January 2011 Journal Plus

SLO SYMPHONY HONORS SANDY DUNN | JOE HARBISON | K ATHY BATDORF

Journal PLUS JANUARY 2011

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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CONTENTS

10 Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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

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 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Erin Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dora Mountain COPY EDITOR Anne Stubbs PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Keith Malcomson

LIFEWATER’S JOE HARBISON

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SANDY DUNN

PAC VOLUNTEERS

ADVERTISING Jan Owens, Kristen Hathaway CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Hilary Grant, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Andrew Carter, Julian Varela, Charlene Rosales, Leon Koenen, Bob Huttle, Gordon Fuglie 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. Cover photo provided by Bert Forbes for the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center (FPAC)

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SLO SYMPHONY HONORS SANDY DUNN JOE HARBISON KATHY BATDORF FPAC CELEBRATES 25 YEARS PAC VOLUNTEERS

HOME & OUTDOOR 20 PULSE 22 HOME DESIGN DISTRICT 24 FOOD / AT THE MARKET

COMMUNITY

26 28 30 31 32 34 36 46

SLO ART SCENE HUTTLE UP – Ireland Bound OUR SCHOOLS Dr. Julian Crocker UNITED WAY READING PROGRAM HISTORY: Sunny Acres – part 3 HOSPICE CORNER / SUDOKU PUZZLE PALM STREET – SLO Councilman, Carter ALMANAC – The Month of January

BUSINESS

37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 41 EYE ON BUSINESS 42 THE BULLETIN BOARD

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From the publisher Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

New Year New Smile with Lisa Van Mouwerik & Lisa Mills

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his month we start off the big celebration of the Foundation for the Performing Arts (FPAC) 25th Anniversary. Several events will be scheduled throughout the year. It began with the collaboration between our Business Community, the City of San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly. We caught up with the three men most responsible for this project – John Dunn, Dr. Warren Baker, and Warren Sinsheimer.

The Performing Arts Center wouldn’t be such a success without the hundreds of volunteers that make your evening so enjoyable. Leon Koenen, a volunteer himself, writes about this outstanding group of individuals.

The San Luis Obispo Symphony just announced this year’s honors recipient, Sandy Dunn. Sandy has been an avid supporter for many years. She will be honored at the Symphony Ball on February 26th. You’ll enjoy her story inside.

Next we profile Lifewater’s Executive Director, Joe Harbison. Hilary Grant interviewed Joe and tells us his story and how Lifewater is helping people have clean water throughout the world.

Finally, in last month’s profile of Roger Osbaldeston, we failed to mention Paul Neel, who started the Cal Poly School of Landscape Architecture. More on Neel’s efforts will come out in a future issue.

Enjoy the magazine,

Steve Owens

N\Ëm\ ^fe\ ^i\\e% Now view our printed calendar of events entirely online.

Visit our website today and find your way to the best seats in the house.

w w w . p a c s l o . o r g

upcom ing e v en ts Sunday, Jan. 2, 2 pm MET Live in HD: Verdi’s Don Carlo

Friday, Jan. 21, 8 pm Forbes Pipe Organ Recital: James Welch

Saturday, Jan. 29, 8 pm Rotary Arts Honors

Friday, Jan. 7, 8 pm W. Terrence Spiller Faculty Piano Recital

Saturday, Jan. 22, 8 pm Early Music Ensemble Concert

Sunday, Jan. 30, 7 pm Spring Awakening

Saturday, Jan. 8, 10 am MET Live in HD: Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West

Saturday, Jan. 22, 8 pm Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Cal Poly Arts

Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 pm A Night at the Mission Chamber Ensemble Concert

Friday, Jan. 14, 7 pm Opera SLO’s Evening in Seville

Sunday, Jan. 23, 4 pm Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live

Opera SLO

Cal Poly Arts

Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 pm SLO Symphony Classics III

Friday, Jan. 14, 8 pm Guitar Masters

Fri.-Sun., Jan. 28-30 Thurs.-Sat., Feb. 3-5 Orchesis Dance Company: Shift

Opera SLO & Cal Poly Arts

Cal Poly Music Dept.

Opera SLO

Cal Poly Arts

Cal Poly Arts

Cal Poly Music Dept.

Cal Poly Dance Dept.

Saturday, Jan. 15, 8 pm Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Cal Poly Arts

805.SLO.ARTS Phone | 805.756.2787 Fax | 805.756.6088

WWW.PACSLO.ORG

Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly Arts

Cal Poly Music Dept.

SLO Symphony

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7:30 pm Vienna Boys Choir

Cal Poly Arts

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sandy dunn: this year’s symphony honors recipient makes musical dreams come true

By Susan Stewart

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n the waning months of 2009, a 10-member executive search committee began the arduous process of interviewing candidates, one of whom would be selected to be the new Executive Director of the San Luis Obispo Symphony. Sandy Dunn, one of the orchestra’s most ardent fans, felt privileged to be a part of that process, and joined her fellow committee members in great excitement when their choice was finally announced in March of 2010.

“Brian [Hermanson] is so innovative, so visionary,” said Dunn. “I am looking forward to seeing the many benefits of having him in the lead.”

This month marks the mid-way point in the Symphony’s 50th anniversary season, a season chock full of celebratory events and fabulous music, including the gala Symphony Ball slated for February 26th at the Embassy Suites Hotel. Selected for her unabashed love for the Symphony, her peerless fundraising talents, and her impassioned efforts on behalf of music education for children, Sandy Dunn will be this year’s Symphony Honors Recipient. Dunn is the fourth on a short, but prestigious list of honorees that began in 2007 “… to honor those who have demonstrated longstanding commitment to the success and vision of the Symphony, and who have served with dignity, honesty, humility, and professionalism,” said Patty Thayer, the Symphony’s Communications Director.

“I can’t think of anyone who brings more energy, commitment, or passion to her philanthropic endeavors than Sandy Dunn,” said French Hospital’s CEO Alan Iftiniuk. “She’s a must-have on any nonprofit’s dream team.”

Born in Jefferson City, Missouri and raised as one of five children in Columbia, Missouri, Dunn’s desire to serve began early. Active parents and a supportive family life taught her to value community above self, and she worked as a Candy Striper (trained hospital volunteer) during high school. While most of her family is musical, Dunn admits that she is not. She studied Art at the University of Missouri at Columbia, then married and raised three children.

When she moved to the Central Coast in 1996, Dunn became active in the community J A N U A R Y

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almost immediately, serving on the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce board, Rotary International, and the UCSB Economic Task Force. She would later serve on the Festival Mozaic’s (formerly Mozart Festival) Events Committee, Women’s Shelter Fundraiser Acquisitions Committee, and as a founding member of the SLO County Community Foundation’s Women’s Legacy Fund. She was recently given the Barbara George Women of Distinction Philanthropy Award.

Music Van, a Musical Petting Zoo, Everyday Etudes, Strings in the Schools, and SuperBows.

stro Michael Nowak, the vision of Brian Hermanson, the extraordinary efforts of Symphony volunteers, the dedication of her fellow board members, and the generosity of the ordinary SLO County citizen for fostering those hopes.

“It’s my passion,” said Dunn, “making children’s musical dreams come true. And since the arts are the first to go when budget cuts are needed, it’s our responsibility to make sure we keep them going.”

“Sandy has had a passion for the wellbeing and vitality of the Symphony for many years,” said husband John Dunn. “Over time, the music they produce and the great effort of so many has filled her heart with joy.”

Though forced to step down from her Symphony board position due to recent health issues, Dunn holds high hopes for the future of music in our county – and for the continued growth of our Symphony. She is quick to credit the artistic excellence of Mae-

For the past three years, it has been Sandy Dunn who presented the Symphony Honors Award at the orchestra’s most festive event.

And while she is “greatly honored, immensely humbled, and deeply appreciative,” she admits it has been easier to give than it will be to receive. There isn’t one person, however, who would disagree with SLO Chamber President Dave Garth when he says, “Sandy does so much for the community, so unselfishly. It’s entirely fitting that she receive this special honor.”

Dunn’s great love for the Symphony blossomed more than a decade ago when she survived a car crash that left her with grave injuries. During her long recovery, her husband, former SLO City Manager John Dunn, took her to the Performing Arts Center to hear the Symphony when she was still in a wheelchair, unable to walk.

“As soon as Maestro Michael Nowak raised his baton and the music began,” Dunn recalled, “I forgot all the stress, all the pain I had been through … and I realized what a gift it is, how blessed we are to have this incredible orchestra.”

Dunn joined the Symphony’s Board of Directors six years ago. In addition to holding office and chairing committees, Dunn also initiated two highly successful fund-raising efforts: the Symphony Syrah Project, and the Celebrity Wine Raffle.

“Sandy is both an idea person and is peerless in implementation,” said June McIvor, current Symphony board president-elect. “Her enthusiasm is so contagious; she has brought countless new friends to the Symphony, thereby growing her own impact exponentially.”

Proceeds from both these ongoing fundraisers go to support the many music education programs developed, taught, and brought to more than 16,000 of our county’s public school children every year. These include The J A N U A R Y

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joe harbison and lifewater international providing clean water to those in need

By Hilary Grant Water.

Whether used in a recipe or the bathtub, to brush our teeth or soap down muddy cars, it’s probably safe to say that this most precious of resources is almost always taken for granted because of this: it’s always there.

Yet a staggering number of persons – close to 900 million, or about one in eight people around the globe – have no clean water.

This breaks down into dozens of sobering statistics, including the fact that far more people today have access to a cell phone than a toilet.

Another way to put the crisis in perspective is knowing this: lack of sanitation, a direct result of dirty water, claims more lives from disease than any war claims through guns.

Lifewater International is working hard to change these numbers.

Founded in 1977 by Southern Californians Bill and Lorraine Ashe, who began by providing clean water to rural areas of Baja, south of San Diego, Lifewater now makes its home in San Luis Obispo.

With a staff of 17 full and part-time Central Coast residents, and about 150 volunteers in the field, the Christian non-profit has taken its mission – to empower communities and fight poverty with safe water – to more than 40 developing countries.

With its faith-based perspective (indeed, there are at least three dozen other religious water organizations around the United States, including Seeds of Hope, another SLO-located group), Lifewater has helped citizens of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Workers have also provided water to populations in Southeast and Central Asia, and the Dominican Republic.

Executive Director Joe Harbison, who began the job this past September, is the Lifewater’s ship captain.

“My biggest challenge here is finding new ways to expand and grow – ways that will enable us to meet the tremendous needs of developing countries,” he says.

“When a community has sustainable safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, kids’ brains develop normally, their bodies are strong, and they have time to go to school,” explains Harbison. “Women’s lives are dramatically changed as well – they’re healthier and have more time to earn money for their families rather than having to walk long distances every day for water.

“Can you imagine what life would be like here in San Luis Obispo if the water was suddenly turned off? It wouldn’t be long before we lost most of our productivity!”

Harbison adds that finding and providing that reliable water – a formidable challenge to begin with – also isn’t enough.

Technology by itself will not bring about positive change in a community,” he says. “Before any improvement can be successful, communities must understand, embrace, and perhaps most important, take ownership of the changes.

PFC Harbison in Vietnam, 1970 J A N U A R Y

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often takes considerable time to develop, a new technology is not likely to last.”

Harbison admits that this last – and perhaps most crucial element to safe water – has also been one of the toughest to solve for Lifewater, and other non-profits with comparable goals.

Indeed, more than half of all water projects in developing nations fail within three years.

In large part, that’s because less than five percent of the projects are ever re-visited; less than one percent of them, too, have allotted extra funding for long-term monitoring. Harbison says that while these numbers are accurate, the necessary monies needed

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me that the guys across the wire did not want to die any more than I did.

“That was my first real cross-cultural insight about the common humanity of all people.

“I lost a lot of my enthusiasm for war that night.”

Not long after, Harbison had the chance to live with a South Vietnamese family.

“We took long forays into the markets, forded rivers to visit remote villages, and met shocked villagers who had never seen an American,” he says.

“Walking on those cobblestone streets, sipping strong Dutch coffee together, we talked about our dream to live and work among the world’s poor.”

Joe with his wife, Colleen, and daughter, Ruth, in Jerusalem

to keep clean water permanently flowing is slowly being worked into many new, overall plans.

Being an active and integral member of the global community, says Harbison, is something that has always been with him.

Born and raised in Orange, a stone’s throw from Anaheim, Harbison explains that “ever since I can remember, I’ve dreamt of traveling to far-off places.

“When I read about the Acropolis and the stone cities of Petra, I would picture myself there among the ruins. When I looked at grainy blackand-white photos of exotic Asian markets, I pictured myself there, smelling the aromas and hearing the lilt of strange languages.”

Harbison had his first opportunity to travel the world when he was 17 years old.

“I joined the Army as a way to get out of my little hometown,” he says.

“It was 1969, the war was going strong in Vietnam, and I actually volunteered to go there. My head was full of the stories I’d heard from my pals – the excitement, the girls, and the lack of military discipline.”

Then Harbison experienced a life-or-death epiphany.

“We were under intense mortar attack, and had been told by intelligence sources that we were supposed to be overrun by the enemy by daylight,” he says.

“As my buddies and I huddled in the cold sweat of fear and excitement, it occurred to me that I did not want to die at 18. It also occurred to

Determined to turn those thoughts into reality after the Army, Harbison attended a Bible college in Hawaii, now known as University of the Nations. (He later acquired a Master’s Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, and is currently completing a doctorate from the same institution.) Along the way, Harbison met Colleen, a long-haired blonde from Idaho; they married in Phoenix and decided to settle in Vietnam, where, Harbison says, “I wanted to be part of something constructive after being part of actions I was not proud of.”

But because the country remained closed to Americans then, the couple wound up in Thailand, where they taught English and also had their three children, Leah, Jesse and Ruth.

It was here that Harbison also began his work with clean water after befriending a Buddhist priest who had converted to Christianity.

“When he asked his village elders what they most needed, the response was unanimous – a reliable source of clean water,” says Harbison. In about six months, he says, the community worked together and installed a two-mile-long system that ended up benefitting about 500 residents.

In addition to time in Thailand, Harbison has assisted the poorest of the poor in Malaysia, Singapore, Israel and Kenya. Prior to moving to Avila Beach and joining Lifewater, he served in leadership positions with World Concern, another non-profit that provides development and disaster relief; Compassion International, a Christian child sponsorship ministry, and most recently, World Vision, another faith-based relief and advocacy organization.

“Colleen and I have spent more than 30 years living, working and raising our children abroad,” says Harbison. “So, I assumed that I’d always work with faith-based groups outside of the United States.

“But when I saw Lifewater’s posting for a CEO, I felt it would be a great fit.”

The best part about helming Lifewater, says Harbison, “is working with my incredibly dynamic and creative colleagues. Their dedication and commitment to truly bring change to the poor is inspiring.”

What, Harbison is asked, has been the biggest surprise?

“It feels so natural to be back in California after so many years away,” he says, “and especially, to be here in San Luis Obispo.

“To tell you the truth, it feels like home.”

Joe with his friends in Ethiopia

Find out more about Lifewater International, including its faith-based mission, programs and volunteer opportunities, at lifewater.org, or call (805) 541-6634, or toll-free at (888) LIFE-H20.

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PEOPLE In Asia, one can find a number of displays of felt shields, cloths and boats used by Chinese warriors. Traditional Asian houses, called yurts, have felt covers. To make them, the wool is first stretched, some rocks and polls are placed inside, then the wool is wrapped up and tied up with ropes. In the past, the riders would hook the wool to the horse, spray it with grease or water and then drive the horse with this rolled-up bundle for hours at a time.

In the end, fibers would mesh creating a durable felt. Today, they often use steamrollers.

Kathy Batdorf

“Woll Ewe Be my friend?”

By Natasha Dalton

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irgitte Krag Hansen, Kathy Batdorf ’s favorite artist and mentor, lives in Denmark. They never met in person, and Ms. Hansen doesn’t even know about Kathy’s existence, yet, thanks to the marvels of the Internet, Kathy has been able to follow Birgitte Hansen’s career and learn through her books and workshops posted online.

If in the past an apprenticeship meant years away from home and many hours of unpaid labor done in exchange for acquiring the trade, today – whether it’s candle-making or software designing – a few clicks of a button can put you directly in touch with the best experts in the field. Of course, you still need your talent and your patience to become any good at what you’re studying, but thanks to the internet, we now in one lifetime can try ourselves at a whole number of things, and

neither age, nor ability to travel can stop anyone from pursuing their interests.

Before becoming a full-time artist, Kathy Batdorf always worked with people, although the types of jobs varied greatly. “I tend to go from a job that’s very, very intense to a job that’s comfortable and joyful and less intense,” she explains. “I started out as a waitress, and in-between stressful jobs, I always go back to waitressing for a while.

It sort of grounds me and gets me in touch with people. I love talking to them.”

For a long time Kathy worked for her family’s corporation as a human resources director, where her job was “pretty tense and analytical.” After her father passed away, the company got sold, and Kathy (in partnership with her daughter and a friend) went into a business where she once again could “talk to people and enjoy it.” By everyone’s account, she and her partners owned the best coffee shop in town, and to Kathy, working there felt like “having a waitress’ job again! It was very fulfilling to me,” Kathy remembers.

“You feel closer to people when they touch your heart. That’s the way I prefer to be.”

A few years later, Kathy’s sister introduced her to felting - which is perhaps one of the oldest crafts on Earth. People were making felts long before they knew how to weave. The technique of making thick, durable, waterproof fabric known as Wet Felting has been practiced by virtually every culture known to man. There are many references to the use of felt in classical authors, from Homer onwards.

The oldest felt artifacts, strong caps from the early Bronze Age dating back some 3500 years B.C., are preserved at the National Museum in Copenhagen. Many other history museums throughout the world, from Egypt to Germany, display blankets, shoes and rugs that date to 2500 B.C. In medieval days, a number of European cities, especially Pompeii, were distinguished by their felt hats.

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It was this old history and seeming simplicity of the process that got Kathy interested in trying her hand at making felts. It happened when her sister, who at that time was working on a degree at Cal Poly in Fine Arts, was doing her senior project on Nuno Felting – a Japanese method which uses natural fibers to create a sheer fabric – and she showed Kathy how to lay the wool for it.

“I enjoyed the experience, but I thought that there’s got to be something more to it,” Kathy remembers. Besides, she also wanted to know how to make a hat. Eventually, through her Internet research, Kathy came across a workbook on Watercolor Felting, which prompted her experiments with a pictorial type of felting, also known as Dry Felting.

Unlike the yurt or hat felts, where fibers are bound with the help of friction and water, in Dry Felting the fabric is created by an artisan with the help of special needles. “All wool has scales which, when rubbed against each other, catch and lock into place,” Kathy explains. The felting needles are barbed like a fishing hook; only they are barbed down. Both Wet and Dry Felting use “mother felts” to make new ones. In the Dry Felting method that Kathy is using, an artisan lays the wool on the mother

PEOPLE wool that I’ve got,” Kathy explains. That’s how her Sweet Potato Fairy came to be.

“The one thing that all forms of felting have in common for me is the feel of the wool,” Kathy says. “Some wool is coarse, such as Jacob wool. Some is very soft and fine, such as Alpaca. When I work with the natural fibers, I am reminded: I am of the earth. The path that I walk during the felting process is an ancient path walked by many before me.”

“The more I work with felts, the more I get excited about them,” Kathy says. “If nothing else, my pieces make people smile.” Enjoying the interest her work evokes, Kathy is eager to share what she knows about her craft. “It’s so easy to talk about something that’s heartfelt,” she says, “and I especially like talking to people about things that I find to be exciting.”

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Looking back on her life, Kathy realizes that art has always been a part of it. “The creative process keeps me balanced,” she says. “The mediums have changed: water color, India ink, pastels, toile painting, stain glass, batik, macramé, papier-mâché, clay, pottery… the need to depict what I see has not.”

“I see the personalities in the individuals and enjoy recreating them,” Kathy says. “I know a felted piece is complete when the eyes look back at me and I smile.”

Kathy’s whimsical and light-hearted art makes everyone smile; it makes her new friends who bring her joy and inspiration.

What a perfect balance!

In December, Kathy entered one of her new pieces to a juried show at the Gallery of the Paso Robles Arts Association titled Through the Looking Glass. Check it out!

felt, and then uses a needle to stick the wool in, pushing the fibers inside. Pretty soon they begin to bind and make a new solid surface.

There’re many types of felting, but Kathy enjoys soft sculpting the most. Birgitte Hansen, Kathy’s favorite artist, has done pixies, animals and woodland creatures out of felt, and Kathy is following in her footsteps. “Her felting is really creative,” Kathy marvels. “Birgitte makes creatures that aren’t real, nor are they mystical,” she says. “They’re whimsical.”

Under Ms. Hansen’s influence, Kathy switched from pictorial felting to making soft whimsical creatures. “I take a lump of wool, and I fold it with my needles to begin making the basic shape of the piece,” Kathy explains.

“I make the legs and arms and head separately and then connect them to the body with the help of my needles.” Then she begins adding color. “I start with tan color and then needle in accent colors,” Kathy continues. When the sub sculpture is done, she adds facial features.

“Finally, to define the shape, I go to a finer needle to bring edges out,” she concludes – and the sculpture is finished.

While some pieces get completed in just a few hours, others take longer. “I think about a piece for three or four days, and then I begin to get excited about it,” Kathy explains. “Living in Paso Robles I am never short of subject matter,” she says; “sunflowers in someone’s garden, an old boot without a mate, a country mailbox surrounded by flowers, and the animals surrounding me” – all of these have been now preserved in wool. But Kathy’s favorite subjects are her pets and her “pet fairies.” Sometimes a shape might inspire her; at other times, it’s the color. “I once bought some sweet potatoes, and then I noticed that their color was just like the J A N U A R Y

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The key people in making the Performing Arts Center a reality.

John Dunn, Warren Baker and Warren Sinsheimer Bert Forbes photo

Partnership, perseverance, performance! ...the foundation for the performing arts center celebrates 25 years

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By Susan Stewart

t was not a new idea. Since the 1950s, people had been meeting to discuss how and where to build a world-class performing arts center on the Central Coast.

The concept—a grand and modern hall that could showcase our growing local talent as well as nationally and internationally famous touring performers—had seldom been attempted by a community of our size. Grand concert halls were the nearly exclusive purview of big cities, sophisticated cities with the money to support them, and the audiences and performers to fill them.

The latter we had, the former not so much. Time and again, despite the zeal of their participants, these talks ended in frustration. The challenges were too great, the resources were too few, the time was not right. Until 1986, that is.

Twenty-five years ago this month, yet another small but determined group began meeting to discuss a partnership that would make the dream of San Luis Obispo’s own great concert hall a reality. And this time, they would succeed. The first step was to establish a nonprofit entity that would lead the charge. In early 1986, The Foundation for J A N U A R Y

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the Performing Arts Center (FPAC) was formed. Under the leadership of Warren Sinsheimer, FPAC would become the galvanizing force behind the effort.

Location options from Laguna Lake to the Fremont Theater were bandied about in the early conversations. An outside consulting firm concluded that the Cal Poly campus was the best location and that the college would have to be involved. However, it soon became apparent to everyone that no single public or private entity had the resources to build, operate and maintain a project of this magnitude on its own. This harsh reality had been the stumbling block all along. The only solution was to create a partnership, an unstoppable triad made up of the City of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University, and the private sector represented by FPAC. Later that year, FPAC’s president Warren Sinsheimer, Cal Poly President Warren Baker, and then-Mayor Ron Dunin signed the now-famous document that sealed the deal.

Ten years later, through the unprecedented partnership that has become the envy of small communities all over the nation, the Performing Arts

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Center—with its 1,289-seat Harman Hall, a 180-seat classroom, and a multi-purpose pavilion that holds up to 400 people—opened its doors, changing life on the Central Coast in ways not yet imagined.

The decade between 1986 and 1996 was marked by exhilarating highs and devastating lows. Voters failed to pass a Higher Education Facilities Bond Act, leaving Cal Poly short of the funds needed for preliminary drawings. California entered a period of recession that caused City budget cuts and hiring freezes. Contracting bids came in much higher than expected, creating a need for more vigorous fundraising efforts. The architectural firm hired to design the center entered bankruptcy proceedings. And a State building code inspector called the concept an impractical building with absurd criteria.

Through all these crises, the partnership endured, each one filling in for the other to surmount them, while the unparalleled generosity of the community at large buoyed the spirits of all involved.

“Prior to the PAC, there had never been a fundraising campaign of this magnitude on the Central Coast,” said current FPAC Executive Director, Cory Karpin. To meet the unexpected contracting costs, the partners adopted a “Three Million in Three Months” campaign, and suddenly huge gifts began coming in. “That campaign transformed philanthropy in this county,” Karpin continued. “It paved the way for so many important projects that followed.” In all, the community of San Luis Obispo contributed an amazing 13 million dollars to build the Performing Arts Center.

that after studying the design and talking with the architect, the State’s inspector completely changed his perspective. Swanson was thrilled when his report concluded, “We’re not building a building; we’re building a musical instrument.”

And the fellow from the State? Clifton Swanson, originator of the Mozart Festival and SLO Symphony’s conductor at the time, recalled

Key players in that first turbulent decade were Warren Sinsheimer, FPAC president from 1986 to 1995; James Jamieson, Executive Direc-

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PEOPLE a week-long festival of the arts, the Performing Arts Center has become the county’s cultural hub, bringing musicians, dancers, singers, authors, and comedians from all over the world to its proud stage; broadening and brightening the world for more than 100,000 children and adults each year.

“It’s hard to find a single person anywhere on the Central Coast who has not been touched by the Performing Arts Center,” said Ron Regier, the PAC’s Managing Director from the beginning. After 15 years, the PAC has found its place in the heartbeat of the community, providing transformative experiences for every segment of our society—from the annual Grizzly Academy graduates and their families, to the hundreds who recently mourned the passing of their city’s beloved fire chief.

Warren Sinsheimer and Warren Baker at the groundbreaking ceremony – 1993

tor of FPAC during those same years; Warren Baker, Cal Poly President at the time; Ron Dunin, then SLO Mayor, and John Dunn, then City Administrator.

Credited (and sometimes criticized) for his tireless efforts to bring the PAC into being, Dunn said when he first arrived at his new post as City Administrator in 1987, he was handed the file and told “This is your baby.”

His first call was to Warren Baker, and thus began the arduous odyssey that would culminate in the majestic center we know today.

“After all these years, the PAC is in my blood,” said Dunn recently. “We believe it has helped to create the spirit of this community.”

Since the glittering grand opening, which was celebrated with a Hard Hat Ball that people still talk about, plus two opening nights and

“The John Callahan funeral had a certain character that gave meaning to the whole community,” said Regier, “and it probably couldn’t have been quite the same had it been located anywhere else.”

Today, more than ever, the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center continues to work hard to fulfill its original mission: The construction and operation of a world-class performing arts center that is accessible to everyone in our community. Even as Foundation readies to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a gala onstage dinner planned for the spring, their work continues.

“We rely on the financial support of this community,” said Karpin. “It’s what allows us to maintain the PAC in its world-class condition, continually upgrade equipment and technology, and perhaps most important, keep it affordable for our local nonprofit arts groups and our local schools.

At 15 years old, the PAC still looks like new, a feat not seen in many other venues of this age.

Built into the original vision set forth by the three partners, a sinking fund called the Major Equipment Repair and Replacement Program anticipates the life of certain elements (carpets, seats, equipment, etc.), and the costs to replace them, including inflation. The partners funded this program through annual contributions, thus sustaining this treasured community resource in close to “as new” condition. “[That program] is a tribute to the leadership, cooperation, and vision of this unique partnership,” said Regier. “It represents our commitment to the highest level of quality.”

Milestones during the past two decades are stellar and numerous. Karpin and Regier agree that the installation of the Forbes Pipe Organ in 2007, whose debut performance was a sold-out success, is one of them.

“It’s the largest organ between San Francisco and Los Angeles,” said Karpin. “Like the Performing Arts Center itself, it is truly world-class.”

Karpin, who took the helm at FPAC three years ago, grew up in Los Angeles. Yet even with access to some of the best performing arts venues in the world, he remembers only one small dance troupe visiting his school.

But here, thanks to the generosity of our community, thousands of school children from kindergarten to high school age visit the PAC each year, experiencing the same world-class performances as their paying parents.

“One of the reasons we chose San Luis Obispo was for its quality of life,” said Karpin. “And the PAC is a big part of that. This anniversary symbolizes the beginning of the movement that transformed the arts here. You had all

“People see a full concert hall and they assume the PAC is self-supporting, self-sustaining,” Karpin continued. “This is far from true. We will always need the community’s support for the PAC to thrive.”

Ticket sales account for only 40% of operating expenses, Karpin explained. The founding triumvirate, FPAC, Cal Poly, and the City of San Luis Obispo, supply the rest. Donors can also direct gifts and bequests to one of FPAC’s endowment funds. These permanent funds provide major support in perpetuity for annual operations as well as the PAC’s youth outreach programs.

Cory Karpin, FPAC Executive Director J A N U A R Y

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“To remain a world class facility, we need to be committed to staying on top of the technology,” said Karpin. “Next year, for example, we’re planning a major upgrade to our amplified sound system.”

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Ron Regier, PAC Managing Director

PEOPLE

The PAC under construction

this talent with no venue for them to perform in; and you had no touring groups.

The formation of FPAC in 1986 was the spark that became the fire in the decade that followed. It caused a major turning point in the life of the arts on the Central Coast.”

Other milestones include a shared initiative to begin the Vocal Arts Ensemble’s California International Choral Competition & The Forbes Organ Festival in 2007 and the financially riskier decision to invest in a partnership to create the JumpBrush dance festival in 2010.

“With JumpBrush, we put up funds that we weren’t sure would be returned,” said Regier. As it turned out, the PAC actually benefitted monetarily in a small way. “We acted as a resource for new artistic ventures,” Regier explained. “Both festivals were very successful, and we hope that will spin off and attract more collaborative efforts.”

Bravo SLO, now in its second year, is a free showcase of more than 20 local groups who use the PAC regularly. Held in September, the event offers a preview of its upcoming season, mini performances, lobby exhibits, and a chance to talk with performers. The Hind Foundation underwrites the Bravo SLO awards, an annual grant that makes the PAC accessible to smaller organizations and artistically risky productions. This year’s winner is Theresa Slobodnik’s Ballet Theater of San Luis Obispo.

By far the most innovative milestone is the new HD video system that brings the New York Metropolitan Opera to the PAC, live via satellite. Through a generous grant from the Hind Foundation, the system includes a high definition projector, a 40-foot movie screen, and satellite dishes equipped to receive signals from around the world.

In January, Verdi’s Don Carlo will be screened, giving attendees a chance to see the best in the world performing live on the New York stage along with thousands of others watching all over the world at the same time. And the Met is just the beginning; a growing number

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Kids enter the PAC for a Matinee Performance

of other video presentations is in the works.

“We’re in an era of change,” said Regier. “Everything from how we publicize and access events to how we perceive and experience the performing arts is changing. We must remain open and receptive to these new technologies … they open up the arts to everyone, so that these experiences are no longer just for a privileged few.”

On April 9, 2011, Carly Baker will lead what is sure to be the celebratory event of the season, a rare gala dinner on stage to support FPAC’s endeavors. “Carly has a way of transforming a space with light and décor that is truly spectacular,” said Karpin. Limited to only 200 people, this event will feature the finest food and wine, and of course, memorable musical performances.

“During the 25th anniversary year, it’s important to remember that the Foundation’s greatest asset has always been its supporters,” said Jim Jamieson, FPAC’s first executive director. “From those who met in living rooms around the County during the mid-1980s … to those who made financial commitments based only on their hope and belief … to those who stayed the course and rallied in the bleakest of moments.”

The Silver Anniversary of FPAC is a tribute to that spirit of cooperation and selflessness that brought the PAC into being and maintains its high standards.

“The Foundation gives voice to the community’s interests in the PAC,” said Warren Sinshiemer. “It’s been the well spring of community participation … a critical source of ongoing vitality for the Center.”

There are myriad ways to support the FPAC. Just visit fpacslo.org for ideas, one of which is to buy raffle tickets for a stunning diamond pin or pendant designed exclusively for this landmark event by Kevin Main Jewelers.

While it’s sometimes easy to take for granted even the most important gifts in our lives—good health, great friends, the beauty of the natural world around us—the best reminder of their worth is to imagine what our lives would be like without them. The next time you buy tickets for a performance at the PAC, stop for a moment and remember (or perhaps imagine) what life was like without it.

As the community comes together this year to celebrate the first quarter century of the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, we are reminded of the unique partnership forged from a deeply committed and fiercely determined band of people. Their spirit, good will, and faith in the generous community that rallied behind them elevated the arts to a standard never seen before in a city of our size; brought the magic of the performing arts to tens of thousands of school children; and made the impossible possible.

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PEOPLE

“friends” of the slo performing arts center ...Volunteer usher crew

By Leon Koenen

I

n September of 1996 the community of San Luis Obispo experienced the first performance at the newly constructed Cohan Center of the SLO Performing Arts Center. At that opening, and at every performance since, the patrons of the PAC have been assisted by a well organized, well trained crew of ushers made up of volunteers from the community.

A few years earlier when the opening of the new PAC became a reality, an organization that would manage daily operations also became a reality. Ticket sales would increase dramatically, a technical crew was needed to set up, operate and maintain the stage equipment, projectors, lighting, sound, backdrops, etc., and a large crew of ushers was needed to provide traditional services and assist patrons attending all performances.

An organization known as the “PAC” was created to manage all Center operations. And, within the PAC, to provide the usher services, the “PAC Friends” was created. And, to direct the Friends, the positions of Theatre Operations Manager and House Managers

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Bejae Blake Photo

were created. Currently the Friends consist of 209 ushers, most are available for duty and a few are on leave.

Friends uniformly wear black trousers or skirts, black shoes, black socks, black tie, black vest and a white shirt or blouse. A few Friends, known as floor captains, wear a red vest. Floor captains are also ushers and are assigned as direct supervisors of particular areas of the venue. Floor captains carry portable radios and maintain continuous communications with the house manager.

The fiscal usher year begins with the PAC season on September 1st and ends on August 31st of the next year. Each year is divided into a trimester, Sept-Dec, Jan-Apr, May-Aug, and each usher must, usually, commit to a minimum of six shows per trimester. The minimum number may vary with performance year requirements.

When ushers are assigned to work a requested event, they show up an hour-and-a-half early and meet with one of the “House Managers” for a group discussion of special needs, performance times, intermission schedule, equipment use and such. Friends then remain on duty through the entire show and carefully inspect the venue when most patrons have left. For sell-out shows at Cohan Center (1289 seats) approximately 40 ushers would be needed, and for sell-out shows at Spanos (489 seats) about 8 ushers are assigned.

During the fiscal year there are roughly 240 scheduled “sign ups.”

About 40 of the performances are touring professional acts scheduled

by Cal Poly Arts. The other sign-ups could be special Cal Poly, or community, activities such as freshman WOW week programs or performances by 27 other local “client” organizations that could include CP Music, CP Theater & Dance, or one of several local public schools, or the Vocal Arts Ensemble, Grizzly Academy, SLO Ballet and so on.

Kingston Leon Photo

PEOPLE members serve for a term of three years.

Each usher pays annual Friends membership dues of $25, the resultant fund is budgeted for use by the Steering Committee. All Friends also must attend a refresher training seminar each year and sign an Usher Pledge of Commitment form at the beginning of each fiscal year.

Bejae Blake Photo

Of the 20, or so, shows each Friend works in a year, about 6 would feature major touring talent and the rest would be by local “clients.”

The PAC Friends operates under the direction of a Steering Committee made up of a maximum of 14 Friends selected at large, with the house managers serving as ex-officio members. Nancy Cochran, Theater Operations Manager, is the PAC staff advisor to the Steering Committee. Steering Committee

Individually, who makes up this crew of volunteers? Well, most are professional people who are involved in other community programs. SLO is a classic “college town,” so the community is rich in culture, rich in cultural activities, rich in musicians, dancers, artists, writers, poets, academics, – and rich in individuals who participate in, or support, the performing arts. The Friends membership reflects the community involvement in performing arts.

If one looks closely at the vests worn by Friends, located above the pocket on the left side would be pins broadcasting a milestone length of service. Many say five years, some say ten years, and now there will be a pin that announces fifteen years. Those who sport the 10 and 15 year pins obviously have lived here for quite awhile, represent the majority of

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the 209 ushers, and it is obvious that they are primarily people of retirement age.

Most usher duties, elevator operator, greeter, seat location and ticket scanning are jobs that require a lot of standing, walking, communicating, patience and smiling. There are many advantages in having an usher crew with an active core of experienced volunteers. They understand the need for showing up on time, the need to adhere to the uniform dress code, and the need for proper protocol in working with PAC patrons.

Currently there is a waiting list of over 200 people, with some waiting for 3-4 years.

Nancy Cochran, PAC Theatre Operations Manager, states: “Ushering at the PAC is a premiere volunteer opportunity and once someone trains to become an usher, they love the experience and stay with us as long as their bodies permit. Volunteers are required to stand for long periods of time, easily manage the many stairs at the PAC and work all levels of the venue, including the Gallery. This job isn’t for everyone, but for those who can commit to the rules and requirements of ushering there is the reward of attending some of the finest and most memorable performing arts experiences SLO has to offer.”

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HOME/OUTDOOR

PULSE

technology and the demise of health

By Julian J. Varela

T

he day before Thanksgiving I drove to Ventura with my best childhood friend. Every road trip we’ve taken over the years has been filled with conversations on everything from business, love, family, religion, politics and philosophy. The topics of discussion never cease to amaze me and the most recent one really struck a cord. Here’s the gist of it.

We began our discussion with technology and the role it is playing in our lives. I can’t really think of one area where technology hasn’t affected my life; cooking, cleaning, playing, recreation, travel, you name it. One of the things I find most interesting about technology is how it has changed the nature of how we communicate. We’re constantly tied to our communication platforms; cell phones, text messages, Facebook, instant message, Twitter, Skype, YouTube, so on and so on. I’ve never communicated so much in my life nor been more connected to friends from the past and people I don’t even know. When I think about it sometimes, I feel as if I have a pocket full of stalkers; it’s a little scary really. When I was a kid, I remember leaving the house in the morning and not communicating with anyone else for the entire day except the kids I socialized with at school. If Mom or Dad wanted to talk to me about something, they waited till I got home. My parent’s relationship was much the same; they waited till dinner time to sit down and discuss their shenanigans. Have you ever considered how the increased amount of communication we have during the day can sometimes decrease the topics of conversation later in the evening? I mean after a post-coffee break and pre-departure phone call during the day to your husband, wife or friend and umpteen text messages, what do you have to talk about over dinner that you didn’t already discuss earlier? “How was your day honey?” may become a thing of the past. Seriously, we now live in a world where we can communicate without uttering a single word. I wonder how this will affect future generations. Have you considered that younger generations may have more difficulty with face-to-face communication and the ability to pick up on body language due to a reduction in actual physical conversation? I wonder if visits with friends and family will be diminished and replaced with updates and chats on Facebook or video conferences on Skype. The ability to communicate effectively is a very important component in creating and sustaining healthy relationships, and in some ways we’re destroying the very foundation of fundamental interaction; or are we? Yes, it’s true. I went on a tangent about communication, and this is supposed to be a health column, but let’s not forget that unhealthy communication can increase stress and that is totally related to health, right?

Technology has changed the landscape of medicine and is continuing to do so. New medical procedures, gene therapy, stem cell reJ A N U A R Y

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HOME/OUTDOOR search and prosthetics are increasing our lifespan, decreasing recovery time, improving quality of life and curing disease. But riddle me this; does any of this matter? Have we prepared ourselves for this technological shift? The last time I checked, childhood obesity is skyrocketing and about 70% of adults are overweight or obese. By the year 2058, it’s projected that the entire U.S. population will be obese. But wait, there’s more. Most major disease processes are linked to obesity including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc., etc. So while technology may give us the ability to treat these diseases more effectively and provide us with a new lease on life it really hasn’t done a thing to change our behaviors, lifestyle or habits. So again, what’s the point? Think about this: gadgets and electronics have made it possible for us to never move. Normal daily physical activities of the past are now becoming extinct. We have replaced the majority of physical activities with technological devices to make our life more efficient and enjoyable, yet we’re offended when our doctor tells us we should exercise and lose weight. What’s that about? Our future generations will be so obese that any new advances in medical technology will be meaningless. During lunch today with one of my good friends, I asked about the health of his mother who had a heart attack two years ago. “Well she continues to eat a half-gallon of ice-cream each night while sitting in front of the television, but other than that I suppose she’s alright,” my friend replied. How do you respond to that? What is the solution America? Here’s a creative one. Place a ban on the use of any type of technological device until each individual can demonstrate that they are physically active, exercise regularly and can cook a half-decent healthful meal. Show me consistent good habits and behavior, and I’ll also cut your insurance premium by half. How do you like them prerequisite apples?

Perhaps my solution is a bit harsh, but it proves a point; many individuals aren’t responsible for their health, and it’s time for a reality check and time to start moving. Technology has changed the landscape of our world for good, and we must catch up and realize that some of our habits need to change. Dr. Rob Gilbert said it best with this quote. “First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you.”

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 and Equilibrium Fitness for Women. Contact Julian at Julian@eqclubs.com with questions or comments. Follow Julian’s blog at julianvarela.blogspot.com.

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J A N U A R Y

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S L O IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU

Be More Efficient in the Kitchen

By Statepoint Media

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hether you’re making big meals for entertaining or simple family dinners, how well your kitchen is set up can mean the difference between extra hours slaving away or time enjoying the fruits of your labor.

A few simple tips can transform a cluttered kitchen into an efficient space for cooking and entertaining. Plus, you can save money, time, energy and water in the process.

Simple Changes: Small additions can make your culinary life easier. Consider painting a strip of chalkboard paint on your kitchen wall so family members can maintain to-do lists, share notes and reci-

pes. This helps you stay organized while adding an interactive element to your decor. Also consider adding roll-out cabinet shelves to make storing and finding pots and pans easier.

It is no surprise that the kitchen faucet can be turned on and off anywhere from 30 to 50 times a day by a family of four. Install a touch faucet, such as one of Delta Faucet’s kitchen faucets with Touch2O Technology, which provides the option to start and stop the flow of water with a tap anywhere on the spout or handle. When hands get messy, water flow can be started with the wrist or forearm, keeping the process more

efficient while reducing the potential for cross-contamination.

Energy Savers: Being efficient is about more than just saving time. It’s important to conserve energy and water too. Save energy by cooking large batches of food and freezing half for later. It takes less energy

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IPNF EFTJHO EJTUSJDU to turn on the range once to cook a big pot, than multiple times to cook smaller portions.

Make sure your kitchen faucet is also eco-friendly and can help you conserve water. Look for one with a Multi-Flow wand that can toggle between spray and stream functionality. The function adds convenience because a simple push can increase the flow from 1.5 gallons per minute for tasks like hand washing, to 2.2 gallons per minute when more water is needed to fill pots and vases.

“Homeowners are concerned about saving water, especially in areas where water is scarce,” says Kurt Backlund, Delta brand senior product manager. “Yet some tasks require a higher flow for speed and convenience. Choose a faucet that offers the option to increase flow when needed while saving water the rest of the time.”

Street Smarts: Think like a short-order cook to run your kitchen when things become hectic. Keep a magnetic pad on the fridge and tell family members to jot

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HOME/OUTDOOR

at the market A Savory Muffin

By Sarah Hedger

H

appy New Year! Sometimes time seems to go by a bit too quickly and thus it is as good a time as any to take the initiative to step up your health by making better food choices. What does that really mean? For some it might mean eating less processed foods, therefore making more of their own foods at home in their own kitchen. For some it might be growing more of their own produce organically. For some it might be removing sugar and/or white flour from their diet. Whatever the choice is to improve, keep in mind that you can improve your health significantly through improving your diet as it has been well documented that upwards of 80% of all disease can be prevented through diet. For those who are young in the spectrum, the motivation is often to feel better, look better, or even perform better (mentally and physically)!

Regardless of what or if you have any goals pertaining to your health and wellness, January can often become a

Winter garden

The Beauty of Natural Stone...

SAN LUIS MARBLE & GRAN I T E

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Seasonal Savory Muffins with Roast Veggies and Chevre For the Roast Veggies (Choose 2 cups of the following to roast:)

time when winter really takes hold and the question of what to eat for dinner can sometimes arise. While it is winter and sometimes there can be fewer options at the farmers’ markets, there really are often just different options than fewer as we can enjoy finding everything from winter squashes to broccoli and cauliflower, to Brussels sprouts, carrots, fennel, and an endless variety of citrus. The recipe for this month is a bit of a twist in American culture as it is a savory muffin.

Think cheese bread meets a good corn muffin. Not exactly, but you’re hopefully getting the picture! The recipe is for Winter Savory Muffins with Roast Veggies and Chevre. They are the perfect companion to a hearty salad or a winter soup, however they can easily be enjoyed as a brunch item as well. They are delicious while being healthy, which is a personal goal I have when I cook and come up with recipes. The bottom line is they really have to taste good to make the cut and these muffins exceed all expectations! This recipe works great as a platform recipe to integrate different roast veggies as the seasons progress and different vegetables come into season. The first time I made these muffins, I used a combination of asparagus, zucchini, and an onion for the roast veggies. Then I folded in some baby spinach, used up some leftover quinoa I had laying around, and it was good to go! Quite a pleasant surprise indeed while being simple and tasty! Because of the moist veggies and other ingredients, the muffins can easily be converted to gluten-free. I’ve been keeping my own gluten free mix in the pantry, consisting of 2 cups rice flour, 2/3 c. potato starch, 1/3 c. tapioca starch, and 1 tsp. xanthan gum. This makes 3 cups of great gluten free mix that can easily substitute regular white flour, making it easier to digest for many of us! Regardless of your New Year’s resolution, or if you have one at all, make some of these warming cheesy muffins and feel good about it all the way. Happy New Year!

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Cubed pumpkin or butternut squash or carrots Zucchini (chopped into ¼ moons) Fennel, thinly sliced Chopped onion or spring onions Asparagus (keep this recipe when asparagus comes into season in Spring) 2 T. olive oil 1-2 tsp. sea salt and ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss all your roast veggie ingredients on a baking sheet and mix to incorporate. Roast for 30 minutes (stirring mid-way) in top third of oven, until just beginning to brown. Remove from oven to cool.

For the Savory Muffins: 2 eggs 1 T. whole grain mustard ¾ cup plain yogurt or kefir Large handful of organic baby spinach (optional – if in season) 1 c. cooked brown rice or cooked quinoa 3/4 c. seeds – sunflower or pumpkin kernels or pine nuts 2 cups gluten-free flour (I’ve been making my own with 1 c. rice flour, ¾ c. potato starch, ¼ c. tapioca starch, ½ tsp. xanthan gum), or Pamela’s GF Mix, or regular flour 1 T baking powder 1 tsp. fine grain sea salt ¼ tsp. ground white pepper 3-4 ounces Chevre or feta 1 ounce parmesan or other dry cheese (I used a dried sheep gouda), finely grated Other delicious options include kalamata olives, fresh herbs, pesto In a large bowl and beat eggs, mustard, and yogurt until thoroughly incorporated. Fold in spinach, rice or quinoa, seeds, and roasted veggies. Sift flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder over mixture and fold in.

Spoon the muffin batter into a 12 muffin tin that has been lined or lightly greased, filling ½ to ¾ full. Gently press ½ inch pieces of Chevre into the tops of the muffins, even submerging into the middle of the muffin. Repeat with all muffins. Lightly sprinkle tops of muffins with parmesan. Bake muffins for 20 minutes at 400 degrees or until muffins are barely golden and bounce back when lightly pressed. Let cool in tins for 10 minutes and then enjoy! They are great with soup, salad, or even on their own! *Feel free to email me at sarahhedger@gmail.com if you have any food-related questions.

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SLO county art scene mark Bryan: a prankster in paradise

By Gordon Fuglie

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ong an occupant in my art history bookcase, The Indignant Eye: The Artist as Social Critic by Ralph E. Shikes has often been pulled from the shelf to inform me about the penchant some artists have for taking up causes or satirizing human follies. Starting with anti-Protestant (church reformer Martin Luther is pictured with a nasty Devil as his companion) and anti-papal images from the Reformation era, The Indignant Eye is a roll call of social commentary art down through 500 years. Shikes pointedly reminds us that artists and their art are not always polite about the world they inhabit.

Here in “paradise,” San Luis Obispo County has its own indignant eyes, homegrown “impolite” artists who needle us when we get too complacent about life. For an occasional jolt of discomfort, I know I can count on Russell Hodin, Jerry James, David Settino Scott, and Mark Bryan. Of these four artists, Bryan has a distinct vision that harnesses seemingly reassuring elements of fantasy, beauty and

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children’s book illustration to drive his socially engaged images of unsettling irony.

A resident of Arroyo Grande since 1976, Bryan moved to the Central Coast after completing art school in Southern California where he had hung out with L.A.’s first generation of successful Chicano artists, including Frank Romero, Carlos Almaraz, Gilbert Lujan and Beto de la Rocha. These artists became known for introducing overt political content into their work when it wasn’t fashionable in contemporary art. When he was 25, Bryan sought artistic inspiration by visiting México to see the dramatic narrative mural programs of Diego Rivera (1886 – 1957) and José Clemente Orozco (1883 – 1949). With his move to Arroyo Grande, however, he took a long hiatus from art to become a contractor and builder of houses in order to support his family.

Bryan eventually missed painting and took it up again in 1988. By 2000, he felt he had satisfactorily melded the style and content of his painting. Peculiar to his imagery is the initial (and intentionally misleading) perception the viewer has of a pleasant, reassuring scene – an illustration of a desirable moment or locale. Just as we are getting comfortable, however, we realize that something is very wrong – a catastrophe unfolds as we register what the artist has arrayed before us. An oil on canvas from 2008, Last of the Merlot weds the comforting genre of the Central Coast good life with

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the 1950s-era science fiction apocalypse.

The view from a sunny Mediterranean-style patio onto gently rolling vineyards reveals an approaching column of alien flying saucers, death rays blazing, while their giant robot henchmen lay waste to paradise – zapping wine estates in their path. In the foreground, an al fresco meal of wine, bread and cheese has been abandoned by its diners, who have presumably fled for their lives. (The bottle is labeled “Le Fin du Monde, Merlot, 2012.”

Bryan did a variation on this theme: a similar painting is entitled The Last of the Shiraz.)

Art historians like myself can’t resist asking artists about their influences. Bryan did not hesitate listing his favorites: Francisco Goya (1746 – 1828), the Spanish painter and printmaker; Gustave Doré (1832 - 1883), the French illustrator of Dante’s visionary trilogy The Divine Comedy; and Pieter Brueghel

The Republic of Amnesia

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over a forced perspective overseen by the Statue of Liberty. The monumental lady faces a quay lined with identical mini-theatres featuring televisions that broadcast test patterns. An endlessly receding row, before each television sits an enraptured clown gazing into a mindlessly happy “bozo-face.” Adding to this mockery, Bryan has placed cavorting skeletons throughout the composition, the calaveras of Mexican popular art – mockers of human pretension and folly. I suspect the painting reflects the artist’s disappointment with the selfishness of American society, as well as the ease with which Americans are misled by media propaganda, forgetting their own history – recent and past.

Last of the Merlot

the Elder (1525 - 1569), the Flemish Renaissance artist known for his earthy moralizing allegories; and the Catholic social and magical realist, George Tooker (b. 1920). I also see Salvador Dalí (1904 – 1989) in Bryan’s compositions, lending a dash of surrealism to his social vision (he did an irreverent portrait of Dalí on a tortilla). Bryan is also an unabashed eclectic and is happy to claim “underground comix” artist R. Crumb as a force in his work.

Eclecticism is most evident in his haunting surrealist parody, The Republic of Amnesia from 2009. Heavy weather swirls menacingly

A soft-spoken unassuming man who turned 60 last year, Bryan is certainly no elitist taking swipes at the foibles of the hoi polloi.

“As a satirist, I don’t take myself off the hook,” he says, confessing, “I’m implicated, too.” That he has an affection for humanity is evident in the warm and sensitive portraiture he has done of family members and friends. Reflecting on my time with Bryan, I concluded that the best satire comes from artists who simply want our aspirations and achievements to be better than they are, and won’t allow us to get self-satisfied.

Mark Bryan has a very informative web site: www.artofmarkbryan. com. He regularly shows his work at the Steynberg Gallery, 1531 Monterey Street, SLO, and will present work there in March and April, 2011. Bryan is also represented by the Solomon Dubnick Gallery in Sacramento.

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Huttle up Ireland Bound

By Bob Huttle

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed in the things you didn’t do than in the things you did do. Throw off your bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.” ---Mark Twain I guess it’s pretty much a given that when people retire from a career – as my wife, Darrylin, and I have recently – everyone expects the first thing you will do is travel.

“Well, guess you’ll be doing a lot of traveling, huh?” is a refrain we’ve heard often.

Certainly, this is part of our plan but anyone who knows us at all also knows that we have done this on a regular basis for a long time.

However, the way we’ve usually traveled in the past and the way we plan to travel from now on are entirely different.

Over the years, many of our journeys abroad have been with groups of high school students. It’s quite an experience to shepherd a flock of teenagers around the great cities of Europe, moving in and out of airports and on and off buses, trains, and boats. Almost always our trips have taken place during summer vacation, when crowds were at their largest, tempers at their shortest, and temperatures at their hottest. Those trips, while certainly challenging and exhausting, were also rewarding and life-changing for everyone involved.

We never regretted the effort and energy needed to pull off a successful adventure.

The benefits always outweighed the problems.

Having mastered that approach ten or eleven times, we were ready and eager for a new way to travel; one, I suspect, that most people consider more sane, more relaxing, more... normal. We anticipated the excitement of...wait for it...TRAVELING ON OUR OWN WITHOUT FORTY STUDENTS SHADOWING OUR EVERY STEP. What would it be like coming and going on our own schedule, each evening plotting what we might want to do – or not do – the next day?

An opportunity presented itself last spring when we found a great deal on a trip to Ireland, a country we have always wanted to explore but, somehow, had missed (FYI: the website is Travelzoo.com and we have used it on numerous occasions). The package included round trip air from New York to Ireland, a rental car with unlimited mileage, and six nights accommodations in a four bedroom “villa”(?) on the grounds of an 840 acre estate in the village of Adare in County Limerick. Price: $499.00. This sounded too good to be true; there had to be a catch.

There was only one: the price was based on four persons but this requirement was not a problem; traveling with our friends, Kathy and Doug would not be like a group tour. We paid our money and our excitement grew as our November departure date approached.

Darrylin and Bob overlooking the Cliffs of Moher

Darrylin and I decided that because we had to get to New York City anyway, we might as well go a few days early and take advantage of all the Big Apple had to offer. We made arrangements for a place to stay, a reservation for lunch at one of the top restaurants in the country, Le Bernardin (author/traveler/chef Anthony Bourdain calls it “probably the best seafood restaurant in America”), and tickets to a couple of Broadway shows. We would see the leaves turning in Central Park, ride the boat out to Liberty Island to climb the statue and, as Mark Twain suggested, “catch the...winds in our sails.” Indeed.

I’m happy to report that Le Bernardin was everything and more; the gorgeous dining room, impeccable service, presentation, and exquisite, not-to-be-believed seafood were beyond our expectations.

Ironically the next day, on one of our lengthy, meandering walks, we passed a tiny, hole-inthe-wall restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan: the sign read “Fatty Fish.” Not the most promising name but the menu looked

Bob visited with former student, Christina Diaz while in New York J A N U A R Y

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kitchen, dining room, living room with fireplace, sunroom, four bedrooms and four gigantic bathrooms.

Adare Village was a five minute drive or fifteen minute walk across frost-encrusted meadows. There, a small market provided our breakfast staples and enough wine and cheese for the week ahead. Our main meal of the day would be lunch, which we expected to enjoy in a variety of small, hospitable pubs, cafes, and markets we might happen upon during our daily explorations.

Bob, Darrylin, Kathy and Doug

intriguing, the room casual and colorful, and the prices for a complete lunch less than two glasses of champagne at Le Bernardin. It proved to be a serendipitous choice. Our waitress, Jacky, was effervescent about the cooking of chef Roy Lamperty. In no time, we had finished the dim sum three ways, carrot ginger soup, pineapple and shrimp fried jasmine rice, and pan-seared shitake-layered salmon. For dessert, we enjoyed one of the best we’ve ever had anywhere: lemongrass ginger crème brulee.

Truly, we had discovered one of our new favorite restaurants and vowed to come back the next time we were in our favorite city in the world.

Before we left California we had arranged to meet one of my former SLOHS students, Christina Diaz, who had recently moved from LA to NYC. A graduate of the acting program of UC Irvine, she was ready to tackle the challenges of being a working actress in a tough market.

She joined us for a performance of the Tony-nominated musical, “Million Dollar Quartet,” the story of the night Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded together at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Every now and then I’d sneak a glance over at Christina as she smiled while watching every move on stage, perhaps imagining herself performing on Broadway someday. The sparkle in her eyes suggested that her dream might just be within reach.

Two days later, Kathy and Doug were waiting for us at JFK and we boarded our flight to Ireland, ready to explore the sights, meet the people, eat, drink, and be merry. After landing at Shannon Airport and picking up our diesel-powered, 53-mile-per-gallon Ford (Why can’t we make high mileage Fords in America?), a short drive took us to the impressive front iron gates of Adare Manor, our home for the next week. We drove past the #1 rated golf course in Ireland (Tiger Woods played there in better days) to the 1640s main manor house to officially check in before heading to our villa, a 1/2 km away. Onlyin-Ireland green fields stretched down a peaceful country lane lined with brilliant fall-colored trees. We couldn’t believe our good fortune as we settled into our home away from home, complete with gourmet

Each day after breakfast, we fired up the Ford and Doug drove on the opposite/UK side of the road while I navigated (no GPS for me; I’m a map man) and the ladies chatted, told jokes, talked about grandchildren, and snoozed from time to time in the back seat. In the late afternoon, we returned to Adare, sipped some wine (and, in truth, a dram or two of Paddy’s Irish Whiskey) and ate light appetizers before launching into spirited domino games of Rummicube or Chicken Foot in front of the fireplace.

We ventured away from our “safe harbor” and I remembered the words of Dr. Seuss when he said, “oh the places you’ll go.” Ireland opened her warm and inviting arms to us and we joyfully took advantage of her treasures. Some highlights will be long-savored: • On the Dingle Peninsula is the seaport village of Dingle(!). Between raindrops we conversed with two weathered fishermen just in from the bay. We learned that one local pub, Murphy’s, featured their fresh catch in its seafood chowder and fish and chips. Le Bernardin would be hard-pressed to equal this.

• On another day we visited the harbor town of Kinsale. During World War I, the ocean liner Lusitania was sunk by a German U boat just off Kinsale’s coast. The adjacent town of Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic before it set sail on its ill-fated voyage. In Kinsale was another food destination we had heard about: Fishy Fishy Shop (do you sense a theme running through these paragraphs?). Unlike the extravagance of Le Bernardin or the surprise of Fatty Fish, this place featured wooden picnic tables, paper plates and, contrary to its name, very un-fishy-fishy fish. Once again, we came away full, satisfied, and genuinely appreciative of the expertise of the Irish cooks (not chefs) and the relatively bargain prices.

• Midweek, a freezing rain accompanied us to the famous Cliffs of Moher. Rising over 600 feet from the sea, they are indeed impressive, though we thought our own cliffs along the Big Sur coast were a worthy rival. This day saw us driving over wet, narrow, single-lane roads as we passed through small, silent hamlets with names like Carrickneelwar, Liscannor, and Ballyvaghan. Though exhausted, Doug negotiated the tight, hedge-rowed turns like a pro.

• Our final full day in Ireland brought sunshine and warmer temperatures and we discarded our heavy coats, scarves, and Irish woolen hats and headed for Lough (Lake) Dere. There we visited the two towns on either side of the lake, Killaloe and Ballina. Pleasant aromas from a small farmers’ market enticed us to buy our last night’s dinner: Irish farmhouse cheese, stuffed tomatoes, beer bread, olives (from France!), and four different homemade desserts. On the way back to our retreat, we stopped at the Patrick Collins Pub in Adare and hoisted our final brew while cheering on a local football (soccer) victory on the flat screen TV mounted over the bar.

• Not only were we toasting a pint to the local team but also to Irish traditions and its wonderful people. We had dreamed of going to Ireland one day. We had explored and discovered its culture, but there was much left undone. We shall return.

The Village of Killaloe on Lough (Lake) Dere

Bob can be reached at rhuttle@charter.net. He welcomes your comments (and any travel bargains you might come across).

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Our Schools: Reducing school dropouts for the new year

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

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educing the number of students who drop out of school is a worthy New Year’s resolution. The state has released the most recent data on school dropouts and the trend is not good. Based on data from the 2008-09 school year, the dropout rate for California is calculated to be 21.7%, an increase from the previous rate of 18%. The dropout rate for our county also increased from 11.1% to 13.5%. Although our county rate continues to be below the state average, this still means about 400 students did not complete high school in our county.

Both common sense and research tells us that students who dropout of school end up in low wage jobs, often are involved in crime and are very likely to require government assistance for life’s basic needs. All of these consequences are expensive alternatives to staying in school.

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Not only are these results debilitating for the individual, but they are costly for taxpayers. Inmates in our state prisons report that dropping out of school was their most frequent “first offense” and was the gateway to further criminal activity.

I suggest that both parents and schools need to make some New Year’s resolutions to renew efforts to reduce the number of school dropouts in our county. Let’s start with our schools.

School Resolution #1 – Early Intervention. The number one reason that dropouts give from leaving school is not feeling successful in school. School was not a positive experience for them.

Our first resolution is to identify students very early who are not having success in school. Lack of success in reading by third grade is often an early warning sign of later academic trouble. For these students, intensive reading assistance, both in school and at home, is very important. These early interventions can mean additional tutorial assistance as well as an increased amount of time devoted to becoming a proficient reader.

Another strategy for school success is to increase the availability of quality preschool for all three and four year olds for them to be ready for school. There is a growing amount of research confirming that students who begin kindergarten ready to learn are much more likely to graduate from high school than students who did not have a quality preschool experience.

School Resolution #2 – Alternative Paths. A companion strategy to early intervention is for schools to provide alternative educational settings for students in danger of dropping out. These alternative settings usually include a smaller teacher-student ratio, a more flexible schedule and access to counseling. Although these interventions are expensive, they are still worth the investment if they enable students to graduate. Two local examples are the Continuation High Schools operated by our local school districts and the Community Schools operated by the County Office of Education.

Parent Resolution #1 – School Is Important. The most important action for parents to take is to convey the consistent message that education is important and the expectation that students will complete high school. Even at an early age, parents should be very clear that attending school is important and they should not enable their children to start developing a habit of missing school that can easily become truancy. Students who have dropped out also say that their parents often did not establish the expectation that school is important nor did their parents have firm rules governing their behavior.

Parent Expectation #2 – The Company You Keep. Another important resolution for parents to make is to monitor how their children spend their time. Dropouts report that another reason for dropping out is associating with other students who have dropped out. It can be very hard to overcome the pressure of peers who have dropped out and are encouraging you to join them. Parents should assist their children to join groups, either in school or outside of school, that promote school attendance and positive involvement. Research shows that just one positive adult role model in the life of an adolescent can make a difference.

Dropping out of school is a process, not an event. It usually involves multiple factors. My hope is that both our schools and parents will work together to reduce the number of school dropouts for this new year.

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united Way’s Imagination Library reading program

By Charlene Rosales children, and is a wonderful alternative to technology and other distractions. The library also includes a small selection of bilingual books which can be received by special request. These books are ideal for parents learning English as a second language, or for introducing children to Spanish.

Jay Beck with daughters Charley and Lucy

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n 1996, country superstar Dolly Parton launched an exciting new effort to benefit the children of her home county in east Tennessee. Parton wanted to encourage a love of reading among preschool age children and their families, and she wanted children to experience the magic that books can create. Moreover, she wanted every child to have books of their very own, regardless of their family’s income. Today, her dream is very much a reality – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has provided over 25 million books to children in three different countries. And now, United Way of San Luis Obispo County is bringing the Imagination Library to local families on the Central Coast.

Children that are newborn infants up to five years old can be enrolled or sponsored into the program for just $50 a year. Every month, they will be mailed a brand new book, suitable for their age level. The books are chosen by a panel of experts and include both hard and soft cover books, and range from topics such as life lessons to bedtime stories. The program also helps strengthen families by encouraging positive interaction between parents and children through shared reading. That special time bonds adults and

Jenny Beck with her daughter Charley

“Education is the foundation for a good quality of life, setting young people on a path of personal fulfillment, economic security and societal contribution,” said Rick London, CEO of United Way of SLO County. “United Way is shining the spotlight on three critical points in students’ lives that help predict success in school and later as adults: readiness to enter kindergarten, reading proficiency in fourth grade and on-time graduation from high school.”

Canada and the United Kingdom. Parton says she’s excited to be working with two organizations with so much international reach.

From now until January 31, Kevin Main Jewelry is participating as a donation place for the Imagination Library. The goal is to raise $8,000 from the community so the Imagination Library can be launched in early 2011.

Kathi and Kevin Main contributed $1,000 to help get the program off the ground and are inviting the community to help support this effort so families in need who may find books to be an unaffordable luxury, can benefit from the program. Those families that can afford to sponsor their own children, or other children, are encouraged to donate.

The Mains got behind the program, partially due to the collaborative partnership between the Imagination Library, United Way and Rotary.

“Readiness to succeed in school means that children enter kindergarten developmentally on track,” said Candy Markwith, United Way of SLO County board president. “If we want to cut down the number of students that drop out of high school, we must improve readiness for children entering kindergarten.”

For United Way, the partnership is a critical strategy to support children and families.

Language and pre-literacy skills are a cornerstone for what children need to succeed in school, work and life. And it’s part of United Way’s long-term strategy to cut the nation’s high school dropout rate by 50%.

To donate, or find out more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, contact United Way of SLO County at (805) 541-1234 or www.unitedwayslo.org. Tax deductible donations can also be made at Kevin Main Jewelry, 720 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo, (805) 547-0662.

The Imagination Library currently partners with over 100 local United Ways across the nation, and now United Way Worldwide and Dolly Parton have set an ambitious goal to serve one million more children across America within the next five years. The partnership with Rotary International supports the expansion of the Imagination Library throughout the United States, J A N U A R Y

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history part 3

Sunny acres

By Joseph A. Carotenuti

The closure of Sunny Acres in 1974 was inevitable. Outdated, injured by desperate juveniles and the unkind hand of time, the home for children and wards of the court became a county embarrassment and liability. However, services were still needed and transferred elsewhere…some even out of the county.

Here’s the story.

Don King began his career as a probation officer in 1958 in a department headed by a chief, eight deputies and three clerks. Crammed into quarters in the county building, part of the staff worked on one floor while the rest were on another. His first years were spent

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in a variety of tasks: from dissolution (and reconciliation) of marriages, child support, writing sentencing reports and a caseload of alcoholics among the varied assignments.

The department also was a place of transition where initial training was received and resignations accepted after personnel received better job offers. Reported Probation Chief Emerson G. McWilliams, his department “has been in the past a training school for other agencies paying higher salaries.”

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Sunny Acres - 1973

King was almost lured away. Testing at the top of an exam for the Youth Authority, the Cal Poly graduate was tempted to go elsewhere until McWilliams offered to promote him to a yet to be created job as Assistant Chief. “It was one of the best decisions of my life,” King recalls some 20 plus years after his retirement. “I was on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he remembers – but he lived locally. “Any time there was an issue with a juvenile, I was called.”

He became a frequent figure at Sunny Acres.

COMMUNITY mendations for closure, but pleas of budget deficiencies delayed the inevitable. In the meanwhile, both the caseload and personnel increased in the Probation Department.

Don King

The building was not envisioned as a juvenile detention center to cope with the increasing flow of youngsters who found themselves afoul of the law or simply in need of refuge.

Recalls local resident Sarah (not her real name) as a teenager, she left a “highly dysfunctional family” by climbing out a bedroom window one night and ran to the police station on Pismo Street. She was taken to Sunny Acres. There “the matron had me take a shower and then I was put in one of the rooms with no doorknob on the inside.” As a security measure, the doors could be locked from the outside but opened simply by twisting the knob. She went to school in clothes provided her and then shortly went to live with a couple who later adopted her – “a blessing to all of us.” Sunny Acres had provided refuge.

After seven years as Assistant, Don moved into the top spot in 1970 with an expanding population of youngsters causing the now named Sunny Acres Juvenile Hall to deteriorate under the strain of age and usage. Periodically, State inspections resulted in recom-

Sunny Acres reception room – 1973

Asked today, Don points to his revamping of the Probation Department as one of the highlights of his career. From developing job incentives to retain personnel to moving into its present home (the former Casa Loma Hospital) off Johnson Avenue in 1972, to construction of the Juvenile Services Center.

Today’s department is unmistakably marked by the career official. However, Sunny Acres loomed just up the hill above the new offices.

Finally, assurances were made for a new facility, but King discovered an animal shelter was to be built instead. So he took some pictures (the only known images of the interior before closure) and started making presentations throughout town. “I became a little bit angry,” King recalls, and following a Tribune expose, he “was ripped considerably by the Board of Supervisors” with accusations of irresponsibility and reprehensible actions…but Sunny Acres was ordered closed.

In the meanwhile, the wards needed shelter and King had already arranged for housing in Salinas and obtained a van to drive the wards north.

Construction of a new facility was delayed until the selection of a site. Initially, a new building was envisioned near the closed home, but quite vocal neighbors opposed the plan. Instead, the “poorest site” of several potential locations was selected on Kansas Street. Santa Barbara architect, Patrick Sullivan, and King among others were interested in more than a building to house wayward youths. The completed structure became a national resource for other jurisdictions looking to build.

The emphasis was to be on rehabilitation, not incarceration.

The facility opened in October 1986 and quickly was recognized throughout the country as an innovative and progressive structure and program.

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doorknocker and then defaced or destroyed the rest. It evolved into a “haunted building” and carries the bizarre scars of vandals.

For Don King, upon his retirement in 1988, Sunny Acres was a memory of uncountable trips to help youngsters and endless repairs to address in days better spent trying to help the often forsaken juveniles of the county.

Today, the stress of the job has long since been replaced by the memories of compassion as that given to a 12-year-old boy living under a bridge in Nipomo and stealing to feed his siblings. It was Don and his wife who brought them to Sunny Acres, made sure they had food, a shower, clean clothes and a safe place to sleep.

For Don, regardless of the anxiety and heartbreak of the job, this remains as a vivid memory – among many – of a life of service…a reflection of the best hopes of Sunny Acres.

Heroism has many definitions, but the most enduring – and endearing – are acts of kindness to those in need.

Thanks to Dick Miller for current photos and Caryn Maddalena and George Rosenberger for access.

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Upon closure, Sunny Acres and its adjoining acreage became surplus property. Used for storage for the nearby General Hospital, it quickly started declining into today’s lonely outpost to the past as trespassers first claimed mission-style lighting fixtures from the common room and even the ornate J A N U A R Y

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COMMUNITY

hospice corner Advance health care planning– your wishes, your decisions

By Laurie Lackland, RN, BSN

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here are many things in life that are out of our hands.

Having an Advanced Health Care Directive in place gives you a way to control something very important – how to

assure that decisions regarding your future medical care will reflect your own wishes, in the event you are unable to voice those wishes. An Advanced Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a document that instructs others

You can now read the Journal Plus online.

Go to www.slojournal.com and take a look.

Easier access for our readers and more exposure for our advertisers.

Tell your friends and family who no longer live in the area.

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about your care should you be unable to make decisions on your own.

At Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, we do address the issue of advance care planning when patients are referred to our program. However, sometimes, it may be too late for the person who has not prepared an AHCD and is unable to communicate due to disease progression or dementia. The AHCD allows one to appoint a health care agent (also known as “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care”) who will have the legal authority to make health care decisions for the person if they are no longer able to speak for themselves. This is typically a spouse, but can be another family member, close friend, or anyone else you feel will see that your wishes and expectations are met. The AHCD allows you to make specific written instructions for your future health care in the event of any situation in which you can no longer communicate your wishes. It provides a clear statement of wishes about your choice to prolong your life or to withhold or withdraw treatment. Since every state has different laws, it is important to use state-specific advanced directives. You may revoke any part of, or the entire Advanced Health Care Directive at any time.

It is suggested that you discuss your health care desires with your physician. He or she is likely to be the one caring for you when your instructions become relevant.

Furthermore, your physician can help you phrase your requests in a way that makes sense to physicians and can answer any questions you may have.

Despite your best efforts to plan for all eventualities in a health care declaration, actual events may not “fit” your directives. It is important that you discuss your desires with family and friends. They can then often help clarify your directives on

COMMUNITY the basis of recollections of specific discussions under specific circumstances. In addition, if you have discussed your wishes with a number of people, it is more likely that those wishes will be honored. Another benefit of discussion with family members is the avoidance of unpleasant scenes and confrontations when you are incapacitated. While family members may have little legal authority to make decisions for incapacitated patients, they may feel they have moral authority. If your wishes have been made clear in advance, there is a greater likelihood that family members will agree to follow your wishes, even if they may personally disagree with your choices.

Experts agree the time to discuss your views about end-of-life care, and to learn about the end-of-life care choices available, is before a life limiting illness occurs or a crisis happens. By preparing in advance, you can help reduce the doubt or anxiety related to making decisions for you when you cannot speak for yourself.

To obtain a copy of a state-specific Advanced Health Care Directive, visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization website at www.caringinfo.org, or contact Hospice Partners.

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JANUARY SUDOKU PRESENTED BY

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

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COMMUNITY

Palm Street Perspective what the recent election means to me

By SLO City Councilman, Andrew Carter

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hank you for re-electing me to City Council. It’s been an honor to serve you the last four years. I look forward to the next four years as well.

I’m proud of the result, but I don’t take too much personal credit for it. I know I’m not that good of a politician. So I’ve spent some time since November 2nd thinking about what my strong showing means.

I received 7,552 votes in the recent election, more than any other Council or mayoral candidate running. That’s the second highest number of votes received in a non-presidential year Council race in the past twenty years. My 31.1% tally is the highest percentage achieved in any Council race in that time with more than four candidates running.

I think it means that voters want the City to get its financial house in order.

During my first term on Council, particularly the last two years, I’ve focused on this issue. During the recent campaign, I focused on it as well – in my voter statement, in my campaign mailings, in the voter forums, on the “Congalton Show.”

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I specifically talked about the need for a twotier pension system and for all City employees to pay a greater share of their pension costs. I talked about the need to revisit our City salary schedules to bring them in line with what other public and private sector employees are making on the Central Coast.

I was the only candidate willing to say that Council should take the lead in trying to get binding arbitration repealed or amended.

I believe fiscal responsibility was the primary issue for most voters in the recent election.

It was true because of the economy. It was true because of Bell. It was true because of reporting in The Tribune and New Times. I believe I was the one candidate, for Council or mayor, most clearly associated with that position. I believe that’s why I did so well.

So fiscal responsibility is going to continue to be my focus going forward. I hope it will be the principle focus of the entire Council – not just a part-time reluctant focus, not just a “what’s the least we can do to address the situation” focus.

It took the City ten years to get into its current financial bind. Council will need to make tough decisions to turn things around.

I believe all of us on Council owe it to our citizens to aggressively deal with the situation now, not just put band-aids on it to get by.

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City Council is about to start its biennial goalsetting process. I urge you to let us know your views. There are three ways to do this. First, return the brief survey you received in your December water and sewer bill. Alternately, you can fill out this survey online by going to www.slocity.org and clicking the Community Priority Survey link at the top of the page.

Second, you can attend a community forum at the Ludwick Center on Tuesday, January 11th at 6:30 p.m. Third, you can send Council an e-mail at slocitycouncil@slocity.org.

Once again, thank you for re-electing me to City Council. I will continue to do my best to serve you.

J A N U A R Y

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Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

W h a t ’s U p New Business News

January 2011

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later, DVDs have been sold around the country—and beyond—enabling communities to develop their own version of a street fair that includes family fun, food, fresh produce, music‌visit Downtown Chico on a Thursday night and you’ll feel right at home as their event mimics our own quite closely—including some of the same business vendors: Mo’s and Woodstocks!

ome Downtown any Thursday night and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a street fair dubbed ‘world famous’ and referred to by locals and regulars as “Farmers� or “Thursday Night.� Since 1983, the Thursday Night Promotions Farmers’ Market (its official designation) has grown over time to include more than two-hundred vendors, entertainers, activities, educational, civic and political components and is visited from people all over the planet.

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he public may marvel that the weekly setup and execution of this five-blocks long event is great success story, the Thursday Night Farmers’ Deborah Cash, CMSM, seamless and smooth—and boasts a solid record of being safe and well-managed. The reality lies Market has a long history beginning as a solution Executive Director with the behind-the-scenes structure that includes to a problem: car cruising on the main drags on a standing committee of the Board of Directors of the Thursday nights was keeping people away from Downtown Downtown Association, a professional and capable staff, so, in 1983, the streets were closed off to deter the activity. support from the members of the Downtown Association, But the result was empty streets—not much better!—inspiring the City of San Luis Obispo, sponsors and participants. the then-BIA to initiate activities like volleyball and barbecues to attract visitors in the evening. A year later, a wice each month, the Thursday Night Promotions farmers’ market was added and from there, the event grew (TNP) committee meets to deliberate over applications, to include food vendors, retail and service vendors, non review market activities including police and private profit groups and clubs, entertainment, special theme nights security reports, discuss upcoming events and vendor and of course, our beloved mascot, Downtown Brown. placement, jury entertainment and ensure compliance of

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n 1996, I developed and produced a video entitled “How To Have a Farmers’ Market in Your Town,� in response to the regular stream of inquiries from other communities wanting to emulate our successful event. Hundreds of videos, and

all applicants with regard to permits, tax certificates and insurance. There are a lot of rules and everyone on the street knows them—a big necessity for the public’s safety.

On the Cover: Private art adds a bit of surprise here at a vacant property located next door to new Downtown business Kreuzberg, CA,

870 Monterey St. The empty windows were transformed after the owners of Kreuzberg, CA commissioned artist Hannah Maier to provide the whimsical and eye catching mural on the historic building that formerly was Moondoggies (now on Chorro and Monterey) and Muzio's Grocery (relocated to Higuera St. in the Wineman Hotel). Photo by Deborah Cash

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eviewing applications to determine the appropriate mix of vendors and jurying entertainment is member Claire Davidson’s favorite part of the job.

She also enjoys walking around the event and meeting people. “The program helps families and other community members interact with each other while at the same time promoting Downtown businesses.” Davidson said she

ong-time member and former chair Doug Shaw, owner of Sanctuary Tobacco, kept it simple: “We put SLO on the map.” Shaw said he particularly enjoys how much activity is always going on. “It’s always fun stuff,” he said. nother former chair and long-time Board member Bob Schinkel came over from the Promotions committee because he particularly likes the special events and themedactivities such as the addition of the annual Veterans Celebration, which in just two short years has proved to be a huge hit with the community. Schinkel said the event involves and impacts so many people “in a good, wholesome way.” As for being on the committee, Schinkel added, “you get so much more out of it than you put in, it really takes so little time to help keep traditions and the community alive and well.”

R Thursday Night Promotions Committee at work.

(L - R), Claire Davidson, Doug Shaw, Chair Ron Meier, Peter Jankay, Dave Righetti, Dominic Tartaglia, Bob Schinkel, Diana Cotta. Not pictured: Officer Tom King, SLOPD. Photo by Deborah Cash

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joined the committee because it is “a great way to be more involved with the city, other businesses and the community.”

ecause the market is an activity of the Downtown Association, its ultimate goal is to benefit members by bringing people Downtown, as we talked about in my Promotions column a couple of months ago. Its secondary benefit is that it also serves to benefit the entire community as a social activity and gathering place.

ommittee (and Board) member Dominic Tartaglia said, “Every time I walk through the Thursday night market, I see people from all over our community coming together to either buy/sell local goods or to simply get out into our town’s fresh air and enjoy being with one another.” Tartaglia says he especially loves the great entertainment offered each week as it showcases local talent to the public, a mutually satisfying arrangement. He also feels that TNP is a key component to the success of Downtown businesses and farmers.

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on Meier, current chair and board member said, “I have an interest in making sure we provide a wonderful community event for all to enjoy. TNP/ Farmers’ Market has become THE community event for families and friends to gather in an open air,

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Thursday Night Promotions Committee continued from previous page social environment. There’s a lot of pride in that.” Meier said that serving on the committee enables someone to understand all the work that goes into orchestrating this event and how it is continually developing.

He’s particularly interested in activities that promote family and community; as the father of a young son, he especially liked this year’s Hallowe’en events the market, “particularly the great and creative costumes of the children.”

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owntown day watch Police Officer Thomas King participates in the meetings to provide communication between law enforcement and Downtown business owners and thinks the activity is important because it promotes local business and provides a feeling of community spirit.

He thinks that anyone who wants to be made aware of local issues and have a say in TNP’s activities should consider joining the committee. His favorite activity at TNP? You guessed it: Law Enforcement Night! (In 2011, May 12th)

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wo members from the Farmers’ Market Association participate on the committee: Peter Jankay, administrator of FMA and board member Dave Righetti. Both are long time affiliates with the market and have built up their own organization’s success both on Thursday night and at other locations around the county. Jankay said he hopes to work with the committee on common interest and to provide FMA perspectives as he believes “Farmers’ Market

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is very important to the community.” Righetti also wants to work with TNP to “move forward on Farmers’ Market issues,” and said he recommends that people join the committee.

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ltimately, success on the street is attributable to TNP Events Coordinator Diana Cotta. You’ve probably seen Diana with her clipboard and radio walking the market and manning the information booth with the calm, commanding demeanor of a general, the cheery, polite helpfulness of a tour guide and the watchful eye of an undercover agent. Overseeing a staff including an assistant and interns, working with maintenance and security crews and conducting walk-throughs with police and health department officials, Diana runs a tight ship with a great sense of humor, professionalism and detail; as well, she is highly respected and popular with participants and the public. We are truly lucky to have Diana running this event that showcases to the world who we are as a community and who the Downtown Association is as an organization.

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ll Downtown Association committees are open to public participation. Next month we’ll highlight the Parking and Access Committee; their job certainly doesn’t have an end product like a parade or a Thursday night market, but it’s just as important nonetheless. After all, the cars bringing all those people Downtown to have fun have to park somewhere! For now, join me in thanking all the TNP committee members and participants and we hope to see you at a market soon…around Downtown!

Photos by Deborah Cash

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both here and nationally. The Coalition works year round to get more people out on bikes through the unique programs Dan Rivoire, Executive Director they offer, all with the goal of making the 860 Pacific St, Suite 105 Central Coast an excellent place to live.

(805) 547-2055 Located directly on the Morro St Bill www.slobikelane.org Roalman Bicycle Boulevard, the Coalition is facebook.com/SLObikecoalition in the perfect spot to help get more people The SLO County Bicycle Coalition is a local biking and walking in the downtown area. non-profit aimed at making San Luis Obispo The downtown Coalition space is clean, a safer and more livable community by filled to the brim with bike culture and promoting biking and walking for everyday use knowledge, and has organizational elements and transportation. The Coalition accomplishes Leslie Bloom, Director of Outreach that are 100% unique to our space, with and Marketing, Garret Farmer, this by advocating for bicycle/pedestrian most things being repurposed/custom made Program Manager and Dan Rivoire, facilities countywide, teaching people how to reflect the creativity that bike culture Executive Director to ride bikes safely and legally through their encourages. As the hub of bicycle culture in Bike Education Workshops, providing a downtown space to SLO County, the Bike Coalition seeks to promote sustainable teach people how to fix their bicycles in the SLO Bike Kitchen, mobility for a better future. Stop by, say hi and get involved! and free bike parking service for local events with the Bike Valet. The Bike Coalition office is open M-F 9:00 am – 5:00 With rising concerns about our environment, transportation pm, and the SLO Bike Kitchen is open Weds, Thurs costs, and health, the bicycle is showing an increased presence 4:00 – 7:00 pm and Sun 12:00 – 4:00 pm

San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition

BUSINESS

eye oN business What’s a Rice broker doing in slo?

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

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operate yet another company, California Food Trading, focusing on providing rice, beans and other commodities to food banks throughout California. The company’s familiarity with food banks and how they operate made Ed an ideal fit for a board seat on the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County. It wasn’t long before he moved into his current position as Chairman of the Board for the Food Bank.

So how’s that for a nice story to kick off the new year: great guy with deep community spirit, leadership and proven business skill moves to SLO and shares it all. There are more Ed Kurtz’s out there—people who could locate their businesses anywhere, but happily for us, choose here.

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et’s start the new year with a dose of optimism and hopes that our economy continues to improve.

When we look around for bright spots in the local economy, there’s a sector that might get overlooked – a new breed of underthe-radar business owners who have come to the Central Coast for the quality of life. These are people who have small businesses that may not be in the immediate local spotlight, but whose operations are anything but small.

I had the occasion recently to meet and get to know just such a business owner. Ed Kurtz is a renaissance man. He loves starting businesses, growing them to maturity and then selling them and moving to a new challenge. The SoCal transplant started his career in the specialty merchandise business, learning sales as he provided logo printed mugs and golf shirts to his teammates on city league basketball teams.

His aptitude for business grew, and he ventured into the food broker business while maintaining his promotional products company at the same time. He and his wife, Bernie, added a son and daughter to their family. In the 1990s with two kids and two businesses keeping life busy, Ed added another layer to his life: he was elected Councilmember in Agoura Hills and eventually served as the city’s mayor.

Kurtz Food Brokers thrived under Ed’s direction. Kurtz is today one of the two largest domestic rice brokers in the U.S. Kurtz Food also sells walnuts, raisins and snack foods. Ed works everyday with buyers from Panda Express to Trader Joe’s, meeting the demand of restaurant and grocery stores throughout the country. He is a walking encyclopedia of worldwide agricultural production, knowing firsthand how climate, too much (and not enough) rainfall and other factors affect availability of the products he sells.

Fast forward to 2004. Ed and Bernie were those people-visitingfriends in Morro Bay who looked around, loved what they saw, and decided that their food brokerage could locate anywhere.

The couple moved to San Luis Obispo. Their timing was perfect, because just about the time of the move the Kurtz’ daughter Jamie was finishing her degree at Cal Poly. Ed focused his attention fulltime on Kurtz Food Brokers and encouraged Jamie to tackle the promotional products business.

Jamie jumped in, succeeded and eventually purchased the company.

She has grown it in the six years since she first began. Side bar note: Jamie is also one of the driving forces behind the Young Professionals’ Networking Group, a local organization that boasts over 700 members. Those Kurtz’ know how to get things done.

And it doesn’t stop there. Jamie’s husband, Kevin Magon, shares the family’s drive. He joined Ed in the food business, and the two today J A N U A R Y

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

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crime prevention officers honor marsha mann 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

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The California Crime Prevention Officers’ Association Region 4 recently awarded Crime Prevention Specialist Marsha Mann, Practitioner of the year. Marsha has been with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff ’s Department for 3 years and has over 12 years of crime prevention experience with other agencies including Fresno Sheriff ’s Department and San Diego Sheriff ’s Department. Marsha Mann has organized the Sheriff ’s Citizen academy for the past 3 years and has recruited 8 volunteers for our agency.

These volunteers help provide extra patrol on the street, help run the Graffiti Removal Truck, and also assist with many of our annual functions like Cops and Kids Day, and Sheriff Day at the Ranch. Ms. Mann also teaches Neighborhood Watch programs throughout the county, assisting communities with safeguarding their homes and property. Pictured above from left to right: SLOSO Crime Prevention Specialist Marsha Mann, SLOSO Sgt. Andy Rasmussen, and Crime Prevention Specialist (CCPOA Region 4 President) Pam Relyea from Santa Barbara.

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The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is looking for bright and talented individuals with a love of art to share their skills as volunteers.

It’s a great way to be involved in the creative community of San Luis Obispo County and to expand your knowledge of art. There are four ways to volunteer at the Museum of Art. A Gallery Docent meets, greets and provides visitors with information and leads tours. A Museum Assistant helps with various gallery and administrative tasks. A Curatorial Assistant helps install and take down shows. A Special Events Assistant helps with various tasks during special events. For more information, please stop by the Museum of Art located at 1010 Broad St in San Luis Obispo (on the corner of Monterey), or contact Maura Johnston by phone at (805) 543-8562 or email her at mjohnston@sloma.org.

two new community board members at fhmc French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of two new community leaders to their Community Board of Directors: Robert Doria, M.D. and Kerry Pollock. Robert Doria, M.D., FACC has been practicing Cardiovascular Medicine as a partner with Coastal Cardiology since 1990. Pollock is the Chief Operating Officer at Morris and Garritano Insurance. She has previously served on the FHMC Foundation Board since July 2005. The role of the Community Board is to assure that the health services provided at the hospital are medically necessary, of high quality, safe, effective, efficient, and consistent with community standards.

J A N U A R Y

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

43

NEW TO TOWN?

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community foundation recipients Five local arts organizations received a total of $18,386 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: ARTS Obispo, Morro Bay Art Association, Opera San Luis Obispo, San Luis Chamber Orchestra and SLO Symphony. The SLOCCF has more than 200 funds and long-term endowments that support a wide range of causes and community-based organizations.

To donate to a fund, create a new one, or get more information about SLOCCF, please call 543-2323 or log on to www.sloccf.org.

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Loan Officer / DRE Lic #01359516

805.234.5081

bmott@bankofcommercemortgage.com www.bankofcommercemortgage.com

free senior health screening Free Senior Health Screening 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 788-0827 for dates, times and locations.

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A five-year-old boy named Cooper Giron, who suffers from severe food allergies, and his parents recently returned from a visit to Colorado to retrieve and receive two weeks of training with Chip their new Australian Labradoodle, who is a specially trained service dog.

Last December, the Giron family received an unexpected donation from a joint effort between Jack’s Helping Hand and Kevin Hill’s 6th grade class at Bishop’s Peak Elementary School who contributed $139 toward the $5,000 total to cover the traveling expenses of the trip. The family patiently waited ten months for the specially selected dog to be ready. Pictured above are the Girons with Paul and Bridget Ready of Jack’s Helping Hand.

PG&E donates $10,000 to octagon barn In anticipation of the New Year, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) is funding $10,000 of the proposed restoration to the Octagon Barn Milking Parlor for the refurbishment of the historic site, proposed to start in 2011. The PG&E donation was announced at the Octagon Barn Holiday Lighting Ceremony Saturday, December 3rd, where The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County staff, board members, and supporters gathered to celebrate the longevity of the historic Octagon Barn, as well as the new site developments for enhancing and establishing the Barn as an eventual community center.

rsvp involvement opportunities Put your life experience to work with RSVP. Join with many other seniors, age 55 and over, who are taking time to improve the lives of others. RSVP can match your talents and interests with community needs. Call 544-8740 and offer your services. The RSVP office is accepting applications to serve on the Board of Directors for this very important senior organization. Those with prior grant writing experience would be most welcome; RSVP is also looking for individuals with fund-raising expertise. These needs are critical and ongoing.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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

Ccfc reaches $1 million dollar giving goal Central Coast Funds for Children recently announced that a milestone was achieved by reaching a million dollar goal of giving – $1,025,670 since 1994. More than 55 local County children organizations have benefitted from CCFC grants. 2010 grant recipients include ACTS, ALPHA, Assistance League, Atascadero Community Link, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Central Coast Children’s Choir, Camp Fire Council of Central Coast, Camp Hapitok, Community Counseling Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Equine Alliance, Family Care Network, First Tee Central Coast, Fort Hope, Inc., La Clinica de Tolosa.

Morro Bay Community Foundation, North County Women’s Shelter, North SLO County Boys & Girls Club, Paso Robles Oak Park Soccer League, S.A.V.E., SLO Child Development Center, SLO Children’s Museum, SLO County Child Abuse Prevention, SLO High School – Sober Grad Nite, SLO Museum of Art, SLO Symphony, South County Youth Coalition, and Youth Outreach for Performing Arts totaling $76,000! CCFC was also honored by Board of Supervisor Katcho Achadjian with the presentation of a special certificate. Central Coast Funds for Children, a non-profit corporation, is established to raise funds for children in need in San Luis Obispo County. The corporation shall raise funds through a variety of methods, including but not limited to, contributions and charitable events. For more information about our upcoming events and/or how to apply for a grant, visit www.centralcoastfundsforchildren.org.

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

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history center of slo’s multi-media walking tour The first of three unique, 90-minute walking tours of historic San Luis Obispo is ready for use by locals and visitors alike. This creative exercise in multimedia combines audio narrative with visual archival photos while you walk, giving users a richly detailed and multi-layered look at the city’s history. Simply log on to HistoryCenterSLO.org or HeritageShared.org to download the tour, titled Historic Downtown San Luis Obispo. Walkers can then use any of several hand-held devices, such as iPads, iPods, or most “smart phones” to direct their walking tour. They can view the tour online or they can rent ipods from the History Center for only $10. Two more tours are in the planning stages—one for the Railroad District of the city, and one that takes walkers through the little known “underground” landmarks of the Prohibition Era. For more information about how to use this leading-edge, multi-media walking tour of historic Downtown SLO, call (805) 543-0638 or log onto www.HistoryCenterSLO.org.

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COMMUNITY greenberg said, “When you’re playing, awards don’t seem like

JANUARY Almanac

much. Then you get older and all of it becomes more precious. It is nice to be remembered.”

By Phyllis Benson

national thank you month: Thank a friend for a favor, a stranger for a courtesy, and your family for patience.

“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”

--- Farmer’s Almanac

blog: Be thankful for what you have escaped. january 20, 1961: John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as president. He said, “My brother Bob doesn’t want to be in government. He promised Dad he’d go straight.”

resolve to recycle more. Start with last year’s resolutions. the 2011 tournament of roses parade opens the year.

Marching bands, floral floats and equestrians parade through Pasadena streets.

January 1971: Apollo 14 departed for the moon. The space cruise introduced lunar golf. Astronaut Alan Shepard used a makeshift golf club to swat a ball in moon dust.

January 20, 1981: Ronald Reagan became president. He said,

this year the Rose Parade theme is “Building Dreams,

“Information is the oxygen of the modern age. It seeps through the walls topped by barbed wire, it wafts across the electrified borders.”

Friendships & Memories.”

new year tweet: “I will start buying lottery tickets at a

Northridge: On Jan. 17, 1994, a major earthquake struck the

luckier store.”

Scotland marks Hogmanay, seeing out the old year and bringing

in the new. Traditions include cleaning the house, paying debts, and celebrating friendships.

january 2nd is a holiday to recover from the week of

San Fernando Valley. Damage rippled over 80 miles, killed dozens of people, and injured thousands more. Damage was in the billions of dollars.

January 29th is National Puzzle Day. The baffling event

Hogmanay festivities.

honors all puzzles, large and small, word games and tactile tangles.

the festival of sleep is an unofficial day to sleep in, nap, doze,

Deepak chopra said, “There are no extra pieces in the

or otherwise pay back that holiday sleep debt.

comedian Carrie Snow said, “No day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap.”

sesquicentennial: Kansas kicks off 150 years of statehood.

The Sunflower State boasts the buffalo as its official animal, the box turtle as its state reptile, and “Home On The Range” as the state song.

century: Baseball slugger Hank Greenberg, known as Hammerin’ Hank, was born Jan. 1, 1911. Greenberg was elected to the Hall of Fame before he retired to California.

universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.”

our mechanic says his customers are great puzzlers. They

tinker on a car, have a few parts left over, and are puzzled that the car won’t start.

backwards day is january 31st. Think backwards and

do topsy-turvy tasks. Our barber gives customers books to read backwards. Children recite the alphabet from Z to A for a free haircut.

the farmer’s almanac says this is the month for

hardscaping such as putting up fences and building arbors,

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FIVE HONOREES ONE GLORIOUS NIGHT Presenting an evening of entertainment and celebration: The San Luis Obispo County Performing Arts Honors, on January 29, 2011, at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly.

Five outstanding county artists will be honored, representing the categories of vocal, instrumental, drama, dance and director. Top performing artists and ensembles will provide an evening of inspired entertainment in honor of our brightest super stars.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this inaugural performance of the year. Tickets on sale now at www.pacslo.org.

*ANUARY s 0ERFORMING !RTS #ENTER #AL 0OLY 4)#+%43 /. 3!,% ./7 !243 s WWW PACSLO ORG Sponsored by The Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo. Proceeds from the gala event will fund scholarships for students in the county who desire to continue their education specialty after high school.

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