Sun, October 6, 2025

Bugonia: poignant black comedy [20]

Coroner’s conflict

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Arecently signed piece of legislation aims to separate local sheriff-coroner’s offices from conducting their own autopsies when there’s an in-custody death.

Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) said his bill was inspired by a county grand jury report on Santa Barbara County jail deaths and a recommendation for the Sheriff’s Office to have independent autopsies performed in those cases. While the Sheriff’s Office believes the bill is unnecessary and will be a costly burden, others believe it doesn’t go far enough. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about it [6]. Also, read about how much Enterprise car rentals cost the sheriff [3]; The Black Veil, an audio drama about a blind protagonist [18]; and what the Cuyama Buckhorn has in store for its olive bushes and trees [21]

Camillia Lanham editor

• In an Oct. 30 letter to President Donald Trump, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) asked the administration to reverse its tariff policies, which Carbajal described as ultimately functioning to impose hidden taxes on American families and businesses. “Despite claims made by your administration that tariffs would lower prices, they have increased the cost of living for Americans,” Carbajal wrote. “It is well-established that the cost of tariffs is passed on to consumers. The American people are footing the bill. Small businesses are taking hits as they are forced to either absorb the increased costs or pass them on to customers.” Carbajal cited tariffs on coffee and other everyday goods associated with rising prices to illustrate his point. “Tariffs will never work on products that cannot be produced in the United States. Take coffee, for example. The United States produces less than 1 percent of coffee beans globally. In this case, the only possible outcome of these tariffs is increased prices for the American people,” Carbajal wrote, “whether they are making coffee at home or buying it from a small business.” Carbajal is a cosponsor of both the Truth in Tariffs Act, which would require large retailers to clearly display the portion of an item’s price attributable to tariffs, and the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, which would clarify that tariffs can’t be imposed under the guise of a national emergency without Congressional approval.

• U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) and U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Massachusetts) recently accused True Medicine (TrueMed) founder Calley Means of abusing his role as a former special government employee for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In a joint letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Schiff and Auchincloss said that Means advised the administration on health policies that would ultimately benefit his business interests. “Although recent reports indicate that Mr. Means has departed from his role in the administration, taxpayers and families deserve assurance that Mr. Means’ prior involvement in policy had been in the interests of science and public health, not in interest of his business and personal financial gain,” Schiff and Auchincloss wrote in their Oct. 31 letter. “Given the pattern of self-dealing and conflicts of interest throughout this administration, the public deserve to know whether Mr. Means and his business, TrueMed, operated ethically. It is therefore incumbent upon the secretary and the White House, as Mr. Means’ former supervisors, to clarify his role and verify compliance with federal conflicts of interest, ethics, and reporting requirements.”

• U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and U.S. Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) issued a joint response to the Trump administration’s decision to cap the United States’ refugee admission program to 7,500 refugees, “an astonishing 94 percent cut over last year and the lowest level in our nation’s history,” the lawmakers wrote on Oct. 31. “To add insult to injury, the administration is skipping over the tens of thousands of refugees who have been waiting in line for years in dire circumstances to come to the United States, and it is instead prioritizing a single privileged racial group—white South African Afrikaners—for these severely limited slots, … while nearly 130,000 vetted, approved refugees—men, women, and children fleeing persecution and violence—wait in limbo after being promised a chance at safety.” m

County takes a closer look at the Sheriff’s Office’s vehicle expenses

When picking the make and model of a rental car, requesting a police cruiser sounds like a prank. But it’s a serious ask for law enforcement agencies that contract with Enterprise for vehicle leases.

In 2021, Santa Barbara County entered a five-year agreement with Enterprise to supply the Sheriff’s Office its patrol fleet on a short-cycle basis that allows easy swaps to newer models once vehicles become outdated.

“I’m sure there was merit to it at the time,” county 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps said while scrutinizing a recent request from the Sheriff’s Office to increase its spending limit with Enterprise by $450,000, which brings the total limit to $3.4 million.

“That’s a flag because we’ve had a pattern of unanticipated costs from the sheriff’s department,” Capps said at the Board of Supervisors’ Nov. 4 meeting. “An unanticipated cost to me would signal that, maybe, it’s not working.”

Capps described the request as “last-minute” after pulling it from the board’s consent agenda.

The staff report summarized the request as a response to “extraordinary and largely unforeseeable pandemic-driven cost pressures” that impacted the purchase price of vehicles across the automobile industry.

The original board allocation for the Enterprise agreement was capped at about $3 million annually.

“This request for additional contract purchasing authority is not the result of an expanded program scope or planning deficiencies, but a necessary adjustment to align the contract purchasing authority with current economic realities,” the staff report stated, “that could not have been anticipated when the original agreement was approved in 2021.”

Capps agreed to vote yes on the new purchasing limit after 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson motioned to amend the request. Nelson’s modification included a commitment from the Sheriff’s Office to return to the board sometime before the end of February with research on alternative approaches to compare with Enterprise’s model before renewing future contracts.

“I do want to have some assurances of that, because again, this is about the third or fourth unanticipated cost that’s come before the board,” Capps said. “There’s been a lot of unanticipated costs from the sheriff’s department, and I’m repeating myself because of the consternation that has caused, not just to the board but to other departments and to the public.

“This one gives me less heartburn,” she added before the board voted 5-0 to approve the new purchasing limit, “because it’s not additional pressure on the general fund at a time when we’re considering layoffs in other departments.”

—Caleb Wiseblood

Santa Maria’s public transportation system goes fully electric

Gamaliel Anguiano remembers when Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) received its first electric bus in 2022.

“It’s amazing to see how much the technology has improved over the last three years,” the transit services manager told the Sun

During the first week of November, SMRT was set to receive the last couple of vehicles it needed to have a fully electrified fleet. After SMRT does final inspections, installs some upgrades, and registers the EVs with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the buses will be on the road.

Based on federal database research, complete electrification is not a feat many other agencies have achieved, Anguiano explained.

“There is a high degree of confidence that we are perhaps only the second agency to do it,” Anguiano said. “It just feels good to make that accomplishment and put Santa Maria in a positive light that way.”

The fleet of 40 includes 20 full-size buses, six paratransit vans, and 14 small buses for the ondemand ride service. Utility staff like mechanics and road supervisors drive electric trucks, too.

Switching from gas-powered to zero-emission vehicles will save the agency around $400,000 per year, Anguiano said.

“Those are funds that, instead of going to diesel fuel, we can put back into our service in the form of more hours, more frequency, more routes,” Anguiano said. “This was a very prudent decision to save cost by getting off of diesel fuel and using electric fueling.”

The transition was made possible with funding from the state and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Anguiano also gave credit to the City Council’s support and “a great team here in Santa Maria.” The move complies with a state law that requires public transit agencies to transition to zero-emission fleets by 2040.

Even though SMRT has capacity to operate with all EVs, it’s still required to keep remaining diesel buses until they reach 12 years of operation or exceed 500,000 miles, according to FTA regulations. Around 15 diesel engines are still in SMRT’s fleet, Anguiano said, but as many as nine could reach retirement next year.

“In addition to retiring as many of these as possible, we actually will keep a small segment of them that are still in good quality, and we’ll keep them as backup vehicles,” Anguiano said.

However, it’s a “night and day difference” between a diesel and electric bus for both riders and non-riders, Anguiano said. Electric buses don’t produce air pollution or excessive noise, and the ride is smoother without the jerkiness from a traditional transmission.

Jonathan Ullman, the director of the Sierra Club’s Santa Barbara and Ventura chapter, agrees. When he took a ride on SMRT’s electric buses, Ullman said he was “very impressed” by the experience onboard.

“They’re just beautiful,” he said.

One of Ullman’s goals at the Sierra Club is to support efforts to electrify transportation powered by renewable energy. In his perspective, there are no downsides to electric buses, which provide the best ride for the customer.

“I think the people who take buses deserve to be on the best ride they can,” Ullman said. Throughout the past 10 years, Ullman has seen a lot of progress in the EV industry. He thought Santa Maria was proactive about getting grants to fund its electrification.

“It’s quite an accomplishment,” Ullman said. “What Santa Maria has done is just amazing.” The city of Santa Maria and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments are holding public input opportunities to track unmet transit needs. In December there will be live sessions in Buellton, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara. Spanish and Mixteco translations are available upon request. Those unable to attend can submit comments online until Dec. 15. Find more information at sbcag.org.

—Madison White

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Guadalupe appoints interim city administrator to fill Todd Bodem’s shoes

A nationwide search for a city administrator brought Todd Bodem to Guadalupe in 2019. His resignation in October triggered the city’s next search, underway with applications due on Nov. 30—Bodem’s last day with the city.

“To ensure continuity in city operations and leadership during the recruitment and appointment process for a permanent city administrator, it is both prudent and necessary to designate an interim city administrator,” Bodem told the Guadalupe City Council at its Oct. 28 meeting.

About nine months into his job as the city’s Public Works Director, David Trujillo was appointed during the hearing to take on a temporary dual role that combines his current duties and those of an interim city administrator.

“I just thought it made sense to have somebody internally, that can step right in,” Bodem told the council before it decided to approve Trujillo’s appointment with a 4-0 vote (Councilmember Eugene Costa Jr. was absent).

In mid-October, the Apple Valley Town Council—of Apple Valley in San Bernardino County—appointed Bodem to become its next town manager, following former manager Doug Robertson’s retirement.

Once Trujillo’s new interim role with Guadalupe begins on Dec. 1, he will receive an annual salary of $160,000 “for the duration of his service,” according to the staff report, which left his end date as acting city administrator open ended.

Guadalupe Councilmember Whitney Furness asked staff how long Trujillo is expected to maintain the dual role.

“It depends on how quickly we select somebody,” Guadalupe Human Resources Manager Sylvia Estrada said. “Definitely longer than a month, … especially with the holidays.” After the application deadline closes in late November, “the better candidates that are selected will interview with the council,” Estrada added. “We’ve got some pretty good candidates already.”

Furness asked Trujillo if he was planning to apply for the permanent role. After a few seconds of silence, Furness laughed and told him, “You don’t have to answer that.”

“David, why do you think you fit this position?” Mayor Ariston Julian asked Trujillo at one point.

“I was kind of hoping this question wouldn’t come up,” Trujillo said with a laugh. “I think that my experience in leadership roles, both in the military and on the civilian side, have kind of set me up to where it’s easy for me to communicate with people and find out what their actual longterm goal is, and I think that’s what we need to do—sit down and decide as a city and as a community where we want to go, and I’m willing to put on that hat and take on that role.”

Prior to working for Guadalupe, the Air Force veteran said he supervised inmate construction crews at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, while also working for the institution as a budget analyst.

“I think David is going to sincerely put all that he has in this interim position, so I think we’re safe in that regard,” Councilmember Amelia Villegas said.

Bodem described Trujillo as demonstrating “strong leadership, a deep understanding of city operations, and a commitment to public service that I believe uniquely positions him to succeed in this interim capacity.”

“He fits the suit,” Bodem said. “If you know what I mean.” m

—Caleb Wiseblood

Perceived conflicts

County grand jury investigation informed a state law requiring independent autopsies of in-custody deaths

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Dozens of law enforcement agencies across California have less than two years to comply with a new state law, one that the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office believes will do more harm than good.

Inspired by a 2024 county grand jury report, Assemblymember Gregg Hart’s (D-Santa Barbara) FACTS Act calls for independent medical investigations of in-custody deaths in county jails and state prisons to prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest, as California is one of only three states in the country that allow elected sheriffs to simultaneously act as coroners.

“To me and the grand jury, it’s kind of a common-sense thing,” Hart told the Sun, about one week after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the FACTS (Forensic Accountability, Custodial Transparency, and Safety) Act into state law.

While neighboring counties like Ventura and San Luis Obispo leave the decision of whether to conduct an in-custody autopsy to an independent department or forensic pathologist, respectively, it’s up to the Sheriff’s Office’s coroner detective staff to make that call in Santa Barbara County.

The grand jury asked the Sheriff’s Office to either establish a separate medical examiner’s unit or outsource in-custody death investigations to an independent agency. Neither request was implemented.

Hart’s legislation—Assembly Bill 1108—was designed to address statewide conflict of interest concerns without the price tag of starting dozens of new coroner departments from scratch, he explained.

“Initially I thought we should just do what 47 other states do and separate the two offices,” Hart said. “But looking at [California’s] legislative history, there have been other authors that tried that and were not successful, primarily because of the additional costs to local government to create that entirely different department.”

Many of California’s larger counties already separate their sheriff and coroner offices, Hart added, “so the vast majority of the people in California live in counties that have an independent medical examiner.”

“Only smaller, less urban counties have maintained this historical approach,” he said. “It’s a very modest change in procedures.”

The FACTS Act tasks boards of supervisors in counties that hold dual sheriff-coroner offices to review and approve contracts with independent coroners to investigate in-custody deaths, “and by doing that, it creates a separation,” Hart said.

During legislative hearings this summer before the bill passed, the California State Sheriffs’ Association consistently voiced its opposition to Hart’s bill.

“There are concerns over the potential financial impacts to individual counties,” association Executive Director Carmen Green told the Sun in an email interview.

“Since 48 counties have sheriffs that also serve as coroners, this will likely create an imbalance in the workload for the other 10 counties that may be asked to provide these services,” Green said. “In some cases, the same pathologist serves multiple counties, so creating additional contracts is counterproductive.”

Green believes that the FACTS Act “unnecessarily complicates and likely delays the death investigation process, and in exchange, creates no discernible benefit to county government, law enforcement, or the communities served by our county coroners.”

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Jarrett Morris told the Sun via email that the local department is “in lockstep” with the association, which “continues to have concerns as we move forward with this legislation,” Green said.

“The passage of AB 1108 is unnecessary and a solution to a problem that just doesn’t exist,” Green said.

In his response to the 2024 grand jury report that triggered Hart’s new bill, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said that the department’s coroner services “have withstood legal scrutiny in countless court cases and continue to provide the people of Santa Barbara County with credible, ethical, yet cost-effective death investigation services.”

“While there could be a perception of a potential conflict of interest with the Santa Barbara sheriff-coroner model, our agency has never been found to have had an actual conflict of interest,” Brown wrote in his response.

But even the perception of a conflict damages public trust, Hart told the Sun, and leaves room for uncertainty about in-custody death investigations that the FACTS Act aims to address.

“There is no confidence in those investigations and those circumstances,” Hart said.

Others who opposed Hart’s bill don’t think it goes far enough.

“There are many family members around the state whose loved ones died in custody [who] feel as though the investigation wasn’t done properly,” Hart said. “I actually did have some opposition from some of those family

members to my bill, because they wanted the full separation of the offices. … It was not 100 percent of what they were trying to achieve.

“They were not supportive of this hybrid solution that didn’t go all the way to the full separation of those offices,” Hart recalled. “It was very challenging to me personally because I felt as though I was trying to represent their interests.”

The California Public Defenders Association was among the FACTS Act’s supporters prior to its passage.

“We like to keep tabs on proposed legislation that may impact our clients,” Santa Barbara County Assistant Public Defender Lea Villegas told the Sun via email.

“With AB 1108, cause of death is at least one factor that families of people who die in police custody will not have to question,” Villegas said. “Conflicting official messages deprive the community of clear explanations.”

During a recent press conference to celebrate the FACTS Act’s passage, Santa Barbara County grand jury Foreperson Dale Kunkel said he’s hopeful that the bill will strengthen public confidence in government. He also commented on the original grand jury report that influenced the bill.

“The year that report was issued, more than half of all the grand jury investigations had their recommendations adopted by the agencies that were investigated. This recommendation

was not accepted,” Kunkel said. “Initially that outcome seemed to be a disappointment. But with this legislation, Assemblymember Hart has transformed this situation into a win not only for Santa Barbara County but for the entire state.”

In June, the grand jury released reports— separate from its 2024 investigation—on three in-custody deaths that it deemed preventable, including the death of Caprice Fowler in March due to a ruptured ulcer she suffered a few days after she was arrested.

In an outline of Fowler’s autopsy report, the Sheriff’s Office described her death as “tragic, but unavoidable,” while the grand jury concluded that there were missed opportunities to prevent her death while she was incarcerated at the county’s Northern Branch Jail in Santa Maria.

“When an inmate dies in custody, the public deserves an independent assessment of how and why that occurred,” Kunkel said at the Oct. 15 press conference. “Combining the role of sheriff and coroner is an artifact of an era when trust in government was high. For better or worse, that era is now long gone.

“The public now demands and deserves greater transparency and accountability from its government officials.” m

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

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Ritual Reform puts its signature spin on a new Santa Maria studio with XFormer Pilates machines

BY CALEB WISEBLOOD

Carving out some time to focus on the here and now set the tone for Sarah Whitmore Boe’s present and future, the owner and founder of three—soon to be four—local Pilates studios explained.

“My journey to it was really during a time of change in my life. I got sober 10 years ago and really found my daily presence on one of these XFormer machines, which is the machine that we use,” Boe said, referring to the specific type of Pilates reformers that line Ritual Reform’s floorspace at each of the company’s locations.

“I fell in love with the format,” she continued. “It was a huge contributing factor to that very precious time in my life and getting to meet a new part of myself that I had not met before.”

Compared to traditional Pilates, the XFormer method is “a much more challenging, strength-based approach,” according to Boe, who runs Ritual Reform studios in San Luis Obispo, Templeton, and Santa Maria.

She opened the latter in mid-September and plans to open her fourth location in Arroyo Grande sometime before January 2026.

“People sort of relate classical Pilates to rehabilitation and stretching. You won’t find that with us,” Boe said. “There’s very fast transitions. You don’t stop moving for the whole 50 minutes. There’s no breaks. … It feels like more of a workout.”

“This is not to knock classical Pilates at all,” she clarified. “There is absolutely a need for that. … It serves its purpose, for a huge majority of the population. We just find that there’s people who want a little more intensity, and that’s who come over to us.”

Boe said that her studios also get a good amount of patrons who have never tried any form of Pilates prior to leaping straight into Ritual Reform’s XFormer approach.

“Because we’re sort of framed as a more challenging workout, it can feel really intimidating to come through our doors, and we really want to assure everybody that we are welcoming and approachable, and that this workout is totally possible for anybody,” she told the Sun. “You do not have to have fitness

experience or be super in shape to come and do this. We are prepared to serve all levels. … Yes, it is challenging. Yes, it will be hard, and it is totally possible for anybody to come in and do.”

One of Boe’s favorite examples is about someone close to her who made Ritual Reform a weekly ritual.

“My mom is 69. She’s had a major back fusion, and she’s doing our workout three days a week,” Boe said.

Originally from Santa Barbara, Boe was living in Los Angeles when she tried the XFormer method for the first time.

“This format is really big in big cities. It has just never come to the Central Coast before,” she said. “When I moved back to the Central Coast, I was so upset to leave this format, because it did not exist here.”

Before envisioning her eventual path toward starting Ritual Reform, Boe said that she “kind of waited, just hoping that somebody else would do it.”

“I was working as a therapist at the time,” said Boe, who has a master’s degree in clinical psychology. “Eventually I just realized we have got to do this. Nobody’s doing it. I missed this workout so much.”

Within six months of debuting her first Ritual Reform location in Templeton in 2023, Boe opened her second spot in San Luis Obispo.

“The demand was so high. So it’s just grown from there,” Boe said. “We just realized the Central Coast was really hungry for this, so we moved quickly.”

Highlight

• The Lompoc Public Library recently installed a new drop-off box to help collect donations for the Lompoc Food Pantry. Canned fruits, vegetables, proteins, and soups are welcome, as well as rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, and other items to benefit local families facing food insecurity. Call (805) 875-8775 for more details. The library is located at 501 E. North Ave., Lompoc. m

Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@

n The City of Santa Maria Utilities Department is offering FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) Trappers and other items for Santa Maria water customers, while supplies last. The FOG Trappers are ideal for disposing of fats, oils, and grease used to cook and prepare food. Never put FOG down the drain. FOG can clog your pipes and back up sewer lines.

Nipomo deserves better

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13% I don’t like it but I voted for it.

9% I’m in the middle—I don’t feel represented in a two-party system. 22 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

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Dana Reserve development hurts the environment and doesn’t help the people who need it most

BY K. ROSA

San Luis Obispo County’s biggest development proposal in decades, the Dana Reserve in Nipomo, just cleared a major hurdle—but the new Dana Reserve plan is still a bad deal for both housing and the environment.

After a settlement with the developer, the project now promises only 78 deed-restricted affordable homes instead of the original 156— that’s half the number we were counting on. Even those units still need tens of millions in funding before a single wall goes up. Commissioner Anne Wyatt warned it feels like “missed opportunity and a bit of magical thinking.”

Here’s the big picture: We don’t need more luxury homes. According to an analysis in Yes on 33 (2024), much of California’s development today is aimed at the high end, leading to a luxury glut—many new units stay dark, even while people endure sky-high rents and homelessness. Building luxury homes doesn’t “trickle down”; it often pushes all housing costs upward. That analysis reinforces what local numbers already show: San Luis Obispo County has met 98 percent of its goals for above-moderate housing. What we really lack are homes that teachers, service workers, and young families can afford. Yet the majority of Dana Reserve’s planned units are luxury homes—the very kind that help raise land values and lure out-of-area buyers.

And we must keep pointing out that the socalled “affordable” housing in this project does not match the county’s real need. Hardworking people deserve secure, quality housing, yet a large share of these homes will be built by Shea Homes—think Trilogy stock, priced around $1.2 million to $1.7 million—and another portion is being marketed as “workforce” housing. But a $650,000 “workforce” home with a 20 percent down payment and 6.5 percent interest requires an annual income of about $140,861. The mortgage payment would be around $3,287 per month— before HOA fees.

The average salary range for teachers in SLO County typically falls between $54,000 and $100,000. A firefighter earns between $60,000 and $100,000, and an entry-level registered nurse makes about $75,000. Even at the county’s current median household income of $125,600, these homes are far from attainable for the people who need them the most. That’s not affordability; that’s exclusion dressed up as inclusion.

The latest California Association of Realtors 2026 housing market forecast underscores this growing divide. California—including San Luis Obispo County’s so-called “impenetrable bubble”—is heading for another stagnant, top-heavy year.

That gap is being driven by a record number of cash purchases, as wealthy buyers sidestep mortgage rates of 6.5 to 7 percent while middle-income families are priced out. Only 32 percent of home sales in 2025 went to first-time homebuyers—the lowest in six years—and California’s median home price is forecast to rise to $905,000 in 2026. Rising inflation, trade tariffs, and slower job growth (just 0.3 percent projected for 2026) will only make conditions harder for working families. In this environment, adding more high-end homes like those in the Dana Reserve doesn’t help affordability—it makes the divide worse.

Meanwhile, local rents keep rising. The new Arrive Paso Robles apartments opened in late 2024 with one- to three-bedroom units starting at $2,300 per month, showing how even rental prices are out of reach for many essential workers. When new construction doesn’t target affordability, it simply reinforces a market built by and for highincome earners.

Then, yes—there are the trees. The project destroys more than 3,000 mature oaks, many more than a century old.

Speak up! Send us your views and opinion to letters@santamariasun.com.

Ecologists estimate a 50-yearold oak forest can sequester roughly 30,000 pounds of CO2 per acre while emitting 22,000 pounds of oxygen. You don’t get that back.

These oaks are more than just ecological assets—they are cultural ones too. Erasing them erases living history.

Some people frame it as housing versus nature. But it doesn’t have to be. We absolutely need housing everyone can afford, and we absolutely need to protect our oak woodlands—and the cultural heritage embedded in them.

And let’s be crystal clear: The cut to the needed affordable housing stock didn’t come from the community or environmental advocates.

Which brings me to Commissioner Mariam Shah’s claim that lawsuits against aspects of the project were actually “about keeping people out … keeping poor people out.” That’s a gross misread. Opposing the destruction of cultural and ecological treasures while demanding more truly affordable housing is not exclusion. It is inclusion—a demand that growth shouldn’t come at the expense of the most vulnerable or of our shared heritage.

Dana Reserve offers too few affordable homes and erases too much of what makes this place special. We deserve better—for our neighbors, our environment, and the next generation. m

K. Rosa writes to the Sun from Nipomo. Send a letter for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.

Sacrifice is a calling

Sacrifice is a calling only the brave can hear.

I’ve seen bravery in the still innocent eyes of an Air Force para-jumper, who drops from helicopters on a thin cable to bring home fellow airmen.

I’ve seen bravery in the slumped shoulders of soldiers who disappear into the jungle at dusk, so that we could sleep to see another dawn.

I’ve seen bravery in the distant gaze of a “brown water” sailor, as he recalled navigating the Mekong River, knowing death could be waiting around every bend.

I’ve seen bravery in the tear-stained face of a young airwoman, who remotely monitored Hellfire Missiles as they streaked to earth, taking the lives of enemies and innocents alike.

I’ve seen bravery in the hand salutes on Veterans Day, of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, who answered their call to duty and served with honor.

All sacrificed some, some sacrificed all. Paul Worsham Arroyo Grande A1C, USAF Tactical Communications 1963-1967, Vietnam 1965

Have the courage to speak out loud and clear

My heart is breaking as the damage created by an undemocratic Republican Party under President Trump continues to destroy this country to the point of I do not recognize it anymore. A mere shell exists today of the America that was.

The evildoers will soon think nothing of removing opposition to the point of physical incarceration. The only way to defeat this plague on our freedoms is to insist and resist through intensive and extensive “no kings” events every weekend all over America until it’s loud and clear that the people have spoken.

I think many supporters could find a new and satisfying hobby in creating artful protest signs for neighbors, family, friends. Have the courage to place the signs on your front yard for easy distribution to the masses that care enough to speak up and make a difference. I recommend and vote for frogs as the rallying creature for our campaign at eradicating the evil that threatens to destroy us. Be sure, too, to vote. Everyone. We must do so in an unstoppable landslide.

Conflicting interests

funding Brown’s extra department “needs.”

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office’s contract with a rental car company for its law enforcement vehicle fleet gives a whole new meaning to the company’s slogan: “Enterprise. We’ll pick you up” … in handcuffs.

Since 2021, the Sheriff’s Office has rented its fleet from Enterprise at a cost of $3 million with an additional $450,000 surprise request for approval from the county Board of Supervisors at the end of the pilot five-year contract due to “unanticipated” “pandemic-driven” cost increases. Second District Supervisor Laura Capps was not happy.

She pulled the item from the Nov. 4 consent agenda and had some things to say about the department’s expenses.

“We’ve had a pattern of unanticipated costs from the sheriff’s department,” Capps said at the meeting. “An unanticipated cost to me would signal that, maybe, it’s not working.”

“There’s been a lot of unanticipated costs from the sheriff’s department and I’m repeating myself because of the consternation that has caused, not just to the board but to other departments and to the public,” she added. “This one gives me less heartburn because it’s not additional pressure on the general fund at a time when we’re considering layoffs in other departments.”

I wonder how much heartburn Capps has from Sheriff Bill Brown declining to acquiesce to the board’s request that his department inform them about notifications the Sheriff’s Office receives regarding ICE operations. I bet there’s a little animosity in there, dontcha think?

It’s rough when the elected sheriff doesn’t have to do what the elected county governing body asks of him. And even with purse-string power, it always seems like the board is begrudgingly

But at least the county’s law enforcement arm does have to abide by one former Santa Barbara County supervisor’s piece of legislation—even though it really doesn’t want to!

Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) took the law into his own hands and with the help of his fellow legislators and the governor made it so the local sheriff’s offices that oversee the local coroner’s offices don’t get to use in-house help to autopsy in-custody deaths. Which makes so much sense, if you think about it even just a little bit.

But Brown’s department is offended by the notion. One of his lieutenants told the Sun they were in “lockstep” with the State Sheriffs’ Association, which opposed Hart’s bill and called it “unnecessary and a solution to a problem that just doesn’t exist.”

Um. Just because you don’t think it’s a problem doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. We are one of three states left in the United States that does things this way—so, clearly, it’s a problem.

A 2024 county grand jury report examining in-custody deaths recommended an independent autopsy in those cases, but Brown declined the suggestion, saying, “While there could be a perception of a potential conflict of interest, … our agency has never been found to have had an actual conflict of interest.”

But even the perception of a conflict damages public trust, Hart said. And just because you’ve never been “found” to have one doesn’t mean a conflict of interest doesn’t exist.

“There is no confidence in those investigations and those circumstances,” Hart said.

Exactly. m

The Canary has a conflict of interest with coal mines. Send fresh air to canary@santamariasun.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDED

New Times Media Group is looking for its next photographer—someone with a knack for capturing the candid, an expert in the art of taking environmental portraits, and a passionate advocate for photojournalism. We’re looking for a curious soul who’s interested in capturing the images that will help us tell the stories that our community needs to hear, a photojournalist who can encapsulate the essence of the news with a single image. Our next photographer should understand why local journalism is important, shoot with an eye for details big and small, believe in honesty and integrity, and have the ability to hit a hard deadline.

This is a part-time, assignment-based position (with hours that vary from week to week) that shoots photos for two weekly newspapers, the Sun and New Times, with a coverage area that stretches through San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County. Other assignments may include shooting photos for our Menus Magazine.

If you’re into AI, no need to apply! If you think using Adobe Photoshop is the only way to craft a perfect image, you’d best look elsewhere.

Please send a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of published images to crucker@newtimesslo.com.

Hot Stuff

ARRAY OF ARTISANS

The local and nature-inspired Holiday Marketplace will be held at Solvang’s California Nature Art Museum on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping at this free admission event, with talented community artisans and unique gifts including fused glass art, pressed flowers, woodcut prints, and sustainable jewelry. More details can be found at calnatureartmuseum.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 Weekly classes, from ages 2 to adult, at Klein Dance Arts . Mondays-Saturdays, 4-8 p.m. (805) 2682530. kleindancearts.com. KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, Santa Maria.

DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN

DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/.

THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT

Don’t miss this production, written by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Tickets and additional details are available at the link. Nov. 7 7 p.m., Nov. 9 1:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 7 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

STOP KISS There are only three chances to see this show! Get tickets and more info at the link. Nov. 8 , 7 p.m., Nov. 14 7 p.m. and Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING

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

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

THE PERONDI’S STUNT DOG

EXPERIENCE Famed trainer Chris Perondi and his cast of rescue dogs entertain audiences of all ages with high-energy excitement from beginning to end. Nov. 8 5-7 p.m. $25. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org/show-listing. Theaterfest Solvang, 420 2nd St, Solvang. WILD IN CALIFORNIA SOLO EXHIBITION

See the exhibition Wild in California, a solo exhibition by Museum Founder, conservation advocate, and artist Patti Jacquemain. A array of woodcut prints and mosaics will be showcased, highlighting the bioregions and species that make up California’s rich biodiversity. Through Feb. 23, 2026 calnatureartmuseum.org/news/ wild-in-california-2025. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

COASTAL YOUTH THEATER PRESENTS: ELF THE MUSICAL JR. Coastal Youth Theater presents Elf the Musical Jr. Nov. 7 7-8:30 p.m., Nov. 8 2-3:30 & 7-8:30 p.m. and Nov. 9, 2-3:30 p.m. $28.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

EMBROIDERER’S GUILD OF AMERICA

The Bishop’s Peak Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America invites you to attend its monthly meeting. Third Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 15 Free. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach.

EVERYDAY IMPROV: SKILLS FOR LIFE

These interactive, welcoming workshops use the tools of improvisational theater— like play, spontaneity, and “yes, and”—to build real-life skills for communication, confidence, and connection. Every other

Sunday, 6-7:30 p.m. through Nov. 16 $15 each or $75 all. theagilemind.co/. Women’s Club of Arroyo Grande, 211 Vernon St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 270-5523.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE St. Joseph High School Community Theatre Presents: Pride and Prejudice. Nov. 7, 7-9 p.m., Nov. 8, 7-9 p.m. and Nov. 9, 2-4 p.m. $23.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

WORKSHOPS AND MORE AT THE LAVRA

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

SAN LUIS OBISPO

3-WEEK BEGINNING WHEEL SAMPLER

Curious about pottery? Try this 3-week intro series. Book on our website to save your spot. Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Mondays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Nov. 24 $165. (805) 896-6197. Anam Cre Pottery Studio, 1243 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, anamcre.com.

ART AFTER DARK Art After Dark features an art opening of world-class artists. Refreshments will be served. First Friday of every month, 5-8 p.m. through March 7 Free. slocountyarts.org/art-after-dark. SLO County, Various locations countywide, San Luis Obispo.

ARTIST RIKI SCHUMACHER AT ART

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

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

BUEN DIA MILONGA See Nexus’ last Argentine Tango milonga of 2025: Buen Dia Milonga, hosted by Carolyn Long with DJ Bonnie playing Tango through the years. Nov. 9, 5-8 p.m. $10. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St.( Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

CHICANOS AT CAL POLY: WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE SHOW UP This exhibition honors the history of Chicane students at Cal Poly, focusing on their expressions of cultural identity while recognizing the challenges of placemaking. MondaysFridays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 12 Free. (805) 756-2305. library.calpoly.edu/ events/chicanos-cal-poly. Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CREATIVE KIDS: AFTER SCHOOL WITH CAROLINA LUNA The Creative Kids series focuses on a different medium each week as a way to see what subject(s) sparks your child’s interest! Wednesdays. through Dec. 17 $25. (541) 480-5068. i0.wp.com/artcentralslo.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/10/CK-After-School-Fall.jpg Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

ECLECTICS II: A GROUP EXHIBITION See this online and onsite exhibition. Email to make an appointment. Through Nov. 8, noon Free. actsofworshipart.com. Online, See website, 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.

KCPR: THE MAGIC OF COLLEGE RADIO

This exhibition narrates a history of KCPR, Cal Poly’s home-grown radio station, focusing on the impact students have had building and sustaining the station. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 12 Free. (805) 756-2305. library. calpoly.edu/events/magic-college-radio. Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo.

NARRATIVE ECHOES: RECENT ACQUISITIONS TO THE PRINT COLLECTION Highlighting newly acquired prints in conversation with artist books, this exhibition reflects stories that reverberate within our Cal Poly and SLO community. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 12 Free. library.calpoly.edu/events/narrativeechoes. Cal Poly Special Collections and Archives, Robert E. Kennedy Library, 1 Grand Ave., Building 35, Room 409, San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-2305.

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.

SIJI KRISHNAN Krishnan’s evocative paintings exist in a realm between memory and myth, where figures emerge from translucent layers of pigment. Through Jan. 11, 2026, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 543-8562. sloma.org/exhibition/sijikrishnan/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

SLO COMEDY UNDERGROUND OPEN MIC NIGHT Enjoy a night of laughs provided by the local SLO Comedy Community. It’s open mic night, so anyone can perform and “you never know what you’ll see.” Tuesdays, 8 p.m. Free. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337, libertinebrewing.com.

SLO NIGHTWRITERS: A COMMUNITY OF WRITERS SLO NightWriters supports local writers with monthly presentations, critique groups, contests, and other events. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. slonightwriters.org. United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.

STEPPIN’ UP TO THE MIC: CONTRA DANCE CALLING WORKSHOP SERIES Learn to lead contra dances from the best callers across California. Year-long workshop series for new and aspiring contra dance callers, with opportunities to call. Nov. 8 1-3 p.m. $120. cccds.org/ stepup. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana 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. WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/ events/. Online, See website, San Luis Obispo.

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

Orcutt Academy Enrollment for 2026-2027 School Year

Information Nights & Campus Tours

The Orcutt Academy will begin taking online enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, November 3, 2025 All prospective parents/guardians should attend a live public information night on the Orcutt Academy. At each of these nights, Academy staff will present information on the school and its two sites: Orcutt Academy High School and the Orcutt Academy K-8 campus Staff also will describe procedures for the enrollment lottery and admissions.

For the convenience of prospective families, all of the Orcutt Academy’s information nights will be conducted virtually, via the Zoom platform for online meetings. Specific Zoom meeting links are posted below We also have scheduled in-person tours of the OAHS and OAK-8 campuses in January.

Following is the schedule of events leading up to the February 4, 2026, enrollment lottery for the 2026-2027 school year. The deadline for enrollment applications is at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Weekday Date Time Event

Monday December 1, 2025 6:00-7:00 p.m. Information Night (Link)

Thursday January 15, 2026 6:00-7:00 p.m. Information Night (Link)

Friday January 16, 2026 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Friday January 16, 2026 10:30-11:30 a.m.

OAHS Campus Tour 610 Pinal Avenue, Old Orcutt

OAK-8 Campus Tour 480 Centennial Street, Los Alamos

Monday January 26, 2026 6:00-7:00 p.m. Information Night (Link)

Wednesday February 4, 2026 6:00 p.m. Enrollment Lottery (Link)

For information, contact OAHS Principal Rhett Carter, rcarter@orcutt-schools.net or 805938-8590, or OAK-8 Principal Cher Manich, cmanich@orcutt-schools.net or 805-960-5530

Holiday Guide

BOOK YOUR AD BY: NOVEMBER 14, 2025

PUBLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2025

JAN 1, 2026

THREE DAYS OF FUN

The fifth annual Fall Festival will return to the Avenue of Flags in Buellton from Friday, Nov. 7, to Sunday, Nov. 9. The festivities will be from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. on the weekend. More than 40 bands are set to perform, and carnival rides, games, merchant and food vendors, and drinks make for three days of family-friendly fun. Admission is free, and more information can be found at buelltonfallfest.com.

ARTS from page 10

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.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE ART

PARTY & OPENING RECEPTION FOR JIM TYLER, NANCY DAVID & DEBBIE

GEDAYLOO Join for an art-filled afternoon in Morro Bay! Meet the artists, invest in art, and enrich your life. All are invited. Nov. 8 3-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS FIBER ART BY DEBBIE

GEDAYLOO Debbie Gedayloo creates playful, sculptural works in wool using needle and wet felting techniques. Join the reception on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

BOOK YOUR AD BY: November 14, 2025

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PUBLICATION DATE: November 20, 2025

PRESENTS FINE ART OIL PAINTINGS BY NANCY DAVID Nancy David’s oil paintings celebrate Central Coast landscapes with vibrant seasonal colors and natural beauty. See her work on display in the gallery, open daily. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE

PRESENTS PASTELS BY JIM TYLER

Award-winning pastel artist Jim Tyler captures bold light and shadow in stunning coastal scenes. See his work in the gallery, open daily. Through Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay.

THE MAN FROM EARTH Smart, suspenseful, and deeply philosophical, The Man From Earth is a gripping theatrical experience that will stay with you long after the final line. Nov. 7-16 $20$28. cambriaarts.org/. Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, 1350 Main St., Cambria.

OIL PAINTING WITH ANITA HAMPTON

Students will paint still life set-ups while learning color theory, value, perspective, lighting, design, composition, and more with well-respected teacher Anita Hampton. Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m. through Nov. 20 (805) 772-2504. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, artcentermorrobay.org.

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.

WATERCOLOR WITH JAN FRENCH:

THREE SESSIONS Practice painting watercolors at your own pace with guidance from Jan French. Session 1 includes dates on Oct. 6, 13, 20 & 27, Session 2 is on Nov. 3, 10, 17 & 24, and Session 3 is on Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22. Beginners are welcome. Reserve your spot at the link below. Mondays. through Dec. 22 $145. (805) 772-2504. artcentermorrobay.org/ workshops. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS

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

BABY STORY TIME Explore pre-literacy skills through music, movement, and visual stimulation, and promote a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. Learn, connect, and grow with other babies. Mondays, 10 a.m. through Nov. 17 Free. (805) 925-0951. engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=9521&Eve ntID=566028&PK=918016. Santa Maria Public Library (Altrusa Theater), 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CASUAL CRAFTERNOON: FALL CANDLES Make your favorite fall scented candle! All materials and supplies will be provided. Registration is required for this program, for patrons 18 and older. Nov. 10, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

CENTRAL COAST CORVETTE CLUB Open to Corvette owners and enthusiasts. First Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Free. (805) 934-3948. Home Motors, 1313 E. Main St., Santa Maria. COMMUNITY HIKE TO POINT SAL Discover breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and the beauty of nature on this scenic trail. This moderate-tostrenuous hike will have panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, and maybe even a glimpse of local wildlife! Nov. 8 , 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-$10. dunescenter.org/events/. Point Sal Trail, Brown Rd, Guadalupe. D&D AND BOARD GAMES AT THE LIBRARY Play board games, D&D, and more, presented by the Santa Maria Valley Adventurers League. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Nov. 9 1-4:30 p.m. Free. (805) 925-0994. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY AND COMMUNITY BANK OF SANTA MARIA INVITE YOU TO A FRAUD AWARENESS AND PREVENTION SEMINAR Family Service Agency is partnering with Community Bank of Santa Maria to host the Fraud Awareness and Prevention Seminar. Protect yourself and guide loved ones in recognizing threats, practicing healthy skepticism, and building strong security habits. Nov. 13 10-11:30 a.m. Free. (805) 928-1707. give.fsacares.org/ Fraud2025. Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland 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.

FIGHT NIGHT IX- PRESENTED BY BEATDOWN PROMOTIONS Watch top-tier athletes showcase their skills, strength, and strategy in an action-packed lineup of bouts. Enjoy the ultimate fight night experience with VIP tickets, including premium seating, exclusive access, and complimentary refreshments. Nov. 8 5-11:30 p.m. $39.34. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria.

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

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)

F r o m t h e f o o t l i g h t s t o t h e l o b b y , f r o m t h e v i l l a i n ’ s s n e e r t o t h e h e r o ’ s

c h e e r — e v e r y m o m e n t a t T h e G r e a t A m e r i c a n M e l o d r a m a i s b r i g h t e r

b e c a u s e o f y o u ! T h i s h o l i d a y s e a s o n , w e t i p o u r t o p h a t s a n d r a i s e a

g l a s s t o o u r w o n d e r f u l c o m m u n i t y . M a y y o u r d a y s b e m e r r y ,

o u r d a y s b e m e r r y , y o u r h e a r t s l i g h t , a n d y o u r s t o r i e s f i l l e d w i t h j o y ! Nov. 14

SLO SOIRÉE

The fourth annual Autumn Soirée Wine and Food Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hotel San Luis Obispo. The celebratory evening will highlight the Central Coast’s most acclaimed wineries and restaurants, along with performers and art installations. The after party will allow further mingling between community members and chefs and vintners. For tickets and additional details, visit autumnsoiree.com.

—A.S.

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

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

ORCUTT MINERAL SOCIETY Second

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

SADIE HAWKINS DANCE The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizen Club features the Sadie Hawkins Dance. Hear Riptide Big Band with Bob Nations and Mitch Latting, along with guest vocalist Donna Phillips. Nov. 9, 1:30-4 p.m. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria.

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.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

BUELLTON FALL FESTIVAL The Buellton Fall Festival will take place in Buellton with over 40 bands, carnival rides, and games! Nov. 7, 4-10 p.m., Nov. 8, 12-10 p.m. and Nov. 9 12-10 p.m. Free. (805) 448-7070. buelltonfallfest.com. Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, Buellton.

CALNAM HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE

This free admission day invites visitors to enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping featuring talented local artisans and unique gifts that celebrate nature, wildlife, and the outdoors. Nov. 16 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. calnatureartmuseum.org/news/holidaymarketplace-2025. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang.

FAMILY COOKING CLASSES WITH A-Z

COOKING SCHOOL Bring the family together to learn side-by-side how to prepare delicious meals. Classes are tailored for children and teens with a family adult. Second Monday of every month, 5:30-7 p.m. through Nov. 10 Adults $33; Children 5-16 $23. (805) 214-1213. santaynezvalleygrange. org/calendar/?month=11&yr=2025. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos.

LOMPOC/VANDENBERG

AFTERNOON BINGO Bingo with potluck. Parking in rear. Buy one of everything for $20. Guests can participate without bringing food. Look forward to a fun afternoon. Second Tuesday of every month, 12-4 p.m. All games are $1 each. (805) 736-6669. Valley of Flowers HalfCentury Club, 341 No. N St., Lompoc. LOMPOC ART WALK Lompoc transforms into a celebration and showcase of local artists during this monthly event,

stress, sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FFD Join at the SLO Botanical Gardens for a fabulous day exploring the wonderful world of birds! Nov. 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.

BOOK BUDDIES Bookworms, assemble! Woods Humane Society is welcoming animal lovers age 7 to 17 to join us in reading to our furry friends. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5. (805) 543-9316. woodshumanesociety.org/youthprograms. Woods Humane Society, 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo.

CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA Visit

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

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 CRAFTY CREATIONS BOUTIQUE Crafters and vendors from all over the county will be bringing that one of a kind unique gift and treasure. Free parking and free admission. Nov. 7 4-8 p.m. and Nov. 8 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Portuguese Hall, 707 Huasna Road, Arroyo Grande.

FRIENDS OF THE NIPOMO LIBRARY BOOK SALE Head to Friends of Nipomo Library Book Sale, and choose from adult fiction/nonfiction, children’s books, jigsaw puzzles, and CD’s/DVD’s. FONL members get two free books! Cash only. Nov. 8 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (805) 929-3994. friendsofnipomolibrary.org/. Nipomo Library, 918 W. Tefft, Nipomo. HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE BY UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH Special and unique holiday gifts will include crafts, quilts, homemade items, plants, antiques, collectibles ,and baked goods. Proceeds will benefit local charities. Nov. 7 9 a.m.noon and Nov. 8 , 9-2 a.m. (805) 471-1664. First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande, 275 N. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande.

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.

QI GONG: MINDFUL MOVEMENTS FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY

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

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

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

FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded in 1772. Come learn its history and importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.

HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT

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

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

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

MUSEO BY MUSE MARKETS MUSEO by @themusemarkets will kick off their inaugural celebration of local art, community, and culture. Nov. 9 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 540-1768. themusemarkets.com/. Mission Plaza, Downtown, San Luis Obispo.

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

QI GONG AT SPIRIT WINDS PHYSICAL THERAPY This class will lay a foundation for health and vitality by integrating joint mobility, flowing movement, energizing breathwork, and mindfulness practices. Join now! Wednesdays. through Dec. 31 $23. my805tix.com. Spirit Winds Physical Therapy, 1422 Monterey Street, Suite C-102, San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-5100.

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, San Luis Obispo.

TECH BREW MEETUP Tech Brew is a free networking event where people interested in technology can hang out in an informal environment with a small TEDtalk-like presentation from an interesting speaker. Learn more online. Second Monday of every month, 5-7 p.m. (805) 323-6706. meetup.com/softec/. StoryLabs, 102 Cross St, Suite 220, 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.

Focus. Flexibility. Determination.

Focus. Flexibility. Determination.

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

WHIP IT! A WEST COAST SWING PARTY

Westies, let’s groove with Nexus’ West Coast Swing jam! An intermediate WCS lesson will begin at 7 p.m., followed by social dancing at 8. Nov. 8 , 7-11 p.m. $20. nexusslo.com. Nexus SLO, 3845 S Higuera St. (Lower Level), San Luis Obispo, (805) 904-7428.

NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BASH CANCER FEST Join us for the 7th annual Bash Cancer Fest in support of the Teddy Bear Foundation! Enjoy live music, raffle prizes, silent auction, local wine, and craft beer and cocktails. Nov. 8 12-6 p.m. $23.27. my805tix.com. South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos.

CENTRAL COAST WOOD CARVERS Learn the art of wood carving or wood burning. Join Central Coast Wood Carvers in Morro Bay at St. Timothy’s. Open for beginners, intermediate, or advance. Learn a wide range of techniques and skills. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2840, sttimothymorrobay.org/. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS

FEST

Through Jan. 15, 2026 (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

FOOD & DRINK

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

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY Head to Food Truck Friday, with wine bottle specials and local food trucks every Friday at the Wine Stone Inn. Fridays, 4-9 p.m. through April 24 Free. (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE ORO Featured vendors in the series include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com.

Costa De Oro Winery, 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE

INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen stays open late. Come out and sing your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866.

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

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.

CREATIVE QUILLS POETRY COLLECTIVE

Creatives Quills fosters a supportive and inclusive platform for local poets to share their creative works. Sign up by email creativequillsmb@gmail.com. Third Sunday of every month, 2-4 p.m. through Dec. 21 Free. Top Dog Cafe Bar, 857 Main Street, Morro Bay, (805) 725-1024.

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/.

PUMPKIN PATCH Our Pumpkin Patch is officially open for the season! All of our pumpkins are thoughtfully grown by 46 Ranch and come in various sizes. Mondays-Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 927-4747. cambrianursery.com/ events/. Cambria Nursery and Florist, 2801 Eton Rd., Cambria.

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.

WHIMSICAL WINTER WONDERLAND Step into the Whimsical Winter Wonderland at Cambria Nursery—where the magic of the season comes to life through light, design, and imagination.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

BATCH COOKING CLASS WITH A-Z COOKING SCHOOL Work with seasonally available local produce, and learn a variety of techniques and recipes. Take home what you cook after this class, geared towards adults and teens, 14 years and older. Second Sunday of every month, 2-3:30 p.m. through Nov. 9 $55. (805) 214-1213. santaynezvalleygrange.org/mcevents/adult-and-teen-cooking-classeswith-a-z-cooking-school/?mc_id=222. Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos.

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 ARROYO GRANDE BEER & WINE FESTIVAL Don’t miss the 4th annual Arroyo Grande Beer & Wine Festival in the Village of Arroyo Grande, featuring all local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Nov. 8, noon $75. my805tix.com. Heritage Square Park, 201 Nelson St., Arroyo Grande.

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.

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/.

TAP THURSDAY Head to Tap Thursdays at the Wine Stone Inn every week, featuring $5 draft beers and $5 Cava’s. Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. through April 16 Free. (805) 3323532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER

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

WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check

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

WINE BINGO WEDNESDAYS Join Wine

Bingo Wednesday at the Wine Stone Inn –– the original bingo night in Old Orcutt. The event will occur weekly with the purchase of an adult beverage. Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. through April 29 (805) 332-3532. Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, winestoneinn.com/.

SAN LUIS OBISPO DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. GOOD THINGS: A CONVERSATION WITH SAMIN NOSRAT Chef and author shares stories, recipes, and rituals from her newest cookbook, in a heartwarming celebration of creativity, connection, and the joy of cooking. Nov. 9 2 p.m. (805) 7564849. calpolyarts.org/20252026-season/ samin-nosrat-good-things. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. HOTEL SLO’S 4TH ANNUAL “AUTUMN SOIRÉE: THE SLO WAY” WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL TO SHOWCASE TOP CENTRAL COAST WINES AND CHEFS Hotel San Luis Obispo presents its 4th Annual “Autumn Soirée: The SLO Way”, a wine and food celebration spotlighting Central Coast’s finest winemakers and chefs. Nov. 8 5-8 p.m. $150. autumnsoiree.com. Hotel San Luis Obispo, 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 235-0700.

MUSIC

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/LOS ALAMOS HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. LIVE MUSIC AND FOOD BY LOBO BUTCHER SHOP Check out live music every Friday night from a variety of artists at Steller’s Cellar

served by Lobo Butcher Shop between 5 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Varies according to food options. (805) 623-5129. stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.

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.

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.

TEXAS GUITAR QUARTET The Grammy-nominated Texas Guitar Quartet will hit the stage and deliver their take on classical guitar ensemble performance. The quartet is known for their innovative arrangements of orchestral masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Ravel. Nov. 7 7-9 p.m. explorelompoc.com/event/texasguitar-quartet/. First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNTY

CENTRAL COAST HARMONY CHORUS INVITES SINGERS TO JOIN FOR HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES Men and women are invited! No prior experience is necessary - just a love of music. Call or email for more information. Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 18 $20. (805) 736-7572. ccharmony.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.

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 after-hours nightclub experience. With limited capacity and a dress code. For ages 21 and over. Fridays, 10 p.m. my805tix.com. Beso Cocina, 1050 Willow Road, Nipomo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO

THE BUNKER & THE FREQUENT WEAVER ARE PROUD TO PRESENT JON MUELLER & TOM LECKY’S ‘ALL COLORS PRESENT’ Jon Mueller and Tom Lecky’s sound and visual meditation, ‘All Colors Present’ will be performed at the Bunker SLO. These performances also help celebrate the relaunch of the venerable Table of the Elements label. Nov. 8 8-10 p.m. $12.56. my805tix.com. The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ Rising star violinist Vladyslava Luchenko is set to perform Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D with the SLO Symphony. Nov. 8 7:30-9 p.m. $12-$92. (805) 543-3533. slosymphony.org/calendar-2025-2026/california-dreamin/. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. CERAMIK, LOT IN LIFE, DISCOURAGE, AND SPECIAL FORCES LIVE Nov. 9 Free. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974. SLO BREW + (((FOLKYEAH!))) PRESENT ~ Y LA BAMBA WITH SPECIAL GUEST LOS TRANQUILOS Nov. 9 7 p.m. $29.27. slobrew.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843.

VITRIOL, UNMERCIFUL, AND WEEPING LIVE Hear sets from various metal bands at Humdinger. Nov. 7, 6 p.m. $20. my805tix.com. Humdinger Brewing (SLO), 855 Capitolio Way, suite 1, San Luis Obispo, (805) 781-9974.

THE WIDE EYED KIDS, DUNE BLOOM, AND BLACK POOL

Catch The Wide Eyed Kids on tour with Dune Bloom and Black Pool at Libertine. Nov. 6 8 p.m. libertinebrewing.com/publiceventsatlibertine/2025/11/6/thewide-eyed-kids-dune-bloom-and-black-pool. Libertine Brewing Company, 1234 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 548-2337. NORTH COAST SLO COUNTY

BLUES AGENDA JAM AND SHOWCASE A rockin’ blues dance party at Niffy’s Merrimaker every first, third, and now fifth Wednesdays. The Blues Asylum house band welcomes local, visiting, and newcomers to the blues groove. Spirits, beer, and wine, with outside food welcome. Every other Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. Free. (805) 235-5223. The Merrimaker Tavern, 1301 2nd Street, Los Osos.

HERWAY TO HELL (A TRIBUTE TO AC/DC AND BON SCOTT) Hear the premier all-Female AC/DC cover band Herway to Hell, who is “too punk for Rock, too Rock for Punk.” Nov. 8 8-10:30 p.m. $24.30. thesirenmorrobay.com. The

ARTS BRIEFS

It’s golden hour at Gallery Los Olivos

Garrett Speirs brings contemporary landscapes to Gallery Los Olivos with his latest exhibit, Five O’clock Shadows. The featured artist show will be at the gallery until Nov. 30.

“These paintings are meant to be viewed both from a distance and close up,” Speirs said in an email to the Sun. “From a distance they are somewhat realistic, but when viewed closer they completely change.”

Up close, his brushstrokes make “an intentional play on the imperfection of our own observations,” according to the gallery’s website.

While walking the line between realism and abstraction, his pieces “exist in a state of formation or disintegration, capturing the transitory nature of the landscape and our momentary place within it,” according to the gallery.

Speirs is based out of Santa Ynez. In addition to oil and gouache paintings, Speirs also creates lithographs and ceramics. Visit garrettspeirs.com to see his work.

Check out Five O’clock Shadows at Gallery Los Olivos, located at 2920 Grand Ave. in Los Olivos. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (805) 688-7517 with questions.

Celebrate mixology and harvest with live music at Rock 12 Distillery

Rock 12, a Lompoc distillery, grows its own fruit to infuse homemade spirits. It’s the county’s first farm-to-glass distillery, according to its website, growing apples, apricots, and quince that make their way into cocktails. To celebrate the end of the growing season, Rock 12 is hosting its annual harvest party with live music and libations.

Join the fun on Nov. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets include smash burgers by Tubby Cravings and cocktails made with Rock 12 spirits. There’ll also be live music by Serendipity, a band of teachers from Certain Sparks Music in Lompoc, Rock 12 owner Sarah Suput said in an email to the Sun. The band is known for covering hits by groups like Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones. They also perform some original songs and rock covers of hip-hop hits, Suput added. Serendipity has performed at local restaurants and events like the Lompoc Chalk Festival and the Art and Flower Faire. Follow the band on Instagram @serendipity.bannd. Rock 12 makes gin, vodka, brandy, and infused liqueurs. Highlights include apple brandy, quince liqueur, and serranoinfused vodka.

Tucked in the Santa Rita Hills, the distillery is located at 6605 Highway 246 in Lompoc. Rock 12 is open for tastings from noon to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday and midweek by appointment. Call (805) 264-6026 or follow @rock12distillery on Instagram for additional information.

Purchase harvest party tickets for $40 at rock12distillery.com. m

However, in the audio medium, listeners can’t see anything either. Machin added the layer of invisibility to the protagonist to enhance some of the dramatic horror scenes.

BY MADISON WHITE

Ablind protagonist, Miranda Griffin, runs through a maze while a vicious werewolf chases her in episode 6 of Simon Machin’s audio drama, The Black Veil. Out of everything he’s done to produce the drama’s 13 episodes, this scene sticks out to Machin because he invented his own werewolf sound effect by modifying a dog’s bark.

“If you’re wearing headphones, it would pan from one side to the other, get louder and quieter, and there’s footsteps and all that,” Machin told the Sun. “It was the most fun [scene] to make. I think it’s also probably my favorite to listen to.”

The Black Veil is set in Victorianera London with mythical and supernatural themes. Through the audio medium, listeners are immersed in the mind of the protagonist, who’s blind and invisible. In each episode she tackles horrific mysteries as Jack the Ripper unleashes terror and sets out on murderous hunts.

Machin, a Santa Maria resident, has edited podcasts and audio dramas since high school. He wrote The Black Veil during his sophomore year at DePaul University. He then spent another year casting, producing, and editing before releasing the series in August this year.

When he was writing The Black Veil script, Machin remembered wondering, “What story would make sense if you can’t see anything?”

His answer was creating a protagonist who doesn’t have vision. Machin consulted the National Federation of the Blind on how to portray a blind character. Through that research he discovered the irony in most representations, which rely on visual cues of blindness like glasses or a white cane.

“There’s a dynamic between people can’t see her, but she can’t see anything else either,” Machin said.

Audio dramas are more akin to audio books than podcasts, Machin described, because they contain scripts, actors, and music.

“It’s quite literally a TV show, but it’s audio only,” he said. “There’s a history that goes back to the 1930s. Radio dramas used to be the way any form of entertainment was broadcasted at all.”

After the pandemic, audio dramas had a “resurrection.” The medium allows everyone to work from home, and it’s relatively cheap to produce.

“It’s within my ability to actually afford to hire these people and do this and then put in the work myself to edit it and produce it and direct it,” he said.

Though Machin has worked on other projects, The Black Veil was the first series he took on by himself. He hired a musician to score the story and an artist to create the cover art. To recruit actors, Machin posted casting calls on the online platform Backstage. Hundreds of actors submitted their auditions, and Machin spent weeks combing through them all.

At the end of the process, the cast was international. Actors recorded from the U.S., Brazil, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. There were around 15 characters, but a few of the actors played multiple small roles. Some were new to voice acting. Others were well established in the industry, he said, including Marta da Silva who plays the protagonist.

After the actors sent Machin their takes, he analyzed every single line and strung them together in postproduction.

“[The actors] did it independently, and I think that speaks to their talents. … No one else was in the room, they did all their lines just on their own,” Machin said. “It was on me to then take the correct takes and put them together to make conversations, but that’s all fake. That’s movie magic.”

While working with an international group was fun, Machin anticipates a local project on his horizon next. He’s thought about working with local theaters to adapt one of their productions into an audio drama.

“There’s a lot of space to just have more things to listen to, and audio dramas are a unique experience that you can’t really find anywhere else,” Machin said. “If you’re a book person, if you’re an audio person, if you just need something to listen to, it’s a really great alternative.” m

Reach Staff Writer Madison White with her earbuds in at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.

FRIDAY,

Paranoia or?

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing of the Scared Deer, The Favourite, Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness) directs Will Tracy’s screenplay loosely based on South Korean writer Jang Joon-hwan’s screenplay for Save the Green Planet! (2003). The story follows conspiracy theorist—Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis)—who believe Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone), the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, is actually an alien from outer space who wants to destroy Earth. (118 min.)

Glen: Our Misinformation Age is front and center in Bugonia, where paranoia, conspiracy, and fear of impending ecological disaster weigh heavy and constant on antihero Teddy. He’s an amateur beekeeper on his family’s ramshackle property where he lives with Don. It’s worth mentioning that 19-year-old Aidan Delbis, in his film debut, identifies as autistic, and his Don appears to be intellectually disabled. Teddy is Don’s whole world, and even though he’s unsure of Teddy’s extremist views, he goes along with the kidnapping plan because Teddy believes he can force Michelle to admit she’s an alien and arrange a meeting with her emperor on the mothership to negotiate a withdrawal from Earth. Yes, Teddy seems crazy, but his doomsday fears reflect our current zeitgeist. It’s a cultural black comedy that hits on many of our fears.

BUGONIA

Anna: Lanthimos is such an interesting filmmaker. I knew I’d be walking into an experience going to see Bugonia, and boy was I right. Conspiracy theories and the willingness to believe them feel closer to reality in our current world than I’ve ever experienced before, so seeing Teddy spiral into wildly strange places in his head feels a little too close to what I see happening as people continue to fracture and divide from each other.

What’s it rated? R

What’s it worth, Anna? Full price

What’s it worth, Glen? Full price

Where’s it showing?

Regal Edwards

RPX Santa Maria, Regal Edwards

Arroyo Grande

Plemmons is one of those actors who has great nuance in portraying characters who feel put upon or punished or hungry for justice. He can hide sinister behind a mask of unassuming normalcy. I’m doubly impressed with Delbis as Don, who plays the character in such a specifically vulnerable way—and in many ways I left this film feeling like he was the one true victim in all of this. This is one of those films I can only recommend if you feel OK sitting in discomfort. It makes you feel that, and the feeling stays with you long after the credits roll.

Glen: As weird as this is, it isn’t even Lanthimos’ weirdest. He has a knack for creating unsettling and unreal worlds to explore contemporary real-world problems. The film marks Stone’s fourth feature with Lanthimos, and she’s willing to go where he leads her. Her clipped, raw performance is mesmerizing. Michelle seems quite awful.

Much of the film follows the negotiation between her and Teddy, and it’s a battle of wills. Teddy blames her for his drug addicted, comatose mother, Sandy’s (Alicia Silverstone), condition. There are more layers, but rest assured, it’s wildly entertaining.

Anna: Michelle as a character is brittle and breathes insincerity. She’s a shiny photo op, a string of words meant to soothe but prove to be manipulative. This is a roller-coaster whose ending is unseen and therefore surprising.

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE

What’s it rated? R

When? 2025

Where’s it showing?

Hulu

The 1992 original was a chill-inducing affair starring Rebecca De Mornay as Peyton, the new nanny for the Bartel family. For my money, I’ll watch the original over this remake, but this new version also packs a punch. This time, we have Maika Monroe in the nanny role, now named Polly. The Morales family has hired her to watch their two young daughters (Mileiah Vega and Lola Contreras), and at first, parents Miguel (Raúl Castillo) and Caitlin (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) are thrilled with their new in-home hire. While this version gives Polly differing reasons for revenge, we soon learn that like the nanny of 1992, she didn’t innocently stumble into the family’s life. Calculated, cool, manipulative, and menacing, Polly spins a web to make Caitlin appear to be in a state of crumbling mental health, and Polly cleverly plays the rest of the Morales family like a fiddle.

HIDDEN AGENDA: Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe) is hired to nanny an infant, but she’s got malevolence in mind, in The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, streaming on Hulu.

ROOM FOR CREAM SHORTS

What’s it rated? Not rated When? 2025

Where’s it showing? Saturday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., The Department, 986 Quintana Road, Suite B, Morro Bay Room for Cream Films—Alex Raban and Jenny Gosnell’s film production company—presents a variety of its short films this Saturday in Morro Bay.

The evening opens with a guest film, Bike Short by Kevin McDevitt. A mountain biker steals another biker’s “lucky” drying bike shorts, thinking they’ve been discarded, instigating a wild chase.

Bay Knights is a super short spoof of ’80s shows like Miami Vice and Knight Rider. Think sweet pastel track suits, monster mullets, and lots of low-budget action sequences.

Nomad is a music video of a love song by singersongwriter Meetch shot in the rolling hills of California.

Every once in a while, we come across a movie where it’s important to be coy with spilling secrets, and this is certainly one that feels like it should be walked into without spoilers. If unsettled sits well with you, Bugonia is sure to be a welcome treat. The performances are nothing short of award worthy. m

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

It works hard to maintain the creep factor that the OG film got so right, successfully in some moments and less so in others. As we descend into the spooky season, I recommend you put both films on your watch list—and get a background check on anyone you invite to live in your home. (105 min.)

In Maven: For Every Occasion! two besties struggle over how to accessorize for the zombie apocalypse, highlighting Cayucos leather crafter Emma Thiem’s work from her Cayucos store Maven Leather + Design.

—Anna

Cayucos Collective’s What’s In The Box? is a skate film turned psychedelic fantasy … think the Big Lebowski ’s dream bowling sequence

but with skateboards.

The evening ends with Salty, Josh Martin’s film about a disgruntled surfer in anger management forced to open up to a whacky new-age counselor about his triggers. Expect 805 beer, popcorn, and treats from Queen Bee Caramels. Admission is free; donations are welcome. m

How it Works:

On-Demand wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) brought to you by Care Connection Transport Services powered by Santa Barbara County

Service Hours:

Mon-Fri: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Sat-Sun: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Service Details:

Scan the QR code to download the app or book online $2.00 per mile

Curing time

After a community harvest, the Cuyama Buckhorn plans to use its homegrown olives in homemade goods

BY MADISON WHITE

Olive trees have been part of the Cuyama Buckhorn’s story since Ferial Sadeghian and her partner bought the property in 2018. They started remodeling the hotel and made a push to bring more droughttolerant greenery to the 2 1/2 acres.

“We worked a lot to make sure that we are doing the right planting that will work with the desert landscape and the desert weather,” Sadeghian told the Sun. “We planted our first olive tree, which was an aged olive tree, in 2018.”

Since then, the grove has grown to around 13 trees and 300 bushes that produce different species of olives. Some of the bushes are 10 feet tall, she said, and the trees can reach 20 feet.

“I think they’re just absolutely beautiful,” Sadeghian said. “I personally love the color of the leaf.”

just looks at the boutique motel and

restaurant resort in New Cuyama.

The roadside stop, originally built in 1952, serves as a respite for travelers, a hub for community events, and a farm-to-table restaurant and bar.

“It’s always been very important for us to be small and boutique,” Sadeghian said.

On Nov. 1, guests were invited to the property for harvest events and a community lunch. Visitors had the opportunity to pick olives and participate in Sadeghian’s olive curing lesson.

The event marked a change from the smaller, experimental harvests in years past that weren’t marketed to the public but still taught Sadeghian about different curing methods.

In addition to providing shade and beauty, the trees and bushes produce fruit that turn into olive oil, cured olives, and olive leaf tea.

The Buckhorn is working with Sunrise Olive Ranch and Condor’s

Relax at the resort

Visit the Cuyama Buckhorn and The Buckhorn Restaurant and Bar at 4923 Primero St. in New Cuyama. Follow the hotel on Instagram @cuyamabuckhorn and book a stay at cuyamabuckhorn.com or by calling (661) 766-2825.

Hope Ranch to produce their oil. The lesser-known olive leaf tea has antiinflammatory and immune support properties, Sadeghian added.

“All of it will be used on the property,” she said. “The goal would be also to use it for our own food and serve to our guests.”

Using the trees and fruits for multiple purposes is one of the ways that the Buckhorn practices sustainability. Preserving food—for example, curing olives—is exciting to Sadeghian.

How do you change someone’s life?

How do you change someone’s life? ...Volunteer with ...Volunteer with

Take seniors, who don’t drive, to the doctor or store & get reimbursed for your mileage. Make your own schedule.

Friendly Visits or calls always welcomed. The life you change may be your own. Community Partners in Caring (805) 925-8000 or go to our volunteer page at www.partnersincaring.org

“That’s how it all started, when they needed to preserve food for winter or for next season,” she said. “The first thing for me is for nothing to get wasted.”

Staff at The Buckhorn Restaurant and Bar put food scraps into a green bin and often take it home to feed their chickens or other animals. The restaurant grows herbs and seasonal vegetables in its garden, too. The team also recycles cans and bottles, even saving wine corks for pickup by a company that reuses them.

Eco-friendly efforts in the hotel include sustainably made soaps and toilet paper that incorporates bamboo. Employees conserve toilet paper by stocking half-used rolls instead of throwing them away.

Most of the staff members grew up in the Cuyama Valley, and since it’s a remote area, Sadeghian said there aren’t too many jobs.

“All our staff have become family,” she said.

It’s important to Sadeghian to bring that familial element to guests and make them feel at home. She said one of the origins of Cuyama, “kuyam,” can translate to “a place to rest.”

“That’s kind of how everybody feels the moment they get here,” Sadeghian said. “When you walk back, it’s just serene and quiet. And now with the [olive] trees, it’s been great because it has the moving of the leaves.”

The hotel features courtyards that create privacy for the rooms, a hot tub and pool deck with lounge chairs and umbrellas, and fire pits for evenings under the stars. There are also plenty of spots to sit and watch Cuyama sunsets, which are “absolutely amazing.” The entire 21-room property can be rented out for large gatherings, too.

“It’s been a long journey,” Sadeghian said, “but we’ve been very happy with, over the years, how it’s evolved.” m

Reach Staff Writer Madison White under the olive trees at mwhite@santamariasun.com.

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