January 2010 Journal Plus

SLO SY MPHONY HONORS THE BAK ERS | S TE VE K ANE | BUT TERFLIES

Journal PLUS JANUARY 2010

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

KEVIN & KATHI MAIN

DE I S IN EN

TR

& R e O m A

L

CO

A

ST

HoU T D C

O

O

Our Awards Might Make Your Heart Race, But Don’t Worry; We Can Treat That.

French Hospital Medical Center is your award-winning community hospital.

We have recently been recognized by Thomson Reuters as a national leader in Cardiac Care, ranking in the top 100 cardiac hospitals in the United States for the second year in a row. We have also received recognition for a number of awards in Cardiac Care and Joint Replacement by HealthGrades, as well as being named our community’s top hospital choice for overall image and quality

by National Research Corporation. We are proud to be your community hospital and honored to add these recent accomplishments to our growing list of awards and recognitions.

Awards 5-Star rated for the Treatment of Heart Attack by HealthGrades, 2008, 2009 5-Star rated for Total Hip Replacement by HealthGrades, 8 years running Best in Region for Cardiology by HealthGrades CHW Patient Satisfaction Challenge, 2008

Fit-Friendly Organization by the American Heart Association, 2009 First and only hospital in San Luis Obispo County to be named.

Healthcare Marketing Report Gold Winner, 2008 Joint Replacement Excellence Award by HealthGrades — ranking among the top 10% in 2010

CHW Philanthropic Challenge, 2008

Making Medicine Mercury Free Award by CleanMed, 2009

Community Innovation Award from the American Heart Association, 2009 First hospital in greater Central Coast area to receive this award.

San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Diversity Award, 2005 First business to receive this award.

Consumer Choice Award by National Research Corporation 2007, 2008, 2009 Exceeding Patient Expectations by Avatar International, 4 years running

Top 100 Cardiac Hospital by Thomson Reuters, 2008, 2009 Top 15% in the nation for Treatment of Heart Attack by HealthGrades, 2008, 2009 Top 15% in the nation for Joint Replacement by HealthGrades, 8 years running

1911 Johnson Ave. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 543-5353

FrenchMedicalCenter.org

I

n this era of corporate crime and personal greed, who can you trust with your financial future?

An ethical local firm with a 50-year track record

To paraphrase the great George Patton, “A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” When I started teaching thirty-two years ago, I was introduced to Al Moriarty through a teaching buddy at San Luis Obispo Senior High School. Obtaining my first teaching job, Al sat down with Marilyn (my wife of 37 years) and I, and he started talking about retirement. “Retirement! I just got out of college,” I told myself. Al started pushing the numbers and the rest is history. Through the ups and downs of economic cycles, Al has been there to help us out. We have never lost on any of Al’s investments. Now that we are getting close to that special time when one can quote that Johnny Paycheck song, Al’s guidance and inspiration have given us the wherewithal to make our retirement years something special. His foresight, willingness to work for us, and his continued ability to think beyond today has guided us through the last three decades. The years we spent proudly looking at Al’s son blocking for Earl Campbell on television, and the years of Cal Poly football are what many think Al is all about. But to us, Al was there to help us sell our old home in San Luis and to guide us through the purchasing of our new home in south county. Today we have a nice nest we call home, our health, but more importantly our sense of mind that we can look forward to lots of traveling, enjoying the things we love to do and not having to worry about the end of the month. Al Moriarty is more than an investment counselor, he is a friend and we feel proud of being part of his rather large family. Quoting George Patton again, “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”

Randy Spoeneman A.P. Government Teacher Arroyo Grande High School

B

"Integrity, as in nature, will always be supreme"

efore you make another major financial decision, call for a no-obligation appointment to evaluate your resources and goals.

M

(You won’t be asked to make any investments then, since solid financial planning requires research.) Ask about upcoming FREE seminars.

MORIARTY ENTERPRISES Financial Services since 1954

P.O. Box 970, Grover Beach, CA 93483

Phone: (866) 546-1366 Lic. No. 0144566

Al Moriarty Financial Advisor

CONTENTS

12 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

The People, Community, and Business of Our Beautiful Central Coast ADDRESS

JIM & LYN BAKER

654 Osos Street San Luis Obispo California 93401

PHONE

805.546.0609

E-MAIL

slojournal@fix.net

WEBSITE

www.slojournal.com

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Steve Owens

8

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain

STEVE KANE

COPY EDITOR Anne Stubbs PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson ADVERTISING Jan Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Hilary Grant, Sandy Baer, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Frank Rowan, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Gordon Fuglie, Andrew Carter, Dan and Lee Anna O’Daniel, Shelley Matson, Julian Varela, Ruth Starr, Richard Bauman, Joan Sullivan, Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Ron McEvoy and Phyllis Benson Mail subscriptions are available at $20 per year. Back issues are $2 each. Inquires concerning advertising or other information made by writing to Steve Owens, JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE, 654 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can call us at 546-0609, our fax line is 546-8827, and our e-mail is slojournal@fix.net. View the entire magazine on our website at www.slojournal.com JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE is distributed monthly free by mail to all single family households of San Luis Obispo and is available free at over 600 locations throughout the county.

Editorial submissions are welcome but are published at the discretion of the publisher. Submissions will be returned if accompanied by a stamped self addressed envelope. No material published in the magazine can be reproduced without written permission.

Opinions expressed in the byline articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the JOURNAL PLUS MAGAZINE.

9

PEOPLE 8 9 10 12

STEVE KANE WILL WARREN KEVIN & KATHI MAIN JIM & LYN BAKER

HOME & OUTDOOR 14 BUTTERFLIES ARE HERE 15 THE BUTTERFLY QUEEN 16 PULSE 17 NUTRITION 18 HOME DESIGN DISTRICT 20 FOOD / AT THE MARKET 21 KITCHEN IDEAS 22 BOOKS/JEANNE KINNEY

WILL WARREN

COMMUNITY

24 26 28 29 30 32 34 39 47

TIME CAPSULES CHINA LAKE MUSEUM ART SCENE OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker HISTORY: Peter A. Forrester HOSPICE CORNER VETS VOICE / SUDOKU PUZZLE SLO COUNTY LIBRARIES ALMANAC The Month of January

BUSINESS 35 40 41 42

DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening PALM STREET – SLO Councilman-Carter EYE ON BUSINESS THE BULLETIN BOARD

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

SPECIAL WINTER SAVINGS EVENT

Southampton by Wood-Mode.

Now you can enjoy the beauty and quality of America’s leading brand of ne custom cabinetry at exceptional savings. Our design professionals can help you create that special Wood-Mode look for your kitchen, bath or any room in your home. And, for a limited time, we’ll make it easier than ever on your budget. Visit us today. Our Special Winter Savings Event ends soon.

For your home. For your life.

For our environment. ©2009 Wood-Mode, Inc.

From the publisher Sale begins January 8, 2010

o

ur cover story this month features Kevin and Kathi Main. There are very few couples that give back to our community as much as these two. Kevin is so organized, he can run a business, serve on several committees and still take time to get on his bike. He also throws a mean horseshoe...I learned early on that it’s better to be on his team than not. I have also served on committees with Kathi, and she knows how to get things done.

We also feature Jim and Lyn Baker.

The San Luis Symphony is honoring them for their continued support to the arts on the Central Coast. You’ll enjoy their story.

Natasha Dalton writes about the history of Time Capsules. I participated in a Time Capsule ceremony at the millennium in San Luis. We were honored when asked to include one of our magazines in the capsule. This month another ceremony is being held at Flamson School in Paso Robles.

Last month we failed to give credit to Mark Winkler Photography for the cover shot of the local band, Unfinished Business. We received plenty of good comments on his work.

Enjoy the magazine.

Happy New Year,

Steve Owens

We Know How it is.

We’re Idler’s. And we’re local.

Our kids go to school together and play on the same sports teams.

So if we can beat the box store prices, why shop anywhere else?

We’re proud to be your hometown Appliance, Outdoor Living, Kitchen &

Cabinet Design and now Bedding store. With the best prices. Guaranteed.

SAN LUIS OBISPO 122 Cross St. San Luis Obispo (805) 543-6600

!00,)!.#%3 s #!").%429 s 30!3 s "%$$).'

WWW.IDLERS.NET

NEW Kitchen & Cabinetry Design

BEST PRICES. GUARANTEED.

APPLIANCE OUTLET 9330 El Camino Real Atascadero (805) 466-6020

PASO ROBLES 2361 Theatre Dr. Paso Robles (805) 238-6020 NEW Idler’s Sleep Source

PEOPLE

steve kane – cal poly associate professor producing a cutting edge film

By Ruth Starr

W

ho said it would not work to have women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)? Steve Kane, who is working with a grant to promote women in science, says that this is a completely wrong concept. He is creating a 30-minute film that is directed mostly to high school and college girls to encourage them to study in the scientific fields.

Steve Kane was born and raised in Los Angeles County. He never gave much thought to attending college, as it was not a priority in his family. After high school, he signed up for a welding class at Cerritos Community College. There was a career counselor at the school who tested him, found him to score very high in academia, and this was the impetus to change his life. The counselor told him that he might think about something besides welding for his life’s work.

Encouraged, he began school at Cerritos Community College and then went on to Cal Poly at Pomona where he received his bachelor’s degree. He got his masters and PhD at UCLA. He was the first one of his family to go to college. After he became a successful college graduate, both his sister and brother decided to also attend college after years of working in various fields.

After his final degree, he traveled widely in Scandinavian countries where he saw women prime ministers and women in science. He noticed that these countries exhibited a well being in the care of health, women and children that is not found in other countries. He attributed this progress to women being more open, in tune with their feelings, compassionate, holistic and comfortable with feminism.

Steve and his wife Marcia moved to San Luis Obispo in 1994 after he was offered a teaching position at Cal Poly. His expertise was being a psychologist who worked with people who had learning disabilities.

He also had a private practice specializing in the same field.

Today he is Cal Poly Associate Professor in the School of Education where he teaches graduate students to be counselors. He attributes his passion for this field to the career counselor who originally suggested that he might forget about welding and go to college.

The idea for the film originally came about because of his Scandinavian trip where he saw what women were doing and realized that not enough was being promoted in this country toward those efforts.

He is very excited about the film he is producing called Making The Grade: How College Women Excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The film will be distributed free to high schools and colleges in California and then other parts of the country. Making The Grade is being created at Cal Poly where over one-hundred applicants of young women applied to participate in the film.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

The applicants were narrowed down to a select group of high achieving young women. Steve says it is not a boring academic film but alive and “cool.” It is designed to be hip, in the now, and to grab the interest of young women. The women in the film are serious, but fun loving and able to communicate in an appealing and youthful way to other young women. The goal is to encourage young women to go into science, technology, engineering, and math. He has found that women who are in these science fields bring another dimension to their jobs.

They are visionaries and have visions of the future where they can contribute to the healing of our world.

American College Personnel Association underwrote the grant. Each year this group only offers ten grants to innovative research projects.

Steve feels very fortunate to have been a recipient of one of the grants for this project. Schools in other parts of the country are also promoting the scientific fields to young women, but Steve is a pioneer and innovator by creating this film.

Another project that Steve has worked on is a self-assessment test that can be taken on the Internet. He has partnered with a colleague at Cal State University at Long Beach. This test can help people find where their weaknesses are and how at risk they are academically. It is another tool for helping people in the real world. The address for this test is: www.ldacv.com and is free for anyone to use and benefit from.

Steve is very enthusiastic and loves his work and hopes his film will make a difference in the lives of many young women. Just as a counselor once had a profound effect on Steve, he too will be a positive influence on those who are fortunate enough to see his film Making the Grade.

PEOPLE

History: a conversation with will warren

roundups in the 1880s

By Joan Sullivan

Will Warren, 97, in his pickup.

Photo by Joan Sullivan 1979

O

ver the course of ten years, from 1973 - 1983, the SLO Unified Adult School, Thursday Location Painting class, had painted on more than fifty ranches. This one particular Thursday, March 15, 1979, it was raining cats and dogs, and we were meeting for the first time on Will Warren’s ranch on Villa Creek Road in Cayucos. About ten artists showed up even though it was raining.

Will Warren drove up alongside my car, and as he got out of his pickup and into my car, I asked his permission to tape our conversation. Below is an exerpt of our conversation.

“Are you’re still riding horses?” “Oh yeah,” he said.

“Did you know Joe Turri? He said he’s going to have to get a blood transfusion from you.

He said you used to ride these hills all over and that you’re the genuine cowboy of the west.” “I think I was as good a cowboy as ever straddled a horse. And when I was 21 years old, I think I was as good a roper as ever straddled a horse – a ranch roper, not the arena roper,” Will admitted.

I was delighted that Will was in a talkative mood. He had a good memory and enjoyed being with people. At one time he mentioned that perhaps he had worked too hard and should have taken out time to enjoy more of life’s amenities. “I think I’ll tell you about the roundups of the 1880s. I’ll give you a good story on that.

I’ll tell you how I got started,” he said.

“My grandfather owned a ranch over on the other side of the mountain – a little homestead. I was about seven-years-old I imagine.

That was about 90 years ago. Each year they worked the calves, and marked and branded them. There were no corrals or anything to hold them in to work on. The cattle were brought in from off the hills to this holding

ground. That went on until noon and by that time they had 500 head in – with the help of 25-40 people. Well, half of them went over to camp for lunch. They fed down half the men at a time, and the other half stayed and held the calves. When that half got through, usually the bosses and the heads of the outfit went back over and built a fire and got to branding. Then all these men commenced to squeeze in on these cattle and brought them right up into a human corral with men on horseback holding them in this common corral. And two men, good ropers, expert ropers, went in there and went to ridin’ slow, through these cows – of course these cows had been there a long time and had what they called mothered their calves – mothered up. Most of the calves were alongside ’em. These men rode in there and they dropped a rope on a calf and they headed him towards the fire. Of course he’d buck at the rope, but they had him tidied up in a tight bunch. The mom would follow.

One man branded him and another castrated him and earmarked him and that’s all they did. They didn’t dehorn them in the early days.

They didn’t dehorn them at all.

“Did they give them shots?” “No! No shots, no vacination. So that went on through the day. By the time the men worked so many, they got out and two more got in – two more expert ropers.

because they lay peaceable in the corral.

“When was this?” “It happened 60 years ago.

Well when these dairymen found out the cows did do better, rested better and everything. They went to dehorning their calves, dehorning their little calves. Nowadays they dehorn everything. And when cattle are put in feed lots, they dehorn them.” “Where did they start dehorning?” “It was started right here around Cambria. All I know is it began in this dairy section here.”

Will Warren’s experience as a cattle rancher and memories of roundups in the 1880s; the dehorning of cattle is of great historic value to lovers of the ‘old west.’ Will had much more to say about his life as a cattle rancher, but that’s for another article.

Will Warren rode in the Cayucos Parade, 1960s

“Were the cows upset when they branded their calves?” “No. They’re used to it and they can stay right out there where they could see the calves. Nobody bothered them. As soon as they were through working the calf, it was turned loose with his mother and they go right back into the band. That’s the way they worked calves way back then in the 1880s,” Will concluded.

Will said that dehorning cattle began in this part of the country. “All cows had horns back in the early days. And they were mean and gored one another all the time in the corrals.

And some of the poor cows could never rest.

Some of them gouged others all of the time if they got near. Alex Camel and one other cowboy decided to cut the horns off those cows for safety and hopefully they’d give more milk. At first the people didn’t believe it would work. But by golly it was a fact. They wouldn’t give more milk immediately, but the next year they would give more milk

Will Warren on horseback in front of his adobe home, Villa Creek Road, Cayucos.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

10

PEOPLE

kevin and kathi main – a composite of opposites

By Susan Stewart

H

e’s a big man with a sportsman’s build and an athlete’s passion. At a little past middle age, Kevin Main is an accomplished ultra-distance cyclist, a champion horseshoe thrower, and a dedicated hunter. He is also one of the county’s premier jewelers. Wait.

A jeweler? How can such an active person sit still long enough to design, craft, and repair fine jewelry – for a living? It’s just one of the many enigmatic qualities of this father and grandfather, athlete and craftsman, multi-talented businessman, and generous community leader.

Born in Santa Monica and raised in Santa Barbara, Kevin moved to the Central Coast in 1974 to attend Cal Poly. He was an OH student majoring in floraculture and working odd jobs. He cut turquoise stones for a manufacturer in Nipomo; he clerked at the local Seven-

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

PEOPLE

11

town Association. Kevin is a member of Rotary de Tolosa, where the last leg of the push to eradicate polio worldwide is under way.

“This last push will cost a lot,” he said. “Now prevalent in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Nigeria – an acronym that spells PAIN by the way – polio is curable and preventable.”

Kevin helping out during the retrofit of his building.

Eleven; and he cleaned the saws at a lapidary class for Adult Ed. Kevin put them all together, learning what he could from the stone cutter, saving bits of stone from the saws and setting them in silver, then selling his creations at the Seven-Eleven.

“People would come in for coffee or beer or a newspaper, and I’d sell them a ring too,” he recalls.

It wasn’t long before he quit college to find more time to make jewelry in his garage. An opportunity to hone his craft came along when Jim and Joyce Draper offered Kevin an apprenticeship at their jewelry shop, The Collector, in Morro Bay. When Jim died, it fell to Kevin to take over the custom and repair work. A few years later, Kevin opened his own tiny store next to the Post Office in Morro Bay, using his own work exclusively.

Three years later, he moved to a larger store on Morro Bay Boulevard where he stayed for ten years.

A series of life changes forced Kevin to close the shop, so he pocketed his passport, climbed on his mountain bike, and rode away – not sure he would come back. Kevin rode across the country … but that’s a story for another time. After returning, he kept himself busy, and in February 1996, he’d opened another small store in Morro Bay. In 1995, he met and married Kathi. For their honeymoon, they shipped their tandem bike to Port Angeles in Washington State and rode it all the way home together. The trip took 19 days, 18 of them on the bike.

the shop. The opportunity to move his thriving business into San Luis came along 12 years ago when Andrew’s Jewelry Store went out of business. With the late Ken Estrada as Kevin’s first-rate salesman, and Kathi running the books, the store flourished, creating a legion of loyal customers and a showcase full of poignant memories.

“When you’ve been doing this as long as we have, you get to see so much,” said Kathi.

“Like the young man who buys an engagement ring, the wedding ring, and then birthday, anniversary and ‘new mom’ gifts. We’re able to see these young people grow up and then meet their children.”

“Or the time we made a locket for a grieving mother,” said Kevin, “to hold the ashes of the daughter she had lost.”

Recognizing the many gifts they have both been given by the community they call home, Kevin and Kathi Main have found many ways to give back. Kathi has served as a Chamber of Commerce board member for four years, and she has been a past president of the Down-

The Mains also support Jack’s Helping Hand and the Hearst Cancer Research Center, among others, crafting stunning, one-ofa-kind pieces and then donating them for the annual auctions and fundraisers that feed these nonprofits. They also make their creekside patio behind the shop available to groups like Hospice and United Way for meetings and events. And for kids who want their ears pierced, the price is a plate of cookies, including the studs.

Kevin Main is one of only 7000 in the world who have completed the grueling 90-hour, 1200 kilometer (750 mile) ride called ParisBrest-Paris. Begun in 1890, it takes place every four years and is called the grandfather of all 1200k rides. Kevin has completed the PBP ride three times in ten years, and a total of fourteen 1200k rides in the last 11 years, all over the US and Europe.

“I’m passionate about this sport,” he says. “It gives me the creative fuel for what I do.”

Since most creative ideas arrive when we are doing something else, Kevin’s artist-cum-athlete philosophy makes sense.

Perhaps that’s why he chose randonneuring, the name for the style of riding that Kevin is so good at. Defined by its non-competitive nature, where self-sufficiency is paramount, it is friendly camaraderie, not competition, that is the hallmark of randonneuring. Anyone who knows Kevin Main will agree: That’s a pretty good description of the man himself.

Born and raised in Cayucos, Kathi learned from her family’s retail business, Al’s Sporting Goods, how to “take care of people.” She carved out a successful 27-year career in banking before leaving that to join Kevin in J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

12

PEOPLE

slo symphony honors music lovers

Jim and lyn baker

By Susan Stewart

Photo by Karen McLain

T

hanks to the musical homes they grew up in and the rich music programs offered by the Coalinga schools they attended, Jim and Lyn Baker have been nourishing their love for music all their lives—individually and as a couple. This year, they become the third annual recipients of the prestigious Symphony Honors Award, to be presented to them at next month’s 22nd Annual Symphony Ball.

“We were stunned when we heard we were to be honored this way,” said Lyn Baker. “We feel like such a part of the Symphony family, that to be singled out for this honor is humbling.”

groups. These many years later, their voices—Jim’s steady tenor and Lyn’s rich alto—are the instruments they still play. The Bakers joined the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale in 1996 where they lend their expertise and time as well as their voices to the group.

“They are both so full of energy,” said Master Chorale Director, Tom Davies. “They have a great love for choral music, and they contribute to this group in so many generous ways.”

Jim and Lyn Baker grew up in Coalinga, a small town nestled in California’s Pleasant Valley. They began visiting the Central Coast in the 1940s, and when they moved to Cambria 22 years ago, the San Luis Obispo Symphony became the fortunate beneficiary of their steadfast and enthusiastic support. Throughout their long and successful careers, while raising their children and building their lives, they surrounded themselves with the sound of music, in all its forms.

“We like jazz, musical theater, symphonies, brass bands, you name it,” said Lyn. In high school, Jim played the trombone for the marching band, while Lyn played viola for the orchestra, and they both sang in choral J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

Lyn and Jim Baker with Sandy and John Dunn

PEOPLE “They give of their time, resources, and energy like no one I have ever known,” said Symphony Board past president, Sandy Dunn, “expecting nothing in return.”

Jim graduated from Cal Poly in Agricultural Engineering while Lyn received her nursing degree from the University of San Francisco, and later, a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois. Jim built his working life around agricultural waste water disposal, and Lyn focused her nursing career on the delivery of health care in various community settings—from the migrant farm labor camps of Fresno County to Chicago and Boston. In their retirement, they feel rewarded by their volunteer work.

SLO Symphony members feel the same way.

Jim and Lynn Baker have been supporting their world-class orchestra in every way they can since they first heard them at the Church of the Nazarene in Pismo Beach two decades ago. For many years, they have sponsored one performance each year, have attended numerous Symphony Balls, and have successfully bid on many of the auction treasures that now enhance their home.

“Most dear to our hearts is the Symphony’s support of young musicians,” said Lyn. “So we have also supported the Youth Symphony’s efforts.”

13

On Saturday, February 27th, Jim and Lyn Baker will be honored in the Grand Ballroom of the Embassy Suites at the Symphony Ball’s “Carnival in Venice.” They will follow in the generous footsteps of Gene Shidler & Clifford Chapman, and Pam Dassenko, the first- and second-year Symphony Honors recipients.

“Michael Nowak evokes a glorious sound from this group,” said Lyn Baker. “The growth and richness of our Symphony has been a pleasure to behold.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for “Carnival in Venice,” call 543-3533 or log onto www.slosymphony.com.

“They give of their time, resources, and energy like no one I have ever known,” said Symphony Board past president, Sandy Dunn, “expecting nothing in return.”

In addition to the Symphony, they also support The Performing Arts Center, The Master Chorale, Festival Mozaic, Youth Outreach for the Performing Arts Center, and The Pacific Repertory Opera.

Not surprisingly, the Bakers’ eight grandchildren have been “infected” by their grandparents’ love for music, representing ballet, flute, saxophone, voice, violin, and cello. In fact, cellist Alex Baker recently auditioned for and was accepted by the SLO Symphony. At just 15 years old, he is the youngest symphony member. His 13-year-old sister, Amy, is an accomplished violinist in the Youth Symphony.

Well-known for their generosity in the nonprofit arena, the Bakers are also famous among their own family members for their ability to recognize birthdays and other special events. Every year, without fail, said daughter-in-law Cathy, she and her husband Aaron get an 8 a.m. wake-up call on their birthdays, wherein Jim’s tenor and Lyn’s alto deliver a rousing happy birthday song.

A rescued tabby cat named Romeo became the most recent resident at the Baker household.

Lyn adopted the formerly feral kitten from the rescue organization that Cathy belongs to.

Now he practically runs the household.

“He is probably the luckiest little cat in the county,” said Cathy.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

14

HOME/OUTDOOR

the monarchs are back Experience watchable wildlife in Pismo beach

T

he beautiful and fascinating Western Monarch Butterflies have just landed at their winter home at the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach. Every year, from October through March, thousands of Monarchs call Pismo their home, wintering in the warm temperatures of our coastal community.

Their fascinating life cycle interests young and old. Traveling more than 2,000 miles, migrating Western Monarchs fly from as far east as the Colorado Rockies and as far north as Canada to find shelter in the mild coastal climate of Pismo Beach. Here, they cluster together at a beachside Eucalyptus grove on Highway One, where the trees offer shelter and protection for thousands of the colorful insects.

The mighty Monarchs are truly an amazing sight to see! Using their sharp tarsal claws

to grasp on to the branches of Eucalyptus trees, Monarchs hang in dense clusters, sometimes thousands on a single tree. Each Monarch uses its wings to shelter the butterfly below, giving the butterflies a shingle to protect each other from the rain and provide warmth for the butterflies.

When the temperatures rise during the day, Monarchs leave the grove to search for flower nectar, then cluster again when the temperatures dip. Monarchs cannot fly at temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and at temperatures below 44, Monarchs are unable to move at all. Western Monarchs have a life span of about six months. When they leave Pismo, they will not return, although their offspring will.

Viewing these amazing and colorful creatures is quite a sight! Come visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach

to see up close and personal the amazing phenomenon of the Monarch Butterfly.

During the migration season, knowledgeable docents are on hand to answer questions and give tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. There is also an information kiosk set up to provide information about self tours.

The Monarch Butterfly Grove is located on Highway One in Pismo Beach, about a mile south of the Pismo Pier and free parking is available.

For more detailed information about the fascinating lifecycle of the Western Monarch, along with fun activities for both children and adults, visit www.MonarchButterfly.org.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

HOME/OUTDOOR

15

the first butterfly queen ximena mcGlashan

By Richard Bauman

X

imena McGlashan was a butterfly pioneer.

She had a passion for the fluttering little creatures. In fact, she started the world’s first butterfly farm in 1912, and at the same time taught others how to raise butterflies too.

As Ximena’s reputation grew, so did her business. A reporter from the Sacramento Bee heard about her and visited Truckee. He wrote a story about her and reported that a woman could make a living by collecting and propagating butterflies.

Ximena’s (pronounced hee-may-nah) remarkable farm was located in Truckee, California, a town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From there she supplied butterfly collectors, museums, jewelry designers and others with butterfly specimens.

Other newspaper articles about her unusual occupation were published, and she became known as the “Butterfly Queen.” In one story she summed up her daily routine saying “I hunt butterflies by day, sugar for moths at night, and gather food plants for my larvae.” She was deluged with requests from people in all parts of the world eager to learn the secrets of butterfly farming.

Butterfly farms abound today and are profitable businesses in such diverse places as Costa Rica and Papua, New Guinea. While modern butterfly farms are more sophisticated than Ximena’s efforts, nonetheless they use some techniques for attracting and proliferating butterflies akin to those she discovered.

She was just 18 years old when she got into the butterfly business. She had graduated from high school, but was unsure what career path to try. At that time high school graduates could teach school, and she considered being a teacher. But she also had thoughts of going to college. Her father, Charles McGlashan, was willing to pay her college tuition—but there were strings attached. She had to decide, before starting college, what she wanted to study.

Charles was a butterfly collector, and he had written articles about the various species of butterflies in that region of northern California. On one occasion, Ximena was looking over his extensive collection of butterflies (ultimately she and her father collected more than 1200 different butterflies) and thought aloud that knowing more about butterflies might be helpful if she were to become a teacher.

McGlashan emphatically stated she could make a better living catching butterflies than teaching about them.

Through his writings, McGlashan had become recognized as a butterfly expert. In fact, a collector in the Midwest contacted him and offered to buy all the butterflies specimens McGlashan could supply.

McGlashan, however, was a lawyer and too busy with his law practice to capture butterflies for the man. Ximena, on the other hand, had time to spare. He taught her how to catch butterflies, and she quickly became a skilled collector.

Specimens collected for commercial purposes had to be virtually flawless. Their wings and antennae couldn’t be damaged. A few weeks after her father’s suggestion, she collected butterflies for his Midwest colleague, and she made a shipment of 1500 butterflies to her first “customer.” Ximena received $75 for them.

Before the summer of 1912 ended, Ximena not only became proficient at catching butterflies, she was learning how to “grow” them.

“I had learned that by propagating lepidoptera (sic) I could increase my income,” she said. She raised her caterpillars in fruit jars, boxes and even barrels covered with gauze-like material. That summer she shipped more than 10,000 specimens and averaged about $50 a week in sales. That was a huge sum in 1912, and as her father had suggested, she was earning more by chasing butterflies and moths than she would have by teaching school.

To satisfy requests for information on raising butterflies and moths, Ximena and her father began publishing The Butterfly Farmer in September 1913. It was both a magazine and a series of correspondence lessons on butterfly farming. It was full of information for want-to-be butterfly farmers and amateur butterfly collectors. In all, there were 12 issues published, totally about 200 pages, and every $5 subscription started with the first issue. When they produced the last issue, in 1914, Ximena wrote, “My greatest aim has been to inspire a love for the beautiful in entomology.”

One enthusiastic subscriber commended The Butterfly Farmer as containing “talks on bugology in plain English.”

The magazine/correspondence course explained such things as how to determine what plants would attract certain butterflies. Ximena’s techniques have helped modern butterfly farmers determine which plants attract butterflies and afford them places to lay eggs.

In her periodical, she described the technique of “sugaring” a tree to attract moths. She developed a thick concoction of stale beer, rum, and brown sugar, which when brushed onto a tree trunk proved irresistible to some moths. “In a few minutes after this has been done, thousands of moths assemble on the tree…in a few minutes they are entirely helpless and partially insensible, and it is an easy matter to capture them,” she wrote.

In September 1914, Ximena entered the University of California at Berkeley to study entomology. The butterflies she raised and sold paid her tuition. A year later, she transferred to Stanford University and ultimately graduated with degrees in botany and entomology.

Ironically, after graduating from college, she never worked as an entomologist. Just before America entered World War I, she married John Howard, an army officer who taught survival tactics to soldiers at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He later became a professor of military science at the University of California in Berkeley.

Ximena also never “farmed” butterflies again. Instead, she reared two children and later in life volunteered her services to the Xerces Society, an organization that focuses on preserving the habitat of rare insects.

Ximena’s quandary of what to do after graduating from high school was the catalyst for her to become the world’s first butterfly farmer.

Though her methods were primitive as compared to those used by butterfly farmers today, they nonetheless were a stepping-stone, if not the foundation for flourishing butterfly farms today.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

16

HOME/OUTDOOR PULSE

your healthiest year yet

By Julian J. Varela

O

ver the last few months, my business partner and I have been reviewing our companies 2009 financials, marketing plan, organizational structure and overall feelings about the direction and health of our business.

From our discussions, we’ve come up with goals and strategies for a successful 2010 by creating specific financial measures and departmental objectives and discussed what we could modify, change, continue or improve for next year. Of course our team has been with us every step of the way and has provided valuable input and support. Each week we have a habit of reviewing our following week’s performance as well as each month and each quarter. As a business owner, it’s vital to keep a pulse on our company’s performance as everyone’s livelihood is at stake. Have you figured out why I’m sharing this information with you yet, and how it relates to health?

The fact of the matter is that so many of us go through the appropriate steps to ensure our success as an employee, a manager or a business owner. Each day we wake up, shower, and eat breakfast (I hope you eat breakfast...but more importantly I hope you shower!) drive to work (or bike), review our daily dash board, answer emails, communicate with the appropriate authorities and diligently go about our tasks.

With time and effort, we hope that our months and years of hard work will pay off so we can continue moving forward with life. The question I’d like to pose is this; do you have the same strategy when it comes to your health? Do you take time to review your “health performance” throughout the year? Do you also review your blood panels as you do your profit and loss statement? Do you place as much importance on your daily workouts as you do your daily performance at work? Have you created a specific plan and strategy for reaching your goals? As a responsible member of your team, manager or owner, I know you take time to have team meetings at work to discuss the health of your company. Have you taken time to discuss the personal health of your family?

Traditional Funeral Services Memorial Services

2890 S. Higuera, San Luis Obispo Located next to San Luis Cemetery

543-6871 FD 374

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

Cremation Care

The trouble with much of our educational system is that it attempts to teach us the skills and concept to get ahead in the workforce, but not necessarily the skills and concepts to sustain and improve our health. For example, how much emphasis do you see placed on health and physical education compared to science and math? I understand that great mathematic skills may help our students land a high-paying job, but it really doesn’t matter much if they have a heart attack at the age of 40 due to unhealthy behaviors. Much of this personal education is left up to chance. The reason I say “chance” is because health has a tendency to be passed down from generation to generation. If your mom and dad were overweight, there’s a good chance that you’re overweight as well. If your mom and dad were active and took you on a daily bike ride and encouraged you to participate in sports or other physical activities, there’s a good chance that you’re a healthy and active individual. I grew up in an environment where sports and physical activities weren’t necessarily discouraged, but the benefits, planning and education behind good health weren’t taught.

My mom was the epitome of healthy cooking, but unfortunately she didn’t take the time to teach me anything about it (I’ve since taught myself.). And while most of our family friends considered my mother a “health nut,” she sadly succumbed to cancer at the young age of 41.

Unfortunately, my mom missed her annual medical exam one year and forgot to reschedule until the following year. It was during this time that a tumor had the opportunity to grow. What if she never missed that appointment? If the doctor had located the tumor earlier, would he have been more successful with the treatment plan thereby improving her chance to live? I’ll never know the answer to that question, but I do know that if a business owner or manager skipped their budget and marketing planning process for 2010, they would have an unsuccessful year or perhaps be fired for his or her negligence.

The take home message from this article is a simple one and a good reminder. We take many things for granted, but let’s not let our health be one of them. While last year was a challenging year for many of us, we have the opportunity to create a successful 2010, and I encourage you to take the same care with your health and the health of your family as you do with everything else in your life. Take time to discuss health with your significant other, your family, children, and your children’s friends and with your co-workers. Take as much care and planning with your health as you do the education of your children or your retirement plan. If you do, you may find you’ll have to contribute more to your retirement as you may add years to your life.

Julian J. Varela holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist.

Julian co-owns Equilibrium Fitness Inc. and Equilibrium Fitness for Women. Julian can be contacted at Julian@eqclubs.com

HOME/OUTDOOR

Nutrition

welcome a new year and new decade by eating for longevity

By Shelley A. Matson

G

reat news for the New Year. More exploration in nutrition shows that diet can strongly affect longevity and quality of life. For this New Year, make a resolution to live longer and actually enjoy those extra years. These simple additions can go a long way toward living longer and enjoying better health.

Nuts for a long life: they have protective fatty acids and a high mineral content. Consumption of nuts 5-6 times per week (1/4 cup portion) can contribute to extra years.

Mediterranean Eating: mimicking the traditional diets of Greece and southern Italy,

focusing on eating fish, legumes (beans), vegetables, fruits, whole grains and de-emphasizing red meat and alcohol can improve health.

Swapping a burger for fish and loading up on fruits and vegetables can make a difference.

Leafy green vegetables: contain lutein, a protective nutrient that has been linked to help with eyes. Try for one serving of dark greens such as spinach, collard green, or bok-choy.

Spice it up: sage, oregano, turmeric, cloves, and cinnamon have been linked to lowering blood sugar levels. Better control over blood sugars means prolonged health.

17

Dried fruit: also called natures candy, are filled with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that help keep blood pressure down.

Acai and other berries: abundant with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds help lower risk of age-related diseases. Acai berries have the highest levels of antioxidants, but the main focus is choosing a variety of antioxidant-rich foods daily.

Go Fish: countless attention on omega-3 fatty acid proves to help with the aging process. Try for 2 servings a week, and if fish is not an option, try other sources such as walnuts, flax seed, or soybeans.

Ginger: displays anti-inflammatory properties that work directly on joints and help relieve arthritis.

Go Green with Tea: helps protect against cancer, heart disease, skin conditions, stress, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes.

Shelley A. Matson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and is currently pursuing advanced credentials.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

New Trends In Home Decor

By Statepoint Media

A

s Americans spend more time at home, it’s no surprise homeowners are looking for ways to enhance their at-home surroundings. This season, there is an array of new trends in home decor to help on that quest.

From new lighting options to fashionable rugs and eco-friendly countertops, manufacturers are introducing novel home furnishings built against the latest trends.

• More Green: Demand for eco-friendly home furnishings is at an all-time high. According to a survey by Information Resources, half of all U.S. consumers consider at least one eco-friendly factor when shop-

ping for consumer products. Manufacturers are responding with more green options, from water-saving shower heads to countertops made of recycled materials.

• More Casual, Contemporary: More time at home means people are opting for comfortable and casual furnishings, not the ornamental staples of yesteryear. This also means homeowners are attracted to “One area attracting a lot of attention is contemporary styles, especially as baby LED lighting, an ultra energy-efficient light boomers migrate to smaller, contemposource that uses 75 percent less electricity rary homes or condos and Generation X than traditional incandescent sources and homeowners stray from traditional designs. lasts up to 50 times longer,” said Jeff Dross, Home furnishing staples are following suit. senior product manager for Kichler Lighting.

“Homeowners and interior designers alike • New Shapes in Lighting: Homeowners are really embracing our LED under-cabilooking to make big statements with simple net fixtures and LED rail lights, which emit a changes can invest in eye-catching lightwhite light, save on electricity bills and last ing fixtures. This season there are plenty as many as 20 years.” of new styles, including elongated linear

S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

bold prints and geometric patterns will become the focal point of many living spaces. • Made in America: Given the state of the economy, many are purchasing American-made dishes, sofas, rugs and more. The manufacturers behind these products are making sure they stand out by building in eye-catching, artistic elements. • Textured Wall Coverings: From tiled back splashes to the return of wallpaper and textured paint applications, walls are becoming more than room dividers. As walls make bolder statements, surrounding furnishings are assuming more basic, clean designs. Lamps are featuring soft, single-hued fabric shades.

Throw pillows are sporting elemental patterns, and even small details like photo frames are becoming more basic.

chandeliers that complement rectangle-shaped dining room tables, kitchen islands and even the long farmhouse kitchen tables currently in vogue. • Heavily Patterned Rugs: Hardwood floors continue to shine, so area rugs are making a comeback. Heavily patterned rugs with

This season it’ll be easier than ever to sit back and relax in your own living space, and even small changes will have big payoffs. Start with simple lighting changes to enhance the style, texture and beauty of your existing decor. Then incorporate a few of new trend-forward products, and your house really will feel like a home.

home

has a new address.

Welcome to Bank of America Home Loans.

Where you will experience a new approach to lending. So you can choose the mortgage that’s right for you and close it on time. s (OME ,OAN 'UIDE — a new interactive experience that will help you learn about the process, loan options, and what you can comfortably afford. s #LARITY #OMMITMENT™ — a one-page summary that explains key terms of your loan in plain language.1 s -ORTGAGE LOAN OFlCERS — located nearby, ready to serve you when and where you need us. )F YOU ARE PLANNING TO PURCHASE OR RElNANCE A HOME

PLEASE CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION "ILL -OTT Mortgage Loan Associate 805.234.5081 william.mott@bankofamerica.com http://mortgage.bankofamerica.com/WilliamMott

1

The summary is provided as a convenience, does not serve as a substitute for a borrower’s actual loan documents, and is not a commitment to lend.

Borrowers should become fully informed by reviewing all of the loan and disclosure documentation provided.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender Š 2009 Bank of America Corporation. Credit and collateral are subject to approval.

Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

AR82729 00-62-1323D 06-2009

20

HOME/OUTDOOR

ORGANIC GREEN SALAD WITH PEAS, CHEVRE, AND WALNUTS IN A CREAMY GARLIC LEMON DRESSING

at the market

FOR THE SALAD 1 large head of organic green lettuce, butter lettuce, green or red leaf will work best, washed and rinsed

By Sarah Hedger

H

appy New Year! Welcome to 2010. As few seem to be able to predict the future, it brings a new level to enjoying the simple things. Ironically, it tends to be the simple things that bring the most pleasure and joy. From walks with our loved ones to a great movie or a simple, delicious meal, there is beauty in simplicity.

Fortunately, in our area we get to enjoy the outdoors year round and all it has to offer.

Even with the recent rains, we are still able to get out and enjoy the beauty. As the hills turn green and new life sprouts in gardens and orchards, the new year brings new bounty to our markets and our kitchens. It also often brings a new commitment to our health, whether signing up for a new yoga class, or committing to buying more local (preferably organic) produce, there are a variety of ways to get out and take better care of ourselves.

There are a lot of ways on the Central Coast to get inspired for better health and one great way is to start at one of our amazing farmers’ markets. Some find starting with a recipe and then searching for ingredients is the best way; while others go to the market first and pick an ingredient as a basis for the meal. Either way, it is best to use the local resources we are fortunate to have.

That said, there are few better ways to start a healthy new year than with a great salad.

Not just any salad, but a simple, bright salad

J A N U A R Y

201 0

that offers sustenance while being healthy at the same time. Making this reminds me of a great Julia Child quote as there can be a lot of variations with this salad. Child said, “In cooking you’ve got to have a what-thehell attitude.” The other night, I created this salad only using resources on hand. Call me crazy, but I always seem to have a bag of organic peas in the freezer. I am hoping right about now I am not the only one out there who takes part in this unique habit…That said, it is also the time of year when citrus is at its peak, and I happened to have some fresh, organic Meyer lemons that my mom had just dropped off (yeah!) The walnuts add essential Omega 3s to this dish while also contributing in protein and fiber. I feel the need to give a good shout out at this point in defense of nuts, especially local nuts (Yes, they are grown around here.). I challenge you to get out and compare flavors between local nuts and store bought nuts. There is a huge difference! The oils in nuts actually do go rancid fairly quickly and therefore leave a flavor gap where the fresh, local nuts take the lead. There…. I feel better now. I have also been on a Chevre kick. Aside from its fresh, bright flavor, many (myself included) find it easier to digest as it has a significantly lower amount of casein which many with dairy allergies find easier to digest and less allergenic. Another notable superfood in this salad is garlic. Garlic is known for strengthening the immune system through its high amounts of Vitamin B and C as well as antibacterial qualities. Interesting to note China grows 77 percent of the world’s garlic. That being said, this is a good way to support our local resources, as fresh (dried) garlic is easy to find at our farmers’ markets as well as growing it yourself. It is simple to grow and a ton of fun as it is quite rewarding (and pungent) when it is from your own backyard. That said, Happy New Year and, To Your Health!

Journal PLUS

2 cups of organic peas (Trader Joe’s frozen organic peas work great), cooked according to directions via the stovetop or microwave for a couple minutes ½ cup fresh walnuts, lightly toasted in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes, coarsely chopped 4 ounces Chevre (fresh goat cheese or feta), roughly crumbled

FOR THE DRESSING 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. sugar or agave nectar or honey Juice of 1 organic lemon (about 1/3 cup of juice) 2 T. organic mayonnaise or cream fraiche ¼ cup water Kosher salt to taste (about 1 tsp.)

Fresh ground pepper Whisk dressing ingredients in small bowl until thoroughly integrated. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Set aside while preparing the salad.

In a large salad bowl, coarsely chop the greens.

Add peas, walnuts, and Chevre. Toss well.

Drizzle prepared dressing over salad and serve.

Best if enjoyed immediately. This salad does not last for over a day in the refrigerator as there is a high water content in the dressing that can make greens a bit soggy. (Leftovers are unusual).

SERVES 4 Each serving contains: 300 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of (good) fat, 8 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber

HOME/OUTDOOR

21

Smart Spending for your kitchen remodel

By Lisha Perini, Sarah Day and Lee Anna and Don O’Daniel

A

lmost all of us at times come up against the reality that our Dom Perignon taste can’t be accommodated on a Two-Buck-Chuck budget. So the first step to smart spending for a major remodel is to set a realistic budget for the overall cost that you can afford without robbing the kids’ college fund. Also you may wish to consider resale value. A good rule of thumb is to invest 15% of the home’s value in a kitchen remodel, for which you can generally expect a return of approximately 70% or more when you sell your house. Whereas a dilapidated kitchen can really hinder the sale of the home, customers have often told us that their beautiful kitchen is what sold their home.

Don and Lee Anna O’Daniel have owned and operated San Luis Kitchen Company for the last 25 years. Both are architecture graduates from Cal Poly.

To keep costs from spiraling out of control, your budget must address all aspects of a kitchen – cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring, lighting, plumbing and electrical, labor for demolition, contractor fees (including fees for building permits), and the unexpected. On average, 35-40% of your budget will go toward cabinetry, 20-30% for appliances, 20-25% for counters, 10-15% for flooring and 5-10% for lighting and electrical. Then, contracting labor for demo and installation will usually add about 30% over the materials cost. But if you’re planning mechanical changes such as moving plumbing, moving or removing walls, or adding square footage, your contracting budget will need to be higher.

After you’ve allocated your budget to all items, look around as much as possible at products that interest you. Get bids on these items to see if they fit your price range. You’ll sometimes find that a certain “look” you prefer in a product is available in a similar style at a lower price point. This process also gives you a sense of the knowledge and integrity of the vendors you visit. Consider what will provide the best value for your situation, and don’t forget that good customer service is equally important as price.

Once you have finalized those product decisions, it is crucial to have well-written and clear contracts with all parties supplying items or labor for your project. The contract should spell out the extent of work, spec’s of purchased materials, and conditions in which the work will progress. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and is a critical step in maintaining your budget. These contracts help make up the master plan of your remodel – allowing you to plan each step in advance.

Be sure to work with appropriate professionals – architects, kitchen designers, general contractors, engineers, appliance salespeople, and others. Do not rush through the design process. This is the time to make your decisions and think and rethink your choices. It’s much easier to change an idea on paper than after it’s in production.

Your designer should provide drawings of the kitchen, sketches of different possibilities, and samples of the materials they are proposing. This is where a design showroom becomes so handy – you can basically test-drive the cabinets, counters, appliances and other elements before ordering.

Of course, there’s also the personal value and enjoyment you’ll derive from having the perfect kitchen – the heart of your home – and you can’t put a price tag on that!

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

22

HOME/OUTDOOR

book writer/Artist

kevin and patti sullivan

By Ruth Starr

It is so nice to be recognized as beauty it can be as simple as that ---By Kevin Patrick Sullivan Kevin Patrick Sullivan belongs to a special generation of writers who write poetry. Today, writers almost have to lead double lives – that as writers and also self promoters in addition to having a job to support themselves.

As a boy, Kevin lived in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, where he always knew he had a gift of language, but never considered writing down his thoughts. He spoke to a lot of people on the streets and on his jobs. As a young man he worked in local grocery stores, and then moved on to work at the Ford Auto Plant in Michigan. He got laid off work from Ford in 1974 and decided to leave the cold Michigan winter and go to Florida.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

When he returned to Michigan in the early spring, he decided to move out to California on five acres of ocean-front property in Shell Beach where his sister was living. This was a gorgeous place for him to live. The year was 1975. His beginning rent was a mere $55 a month. Kevin lived there for 19 years. Shell Beach Rd. was a two-lane dirt road at the time. There were just blank fields all around the area.

It is quite a different picture in 2009.

While living on that land, he found that he had a voice. Living on the ocean opened something inside of him, and he began to write poetry.

He found work as a nighttime custodian in a school district where he

HOME/OUTDOOR began sharing his poems with teachers he saw after class. They were very encouraging as he found his stride and wrote his first book in 1982. He called it Bits and Pieces of Black on White.

After writing one book, he felt courageous enough to write another.

His next book was called Shadows. Both of these books were selfpublished by Kevin. After Shadows he made the decision to not publish any more books unless they were professionally published.

In 1992 he participated in a poetry reading in Santa Barbara, when a man approached him and offered to publish a book of his poetry. The book came out in 1994 and was called First Sight.

Kevin has authored several chapbooks. Chapbooks are traditionally small books of poetry, tales, ballads, or religious tracts. Usually they are no more than sixteen pages and stapled down the middle. He has also authored one full-length collection. In 1984 Kevin co-founded the annual San Luis Obispo Poetry Festival and the monthly reading series, Corners of the Mouth, at Linnea’s Café in San Luis Obispo.

When asked if he considered his audience when he writes, he said he was not sure. He said that he could be writing to someone, but never has identified who that someone might be. Kevin feels that he is still telling stories to himself and his family.

Whenever he finishes a poem, he always calls his sister and then, after chatting a while asks if she would like to hear a little poem. She is very supportive of Kevin and is more than happy to hear his poetry.

Kevin is inspired to write poetry from what he sees as the natural world and the human condition. He feels that poetry celebrates life, has a human agenda and acknowledges that there is a certain way of being in this world. The poems remind him that he has to be in this world in a way that feels right and just. Poetry is a miracle in his life.

The characters in his poems are people in the world, himself, and his family. He always believes in giving himself over to the mystery of life.

The writing comes from things he has seen or witnessed. He feels if he is open to experiences, he can then write about them. He doesn’t do a lot of rewriting, as he prefers to stay with his first impressions.

To young aspiring poets, he suggests reading as much as possible of contemporaries. He further tells them to read poetry to people and learn how to recite in public. It is all the process of communication.

He encourages them to go to poetry readings and see what is happening there and to be discerning.

Good poetry is easily identifiable as it will pull you right in. It can have a connection with you on an intimate level. He was able to identify a passion for himself. That passion has fed his spirit and enriched his life. For Kevin, a job pays the bills. He’s a grounds person at San Luis Obispo Coastal system. He works at four schools in Los Osos taking care of the plants, the grounds and everything to do with the outside.

Kevin and Patti met at the 15th annual poetry festival in San Luis Obispo in November 1998. Patti was new in town, looking for things to do and began going to poetry readings. The last event, of that series, was at the community room of the library where she met

23

Kevin. Art is something she has to do. She has a portfolio of her art at the Art Center. She participates in group’s shows there. She has had shows at different venues in town. Some of her pieces have been featured in magazines.

Mixed media collage and acrylics are the media Patti works with. She has illustrated many of Kevin’s books and sometimes uses one of his poems as the centerpiece of her artwork. Together they have produced a book called Illuminations. Patti created the artwork and Kevin wrote the poetry. She is inspired to create art from things she sees or the poetry she reads. Her work is mostly abstract and it is her hope that it always communicates something to the person viewing it.

STAY IN THE HOME YOU LOVE – Safely & Independently

• A full line of products to enhance independence - Roll in showers - Barrier free bathrooms - Bathroom remodels - Stairlift and porch lifts

- Ramps - Ceiling track lifts - Grab bars and toilet lifts

• Provide solutions so that clients can remain independent in their own home • Home modifications

We Have Your Home Access Solutions!

Call Us For A Free Catalog FREE Home Access and Safety Evaluation with mention of this ad

(805) 772-8210

(800) 464-1973

Providing Solutions for Independent Living Since 1986.

The County’s Premier Home Access Provider 358 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay, CA 93442 Locally Owned and Operated Since 1986 www.mobilitymasters.com Contractors LIC# 872368 J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

24

COMMUNITY

message in a capsule History of time capsules and the next local cornerstone ceremony

By Brett and Natasha Dalton

T

he famous Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini once compared the United States to a giant interstellar spaceship carrying a message to the future. And with the undying American love for exploration, new technology and science fiction, this comparison is as valid today as it was in the late 1970s, when it was first made. Americans seem to be perpetually fascinated by the future and their role in it. It’s no wonder then, that the Time Capsules – mementos of today’s life preserved for the future generations – have always been popular in this country. What’s interesting though is the fact that out of millions of capsules buried over the years, only a small fraction has been recovered.

Today nobody can pinpoint the location of the first Time Capsule. But we do know that the Babylonians, Sumerians and Mesopotamians used various means to preserve the knowledge of their times. The Assyrian king, Assurbanipal, claimed to have “learned a great deal” from tablets recovered after the Great Flood.

In Medieval Ages, the Cornerstone Ceremonies which included burying Time Capsules were mostly the responsibility of the church, and as Freemasonry spread throughout the world, it was Masons who assumed the leading role in these events. George Washington, being a Mason himself, personally laid the

cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. Since that time, virtually every major public building in Washington D.C. has had its cornerstonelaying ceremony conducted by the Masons.

In the 20th century the idea of using Time Capsules as a messenger to the future became particularly widespread, but it also got secularized. “The number of ceremonies that the Masons do now is VERY small,” explains John Hooley, the Secretary of King David’s Lodge #209 in San Luis Obispo. “99.99% of what we do is for schools – and we don’t do all of those,” he says. Meanwhile, there has been a hike in ceremonies celebrating civic anniversaries or mall openings, all done by private citizens. As the number of venues continues to grow, so does the variety of the capsules available on the market. The shape and form of the time capsules vary from simple PVC tube-types to really elaborate oversized stainless steel boxes.

One of the most ambitious secular Time Capsules was sealed in 1940 by Dr. Thornwell Jacobs, president of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Jacobs set out to create a repository of human knowledge that would present our civilization to future generations, similar to the one once discovered

by Assurbanipal. Jacobs’ “capsule” wasn’t actually a capsule; he called it “The Crypt of Civilization.” It took him four years to fill it

with such records of human achievement as a Royal manual typewriter and a Burroughs adding machine. “The Crypt” is “scheduled” to be opened in 8113.

The wide publicity preceding the sealing of “The Crypt” gave science fiction writer G. Edward Pendray the idea to create another crypt as a publicity stunt for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Pendray called it a “Time Capsule” and the expression stuck. That first actual “Time Capsule” was updated during the 1965 New York World’s Fair: another capsule was buried next to the original one; it included information about transistors, computers, the bomb and the Beatles, as well as the outcome of WWII. Another impressive capsule was created by The New York Times in anticipation of Y2K. It strived to offer a snapshot of contemporary life for people in the year 3000.

At the time of their inception, these Time Capsules drew quite a bit of attention, and hopefully they will generate just as much interest when they get opened. However historically, that’s not always been the case. Masons don’t keep records or watch over the buildings after the ceremony is performed. It’s not their job.

Yet “buildings don’t last here the way they do in Europe,” comments Master of the Paso Robles Lodge #286, Rod Smiley. “Many buildings in the U.S. get remodeled or even torn down. Today we don’t do that as much; we recognize the value of historical buildings, but it used to happen a lot.”

As a result, many historic Time Capsules “went missing” or got destroyed. It’s only

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

COMMUNITY fitting that the first international group that decided to undertake the arduous task of making and maintaining a registry of Time Capsules was formed at Oglethorpe University, where “The Crypt” is located. The group is called The International Time Capsule Society, and in 1991 it published its first list of the “10 Most Wanted Time Capsules.”

Three of them: The Kingsley Dam Time Capsule, The M*A*S*H Time Capsule and Washington Territorial Centennial Time Capsule – have since been recovered. The remaining seven: Bicentennial Wagon Train Time Capsule; MIT Cyclotron Time Capsule; Corona, California, Time Capsules; George Washington’s Cornerstone; The Gramophone Company Time Capsule; Blackpool Tower, England and The Lyndon, Vermont, Time Capsule – are still missing.

Similar mysteries exist on the Central Coast as well. For example, nobody knows for sure what happened to the Time Capsule that was hidden in the Cornerstone of the school that was gifted to the city of Paso Robles by its prominent guest, Polish musician Paderewski.

The building was resurfaced several times, and the site of the Cornerstone got covered up. It’s believed that the Cornerstone and the capsule within were destroyed during demolishing following the 2003 earthquake.

In the 20th century the idea of using Time Capsules as a messenger to the future became particularly widespread, but it also got secularized. the City was officially formed,” Mr. Smiley says. “Masons also donated the Park. The Founding fathers of the country were Masons; the Founding Fathers of the City were Masons as well,” he marvels.

“The same ceremony George Washington performed in the Capitol Building in 1791 is repeated today,” adds Vernon Dandridge, Assistant Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of California. “Except, we don’t need a big wooden contraption to lift the stone anymore. Hydraulics are used instead.”

Usually most of the elements needed for the Cornerstone Ceremony are donated by the community. So while the granite Cornerstone for Flamson was paid for by

25

the Grand Lodge of California and the Paso Robles Masons, the Capsule was donated by the San Miguel Construction Company Awalt and Sons.

This time the Capsule in the new Flamson Middle School will contain school history and a biography of George Flamson, along with the Masonic symbol of the Grand Lodge of California and a digital print of George Washington laying the cornerstone of the Capital. It will also include information and mementos related to other groups involved in public service, such as Public Safety Center and Lions and Rotary clubs.

There will be Proclamations by the City Council of Paso Robles and the County Board of Supervisors, and a full list of students’ names of the year 2009-2010.

Time capsules serve as a statement of identity, a message to the future, the sharing of a small piece of ourselves. Next time you’re walking by a public building, take a closer look: maybe you’ll be able to find a forgotten Time Capsule waiting there to be discovered.

For details about Flamson’s Cornerstone Ceremony, call Rod Smiley: (805) 239-7874.

It took seven long years for the school to get a new building, but it’s finally here. On January 8 local Masons will perform a Cornerstone Ceremony and put in a Time Capsule with the instruction to open it in 2060. “It is a common practice today that these locations be clearly identified with a plaque to prevent them from being lost or destroyed,” comments Inspector of the 501st Masonic District, Rino Lemming.

For the same reason, this time the Cornerstone with the capsule will be located outside of the building.

The ceremony will be an important event for the community and all the Masons of California. The Lodge in Paso Robles will be open to the public from 10 a.m. It’s expected that over 1,000 Masons will be in attendance that day, including all the officers from San Francisco, where the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons is located, along with the Grand Master of Masons of California, Kenneth Nagel.

They’ll donate $1,000 to the school kids. The ceremony will be particularly meaningful to many of the adult participants since lots of them graduated from the same school, including Ron Parsons, the Master of Ceremonies, and Lodge’s Master, Rod Smiley, who’s been in charge of this event locally.

“The First Cornerstone in Paso Robles was laid in 1887 by Masons – two years before J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

26

COMMUNITY

educational tours

CHINA LAKE MUSEUM

By Ray Cauwet

S

idewinder and Polaris are just a few of the familiar missiles and weapons that can be viewed and studied at the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and Technology at China Lake.

The museum is located at the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, adjacent to Ridgecrest. It provides a history of more than 70 weapons and weapon systems developed and tested at the station over the past 66 years.

Among the exhibits are rockets, missiles, torpedoes, bombs, “smart bombs,” aircraft and satellite delivery systems. Knowledgeable docents are available to explain the various weapons. A 15-minute video also can be viewed providing a comprehensive look at the station’s facilities and test ranges that cover more than one-million acres.

It was my pleasure to have Docent Larry Lincicum show me around the museum. He is well qualified, having worked 36 years at the

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

station as an engineer in the development and testing of various weapon systems.

Docent Larry explained the need for an aircraft-launched rocket during World War II was the reason for the establishment of China Lake.

In 1943, the Navy required a rocket that would carry “more punch” for use against heavily armored ships. He said torpedo bombing and dive-bombing efforts weren’t working. The station developed two forward firing rockets, Tiny Tim and Holy Moses. Both were effective.

Holy Moses got its name from its impressive destructive effect.

During World War II, the station also got involved in the Manhattan Project. It did the non-nuclear testing of the bomb that later was detonated over Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945. On display in front of the museum is a Mark IV Special Weapon. It is the same size

COMMUNITY and weight as the “Fat Boy” that helped end the War. The docent told me the whole station got immersed in developing a weapon at the start of the Korean War. The Navy again had an urgent request. It needed an anti-tank aircraft-launched rocket to combat Russian tanks. The station went into high gear. It developed, manufactured, tested and shipped 200 of the 6.5-inch rockets in 28 days.

“It took everyone in the place to get the job done, including engineers, scientists, secretaries and janitors,” the docent stated. He said they even had to get spare parts from hardware stores in Ridgecrest. Several of these rockets are on display.

Visitors can study in detail China Lake’s most famous missile, the Sidewinder Air Intercept Missile. It is the most versatile and long-lived air-to-air missile ever made. It was designed and tested at the station and became operational in 1956. The deadly little heat-seeker is the world’s most accurate, reliable and successful dogfight missile. It has served the Air Force, Marines and Navy for more than 40 years. In addition, forces in Europe and Japan use it. Today, the station is still working on upgrades to make the Sidewinder even more effective.

The missile is named after the Mojave Desert snake because that sidewinder uses heat sensitive sensors located in its head to detect prey. Early versions of the missile also displayed a peculiar snake-like flight path when launched.

Another noteworthy exhibit at the museum is the one that chronicles the visit of President Kennedy to the station on June 7, 1963.

He came to get a close-up demonstration of the Sidewinder. Kennedy was the only president to visit the station.

The museum is open to the public yeararound, Mondays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge. U.S. citizens can pick up a guest pass at the main gate. You need to show a driver’s license,

27

auto registration and proof of insurance.

Information about the museum is available at www.chinalakemuseum.org. or by calling (760) 939-3530.

The U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and Technology provides an opportunity to examine some of the weapons that have helped keep our nation safe for 60-plus years. Don’t miss this experience.

SAVE MONEY BY

DONATING YOUR CAR

The museum has several versions of the Sidewinder missile on display, plus a detailed model of its guidance system. Outside the museum is an F/A-18A Hornet fighter with some Sidewinders on its wings.

Also outside is an early version of a Polaris missile. The Polaris was the first submarine launched ballistic missile. It was the most survivable of the U.S. strategic weapons, including ICBMs and bombers. It served from 1960 to 1979 when it was replaced by the sub-launched Poseidon and Trident missiles.

The station helped develop the technology for the Polaris.

Seeing the Polaris brought back memories for me since I was in the Air Force and stationed at Cape Canaveral in the early 1960s. I witnessed numerous launches of the Polaris from the Cape and from subs and ships.

Most of the tests were successful, but some resulted in spectacular explosions.

Proceeds from sale may be tax deductible!

We do all DMV paperwork!

All vehicles offered for sale in San Luis Obispo benefiting Local Goodwill Programs.

Donations support vocational services in SLO County. “Our business is changing lives.”

544-0542 or 1-800-549-5920 GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, SAN LUIS OBISPO 880 Industrial Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

28

COMMUNITY SLO County art scene

David settino Scott: SLo-town’s “primitive” artist

By Gordon Fuglie, Adjunct Curator of San Luis Obispo Art Center

H

itting one’s stride as an artist can take time. In the 1960s and 1970s, artist David Settino Scott tried to absorb the new art trends surging through Southern California, but none felt real to him. Disgusted, he abandoned the art scene to take up flying, eventually becoming a flight instructor. Scott also found work in Hollywood as a model maker. Among his film credits is Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), the first release in the legendary series.

Abandoning the art scene, however, need not mean giving up art.

Scott says his ignoring of fleeting trends, opting out of the competitiveness of commercial galleries, and shunning contemporary art magazines freed him to find his true artistic self, charting the path he would take into the present in his 71st year. That self, a humanist smitten by great art from the Middle Ages through ca. 1900, makes his own art out of a primal engagement with themes and subjects from history and contemporary life – not art world fads that come and go. In getting to know Scott and his work, I found him to be an authentic primitive, a term in art history associated with artists as varied as Henri Rousseau, Grandma Moses and the late California “junk sculptor” Ed Kienholz.

Basically, a primitive artist marches to his own drumbeat. Key to a primitivist outlook is the artist’s formative years. Scott grew up in a blue-collar home and dropped out of high school to take a number of manual labor jobs in the 1950s. He later enlisted in the Navy and discovered art in his leisure time, copying the cheesecake illustrations of Alberto Vargas – an approach to the nude one doesn’t get in a college figure drawing class. But this led to greater curiosity about more serious art. Upon his discharge, Scott traveled to Europe to see the great museums. Back in the US, he enrolled in art classes at San Bernardino Valley College (the “junior college” is the working man’s art school) and later at other academic art institutions. It wasn’t long before felt he had exhausted what his instructors could teach him, and set out on his own without a degree.

Typical of a primitive artist is a willed naïveté, along with an opposition to highly schooled, theoretical approaches to art.

Primitivist art often manifests an awkward relationship to the formal qualities of painting, preferring a robust pigment application to slick technique or refinement of color.

Likewise, content triumphs over any niceties in drawing.

The primitive painter seeks the refreshing vision, and directness over layers of subtlety or a genteel sensibility. Finally, primitivists tend to be wary of official art institutions like galleries, museums and elite art schools, though they are pleased when recognition comes from the art world to them.

What mainstream artist would risk the corniness just at the edge of Scott’s magnum opus, The Practice of Art? Yes, that is his self-portrait as a magician levitating a female model, and yes, he painted the scene as if his figures were sculpted stone. Only a primitivist would mix painting and faux sculpture, and do it because he earnestly believes the work to be a monument to his (and other artists’) vocation. Moreover, the primitive painter finds it hard to resist having more in his composition. Flanking the central panel are two wings serving as commentary: The female juggler at left is a metaphor for the disciplines of the artist. The inscription ars longa indicates this is a life’s work. At right, a robed female bears a skull, a reminder that life is short (vita brevis) – a counsel against laziness in the studio.

David Settino Scott has been practicing art on the Central Coast since 1985. He lives in San Luis Obispo and maintains a studio on Mission Street in downtown San Miguel. It has been an honor and pleasure for me to serve as the curator of his retrospective, California Primitive, at the San Luis Obispo Art Center. The exhibition runs from January 14 to February 28, and is accompanied by an extensive full-color catalog with a critical essay by me and a foreword by screenwriter and film producer Marc Norman. (1010 Broad Street; 805-543-8562; www.sloartcenter. org) Parallel exhibitions celebrating Scott’s 25-year career are being shown at the Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey Street (805.547.0278; www.steynberggallery.com) and Salisbury Fine Art, 6985 Ontario Road, Avila Valley (SLO; 805-471-3110; www.salisburyvineyards.com).

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

COMMUNITY

Our Schools: charter school update

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

O

ne of the key elements in President Obama’s plan for improving the nation’s public schools is to increase the number of charter schools. The President believes that charter schools are capable of providing innovation and experimentation that will lead to examples of excellence for other schools to follow.

Charter schools are certainly not a new idea for California. The state’s charter school law was first passed in 1992, so we have almost 17 years experience in the state with charter schools. Charter schools are part of the public school system and receive state funding on a per pupil basis very similar to non-charter schools. The difference is that charter school funding comes as a block grant with less restriction on how the funds can be spent as compared to non-charter schools. Some of the stated reasons for creating charter schools include improving student learning for the students who attend; creating a new educational environment for low-achieving students; encouraging innovative and creative teaching and programs; and providing another educational choice for students and families within the public school framework. The basic assumption for charters is that if the school has more flexibility and fewer requirements it can be more innovative and creative in addressing the needs of students than a more traditional school.

Charter schools must be approved by either a local school district Board of Trustees, or the County Board of Education, or the State Board of Education. Applicants who wish to form a charter school must complete a very comprehensive application process that includes assurances regarding accountability and non-discrimination.

The application also details the specialized nature of the proposed charter school and agreements between the charter school and the chartering agency. Often the motivation for forming a charter school

29

is to provide a particular method or approach to education that the applicants believe is not being provided within noncharter schools.

Some of the characteristics of charter schools include being smaller than a typical noncharter; the use of non-classroom based instruction, such as home schooling or internships; centering instruction around a theme or subject, such as science and technology or the arts; and establishing a strong college preparatory culture for students who do not come from a college-going family or background.

The most recent data indicates that there are 688 charter schools in the state which represents about 7% of the total number of public schools in California. Charter schools enroll about 253,000 students which is about 4% of the total student enrollment in the state. There has been a steady increase in both the number of charter schools and the number of students enrolled since 1992. About 40% of charter schools are high schools as compared to 23% of noncharter schools in the state. This probably reflects a desire to use the flexibility given to charter schools to address the need to improve high school education particularly in some of the state’s urban areas such as San Diego and Oakland. About 47% are charter elementary schools as compared to 61% for noncharters.

In our county, there are two charter schools chartered locally and that have been operating for several years. Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School is a small elementary school located near Avila Beach and was chartered by the San Luis Coastal Unified School District in 1996. The school has a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes a cooperative approach within a small school environment of about 150 students.

The Grizzly Youth Academy Charter School is chartered by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Education and is located at Camp San Luis Obispo. This charter school provides the education for cadets, ages 16-18, who are enrolled in the Grizzly Youth Challenge program operated by the California National Guard. This program targets students who have dropped out of school, or are heading in that direction. It is a residential program that runs for 22 weeks.

Based on standardized measurements of student achievement in California, there are only slight differences between students who attend charter schools and those who attend noncharter schools.

Students in charter high schools score a bit higher in EnglishLanguage Arts, but lower in math. At the elementary school level, students in charter elementary schools score slightly behind students in non-charters. Of course, there are notable exceptions for individual schools.

Professionally Managed

4 to 24 HOUR IN-HOME CARE • Compatibility Guaranteed • Affordable Rates •State & Federal Compliant

There’s No Place Like Home (805) 781-8156 (888) 439-8800

www.homecare-giver.com J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

30

COMMUNITY

history

peter aloysius forrester

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

A

ny cemetery evokes the melancholy question: “Who were they?” Most often, the grave marker is the only physical remembrance. A name, some dates, and possibly an affectionate memento…dear to some also long forgotten.

Local history fares little better as too often, history is something that happens to other people…in other places…in other times.

correspondent, Mayor and then Clerk for the Town of San Luis Obispo, pioneer settler and merchant in Cambria, police judge, map maker, State Commissioner of Immigration, husband and father of 12 children. Yet, not one remembrance of him…even in the town he named.

History is neither always kind nor fair.

Stories from the past most often highlight a few events and people and grow less intense as details eventually fade into obscurity. Yet, there are many more in the background who contribute to the whole.

Forrester was born in either 1836 or 1838 in Pennsylvania. The 1850 federal census lists the family living in Cambria County, Pennsylvania but by 1860 in San Francisco. By then, the young Peter was in San Luis Obispo County. Considered as having “a good education,” industrious and civic minded, his accomplishments are a tribute to his energy and initiative and can only be sketched here.

For instance, Peter Aloysius Forrester.

Considered as having a “pleasing address (and) fine appearance,” he was a county resident and leader. In his less than 50 years, the “very popular” Forrester managed to be a member of the Vigilance Committee, law clerk and lawyer, County Clerk, District Attorney, Superintendent of Schools, Deputy Sheriff and Tax Collector, notary public, National Guardsman, real estate and insurance agent, mining entrepreneur, newspaper

Here’s the story.

By 1857, Forrester had become established in the fledgling community that lived in fear of crime. With little civic organization or protection, townspeople were required to fend for themselves. The Vigilance Committee was composed of the leading citizens with Forrester among the signatories that is a veritable “Who’s Who” of the County’s few residents. Ironically, as deputy to the Sheriff, he cautiously begged the Board of Supervisors for some funds as “it is impracticable to secure a prisoner” since the Vigilantes had broken the lock seeking a prisoner.

Jack’s Baby Back Ribs

NEW TO TOWN?

Half Rack $13.25 Full Rack $20.95 Served with salad, potato, slaw & bread

Get your free welcome packet!

Check out our Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials

It includes maps, civic info, coupons from cafes, groceries, wineries, auto hardware, garden, medical, dental, etc.

Casual Atmosphere – Serious Food

Liz Hiatt

OPEN 11:30 M-F

Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week Breakfast served Sat. & Sun. 9:00 Full Bar • Nightly Specials O w n e rs – S c o t t & D a n a M i l s t e a d

7 5 0 P ri c e S t . , P i s m o B e a c h 773-1922 J A N U A R Y

201 0

His name also appears as the Clerk for Judge Jose Munoz and by the fall of 1857 as the County Clerk. It was not unusual to have multiple responsibilities at one time as any income was based upon collected fees. Possibly for more financial security, he ran for the State Assembly in 1859. He was unsuccessful as was his bid the following year. By then, the census lists the young man as a lawyer and 24 years old. There is no mention of his attending law school. He most likely studied law by reading pertinent materials and cases in the judge’s books while in county employ.

Journal PLUS

Call your hostess or email centralcoastwelcome@gmail.com

Owner

•

SLO: Mary Bettencourt: 545-0731

549-7755

•

Los Osos/Morro Bay/Cayucos/Cambria: Annie Clapp: 772-9707

•

Nipomo/5 Cities/Avila: Liz Hiatt: 549-7755

•

North County: Sandy Hexberg: 238-1529

centralcoastwelcome@gmail.com

A FREE SERVICE TO NEWCOMERS

A Retirement Facility

COMMUNITY

31

Undoubtedly a major event in his life was his quicksilver mining in the County. One door ramento with his family only to discover the prospect of moving may thethedistant marriage at the Mission in earlyEven 1861 to though the closes; one opens. Quicksilver mining was be in while appointment was valid, there twenty-year-old Maria Josefa, daughter of Jose developing, by 1864 he a partner no enjoy funds provided for a salary, and he future, you owe it to and yourself towas learn how youwere can de Jesus Pico. His father-in-law was the same with future governor, Romauldo Pacheco, in home. carefree living in your own home for many yearsreturned to come.

Pico who accompanied John C. Fremont in the Josephine Quicksilver Mining Company.

Much more could be written as Forrester 1846 to convince his cousin, Andre Pico, to Myron Angel writing in 1883 reported the is credited with naming the community of cease resistance to the advancing Fremont. partners “realized quite a fortune.”

Cambria after his county of birth as well as His mediation led to the end of hostilities in Possibly there was not “quite a fortune” or mapping the emerging site of the town as a California of the all but forgotten MexicanIt’s a fact of life that as we get older, Pristine is fully he simply needed new challenges as public correspondent for the local newspaper.

American War. The newly married spent some day-to-day tasks become too licensed and insured. office again beckoned as he was elected once many years living in Cambria on property at Death came on September 18, 1885 after a more as CountyAll Superintendent of Schools the corner Bridge and Center muchof to handle on Streets. our own. That of our workers lengthy illness reported as consumption and in the Historidoesn’t mean you have to move(1870). awayOne of the aretreasures carefully screened gastritis. It was sadly received and the Bar of cal Society is the County Superintendent’s San Luis Obispo issued a touching resolution from the comfort of your home.Ledger beginning and pass a criminal with his term until 1874. of “profound sorrow” for their “esteemed” When he left office, the newspaper reported Pristine Home Services is a local background check member. The “progressive citizen of broad he “really distinguished himself” and hoped company that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test, giving you peace of intelligence andmind an aggressive advocate of he would continue in public service. It was the causeisofworking right” was laid to rest in the County residents avoid the highnotcost someone from Pristine long before when he ventured into public Catholic Cemetery attended by a “very long The of following fall, his aspirationsfacility. service again. in your home. moving topolitical a retirement procession” of mourners. received a boost as he was elected District Local politics beaconed, and he was elected Attorney. Unlike many governmental jobs, “She helps me with bathing and other Surely, such a resident deserves some recogas the Mayor of the City of SLO in 1876. this position carried a $500 a year salary and personal care.

She is so wonderful me. granite marker and nition beyond a to nine-foot Major issues included streets, sanitation, assured family of acan steady Allthe ofgrowing our services bein-provided She should be cloned! …and the price isreading in part “Rest an engraved memento and public safety. From one year as Mayor come.

Forrester also maintained a variety of daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. very reasonable.

She even did my winin Peace Gentle Spirit.” to Police Judge and then back to the City businesses. He was defeated for the position paybyfor the services you needForresterdows!” as Clerk, continued the local San Luis Obispo R. in Watson, two You years later justonly three votes.

Many thanks to descendants Ned and arena until he was appointed State Comand we provide those services at a price for their research into the Not one to mourn over a lost election, he missioner of Immigration.

Resigning as “They took the time to Lois ask Atchison me exactly you can afford. family history. continued his involvement in the burgeoning Clerk on March 12, 1882,I he moved toThey Sac- arrived on time, did what wanted.

You Don’t Have to Move

Feel Safe and Secure

History is neither always kind nor fair.

Enjoy Affordable Living

Convenient One-call Service

Our personal care services include shopping, daily errands, meal preparation, transportation and non-medical care. Our housekeeping services keep your kitchen and the rest of your home spotless. We even do windows and laundry. Our yard maintenance crews know how to take caretoofhandyman your favorite From housekeeping preparing roseservices bushesand andplumbing keep thetograss neatly meals.Our There is no task too large are or mowed. handyman services too small for Pristine Home Services. provided by specialists in plumbing, electrical work, painting, repairs and safety rail installation.

exactly what I asked, and the price was reasonable. I would recommend Pristine to a friend.” C. Hall, San Luis Obispo

WE PROVIDE EVERYTHING Before you make any decisions that could affect your future happiness and standard of living, take the time to read these two FREE reports: “What every senior needs to know

We provide a one-call does-it-all service. We operate about living in a retirement facility.” with integrity and are dedicated to serving our community.

“Whatever you need—give “Four critical questions to ask a us a call.”

provider . before youdaily, let weekly, or All service of our services can. .be provided anyone work basis. in or near yourforhome.” on an as-needed You pay only the services you need and we provide those services We invite you to call Pristine right at a price you cansoafford. now that we can send you these

two FREE reports by mail.

(805) 543-HOME (4663) www.pristinehomeservices.net Call Today 3563 SUELDO STREET, UNIT P SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 805-543-4663

We Bring Assisted Living Home You Whatever you need...give us atocall

HOUSEKEEPING · YARD MAINTENANCE · HANDYMAN SERVICES · PERSONAL CARE J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

32

COMMUNITY

hospice corner an event to remember

By Ron McEvoy

E

very month we write a column in the Journal Plus Magazine to educate the residents of our community about hospice care and the functions of our professional staff and our volunteers in their quest to provide end-oflife care to our hospice patients and their families. This month we’re going to take a time out from talking about hospice care to tell you about a fundraising event coming up in March that will benefit hospice patients and their families, and let me tell you it’s quite an event!

Mark your calendars to attend the black tie, 8th Annual Dazzling Diamond Ball on Saturday night, March 27, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Luis Obispo. Mark Padgett, of Mark Padgett Event Design, is a master at transforming the ballroom and surrounding area into a spectacular themed setting for the attendees. We’ve been to the isle of Bali, to the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris, to Red Square in Russia, to the Tropicana Hotel in Havana and to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan. How do you top what’s gone before? Leave it to Mark Padgett. When you attend the 8th Annual Dazzling Diamond Ball, you’ll be magically transported to a shimmering “Pirate’s Cove,” right out of the Pirates of the Caribbean!

The bar is definitely being raised this year – literally! Mark is bringing in The Drunken Parrot Bar, an entire unit made of distressed wood, with a bar front resting on aged rum barrels. Guests will be offered a

Serving San

We all know that if funds are going to be raised at an event for a non-profit organization, there has to be an auction. And quite an auction it will be! When you walk into the silent auction “Booty Room,” it will be filled with the pirate’s ransom spilling from antique treasure chests. Bid on pieces of art, wine and jewelry to avoid walking the plank.

As the ballroom doors open for dinner, you’ll enter the elegant and tropical moonlit bay of “Pirate’s Cove” – lush trees, silk table cloths, flickering lanterns and spectacular flower arrangements (thanks to Corinne Smith with Panacea Event Floral Design). You’ll make merry with the many pirates and wenches in full costume and dance to the sounds of the Oasis Band. The live auction in the ballroom will give you an opportunity to bid on several exquisite items, including the highlight of the auction, the “Dazzling Diamond” piece donated by Marshalls Jewelers.

This year, a select number of VIP tables (at an additional cost) will be offered to table sponsors. In addition to preferred table location, guests at VIP tables will be served premium table wines and other amenities.

YOU KNOW US. We are more than your local real estate brokers, we are your neighbors serving the entire San Luis Obispo County for over 30 years. For real estate sales, property management, financing & relocation services come to the company that has been trusted for Larry Smyth, Owner/Broker over 30 years.

Luis Obispo County for 30 Years

J A N U A R Y

rum punch as they are checking in – rum for all! And if champagne is to your liking, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery will be sponsoring the champagne reception as they do every year.

201 0

Journal PLUS

COMMUNITY Here’s your chance to help Hospice Partners raise funds to provide hospice care to the residents of our community, including those who have no insurance or means of payment. Only because of the generosity of this community can we say that no one will be turned away that qualifies for hospice care. When all costs for hospice care services are taken into consideration, Medicare, Medi-Cal and private insurances only partially cover those costs. Some of the pain medications that our patients receive are very expensive. While we always use generics when possible and try to prevent the use of unnecessary medications, there are some situations that require medications that cost more than the average amount of money set aside for pharmacy costs. We use contributions for these expensive pharmacy situations. We also use contributions for procedures that are “outside the usual costs� for hospice patients, such as radiation therapy for pain management. The spiritual team broadened its scope of care when Hospice Partners used donated funds to establish our hospice therapeutic music program. Its presence definitely provides a tremendous benefit to our patients and their families.

Know that everything you do to help us does make a difference in the final days of our patients.

To receive an invitation to the Dazzling Diamond Ball, or to receive information on the hospice services we provide, call (805) 782-8608.

33

JANUARY SUDOKU PRESENTED BY

- . -(#

! " # $% % &'

711 Tank Farm Road, Suite 100

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 544-9242 Cell: (805) 235-0493

www.pacificoakforeclosure.com

! " # $ % # & '

( )

$ # ' ** +

,

This monthly Hospice Corner is sponsored by Hospice Partners of the Central Coast. Ron McEvoy is the Event and Media Coordinator. For more information, call (805) 782-8608.

JANUARY SUDOKU ¡ SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43 J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

34

COMMUNITY

Vets Voice

By Frank Rowan Tim Haley in 1968

J

anuary begins my sixth year writing the Vets Voice. The column has helped me make many new friends who call or write to me. Usually they make good remarks about the column.

The Leading Knight of the Atascadero Elks Lodge sent me an email about the Veterans Day program they had on November 11th. They had over 150 people for dinner. I was a speaker at the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge 322 Veterans Day program where we had 200 people for dinner. As Exalted Ruler of the Elks, I got to introduce the past Camp San Luis Obispo Camp Commander, Lt. Colonel Fisher, as keynote speaker. The Elks made a solemn pledge after WWI, “As long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.” The Elks fulfilled that pledge by dedicating the month of November to all American Veterans.

In 2008, Tim Haley, a Vietnam veteran and Commander of the local Marine Corps League Detachment #680, asked Assemblyman Sam

Tim Haley last Veterans Day

Blakeslee to sponsor Legislation to designate Highway 101 through the Central Coast area a designated, “PURPLE HEART TRAIL.” The Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is a Congressionally Chartered Veteran Service organization who honor those that have been wounded or killed in combat. The trail originates in Mount Vernon, Virginia, outside the main gate of Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and travels across the United States to California, crossing through more than 45 states.

Haley received an email from Michael Madriaga, Field Representative to Blakeslee, telling him that ACR 12 (in connection with Haley’s request) passed and Highway 101 will be part of the Purple Heart trail in California. Mike will be meeting with Cal Trans to make arrangements for placing the Official Purple Heart signs along the highway.

These signs will cost money, and I suspect the various veterans groups will be having fundraising activities to defray their cost.

Tim Haley is one of the most active veteran supporters in the SLO area. He served in the Marine Corps, in Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, on April 4th 1968, while serving with the 1st Battalion 9th Marines known as “The Walking Dead” during the battle of Khe Sanh.

Nobody makes a bed quite like a Tempur-Pedic!

And nobody knows more about Tempur-Pedics than the knowledgeable staff at RELAX THE BACK. Drop in and see some of the many different types of Tempur-Pedic beds available and have all your questions answered professionally.

Tim is one of the Marines who has participated in several hundred military funeral services for local veterans.

At a Post 66 meeting last week, a legionnaire asked about “Cold War” certificates and how to get one. I thought everyone who was eligible had already received one. I got mine several years ago. The Cold War certificate is given to anyone who served in the United States military service from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991. Essentially, the dates run from WWII ending to completion of the Desert Storm recovery of Kuwait.

Listed below are two ways to apply for the certificate.

1. Call the Military Awards Branch 703-325-5864 and ask for the application 2. For computer geeks, Google “Cold War Certificate Program” and apply for an application.

Relax The Back You have to feel it — to appreciate it.

Promenade Shopping Center (between Chase Bank and Radio Shack)

445 A Madonna Road -> Ê Õ ÃÊ"L ë ÊUÊ805.788.0220 J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

I chose Number 2. All you need is proper proof of your service during that time. They send you a nice looking certificate signed by the Secretary of Defense. It is suitable for framing and hanging on your trophy wall. If you don’t have a trophy wall, this would be a good reason to start one.

That’s about enough information for the start of a New Year. May 2010 be the best ever for us all and allow the bringing of our troops home to stay. Keep in touch via phone or email, 543-1973 or frowan248@att.net.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

January 2010

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

10 Resolutions for 2010: Let there be “P”s Downtown

By Deborah Cash, CMSM, Executive Director

D o w n t o w n

?

the upcoming Chinatown project that received final Council approval this fall. I resolve, on behalf of the Downtown Association, to support such projects that bring clear and much-needed value, beautification and safety to Downtown.

1. Parking The City Council recently made a decision to move forward with the next step of the Palm Nipomo 3. People Parking Structure (also referred to as the Monterey While Downtown is a beautiful place full of things Street Parking Structure). This is a huge advance in this to do, none of this would matter without someone to process because never before in the history of parking enjoy it. Our goal (and my continued resolution), is has the City been ahead of the deficit curve rather Deborah Cash, CMSM, to attract visitors, guests, customers, clients—anyone Executive Director than behind it. This forward looking gesture shows who wants to conduct business, eat some food, watch the City is concerned about building up adequate a movie, schedule a hair appointment, etc—to think inventory to provide parking—particularly where spaces are first of coming Downtown to do so. This is a fun place—but removed to put Downtown’s precious real estate to a higher even Disneyland isn’t happening if no one’s there to enjoy it. use: sidewalk café dining as an example or conversion of lots to housing and retail. In the meantime, my resolution is 4. Parades to convince visitors to park in structures when their visits By all accounts, this year’s holiday parade was one of last longer than two hours or—WATCH THOSE METERS! the best ever. The entries truly went to great lengths with their themes, decorations, spirit and enthusiasm. We 2. Projects especially applaud the neighborhoods and businesses that Downtown development projects continue to roll out in are inconvenienced by street closures for their tolerance; compliance with retrofit requirements—and then some! the benefit of the sheer numbers of people who line the Such wonderful additions to Downtown SLO include streets to view the parade must certainly bring satisfaction the newly restored Wineman Hotel project, the Johnson to those who work and live in the center of great attraction.

Building (between the Network and Avanti on Higuera), the My resolution: to continue to generate excitement for Stream Building (corner Monterey and Chorro) as well as the county’s largest parade—Macy’s, watch out!

On the Cover: Downtown SLO on the corner of Chorro and Higuera is a bit brighter these days with the reinstallation of the

original Wineman Hotel sign in all its neon (and blinking H-O-T-E-L) glory. The building was recently retrofitted and now consists of residences upstairs over commercial space on the ground floor. Watch for the opening of Muzio's market and deli (relocating from Monterey Street) and Chipotle Grill soon.

Professional Colon Hydrotherapy A Clean Colon is the First Step in Restoring Health Increases Energy • Improves Digestion • Decreases Constipation •

(805) 550-0125 Ali Hough SLO Integrative Health 1318 Garden Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

W h a t ’ s

U p

A r o u n d

D o w n t o w n

?

5. Pets My resolution here is two fold: make Downtown more pet friendly and encourage pet owners to be more sensitive to the needs (and clean-up) of their pets Downtown.

Pets—and their owners—can better enjoy their Downtown experience if amenities like doggy doo bag dispensing machines and pet water fountains are available. (I’ll be asking for these). But pet owners should be aware that bringing—particularly dogs—into urban areas requires that pets be cleaned up after and that they not be left in hot cars.

8. Picnics I would love to see the return of the family weekend picnic where the folks packed a big basket of food and a blanket and the entire family set out for a day of walking, playing and enjoying an afternoon meal in a grassy outdoor area.

Mission Plaza is a perfect place to do this—the Children’s Museum and Art Center are nearby for additional family fun as is the Mission itself for a tour or a moment of reflection.

Another location: LC YC Cheng Park (corner Santa Rosa and Marsh). My resolution: picnic-ers packing the Plaza!

6. Panhandling There are ways to contribute to the hungry and homeless in our Downtown without handing over cash to panhandlers—it is generally understood that this money is usually intended for things other than food or essentials. My resolution is to convince you, the generous giving public, to contribute to the Prado Day Center or the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter in an effort to stem panhandling in Downtown and give help where it is most needed in our community.

9. Personalities It takes all kinds to make the world go ‘round. No where is it truer than in Downtown where people have their life’s savings tied up in their business and are very expressive about their views on how things should be. My resolution: to encourage everyone who has a stake in Downtown—as a business owner, employee, visitor, guest, customer, client or anyone who cares—to be involved and vocal in determining the future of Downtown.

7. Peeves It’s terribly disappointing to see the public and private investment in Downtown decimated by the carelessness and outright reckless behavior of vandals, graffiti ‘artists,’ and those who commit aggressive and criminal acts. To drive down Higuera Street in the early morning and see trashcans tossed into the gutters, newly planted trees snapped in half and broken windows is heart wrenching—while the perps are soundly snoring it off and dreaming of their next strike. My resolution? To participate in a united effort of enforcement, programs and peer pressure to combat the craziness.

10. Passion It’s been 15 years since I assumed the position as the Downtown Association’s Executive Director. I’ve always heard if you love what you do, then it isn’t a job—it’s your passion. I can’t imagine a more rewarding career or satisfying livelihood than managing one of the most beautiful, successful and wonderful downtowns in the world. The time seems to have flown by! My resolution: to continue to serve Downtown Association members and the community, particularly during these pressing economic times…around Downtown. Happy 2010!

ASK FOR YOUR

DISCOUNT REIS FAMILY M O RT U A R I E S

& C R E M AT O RY

Over 50 Years of Service to SLO County by the founder and family.

Funeral & Cremation Services Pre-Funding with Cost Guaranteed Veterans Discounts / Military Honors 4 Locations: SLO, Cayucos, Cambria and coming soon to Arroyo Grande

805-544-7400 SAN LUIS OBISPO 1301 Broad St 805.784.0100 PASO ROBLES 839 12th St 805.238.7585

W W W. R E I S FA M I LY M O RT U A RY. N E T FD 949 CR 128 FD 880 FD 1800

N e w

B u s i n e s s

N e w s

it’s about helping others succeed, not competing with each other,” Diana said.

Diana and Paul Kwong, Owners Located next to the Palm Theatre, this 815 Palm Street quaint restaurant in the Chinatown historic 594-1500 district is an ideal location for an intimate, yet casual lunch or dinner experience.

Search for them on Facebook: The second story of the restaurant will Mee Heng Low Noodle House be opened in the near future as a lounge Mee Heng Low has reopened under new and partial banquet room that can be ownership with a makeover and a new reserved for special occasions. The menu as well. New business owners Paul restaurant’s menu consists of local veggies, and Diana Kwong have taken this traditional Chinese chop suey, chow mein, handmade pot stickers, organic restaurant and added a slightly modern twist after purchasing tea, the Kwongs famous almond cookies and more. Diana the restaurant from the Gin family. “Our goal isn’t to said she wants to encourage people to come in, discover make it fancy or pretentious, we just want it to be fun!” the new look and try the food! Prices are very affordable.

Diana said. Some of the original seating was lost during They are open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. the remodeling process, at which time local restaurants willingly helped by donating new furniture to fill the space. By: Rebecca Joynt and Sarah Ragan “Businesses Downtown are so supportive of one another;

Mee Heng Low

Konjo Ababa

Thomas Meister, Owner 1065 Higuera Street #102 805-903-3188 www.KonjoAbaba.com Bringing some Ethiopian flair to the Downtown area, Konjo Ababa offers more than just vibrant and unique handbags, but also serves as an ethical model for running a fashion business. After opening on 9/9/09, Konjo Ababa transitioned from being strictly a showroom for Thomas Meister’s private line of handbags and accessories to an active retail business. After winning 2nd place in this year’s Best New Exhibitor at the World Shoe & Accessory show in Las Vegas, Meister’s bags are making a name for themselves in the fashion world.

Meister entered the fashion world as a model and transitioned to a photographer before becoming the president of Konjo Ababa. Today as an entrepreneur, Meister is dedicated to providing job opportunities, fair

Dance Obispo

Sheri Thompson, Owner 672 Higuera Street, Suite 200 439-2100 www.DanceObispo.com Dancing its way to the Downtown area, Dance Obispo has relocated to its new digs on Higuera Street (in the former Silvaggio Studio). Owner Sheri Thompson said that her children’s passion for dance inspired her to open the single studio business. “I wanted to provide a positive, ‘feel good’ place that offers professional training,” Thompson said.

Dance Obispo is comfortably located on the second story at 672 Higuera Street. Overlooking the creek, the studio has large windows that create luminous warmth in the studio. Dance Obispo boasts the same floors found at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the same bars

wages, and improved working conditions for his African employees. Locally, he hires Cal Poly and Cuesta College students as models for promotional material, interns for designing handbag collections, and student fashion consultants to assist with the entire Konjo Ababa line.

Translating to ‘beautiful flower,’ Konja Obaba is a chic store complemented by natural lighting, instrumental music, and the warm presence of lively colored purses and scarves. Merchandise varies in price with scarves ranging from $9.50-$105, and bags ranging from $125-$500. Designed for both women and men, Konjo Ababa offers several collections sure to appeal to any style.

Visit Konjo Ababa at 1065 Higuera Street. Its hours of operation are Sunday & Monday 115 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 11-7 pm, Thursday 11-10 pm, and Friday & Saturday 11-8pm.

By Becca Joynt and Sarah Ragan

as Julliard, creating an overall exceptional establishment. The professional dance studio is the rehearsal home to the Ballet Theatre of San Luis Obispo. The company’s productions are performed throughout the year at The Cal Poly Performing Arts Center.

Although primarily a ballet dance school, Dance Obispo also offers classes in jazz, swing, and musical theatre for all ages and experience levels. “Dance Obispo is ideal for anyone who wants to dance, loves to dance, or is interested in dancing,” Thompson said, “I’ve got the help of artistic director/choreographer, Theresa Slobodnik, who has been teaching dance on the Central Coast for 30 years.”

For more information visit www.danceobispo.com or call 805-439-2100.

By Rebecca Joynt and Sarah Ragan

BUSINESS

san luis county library

39

Youth Services Director Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer (in the rear) with kids from Hawthorne Elementary who received Cloud Star bags

partnerships in bad economic times

By Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Youth Services SLO County Library

A

s a librarian, you are never sure of the direct impact of what you do. Every year the library works hard to encourage children and teens to read over the summer through the Summer Reading Program. This program offers prizes, book bags, free books and free shows to families throughout San Luis Obispo County at the local public library. Research has shown that encouraging children to read over the summer improves communities, schools, and children’s ability during the following school year. With increasing government budget crunches, reduced staff, and increased interest in the program, the library tries to reach the most kids with decreased funding.

All the research in the world cannot replace the stories of people who can testify to how you have helped them.

Many other businesses like Target, Applebees and Round Table Pizza dedicate a significant portion of their profits back to their communities. Target recently gave a grant to the San Luis Library to promote literacy and provide free books in Spanish to kids that attend the Libros y Cantos storytime.

Embracing the spirit of “pay it forward,” the library has recently formed a partnership to help other non-profits in the San Luis Obispo area seeking funding. The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation worked with library staff to select an online database, www.GrantStation.com. Grant Station offers

Two years ago a mother came into the library after our Summer Reading Program had ended and told us how much she loved what the library did. She wanted to let us know the positive impact of the library on her own life. Her daughter loved the Summer Reading Program, and it inspired her to read wonderful books. This mother also wanted to give back to the program. She was Jennifer Melton, CEO of Cloud Star, which locally produces organic pet supplies.

Melton said her company would be willing to donate over 4,000 reusable canvas book bags to children who read during the summer as a part of her company’s policy of charitable giving. The cost of the bags would have been far outside of our small government Summer Reading budget, but through this positive community partnership with Cloud Star, we are now able to give out a canvas bag to every child who reads during the summer. The program has expanded to include an annual art competition for local artists to design the artwork for the book bags.

The partnership between Cloud Star and San Luis Obispo County Library reflects a new corporate mentality of community improvement during an era of government cutbacks.

nonprofits and government agencies the opportunity to identify potential funding sources for their programs and projects and helps with grant seeking and writing. The Community Foundation provides funding to subscribe to Grant Station, and seven library branches now have it available to the public for no charge and will also train people to use it. Who knows what stories will be written from this new partnership? For more information, visit www.slolibrary.org or call Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer, Head of Youth Services at 805-781-5775.

January 16th and 17th Sat. & Sun 10 am – 4pm At the Alex Madonna Expo Center

Over 100 Local Health and Fitness Exhibitors Educational Seminars Senior Fitness Testing, Saturday Morning Free Medical Testing- Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Bone Density and more Admission is Free

5K Run

Health & Fitness Expo Benefiting

805.772.4600 www.slohealthandfitness.com

a production of Simply Clear Marketing, Inc.

Vein

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

40

BUSINESS

Palm Street Perspective new year, new faces at city hall

By SLO City Councilman, Andrew Carter

T

he New Year will bring major personnel changes at City Hall. City Manager Ken Hampian and Finance Director Bill Statler will both be retiring – Ken after 20 years of local service and Bill after 22. On top of this, City Attorney Jonathan Lowell will be moving to Pleasanton to take on the same position there, after six years in San Luis Obispo.

I’m happy to report that City Council has already found excellent replacements for Ken and Jonathan. Once our new City Manager is on board, she’ll begin the search to replace Bill.

Our new City Manager is Katie Lichtig. She joins us from Beverly Hills where she is currently Assistant City Manager/Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to that, Katie was City Manager in Malibu.

She’s also had staff roles in Santa Monica and with the federal government. In total, Katie has 25 years of public sector experience.

Katie was hired after an extensive nationwide search. We received over 100 resumes, narrowed that list to seven for personal interviews, then selected Katie as our top choice. What’s particu-

larly gratifying is that Katie was the choice of Council and a committee of department heads.

So what led us to choose Katie? There were three factors.

First was Katie’s experience in cities which have an engaged citizenry – Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Santa Monica. Most of us value the public process we follow in San Luis Obispo. Council wanted to be sure we found a City Manager who had deep experience in that process elsewhere.

Second was Katie’s proven experience dealing with tough policy issues. The most difficult one she has faced was gaining approval for Malibu’s Local Coastal Plan by the California Coastal Commission. Prior to Katie’s arrival in Malibu, that community had been mired in internal debate on a proposed plan plus external conflict with the Coastal Commission. Katie helped Malibu develop a revised plan, then aggressively lobbied coastal commissioners and staff to gain approval. With tough issues in San Luis Obispo’s future, it’s good to have a leader who has successfully

25% Off All Hardwood New Year New Floor

Minimum square footage required Offer expires January 31, 2010

2015 Santa Barbara, SLO 805.541.1646 www.quaglinosflooring.com J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

faced difficult challenges before.

Third was how Katie distinguished herself during the interview process. Her depth of experience, intelligence, and clarity of thought were apparent. She’d also done her homework on San Luis Obispo. No other applicant came close to her here. That effort demonstrated her sincere interest in coming to San Luis and also showed how she would approach challenges once she arrived.

Now let me write about our new City Attorney. It’s Christine Dietrick, who is currently our Assistant City Attorney. I’m proud of the fact that we’re able to promote from within for this important position. That’s testament to Christine’s intelligence, skills, and breadth of experience. It’s also testament to our organization-wide succession planning efforts plus the mentoring and training Christine received from Jonathan Lowell.

In many ways, it’s more difficult to be promoted from within for a top-level position than to be hired from outside. That’s because everyone already knows your flaws. In effect, you have to be twice as good. Over the past five years, I’ve worked closely with Christine as a Council Member and Planning Commissioner. To be honest, I haven’t seen any flaws.

If I were to point to a key example of Christine’s talents, I’d point to the work she did in developing our new mobile homeowners’ protection ordinance. From a legal perspective, the challenge was to provide real protection to mobile homeowners without illegally restricting property owners’ rights. She met that challenge. More importantly, her obvious care and concern during the process led to effusive citizen praise during our Council hearings.

Council has selected a new City Manager and City Attorney who will build on the successes of Ken and Jonathan. The challenge of finding someone excellent to replace Bill Statler remains, but I know we’ll meet that challenge. Quality candidates are attracted to San Luis Obispo because of the quality of life here and because of the quality city organization we already enjoy.

BUSINESS

41

eye oN business let’s get 2010 rolling

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associate

I

am writing this month’s column as December winds down and a new year looms ahead. I think most of us are happy to see 2009 fade away – in fact, more than a few of my business pals have commented that it can’t be over soon enough. So, here we are heading into a new year with renewed hope and steely eyed focus. And every one of us better be armed with a deep well of tenacity, too, because we know we are far from out of the quicksand.

ever, time is money, and nobody can afford to waste any. And if you’re new to the whole social marketing scene, keep your eye out for free local seminars that can show you how it’s done.

Control overhead – This is likely falling on “yeah, tell me something I don’t know” ears, but in case 2009 didn’t cause you to already trim the fat, do it now. Look at everything from lightbulbs to staff costs.

Get creative. Many businesses have figured out that staff members can help figure out how to save money – especially if cost savings also save a job. Ask everyone and you may be surprised what you come up with.

Also great for team building.

Virtually all experts suggest a long, slow economic recovery at the national level. We need to just keep pushing ahead. That’s one scenario, but when we change the search to California only, it’s tough to begin to imagine what’s ahead for us. We are all too familiar with the daunting overlay of state budget problems. And frankly, endless discussions about it tend to draw down that well of tenacity we’re counting on.

Let’s instead try and use our energy to look ahead, work smarter and create even small successes.

Think differently – Make sure you and/or your product are still relevant to customers. Look for new opportunities. Scrutinize competitors. Even in a price driven world, there is still a place for service and convenience.

Take care of your customers, and make sure you lead the pack.

With that in mind, I thought I’d offer a simple list of tips we can all use to make the best of a new year and new opportunities. There’s likely nothing revolutionary in this material, but it never hurts to revisit the basics.

Partner Up – look at businesses who share your same customer profile.

Combine resources. Joint market. Leverage and extend your reach.

You go in their billing envelope, they go in yours.

Improve your online presence – Make sure your Web page is up to date and user friendly. Learn your way around products like Google Analytics to help understand what visitors to your site are doing: how much time they spend, what pages they hit. Think long and hard about too much flash and razzle dazzle – keep it simple and easy to find.

And please, one of my pet peeves – include your phone number on the contact page. Old fashioned, perhaps, but frustrating when all you’re looking for is a number...and none can be found.

It’s even more important now than in previous years to think creatively. That may be a tall order if you’re working night and day and struggling to pay the bills, but it’s still important to find a way to look at the “same old thing” with new eyes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Use the many resources our community has to offer. Remember, we are all in this together and together we will all succeed.

Consider social marketing – Twitter, Facebook, blogging – if it works for you and you can keep it up. Don’t jump in just because everyone says you need to. Understand your customer base and measure the effort required to “socialize” against the potential return. More than

If you have ideas on how to fortify business in the year ahead, we’d love to hear from you. Please email me at mcox@barnettcox.com.

Happy New Year.

Maggie Cox

Meeting Rooms Available Rooms

Theater

San Luis

72

California Monterey Executive

1930 Monterey St.

150 120 25

Classroom 75 50 32 16

U Shaped

Hollow Square 70 50

60 40

40

32

18

14

Available Items: High-Speed Wireless Internet, Overhead, TV/VCR/DVD, PA Systems, Tables, Flag, Podium, Ice Water, LCD Projector, Food Service, Handicapped Facilities.

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

42

Real Estate

Lynn R. Cooper Broker Associate Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Office: 805-543-7727 Fax: 805-543-7838 Cell: 805-235-0493 Home: 805-544-0673

711 Tank Farm, Suite 100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 E-mail: lynn.cooper@sothebysrealty.com Website: www.wilsonandcosir.com

Back Hoe & Tractor Work • Specimen Olive Trees •

growing grounds recognized for excellence

41 Years of Service Dennis Landscape 441-8121

Lic# A C27 682054

Finding a job in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County can have any number of road bumps, even for the most qualified candidate.

Add a mental illness, gaps in a resume and the bumps become road blocks. The Growing Grounds Farms and Downtown Store at Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) have been recognized with the first place employment honor at the 2009 Lilly Reintegration Awards for making a way for those who have a mental illness to find meaningful employment in the local community. Jill Bolster-White, TMHA executive director, and Craig Wilson, Growing Grounds Farm and Wholesale Nursery program manager, went to Indianapolis, IN, to accept a trophy and $5,000. For 25 years, TMHA has operated Growing Grounds Farm and Wholesale Nursery in San Luis Obispo. The program offered a combination of horticultural therapy and vocational training, helping clients regain their ability to work.

genealogy seminar January is the time to pre-register for the

QUALITY AUTO REPAIR

John Kimball

805-543-3180 www.wronas.com

109 South Street SLO, CA 93401

“Specializing in Honesty and Integrity”

Marc Brazil 459-5376

Bill Coryell 459-0318 Offering Excellence in:

• Custom Maintenance Programs • Irrigation Systems • Deck & Fence Construction • Water Features

• Retaining Walls • Outdoor Lighting • Design Services

FREE Consultation 541-3377

J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

all-day seminar – “Genealogy Now – Photos, DNA, Documents and the Internet” sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society. The seminar will be held on Saturday, February 6th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veteran’s Hall, 801 Grand Ave., SLO. There will be something for everyone, from beginner to expert. Coming from the East Coast to speak will be Megan Smolenyak, a popular writer, speaker, TV guest and chief historian for Ancestry.com. Her topics will include techniques for finding lost loved ones, online newspaper research and tracing your roots with DNA. There is a registration fee. For more information and registration: http://kcbx.net/~slogen/ or call 473-4963.

Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-in registration will be accepted the day of the event beginning at 8 a.m. if space is available.

Exterior & Interior Plastering

Custom Homes and Patch Repairs · Free Estimates · Call or stop by

Terry Evans, President

4180 Vachell Lane · San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805/541-4750 · 805/541-4118 FAX

cathi@sloplastering.com · terry@sloplastering.com CA LIC#759246

community foundation art inspires grants Four local arts organizations were selected from a broad field of applicants to receive a total of $20,000 from the SLO County Community Foundation’s (SLOCCF) Arts Inspires! Endowment Fund. Created expressly to support the arts in our community, this fund was originally established by the Community Foundation with a gift from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to ensure that community arts programs will continue to inspire local residents creatively, spiritually, and communally. This year’s recipients and projects are: The SLO International Film Festival will purchase the technology needed for the Youth Film Makers Program and Film Festival Customer Service. The SLO Little Theater will retain a Fund Development Consultant to develop a fundraising plan and conduct board training. SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble will develop a targeted marketing program, integrate social networking, and re-design its website. Studios on the Park, in Paso Robles, will hire consulting services to develop a five-year strategic business plan to address sustainability of operations and programming.

THE BULLETIN BOARD Quality Unfinished Furniture

Now Featuring Used Furniture – Antiques & Collectibles

2087 Santa Barbara Avenue • Historic Railroad District • SLO Same Location for 45 Years • 544-2505 JACK’S BACK!

After 30 years, I was having too much fun to retire.

Come see me in my new location at the Brooks Woodcraft buildings.

Specializing in:

• Lamp rewire & fixture restoration • Hard to find lamps & bulbs • Special lighting projects

community health Center fun run fundraiser CHC 5k run is taking place on January 16th, at 9:45, to kick off the SLO County Health and Fitness Expo. The run begins and ends at the Alex Madonna Expo Center in SLO and you can pre-register at slohealthandfitness.com. Check In begins at 7:30 a.m. on the 16th. The proceeds from the 5K Run will be donated to The Community Health Centers of SLO County (a non- profit organization providing medical services for those under-served and uninsured).

43

“If you’re in the dark it’s because you don’t know Jack!”

Farris Jack Jack Farris

Historic Railroad District • 2087 Santa Barbara Avenue • SLO • 541-0365

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

Learn About the Senior Services Offered Here in SLO County Helping Seniors Maintain Their Independence

www.sloseniorservices.com 805 627-1760

•

slosenior@gmail.com

Let me help you review & compare your local insurance needs...

& FINANCIAL SERVICES • LIFE • AUTO • HOME • RENTAL • MORTGAGE/PROTECTION

Shawn Minton SMinton@Minton-Insurance.com 1042 Pacific Street, Suite E, SLO

805.546.8113 cell: 805.748.5819 Lic #0F43815

Reverse Mortgages For Senior Homeowners Bob Gayle

Reverse Mortgage Consultant 805-772-3658 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2009 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. #64315 4/09-4/10 J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

THE BULLETIN BOARD

44

Service for All Your Cars Personal Service. Exceptional Car Care.

For a full line of cars serviced by Rizzoli’s, please visit RizzolisAutomotive.com.

For Over 32 Years

San Luis Obispo 805.541.1082

Santa Maria 805.922.7742

RizzolisAutomotive.com

HYOSUNG supervisors recognize big brothers/sisters

SYM RV-250 The Buddy Starts at $1,999 3566 S. Higuera, SLO

ccmechanics.com

(805) 786-4559

The SLO County Board of Supervisors recently presented Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County with a resolution recognizing the quality mentoring programs they provide for our community. The resolution highlighted the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters for “embodying the criteria for outstanding success” while providing role models to improve the lives of over 1,200 local youth since 1995. As the winner of the 2009 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Small Market Board of the Year, the local agency further exemplifies their leadership within SLO County as well as on a national level. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, Board President, Big Brother Bob Gosney and his Little Brother Tryston and their families were on hand to accept the award. Little Brother Tryston shook each supervisors hand and when asked by Executive Director Anna Boyd-Bucy to share one of his favorite activities he has done with his Big Brother, Tryston replied “Meet Katcho and the supervisors.”

BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT THE SLO ART CENTER HARVEY’S HONEY HUTS “Exceptional Portable Sanitation” FOR ALL OCCASIONS Jennifer & Harvey Smith

www.honeyhuts.com 800.222.4887 805.927.8554

Dressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 35 Years

alan’s draperies 544-9405

Alan “Himself” J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

The SLO Art Center is looking for bright and talented individuals with a love of art to share their skills as volunteers. It is a great way to be involved in the creative community of San Luis Obispo and to expand your knowledge of visual art. There are four ways to volunteer at the Art Center. Gallery Docent: meets and greets visitors with information and leads tours. Art Center Assistant: helps with various gallery and administrative tasks. Curatorial Assistant: provides assistance with the installation of exhibits. Special Events Angel: acts as host and helper during special events. For more information please stop by the Art Center or contact Muara Johnston by phone at (805) 543-8562.

FRENCH HOSPITAL RECEIVES ENERGY GRANT French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) recently received a generous grant from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to support the hospital’s Energy Conservation Project. The $5,000 grant will enable FHMC to upgrade its lighting throughout the hospital with more efficient bulbs that use less energy and last longer.

2010 mid-state fair theme announced The California

Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that “Endless Summer Fun” has been chosen as the 2010 theme. The winning theme was chosen from over 150 entries. Winners Matthew Holland of Morro Bay and Rachelle Tarango of Paso Robles will receive two season passes to the fair. The Fair runs July 21st through August 1st.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

45

252 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo (805) 541-TIRE

Idler’s donates washer to prado day center Idler’s Appliances of SLO recently donated a Whirlpool washing machine to the Prado Day Center. On hand to thank Keith for the generous donation were Shawn Ison (left), manager of the Prado Day Center, and Dee Torres, Community Action Partnership’s Director of Homeless Services. The Center provides free laundry service to over 125 clients daily, guaranteeing that the donated machine will be put to good use.

WE’RE NUMBER 1 IN PEDESTRIAN SAFETY In a recent study

conducted by Transportation for America, SLO County is ranked number one amongst California’s 26 metropolitan areas for pedestrian safety. With over $900,000 per year being invested to maintain and improve pedestrian infrastructure, SLO County is leading the way to a safer, healthier lifestyle. One of the programs – The Safe Routes to School program gives parents, teachers, and community members the tools they need to make walking and biking to school safe and fun. The Safe Routes to School Program is spearheaded by SLO Regional Rideshare. For more information on how to get a program up and running in your community contact Kelsie Greer, kgreer@rideshare.org.

San Luis Obispo’s Best Kept Secret Power Carts Senior Discount (55) • 10 Play C ards • Tournaments Welcome • •

Tee Times on our website: lagunalakegolfcourse.org or call 805-781-7309

11175 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO

free senior health screening Free Senior Health Screen-

ing for seniors (50+) is available throughout San Luis Obispo County.

Free services include: screening for high blood pressure, weight and pulse. Finger prick screening tests for: high cholesterol, anemia and diabetes. Take-home screening test kits for colo-rectal cancer available for $5. Nutritional counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 7880827 for dates, times and locations.

beth david scholarship award The Social Action Committee of Congregation Beth David, SLO is offering one $500 scholarship award to one high school senior in SLO County. This scholarship application is available to candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to social justice such as: alleviating hunger, promoting peace, correcting economic injustice, promoting environmental sustainability, or incorporating social action into his/her life. Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded at: www.cbdsloorg. If you have any questions, please email: social-action@cbdslo.org

SQUARE DANCE CLASS A new square dance class begins January

19th in SLO. Classes are each Tuesday evening from 7-9 pm at the Zion Church – corner of Foothill and Santa Rosa. All are welcome. No partner is required. Donation $6. For more information call 541-2386.

FINN PLUMBING Inc. old school quality All services / Water Heaters / Repair Accredited Green Plumber – Save Water & Energy Fix Leaks and Upgrade Appliances

$50 off your next service with this ad 544-5325 / 528-4693 / www.finnplumbing.com J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

46

COMMUNITY

1920: Prohibition took effect. Comedian

W.C. Fields said, “Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water.”

january Almanac

january 8, 1935: Elvis Presley was born.

By Phyllis Benson “The etiquette question that troubles so many fastidious people on New Year’s Day is: How am I ever going to face those people again?” --- Miss Manners

january steps off with the Tournament of

Roses Parade. The 2010 theme, A Cut Above The Rest, pays tribute to everyday heroes.

john wayne said that courage is being

scared to death – and saddling up anyway.

festival of sleep: This wacky January

day is for power naps, daytime dozes or afternoon snoring to catch up on sleep. Just cozy up and catch a few zzzzs lost in the holiday bustle.

author John J. Welsh said, “The older

generation thought nothing of getting up at five every morning – and the younger generation doesn’t think much of it either.”

el nino: In 1995, El Nino brought heavy

storms to California. January started calm but turned into a ground-soaking month bringing record rain.

replay: According to the Old Farmer’s

Almanac, this January starts the year cold and dry with heavy storms by month end.

spend a rainy morning at the com-

puter. Install updates, dump emails and blow the dust away. Start the year with a clean desktop.

1910: The silent movie, In Old California, was the first movie shot in Hollywood.

Memphis celebrates the King’s 75th birthday with events from a Birthday Bash on Beale Street to special tours of Elvis sites.

elvis Quote: The Lord can give, and the

Lord can take away. I might be herding sheep next year.

yakky dooddle duck turns 50 this year.

tion offered girls opportunities to have fun and build character. The camp fire symbol was chosen because campfires were centers for communities and domestic life.

The Hanna-Barbera cartoon character appeared in shows from Quick-Draw McGraw and Yogi Bear to Scooby. Voice actor Jimmy Weldon, now a motivational speaker, voices Yakky on his tours.

alumni: Former Camp Fire Girls include

January 29 is National Puzzle Day. Top

founded in 1910, the Camp Fire organiza-

opera singer Marian Wright Anderson, ambassador Shirley Temple Black, model Christy Brinkley, singer Gladys Knight and skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

bsa 2010: The Boy Scouts of America mark

favorite is the crossword puzzle. Other puzzling fans enjoy sudoku, jigsaw, math and brainteaser pastimes.

puzzler quip: Life is a puzzle. Solve it.

their 100th anniversary this year. The big Jamboree in Virginia covers 3,000 acres and hosts 43,000 Scouts and leaders.

january is oatmeal month. Fix oat-

our old scoutmaster says his Jamboree

winter is at the door. And the win-

days were spent in a dusty camp with a dozen kids. He taught rope knots, rescued Scouts from poison oak and treated bee stings on hive foragers. They had a great time.

january 2010: Dizzy Dean was born.

meal for breakfast, oatmeal in cookies and oatmeal on the apple crisp.

dows. Check flashlight batteries, charge the phone and keep blankets handy. We have extra bones for dogs, a cat bell for tabby and oatmeal cookies for people. Our storm plan is stay home, snack and nap. Stay safe this month.

Asked about his testimonials, the baseball player said, “Sure I eat what I advertise. Sure I eat Wheaties for breakfast. A good bowl of Wheaties with bourbon can’t be beat.”

Let our family take care of your family.

JUST LIKE HOME Rehabilitation Therapy

Medicare, Medical, HMOs

Short Term Rehabilitation Long Term Care

Happy New Year CARE CENTER J A N U A R Y

201 0

Journal PLUS

805.922.6657 830 East Chapel St. Santa Maria www.countryoakscarecenter.com

It was just another day.

Until the phone rang.

A parent’s nightmare – your daughter is in a devastating bike accident and you live hundreds of miles away.

When Washington residents Kevin and Tomoko Laverty got the call, they raced to San Luis Obispo to be with Patricia, a Cal Poly student who sustained lifethreatening head injuries.

Paramedics lost no time getting Patricia to the Central Coast center for trauma care: Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.

Today, Patricia is fully recovered and ready to graduate in June.

The Lavertys are a family of Sierra Vista believers.

Trauma and Emergency Services 1010 Murray Avenue San Luis Obispo

For physician referral call (800) 483-6387

SierraVistaRegional.com twitter.com/SierraVistaRMC