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Whisper Man: Crime thriller [24]
Last week to enter your pet photo [25]
Up in arms
County looks at revising gun shop zoning in unincorporated areas [6] BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
NEWS
New school resource officer in Lompoc [4]
ARTS
Local films focused on Guadalupe [22]
EATS
Custom cakes from Chiki [26]
Contents
SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 VOL. 27 NO. 29
S
anta Barbara County passed a temporary moratorium on new retail permits for gun shops in unincorporated areas thanks to the controversy surrounding a gun store that opened near a preschool in the city of Goleta. The short-term ban will give the Board of Supervisors time to tweak the county’s ordinance to include a buffer zone between certain buildings—such as schools— and gun stores. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood writes about the issue and why supervisors decided it was a good idea to tackle the issue now [6]. Also, find stories about Lompoc Middle School’s school resource officer restart [4]; Nipomo filmmaker focused on Guadalupe [22]; and a Santa Maria resident baking up special custom cakes every weekend [26]. Camillia Lanham editor
LOCATION QUESTION: The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is setting new rules on where gun shops in the unincorporated areas of the county can be located.
Cover photo by Caleb Wiseblood > Cover design by Alex Zuniga
NEWS
News Briefs ..........................................................................4 Political Watch....................................................................4 Spotlight.................................................................................8
Commentary ......................................................................10 Letters ...................................................................................10 Web Poll ...............................................................................10 Modern World ...................................................................10 Canary ...................................................................................12
MUSIC • ART • THEATER • TOURS • CLASSES FESTIVALS • BEER, WINE, SPIRITS • SPORTS FUNDRAISERS • AND MORE!
Hot Stuff ...............................................................................13
ARTS
Arts Briefs...........................................................................22
OPINION
THE BOX OFFICE IS ALWAYS OPEN
EVENTS CALENDAR
MOVIES
Reviews ............................................................................... 24
000 SINCE 2
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News POLITICAL WATCH •On Aug. 31, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1253, designed to expand recreational access at Santa Margarita Lake, “while maintaining strong water quality protections, according to a release from State Sen. John Laird’s (D-Santa Cruz) office. Drafted by Laird and sponsored by San Luis Obispo County, SB 1253 includes safeguards to protect the reservoir as a source of drinking water while lifting restrictions that prohibited swimming and other activities involving direct contact with the water. “Santa Margarita Lake is an incredible public resource, and advances in water treatment mean we can safely allow people to enjoy more of what the lake has to offer,” Laird said in the release. “I’m glad the governor signed this reasonable measure into law.” Modern advances in water treatment and monitoring make it possible to safely allow swimming, paddleboarding, windsurfing, sail or foil boarding, water access from the beach or shore, and body-contact fishing, according to Laird’s office. Similar recreational access is currently allowed at other California drinking water reservoirs, including Sly Park Reservoir and Lake Nacimiento. Under SB 1253, local officials will be required to continue monitoring and treating the water to meet state health standards. The city of San Luis Obispo will continue using microfiltration and disinfection to treat the water, with oversight from the State Water Resources Control Board, according to the release. The bill will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. “SB 1253 is a win for our community,” San Luis Obispo County 5th District Supervisor Heather Moreno said in an Aug. 31 statement. “It expands recreational opportunities at Santa Margarita Lake while protecting the water supply we all depend on.” •U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California) and Angus King (I-Maine) recently wrote a joint letter to urge the Department of Education to disburse funds abruptly canceled for School-Based Mental Health Services and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant programs. Upon canceling more than 200 of these grants in April 2025, the Trump administration claimed that the programs promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that did not adhere to the administration’s policy priorities, according to Schiff’s office. “Notices failed to provide specific, individualized explanations for why the grants were abruptly discontinued,” the Aug. 27 letter states. “Consequently, grantees were forced to pause hiring and training and lay off school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. •U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-Rochester, New York) sent a joint letter on Sept. 3 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to demand a restoration of funding for a program that assists state and local election officials in protecting federal elections from cybersecurity threats. “Over four months ago, in April, Congress provided clear, bipartisan instructions … to continue Election Security Program activities funded in fiscal year 2024,” the senators wrote. “However, under your leadership, CISA has still not provided any of the over $39.6 million in appropriated funds.” The letter was addressed to CISA Acting Director Nicholas Andersen and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The failure to restore this funding as directed by Congress is a disservice to the thousands of election jurisdictions across this country,” the letter states. The senators also highlighted national security threats “that underscore the importance of ensuring election cybersecurity safeguards” for the upcoming midterm elections. “Following the removal of hundreds of CISA personnel and attempts by the Trump administration to slash the agency’s budget, CISA is only just now beginning to take steps to reestablish working relationships with election officials,” the letter states, “and rehire critical staff ahead of the 2026 midterms.” m
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color,” the community member said. “Research shows that Black and Latino students face harsher punishments and higher arrest rates than white students when [school resource officers] are present.” However, the police chief said he expects to see a good return from the position at Lompoc Valley Middle School. “My hope is by getting back into the middle school, we’ll be able to break down some of those walls and get the kids to be a little bit more comfortable around the police officers and understand why we’re there,” Martin said. —Madison White
County considers new solar, battery project standards
HEADING TO CAMPUS: Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin spoke in favor of adding a school resource officer to Lompoc Valley Middle School because he believes it’ll help students build trust with law enforcement.
Lompoc Valley Middle to restore a school resource officer position With a $1 million state grant and City Council approval, the Lompoc Police Department will send a school resource officer to Lompoc Valley Middle School as early as next school year. The goal is to provide early intervention and cannabis education, as the money pulls from a public safety grant associated with Proposition 64 that legalized recreational marijuana use in 2016. “This gives us a source to put an officer into the middle school, which we had many years ago,” Lompoc Police Chief Kevin Martin explained at the Sept. 1 City Council meeting. “It was a successful program, but we will also be able to do some education with our youth in regards to the dangers of cannabis and some of the addiction problems that they could experience later on in their lives.” The Proposition 64 grant will be spent over five years. Lompoc is eligible to receive funding because the city permits retail sales of cannabis in storefronts. In addition, the money continues to help pay for a cannabis compliance officer in the Police Department who oversees local permits, conducts inspections, and ensures operators comply with regulations. City Councilmember Jeremy Ball pulled the subject from the consent agenda for further discussion, and it eventually passed with a 5-0 vote. Ball said he singled out the item because although he’s seen “good rapport” between students and resource officers at one of the district’s high schools, he knows some people are concerned. “What are those positives?” Ball asked the police chief. “What is your policy that makes
4 • Sun • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
sure that there is a good relationship between the [student resource officer] and the school?” Martin said the officer’s actions are guided by Lompoc Unified School District policy and that the district has repeatedly requested his department’s presence at the middle school. “There are times where crimes are committed on the campus, and the [officer] has to step in and take action,” Martin explained. “Usually, it’s a weapon on the campus or something on that level, and we have arrested for that in the past.” His department looks for candidates who’ll build relationships with students and “get people to relax a little bit around the police officers” on campus, Martin added. He said the program will expose kids to a police presence before they reach high school. “I don’t want to see a [school resource officer]—unless he has to—handcuffing a bunch of kids, but just having the presence there I think is reassuring to a lot of parents, a lot of teachers,” Ball said. “Again, this is a request from the school district. This isn’t us as a city forcing a [school resource officer] on the school.” Multiple community members also asked the City Council to discuss the item separately from the consent agenda. One said he’s an uncle to two young students in the district and believed the council should question whether this is the right approach for middle schoolers. “Students who cause harm should understand its impact, accept responsibility, work to repair it, not simply be suspended, pushed out of school, or introduced to the criminal justice system,” the speaker said. Another public commenter criticized the concept of school resource officers, referencing reports from organizations like the National Education Association. “It disproportionately targets students of
Santa Barbara County is one step closer to adopting new requirements for solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. Set for the Board of Supervisors’ second and final reading in late September, a policy package to amend multiple county ordinances for consistency with proposed standards addresses battery units of various sizes—ranging from industrial BESS facilities to chargers small enough to fit inside a Tesla driver’s garage. “One thing through this cleanup we wanted to clarify is the notion of what happens when [someone says], ‘Oh, it’s just my Tesla battery pack on my garage wall,’ or a small battery supporting a coffee shop or something like that,” Planning and Development Deputy Director Alex Tuttle said at the board’s Sept. 1 meeting. “So, we did add some clarifying text,” Tuttle continued, “to note that … the sensitive receptor [requirement] really would not kick in until you get into those potentially larger systems that you don’t typically see with single-family dwellings or for small commercial support.” Among the new standards for solar and BESS projects that encompass half of an acre or more is a 50-foot setback between proposed projects and existing “sensitive receptors,” such as school campuses and residential neighborhoods. The policy package, which passed its first board reading with a 4-1 vote, also included a 16,000-acre countywide cap for large-scale solar projects—also defined as projects that encompass more than a half of an acre. “I would prefer a cap that would be lower and more equally distributed,” said 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson, who dissented. Nelson said he’d prefer considering separate caps for North County and South County, rather than a countywide cap. “I think we’re going to get ‘solar-ed’ over,” Nelson said, referring to North County ag land he fears will be eyed for more projects than South County ag land. “I would prefer the guardrail sooner, but I understand where the board majority is on this. So, we’ll keep moving along.” During public comment, speakers included Grower-Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties President Claire Wineman, who asked the board to consider a countywide 8,000-acre cap instead. “We [support] a cap of 8,000 acres total for the county to support the county’s energy autonomy, without a disproportionate impact to agricultural resources in the communities they support, especially in the Santa Maria and Lompoc valleys,” Wineman said. “We are open to revisiting an increase in the cap in the future if warranted.” She added that the California Farm Bureau “has historically opposed some solar projects and legislation because of the impacts to prime farmland.” The Board of Supervisors’ second reading of the policy package is scheduled for Sept. 22. —Caleb Wiseblood
NEWS continued page 5
News NEWS from page 4
Buellton motel seeks relief for long-term tenants weeks ahead of housing ban An ongoing lawsuit prompted a two-month grace period for long-term tenants of Buellton’s Farmhouse Motel, before new housing restrictions kick in. While a recent city ordinance to help ramp up redevelopment efforts in town requires motel properties along Avenue of Flags—including Farmhouse—to convert units that house long-term renters to traditional motel rooms by October, a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge will decide in December whether to grant injunctive relief to the petitioners behind a civil suit challenging the directive. “The city has agreed to extend the tenant move-out date until the hearing,” Farmhouse co-owner Kerry Moriarty told the Sun via email. In late August, Moriarty’s attorneys outlined the hardships he believes justify his petition for relief in court documents. “Petitioners face the loss of a stable, decadesold business and, for many residents, their only viable housing,” local attorney Christopher R. Guillen, of Santa Barbara-based law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, wrote in court documents, “while the city suffers no harm whatsoever from maintaining the status quo that has existed for over 30 years.” While a case management conference is scheduled for Oct. 14 between Farmhouse and city of Buellton representatives, the hearing to consider preliminary injunctive relief is set for Dec. 3. Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Jed Beebe will preside. When Farmhouse’s attorneys first filed the civil suit in May, court summons included a request for respondents—the city of Buellton and City Manager Scott Wolfe—to file a written response within 30 calendar days. According to court documents, during a settlement conference in June, all parties agreed to extend Buellton’s deadline to “prepare and certify” its administrative record to Sept. 18. “Parties are still exploring the potential for settlement,” City Attorney Greg Murphy wrote in court documents filed in July. “Counsel for all parties have met and … agree that while progress is being made, more time is necessary to meet and confer regarding the contents [of] the administrative record.” Over the past few months, the Buellton City Council has met in closed session to discuss the lawsuit a handful of times. In late August, Farmhouse co-owner Moriarty told the Sun that a potential settlement option he discussed with the city was an “agreement to convert the property back to a motel use under a phased structure over five years.” “The city declined the offer,” Moriarty said via email. He described his recent filing for preliminary injunctive relief as an aim to “allow our residents to remain until the suit was fully litigated.” “I want the citizens of Buellton to know where their money is being spent. … We anticipate the potential legal fees for the city will be well over $300,000,” Moriarty said. “Should we lose, we plan to shutter the Farmhouse building until a new set of city leaders are elected that are more cooperative.” —Caleb Wiseblood
Clarification In the Sept. 3 article, “Santa Maria judge says prosecutor violated Racial Justice Act,” Santa Barbara County Assistant District Attorney Jenn Karapetian spoke to the Sun on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office. She did not personally handle Kevin Wayne Burgess’ case. Deputy District Attorney Steven Li handled Burgess’ case. m
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County places temporary moratorium on gun retail permits BY CALEB WISEBLOOD
“I got my gun there, but it’s not where you want your kids to be walking across the street, tationed at his cash register behind a jar of orange foam earplugs, the manager of Get R or looking at that from their school,” Lavagnino Gun in Santa Maria doesn’t agree with Santa said. “[It’s a] great shop,” 4th District Supervisor Barbara County’s newest policy on firearms. Bob Nelson commented. He believes the recent action raises more red Nelson was the sole dissenter in the Board of flags than the local controversy that triggered it. Supervisors’ 4-1 vote. “We didn’t see a problem with Goodland “You can have good people take a different Guns,” Luis Catalan Valdez said, recalling position on the same issue. … We have a lot headlines about the city of Goleta granting of people in our county who see a gun store Goodland Guns a permit to operate next to a and think negatively. I represent a lot of people preschool. who see a gun store and think positively,” “With the [city] approvals and everything, Nelson said. “I, for one, also would have no who are we to say no?” Valdez added. problem having my kids go to a preschool next The county Board of Supervisors’ move to to a gun store because I really do believe the prevent similar instances of gun shop permit best thing for a bad guy with a gun is a good approvals near schools and other sensitive uses guy with a gun. in unincorporated areas took effect on Sept. 1. “There would be a large contingency next With a 4-1 vote, the board approved an urgent door,” he continued, “if there was a mass moratorium to temporarily halt gun retailers shooting next to a preschool, of somebody who from obtaining county planning permits, was lawfully trained and knows how to use whether they’re for new store proposals or guns appropriately to potentially protect my requested expansions of existing storefronts. children.” The temporary ban will give supervisors Of the 15 who participated in public time to revise the county’s current retail comment at the hearing, only one speaker— commercial zoning rules, which essentially county resident Thomas Becker—argued don’t differentiate between gun stores and fast against revising zoning rules for gun shops. food restaurants in terms of permitting hoops The rest included to jump through, 5th local parents and District Supervisor advocacy group Steve Lavagnino representatives who pointed out. favored the proposed “So, Wendy’s or a buffer and temporary gun store? It’s pretty moratorium. much [the same],” Get R Gun Lavagnino joked at manager Valdez the meeting, while wasn’t at the meeting. shrugging. But he knows what He voted in favor his argument to the of adopting both the moratorium and the —Bob Nelson, 4th District supervisor board would have been. directive to bring “If the issue with gun violence comes down back an ordinance that enforces a 1,000-foot to protecting children, then we should harden buffer zone between certain buildings—such as school security instead,” Valdez said. “I’d rather schools and places of worship—and gun stores. “I think if we do this right, there’s a lot of good see efforts go toward school security than gun control.” here,” Lavagnino said. “This just makes sense. During the Sept. 1 hearing, county staff It’s not a ban on anything. It is a ‘let’s put it in described the proposed 1,000-foot buffer as the right spot.’ It’s just common sense.” consistent with gun shop zoning protocols While the proposed county ordinance adopted by other jurisdictions across California, wouldn’t impact stores within city jurisdictions including Los Angeles County. like Santa Maria’s Get R Gun on South Spearheaded by 2nd District Supervisor Broadway, Lavagnino identified himself as a Laura Capps and 3rd District Supervisor Joan patron. He also described the store’s placement Hartmann, the pitch to revise the county’s gun across the street from Santa Maria High School store permitting rules followed recent public as unfortunate.
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‘I, for one, also would have no problem having my kids go to a preschool next to a gun store because I really do believe the best thing for a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.’
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SCHOOL’S OUT: Students from Santa Maria High School frequently use the South Broadway crosswalk to get to the other side of the busy street. Get R Gun—a local firearms, ammo, and tactical gear shop—is among the storefronts directly across from the school.
outcry over Goodland Guns’ business license to operate next to the Here We Grow Early Learning Center. The shop scheduled its official grand opening during the first week of September. “It prompted us to closely examine the county’s own zoning requirements and make sure similar gaps do not exist in unincorporated areas of the county,” Eleanor Gartner, Capps’ deputy chief of staff, told the Sun via email. Chris Henson, Capps’ chief of staff, described the Goodland Guns controversy as an “immediate catalyst” for the county to explore ways to reform gun shop zoning policy. “The situation raised an important question for the county: Are our own land use regulations adequate to protect the sensitive uses in the unincorporated areas?” Henson said at the Sept. 1 meeting. “When we looked, we found that firearm sales are generally treated as ordinary retail. A business license is required, but that general requirement does not establish firearmspecific buffers, a discretionary public process, or additional safety or security standards.” Considering what specific standards the county should require of incoming gun retailers will be part of the board’s discussion on Sept. 22, when the ordinance proposal is scheduled to return.
In the interim, the approved 45-day moratorium on new gun retail permits helps the county “get ahead of a situation” similar to Goleta’s, Supervisor Capps told the Sun. “It made us take a very serious look quickly and find that we had a similar gap,” Capps said. “I believe that we needed to act quickly so that we could get ahead, … and not have to put community members through the same type of alarm and concern. “People have different feelings about guns, but there’s no debate over the fact that communities have gone through too much when it comes to gun violence,” she said, “and the trauma it causes. … The psychological impacts.” Prior to working with Hartmann on their office’s joint pitch, Capps said she received “a lot of personal outreach” through texts and emails asking her to weigh in on Goleta’s zoning issue. “I never like being in the situation where I say: ‘Oh, that’s not our jurisdiction.’ That never sits well,” Capps said. “But right away that prompted my chief of staff and team to say, ‘Well, let’s look at our laws and find out … what we can do.’ Right away we discovered that we had the same gap we needed to fix.” m Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
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FETCH BETTER BEHAVIOR
SPOTLIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
Fun, effective dog training right here in Santa Maria! Group classes and private classes available. Enroll today at sbhumane.org/training
ENTER FIREMEN: Thanks to the Metallica Scholars Initiative, students at Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy receive scholarships, textbooks, protective gear, and other training materials that make the journey to become firefighters easier.
Heavy mettle Did you know? Your Local non-profit since 1887
The mobile veterinary clinic is now serving the Santa Maria area. Learn more at sbhumane.org/mobile
8 • Sun • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
Metallica’s workforce education grant boosts Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy students
BY BULBUL RAJAGOPAL
Last year, the grant money paid for textbooks for all 64 students across the spring and fall or the second year running, Allan Hancock classes. They also received $400 scholarships. College’s Fire Academy won a grant through Students will receive scholarships this year, too, the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which will but the amount may vary because of the reduced cover scholarships and the cost of textbooks, grant funds. protective gear, and other training materials. “We’ve got to figure out “When I first heard it, I what other equipment we was like, ‘Wait, Metallica, need to buy,” Champion said. like the band?” first-year Fire “We’re going to be filling any Academy student Conner Lee further gaps that we have in said. “I listen to them all the our equipment cache and time in the gym. So, it was inventory. But we’re definitely kind of ironic and funny.” in a better place than we were Lee had dreamed of over a year ago.” attending the Fire Academy The cost per student for ever since he learned his college units, certificates, father was an alumnus in gear rentals, equipment, the ’90s. Hancock receiving and uniform totals $4,000, $50,000 through the Champion estimated, which Metallica Scholars Initiative is the average for any college eased the financial stress fire academy in California. that could have crept in after “Some people have being accepted. families, and they’re “It’s just been really helpful having to not work for four not having to coordinate months,” he said. “A lot water bottles and books,” of them have prepared to Lee said. “That’s a big thing, remove themselves from having to buy books. It helps the workforce because with tuition and purchasing they’re here five days a week, welding gear.” 11 hours a day that’s allThe Metallica Scholars consuming of your time.” Initiative is the workforce —Leonard Champion, To Champion, Metallica’s education grant program Allan Hancock College Fire involvement is a surreal fullcreated by the band’s Academy coordinator circle moment. nonprofit All Within My “In high school, that was Hands Foundation and the my band. I went and saw them up in San Francisco American Association of Community Colleges. in ’89,” he said. “Even if there wasn’t a financial Hancock is one of the five California colleges benefit there, just to see somebody of that stature supported by the Metallica Scholars Initiative. known throughout the world that said, ‘Hey, The college’s Fire Academy first caught the Allan Hancock … Fire Academy, we support what Metallica nonprofit’s eye in 2025, thanks to the you’re doing out there. We’re behind what you’re annual Hancock Women’s Fire Camp. doing with those students and preparing future The one-day camp is open to all women firefighters,’ is amazing.” between 15 and 25 years old. They get to learn real-world skills like rope rescue, hose handling, Highlight and fire service-based fitness that Fire Academy students are constantly exposed to. • Central Coast AirFest will return to the Santa Maria Airport on Sept. 12 and 13. The According to Fire Academy Coordinator event will feature a longtime favorite, aerobatic Leonard Champion, the school’s promotion of pilot Vicky Benzing and her red World War the camp on social media led to conversations II-era trainer aircraft PT-17 Boeing Stearman. between Hancock’s grant program staff and the Purchase tickets at centralcoastairfest.com. m Metallica foundation. “They were impressed with our first-year data Reach New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal, and results, so we were approved for Round 2. … from the Sun’s sister paper, at brajagopal@ Each year you apply, they tier down a little bit,” newtimesslo.com. he said.
F
‘Even if there wasn’t a financial benefit there, just to see somebody of that stature known throughout the world that said, “Hey, Allan Hancock … Fire Academy, we support what you’re doing out there. We’re behind what you’re doing with those students and preparing future firefighters,“ is amazing.‘
centralcoastkids.org
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What type of film would you want to see at the Solvang Film Society? 38% Documentaries about otherwise unknown subjects. 25% A classic romantic comedy. 25% A forgotten film noir. 12% Something edgy and artsy, totally off the beaten path.
BY FRANCES ROMERO
8 Votes
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The little town that could but doesn’t Guadalupe City Council and administration need to be held accountable now for their ongoing mismanagement of funds
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COMMENTARY
➤ Canary [12]
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special funds to support the general fund without formally establishing any loans or hen my husband and I moved to developing any plans for repayment, which can Guadalupe in 1997 and bought our only occur if there was a legitimate loan for first home, we did so because we saw repayment; this did not happen. potential. This little coastal city was frozen in Many remember the raids of the corrupt time and offered beach weather without a high Guadalupe Police Department in the 1970s price tag. Granted, if the city had a dollar for and again in 1983. It is time for a “fiscal raid” every time someone said they saw potential, in Guadalupe, a reckoning. It is time for the Guadalupe’s money troubles would not exist. City Council and prior city administration to While some are shocked at the vote to stop the Royal Theater project, some of us are asking be held accountable and liable for their terrible actions that include years and years of the why it was approved and started in the first MUSIC ongoing, illegal transfers from the enterprise place. Having served this community of Guadalupe special funds to the general fund. During my term as mayor, we proved that as its first woman mayor from 2012 to 2014, I the city can beFLAVOR/EATS run properly. Yet the City know exactly how the city mismanaged special Councils, city administrators, and finance funds (water, sewer, streets, lighting) operated directors sinceINFO then (current management staff prior to my term. excluded) have commingled funds, worked With the help of former City Administrator without audited financials, and ignored many Andrew Carter, we stopped that. Sadly, the grand jury reports dating back to 2003, and a city has returned to its mismanagement of CALENDAR state controller audit. enterprise funds shortly after Never mind the numerous Andrew Carter’s departure in OPINION times over the last 30 years mid-2016. that projects were poorly Mismanagement and Send us your managed or the grant funds misallocation are politically views and opinion to NEWS that had to be repaid. The correct ways of saying that letters@santamariasun.com. aforementioned parties are they the city illegally used
Speak up!
STROKES
Thanks to all the firefighters who battled a recent fire On Aug. 30, a fire was set on the hillside not far from my home in Pismo Beach. We are very grateful to the workers who extinguished the fire quickly. I could tell that there were two troops of firefighters, some wearing orange and some wearing yellow and black. The ones wearing orange are inmates. I want to be sure my neighbors in the community realize how indebted we are to these brave firefighters, both the ones who are paid and the ones who are inmates. I also want to encourage California and the states around us to employ these people when they are released from prison. They can work as firefighters and/or in forest management and maintenance. They have gained skills, knowledge, and experience.
Claire Grether Pismo Beach
Look closely, listen, and choose candidates carefully As the midterm campaign season begins in earnest, it’s a good time to get grounded. When considering which candidate to vote for, remember that an elective office is first and foremost a job. The campaign is the job interview, and every citizen is part of the interview panel.
WRITE NOW!
We want to know what you think about everything. Send your 250-word letter to Sun Letters, 801 S Broadway Suite 3, Santa Maria, CA 93454. You can also fax it (1-805-546-8641) or e-mail it (letters@santamariasun.com). All letters must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes; may be edited for space or clarity; and will be posted to santamariasun.com.
10 • Sun • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
The questions ARTSto ask oneself are: Which candidate has the most experience? What do they want to do in office? Have they demonstrated the ability to accomplish such things before, or are they at least able to cite anyone else who has? Do the examples cited hold up under scrutiny? Also, if the candidate is citing issues they want to address, how well do they demonstrate the importance of these issues, and how widespread they are in the community?
fiscally ignorant and do not have the capacity to understand their responsibilities and the long-term consequences of their actions when money is missing from these funds. They lack integrity; they are not even embarrassed by what they’ve done. Guadalupe touts its disadvantaged status to obtain federal, state, and local grants courtesy of the taxpayers and other donors but does not treat that funding as the precious resource it is. Instead, those funds allow them to play a shell game, which ends with those taxpayers and donors being defrauded. Some will recoil at my choice of words. That is exactly what I want. This council, prior councils, those elected since my departure, plus the management staff need to be held accountable to the full extent allowed. The City Council members need to take responsibility for the mess they have created and start doing the hard work they are elected to do. Either that or officially throw in the towel and start the disincorporation process because they apparently lack the ability to understand basic finance principles and the integrity required to sit at the dais. During my term in office, we proved that you don’t have to steal from special funds to run the city. Guadalupe has a structural budget issue that needs to be addressed forthrightly, not through a culture of willful and knowing mismanagement. m Frances Romero was mayor of Guadalupe from 2012 through 2014. Send a response for publication to letters@santamariasun.com.
LETTERS If the “issues” they cite can’t be shown to be real or at all widespread, they may not be a candidate worth supporting; it shows a poor sense of priorities. If a candidate sees themselves not so much as a person seeking a position of public trust, but as some sort of warrior in a grandiose struggle, they’re likely not worth supporting either. Look closely, listen, and choose wisely.
Michael Seden-Hansen Paso Robles
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Opinion
Guns R Us
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hould we allow gun stores to set up shop close to schools and day care centers? It seems like we’ve been doing it for a long time: Get R Gun in Santa Maria, for instance, is across the street from Santa Maria High School. In Goleta, prior to recently opening next to Here We Grow Early Learning Center, Goodland Guns shared a property line with Rainbow School with no issues. But the relocated guns and ammo shop stirred the pot with its move to a long empty building that once housed a 7-Eleven and shares a fence with a preschool that opened in January. Parents sounded the alarm about their children being able to see the gun store parking lot and customers. Turns out, the move wasn’t illegal. Goleta’s codes allowed it, California’s codes allowed it, and even Santa Barbara County’s codes allowed it. But the county Board of Supervisors decided it wasn’t going to allow it anymore! The board was so perturbed by the Goleta outrage that it passed an urgency ordinance to ban any new gun shop permits from being issued while the county comes up with a plan to buffer sensitive uses from having to see gun shops. This is only in unincorporated areas, by the way. Cities get to keep their rules, whatever they may be. And Goleta is trying to do the same thing. It would not be retroactive, so Goodland Guns gets to stay where it’s at and continue its 13-year legacy of operating in Goleta. But parents are pulling their kids from Here We Grow, which sucks for the preschool! Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino apparently purchased his gun from Get R Gun in Santa Maria and said it was unfortunate that the shop was across the street from the high school. The county’s retail commercial zoning rules don’t distinguish between gun stores and fast food restaurants, he said. “So, Wendy’s or a gun store? It’s pretty much [the same],” he joked during the hearing on Sept. 1. “I think if we do this right, there’s a lot of good here. … This just makes sense. It’s not a ban on anything. It is a ‘let’s put it in the right spot.’ It’s just common sense.” Well, common sense is something that’s lacking these days, unfortunately, which brings me to a conundrum voiced by 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson: “I, for one, also would have no problem having my kids go to preschool next to a gun store because I really do believe the best thing for a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” I’m not sure I agree with him. Hardening our schools isn’t the answer to gun violence, but apparently Lompoc is with him, 100 percent. The Lompoc Unified School District is using cannabis grant funding to place a school resource officer on a middle school campus. Because a good guy with a gun can catch pre-teens doing bad things, you know? The reality of what having a law enforcement officer on campus does to students is more complicated, according to numerous studies. But Police Chief Kevin Martin pointed out that those school resource officers can arrest students. Great! m
The Canary isn’t thrilled. Send joy to canary@ santamariasun.com.
Hot Stuff
10-DAY CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
ON THE GRILL
The eighth annual Santa Maria BBQ and Music Festival will be held from Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20, at Pioneer Park in Orcutt. This free, three-day event will include more than 40 food and merchant vendors and live music from 20 bands, including Los Hermanos Mendoza and reggae legend Pato Banton. Guests can purchase tickets for special events, like the barbecue tasting ($55.32) on Saturday. Visit smbbqfestival.com for more information. —Angie Stevens
PHOTO COURTESY OF SM BBQ FESTIVAL
ARTS SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS
“ALONG THE HIGH EMBANKMENTS” AT PRESQU’ILE Los Angeles Nomadic Division and Presqu’ile present Cole Sternberg’s work along the high embankments, a free, self-guided installation. Saturdays, Sundays, 12-5 p.m. through Sept. 20. Free. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. BALLROOM, LATIN, AND SWING DANCE CLASSES Social ballroom, Latin, and swing lessons for all ages. Beginner and advance classes. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 928-7799. Kleindancesarts.com. Klein Dance Arts, 3558 Skyway Drive, suite A, Santa Maria. DANCE AND MUSIC CLASSES KleinDance Arts offers various dance and music classes for a wide variety of ages! Visit the link for info! Mondays-Saturdays, 4-8 p.m. (805) 268-2530. kleindancearts.com. KleinDance Arts, 1954 S Broadway, Suite J, Santa Maria. DANCE CLASSES: EVERYBODY CAN DANCE Classes available for all skill levels. Class sizes limited. ongoing Everybody Can Dance, 628 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, (805) 937-6753, everybodycandance.webs.com/. “POST-WILD: NATURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY” The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is proud to present Post-Wild: Nature in the 21st Century, a juried exhibition featuring artworks by 34 emerging and established Santa Barbara County artists. Co-curated by Allan Hancock College Professor of Fine Arts Laura-Susan Thomas and the Office of Arts and Culture, the exhibition highlights artists working across painting, ceramics,
photography, digital media, and mixed media. Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 1 Free. sbac.ca.gov/post-wildnature-in-the-21st-century/. Betteravia Art Gallery, 511 Lakeside Pkwy, Santa Maria. VALLEY ART GALLERY: ROTATING DISPLAYS Featured artists of Santa Maria’s Valley Art Gallery frequently display their works at the airport. Check website for details on monthly exhibits and full list of the gallery’s artists. ongoing valleygallery.org. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y
“HORIZONS” AT GALLERY LOS OLIVOS Morgan Green, Carol Talley and Terri Taber present “Horizons”. They reach beyond their established plein air genre to offer studio, abstract, and still life works. Mondays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30. (805) 688-7517. GalleryLosOlivos.com. Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. COMEDY FOR OUR COMMUNITY: DENNIS REGAN LIVE Enjoy a night of nonstop laughter under the stars while supporting two organizations that make a meaningful difference in the Santa Ynez Valley. Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. $45. (805) 686-1789 ext. 2. bit.ly/comedy-pr. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. SIX-WEEK KIDS ART CLASS There are so many types of art and so many ways to use the materials! Participants will learn the joy of painting and mixed-media art. Sept. 14, 4-5:30 p.m. $285. (805) 325-8092. artspotonwheels.com. Art Spot on Wheels, 320 Alisal Road, unit 306B, Solvang. “WHEN THE EARTH WHISPERS BACK: NATURE’S HOPE” Woman Painters West, an organization of juried professional woman artists (100 + years old) were invited to exhibit at this museum creating
paintings that answered their theme. See 48 paintings juried from 100 entries on view at the museum. Through Sept. 16. canatureartmuseum.org. California Nature Art Museum, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
“LANDSCAPES, GEMSTONES AND NEW DIRECTIONS” EXHIBIT BY JOE GLIEBE-GOETZ The Lompoc Valley Art Association’s Cypress Gallery will be featuring “Landscapes, Gemstones and New Directions,” an artist show by Joe Gliebe-Goetz. Through Sept. 27. (408) 707-8005. lompocart.org. Cypress Gallery, 119 E Cypress Ave., Lompoc. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
AMERICAN LEGION COMEDY NIGHT Bay Area Headliner Jacob Blaeser and San Diego’s Tommy Lucero hit the Central Coast for one night of killer comedy! Tickets will be available at the door. Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. $20. (805) 878-2038. American Legion Post 136, 417 Orchard Street, Arroyo Grande. SEWING CLUB MEET-UP SEWING ARTIST AND BEGINNERS Welcome artists and beginners. Discover the calming art of sewing; it’s a wonderful mind and body stress reliever! All are welcome. Bring your sewing machine. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo. WALT WHITMAN GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB This club reads, studies and discusses books chosen by the group which relate to their lives as gay men. All are welcome. Second Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO
ACRYLIC ADVENTURES WITH CAROLINA LUNA Join Carolina as she guides your
New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email calendar@newtimesslo.com. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Angelena Stevens directly at astevens@newtimesslo.com.
little artist through a variety of fun and exciting acrylic painting projects. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. through Sept. 23. $30. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., 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) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. BUILD A JUNKBOT WORKSHOP WITH JUNKGIRLS Build your own one-of-a-kind JunkBot using vintage and found objects, then assemble, personalize, name it, and receive a hand-stamped brass tag to complete your creation. Sept. 12, 2-4:30 p.m. $110. (805) 439-0123. JunkGirls, 870 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, junkgirls.com. CALL FOR ARTISTS SLO Gallery is now organizing small group exhibits for our central viewing area. One of the displayed artists will be a co-op member. The others can be local or visiting artists. Drop by the SLO Gallery to sign up and see which of our artists on display you may be interested in doing a group show with. Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. SLO Gallery, 1023 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, SLOgallery.com. CENTRAL COAST WOODTURNERS Turners of all levels welcome! Bring work to
INDEX Arts.......................................13 Culture & Lifestyle ...........14 Food & Drink ......................19 Music ..................................20
share if you like. Bowls, boxes, hollow forms, segmented vessels, multi-axis: whatever you can do on lathes! Second Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m. Free. Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., San Luis Obispo. THE FATHER: A TRAGIC FARCE Awardwinning and darkly funny, The Father immerses audiences in an 80-year-old man’s disorienting struggle as dementia slowly erodes his grip on reality. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m., Sundays, 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. through Sept. 10 $28-$48. (805) 786-2440. slorep.org/shows/the-father/. SLO Rep, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo. INTRO TO INK AND INKTENSE WITH LINDA CUNNINGHAM Receive step-bystep instruction for creating beautiful greeting cards using black ink, and vivid colored Inktense pencils! Demonstration is included. Sept. 19, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $45. (805) 747-4200. artcentralslo.com. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., 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. THE LOST WEEKEND: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MAY PANG May Pang, John Lennon’s lover during the “Lost Weekend” will showcase her candid photos of Lennon at Edna Contemporary. All works will be available to purchase. Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 19, 12-5 p.m. and Sept. 20, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 4591711. ednacontemporary.com/. EDNA Contemporary, 967 Osos St, San Luis Obispo. MARCIE BEGLEITER AT SLOMA See Marcie Begleiter’s solo exhibition “Chimera: the Future of Nature” at SLOMA. Animation, photography and a large nature diorama. Mondays, Thursdays-Sundays. through Oct. 17. Free. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, (310) 920-1656, sloma.org/exhibition/ marcie-begleiter/. 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. 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, 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. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
BY THE SEA PRODUCTIONS AND THE BAY THEATER PRESENT THE STAGE DOOR Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m. $28.62. my805tix.com. Bay Theater, 464 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay, (805) 772-2444. CENTRAL COAST PRINTMAKERS “IMPRESSIONS 2026 “ Original hand pulled prints featuring different methods including etchings, linocuts, monotypes, and more. All new work from the Central Coast Printmakers. Through Sept. 14.-4 p.m. centralcoastprintmakers.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay, (805) 772-2504. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE HOSTS AN ARTISTS RECEPTION FOR JOSE SILVA, GAY MCNEAL, JOAN BROWN, AND JOHN MACK Meet artists Jose Silva, Joan Brown, Gay McNeal, and explore John Mack’s exhibition at the opening reception for September’s Featured Artist Shows in Morro Bay. Sept. 12, 3-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare. com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS FINE ART TEXTILE ART BY GAY MCNEAL Gay McNeal, accomplished textile artist and quilter, exhibits new 3d work, using traditional and contemporary techniques in her Fiber Arts Practice.
ARTS continued page 14
www.santamariasun.com • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • Sun • 13
Hot Stuff ARTS from page 13 Through Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS OIL PAINTINGS BY JOAN BROWN AND WATERCOLORS BY JOHN MACK Joan Brown’s oil paintings are being exhibited alongside the watercolors of John Mack. Discover views of the central coast, landscapes, birds, and more. Through Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. GALLERY AT MARINA SQUARE PRESENTS OIL PAINTINGS BY JOSE SILVA Jose Silva presents oil paintings that are both literal, and dreamy, featuring scenes of horses, birds, portraits and sunsets. Through Sept. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (808) 772-1068. galleryatmarinasquare.com. Gallery at Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero suite 10, Morro Bay. IN THE SHADOW EXHIBIT Artists have woven together the visual and emotional richness of shadow, from intimate and introspective studies to bold, dramatic compositions that captivate and unsettle. Through Sept. 14, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. LOVE OF NATURE EXHIBIT The Love of Nature exhibit brings together a vibrant spectrum of artistic expression balancing realism, abstraction Each piece reveals a unique relationship with the natural world. Sept. 17-Nov. 2, 12-4 p.m. Free. (805) 7722504. artcentermorrobay.org. Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay. THE PLEIN AIR TEAM Acrylic artist, Nancy Lynn, and husband, watercolorist, Robert Fleming, have an ongoing show of originals and giclee prints of Morro Bay and local birds. (805) 772-9955. Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero Ste. 8, Morro Bay, sevensistersgalleryca.com.
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS
8TH ANNUAL SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FARM DAY Over 15 farms, ranches, wineries, and agricultural organizations from Santa Maria to Carpinteria welcome
SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 the public on Farm Day. Sept. 19, 10 a.m.3 p.m. (805) 892-8155. sbcfarmday.org. Free. Farms throughout Santa Maria Valley, Multiple venues, Santa Maria. 24TH ANNUAL ALL FORD CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEET AND SWAP MEET There will be awards, AHC opportunity drawing, music, and non-food vendors. All are welcome! Sept. 12, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (805) 5988133. santamariamodelaclub.com. Orcutt Union Plaza, 235 S. Broadway, Orcutt. FEEL GOOD YOGA Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. (805) 937-9750. oasisorcutt. org. Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave., Orcutt. GROUP WALKS AND HIKES Check website for the remainder of this year’s group hike dates and private hike offerings. ongoing (805) 343-2455. dunescenter.org. Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. LA DOLCE VITA: SOURDOUGH BREAD MAKING WITH URBAN HOMESTEADINGS Discover the art of sourdough bread making with Urban Homesteadings’ hands-on experience designed for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Bring a friend and save $30! Sept. 20, 5-8 p.m. $75. (805) 865-6318. urbanhomesteadings.com. Los Alamos Coffee & Tea, 315 Bell Street, Los Alamos. SANTA MARIA COIN CLUB: MONTHLY MEETING Coin collectors of all ages invited. Bring coins for free appraisals. Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. Yearly membership: $20-$25. (805) 9373158. Cornerstone Church, 1026 E. Sierra Madre Ave., Santa Maria. SANTA MARIA TOASTMASTERS Develop your public speaking skills at this club meeting. Third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. (805) 570-0620. Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Drive, Santa Maria. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y
COASTAL CLEANUP DAY Become part of the solution to ocean pollution on Coastal Cleanup Day. Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon (805) 884-0459. exploreecology.org/coastalcleanup-day/. Santa Ynez River, Meeting Place: The bridge on Alisal Road in Solvang., Santa Ynez. DEMETRIA MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE VINEYARD: FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH, Demetria Estate hosts familyfriendly Movie Nights. Enjoy Fast Times at Ridgemont High, dinner, wine, popcorn, and candy. Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. $90. (805) 686-2345. demetriaestate.com/estateevents. Demetria Estate, 6701 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBLAR WINERY AND VINEYARDS
improving your posture through yoga, and more. Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (970) 710-1412. Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach, avilabeachcc.com. CENTRAL COAST POLYAMORY Hosting a discussion group featuring different topics relating to ethical non-monogamy every month. Third Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. DAILY QIGONG PRACTICE For the early riser or commuter, every weekday morning. Maintain or improve concentration, balance, and flexibility. Includes weekly Friday 3 p.m. class with more practices. Led by certified Awareness Through Movement teacher. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:10 a.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. $35/week or $125/month. (646) 280-5800. margotschaal.com/qigong. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. DANCE FITNESS ART AND CULTURE FOR ADULTS Discover dance as a form of artistic expression and exercise, using a wide range of styles and genres of music (including modern, jazz, Broadway, ethnic). Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. $10 drop-in; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. EPIC DJ TRIVIA Don’t miss DJ Trivia. It’s free to play, and prizes for the top three teams will be awarded. Bring friends and family! Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. Grover Station Grill, 170 W Grand Ave, #101, Grover Beach, (805) 489-3030, EpicDJTrivia.com. GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) Monthly meeting of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center Board of Directors. Meets virtually via Zoom and is open to members of the public. Visit galacc.org/events to fill out the form to request meeting access. Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8 p.m. No admission fee. galacc.org. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. LA CONVERSACIÓN La Conversación is a group for practicing Spanish. There’s no homework or lessons, just conversation. Beginners to native speakers, all levels are welcome! Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. (805) 748-9123. Coffee Bean, 354 Five Cities Dr., Pismo Beach. Join La Conversación, a group for practicing spoken Spanish. There is no homework or lessons, just conversation. Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E Grand Av, Arroyo Grande, (805) 825-1345.
PICK AND POUR
Participate in the annual Vineyard U-Pick on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Roblar Winery and Vineyards in Santa Ynez. Get your hands dirty during an hour of harvesting and learn where Roblar wine comes from. A brunch prepared by Executive Chef Terri Buzzard will follow at Twin Oaks Terrace. Tickets are $50 for club members and $65 for nonmembers. Visit roblarwinery.com for more information. —A.S. HIGH DESERT RETREAT Find your flow and recharge in the heart of The Hidden Valley of Enchantment. Vida Yoga and Cuyama Buckhorn are bringing you a day-long, restorative experience centered around movement, relaxation, and great food and drink. Just an hour away from the Vida Yoga studio in Orcutt and two and a half hours from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, this is the perfect staycation to step away from the everyday, reconnect with yourself, and breathe in the fresh, high desert air. Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. $125. cuyamabuckhorn.com/. Cayuma Buckhorn, 4923 Primero St, New Cayuma. KAYLA’S KIDZ 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY We’re throwing a birthday party at the shop and inviting the whole family to join the fun! Enjoy face painting, thrift photo opp, and more. Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 245-0633. facebook.com/ events/1506910671477217/. Kayla’s Kidz
Children’s Thrift Shoppe, 65-B W. Hwy 246, Buellton. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
COASTAL CLEANUP DAY Become Part of the Solution to Ocean Pollution! Isn’t it time to show your favorite beach or creek some love? Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 884-0459. exploreecology.org/ coastal-cleanup-day/. Jalama Beach County Park, 9999 Jalama Road, Lompoc. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
2ND FREE LEGAL CLINIC REGISTRATION (LEGAL TEAM: FREDERICK & TINDULA LAW FIRM) Part of our Health Wellness and You Program, seniors 50 years and older can call the number after 2 p.m., leave a message for Dave, and mention the free legal clinic. Mondays-Fridays, 2-7 p.m. through Sept. 28 Free. (805) 9291615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St., Nipomo.
BEGINNING BALLET FOR ADULTS Enjoy the grace and flow of ballet. No previous experience needed. Wednesdays, 5:156:15 p.m. $12 drop-in; $40 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. BEYOND MINDFULNESS Realize your potential through individualized meditation instruction with an experienced teacher via Zoom. This class is for those who wish to begin a practice or seek to deepen an existing one. Flexible days and times. Certified with IMTA. Email or text for information. Mondays-Sundays, 5:306:30 p.m. Sliding scale. (559) 905-9274. theartofsilence.net. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. BODY FUSION/EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASS Do something good for yourself and stay fit for outdoor sports, while enhancing flexibility, strengthening CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 16 your core to prevent lower back issues,
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24th Annual All Ford Car Show and Swap Meet
Benefits Allan Hancock College Industrial Technology and Other Local & National Scholarships
Saturday September 12, 2026 Car Show • 9 am-3 pm | Swap Meet 7 am
AWARDS • AHC OPPORTUNITY DRAWING • MUSIC • Non-Food Vendors Welcome! ENTRY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT: www.santamariamodelaclub.com
the Orcutt Union Plaza Old Town Orcutt at 201 S. Broadway, Orcutt, CA 93455 Contact Jay McCord (805) 598-8133 • Curt Warner (805) 478-1231 CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
OLD TOWN MARKET
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Join Our Team!
CALL FOR
VOLUNTEERS We're looking for passionate volunteers to inspire the next generation as Nutrition Educators!
Requirements Be 18+ years old Complete a background check and required training Have reliable transportation Commit to one program: TLC: 8 weeks (1 lesson/week) KFM: September–May (1 lesson/month) Additional clearances may be required at some sites, such as a TB test or Live Scan fingerprinting
VolunteerTasks Prepare materials and shop for ingredients. Lead engaging nutrition and cooking lessons. Guide students through hands-on recipe preparation. Foster a fun, safe, and supportive learning environment.
To get started, scan the QR code or email nhernandez@foodbanksbc.org for more info.
www.santamariasun.com • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • Sun • 15
Hot Stuff
SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 14 LGBTQ+ FED THERAPIST LEAD SUPPORT GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A pro-recovery group offering space to those seeking peer support, all stages of ED recovery. We understand recovery isn’t linear and judgment-free support is crucial. Share, listen, and be part of a community building up each other. Third Wednesday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. MOVIE IN THE PARK Join Pismo Beach Recreation for a free Movie in the Park featuring GOAT at Dinosaur Caves Park! Bounce houses, food, ocean views, and family fun. Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m. Free. (805) 773-7063. pismobeach.org/73/Recreation. Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St, Pismo Beach. MULTICULTURAL DANCE CLASS FOR ADULTS Experience dance from continents around the earth, including from Africa, Europe, and more. Described as “a wonderful in-depth look at the context and history of cultures of the world.” Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $10 dropin; $30 for four classes. (510) 362-3739. grover.org. Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATCH AND CLOCK COLLECTORS, CHPT. 52 Come join a friendly meeting of watch and clock collectors. Members bring watches and clocks to show, plus there are discussions of all things horological. Second Sunday of every month, 1:30-3 p.m. (805) 547-1715. new.nawcc.org/index.php/ chapter-52-los-padres. Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano. NIPOMO SENIOR CENTER MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP & POTLUCK Bring a dish to share and join for a potluck, along with general meeting updates and local informative guest speakers. Third Wednesday of every month, 12:30-2 p.m. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org. Nipomo Senior Center, 200 E. Dana St, Nipomo. PORTAL RYTHMS DRUMMING CIRCLE WITH DEE DIGIOIA Portal Rhythms is a monthly mindful drumming experience in Pismo Beach open to all levels, designed to reduce stress, spark creativity, and build deep connection. Third Tuesday of every month, 6:15-6:45 p.m. through Oct. 20 15-25. (805) 270-5523. my805tix.com/e/ portal-rhythms-aug. The Portal at Living Energy, 649 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach. Q YOUTH GROUP (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) This is a social support group
O CL
for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth between the ages of 11-18. Each week the group explores personal, cultural, and social identity. Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Free. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. QI GONG FOR LESS STRESS AND MORE ENERGY Experience the energy of Qi Gong through simple standing movements promoting flexibility, strength, relaxation, and increased energy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Qi Gong revitalizes and enriches your life. An outdoor class overlooking the ocean. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. and Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $15 per class or $60 for five-class card. (805) 440-4561. pismobeach.org. Margo Dodd Gazebo, Ocean Park Blvd., Shell Beach. SEWING CLUB MEETUP Bring your sewing machine and a project, a handstitching project, or other craft project. No sewing machine? No problem! Come anyway. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. Free. (805) 929-1615. nipomoseniorcenter.org/. Nipomo Area Senior Center, 200 E Dana St, Nipomo. SLO LEZ B FRIENDS (VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM) A good core group of friends who gather to discuss topics we love/ care about from movies, outings, music, or being new to the area. We come from all walks of life and most importantly support each other. Transgender and Nonbinary folks welcome. Third Friday of every month, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. sloqueer.groups.io/g/ lezbfriends. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. SOCIAL GROUP FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS Call for more details. Second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. (805) 904-6615. 819 Tempus Circle, 819 Tempus Circle, Arroyo Grande. STAY YOUNG WITH QI GONG Qi Gong boosts energy and vitality, reduces stress, improves balance and flexibility, and, best of all, is fun. Join instructor Devin Wallace for this Crows End Retreat outdoor class, which is held in a beautiful setting. Call or email for location and to reserve a spot. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. $12. (805) 709-2227. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. 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
SING AUG.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAY PANG
A LOOK AT LENNON
See the photography of May Pang, who had an 18-month relationship with John Lennon the mid 1970s, in her exhibit The Lost Weekend. Edna Contemporary Gallery in San Luis Obispo is holding the exhibit on Friday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. This series of candid images showcases Lennon during the period of time he was separated from Yoko Ono. Head to ednacontemporary.com for additional details. —A.S. password access. Sundays, 7-8 p.m. No fee. galacc.org/events/. Online, See website, Arroyo Grande. TALENTDREAMS JAMBOREE 2026 Join for our Fall Jamboree at the historic Camp AG! We’ll have great food and music as always. You can mingle with friends, both new and old, and learn what we’ve been doing since our last event! Sept. 12, 6-8:30 p.m. $100. my805tix.com. Camp Arroyo Grande, 250 Wesley St., Arroyo Grande, (805) 249-9517. SAN LUIS OBISPO
2026 VJMC (VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB) NATIONAL RALLY 2026 VJMC National Rally featuring all brands motorcycle show and swap meet Saturday. Judging will be by entrants voting. Ride Friday and Sunday. Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. (805) 440-4511. CentralCoastClassicMC.com. Arise Central Coast, 1775 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo. 30-DAY BREATH AND RESET JOURNEY FOR WOMEN Wired at night, drained all day? Reset your body in 30 days. Focus on breath practices to calm stress,
sleep deeply, and restore lasting energy. Registration is required. Tuesdays, 6:307:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. (805) 235-7978. charvetgratefulbody.com. Live Webinar, online, SLO County. BUILDING A BETTER SLO PRESENTS INNOVATIVE CITIES PUTTING SUSTAINABILITY INTO PRACTICE Learn how the cities of Ann Arbor and Santa Barbara are leading their communities toward carbon neutrality through implementation of focused projects, plans, and programs. Discussion following the presentation will be facilitated by Chris Read, Sustainability Manager for the City of San Luis Obispo. Join us as we explore what’s possible when we put sustainability into practice. Sept. 10, 5:457:30 p.m. $17.91. my805tix.com. The Penny, 664 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo. BUTTERFLY BALL: CCSPA’S 50TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY Mark this golden milestone with an unforgettable evening featuring live music, exceptional food and drink, inspiring presentations, and a silent auction, all in support of the ten California State Parks in San Luis Obispo County.
THE GREAT AMERICAN
1
who are suffering from or have recovered Sept. 12, 4-8 p.m. my805tix.com. from the pain of depression. Mondays, 6-7 Octagon Barn, 4400 Octagon Way, p.m. through Jan. 11 Free. (805) 528-3194. A San Luis Obispo, (805) 459-9584. safe place to share feelings of depression CAL HOPE SLO GROUPS AT TMHA with those who suffer and those who have Visit website for full list of weekly recovered to a full, healthy outlook on life. Zoom groups available. Mondays, Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Free. (805) 528-3194. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Hope House Wellness Center, calhopeconnect.org. Transitions 1306 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo. Mental Health Warehouse, HIDDEN BRAIN WITH SHANKAR 784 High Street, San Luis Obispo, VEDANTAM NPR’s podcast presented (805) 270-3346. LIVE, hosted by veteran science CONSCIOUS-FEST AT MISSION journalist Shankar Vedantam, will explore PLAZA Enjoy breathwork, yoga, unconscious patterns and their impact meditation, music, vendors and more! on human behavior. Sept. 20, 3 p.m. (805) Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $130.39756-4849. calpolyarts.org. Performing $183.95. my805tix.com. Mission Plaza, Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. Downtown, San Luis Obispo. MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION CREEKS TO COAST CLEANUP Join (ONLINE MEETING) Zoom series hosted ECOSLO’s 2026 Creeks to Coast by TMHA. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Cleanup! Since 2005, volunteers have Transitions Mental Health Warehouse, 784 protected waterways from San Simeon High Street, San Luis Obispo, to Nipomo—removing over 7,000 lbs of (805) 270-3346. waste last year. Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon ecoslo.com/creeks-to-coast. Locations MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DOCENTS ORIENTATION MEETING Mission throughout SLO County, Call or visit website for event info, San Luis Obispo. SLO Docents give free daily tours for visitors of all faiths. Orientation for new DOORS OPEN CALIFORNIA: docents - help share the special story WOMEN’S STORIES AT THE ROSA of Mission SLO! Third Saturday of every BUTRON ADOBE This open house month, 9 a.m.-noon Free. 657/465-9182. explores the women who once missionslodocents.org/. Mission San Luis lived at Adobe, and the planned Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, Waterman Village affordable tiny home San Luis Obispo. community and MGB park. Sept. 12, PLUG-IN TO LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION 10 a.m.-noon $20. (805) 215-5474. Get inspired by local action, connect with smartsharehousingsolutions.org/ others, and discover more ways to get events. Waterman Village at the Rosa involved with the SLO Climate Coalition. Butron de Canet Adobe, 466 Dana Street, Attend virtually or in-person. Sustainable San Luis Obispo. snacks and childcare will be provided. THE ELDER QUEST: CHOOSING Third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. CONSCIOUS AGING PRESENTED BY sloclimatecoalition.org/events/. Ludwick BERTA PARRISH The panel members Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa, have experienced the IONS Program and San Luis Obispo. are LLCC members: Ann Feeser, retired THE SLO FLOWER COLLECTIVE WEEKLY teacher; Linda White, retired nurse; and FLOWER MARKET Enjoy an amazing Rosemary Baxter, retired nurse. Sept. 10, weekly fresh flower market, open to 1-3 p.m. $12. my805tix.com. the public. Enjoy the historic gardens Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., with local blooms from nine local flower San Luis Obispo. farmers. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. FREE TOURS OF THE MISSION Tour San through Nov. 5. sloflowercollective.com. Luis Obispo’s Spanish Mission, founded Dallidet Adobe and Gardens, in 1772. Come learn its history and 1185 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo. importance to the development of this area. Tours are led by docents and meet in SLO PHILATELIC SOCIETY The SLO front of the church Sundays, 2:30 p.m. and Philatelic Society (SLOPS) meets at the SLO Senior Center on the first and third Mondays-Saturdays, 1:15 p.m. Free. (805) Tuesday of each month. Visitors are 550-7713. missionslodocents.org. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, 751 Palm Street, welcome. Third Tuesday of every month, 1-3 p.m. SLO Senior Center, 1445 Santa San Luis Obispo. Rosa St., San Luis Obispo, (805) 540-9484, HEALING DEPRESSION SUPPORT slocity.org/seniors. GROUP The Healing Depression Support Group is a safe place to share with others CULTURE & LIFESTYLE continued page 19
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AUG. 7 - SEP 19 Professional Live Theatre! Fun for ages 5 to 105!
1863 HWY 1 ~ OCEANO, CA 3 miles south of Pismo Beach
www.AmericanMelodrama.com (805) 489-2499
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
The Mac & Cheese Festival 2026
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
SLO Brew Rock, SLO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
12th & Park Streets, Paso Robles
Avila Beach Golf Resort
Building a Better SLO
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Sausalito Boat Show
FRIDAY, SEPT 25-SUNDAY, SEPT 27 Clipper Yacht Harbor, Sausalito
NOW - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Atascadero Printery Foundation
Live at the Lighthouse Concert Series
NOW - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Beach
The Elder Quest: Choosing Conscious Aging
Plant Bingo with Peaceful Plants
Friday Night Improv
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Odd Fellows Hall, SLO
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 The Penny, SLO
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Decades HiFi Lounge, Atascadero
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 San Luis Obispo Public Market
Santa Cruz Family Band
13th Annual Brew at the Zoo
TalentDreams Jamboree 2026
Skynyrd Reloaded
Conscious Fest Booth Reservations
Taste & Sculpture Tour
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 The Pour House, Paso Robles
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Camp Arroyo Grande
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 The Pour House, Paso Robles
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Mission Plaza, SLO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Sculpterra Winery, Paso Robles
Butterfly Ball - CCSPA’s 50th Year Anniversary
Carbon City Lights in the Grove
Love Me, Maybe? Live Dating Show
Orchestra Novo Goes Silent: For Heaven’s Sake SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Harold J. Miossi CPAC, SLO
Del Rancho al Antro Brunch
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 The Stockyard, Orcutt
Nature Rhythms Mindful Drumming & Nature
Portal Rhythms Mindful Drumming & Song
Fundamentals of Improv
The Wave Forward
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Octagon Barn, SLO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Bamboo Farm & Nursery, Paso Robles
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Central Coast Brewing, SLO
Stage Door Film Screening
Burnout Prevention - How to Set Healthy Boundaries
Take the Mic at Mistura
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Bay Theatre, Morro Bay
Scenes & Skills
WED, SEPT 16 - WED, OCT 21 The Bunker SLO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 ACI Jet, SLO
Live Jazz with Tracy Morgan & Friends
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 The Bunker SLO
18 • Sun • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Mistura Restaurant, SLO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Portal at Living Energy, Pismo Beach
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Town of Harmony
TUES, SEPT 15 - TUES, OCT 20 The Bunker SLO
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Ventana Grill, Pismo Beach
Stand-Up Comedy Night Michael Anekwe
Foxtide Live at Libertine!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 The Pour House, Paso Robles
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Libertine Brewing Co, SLO
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Hot Stuff CULTURE & LIFESTYLE from page 16 SLO RETIRED ACTIVE MEN MONTHLY GET-TOGETHERS SLO RAMs is a group of retirees that get together just for the fun, fellowship, and to enjoy programs which enhance the enjoyment, dignity, and independence of retirement. Third Tuesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $31 luncheon. retiredactivemen.org/. Madonna Inn Garden Room, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. SLO RUGBY TRITIP SEVENS TOURNAMENT Men’s and women’s Rugby clubs from all over California and beyond will battle in Rugby Sevens. Enjoy live music, beer garden and food booths. Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Free. (805) 704-7567. SLO Rugby Tri Tip Sevens Rugby Tournament, 680 Industrial Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, San Luis Obispo, slorugby.org. 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. TOUR THE HISTORIC OCTAGON BARN CENTER The Octagon Barn, built in 1906, has a rich history that The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County looks forward to sharing with visitors. Please RSVP. Second Sunday of every month, 2-2:45 & 3-3:45 p.m. Tours are free; donations are appreciated. Octagon Barn Center, 4400 Octagon Way, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9096, octagonbarn.org. 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. UCCE MASTER GARDENERS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, ADVICE TO GROW BY: PREPARING YOUR GARDEN FOR WINTER Learn how to clean up your garden and prepare it for winter. There will also be a sale of plants grown by the Master Gardeners. Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-noon Free. (805) 781-5939. ucanr.edu/sites/ mgslo/. Garden of the Seven Sisters Demonstration Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
AVOCADO AND MARGARITA STREET FESTIVAL Local avocados, margaritas, and live music in downtown Morro Bay! Come celebrate with us for an all day street-style festival! Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $15-$20. avomargfest.com/. Embarcadero Morro Bay, The corner of Embarcadero and Front Street, Morro Bay. 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 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. GREENSPACE SPEAKER SERIES: BRIAN KEELEY “VOICES FROM OUR GARDEN” Brian Keeley, ecologist, conservation steward, and Greenspace board member, will speak about understanding plant needs, their relationships, and how our gardens integrate with each other. Sept. 20, 4-6 p.m. $10. (805) 927-2866. Unitarian Universalist Church, 786 Arlington, Cambria. LIBATIONS AT THE LIGHTHOUSE Libations at the Lighthouse, the annual fundraiser for the Piedras Blancas Light
SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 Station, is a casual afternoon surrounded Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard and Winery, 3940 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. by history and natural beauty. Sept. 19, 3-5:30 p.m. $100. (805) 927-3719. SOURDOUGH AT GROWING GROUNDS piedrasblancas.org/events. Piedras FARM Urban Homesteadings, your Blancas Light Station, local female veteran owned sourdough 15950 Cabrillo Highway, San Simeon. specialty shop is at GrowingGroundsFarm. org. Veterans and first responders get MORRO BAY METAPHYSICIANS a free cookie! Thursdays, 12-3 p.m. DISCUSSION GROUP A group of through June 30 Free. (805) 865-6318. metaphysically minded individuals UrbanHomesteadings.com. Growing that have been meeting for many Grounds Farm, 820 W. Foster Rd., years now in the Coalesce Chapel. Santa Maria. Club offers a supportive metaphysical based community. Members discuss TACO TUESDAY Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. a different topic each week. All are Wine Stone Inn, 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, welcome to join. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (805) 332-3532, winestoneinn.com/. Suggested donation of $10-$15. Coalesce THURSDAY EVENING BAR TAKEOVER Bookstore, 845 Main St., Morro Bay, Call venue or visit website to find out coalescebookstore.com/. about featured vintners. Thursdays SOCRATES DISCUSSION GROUP Have a stellerscellar.com. Steller’s Cellar, topic, book, or article you wish to discuss 405 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. with interested and interesting people? WINE AND DESIGN CLASSES Check Join this weekly meeting to discuss it, MUSIC Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the or simply contribute your experiences complete list of classes, for various ages. and knowledge. Contact Mark Plater for ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.com/ instructions on entering the Chapel area.FLAVOR/EATS orcutt. Wine and Design, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon (805) 528-7111. 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt. Coalesce Garden Chapel, 845 Main St., INFO Morro Bay. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y ANNUAL VINEYARD U-PICK AT ROBLAR WINERY Join us at our annual CALENDAR Vineyard U-Pick! Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon $50-$65. (805) 686-2603. roblarwinery.com. Roblar Winery & Vineyards, Send event information to calendar@ OPINION 3010 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez. santamariasun.com. SOURDOUGH AT BUELLTON NEWS FARMER’S MARKET Shop from Urban Homesteadings, the female, veteranowned sourdough specialty shop, at STROKES Buellton Farmer’s Market. Mondays, 3-7 p.m. through Oct. 5 Free. (805) 865-6318. UrbanHomesteadings.com. ARTS Avenue of Flags, Avenue of Flags, SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS Buellton. BAR TAKEOVER THURSDAYS Join us LOMPOC/VANDENBERG Thursdays to meet and chat with the winemaker of the flight we’re featuring HEAD GAMES TRIVIA AND TACO that week. Thursdays, 4-7:30 p.m. $15-$30. TUESDAYS CLASH Don’t miss Head (805) 623-5129. Steller’s Cellar, Games Trivia at COLD Coast Brewing 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, stellerscellar.com. Company every Tuesday night. Teams can be up to 6 members. Earn prizes and DEL RANCHO AL ANTRO BRUNCH bragging rights. Kekas will be serving Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $17.91. their delicious local fare. Fun for all ages. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free. (805) 819-0723. 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt. coldcoastbrewing.com. COLD Coast FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT COSTA DE Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., ORO Featured vendors in the series Lompoc. include Cali Coast Tacos, Cubanissimo, LA DOLCE VITA: SOURDOUGH Danny’s Pizza Co., Chef Ricks, and more. BREAD MAKING WITH URBAN Call venue for monthly schedules. Fridays HOMESTEADINGS Discover the art of (805) 922-1468. costadeorowines.com. sourdough in a hands-on experience Costa De Oro Winery, designed for beginners and seasoned 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. bakers alike. Bring a friend and save $30! FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS AT WINE STONE Sept. 12, 5-8 p.m. $75. (805) 865-6318. INN Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Wine Stone Inn, urbanhomesteadings.com. 255 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 332-3532, Southside Coffee, 105 S. H Street, Lompoc. winestoneinn.com/. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y FRIDAY NIGHT FUN Karaoke with DJ MEATLESS MEETUP: PLANT-BASED Nasty. With Beer Bucket specials. Kitchen MEXICAN BUFFET Come enjoy stays open late. Come out and sing a plant-based buffet of modern Latin your favorite song. Fridays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. and Southern Mexican food at La Pizca Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, in Arroyo Grande, open to all ages. Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m. $25. (805) 204-6821. PRESQU’ILE WINERY: WINE CLUB Call facebook.com/ or go online to make a reservation to events/2258956988263259. La Pizca, taste at the winery or find more info on 1412 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande. the winery’s Wine Club offerings. ongoing MONTHLY FERMENTATION CLASSES presquilewine.com/club/. Presqu’ile Join to expand your knowledge of the Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, fermentation process and get started (805) 937-8110. fermenting at home. We alternate SANTA MARIA BARBECUE AND MUSIC between demonstration and hands-on FESTIVAL Enjoy over 40 food and classes. Second Sunday of every month, merchant vendors, hear over 20 bands 3:30-5 p.m. $30-$50. (805) 801-6627. perform live, and carnival rides and kulturhausbrewing.com/classes/. games. Sept. 18, 4-10 p.m., Sept. 19, Kulturhaus Brewing Company, 12-10 p.m. and Sept. 20, 12-9 p.m. $55.32. 779 Price St., Pismo Beach. smbbqfestival.com/. Pioneer Park,
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Featured Events
Best of SLO County Winners Party
If I Only Had a Song
FRIDAY, MAY 8 The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Pismo Beach
SUNDAY, MAY 10 Community Presbyterian, Cambria
SLO Tease: Corsets & Curiosities
San Luis Obispo Oktoberfest
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 & 3
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
South Bay Community Center, Baywood-Los Osos
Alex Madonna Expo Center, SLO
FOOD & DRINK
1150 W. Foster Rd., Orcutt. 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.
Fan Halen Tribute to Van Halen
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 The Pour House, Paso Robles
Morro Bay Comedy Night with Tony Le
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Nauti Anchor Bar & Restaurant, Morro Bay
Blockbuster! A Hollywood Themed Improv Show
The Tennessee Bluegrass Band
Cambria Film Festival
Libations at the Lighthouse
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 The Bunker SLO
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Creston Rodeo Grounds, Creston
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Cambria Center for the Arts
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Piedras Blancas Light Station, San Simeon
Pioneer Day Kickoff Party
Catch of the Central Coast
Trash Day & Special Guest
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Estrella Warbird Museum, Paso Robles
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 50 San Juan St, Avila Beach
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 The Bunker SLO
Casey Anglin Makes His Debut!
TRAPT Live at the Pour House!
Morro Bay Comedy Night with Patrick Riley
SAN LUIS OBISPO
DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. Downtown SLO, Multiple locations, San Luis Obispo. SLO GRANGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST Join the SLO Grange Hall for a good oldfashioned pancake breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, juice, and coffee will be served, and proceeds will benefit local non-profits. Second Sunday of every month, 8-11 a.m. $10. (805) 543-0639. slogrange.org. San Luis Obispo Grange Hall, 2880 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 The Pour House, Paso Robles
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 The Pour House, Paso Robles
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Nauti Anchor Bar & Restaurant, Morro Bay
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FOOD & DRINK continued page 20 www.santamariasun.com • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • Sun • 19
Hot Stuff
SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 PHOTO COURTESY OF MY805TIX
FOOD & DRINK from page 19 NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
BREAKFAST ON THE BAY A monthly occasion that brings together the passionate citizens and business owners of the greater Estero Bay region in one place to deepen connections and share information. Breakfast is included with ticket price. Third Wednesday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. $20 per member; $25 per non-member. (805) 772-4467. morrochamber.org. Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay. BRUNCH IS BACK Celebrate the second Sunday of the month with brunch. Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the waterfront. Features fresh coffee, pastries, and more. Second Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.1 p.m. $50. (805) 772-2128. chabliscruises.com. Chablis Cruises, 1205 Embarcadero, Morro Bay.
MUSIC
SANTA MARIA VALLE Y/LOS ALAMOS
Sept. 18th - 20th Pioneer Park
FREE ADMISSION P R E S E N T E D BY
Los Hermanos Mendoza Saturday
Reggae Lege Pato Ban nd ton Sunday
20+ Bands BBQ Competition & Tasting Event Full Carnival Santa Maria Beer Festival Family Friendly FREE Parking
Info: SMBBQFestival.com 20 • Sun • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
CONCERT WITH A CAUSE: THE ROTARY CLUB OF SANTA MARIA BREAKFAST Concert With A Cause stands as the Central Coast’s most exclusive charitable gathering. By uniting elite musical guests with the breathtaking scenery of Presqu’ile Winery, we raise essential funds for local initiatives. Enjoy a curated afternoon where high-end hospitality meets meaningful activism. Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. concertwithacause.org/. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. HAPPY HOUR MUSIC SERIES Enjoy live music at the winery most Friday evenings. Check site for concert schedule. Fridays presquilewine.com. Presqu’ile Winery, 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., Santa Maria, (805) 937-8110. LADIES NIGHT OUT Music by DJ Van Gloryious and DJ Panda. Features delicious daiquiri specials. Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight Roscoe’s Kitchen, 229 Town Center E, Santa Maria, (805) 623-8866. LIVE MUSIC AT STELLER’S CELLAR Various local musicians rotate each Friday. Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Steller’s Cellar, 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt, (805) 623-5129, stellerscellar.com. 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. STOCKYARD SUMMER AND FALL CONCERT SERIES FEATURING SOLEFFECT Sept. 19, 1 p.m. Free. my805tix.com. The Stockyard, 241 S Broadway St, Orcutt. 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. TALK LIKE A PIRATE DANCE Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens presents “Talk Like a Pirate” dance with the Riptide Big Band and vocalists. Sept. 13, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. (775) 813-5186. RiptideBB.com. Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 Park Ave., Santa Maria. SANTA YNEZ VALLE Y
COMEDIAN DENNIS REGAN Get ready for a night of nonstop laughter with comedian Dennis Regan live under the stars at Solvang Festival Theater. Sept. 11, 8-10 p.m. $45-$55. (805) 686-1789. solvangtheaterfest.org. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. LIVE MUSIC SUNDAYS Sundays, 2-6 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com.
MINDFUL AT THE MISSION
The SLO Psychedelic Society is bringing Conscious Fest to Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The community can enjoy breathwork, yoga, meditation, music, and vendors while connecting with holistic, spiritual, mindfulness, and wellness professionals. Tickets range from $130.39 to $183.95. More details can be found at slopsychedelicsociety.org. —A.S. POWERHOUSE LADIES AT PEAKE RANCH WINERY Head on out to Peake Ranch Winery for an under the stars show featuring the Powerhouse Ladies. Sept. 13, 7-9 p.m. $20. (805)-6887093. PowerhouseLadiesMusic.com. Powerhouse Ladies at Peake Ranch Winery, 7290 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton. Head on out to Peake Ranch Winery for an under the stars show featuring the Powerhouse Ladies. Sept. 13, 7-9 p.m. $20. PowerhouseLadiesMusic.com. Sehar Khan, 7290 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton, (805)-688-7093. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Brick Barn Wine Estate, 795 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, (805) 686-1208, brickbarnwineestate.com. LOMPOC/VANDENBERG
KARAOKE AT COLD COAST BREWING CO. Pick out a song, bring your friends, and get ready to perform. Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. COLD Coast Brewing Company, 118 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, (805) 819-0723, coldcoastbrewing.com. SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
FAULTLINE BAND PLAYS MULLIGANS Hang out on the lawn at Mulligans in Avila Beach for an afternoon with Faultline Band playing top hits and a special Dolly Parton tribute. Sept. 12, 2-4 p.m. Free. (805) 595-4000. avilabeachresort.com. Mulligans Bar and Grill, 6460 Ana Bay Road, Avila Beach. NEON NOSTALGIC LIVE MUSIC TELEVISION Neon Nostalgic will perform in time with original music videos from the 1980s to today, recreating the soundtrack of your life! Sept. 10, 7:30-9 p.m. $45-$69. 9(805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. TINA TURNER AND ROD STEWART TRIBUTE Two iconic artists. Two unforgettable performances. Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. $46.50-$77.50. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. VENTURA HIGHWAY: #1 TRIBUTE TO AMERICA Celebrate the music of America with Ventura Highway — The #1 Tribute to America! Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. $49.99$69.99. (805) 489-9444. clarkcenter.org/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. SAN LUIS OBISPO
18TH ANNUAL CUESTA ACOUSTIC GUITAR CONCERT WITH ERIC SKYE AND JAMIE STILLWAY The Cuesta Guitar Class Program welcomes special guests Eric Skye and Jamie Stillway to the CPAC
Mainstage! Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. $10-$18. (805) 546-3198. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. ARTURO O’FARRILL TRIO Mexican American composer and pianist Arturo O’Farrill and his trio will bridge the gap between traditional Latin rhythms, modern jazz, and contemporary composition. Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. (805) 756-4849. calpolyarts.org. Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo. JACKIE HOLLANDER LIVE Coming off of a massive performance to Shabang’s first-ever sold-out crowd last May, Jackie Hollander has ascended from San Francisco’s eclectic underground. One of the fastest-rising names in electronic music, Jackie has been turning heads with her infectious house sound, undeniable energy, and sets built to keep the dance floor moving from start to finish. Sept. 11, 7 p.m. $37.07. my805tix.com. Rod & Hammer Rock, 855 Aerovista Pl., San Luis Obispo, (805) 543-1843. ORCHESTRA NOVO GOES SILENT: FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE Michael Nowak and Orchestra Novo proudly present For Heaven’s Sake. Sept. 13, 3-5 p.m. $50.05. my805tix.com. Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo. POWERHOUSE LADIES AT THE BAY THEATER IN MORRO BAY Enjoy the comfortable movie-style seats and great concessions while listening to a live concert full of an amazing variety of music. Sept. 13, 2 p.m. $20. (805) 772-2444. PowerhouseLadiesMusic.com. Powerhouse Ladies at the Bay Theater in Morro Bay, 464 Morro Bay Blvd, Morro Bay. TMHA PRESENTS: ROOTS & RHYTHM LIVE MUSIC & STORYTELLING AT GROWING GROUNDS DOWNTOWN, HOSTED BY YNANA ROSE This new SLO music series aims to raise awareness and invite conversations around mental health and wellness with live music in a beautiful downtown setting Every other Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. through Sept. 23. Free. (805) 544-4967. facebook.com/events/ 2159625194608460/. Growing Grounds Downtown, 956 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo. NORTH COAST SLO COUNT Y
BURLEY THISTLES Enjoy fetching music, a wily worldview, and radio-ready sound. Sept. 13, 1-4 p.m. Schooners Cayucos, 171 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos, (805) 995-3883. EASTON EVERETT Enjoy his guitar-woven neo-folk pop, noteworthy singing, and writing. Sept. 12, 6-8 p.m. Sea Pines Golf Resort, 1945 Solano St., Los Osos, seapinesgolfresort.com. m
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Arts ARTS BRIEFS Lompoc Pops Orchestra brings Broadway to Rocket Town
FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF LOMPOC POPS ORCHESTRA
Action! Guadalupe stars in three recent films made by a Nipomo filmmaker BY MADISON WHITE
C No need to travel to New York City to hear your favorite show tunes. The Lompoc Pops on Broadway is coming to town on Sept. 20 with a lineup from musicals like Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, and The Sound of Music. This concert will be the latest compilation conducted by maestro Brian Asher Alhadeff after the group’s patriotic tribute in June. “With the outstanding professional musicians of the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, as well as a wonderful, accomplished selection of guest vocalists, audiences will be transformed to the bright lights of Broadway with this stunning concert of musical pieces, including ‘Till There Was You’ from The Music Man, ‘If I loved You’ from Carousel, ‘All I Ask of You’ from The Phantom of the Opera, and so much more,” according to press materials. Showtime is at 4 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the First United Methodist Church in Lompoc (925 N. F St.). General admission costs $25 with discounts for students and active-duty military members. Children 11 years and younger enter at no cost. Buy tickets at the door, at the Box Shop (740 N. H St.), or at the Lompoc Valley Florist (322 N. H St., suite A). Call Evelyn Baxter for details at (805) 733-1796.
Vendor applications are open for CalNAM’s holiday market
FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA NATURE ART MUSEUM
hachi Ramirez’s career in film has led him across the globe. “I’ve shot documentaries that have taken me into really, not to say hostile, but maybe uncertain places,” Ramirez told the Sun one September morning over coffee, his 7-month-old puppy in his lap. Twenty years ago, he flew into Lebanon, landing on a runway that had recently been rebuilt after it was bombed by Israel. He was part of a mission to assess damage, share the story, and help raise money to deliver relief. “Parts of the trip were being led by Hezbollah—so like in bombed-out Beirut, I asked questions to the PR guys from Hezbollah,” Ramirez remembered. “It was all very civil, but that 25-year-old kid from Texas, I didn’t really know what I was doing.” After a couple of decades in Hollywood, the South Texas native is now content in Nipomo crafting local stories. Plus, as a father and husband, the artist has less of a desire to take his camera abroad into potentially dangerous scenarios. Three fulfilling short films over the past few years only required brief drives to Guadalupe. Ramirez has highlighted the dunes complex, the Escalante Meadows housing project, and its namesake, World War II Army Staff Sgt. Augustin Escalante. “I really love Guadalupe. I think it’s such a cool town kind of like out in the middle of nowhere,” Ramirez said. “It’s got that old Americana vibe. It’s just so cool. It’s coastal. It’s got all this great stuff going on.” Guadalupe was home to Escalante. Ramirez spent two and a half years researching the veteran’s life for a film called Augustin Escalante: Hometown Hero. “The story kind of needs to tell itself, but I need to do the research to be able to find out what the story is,” the filmmaker said. “It was my first project where I’ve gone in without a kind of understanding of what the story I was telling is.” Eventually, he found the narrative. It opened with a shot of a spinning globe stopping at the Hawaiian Islands, overlaid by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s booming voice reading his famous speech after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. For almost 16 minutes the documentary details the life of the decorated World War II service
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ESCALANTE FAMILY
The California Nature Art Museum (CalNAM) invites artisans and local businesses to apply as vendors for its festive makerspace coming up this fall. The application deadline is Sept. 22. “The Holiday Marketplace is part of CalNAM’s ongoing efforts to connect the community with art, nature, and creativity,” the museum announced. Vendors may apply online for a $150 fee by visiting bit.ly/4xCge5F to input business information and examples of their work. Artisans must have a current business certificate through the city of Solvang and the ability to process their own sales. The annual holiday event is scheduled for Nov. 21 this year from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It brings visitors and locals together for a day of unique shopping. Last year, artists sold jewelry, quilts, pottery, glass art, and cutting boards. “We look forward to welcoming vendors and visitors to the museum for a festive day of shopping, connection, and appreciation for the natural world that inspires so much of what we do,” Executive Director Jessica Tade said in press materials. Contact the museum’s store and visitor services manager, Mya Mantilla, for more information at mya@ calnatureartmuseum.org. Walk through the doors at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang. m Staff Writer Madison White compiles Arts Briefs. Send information to mwhite@santamariasun.com.
FIGHTER OF NAZIS: World War II Army Staff Sgt. Augustin Escalante of Guadalupe was the subject of a recent documentary by Chachi Ramirez called Augustin Escalante: Hometown Hero.
22 • Sun • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
CINEMA PHOTO COURTESY OF CHACHI RAMIREZ
member through interviews with Escalante’s relatives and footage from the war. “I hired military researchers,” Ramirez said. “They’re able to locate his records, and so they pull every record that’s publicly available about him, which ended up showing every battle he was involved in. If he was ever hurt, if he went to the medic, I have the record.” A military archivist pulled film from all of the battles that Ramirez requested. The director combed through “reels and reels and reels” of film from war photographers searching for Escalante’s face. Ramirez restored family photos and built maps of the battlefields, too. “[Escalante] had opportunities to return home from World War II, he had done his service, but he chose to stay. He was like a real GI Joe. He’s an American hero, without a doubt. Injured, shot, Silver Star, three Purple Hearts,” Ramirez said. The documentary also includes the voices of U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, and Guadalupe Mayor Ariston Julian. Ramirez’s biggest takeaway was learning about Guadalupe’s NOW IN NIPOMO: A former independent film producer in Hollywood, Chachi Ramirez relocated to the Central Coast with Latino veterans, especially those his wife just before the pandemic. He’s integrated himself into the who served in World War II. He filmmaking scene and delivers projects with local angles. said he has deep understanding and respect for veterans in that community. Cheers for Chachi “The film I hope will live on for a long time and Follow Chachi Ramirez’s career on Instagram be on display in Guadalupe for people to have a @chachiramirezfilms. View his films online at vimeo.com/ place to see something about someone because so mercybrothers. Learn more about his Central Coast creative many of these stories don’t get told. A lot of veteran agency, Suede and Pomade, at suedeandpomade.com. stories don’t have the opportunity to be shared,” Ramirez said. Inspired by the legacy of the Silver Star recipient, Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, about the history of different groups stewarding the land. Escalante Meadows: Building Community in “Basically, it’s the voices of cultures over the last, Guadalupe, California packages the construction let’s say 5,000 years, that have coexisted with the of a housing project into a compelling 16-minute dunes, and it’s underheard stories,” Ramirez said. narrative about the need for affordable “It’s the Chumash. It’s the Japanese, Chinese, Asian developments in the state. “We traveled to the governor’s office and talked farming boom. Then it’s Bracero movement, where to the people, the teams that are in charge of we got a lot of influx of Latino and South American affordable housing there,” Ramirez said. workers in the fields. And then to the modern He plans to submit the short documentary to times of what the dunes are like now.” film festivals that have an interest in public service The three documentaries were produced by stories. The 80-unit housing development, owned Ramirez’s local company, Suede and Pomade, by the Housing Authority of the County of Santa named as an homage to the duality of his Barbara, is also the site of a child development background. Suede represents the “rugged cowboy center, a playground, and a bus stop. side” of the Central Coast, he described, and pomade Ramirez completed his third Guadalupe represents Hollywood, his “slick, kind of glossy side.” project earlier this year, and he said he’s planning a Suede and Pomade produces marketing content public screening soon. He directed and produced for local businesses, while Ramirez’s other agency, the 24-minute documentary, Coastal Stories: Mercy Brothers Creative, still operates in the LA area. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHACHI RAMIREZ He dreams of directing his own movie one day and has been writing one piece by piece for years. The filmmaker is also starting a project for Amazon soon, which he can’t talk about, and stays busy as a photographer. His photos have been published in The New York Times, but for the time being he’s content staying close to home. “The dog, the baby, and my wife,” Ramirez said. “And we live on a 1-acre property that’s like a little bit of a homestead. I’m maxed out.” m WIDE SCOPE: Director and producer Chachi Ramirez (center) plays a hands-on role in every project he attaches his name to. At this commercial shoot in San Luis Obispo, he was in the middle of setting up an aerial angle.
Staff Writer Madison White enjoys a good documentary. Send your recommendations to mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
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presents
The Lompoc Pops on Broadway Broadway comes to Lompoc with musical selections from some of Broadway’s greatest musicals, including The Music Man, Carousel, Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and more! Don’t miss this unforgettable afternoon of Broadway favorites—bring your friends and family and join us for the music, memories, and magic! The concert will be held at the First Methodist Church (925 North F St.), Lompoc, on Sunday, September 20, at 4pm. Tickets: $25 general admission. Discounts for Active-Duty military and full-time students with ID. Children under 12 free.
For ticket details call: Evelyn Baxter at 805-733-1796 www.santamariasun.com • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • Sun • 23
Film
SUN SCREEN
Shh …
have an accomplice who’s started killing again? This is a mostly by-the-numbers thriller, but if you’re already paying for Netflix and have a couple of hours to spare, Keaton’s performance alone makes it worth your time. ames Ashcroft (Coming Home in the Dark, The Anna: The film has a moody feel, very in line Rule of Jenny Pen) directs this psychological with Ashcroft’s other works. Both Tom and crime thriller written by Ben Jacoby and Jake are struggling after the loss of their wife Chaser Palmer based on British writer Steve and mom, and moving to Garretton feels like a Mosby’s 2019 novel written under the pseudonym tribute to her. Jake is coping, as many kids do, Alex North. The story follows recently widowed with an imaginary friend he calls “the girl in the novelist Tom Kennedy (Adam Scott), who with blue sweater,” and Tom’s patience with his son is his young son, Jake (Acston Luca Porto), relocates wearing thin. Now there’s talk of a copycat killer, to his dead wife’s hometown of Garretton just as missing kids, and a locked-up murderer who’s Detective Amanda Beck (Michelle Monaghan) happy to play games with detectives. You’re right discovers the body of a young boy while searching about Keaton; he’s the powerhouse of the film. for a different missing child. The M.O. appears While De Niro, Scott, and Monaghan deliver similar to a 1990s serial killer named Frank Carter too, Keaton’s sinister and measured portrayal of Carter steals the show. We (Michael Keaton), who’s currently watch as Tom’s mind starts to imprisoned. Soon the detective THE WHISPER MAN unravel, and after getting drunk who originally caught Carter, What’s it rated? R one night, he yells at Jake about Peter Willis (Robert De Niro), is What’s it worth, Anna? Stream it his imaginary friend, telling drawn out of retirement. Willis What’s it worth, Glen? Stream it him to “grow up.” Soon Jake is happens to be the estranged father Where’s it showing? Netflix another missing child, and Tom of Tom. (114 min.) will do anything to find him— Glen: If you’re hungry for a crime thriller, this even calling up his estranged father. The film is might fit the bill. It’s got dreary, atmospheric nothing novel, but if you’ve got a hankering for a cinematography by Peter Deming (Mulholland crime drama, this is worth pressing play. Drive, Twin Peaks). The cast is impressive, with Glen: This is a film that’s certainly trying to Keaton clearly having fun as the imprisoned engage its audience. It feels slightly supernatural (but isn’t), has a few jumpscares (that aren’t killer Frank Carter. Even though De Niro’s Peter too scary), throws in a creepy nursery rhyme Willis apprehended Carter decades ago, he’s and urban myth-like boogeyman (“Ooh, the still haunted by him because the case essentially Whisper Man”), and stacks up a new round destroyed his marriage and family. His son, Tom, of dead children. The killer always covers his doesn’t speak to him until—this shouldn’t be a victim’s faces with a shirt, and the story tries to spoiler—young Jake goes missing. Did Carter
COURTESY PHOTO BY DAVID LEE/NETFLIX
J
BAD TIMING: After the death of his wife, novelist Tom Kennedy (Adam Scott) and his son, Jake (Acston Luca Porto), move to a new town just as a serial killer appears to resurface, in The Whisper Man, streaming on Netflix.
make sense of it at its implausible conclusion. The whole “talk to a killer to catch another killer” angle was done a lot better in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), and as good as Keaton is, his Frank Carter doesn’t hold a candle to Anthony Hopkins’ quietly menacing Dr. Hannibal Lecter—though of course that’s an unfair comparison! You also might audibly groan when you learn who the killer is and the “justice” he
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH SHATZ/DISNEY
FURIOUS
What’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Hulu Created by Elizabeth Meriweather (New Girl, No Strings Attached), this new series gives us what she creates best—characters and relationships in which more lies under the surface than on top. Emmy Rossum is Alice, a guarded FBI agent whose past still haunts her. Catherine (Lola Petticrew) is out for blood—particularly that of men who are sexual predators of young girls. While Alice’s sense of duty tells her she must capture Catherine as quickly as possible, the lines blur when it comes to what’s right vs. wrong. Released over a series of weeks, the first season is now all out—and it will no doubt be binged by SEARCHING FOR JUSTICE: FBI Agent Alice Black many. Complicating things is Alice’s supervisor, (Emmy Rossum, right) is after serial killer Catherine Mason Adkins (Alex Morf), whom Alice quickly Grace (Lola Petticrew), who’s targeting powerful thwarts by going over his head to the head of the men guilty of sexual abuse, in Furious, streaming on sex crimes division, Nora Washington (Quincy Tyler Hulu. Bernstine), and is soon under Nora’s lead. Catherine is cunning and quick, disguising back for a second season, I thoroughly enjoyed the first. (eight herself and worming her way into situations that give her the 50-to-55-min. episodes) opportunity to kill another predator. Soon all hell is breaking —Anna loose in every direction. I’m so glad that this series is coming
receives. Still, I’ve sat through worse films! Anna: Same. It ends in a bit of a whimper rather than a scream. Will I remember anything about it in two months? Probably not, but it kept me entertained. m New Times Arts Editor Glen Starkey and freelancer Anna Starkey write Sun Screen. Comment at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE
BLAST
What’s it rated? “Passed” When? 1926 Where’s it showing? FROM THE The Harold J. Miossi CPAC at Cuesta College, Sunday, Sept. 13 (3 p.m.; $45 at my805tix.com; students $15 at the door) Maestro Michael Nowak and Orchestra Novo will accompany the 1926 silent film For Heaven’s Sake directed by Sam Taylor (Exit Smiling, Girl Shy, Safety Last!) about millionaire J. Harold Manners (Harold Llyod), who after accidentally setting fire to a charity pushcart, makes amends by funding Brother Paul’s (Paul Weigel) Christian mission while falling for his daughter, Hope (Jobyna Ralston). Orchestra Novo performs an original score by composer Robert Israel. “I found out from Harold Lloyd’s granddaughter, Suzanne, who I’d befriended over the years, that this is the first time in America this particular musical score will be performed with a live orchestra,” Nowak explained. “[Israel conducted] it a couple times in Europe, but this is the U.S. premier.” Nowak—who’s conducted or played viola on hundreds of Hollywood films including The Kite Runner, August Rush, American Gangster, Pride and Glory, and Life of Pi—is working to notate the score “the old-fashioned way” rather than using a click track.
U.S. PREMIERE! A millionaire (Harold Llyod, left) herds drunks on the way to his wedding, in For Heaven’s Sake, screening Sept. 13, at Cuesta College, accompanied by Orchestra Novo playing Robert Israel’s score.
“The difficulty for me, as one can imagine, is to make sure that I’m hitting exactly the right marks that happen on the screen with the right music,” Nowak explained. (58 min.) The event opens with Laurel and Hardy’s 1929 short, Big Business. (19 min.) m —Glen
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Eats
FOOD PHOTO BY MADISON WHITE
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA AGUILAR
SWEET AROMAS: During the week when Anna Aguilar isn’t busy with cake orders, she experiments with other baked goods, like this blueberry cream cheese pastry.
Talk about elaborate Chikis Cupcakes creates custom cakes that’ll wow the whole party BY MADISON WHITE
A
nna Aguilar crafts cakes so tall that she doesn’t trust they’ll survive the car rides to their final destinations. Instead, she delivers her wedding and quinceañera cakes in pieces and builds them at the venues. “They’re always challenging, and I’m learning new things on those because with one little mistake, your cake can tilt,” Aguilar told the Sun. “And the whole thing just collapses.” It happened once at an event, but thankfully guests hadn’t arrived yet. While the Santa Maria native regained her composure in the restroom, she realized she forgot to stick straws in one half of the first layer. This technique helps the top tiers stand up straight. “Luckily, it was a fixable thing,” Aguilar said. Since the pandemic, she’s been channeling energy into growing her cottage bakery, Chikis Cupcakes, named after her childhood nickname. She makes fresh cakes on the weekends for pickup or delivery. Wedding and quinceañera cakes can be four or five layers tall depending on how big the party is. The biggest she’s made fed 300. Add decorations or florals on top, and the finished product can be massive, requiring careful attention to every detail. “There’s times where your cake is not level, and that’ll just throw off the whole thing,” Aguilar said. She learned from the toppled disaster and hasn’t made that mistake again. Another way she combats the issue is by wrapping each layer and freezing them before frosting. “It actually brings so much moisture, and the fact that I’m going to use them that same day doesn’t give it a chance to dry at all. So within a few hours, it’s a bit firm but not frozen. I’m able to stack them,” she said. Stiff layers are easier to decorate compared to wobbly ones. Aguilar goes in first with the filling. Maybe strawberry compote or chocolate ganache, but every part of the cake is customizable. Homemade buttercream frosting is another
star of the show, and Aguilar mixes different variations depending on how sugary her clients want the dessert. American buttercream is the sweetest, and Russian buttercream only requires butter, vanilla, and condensed milk. The Swiss and Italian versions use egg whites, which Aguilar always approves with clients in case of allergies. For her most classic creations, she smothers two layers of filling in between three cake layers. “I put it in a chiller for a little bit, meanwhile it stiffens up, and I’ll start another one,” Aguilar said of her typical baking day. “Then I’ll grab [the first] one out, and now it’s nice and firm, and then I just start decorating. … It’s like magic.” She’s an expressive person by nature, with tattoos dotting her arms, shiny rings on every other finger, and bright red streaks in her dark hair. She said the dye is only because football season just started, and the San Francisco 49ers fan wanted to show her team spirit. Customizing each order allows her creativity to shine in a way that she can share with the community. Decorating with toppers, fondant, and florals makes her giddy. “The best part is when a customer says, ‘Do what you want. I trust you,’” Aguilar said. “That’s when I get to use my creative senses.” Some days she gets going at 4 a.m. The weekends are her most common baking occasions because Aguilar uses the week to shop and prepare. Plus, she has duties as a stayat-home mom to four kids. Saturdays and Sundays are often mad dashes in the kitchen so that every order is as fresh as possible. “What I promote a lot is, ‘If you have a cake order on Saturday, I’m baking your cake on Saturday,’” Aguilar explained. “I know it’s a lot more work. Some people won’t do it because of the work.” After the chaos slows down, Aguilar wants to keep busy in the kitchen during the week. She’ll experiment with cinnamon
26 • Sun • September 10 - September 17, 2026 • www.santamariasun.com
SUCCULENT OR CAKE? Six years ago, Anna Aguilar’s cottage bakery started out selling cupcakes and has become known for custom cakes.
rolls, sourdough croissants, and variations on traditional Mexican goods, including bolillos and stuffed conchas. Fall is bringing new flavor profiles, too. “Everybody knows conchas, but I make them pumpkin, so that’s a good twist,” Aguilar said. Incorporating her Latina heritage into her business dates back to when she first started selling cupcakes. The “big hits” that did well were inspired by churros, mazapán candy, and Duvalín. “I think they’re more like a childhood favorite, so I put a twist on them in cupcakes,” Aguilar said. “I even have cake fillings that are like Duvalín, which is basically like a Neapolitan.” With a goal to open her own boutique storefront in Santa Maria, her modern Mexican variations would definitely be on the menu, she added. People seem to love them. Her focus throughout the entire baking process helped with anxiety that flared up in 2020. After college, Aguilar worked in the medical field for more than 10 years, but when the pandemic started, she realized the work was draining her. Instead, she was able to take her favorite part—caring for others—and translate the feeling into baking for customers. Food is important to people, but the baker learned that there’s something extra special about cakes. They’re a celebratory symbol of love and excitement, just like how every order brings the business owner joy. Aguilar said she’s finally doing what she loves and is grateful for the Santa Maria community that has supported her journey since the beginning. “I’ve struggled a lot, and I never knew my purpose,” Aguilar said. “I think they just let me find my purpose.” m Staff Writer Madison White savored the blueberry cream cheese croissant by Chikis Cupcakes. Find her at mwhite@ santamariasun.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA AGUILAR
BOO! Creative toppers and frosting sculptures are Anna Aguilar’s favorite parts of being a baker. She said the work has helped quell her anxiety.
A Santa Maria cake boss
To see examples of Anna Aguilar’s work or place an order request, visit @chikiscupcakes1 on Instagram or Aguilar Chikis on Facebook.
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