weekend with a spectacular Saturday night concert featuring the masters of mariachi music Leyendas del Mariachi. May 9, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $50-$98. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC IN THE PARK

Free concerts with SLO County Band at Rancho Grande Park. May 14 6:30-7:30 p.m. (805) 473-5472. arroyogrande.org/ rec. Rancho Grande Park, 500 James Way, Arroyo Grande.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

LIVE MUSIC WITH ASHER WHITE AND SPECIAL GUESTS Hear Asher White live, with special guests Tiny Plastic Everything and Slutboy. May 8 , 6-10 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo.

CAL POLY GUITAR STUDENT RECITAL Enjoy this free recital presented by Cal Poly Music Department student guitarists. May 8 , 7:30 p.m. Free. (805) 756-2406. music.calpoly.edu/calendar/free/#guitar. Cal Poly Davidson Music Center, Room 218, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. CUESTA WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT Join the Cuesta Wind Ensemble for an evening of wind music classics by great American and International composers, with conducter Jennifer Martin. May 13 7:30 p.m. $10-$17. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

THE BUNKER SLO PRESENTS: LIVE MUSIC WITH ASHER WHITE & SPECIAL GUESTS Enjoy live music with Asher White and special guests Tiny Plastic Everything and Slutboy. May 8 , 6-10 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY MOTHER’S DAY WITH PI JACOBS Blending roots-rock swagger and storytelling soul, Pi Jacobs’ music has drawn comparisons to Tom Waits, Dolly Parton, and Lucinda Williams. Celebrate Mom with live music! May 10 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 927-9466. moonstonecellars.com. Moonstone Cellars, 812 Cornwall St, Cambria. m

Arts

ARTS BRIEFS

Four artists dive into the deep for a CalNAM show

Paddle on over to the California Nature Art Museum for an exhibit under the sea. It’s hanging at the museum until July 20. Four artists contributed work celebrating the dynamic ecosystems that are touched by the saltwater spray.

Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities highlights giant kelp, the largest marine plant on the planet. Each stalk can grow up to 120 feet long and weigh up to 700 pounds, according to the museum. In its decade-long lifespan, kelp can sequester and remove at least 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

California native Richard Salas is known for his diving and underwater photography, which has appeared in a few coffee table books.

Salas’ goal is “to take the viewer through a marine biosphere where humanity’s impact is an undeniable force,” the museum announced.

Multidisciplinary visual artist Eliot Spaulding focuses on conservation and sustainability. Spaulding gathers materials from nature to use in her work, reflecting on human participation in ecosystems.

Laura Simonato, whose work is pictured, is a photographer and citizen scientist who hopes to spark curiosity into the “often over-looked world revealed at low tide,” according to the museum.

The fourth and final artist is Lompoc-based block printer Angelina LaPointe. Her prints capture all of California’s flora and fauna.

California Nature Art Museum is located at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang. It’s open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Santa Maria middle schoolers put their creativity on display

Junior high students in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District are proud to present their artwork for one weekend only at the city’s public library.

Expanding Perspectives is displayed inside Shepard Hall. Community members are invited to opening night on May 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibit is also open to the public on May 9 from noon to 5 p.m. and on May 11 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Educator Kurt Payne works in visual and performing arts for the district.

“We invite the community to visit the library and join us in Expanding Perspectives through the eyes of our Santa MariaBonita School District junior high students. This year’s exhibit challenges us to see the world through fresh, imaginative lenses,” Payne said in press materials. “It is a wonderful opportunity to support our young artists, and since the show runs through Mother’s Day weekend, it makes for an inspiring outing for families to enjoy together.”

Support from the Santa Maria Public Library Foundation and the Santa Maria Fairpark made the show possible. The library is located at 421 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria. Visit cityofsantamaria.org for more information. m

Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send tidbits

Drama in Cuyama

Teams assemble to produce an outdoor community theater event in New Cuyama

BY MADISON WHITE

Tiny skateboard wheels spinning on cement deliver actors smoothly to their marks. In New Cuyama, this is theater. So is playing soccer, racing lawn mowers, and other community celebrations in the valley.

Residents are putting on an original production called Rec Hallipalooza: A Resilient Cuyama Drama on May 16. The outdoor performance moves through multiple community hubs and shares locals’ dreams, skills, and stories.

The show is made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Arts in California Parks program, which supports groups that use cultural storytelling to engage communities. The boots-on-the-ground efforts were organized by the nonprofit Blue Sky Center.

“It’s going to sort of be between a play and a parade probably because it’s going to be outside, and it’s going to be moving around,” Creative Programs Manager Liz Fish said. “There’ll be a lot of activity and a lot of movement.”

The parade style fits the feel of Cuyama: wide open and free. Scenes take place at the skate park, baseball and soccer fields, lawn mower racetrack, horseshoe pits, and the recreation hall. The audience moves with actors through each setting as they try to defeat the Big Lonely, a monster threatening community life in nearby towns.

Characters realize how gathering in communal spaces helps cure social isolation.

There’ll be some recorded elements but not necessarily lots of scripted lines, although the cast of around 20 spent time rehearsing on Zoom. It’s likely that the cast will expand on production day when actors’ uncles, siblings, or friends decide they’d like to join in.

Rural community theater is a little bit different than in cities. In the Cuyama Valley, drama doesn’t have to be contained inside a building or on a stage. Soccer players and skaters can call themselves actors, too.

“That’s the fun thing about it, is it sort of touches on all these different interest points, and people can access something that is theater in a different way,” Fish said.

Blue Sky Center’s grant allowed the organization to commission two artists from PlaceBase Productions, a company that Ash Hanson started 14 years ago in her native Minnesota. Its mission is to produce plays for small, rural towns, listening to ideas from the community.

Hanson began working with

Showtime!

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

Wheels are spinning

Performers will present Rec Hallipalooza: A Resilient Cuyama Drama on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is free to the public and takes place at Richardson County Park in New Cuyama off the Hubbard Avenue exit of Highway 166. For more information about Blue Sky Center, visit blueskycenter.org.

Blue Sky Center right after the pandemic. This production will be the director’s fifth in Cuyama, but she and her collaborator, Alex Barreto Hathaway, produce two every year in various states. She knows that the arts can be a big support to small communities, having grown up in rural northern Minnesota.

“We’ve really fallen in love with that community, and they’ve also really taken to our process and approach to organizing around different topics through community theater,” Hanson said of Cuyama.

SKATE JAM: In order to include skateboarding in the Rec Hallipalooza: A Resilient Cuyama Drama production, residents needed gear and lessons. Two nonprofits rallied for donations and taught kids how to skate, a skill that some will show off in the upcoming performance.

In every play Hanson writes and directs, whether it be in South Dakota, Colorado, or California, she makes sure the material is “hyper local.” That means going to all the hot spots, attending church, and sitting at the bar to talk with people about their hometown. Hanson wants to determine what the pressing topics are that the community wants to comment on through theater. She calls the result a site-specific production, like the name of her company.

“What futures are we imagining?” Hanson said. “That helps inform the script writing.” Hanson helped write songs and oversee the script from her homebase in Utah. She visited Cuyama twice last year for the Rec Hallipalooza project and will return eight days before the May 16 performance.

“Basically, it’s a play in a week, but everybody will have already had access to the script. We’ve got a really solid team on the ground there who we’re going to work with that weekend to do the build day and make all the props,” Hanson said.

In such a large valley with only 1,100 residents, they can’t afford to be exclusive. Community theater in Cuyama accepts everyone’s help and embodies what it means to create an intergenerational project.

Take the young people, who wanted to shred at the skate park in New Cuyama but didn’t have equipment. Hanson helped rally gear donations from the Carpinteria Skate Foundation and the skate company Arbor Collective.

In March, Blue Sky Center and PlaceBase Productions hosted a two-day Skate Jam at the local skate park to help kids get more comfortable on their wheels. The community now has more than 20 sets of skateboards, helmets, and pads that skaters can check out from the Rec Center.

“We really tried to think about, ‘What is the long-term impact of the work that we’re doing?’” Hanson said. “Rather than just building a set in an auditorium and then tearing it down, what improvement can we make to these sites?”

The skateboarding scene is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated parts of Rec Hallipalooza During the show, audience members will get to see performers acting, dancing, and skating at the same time, but the community’s new wheels will keep turning long after the play’s final scene. m

m

Hunted

Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns, Everest) directs Jeremy Robbins’ script about adrenaline junkie Sasha (Charlize Theron), who’s haunted by a climbing accident and heads to the isolation of the Australian outback. What was meant as a retreat to reset turns into a cat-and-mouse battle to the death when Ben (Taron Egerton), a local weirdo, makes her his next target for his sick, ritualistic killing spree. (95 min.)

APEX

Glen: Charlize Theron once again proves she’s a credible badass (Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, The Old Guard ), and Taron Egerton leans into his surface-level charm with an unhinged psycho bubbling just beneath (Legend, Smoke). Sasha lives on the edge, an extreme-sports nut who’s always ready to push it too far. That personality trait is dangerous for her—and also dangerous to those she’s with, as we discover during the opening tandem climb of Norway’s Troll Wall. It’s easy to dismiss the tall, willowy, supermodel-esque Theron as being incapable of Sasha’s level of athleticism, but as part of the film’s marketing campaign, she scaled an Apex billboard in Times Square. She’s legit. It’s entertaining and gripping—think The Perfect Getaway (2009).

THE PITT

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2025-present

Where’s it showing? HBO Max

Another 15-hour day in a Pittsburgh hospital

ER with Dr. Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) is upon us with season 2 of the Emmy Award-winning show. End of shift, Robby’s leaving on sabbatical, a three-month motorcycle trip that sounds more like a mental health induced death march than a vacation. Charge Nurse Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa) is trying to keep everything together, but a cyberattack puts her whole floor in vulnerable territory.

The series does an excellent job at being relevant—this season we watch as ICE agents attack and detain emergency workers, as the cost of health care literally costs people their lives, and as overtaxed and overworked health care providers lose their sanity wading through red tape.

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing?

Anna: Theron has earned her badass badge. She doesn’t shy away from roles that demand physicality and strength. After pushing herself and her partner to the limit on Troll Wall, she’s off to the Australian wilderness to clear her mind, kayak the rapids, and let go. Egerton’s Ben immediately made my hackles rise—a feeling familiar to many women when a strange man is a little too interested in what you’re doing and where you’re going. He plays it as charm, though, and until Sasha returns to camp to find her pack missing and then stumbles onto Ben’s camp in search of it, he’s a forgotten blip in her day. When Ben makes clear his intention to hunt and kill her, Sasha is given little time to process the strange news. From there, it’s a race against a killer who knows the landscape well. Our girl Sasha isn’t going down without a fight though. Glen: The premise is nothing new. The Most Dangerous Game, Richard Connell’s short story about big game hunter who’s hunted by a Russian aristocrat, was published in 1924 and inspired dozens of films including The Running Man (1987) and more recently The Hunt (2020), a satire where liberal elites hunt “deplorables.” The twist here is that Ben isn’t merely a hunter out for the ultimate game, he’s a sadist who wants to toy with his prey. Egerton gets to chew the scenery. He’s so menacing it’s almost cartoonish. The film’s not going to win any awards, but watching Theron scale a sheer

This show can be a stressful watch, but luckily for some of us, it’s also oddly soothing. Applauded for its accuracy, this medical drama stays away from the usual tropes—there is no McDreamy here, no Dr. Doug and Nurse Carol romance. Instead, we get the messiness of everyday life paired with the professionalism and dedication of the staff at this overwhelmingly chaotic ER.

Both seasons of this show are very bingeable, and I’ve gone for a second watch of both—it’s that good. (30 41-to-61-min. episodes)

cliff, working to find toeholds and tiny ledges to pull herself up, or watching her hang on for dear life as she’s sucked down whitewater rapids is a blast.

Anna: It’s a predictable premise, but it benefits from two strong leads. Ben’s character does take unexpected turns, and we learn there’s more to his menace than mere murder. He’s not your run of the mill killer; he’s got it in his head that this is part of a larger puzzle and that sacrifice is key. People have gone missing in this wilderness often, but they’re thought to be careless tourists

DR. NO

What’s it rated? PG When? 1963

BL AST BL AST FROM THE FROM THE

Where’s it showing? Bay Theatre in Morro Bay on Monday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m. (doors at 4:30; $15 benefit for the Morro Bay Senior Center)

Terence Young (who went on to helm From Russia With Love and Thunderball ) directs this script by Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood, and Berkely Mather that adapts Ian Fleming’s 1958 novel about the British spy James Bond (Sean Connery), who’s sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of another British agent. Bond soon discovers that Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), a member of the criminal organization SPECTRE, is planning to disrupt the Project Mercury U.S. space launch from Cape Canaveral with a radio beam weapon.

who wander too far. Little did they know there’s a monster out here, picking off people in a sick game. You’re right, this isn’t a rare film, and it very likely will be forgotten over time, but the setting is truly gorgeous, Theron is a certified badass, and Egerton turns his creep factor up to 11. This is a perfect flick to stream when you can’t decide what to watch. m

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

The film set the precedent for future Bond films with an eccentric villain; a Chinese German scientist with prosthetic metal hands; beautiful women who fall for Bond’s charm, such as Sylvia Trench (Eunice Gayson), Miss Taro (Zena Marshall), and Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress); and goons for Bond to overcome like Quarrel (John Kitzmiller), who turns into an ally, and Dent (Anthony Dawson), who tries to kill Bond with a tarantula. We’re also introduced to M. (Bernard Lee), CIA agent Felix Leiter (Jack Lord), and Miss Moneypenny (Lois Maxwell).

EVENTS WIRE

Green cuisine

Try something new with the Central Coast Meatless Meetup crew

BY MADISON WHITE

Thirteen years ago, Steve Key decided to stop eating animal products. Before he flipped the switch, he’d call himself a “wannabe vegetarian,” refraining from meat most of the time but not going against the grain while out to eat with his buddies. He found it difficult in the 1980s and 1990s to find meatless options on tour as a folk singer. At the time he couldn’t simply search for nearby vegan restaurants on Google.

The musician read The Tofu Tollbook, a traveler’s guide for veganfriendly spots around the country. It helped him avoid confused looks from waiters when he explained he didn’t eat meat. Key remembered one experience with a waitress clear as day during a Texas road trip.

“She looked at me kind of strangely, and she said, ‘How about turkey?’” Key said. “So, I guess it’s kind of misunderstood by a lot of people.”

In 2026, he doesn’t have to deal with that sentiment nearly as often in part thanks to a club he founded. Earlier this year Key and his wife, Bonnie Nelson, started a Facebook group called Central Coast Meatless Meetup to gather likeminded and curious folks.

Once a month, they eat at a restaurant that provides a preset plant-based menu. Instead of having to explain veganism or ask wait staff about ingredients and cooking methods—à la, ‘How about turkey?’—these diners are relieved to know their meal has been vetted.

Coming up is a dinner at Jaffa Café in the Village of Arroyo Grande on May 26. A combo plate costs $25 (sent to the restaurant) and includes the eater’s five out of 10 menu items. Choose from the likes of falafel, pasta, dolma, and soup. Beverages and gratuity aren’t included. The founding couple will greet guests as they walk in, and Nelson will handwrite nametags for everyone. Diners can mingle and claim their seats to place an order for drinks and dinner. In between bites of Mediterranean cuisine, folks will spend the next two hours in dynamic conversation.

The group’s first meetup in March was at a community favorite, Klondike Pizza, in Arroyo Grande where they sampled eight pies and three salads. Shortly after, a crowd of 35 celebrated taco Tuesday in April at Humdinger Brewing in Arroyo Grande, which stacked plates with refried beans, Spanish rice, and three tacos: mushroom, roasted veggies, and Beyond Meat.

“One of the motivations for doing this Meatless Meetup once a month was at least we have once a month where we know we can go out and have 100 percent plant-based food,” Key said.

Everyone has their own guidelines when it comes to food, and so do people with plant-based preferences. Vegetarians typically eat dairy and eggs. Pescatarians eat fish and seafood. But most plant-based eaters avoid anything from an animal, and vegans may choose to extend that philosophy into the clothing they wear and the products they use.

It seemed simple to Key and Nelson. After completing a 30-day vegan challenge, they didn’t want to eat animal products anymore.

The couple continued researching vegan recipes and how meat and dairy consumption impacts the world around them. Key started looking into things he’d never thought about before. How we clear land to grow crops. How we feed crops to animals. How we eat animals.

“The way livestock is raised in slaughterhouses and the pig farms and chickens. I mean, it’s just horrendous,” Key said. “I got to feeling compassion for the animals as well as concern for the environment. … The facts just started compiling to the point where I thought, ‘I don’t really want to participate in that anymore. I’d like to do something different.’”

Key has lived on the Central Coast for nearly 20 years, but he hasn’t noticed much improvement in the plant-based scene. In his early days living here, Key saw a lot of “token” dishes on menus, like primavera pasta or a portobello mushroom burger. Then it was a Beyond Meat patty or an Impossible Burger.

By organizing Central Coast Meatless Meetup events, he hopes to expand possibilities at local restaurants and broaden the horizons of skeptics who have preconceived notions of vegan food. “I’m just trying to share with people my enjoyment of food that tastes good and also happens to be free of animal products,” Key said.

The other component of the group is making new friends. Breaking bread is always more enjoyable with good company. Leslie Kasanoff attended for the first time in April at Humdinger Brewing. Besides the tacos, she said she enjoyed talking with others who are conscious of the environment and the treatment of animals.

The Santa Maria resident identifies as pescatarian. Originally from a small town in between Boston and Cape Cod, she can only go so long without her favorite seafood. Her lifestyle switch flipped after a seminar about living to 100 years old. Then, at 52, the health coach thought, “I’m only halfway done.” Kasanoff believes eating mostly a plantbased diet is setting herself up for a long, healthy life.

As far as attending the next Central Coast Meatless Meetup at Jaffa Café, Kasanoff said she’s already made plans to be there. m

Email Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@ santamariasun.com for her favorite tofu recipes.

Just Hot Dogs