January 2016 Journal Plus Magazine by SLO Journal

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JournalPLUS JANUARY 2016

MAGA ZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

ELIAS NIMEH DEDICATING HIS 500-MILE WALK TO SLO’S SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM

M A R I N A

W A S H B U R N

805-543-2172

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h t i w g n i An even

c i t s u o c A l a i c e p S Performance

Saturday February 13 8 pm live at the

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Presented by the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

CONTENTS

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

WALKING THE CAMINO FOR LOCAL SENIORS

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 Susan Stewart PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Meinhold DISTRIBUTION Jan Owens, Kyle Owens, Jim Parsons, Gary Story ADVERTISING Steve Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. James Brescia, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Will Jones, Deborah Cash, Heather Young, Don Morris, Rebecca LeDuc, Tina Solomon, Beverly Gingg, Richard Bauman, Garret Olson and Dan Carpenter. 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 a free monthly distributed to over 600 locations throughout the Central Coast and is also available online at slojournal.com 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 ELIAS NIMEH

DAVID MURILLO

DON LAMPSON

PEOPLE 7 8 10 12 14 16

GIRL SCOUT GIVES BACK DAVID MURILLO RUN CUFF DON LAMPSON TAURIA LINALA ELIAS NIMEH

HOME & OUTDOOR 20 TRAVEL: INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY 23 A MESSAGE FROM SLO’S FIRE CHIEF 24 FOOD / AT THE MARKET

COMMUNITY

26 28 30 32 34 36 41 42

SLO COUNTY ART SCENE MARINA WASHBURN & THE DANA ADOBE HISTORY: 1849 Aerial Locomotive HISTORY: Walter Murray – part 4 OUR SCHOOLS – Dr. James Brescia PALM STREET – Councilman Carpenter CENTRAL COAST’S GREATEST ATHLETES COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

BUSINESS

37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 46 EYE ON BUSINESS

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COMING UP AT THE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER W. TERRENCE SPILLER PIANO RECITAL

BACH IN THE MISSION VI: ‘ST. JOHN PASSION’

January 08 | 8:00 p.m.

January 23 | 8:00 p.m.

Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre

Old Mission Church

Presented by Cal Poly Music Department

HAL HOLBROOK: MARK TWAIN TONIGHT

BACH AT TRINITY (SANTA BARBARA)

January 09 | 8:00 p.m.

January 24 | 3:30 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center

Trinity, Santa Barbara

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

Presented by Cal Poly Music Department

MET LIVE IN HD:

BERG’S LULU

DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT

January 10 | 2:00 p.m.

January 24 | 3:00 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center

Presented by Cal Poly Arts & Opera San Luis Obispo

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

MET LIVE IN HD: BIZET’S LES PÊCHEURS DE PERLES

THE BEACH BOYS

January 17 | 2:00 p.m. Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Cal Poly Arts & Opera San Luis Obispo

January 28 | 7:30 p.m. Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Pacific Coast Concerts

TOMMY EMMANUEL: “IT’S NEVER TOO LATE” TOUR

WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL UKULELE ORCHESTRA

January 21 | 7:30 p.m.

January 29 | 8:00 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

CHAMBER CONCERT:

‘BACH AND SONS’

MET LIVE IN HD:

PUCCINI’S TURANDOT

January 22 | 8:00 p.m.

January 30 | 9:55 a.m.

Old Mission Church

Christopher Cohan Center

Presented by Cal Poly Music Department

Presented by Cal Poly Arts & Opera San Luis Obispo

LOS LOBOS FIESTA MEXICO-AMERICANA: A CELEBRATION OF MEXICANAMERICAN HERITAGE

MOSCOW FESTIVAL BALLET CHOPINIANA AND ROMEO & JULIET

January 22 | 8:00 p.m.

January 31 | 7:00 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center

Presented by Cal Poly Arts

WWW.PACSLO.ORG | 805-756-4TIX (4849)

From the publisher

ast month I attended two events at our local San Luis senior communities. The first was at The Manse where the first and fourth graders from Old Mission School sang carols and played Christmas songs on the piano. The second was at the Villages where they opened up their building to the community and had a holiday party. What I found most gratifying was that the facilities were so warm and inviting. The ad at the left of this column tells us about the Alzheimer’s and Dementia care center at Sydney Creek. This is just one of the facilities that offer several levels of care ... a great option for our aging population. Our cover story this month covers Senior Nutrition’s Elias Nimeh’s 500-mile walk along the El Camino in Spain. He has received more than $5000 worth of pledges for the Senior Nutrition Program. You will love his story.

Your Happy Place.

We have several other profiles on people who are giving back to our community. The first is on the following page where one of our Girl Scouts, Alexis Whiteford, took it upon herself to install an informational kiosk along one of our trails. Finally, Susan Stewart caught up with the Dana Adobe’s Executive Director, Marina Washburn. She profiled Marina and tells us all about the Dana Adobe. Plenty of good reading again this month. And as always, enjoy the magazine.

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Journal PLUS MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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Steve Owens

giving back

COMMUNITY

alexis whiteford local girl scout earns top award By Beverly Gingg

hen Alexis Whiteford set her eyes on earning a Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, her first challenge was to choose a project worthy of this prestigious award and with lasting value to the community. The project has to be educational and sustainable. In June 2014, Alexis wrote to Beverly Gingg, “I was thinking about areas that are important to me and close to my heart and the Learning Among the Oaks (LATO) program jumped right to the top.” Now celebrating its 10th year, LATO is an outdoor science education program based at Santa Margarita Elementary School. A nature trail developed on 15 acres of private Santa Margarita Ranch land adjacent to the school provides a place where children and families can explore and learn about the oak woodland community. Trail access is restricted to guided educational hikes and activities. Alexis proposed to create and install an informational kiosk at the beginning of the oak trail. Now a junior at Atascadero High School, Alexis spent her elementary school years in Santa Margarita. She was in first grade when LATO started in 2005 as a program of the University of California Cooperative Extension. Each year, Alexis ventured out with her classmates to explore the oak woodlands just beyond the school parking lot. In 5th grade, she became involved in an after school 4-H science project on the oak trail. Coming up with a great idea was just the beginning. Alexis was then challenged to work through each step of the kiosk project. These included design, budget, communications, fundraising, construction, installation, donor acknowledgements and more. Project advisor Beverly Gingg commented, “I was impressed by Alexis’s professionalism and resourcefulness through each step. The newly installed kiosk is a beautiful and practical addition that will be used and enjoyed for many years to come.”

Learning Among the Oaks is a program of The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. After its successful start within the University of California, funded by two multi-year grants from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, LATO transitioned to its nonprofit home within The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County in January 2013. For more information about LATO or to schedule a guided hike, contact program director Beverly Gingg at bevg@learningamongtheoaks. org or visit learningamongtheoaks.org. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is a local nonprofit land trust working to protect and restore local landscapes for the benefit of people and wildlife. The land trust’s efforts help protect drinking water sources, prevent poorly planned development, restore wildlife habitat and promote family farmlands and ranches in our region. For over 30 years, The Land Conservancy has led collaborative efforts to permanently protect over 14,500 acres of land in San Luis Obispo County. Details at www.LCSLO.org or call (805) 544-9096.

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david murillo pursuing life’s dreams By Will Jones

ike countless young Americans before him, David Murillo started playing tee-ball when he was five years old. At the time, he was living in Ojai with his parents, David and Sandra, and his younger brother, Marco. It was the beginning of a baseball journey that would lead him to signing a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels in June, 2014, accomplishing a goal and realizing a dream that eludes all but an elite few.

“My parents encouraged me to try all sports, which I did, but I always knew baseball was the one I wanted to pursue. I hoped I would someday play professionally. We were all Dodgers fans, so it was kind of weird when the Angels offered me a contract.” David knew baseball was the sport for him as soon as he started pitching, when he was ten. “I was unhittable. I pitched a complete game, six innings, in my first start. Up until then I was a second baseman and outfielder, but one day they said, ‘David, you’re going to pitch,’ and I got everybody out. I was the number one pitcher after that.” The Murillo family moved to San Luis Obispo when David was in fifth grade. He tried out for the Cal Ripken League and was noticed by Mike Shields, an assistant coach for a local club team. “As my family and I were getting into the car to leave, he introduced himself and asked if I’d be interested in being on the team. After that baseball became a year-round sport for me.” Former professional baseball player, Casey Candaele, was David’s club team coach when he was thirteen, and then became the head coach at San Luis Obispo High School when David arrived there. Along with Bobby Ryan, another coach with professional experience, David learned more about pitching, but also played other positions. “Casey and Bobby taught me about the importance of balance and consistent delivery. You can throw ninety-sevenmiles-an-hour but you have to locate your pitches to succeed. I

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give all my credit to those two guys. They kept me from developing bad habits.” David’s potential as a college pitcher became clear by his junior year. He even received an invitation from the Chicago White Sox to attend a pitching showcase in Fresno. “We had a very good team at SLOHS, including players like Max Duval, who is still playing independent ball, Scott Shields, who played for Ramapo, a Division III World Series team, and John Tiedemann who pitched for Hofstra, a Division I school.”

PEOPLE The Murillo family

Playing professionally was a big adjustment. “The seams on the baseballs are lower, so you have to relearn how to hold the ball. The hitters don’t miss fastballs down the middle of the plate. The athletic level is off the charts. The young Latin players were so smooth and their hands so quick it was like they were born wearing gloves.” David performed very well in his first season. He pitched thirtyseven innings in relief, with a 3-1 record and forty strikeouts. He came home, and then got a call, again while at the beach, to go to Lancaster to play at the advanced A level, two leagues higher than his Rookie League. “I pitched three innings that night and finished the season at that level.”

It wasn’t until his second year at Cuesta College that he focused exclusively on pitching. “I had dreams of being drafted, but I couldn’t focus on that. I had to stay focused on what I was doing and give myself the opportunity.” From Cuesta, David transferred to Lewis and Clark State University in Lewiston, Idaho. “That was a game changer. They’d won sixteen NAIA championships since 1985. They sent me a DVD of their championship games and I knew that’s where I wanted to go.” His new coach, Jeremiah Robbins, emphasized hard work, mental and physical toughness, and the importance of team success over individual achievement. “What we did off the field helped me understand better what to do on the field. We chopped wood, did all kinds of crazy things. On the field we dressed old school: no batting gloves, knee high pants, all the same cleats, no wrist bands, no eye black. It took a different kind of player to make it in that program. There were talented guys who could handle it physically but not mentally.” David threw well as a reliever in two NAIA National Championship games, but the team came up short in both. “In my senior year I was a closer, high intensity situations, which I loved: bases loaded, two outs, the game riding on the next pitch. That’s why you play the game.” By the time he finished pitching for Lewis and Clark, David threw four pitches well: fastball, curveball, changeup and slider, with his fastball at ninety-two-miles-per-hour. Major League teams, especially the Toronto Blue Jays, were showing interest in him.

Although he did well in spring training in 2015, David was cut in the last week. “I kind of knew it was coming because other guys who’d gone to big Division I schools had already been cut. My information was released to other major league clubs plus independent ball teams. Several independent teams called and I signed with the Gateway Grizzlies in Belleville, Illinois.” He had an up and down experience and wasn’t surprised when he was cut three months into the season. “It hurt, but it happens. Life goes on.” Despite his disappointment, David has no regrets about the time, work and effort he put into his baseball career. “I worked hard, gave it all I had. I learned that to have a chance to be successful you have to outwork everyone. I don’t regret anything. I know I can still get people out, so it’s bitter sweet, but I had a great experience.” David is planning to continue his education and hopes to become a geologist. He currently installs cable lines for three communications companies. “I’ve had great role models, especially my dad, who works for Obispo Constructors, Casey and Jeremiah. All of them pushed me and taught me to work hard.” Like all great athletes, David thinks about coming back to the sport he loves. “I read an article by Pedro Martinez about how pitchers come into their prime at twenty-eight when they learn to understand the art of pitching. So I have a few years to go and maybe another opportunity will come up.” After talking to David, I added another “win” to the “win-win” concept as a way to describe him: a humble, grateful young man who lived a dream and has an incredibly bright future. Who could ask for a better start in life?

“I played summer ball in Bend, Oregon, between my junior and senior year. The father of a catcher on the team was an assistant general manager for the Angels. He saw me pitch and told me he’d get me a contract if I wasn’t picked in the draft. But I always thought the Blue Jays had the most interest in me.” When he wasn’t picked in the draft, in June 2014, the Angels called and asked David if he would sign a free agent contract. He was at the beach with his girlfriend at the time. “I said yes because I just wanted an opportunity to showcase my skills.” Within a week he was on his way to Tempe, Arizona, for the Rookie League short season. “I had my own locker with my name on it, all my Angels gear. It was amazing. My family was thrilled, especially my youngest brother Diego, who’s twelve. He was stoked!”

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PEOPLE

ron cuff

using his flight experience to help prevent child drug use By Heather Young

on Cuff of Paso Robles spends part of his time in retirement volunteering with SafeLaunch, a nonprofit he founded with Janet Rowse and Mari Mender in 2010.

“I came to realize through [involvement]… with other nonprofit organizations … that almost everything I’ve done as a community volunteer, it always seems to lead back to drug addiction,” Cuff said. “The problem I was trying to solve always led back to drug addiction.” So the trio decided to go back where addiction begins—with children. Once addicted, Cuff said, treatment only works 10 percent of the time. Cuff said he doesn’t denigrate treatment, as it is important; however, treatment is extremely expensive and does affect the person’s friends and families. “If we can prevent it, it’s extremely effective,” Cuff said, adding that SafeLaunch’s goal is to stop or delay first exposure as long as possible. He described the first exposure they’re combating as the child’s first time ingesting the substance, which is usually alcohol or marijuana. “No one starts with heroin. Most people start at a very young age with one substance and move on to other substances.”

the opportunity to paint [their idea of prevention],” Cuff said. “I talk to them that their life is kind of like a flight: ‘If you want to have a successful flight, you train for it.’ … They see life has a lot of possibilities as long as you plan for it.” At the shows, children can sit in the airplane in addition to painting the outside. Originally, Cuff’s plane had stripes on it, but he removed them. Once they were removed, he said it looked like a blank canvas, so he decided to offer it as a way for children to be creative in thinking about prevention. “The other pilots think I’m crazy to let kids paint on my plane,” Cuff said. “The paint washes off … the point is for them to paint their version of a healthy, nondrug-addicted future.”

He said that the strategy of the last two to three decades of telling children to make good choices hasn’t been working.

Through the air shows, Cuff said he’s talked with parents, some of whom who have shared their stories of addiction.

“Children don’t always make a good choice and we can’t expect them to because their brains aren’t fully developed,” Cuff said.

“I talked to one parent who was exposed by a babysitter at age 7 and he’s in recovery. Another parent was exposed at age 8,” Cuff said. “You get exposed to an addictive substance at that age. ... We know that a 14-yearold is six times more receptive than an adult to become addicted.”

Currently, SafeLaunch is based in Santa Barbara and has traveled around the West Coast to air shows to bring their message of prevention to children and their parents. Cuff takes his white Cessna airplane to air shows. “We plug it as a static display and offer the kids

Children sitting in the cockpit during a SafeLaunch program. J A N U A R Y

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SafeLaunch focuses on children 8 to 12 years of age because Cuff said that those are the ages when most first active exposure happens. It’s like

A group of kids who painted Ron’s plane.

PEOPLE

Currently SafeLaunch attends air shows with its program Flights Above Addiction; has Media $500 Contests, where six winners who can best interpret an addiction prevention theme are chosen in the categories of art, photography, songwriting, video, writing and drama; and SafeLaunch Parent Association, where parents of school-aged children can learn how to protect their children from contracting the disease of addiction. He said in 2016, the board is looking forward to offering parents opportunities to utilize the tools the organization offers. Additionally, they are working to provide tests to parents that will allow them to test their children for signs of impairment. “If they refuse the test or fail the test, it gives the parents an opportunity to find out what’s going on,” Cuff said. The final paint job by some of the SafeLaunch students.

For more information on SafeLaunch, go to www.safelaunch.org, call 805-283-SAFE or email info@safelaunch.org.

Pandora’s box, once they’re exposed you can’t unwind it,” Cuff said. The organization is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit that does not receive any taxpayer money and no one involved with the organization receives any salary.

Cuff is a retired United States Naval Commander. He served for 28 years, joining the Navy in 1974 and retiring in 2002. His last post was as the commanding officer of a reserve unit at Point Mugu in Ventura County. He entered the Navy after he graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in business administration. He went to flight school in Pensacola, Fla., became a flight instructor and spent part of his career as a carrier pilot based in the Philippines. Cuff said he joined the Navy because he wanted to fly. “Vietnam was still on when I was in college,” Cuff said. “My dad had a long career with United Airlines and he encouraged me to become a pilot, so I did.” He entered college on a Navy scholarship, so he knew he would enter the Navy once he graduated. Over the course of his career, he has flown to Australia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Africa and other areas. In 2004, Cuff moved to Paso Robles. He grew up in the Bay Area, spent his formative years in Illinois, then returned to California. His son, Ryan, lives in Solvang, where he builds custom homes. Cuff helps Ryan by raising construction funds for G.J. Gardner Construction. He also has a master’s degree in business administration and management from the University of LaVerne. He’s been involved in organizations such as the Optimist Club, San Luis Obispo Child Abuse Prevention Council, Freestyle Foundation and more. While in the Navy, he was deputy director of the Navy and Marine Corp Drug Free, an organization based in New Orleans. He traveled between New Orleans and Ventura as needed.

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“I have been blessed to work closely with Ron …” Rowse said. “Having built SafeLaunch from its inception together makes me uniquely qualified to recommend him as a person of character and as a business partner. His strategic planning, long-range vision, unfailing commitment, generosity, humility, flexibility, and problem-solving skills are some of his assets I most admire.”

MARDI

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Save the Date

February 6, 2016 5:30 - 8:30 pm New Location!

SLO Vets’ Hall 801 Grand Avenue, SLO Sit-down Dinner · Line Dancing Wine Table · Live Auction Tickets $75 SLOculinarycarnival.com A fundraiser for the Prado Day Center, helping the homeless of San Luis Obispo County since 1997

Though SafeLaunch is currently based in Santa Barbara, with Cuff and volunteers traveling to air shows around the West Coast; in 2015, the organization went to six shows: Watsonville, Salinas, Sacramento, Prescott, Ariz., Del Monte and Santa Inez. Cuff said in the future the board would like to franchise. J A N U A R Y

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PEOPLE

don lampson

Don Lampson and Peg Grady at their home in Santa Margarita.

“Every night is Saturday night and every day’s like Sunday” By Deborah Cash

ocal personality—some might say “colorful character”—Don Lampson has a million stories, a treasure trove of one-liners, a wry smile and an unabashed love for his partner Peg Grady along with affection for his adopted hometown of Santa Margarita and lifelong connection to music. In the introduction to his most recent CD that includes five original compositions, “Songs from Then, and Now,” Lampson says the music is inspired by “true life experiences and/or a vivid imagination.”

Indeed, Lampson’s life recollections are interesting, intense and wonderful or sorrowful, depending. His demeanor is reminiscent of Jimmy Buffet, Garrison Keillor and Will Rogers all rolled into one— he’s funny, insightful, laid back, prone to historic detail and typically

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clad in Hawaiian shirt and sandals. “I remember a lot of things,” he said recently. “I have a good memory.” His story begins with being born in Long Beach, CA to Forrest and Georgie Lampson. “My mom was a preacher’s daughter and my dad was a certified welder at age 18,” Lampson said. “Dad came out to California from Oklahoma, met my mom and they eventually moved to Newhall.” Newhall, his story goes, “wasn’t anything back then— a country town of about 1,500 people. I went to class in a Seventh-day Adventist one-room schoolhouse.” Lampson says he walked a mile each way “across a dry wash, through hobo jungles down from a potato packing shed.” Newhall was also a railroad town; and being about 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles was home to many “cowboy movie people” including the famous roper “Monty Montana,” who kept several horses next to the school. “One day Monty roped our entire class,” he reminisced of the cowboy who was in “lots of parades and even roped Presidents Truman and Eisenhower.” The family moved to Whittier when Lampson was 10 years old and Lampson started playing the guitar. “By age 12, I was pretty cute and my mom started taking me to perform at TV stations, shopping center openings, etc.—she was a real stage mom!” he recalled. He was on the legendary amateur TV show “Rocket to Stardom” an all-night broadcast at a car dealership in Bellflower. While in high school, Lampson played in local surf bands and founded a group called The Outlaws. The quartet made a record and was featured at local dances and live TV on the Wink Martindale show where they were co-guests with The Ventures of “Wipe Out” and “Walk Don’t Run” fame. “We were hopelessly outclassed,” he laughed. Lampson said he “barely graduated from high school with the goal of becoming a folk singing hobo” at which he failed quickly. “It was too hard and dirty a life for me so I settled on becoming a folk singing beach bum around Newport and Huntington Beach,” he said. Those carefree days came to an end when Lampson received his draft notice in 1965 and was sent to Vietnam the following year. When his service was over and he returned home, he went to school on the GI Bill, worked as a factory hand during the day and played music at bars on the weekend—it was a boring life but change was in the air, he said.

PEOPLE

Don Lampson (center back) and The Outlaws in 1961.

In 1971, Lampson moved to Glacier, WA, population 89 and became a logger for three years, then came to Cal Poly to study Journalism and worked for a time at F. McLintock’s, the Dark Room and other local bars. After a stint at the Santa Maria Times, he joined the LA Herald Examiner team where he sold advertising to car dealers. It was there he met his soul mate Peg Grady. “We’ve been together 34 years this July,” he fondly noted. But it was a hectic time, he said, working with hundreds of people, commuting long hours. He’d cut short his drive time to play at a local “newspaper bar” after work for a couple hours, making a few bucks and then driving home. “Everyone else was spending money, I was making it!”

plays regularly at venues around the county including The Porch Café. “I’m pleased with my music,” he said, “I’m good. It helps me keep up with Peg,” he said referencing her success as a contemporary artist whose works are on display at Rainbow Hut studios in Santa Margarita. Lampson enjoys travelling to Costa Rica and Mexico but says they like to stay close to home, too. “I mostly do astral projection now,” he says, explaining they have a 19-year-old cat “Junior” who’s “on his last legs.” Lampson’s daughter Terra is a teacher in Baltimore and he’s a proud granddaddy to Cooper, 24 who lives in Bend, Oregon (and who Lampson says “reminds me of myself at that age”) and Schuyler, 23, who Lampson beams is “smart and gorgeous and wants to come out here.” Rounding out his life are some amazing photographic works that he occasionally posts on Facebook. “Oh, I’ve been taking pictures for years. In Vietnam I took tons of photos but as we were leaving they confiscated a lot of them. You know, no naked girls, war photos, nothing like that going out.” As is his trademark, he ends this observation with a hearty, “Haw, Haw, Haw.” It must be almost Saturday night! On living in Santa Margarita: “We’re here to stay. I have Plot B in the local cemetery.” On chickens: “I’ve tried urban chickens. I just don’t see them as pets. The chickens we had when I was a kid weren’t pets. I bought a plastic sword from the drug store and I would fight the chickens. A rooster got me

Don Lampson today

good but the next Sunday he was in the stew pot—surrounded by noodles.” On his dreams of being a politician: “Peg and I moved from Carmel to Creston in 1987 to hide my shame over losing the election for Carmel City Council.” On his early career desires: “I started playing music at age 10 and later played in some surf bands but was never serious about trying to make a living. I had nothing but a ‘for rent’ sign between my ears back then.”

A college friend, Bill Morem, contacted Lampson to come work for him in Carmel. “We moved into his granny unit and hung out together for a few years. We were in the hole: Down and Out in Carmel!” he laughed, “so I got a job with the Department of Corrections in Soledad and our lifestyle improved considerably. I ran for City Council in Carmel because the big issue then was them trying to get rid of granny units! I lost and we moved. I transferred to California Men’s Colony in 1986.” Lampson and Peg bought their ranch in Santa Margarita in 1994 and Lampson retired in 2000. “People here are warm, wonderful and hardworking,” he observed. “The neighbors and friends we’ve made are the most talented and loving souls I’ve ever known. How so many creative people can come from a town of 1,500 is simply amazing,” Lampson said. Lampson retained his love for music. He recently released his fourth album and

One of Lampson’s landscape photographs. J A N U A R Y

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tauria linala a voice for the elderly By Ruth Starr

hen Tauria was 4 years old, her father was a news supplier for a radio station in Lancaster, CA. He would take Tauria and her sister along when he would cover stories. In the process, Tauria became exposed to different cultures, people and events. She remembers when in 7th grade there was a boy who wore the same clothes to school every day. One day she got up her nerve to asked him why. He said it was because he was poor. She was confused. Her family always had what it needed. Never having been exposed to poor people before, Tauria became interested in learning about poverty. She began by advocating for poor people. Her interest grew into politics and volunteering for the Democratic party. Working door to door, she delivered fliers representing a candidate who was running for the U.S. Congress. The nature of her father’s job caused the family to move to different California cities quite often. While living in Santa Maria she organized students and others to end the Vietnam war. She also worked for Cesar Chavez with the farm worker’s union. She

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She noticed the need for senior assistance and offered her skills as a volunteer working with Senior Advocacy. It didn’t take long for her to become the chairperson in this organization. Her awareness began when she was in her thirties (she is 60 now), when she saw her beloved grandpa develop Alzheimer’s and heart failure. Her Mom and grandmother, along with Tauria took on the task of caring for grandpa at home. She was heartbroken that grandpa could no longer live his life as he had in the past. It was quite an undertaking for his care, but the three of them managed to keep him home.

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Thinking it would be good to have a “real” job, Tauria went to work on a career in Information Technology. She worked her way up from being a technician to an analyst and finally project manager. She then worked for the County of San Luis Obispo, retiring from that position in 2007. To supplement her income she sells collectibles online. She values the freedom of working on her own time, which allows for more time with family and friends in the community.

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organized boycotts on lettuce to support farm workers collective bargaining. Her tenacious involvement eventually found Tauria burned out on politics.

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Through a grant from the Community Foundation to train trainers they brought in professionals to educate on the needs of seniors. People from all over the community came to this training, including social workers, activists, and other senior advocates. There were 65 different organizations that participated

PEOPLE in the trainings. Through this training, Tauria became aware of the long-term care in the community and became an Ombudsman. The function of an Ombudsman is to advocate for senior residents in skilled nursing facilities and residential facilities that care for the elderly. The Ombudsman tries to make the lives of the seniors better and prevent elder abuse. They represent residents with any issues. All Ombudsmen help to train others who want to go in this field. To become an Ombudsman there are 40 hours of formal classroom training and 12 hours of field training, as well as a 2-hour final training to become certified by the state. They have a badge and also work in emergency services. If there is any kind of disaster they are required to help. Tauria has been assigned to five facilities with the work being done on a monthly basis. The assignments are made by the Director of Long Term Care Ombudsmen Service of SLO County. Interestingly, this service came about when Richard Nixon was president. He began this program to help prevent abuse in residential facilities for seniors. He presented it to congress and they approved it. Not wanting to see older people go into facilities, Tauria got involved with a group that is called The Village Concept. She had already seen what could happen when her family chose to keep her Grandpa at home. The Village Concept is a national movement to help seniors stay independent by living in their own homes. The concept has taken hold all over the country and is now being organized here in San Luis Obispo County.

After only a few months 60 volunteers have developed an interest in working on this project. They cooperate with all other non-profit agencies serving the community. There are 180 active Villages in the U.S. and another 100 in the process of being organized. It is a true movement. Most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes and the hope is that the Village Concept can help them. There are three main approaches for this concept: 1) leveraging established community services; 2) providing vetted contractors to provide discounted services and 3) volunteers to provide other in-home services and a sense of community. There is a one-hour training for the village movement. They provide details on their website at www.slovillage.org. It is called the Neighborhood Village of the Central Coast. When Tauria is not working on her volunteer activities she enjoys hiking and appreciates all the open space and nearby state parks. She says that dancing also helps keep her in shape. Her pets include a cat, and a fish that has lived for 20 years in her aquarium. Tauria jokes that she may have to provide senior services for that fish. She has also served 20 years on the Board of her Homeowner’s Association. They say give a busy person a job and it will get done. Tauria Linala is just that person.

PREPARE

FOR AN EMERGENCY? • It is important to be prepared for any type of emergency that could impact San Luis Obispo County. In the unlikely event of an emergency at Diablo Canyon Power Plant, it’s important to know if your home, workplace, or children’s schools are within the Emergency Planning Zone as well as any actions you may be directed to take. Your plan should include any assistance needed by elderly family members, those with medical needs, as well as your family pets. • In an emergency, officials may direct protective actions to protect public health and safety. It is important to stay tuned to local radio and TV stations throughout the emergency to receive current information and actions you may need to take. • For more information on how to prepare, visit: www.slocounty.ca.gov/oes or call (805) 781-5011.

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ELIAS NIMEH

DEDICATING his JOURNEY TO THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM By Tina Solomon

t is often said that life is about the journey, not the destination.

Elias Nimeh, Director of San Luis Obispo’s Senior Nutrition Program, has the tattered and battered shoes to attest to his journey from the French Pyrenees across northern Spain along the El Camino de Santiago de Compostela—and the lessons learned along “The Way”— to affirm this sage advice. Dedicating his walk to the seniors of San Luis Obispo County, Elias covered 500 miles in 33 days reaching the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain—said to be the resting place of the bones of the apostle Saint James. “I was reminded as I pounded the trail and thought often about our seniors and how difficult it is to be homebound and lonely in comparison to the challenge of this journey,” Elias said. Elias is 73 years young. El Camino de Santiago de Compostela is considered one of the three most important Christian pilgrimages—Jerusalem and Rome being the others. It was a highly traveled path during the time of the Crusades, but over the centuries had become lesser known and used. By 1980, only a few pilgrims made the journey. Then in 1987 UNESCO designated the route a World Heritage Site, and a movie “The Way” sparked greater interest in this spiritual journey. Now thousands of people from all over the world make the pilgrimage every year.

Elias (right) and his brother, Mike along the trail. J A N U A R Y

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Elias and his younger brother Mike from Kingston, Canada started their walk in St. Jean Pied-de-Port nestled among the foothills of the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border. Those foothills turned

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into small mountains as they climbed over 5,000 feet in elevation the first day, covering 15 miles. “It seemed like we would never reach the top,” Elias said. “It was like climbing San Luis Mountain five times in one day. Some hikers were discouraged and exhausted and gave up after that first day. My feet were screaming in pain from constantly walking over rocks on the path, but the views were breathtaking, constantly changing with the higher elevation. The sight of hundreds of sheep grazing on the mountain slopes in this Basque region of France was enough to make you forget the pain and agony of the climb.” Elias recounted the end of that first day, “I thought it was never going to end. By nightfall, we arrived to a hot shower and a hearty meal with good red wine. But we couldn’t go right to sleep. We had to wash our clothes and hope they would dry by morning.” This was a routine they would repeat over the next month. In a posting on Facebook, Elias wrote on September 23: “Finished our sixth day walking the Camino. Walked 100 miles

so far, 400 miles to go. Feet are still sore and I think they are going to be that way for the rest of the trip.” He was right. With each new posting Elias’ followers on Facebook continued to grow as friends watched with intrigue and wondered if he

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Elias was the best man at a wedding after befriending a Canadian couple along the way.

Art and views along the trail.

was actually going to be able to finish. Each day and new posting became an inspiration.

path. All of a sudden you realize that three hours had gone by—this happened every day.”

Elias and his brother had meticulously planned their walk in order to cover 15 to 20 miles every day, “We made reservations for the end of each day at hotels in every village in advance, which gave us no flexibility as we had to stay on schedule.”

Along with the ordinary, also came the extraordinary. Elias was the best man at a wedding. A couple he befriended from Ottawa, Canada spontaneously decided to get married one afternoon along the Camino at the Puente de la Reina (Queen’s Bridge). “When Louis and Eloi told me they were getting married after a 25 year courtship—and I wanted to ask WHY?—instead, I asked who was the best man in the wedding? Eloi replied, ‘You are!’”

Despite the schedule, Elias made friends from around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Ireland, England, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico and Italy. “Most of the time, you are walking and talking with pilgrims and become close friends and freely share many personal experiences that you would not in other circumstances. Other times, you are walking for hours in silence, listening to your own thoughts and footsteps on the rocky

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At the end of their journey at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Elias and his brother had their passports stamped and were issued an official certificate for having completed the entire distance of the Camino. Along the way, they each had their

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passports stamped to prove the dates and places of where they had been. “After 33 days of walking, it was a strange feeling to come to the end of the trail,” Elias recalled. “Full of satisfaction, pride and relief to finish this great experience, but at the same time a feeling of sadness because this was the end of the road. It was time to say goodbye to my brother Mike and all the friends we met during this long journey. Time to go back to reality, because this long hike will always be like a dream that I will never forget.” Elias raised over $5,000 from sponsors of his walk and donations are still being accepted. These funds are being used to benefit

What was left of Elias’ shoes after his Camino walk.

Senior Nutrition Program. Elias Nimeh is now back at work directing the daily operations of a program that provides free noontime meals to seniors throughout the county. Senior Nutrition Program operates eleven congregate dining sites (where seniors can gather to share meals, free of charge with each other on a daily basis). Meals are also delivered at no cost to seniors who are homebound. “The pledges made to support my pilgrimage are helping seniors in need,” Elias said. A journey we should all take together. Tax deductible donations can be made to Senior Nutrition Program, 2180 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

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Travel

indianapolis motor speedway A lap on the track By Richard Bauman

he first sporting event I remember listening to on the radio, as a youngster, was the Indianapolis 500 race from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In my mind I can still hear Sid Collins announcing the race with the sounds of bellowing Offenhauser racecar engines in the background. I often dreamed of taking a lap on the track; rocketing down the back straight, diving through turn 3 into the short chute that leads to turn 4, blasting through that turn and onto the front straight, flashing past the pits on my left and the cheering crowd in the stands on my right.

I’ve never driven a racecar at Indy, or anywhere else, but I have taken a lap on that world famous track—and so can you. The lap I took on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) was in a van, not a racecar. And the top speed was more like 25-35 mph rather than a breathtaking 200 mph. Nonetheless, it was exhilarating to be on that track, go through the turns, and cross the row of bricks that mark the start-finish line. While I visited Indy specifically to take a lap on the track, I also wanted to see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. I’d heard it was a fine automotive museum—that’s an understatement. It’s an amazing museum, and while it has a section specifically dedicated to Indy cars, at least half the exhibits are devoted to other speedy vehicles. Two racecars that appeared in Indy 500 races, but didn’t win, are in the non-Indy car section of the museum. They were somewhat successful, and they ultimately changed the face of the 500, and Indy racecars. In 1961, Australian Jack Brabham, the reigning Formula One World Driving Champion, drove the Kimberly Cooper Climax car in the Memorial Day classic. It was the first successful modern-era rear engine car at Indy. Though Brabham finished 9th out of 12 cars that completed the race, his participation and the car he drove were the harbinger of changes at the Indy 500.

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That year’s winner, A. J. Foyt, drove an Offenhauser roadster, and averaged 139.130 mph for 500 miles. Brabham, in the smaller, lighter, and underpowered Cooper-Climax finished the race with an average

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One of the difficult turns viewed during my lap on the speedway. Notice the tire tracks.

speed of 134.116 mph. While significantly slower than Foyt, he was just 0.644 mph slower than the 8th place Offenhauser.

Ray Harroun drove the Marmon Wasp to victory in the first Indy 500 in 1911.

In 1963, Jim Clark from England, and Dan Gurney of the United States drove rear engine Ford powered Lotus racecars to second and seventh place finishes. Clark averaged 142.752 mph for 500 miles. The race winner, Parnelli Jones, averaged 143.137 mph in an Offenhauser roadster, a mere 0.365 mph faster than Clark.

Diesel engines and auto racing sound like an oxymoron, but in 1931 a modified Cummins marine diesel engine was fitted into an Indy racecar and it finished 13th out of a field of forty starters. By 1952, a 380 horsepower turbocharged Cummins diesel powered racer looked like the car to beat. It was the first turbocharged car to compete at Indy.

With Clark’s second place finish, there was little doubt rear engine cars would flourish at Indy. The 1964 race went to A. J. Foyt in a roadster, and the last win for a front engine racer at Indy. As one automobile magazine writer at the time noted: “Dinosaurs (referring to the Offenhauser roadsters) die hard, but die they must.” In 1965, Jimmy Clark won the race in a Lotus Ford. A few years later, all the racers were rear engine cars.

The car captured the pole position at 139.104 mph. But the turbocharger that boosted the car’s speed was also its downfall. Just 70 laps into the race, the Cummins was finished. An ill placed turbocharger inlet sucked up track debris, which clogged the turbocharger beyond repair. A Cummins powered car never again raced at Indy, but an example of that huge metallic-green car can be seen in the IMS museum. After touring the museum, all that racing history had me primed for

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY a lap on the track. Vans and small buses are used for the track tours.

Many of the cars that have won the Indy 500 are on display in the museum, including the winner of the first Indy 500 in 1911. The massive bright yellow Marmon Wasp, driven by Ray Harroun, had a six cylinder engine, enormous solid steel wheels, and averaged 74.602 mph. It took an exhausting seven hours to complete the race.

My personal recommendation is, if possible, ride in a van. Besides carrying fewer people, you’ll have a better view of the track and a chance for better pictures.

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Some unusual and successful but non-winning Indy cars are displayed as well. For example, there’s a Novi, which some have dubbed “A Most Magnificent Flop.” It was a front-wheel drive car, and set numerous lap records at Indy. But never won the 500. Its best finish was 3rd place in 1948.

Most people have heard that each of the track’s four turns is different. As you tour the track the difference in banking and entry into each turn is evident. It becomes easy to see why this track can be a challenge for rookies and veteran drivers alike. Also, if you’ve watched the race on TV you’re in for a surprise. The track is not nearly so wide as it appears on TV.

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The 1964 Indy winner driven by A.J. Foyt

The tour vehicle enters the track between turns one and two. Thus, the first turn you see and experience is turn two. It’s a sweeping banked turn. As you exit the turn, you get the full view of the nearly mile-long back straight. As you approach turn 3, the asphalt rises abruptly on the outside of the turn. It is decidedly different banking from turn two. Exiting turn three there’s a short chute and at just 30 mph turn four comes quickly. At nearly 200 mph, it must seem instantaneous. Turn four is one of the track’s most dangerous turns as evidenced by skid marks on the track, still clearly visible months after

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The 1950 Cummins Diesel powered Indy

the race, from cars that lost control either entering or leaving turn four. Not to mention the black circular tire marks on the outside retaining wall exiting turn four and for several hundred feet along the front straight. Coming out of turn four you’re on the front straight. Seeing the scoring tower ahead on the left, the starter’s stand high above the track on the right, and pit row on the left reminds you this is an historic place. Tour guides point out various important features of the track, including the strip of bricks at the start/finish line—a row of brick from the era when the IMS was paved with bricks. Your lap on the track is nearly complete as you pass through turn one, and into the short chute leading to turn two. Here again, the difference in turn one from the other turns is evident. It is longer and more generous in radii than the other turns. After exiting turn one, the tour guide turns left and exits the track. In all, the tour lasts about 15 minutes. Admission to the museum is just $8 per person, and a tour of the track is another $8 per person. The museum is open 363 days each year (It’s closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), but some days track tours are unavailable, especially during the month of May. To verify admission prices, track tours and operating hours, call 317-492-6784.

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The Kimberly Cooper Climax driven by Jack Brabham in 1961 It was the first rear-engine car at Indy.

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a message from the slo city fire chief

el nino and flood insurance be prepared By Garret Olson

ith a strong likelihood of El Niño driven storms causing flooding in parts of California, and residents concerned about the availability of homeowners’ insurance in areas with a high risk of wildfire, we are sharing this important information from the State of California Department of Insurance about insurance coverage in our community.

ers. Visit their website at www.insurance. ca.gov. There is also a Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357.

El Niño and Flood Insurance Meteorologists predict El Niño will likely bring heavy rains and flooding to many areas in the state. Flood damage is not covered by traditional homeowners’ insurance. Flood insurance is only available through the National Flood Insurance Program and there is a 30-day waiting period before the policy is effective. Californians living in areas with any risk of flooding should purchase flood insurance through the NFIP immediately. You can learn more at www. floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/.

Fire Insurance: California FAIR Plan With increased losses, due to more frequent and more severe fires, some insurance companies are not renewing policies or restricting where they write new policies. Consumers should always shop around for homeowners’ insurance. If they cannot find standard coverage, they should ask an insurance agent or

broker about the non-admitted (surplus lines) market.

The City of San Luis Obispo continues to work on projects designed to decrease the severity of major storm activity. Before the rains come, we encourage residents to clean their rain gutters; maintain a 72hour supply of food, water, medications, and other supplies; and consider their insurance coverage. More information on home preparedness can be found at: http:// www.slocity.org/government/departmentdirectory/fire-department/communityemergency-disaster-preparedness.

The Legislature also established an insurer of last resort for Californians unable to find standard home insurance. Californians unable to find standard home insurance are entitled to purchase fire insurance from the California FAIR Plan. For more information, go to www.cfpnet.com. There are also a number of tools on the California Department of Insurance website to help consumers understand home/residential insurance so that they can make the best decision for their situation, including informational guides, a premium comparison tool, and a new coverage comparison tool that allows consumers to compare differences between insurance policies offered by insur-

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at the market

homemade nut milk & nutty banana oat date cookies with dark chocolate By Sarah Hedger

Fourth Annual

Community Interfaith Series

Dr. Steven Lloyd Moffett

Richard Carsel

The community is invited to an Interfaith discussion series at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO, beginning Sunday, Jan 10th and planned to run for five weeks with guest speakers from a variety of local faiths participating. Discussions are scheduled at 10am and 12:30pm each Sunday. Theme for the series is “Traditions & Ritual – Foundations of Faith” with speakers providing information on the Traditions – historical roots of community through the generations providing a link to the past and a path to the future – and Ritual – activities that are sacred and vital part of worship life -‐that are roots of their faith communities. Discussion leaders will be asked to tell about the traditions and rituals specific to their belief systems. The schedule of speakers is below: January 10th—Dr. Steven Lloyd-Moffett, Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Cal Poly and member of the Orthodox Christian Community. January 17th—Richard Carsel, Estate Planning and Business Attorney, long-‐term member of the SLO Ministerial Association and member of Reform Congregation Ohr Tzafon of Atascadero.

Rev. Valerie Carson

January 24th—Rev. Valerie Carson, Graduate of the Pacific Theological Seminary of the ELCA and Senior Past of Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, SLO. January 31st—Fr. Jim Nisbet, Formerly Senior Priest at the Old Mission Church, SLO, writer and teacher of scripture and Bible to worldwide audiences.

Fr. Jim Nisbet

Naiyerah Kolkailan

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February 7th—Naiyerah Kolkailan, student in biological studies at Cal Poly and President of the Islamic Society of San Luis Obispo County.

The series has been designed to promote understanding among worshipping communities of all faiths. Duplicate sessions will be held at 10am and 12:30pm each Sunday at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks Street, SLO. It will be open to the public at no charge and child care will be available at both sessions also at no charge. For more information and details, please contact the Parish Administrator at 805-5442133.

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appy New Year! Heaps remains in season here on the Central Coast in January. How lucky we are to have so many options when other markets around the country slow to a stop in Winter. January offers all kinds of goodness locally at the markets, including an assortment of citrus, dark leafy greens such as kale and chard, as well as the sweetest of apples. The hearty vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, beets, and winter squash are in their prime as well, making it even easier to eat warming meals.

This month’s recipe is a bit more along the lines of resourcefulness (than seasonalness) as I figured there is no time like the present to be resourceful and in my book that means creating as little waste as possible, especially in the kitchen. Thus this month’s recipes go full circle as the first is a recipe for homemade nut milk, using Brazil nuts (as an option). The next recipe is a healthy cookie recipe using the nut remains (flour) from the nut milk, as a base, with the addition of banana, oats, dates, and dark chocolate. I have only recently become a fan of Brazil nuts as I grew up with them being the weird, large nut in nut mixes, that are usually left behind. It was not until I found a good source for organic ones, which seem to also be fresher, and it reintroduced me to a Brazil nut that resembles the best parts of a macadamia nut, as well as a lovely, buttery flavor. They also have a fair amount of selenium, which is an antioxidant deficient in many of our diets. Just a few Brazil nuts help improve that! I’ve also included them in

(Brazil) Nut Milk & nutty banana oat date cookies with dark chocolate For the (Brazil) Nut Milk:

1 cup organic Brazil nuts (or your other favorite nut) 3-4 cups water *a teaspoon of agave or honey or maple or rice malt syrup *pinch of fine sea salt Place nuts in medium bowl and cover with water. Let sit overnight (at room temp) to soak (can be soaked upwards of 24 hours). When ready, drain and pour 2 cups of fresh water over nuts into the bowl. Puree with either an immersion blender or regular blender for a few minutes, until white and ‘milky.’ The more you blitz, the creamier the milk will be. Place a fine sieve or mesculin cloth or nut sack (they exist!) over a bowl and pour mixture over. Press liquid through, leaving the ground nuts behind. You can use these straight away or let them sit in your oven to dry out for more ‘flour’ type results. Add the remaining cup of water, sweetener and salt (if using), and taste. Add the remaining cup of water if desired. Keep in the refrigerator for a few days tops. Makes 4 cups. Banana Oat Date Cookies with Dark Chocolate making my own granola, as well as any recipes that call for almonds, macadamia nuts, or even cashews, as a replacement. The first recipe is how to make your own nut milk, which is a great option, not only if you aren’t keen for cow milk, but also because it adds another layer of flavor otherwise overlooked. Tartine, an amazing bakery cafe in the Bay Area, makes their own nut milks, and uses them as bases for their pastry creams, giving them an amped up flavor, full of delicious nuttiness! When making nut milk, generally speaking, the larger the nut, the longer the soak. So I soak my Brazil’s for about 24 hours, which not only activates them, bringing them back to ‘life,’ but also makes for a creamier nut milk. Some add a pinch of sea salt or agave or honey to make the flavor a little more similar to store bought milks, but it is quite surprising just how nice the end result can be with just nuts and water. A side note is that homemade nut milks don’t last forever in the fridge, more like a few days, so making a smaller amount more often is the way to go. Easy! The by-product of the nut milk is the nut pulp, so to speak, which is essentially nut flour. You can dry it out in a dehydrator (or in your oven at the lowest setting for a few hours), and then store it in the freezer. I’ve been experimenting using it straight away, hence, the next recipe, Nutty Banana Oat Date Cookies with Dark Chocolate. A simple, nourishing recipe, made in one bowl. They can be made with no added sugar as the banana, dates, and dark chocolate are sweet enough. Good to keep in the freezer for any afternoon, not-so-guilty snack, they are full of protein and healthy fats, while being low(er) in sugar. That said, they are excellent dipped right back in the nut milk, or a chai latte with nut milk. Thus, full circle and no waste and a healthy one at that. Enjoy!

1 banana

½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp sea salt 1 T honey (optional) ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted 1 egg 1 ½ cups nut flour (use the fresh Brazil nut flour!) 1 cup tapioca starch ½ tsp baking powder 1 cup oats 1 cup chopped dates 1 cup good quality dark chocolate, cut into chunks Mash the banana in a large bowl with a fork. Add cinnamon, salt, and honey. Whisk in coconut oil and give a good whisking until mixture looks emulsified and comes together. Whisk in egg. Add nut flour, tapioca starch, and baking powder and give a good mix. Fold in oats, dates, and dark chocolate. Chill for 30 minutes until firm. Preheat oven to 375F and line sheet with baking paper. Roll chilled dough into balls, and place on sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, then slightly flatten the cookies with the back of a spatula (or anything else firm and flat). Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes or until slightly golden and firm. Makes 20 cookies.

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Paso Art Scene

partnering for art’s sake

Paso Robles students display art at studios ON the park By Meagan Friberg

hat happens when a school district joins forces with a local art center? It seems as though the possibilities are endless—at least that’s been the case since members of the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District have partnered with artists at Studios on the Park. Now, thanks to the generosity of the studio artists, students have been given their own unique gallery space.

have an expanded partnership with Paso Schools in the form of their new gallery space at Studios on the Park.”

Since mid-November, student artwork has been on display at the nonprofit open studios art center in downtown Paso Robles. Under the direction of Eileen Higgins, PRJUSD Visual and Performing Arts Specialist, students of all ages have the opportunity to showcase their art at Studios on the Park.

Laddon said this unique opportunity will help “deepen the educational experience for Paso Robles students by offering them a place to create art alongside talented professional artists while learning about art business and gallery management in a community art space that they can now call their own.”

“With our Superintendent’s vision, our School Board’s commitment to the Arts, and our district’s belief that every student will be prepared for success in college, career, and community, we have put together a yearlong schedule that enables us to showcase a wide variety of artwork from elementary, middle, and high school students in our district,” said Higgins. “They are getting to learn more about life as a professional artist. How is art priced? What is the public responding to and why? Another advantage is the opportunity for mentorships from the other artists in the gallery. Having professional artists offer feedback on a student’s work is a wonderful time for growth for these young artists.”

PRJUSD Superintendent Chris Williams said that as far as he knows the collaboration between the school district and Studios on the Park is one of the only partnerships of its kind in the state.

The exhibits, featuring “all things creative,” according to Higgins, highlight various themes and run on 6-week rotations. The first rotation—Vision—had students from Paso Robles High School and both middle schools—Flamson and Lewis—displaying their Hearst Castle-focused artwork. The PRHS Drama Club started its Mad Hatter-themed exhibit in mid-December. Set pieces, costuming, and props on display through Jan. 23 show the breadth of work required for a live theater production. (See sidebar for the year’s schedule of PRJUSD student gallery exhibits.) “In addition, students from the high school have been given the opportunity to display their work for an entire year,” said Higgins. “They will also be working in the studio and selling many of their pieces. Besides pieces for sale, our art teachers are encouraging students to consider commission pieces for patrons they meet in the gallery.” Since 2011, Studios on the Park has worked with the district to provide free fine arts field trips to its elementary and middle school students through its Kids Art Smart program. “We believe that the arts are essential to the social, emotional and intellectual development of every child and that all young people should have access to a quality arts education,” said Anne Laddon, founder of Studios on the Park. “For that reason, we are thrilled to J A N U A R Y

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“It has opened the door for students to explore the world of art, providing them the opportunity to work side-by-side with professional artists from our community,” said Williams. “We are blessed to have Studios on the Park as partners as we continue to expand opportunities for Paso Robles students in the Arts.” Higgins agreed, saying, “The district has a goal of using the space for events; we would like to eventually hold classes and fundraising events that help support the gallery. The sky is the limit for the space and this is mostly due to the support we have from Studios’ artists, staff and Board of Directors. Knowing how committed they are to the students of Paso Robles inspires us to promote all of the talents of our students at a much higher level.” Stop by Studios on the Park, a nonprofit open studios art center located at 1130 Pine St. in downtown Paso Robles, to interact with working artists and see the student gallery space. Call (805) 238-9800 or visit www.studiosonthepark.org for more information, including studio hours and calendar of events.

Schedule of Paso Schools student exhibits: Jan. 29-Feb. 27 – Theme, Leadership; Correlation, President’s Day; elementary schools March 4-April 9 – Theme, Brush Marks; Correlation, Library competition; high school April 15-May 21 – Theme, Poetry; Correlation; Poetry Out Loud; middle schools May 27-July 1 – Theme, Industry; Correlation, Gearing up for MidState Fair; industrial arts

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SLo museum of art presents

erik olson: eye matters By Rebecca LeDuc

he San Luis Obispo Museum of Art presents Erik Olson: Eye Matters, a collection of paintings and photography by Nipomo based artist Erik Olson. The exhibition will feature compositionally abstract paintings on wood alongside photographic images juxtaposing the built and natural environment and will be on view at the Museum from January 2 through February 28, 2016.

Erik Olson received a BA in design from UCLA’s College of Fine Arts with an eye on product design as a potential career. Instead, he turned to architecture and with his strong sense of design and craftsmanship, he spent a decade in motion picture art direction for a long list of films and television shows, including Last of the Mohicans, Face Off, and Martial Law. His passion for the research that went into each film as well as the license to build “crazy cool stuff,” fueled a 10-year career in the industry. In the 2000s, Mr. Olson returned to architecture, focusing primarily on residential remodels until the market collapsed in 2008, at which point he hung up his hat and moved north to Nipomo to enjoy his retirement on the Central Coast. Though seemingly a departure from his roots, Mr. Olson’s paintings and photographs maintain a strong tie to the structure, geometry, and patterning found in architecture. At the forefront of what he creates is a fascination with light play and geometries. “For decades, I have been engaged by the layering of light, fugitive composition and relationships of form.”

world through a different lens and finds joy in the mundane, pedestrian scenes and images of daily life that the rest of us often don’t even notice. A reception and opportunity to meet the artist will take place on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 6–9pm in conjunction with Art After Dark. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, dedicated to the education, presentation and preservation of the visual arts on the Central Coast, is located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Hours are 11am – 5pm daily. Closed Tuesdays. Free admission, donations appreciated. For more info visit SLOMA.org.

Ever focused on the overlay of geometries and the dialogue between compositional elements, Mr. Olson’s paintings play with pattern, shape, and symmetry, often breaking with sequence and the expected. Much of his work in photography seizes upon the quickly changing natural movement of sunlight and shadow that infuses the banal everyday with spontaneity. “Many of the ethereal images of light are there for just a few brief seconds and provide a reminder of our own transitory nature,” he says. His approach, without intention, begins with a history but is alive to the moment as the images reveal themselves. Seeking to embrace banality and to find the beauty in it, Mr. Olson delights in viewing the

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dana adobe executive director

Marina washburn seeking a sense of belonging By Susan Stewart

arina (née Bobadilla) Washburn had been searching for a sense of belonging all her life. As the second eldest of six children born to Mexican parents in America, she spent her childhood straddling two worlds, two cultures, never feeling that she fit—in either place. “When we visited Mexico, we did not belong,” she explains, “We were pochos [a derogatory term for Mexican-American]. … Here at home [in Nipomo] we didn’t belong because we didn’t look American. We were bilingual, bicultural; we were often made to feel out of place.”

Marina was born in Pacoima, California, and moved with her family to Nipomo in the 1980s when homes were less expensive there. Marina’s parents are Graciela and Rafael Bobadilla. Her mother worked in the agricultural fields of the central coast; her father as a construction laborer for a respected Central Coast contractor. They are both naturalized citizens who still live in Nipomo. Marina was bussed to Paulding Junior High, and graduated from Arroyo Grande High School. Summers were spent at Cal Poly, as part of the Upward Bound program. Now entering its 50th year, “Upward Bound provides fundamental support to local low-income, first-generation college bound high school students. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.” (sas. calpoly.edu/ub/) The program had lasting positive effects on Marina, and she was accepted at UC Santa Cruz where she graduated with a degree in Pure Mathematics. In college, Marina’s search for identity continued, thwarted or enhanced (depending upon one’s perspective) by the “touchy-feely, hippie” qualities pervasive on that campus. Upon graduation, Marina landed her first job as the Accounting and The Dana Adobe

The Washburn family: Scott and Marina with children Thomas and Emma.

Membership Manager for The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. She would spend the next decade in that organization, climbing the ladder through Information Technology, Management Services, and Assistant Director’s offices, and finishing as the Deputy Director. Along the way, she married Scott Washburn, a Cal Poly graduate from Minnesota who grew up in Lompoc. Scott and Marina have two children, Thomas 7, and Emma 6. But there was still something missing. She wanted to come home, to Nipomo. That’s when the call came through. The Board of Directors at D.A.N.A. (Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos) was looking for an Executive Director and Marina had all the right stuff. She describes the moment this way: “When I went for the interview, and saw for the first time the viewshed from the veranda of the adobe … it was beyond breathtaking,” she said. There were the golden foothills where she’d learned how to drive, the sun-kissed trails where she’d spent nearly every day running, the familiar Thompson Road she’d used to drive past the adobe thousands of times—never knowing it was there. And here was the house, the history, and the heritage it symbolized. “For the first time, my culture, my story was exemplified in one of the oldest [in fact THE oldest private residence] in the county. … I was home. My soul had come home. I had found my place.” The year was 2008, and though the Amigos had been operational since 1999, there was still much work to be done. Built more than 175 years ago when California was still part of Mexico, by 1999,

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The oldest known photo of the Dana Adobe, circa 1880s

the gracious old home that had once been the center of the world for miles around, was in terrible disrepair. The foundation was melting into the ground and the walls were threatening to crumble into dust. Enter Lisa Van Der Stad who founded the nonprofit organization Marina now leads. Van Der Stad saw the urgent need to preserve and protect this important landmark and brought together the people who could do it. Since then, the restoration of the adobe itself has been completed (a monumental effort that took 14 years to finish), 30 acres of surrounding land has been purchased, a 99-year lease agreement with SLO County Parks has been signed to manage 100 acres east of the Adobe, and phase one of the park development is now being implemented with funding from a State Grant. Very recently, the Dana Adobe earned its designation as a California State Historic Landmark and a place on the Federal Registry of Historic Places. In 2015, the Adobe received the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award, the highest award the state can give to such projects. In addition, a site visit from the American Alliance of Museums proclaimed D.A.N.A. “a model organization.” “These recent achievements are an indicator of the value of our group,” said Marina. “We have always been fiscally responsible, and operated at the highest level of integrity. Most people are surprised at how much we have been able to accomplish.” The original home, a 13-room adobe built in 1839 by Captain William Dana on one of the largest Mexican lands grants in the state, was the center of agriculture, politics, and commerce along a 100-mile stretch of highway between San Luis Obispo and Santa Ynez. It was an important exchange point in the first regular mail route in California, it served as a polling location, a stagecoach stop, and later a Pacific Railway junction. The Dana family (the Captain, his wife Maria Josefa Carrillo, and their 13 surviving children)

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were known for their generous hospitality to travelers, friends, and neighbors alike.

bring deeper connections to each other and to our sense of place.

Today, the home they built is fast becoming the center of the community once again. The Adobe hosts more than 1400 school children each year for cultural and nature education programs. Trained docents lead students in hands-on activities that replicate life during the California Rancho Era such as making tortillas, crafting adobe bricks, and lessons in cattle branding. A speaker series offers residents and visitors lively presentations on the history, natural habitat, and famous founding families of the area. Field trips, docent courses, internships, and special events including weddings—all conspire to bring the lessons of the past into the vibrant present. And as Marina would say, “Our museum and immersive site will encourage the community to build connections between culture, nature, and each other.”

Perhaps, despite Thomas Wolfe’s cautionary tale, we can go home again. Marina Washburn’s long search for belonging has found its end in her own home town of Nipomo, and in the work she does at The Dana Adobe. She invites you to join her there.

Toward that end, D.A.N.A. is working on the construction of a 4,500-square-foot educational facility, a Chumash Indian interpretive area, an outdoor amphitheater, and over a mile of walking trails on the property. In 2011, D.A.N.A. was awarded a 2.98 million dollar grant to help fund these efforts, yet another tribute to the value and importance of this small nonprofit. Key to this success have been many dedicated people—from carpenters to archaeologists, visionaries to volunteers, developers to docents. The sidebar at the close of this article mentions but a few of these. There are many ways to support this organization and the important role it has in the community: You can become a member, attend one of the many fundraisers held yearround, become a sponsor, or make a private one time donation to a specific project. Visit www.DanaAdobe.org or call 805-929-5679. For inspiration, visit the Adobe and see for yourself the majestic old Sycamore tree that offers a natural canopied backdrop for life then, and now. See for yourself how the lessons of the past inform the present, and

A Special Thanks To: • In 1999, a carpenter named Mike Fairbrother was asked to construct a door for the Adobe. Thousands of hours later, and as a member of the restoration committee, Mike has been working there ever since. • In the early 2000s, Herb Kandel joined the board. A visionary and community mover and shaker, Herb “puts the right people together like no one else,” says Marina. • Alan & Helen Daurio have served a combined 24 years on the board. Helen piloted the Adobe’s nature education program and Alan has served on the master planning committee. Together, they are steadfast contributors with a “roll up your sleeves and get it done” attitude. • Volunteering her time and expertise for five years, Dr. Donna Gillette has fostered the relationship between the Chumash tribe and the organization and has curated much of the archeological collection. • Board President Rudy Stowell is a member of one of the first families of Santa Maria. He is credited, among many other gifts, with providing the leadership the board needed to be its most effective. • Aaron Regez has worked on the Adobe for more than 10 years, tearing down walls and building them back up with authentic adobe bricks he made himself. He continues to serve as the sole caretaker, project and facility manager.

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history

the great airliner of 1849

An ad that Rufus Porter ran announcing his proposed airship.

By Richard Bauman

he first commercial flight from New York to California was scheduled to take place not eighty or so years ago, but more than 165 years ago. And energized at the prospect of quickly getting to California and be part of the celebrated gold rush, about 200 persons plunked down the $50 deposit required to book passage on that flight. They were responding to Rufus Porter’s early 1849 announcement in New York City newspapers. “Best Route to California,” declared the headline above a seemingly preposterous story about f lying an airship 3000 miles to California. It was neither fabrication nor fanciful imagination. Porter’s proposition was genuine. He was, in fact, trying to create America’s first air transportation service. Porter was born in West Boxford, Massachusetts in 1792, and in the span of just under 60 years he had developed some remarkable credentials for himself. He had more than twenty-five inventions to his credit, including an air pump, fire alarm, floating dry dock and a revolving rifle. He sold the rights to the revolving rifle to Samuel Colt for just one hundred dollars. He experimented with other devices such as a wind-powered gristmill, washing machines, a corn-sheller, rotary plow and a cord-making machine.

Porter was, for a time, the publisher of the New York Mechanic, later called the American Mechanic. In 1845 he started a weekly magazine, The Scientific American. There is no relationship between it and today’s Scientific American magazine, however. “R. Porter & Company … are making active progress in the construction of an Aerial Transport for the express purpose of carrying passengers between New York and California,” declared the newspaper article. “(It) is expected to put this machine in operation about the 1st of April, 1849 … (and) the transport is expected to make a trip to the gold region and back in seven days … the price of passage has been fixed at $200 ...” An airship of the late 19th century, the Ville de Lucerne I, is similar in design to Rufus Porter’s 1849 airship design.

The glitter of far off gold and the lure of instant wealth induced many easterners to head for California in 1849. It’s reasonable to assume they all wanted the fastest transportation to the west coast. Ships bound for California were plentiful, but expensive. Such a trip took several weeks and it was an arduous voyage. They sailed down the east coast of the United States and South America, around Cape Horn and into the Pacific Ocean, then north to San Francisco. Crossing the country by wagon train, or in groups, was less costly but also a slow and formidable trip fraught with danger from outlaws and Indians. Thus, when Porter claimed he would fly gold hunters to California, and it would take just a few days, there was immediate interest in his scheme. The newspaper announcements made it sound like Porter had already built the craft he called an Aerial Locomotive and was on the verge of delivering prospectors to California, but that wasn’t the case. Porter had demonstrated the feasibility of his Aerial Locomotive by using a model of the craft. The Tabernacle Church in New York City was a large domed building with a cavernous interior. From the pulpit, high above the crowd, he would release a small, cigar shaped, hydrogen-filled model of his proposed airship. Powered by two clockwork motors equipped with propellers, the miniature airship would cruise above the amazed and enthusiastic spectators. The airship’s rudder was set so it would make a large circle and return back to Porter. According to Porter, the full size version of the Aerial Locomotive would work equally well. Porter also printed pamphlets describing his flying machine. The title page of his pamphlet read: “Aerial Navigation—The Practicability of

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COMMUNITY Traveling Pleasantly and Safely from New York to California in Three Days—Fully Demonstrated with a Full Description of a Perfect Aerial Locomotive, with Estimates of Capacity, Speed, and Cost of Construction. By Rufus Porter, Original Editor of the New York Mechanic, Scientific American, and Scientific Mechanic.” Porter had spent months planning the Aerial locomotive, and had no doubt he could fly it successfully between California and New York. His airship would consist of two main sections—a large, cigar-shaped hydrogenfilled balloon 800-feet long and 50-feet in diameter. A passenger compartment somewhat smaller was to be suspended beneath the balloon by steel cables. The balloon would be made from “sturdy cloth treated with an India rubber solution,” stretched taut over a spruce wood framework. The inflated gasbag would hold 858,000 cubic feet of hydrogen. Porter calculated that amount of gas would provide enough buoyancy to hoist 56,000 pounds into the air. The passenger compartment would be tapered to a point at each end. It was to be a lightweight wooden frame covered with painted fabric. For passenger comfort there were chairs that could be converted into beds. According to Porter the craft would remain aloft for twelve hours at a stretch. Locomotion for the aircraft would come from two steam engines in an enclosed central cabin, which would be fueled by six lightweight boilers. The steam engines would drive propellers 20 feet in diameter. The props were to be mounted atop the passenger compartment. Porter calculated they would propel the airship at 60 to 100 mph. Most New Yorkers were openly skeptical that Porter’s airship would even fly, let alone achieve its first scheduled flight. Leading scientists of that era ridiculed the idea of passenger air travel. Porter invited scientists and engineers to peruse his drawings, plans and calculations. They ignored his offers. The only people who whole-heartedly supported Porter’s undertaking were the gold seekers. While travel to the Pacific coast in three days by airship was an expensive gamble, not to mention risky, but many of them reasoned if it could be done, it was worth the gamble.

He even made a couple of smaller versions of his airship, but one was destroyed by a tornado, and another prototype was damaged beyond repair by a rowdy crowd when he displayed it. His financial backers withdrew their support in the face of these failures, public ridicule and scientific skepticism for the project. With the loss of ready funds to build the fullsize craft, America’s first transcontinental airline was out of business.

Was it just pipedream at best? A vision far ahead of its time? Perhaps. But in September 1852, shortly after Porter’s Aerial Locomotive idea was scrapped, Henri Giffard of France made the world’s first successful flight in a power-driven airship. He flew from the Paris racecourse to Trappes, a distance of about 17 miles at an average speed of 6 mph. His vehicle? A cigar-shaped, rubberized cloth-covered hydrogen balloon, pushed by a steam engine-powered propeller.

IMAGINE

YOU COULDN’T

READ YOUR PRESCRIPTION LABEL. 46 percent of adults are unable to read their medication directions. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Literacy for Life is empowering adults in our community by helping them learn to read and write. This means more opportunities for education, employment, and a better quality of life.

Find out how you can help. Visit LiteracyforLifeSLO.org to donate or volunteer.

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history

walter murray part 4

By Joe Carotenuti

here must have been some satisfaction … even relief but little joy in the execution of the lawless by the Vigilance Committee. For someone of Walter’s background and training, if “desperate times required desperate measures,” any solace was found in the preservation of a more peaceful community than had been the legacy of the greater San Luis Obispo until then. Fear of the unknown, of sudden and unexpected brushes with death did not promote a community or residents willing to hope and dream of a more progressive future. Fear, at any time and place, depresses the soul. As if emerging from a dark tunnel of municipal turmoil, Walter was ready to continue his quest toward security and prosperity. It was time to once again jump into the middle of a political life. His story continues. In the September 1858 election, Walter succeeded to the State Assembly. The Sacramento Union praised Murray as having made the most logical speech uttered in either house during the legislative four month session. With the tenth Assembly Session ending in the spring of the following year, Walter returned to local politics gathering 41 more votes than his opponent for the County Treasurer’s post. Additionally, he also was successful in a bid to be the District Attorney by seven votes from which he resigned the following year. In the meanwhile, his friend, Romualdo Pacheco, now a State Senator, while traveling abroad visited Murray’s family in England. His sister wrote how impressed they were by his Spanish-American friend. By now, her 33-year-old brother was listed as having a

net worth of $3000 in the federal census and supporting himself, wife and three children. Anita (born in 1860) would eventually marry Judge Edwin Unangst and their daughter, Dorothy, maintained the family history to more modern times. As the pall of the Civil War cast its shadow over America, Murray, a Unionist “to the core,” repudiated his Democrat Party connections to register as a Republican upon the bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. An interesting document from this time is his request as a private attorney to the Board of Supervisors for a return to the Mission of a room (in the convento wing) used as the first jail. Additionally, in the same year, he became one of nine founding members of the local Freemasons. Having been an early member of the Sonoma Lodge (founded in 1851), Murray held various fraternal offices in the eventual King David’s Lodge. In those delightful historical parallels, his former commanding officer, Colonel Jonathan Stevenson, organized the first California lodge in San Francisco. Another attempt at seeking prosperity found Murray involved in quicksilver mining (cinnabar) and selling his stock to Peter A. Forrester in 1862 for a “considerable sum.” The Josephine Mine most likely remembered Murray’s daughter Josephine Conception born the same year.

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On August 7, 1869, H. S. Rembaugh and Company issued the first bi-lingual issue of the Tribune. The “and Company” was Walter Murray. A practiced writer, Murray was quick to highlight his competitor’s shortcomings. By November, the Pioneer ceased publication. The following spring, he wrote his sister their brother, Alexander, was very ill and he was weary of the newspaper: “It is no emolument, but on the contrary is a drag upon my exertion.” Nonetheless, his objective was not to promote another newspaper career but to foster his party and political ambitions. “If it had not been for the fact that

Throughout the 1860s, Murray’s prominence and fortune gained considerably. Among elected offices, he continued as County Treasurer but lost the senatorial election of 1865 to Patrick J. Murphy only to be elected District Attorney two years later as well as a Town Trustee. However, it was the judiciary that attracted his attention.

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To be successful, he concluded, he was required to establish another newspaper. The Pioneer, San Luis Obispo’s first newspaper (see Journal Plus, January 2014), was Democratic in its persuasion but Murray needed one of Republican views.

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Murray’s wife, Mercedes Espinosa and child.

A Retirement Facil COMMUNITY

theand prospect of moving m Withthough a street name a small mislabeled “Azrael (the angel of death) has been in our Even structure in Mission Plaza, Walter Murray midst and has removed from among us a future, you owe it to yourself to learn h just may have come in his lifetime to at least high officer, an honored citizen, an affectionliving yourasown home for man tolerate San Luisin Obispo his home. ate husband and father and a devoted friend,” carefree eulogized the Tribune. In an extraordinary Contact: jacarotenuti@gmail.com demonstration of respect, the funeral procession included 86 Masons accompanied by over 300 other mourners and 81 carriages to It’s a factwho ofhad lifefought that as we get older, Pristine is fully honor the English immigrant for the Union, waged war on local bandits tasks become too some day-to-day licensed and insu and both directed and memorialized in the much to handle on our own. That All of our worke Tribune the county’s and city’s saga.

You Don’t Have to Move

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doesn’t mean you have to move away are carefully scre from the comfort of your home. and pass a crimin • Personal Pristine Home Services is• aHousekeeping local background chec Care that helps San Luis Obispo and drug test, giv • Yard company • Handyman Maintenance County residents avoid the high cost when someone f Servingof moving All oftoSan Luis Obispo County a retirement facility. in your home.

“She helps me w

I was seeking the election to the office of District Judge, with a salary of $5000 per year, I should not have started it.” He admitted the venture did “good service” even though he lost the election. Selling his interest in the Tribune in 1871 to James J. Ayers, a few months later, Murray returned to ownership. Finally, the following spring, he relinquished his responsibilities to his former partner, Horatio Southgate Rembaugh. As a farewell, his “Valedictory” on the history of newspapers in the County is an historical gem. His most famous successor, Myron Angel, will write years later that Murray “did much in preserving (a) great deal of valuable historical information.” He had tried to be elected as the District Judge requiring the efforts to publish his own newspaper that demonstrated his more than average ability to write, to relate the issues (at least those known to him) of the day as well as support a growing family that in 1870 included nine children and his wife. He watched as his brother died of “consumption” drawing a lengthy critique on cemeteries by Walter and the establishment of the current San Luis Cemetery … historically known as the Odd Fellows/Mason cemetery. As if, finally, his life’s quest was reached, he was appointed District Judge upon the death of the incumbent. Certainly a milestone, if not THE milestone, in his career, Walter was not able to enjoy the new position for long. Appointed in December 1873, he died on October 5, 1875.

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H O U S E K E E P I N G · YA R D M A I N T E N A N C E · H A N D Y M A N S E R V I C E S · P E R S O N A L C A R E J A N U A R Y

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COMMUNITY

our schools

the new year brings change, opportunity, and challenge By James J. Brescia, Ed.D. County Superintendent of Schools

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’” —Alfred Lord Tennyson Fortune Magazine publishes a Crystal Ball report with predictions for upcoming trends in business, culture, and the economy. Fortune claims that Presidential election years bring out the Nostradamus in us all. My predictions for 2016 include not only a White House race but legislation from both Washington and Sacramento in areas such as accountability, educator recruitment, and local control. A new federal education law, S.1177: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), replaces the former No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This legislation supported by both Republicans and Democrats is written with the goal of returning more control to states and local school districts while making sure that federal dollars are properly spent. The ESSA replaces the federal accountability system created by No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and significantly reduces the legal authority of the U.S. Education Secretary. The funding and accountability reforms appear very similar to California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) reform (ESSA, 2015). So what does this legislation mean for the average student, school, district, parent, teacher, and administrator in SLO County? The bill authorizes ESSA for four years, through the 2020 fiscal year. The implications of the bill will be enacted over several years, beginning in 2017. This revised legislation provides California the opportunity to develop a variety of educational options required under this new proposal. The measure eliminates or consolidates 49 elementary and secondary programs. Some of these programs are not fully funded, are too small to improve student achievement, and have been deemed ineffective by the federal government (ESSA, 2015). Increased local flexibility for school districts controlling these programs is a positive step from the federal government that assists elected school boards in maintaining state control of education. “This law makes long overdue fixes to the education law, replacing the one-size-fits-all approach to reform,” President Obama said. “It creates a real partnership between the states, which will have new flexibility to tailor their improvement plans, and the federal government, which will have the oversight to make sure that the plans are sound” (EdSource, 2015). The ESEA legislation eliminates Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards. States must now certify that they have adopted “challenging academic standards.” This includes, at least, three levels of achievement for career and college readiness. Education is a mandate and function of the state, not the federal government, and academic standards are approved at the state level. Under this legislation, the United States Secretary of Education cannot mandate, direct, control, coerce or exercise any direction or supervision over the standards adopted by a state. This is critical given the ongoing debate J A N U A R Y

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over state versus federal control related to curriculum. The state can choose Common Core, acquire another set of generated standards or can work to develop their standards. The California Department of Education has adopted the new “California Standards” that cover not only English language arts and mathematics but all subjects including the Next Generation Science Standards. California State Superintendent, Tom Torlakson, refers to our state standards as “rigorous” to indicate that we are upgrading virtually all of the key subjects California students need to succeed in 21st-Century careers and college (CDE, 2015). The State Superintendent also supports the Every Student Succeeds Act, remarking that this legislation ushers in a new era in education. “I am pleased that it follows the lead of California in so many important areas, including enhancing local control and providing more flexibility to the states to set up accountability systems that look at multiple measures of success rather than placing so much emphasis on one test.” California is currently in the process of identifying multiple measures to promote and track student success at the local level. Several large California school districts serving approximately one million California students have formed a collaborative called CORE. These districts recently piloted a new index for rating school and student achievement that will include solid academic progress, measurements of school climate and culture as well as students’ social skills and attitudes toward learning. Some of these initial scores will be released in February of 2016. If this form of rating is approved by the California State Board of Education school districts could use this measure to present data to the community or make use of the assessment data currently under development that promotes local control (CDE, 2015). The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) requires that school districts present a multi-dimensional approach to school accountability, laying out eight priorities, including parent and student engagement and school climate. The state board’s early drafts of an accountability matrix are similar to that of the CORE collaborative. A topic the CORE collaborative addresses that the state draft has not yet presented is data on chronic absenteeism that has become a recent data point for student achievement. Attendance Works is a national and state initiative that promotes awareness of the important role that school attendance plays in achieving academic success starting with school entry. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that every district in the country tracks chronic absence data beginning in kindergarten and that districts partner with families and community agencies to intervene when attendance is a problem for children or particular schools. Attendance Works is another example of advocating that local districts maintain control over local issues through the use of preventative data (Attendance Works, 2015).

COMMUNITY

My final prediction also addressed in the Every Student Succeeds Act, is the immediate need to recruit, train and retain quality educators for every California classroom. A recent Field Poll supported by the Walter and Elise Haas Fund indicates that registered voters in our state regard the looming shortage of K-12 teacher and administrators as a very serious problem. Linda DarlingHammond, a Stanford University Professor and chair of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing voices that this teacher shortage could set back the state’s education agenda if not immediately addressed. Educator shortages will be experienced at different rates throughout the state. Shortages that were experienced during the recession in mathematics, science, and special education will continue to grow along with the general education ranks (WestEd, 2015). So as we experience change, more local control, and a better fiscal scenario, we must address the challenge of providing the best education system possible.

JANUARY CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” —Alan Lakein

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: WINTER FUN ACROSS 1. Appear like a chick 6. Unit of electrical resistance 9. “____ the word” 13. Convex molding 14. Honey maker 15. Japanese-American 16. Russian author of “Dead Souls” 17. “C’____ la vie!” 18. English county 19. *Students’ winter delight? 21. *Apres-ski site 23. Goose egg 24. *Snow ____ 25. Olden-day aerosol can propellant 28. Post WWII military alliance 30. Lorraine’s neighbor 35. Word of mouth 37. Drug smuggler 39. “____ ____ a high note”

40. Orange traffic controller 41. Parting words 43. Bookie’s quote 44. Like draft beer 46. Apiece 47. 7 days 48. Made amends 50. Clarified butter 52. Like martini or humor 53. Justice’s garb 55. A late time of life 57. *He stole Christmas 60. *Frosty, e.g. 64. ____ profundo 65. Tropical American cuckoo 67. Index and middle fingers extended 68. Furiously angry 69. Container for liquids 70. Island off Manhattan 71. “Lights out” signal 72. Weary traveler’s destination 73. *Toboggans

DOWN 1. The ____, Washington’s offensive line, 1980s-90s 2. Shakespeare’s hometown river 3. A meal order for takeout 4. Pierrot or Harlequin, e.g. 5. ____ ____, as in breath 6. Be obedient 7. “For ____ a jolly...” 8. Subway in Paris 9. Japanese soup 10. Brezhnev’s country 11. Track event 12. Half dozen 15. Get cozy 20. Remember this battle site! 22. Baseball stat 24. Autumn attraction 25. *Popular hot winter beverage 26. Can be hot or cold, according to meteorologists 27. Ann Patchett’s novel “Bel ____” 29. *Donut-shaped sled

31. *Chionophobia is fear or dislike of this 32. Supplemented 33. Computer programmer 34. Glorify 36. With little fat 38. Make a sketch 42. “Two and a Half Men” star 45. Popular anise-flavored liqueur 49. *He’s busy during cold and flu season 51. Runs off 54. Indian vegetable fritter 56. Inhabit 57. Greek personification of Earth 58. Invitation request 59. a.k.a. The Islamic State 60. *Capricorn or Aquarius 61. Tom, not Tabby 62. Battery fluid 63. Famed loch 64. Club alternative 66. Mother Teresa, e.g.

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COMMUNITY

palm street perspective housing ... our top priority! or is it? By SLO City Vice Mayor, Dan Carpenter

ost elected leaders in our community talk about the need for more “affordable” housing. In fact, your SLO City Council last January made “housing” one of its top priorities for the 2015-17 budget cycle. It’s easy to say we want housing, but do we put our money where our mouth is? What innovative or creative options have we offered to our local builders as of late?

Our city provides funding through in-lieu fees paid to the city by developers as an alternative to the production of inclusionary housing, to be used in the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of affordable housing. An inclusionary housing unit is a dwelling that meets the city’s affordable housing standards, which means that the housing will be built, as a requirement for approval of a project, by developers that can be purchased or rented by a household that meets specific income requirements. Typically very low, low, or moderate income. So how do we as a city leverage resources and incentivize builders to build truly affordable housing? Inclusionary is a start, but we can’t realistically expect to meet the number of units needed through this program alone. Inclusionary policies categorically drive up prices in the next tier of affordability, contributing to a new lack of affordability in workforce housing. Let’s face it, builders are investors, and they are in business to make a profit. Most lenders won’t take the risk in financing the developments without the security of a positive financial outcome. What better way to encourage them to build affordable housing than to offer something that makes it so attractive that they can’t resist the opportunity to build more affordable units by design? We can start by reducing our impact and permitting fees to get their attention. Partnering on infrastructure costs and standardizing sub-standard lot sizes would go a long way. I can’t imagine any builder I know who would not be enticed by such an opportunity. It sounds easy doesn’t it? Well, this is where politics come in which typically is the fly in the ointment. This approach would be called “investing in our community.” It requires a willingness to sacrifice the up-front revenue from the builder to provide housing, while waiting for that return on the investment to

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mature in the form of ripple and multiplier effects such as increased jobs and tax revenue to the city. That takes a visionary mindset with some level of risk and the courage to embrace the leap of faith. The county itself continues to raise fees as they did in November sending a clear message that they’re not committed to helping the housing shortage in the unincorporated communities in our county. Our city like the county, is so consumed with immediate revenue gratification for new and ongoing programs and services that they can’t see the forest through the trees and invest in our future. Until they can, we will continue to be deficient in the type of housing our residents need. A recent study (2015 Opening San Diego’s Door to Lower Housing Cost - Fermanian Business & Economic Institute at PLNU) exposes that the cost of regulation amounts to about forty percent on average across the various price segments. I realize regulatory costs vary considerably among municipalities, however this study provides a basis to address the paradigm builders must operate under. Regulatory costs can include the statutory fees of building permits, water and sewer connections, schools, traffic, mapping, environmental review, etc. ultimately culminating in an exhaustive and intense public review process. The time involved in approving a housing project is often prolonged and complicated and this cost driver can increase the price of a new house by as much as 15%. Regulatory reforms are needed to preserve the public objectives for affordable housing. That can be accomplished by lowing costs, insuring permit approval times, and replacing full cost recovery by a flat fee for standardized building. Reasonable solutions can and should be implemented to pare down the cost of housing, which has been the greatest single impediment to fulfilling our housing potential. As always, it’s a privilege to serve you on City Council and if you’d like to share your thoughts on housing or any other issue, please feel free to contact me at dcarpent@slocity.org or 805-431-3174.

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

January 2016

Inside: W hat â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U p Holi d a y W in dow Decora t i n g C on tes t Mee t O ur Ne west Team Member

W h a t ’ s

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two teams of hard-hitting committee members oming out of the holiday season is always a from within our Downtown. The first initiative time for New Year’s resolutions, fresh starts is a Downtown Vision Plan team that will be and the frustration associated with forgetting to looking at other community downtowns across write the correct date on one’s checks. According the country as part of a study of what makes great to a study done by the University of Scranton downtowns great and then drawing comparisons in January of last year, 47% of resolutions made to our own city. The second initiative that will each year relate to self-improvement or education. kick off this month is our Downtown Marketing Hitting the gym and getting in shape seems like Dominic Tartaglia, Taskforce. Combining those two efforts with the a logical progression after a two month season of Executive Director ongoing work of our Downtown SLO Farmers’ holiday parties, large meals and shorter days to get Market is an enormous bite to chew but as they say, the your vitamin D. Getting in shape, however, is not unique first step of eating an elephant is to take a bite. to the human physique. Companies and organizations also stand to benefit from starting fresh in January and taking a ll three of those efforts are staffed by members of our good hard look at some of those figurative love handles. association from diverse backgrounds and a common love for our community. Those members stepped up to he San Luis Obispo Downtown Association is ensure the continuation of the things that make Downtown doing just that. Our office did a big overhaul of uniquely SLO and to thwart the all too common our Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market last year and that phenomena of complacency. The Vision Plan team is process is continuing into 2016 but this year we also staffed and taking strides already but our Marketing are embarking on two more initiatives that would be Taskforce is just taking off and I will tell you right now, the equivalent to a fitness boot camp on steroids. We’re they have a tough row to hoe. Two years ago our Board keeping it legal and dropping the steroids in exchange for

On the Cover: A beautiful branch in full bloom in the garden at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa during last year's winter months. Photo by Mukta Naran

THIS IS NO ORDINARY FARMERS’ MARKET.

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Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market EVERY THURSDAY 6-9PM DOWNTOWNSLO.COM

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W h a t â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s

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of Directors agreed that it is time for a rebranding of our logo; what they did not agree on was what the new logo should be. Today the ongoing discussions surrounding a new logo snowballed into a full blown review of everything that embodies what our association stands for, from logos on letterhead to a hot rod of a website.

he Marketing Taskforce will begin their work this month by getting down to the most basic needs of our organization and building on that foundation to build a request for proposal (RFP) from local agencies to make their dream a reality. This is a big undertaking but it is all for good reason. In recent years technology has changed how our organization does business, reaches tourists and promotes our events. Along those lines, the identity of this organization is maturing and the Board feels that the logo should reflect that. As the Marketing Taskforce

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charges forward expect to see a new and exciting vibe coming from the 40-year-old San Luis Obispo Downtown Association. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to make over the hill look over the top. *Fun fact: The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association has had several facelifts over the years including multiple subtle name changes and logo revisions.

For more information on Downtown Association events, programs and activities, or to sign up for our weekly Deliver-E newsletter, visit www.DowntownSLO.com

W h a t ’ s

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2015 H ol i day Wi n d ow D e c o ra t in g Co n t est Win n ers

he SLO Downtown Association is happy to announce the winners of its annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest for the 2015 season. This year two dozen businesses competed by decorating their storefront windows with creative and inspiring designs. Hoping to gain customers' attentions—and perhaps win a prize—businesses go all out for this fun competition. The Downtown Association Design Committee hosts this contest and judges the windows. The contest is sponsored in part by The Tribune. Judges give honors for First, Second and Third Places as well as Best in Theme, with this year's theme being There's No Place Like SLO. The contest is also held online to include a People's Choice Award. Here are the 2015 Window Decorating Contest winners:

First Place Bluebird Salon

Second Place Jules D.

Best in Theme HumanKind Fair Trade

Third Place EcoBambino

People's Choice Award Assistance League Thrift Shop

ongratulations winners and THANK YOU to all of the following participants in the 2015 Holiday Window Decorating Contest and for making Downtown SLO a festive experience this season!

Ambiance

Contessa S. Boutique

Michael's Optical

The Sock Drawer

Assets Studios

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab

Passport

Tigerlily Salon

San Luis Traditions

To Have & To Hold

Super Silver SLO

Upscale Resale

The Blade Runner

Urban Optics

B. Anthony & Co. Jewelers Cal Poly Downtown Celadon House

Fromagerie Sophie Hamilton Estate Jewelry

Meet Our Newest Downtown Association Team Member

an Luis Obispo Downtown Association welcomes Kristin McMaster as our Special Projects Coordinator. Kristin recently moved here from Santa Cruz where she has lived and worked for the past three years. Kristin received her Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University Kristin McMaster with a focus in Psychology and her Masters of Social Work from University of Southern California. Kristin worked as a Clinical Social Worker at UC Irvine Medical Center with a focus in young adult oncology and as the Student Care

Coordinator for UC Santa Cruz serving students in need. Through her work experience Kristin developed a strong passion for uniting communities and promoting access to local, organic foods across all demographics, which sparked her interest in working with the Downtown Association. Her position will focus on implementing projects to support the goals highlighted in Downtown SLO Farmers' Market Vision Plan.

s a lover of the outdoors she has fully embraced all that San Luis Obispo has to offer, hiking and running the trails. Kristin is very excited to join our team and is looking forward to getting to know the Downtown community through her work.

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the greatest athletes on the central coast By Dr. Don Morris Editor’s note: The reader response to the question “Who are the Greatest Athletes in the history of the Central Coast?” has been overwhelming. More than 100 nominations have been received from readers from Ventura to Salinas and almost all the high schools and various sports were represented. (Many of the nominations were about central coast men and women athletes who have gone on to compete professionally in sports like Olympic events, football, baseball, track and field, golf, boxing, ultimate fighting, tennis, kick boxing, basketball, rodeo, race-car drivers, etc). So far the following athletes have been featured: Ed Brown, Stephanie Brown Trafton, Chuck Liddell, Loren Roberts, Steve Patterson, Gene Rambo, Robin Ventura, Jordan Hasay, Chuck Estrada, Mike Larrabee, Ron Capps, Jamie Martin, Rusty Kuntz, Randall Cunningham, Jim Lonborg, Kami Craig, John Rudometkin, Ivan Huff, Chelsea Johnson, Michael Louis Bratz, Frank Minini and Scott McClain. Please send nominations to Dr. Morris at dmmorris@calpoly.edu.

mel queen

Mel Queen of San Luis Obispo H.S. was signed to a bonus by the Cincinnati Red Sox after a stellar three-sport high school career. He pitched for the Reds and he became an infielder, outfielder, pitcher, coach, manager, scout, farm director and baseball executive. Mel has the distinction of having entered the major leagues as an outfielder and finishing as a pitcher. He was a pitcher/outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, and the California Angels where he pitched right-handed but batted left handed. Altogether, Mel Queen appeared in 56 games for the Reds, 32 as an outfielder, seven as a pitcher, and the rest as a pinch-hitter. As a pitcher, Queen relied almost entirely on his fastball. “I just went to the mound and threw as hard as I could,” he said in an interview. Queen became a minor league pitching coach and he joined the Indians’ organization. He later joined the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and served as manager of the Bakersfield Dodgers. Queen then joined the Toronto Blue Jays. He started as a coach, then was promoted to farm director and served as their major league pitching coach. Then Toronto brought Queen out of retirement to serve as a senior advisor, working on special assignments with minor league pitchers. Mel was a longtime resident of Morro Bay where he died at age 69 of complications from cancer.

mark brunell

Mark Brunell was the starting quarterback for the St. Joseph High School Knights of Santa Maria, California. He led his team to two league championships and one appearance in the CIF finals. Out of high school Mark signed with the University of Washington and was then selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round of the NFL Draft. After two years with the Packers, he was acquired by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brunell was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, and was awarded the Pro Bowl MVP in the 1997 game. The Jaguars won an AFC Central Division title and became the first NFL expansion team to make the playoffs three times in its first four seasons of play. Brunell was inducted into the “Pride of the Jaguars,” the team’s Hall of Fame equivalent. Brunell went on to break the NFL record for most consecutive completions in a single game against the Houston Texans. Brunell got his first and only Super Bowl ring with the New Orleans Saints when the team won its first franchise world championship in Super Bowl XLIV. Football Nation ranked Brunell the twenty-ninth best quarterback of the post-merger era. Brunell then became the new head football coach and program director at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville. J A N U A R Y

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

Terrence Spiller benefit recital

Pianist and Cal Poly Music Department Chair W. Terrence Spiller will give a benefit recital at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, in the Spanos Theatre on campus. Spiller’s program will start with two sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven: the Sonata in F Major, Op. 10 No. 2, followed by the Sonata in D major, Op. 28, also known as “The Pastorale.” The second half of the program will begin with Francis Poulenc’s “Les Soirées de Nazelles” and will conclude with five préludes from Sergei Rachmaninov’s Préludes Op. 23 and Op. 32. Tickets are $9 for students and $12 for the public. Proceeds will benefit the Cal Poly Music Department Scholarship Fund. Pricing includes all Performing Arts Center fees, and event parking is sponsored by the PAC. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To order by phone, call SLO-4TIX (756-4849).

two children with every mentor relationship. The students learn that as individuals they can shape the world and have a positive effect on their community. The exposure to new ideas and opinions offered by both the mentors and elementary students from differing backgrounds expands both groups’ horizons.” In the photo, SLO High School volunteer mentors and their Sinsheimer Elementary mentees celebrate the program.

$287,000 generated at fhmc annual celebration

The French Hospital Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce that the Tenth Annual Celebration of Caring Gala raised more than $287,000 in support of the new Copeland Health Education Pavilion at French Hospital Medical Center. Event highlights included the presentation of the Louis Tedone, M.D., Humanitarian Award to Bert and Candace Forbes for their outstanding service to the community, passion for philanthropy, and civic leadership.

realtors donate to local charities

miossi trust gives $20,000 to bb/bs

The Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust awarded a $20,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County. This is their 4th such grant with support totaling $80,000. The funding has allowed the agency to create and continue their School Based program in Morro Bay and partially supports their School Based program in SLO. Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director, Anna Boyd Bucy said “Our School Based Program allows us to double our impact, serving

The 6th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament was once again a success, raising over $9,000 through the work and generous donations of REALTORS®, Affiliates and community members! This year, the Golf Tournament was held at the SLO Country Club with more than 145 participants. Numerous SLO High School students have been presented scholarships of $500 by the Central Coast REALTORS® Charitable Foundation, Inc. Additionally, each year the local Board of Directors takes applications from organizations and chooses three to award funds raised from the Golf Tournament. This year’s recipients, who were each awarded more than $2,375 include the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County, Family Care Network and Escuela del Rio.

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unitarian Fellowship donates to tmha

Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) received a wonderful $1,841 donation from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of SLO County. The check was presented to Jill BolsterWhite, Executive Director of TMHA by Judy Hornaday, a member of the Community Outreach Offering Committee on behalf of Reverend Rod Richards and the congregation. This year’s support was designated for the SLO Hotline program, a 24-hour free and confidential call center that TMHA has operated since 2009. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship donates their second Sunday offering each month to a local non-profit serving the community. In the past four years they have given away over $27,000 to worthy causes. Non-profit organizations can fill out an application for consideration on their website, www.uuslo.org.

slo police receive grant

The SLO Police Department has been awarded a $190,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries. The SLO Police Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

C rossword S O L U T I O N S

THE BULLETIN BOARD

mortgage house creates endowment

An endowment has been established by longtime local lender The Mortgage House in celebration of 20 years serving clients throughout San Luis and northern Santa Barbara Counties. “As one of the founders of this company over 20 years ago, I am especially grateful to be able to thank our community in this way,” Division President Roxanne Carr said. The endowment is to be managed by the SLO County Community Foundation and will begin with an initial $20,000 donation. The Mortgage House will continue to add a contribution from every loan it closes so that the endowment will grow indefinitely. A link to the endowment will be available shortly through the Community Foundation website at www.cfsloco.org. Pictured (L to R) are Mary Trudeau, Sales Manager of The Mortgage House, Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation, and Roxanne Carr, Division President of The Mortgage House.

women’s honor farm donates quilts to shelter

Last month the Women’s Honor Farm presented 100 handmade lap quilts and afghans made by the inmates to the Prado Day Center and Maxine Lewis Memorial Center. CAPSLO Deputy Director Grace McIntosh and Homeless Services Manager Shawn Ison accepted the quilts and afghans on behalf of both organizations. Sewing has rehabilitative benefits; the women sew, knit, and crochet blankets, afghans, scarves, and beanies for various organizations throughout our community. The Sewing Program gives the female inmates a sense of accomplishment.

slo transit distributes rain panchos

With the predicted heavy rainfall for the coming months, the City of SLO Transit is taking steps toward storm preparedness and making it a little easier for its passengers to navigate the wet weather. SLO Transit will be distributing SLO Transit branded rain ponchos to passengers boarding the bus on select rainy days. Rain ponchos are available in limited supply and solely as a promotional opportunity, so passengers are encouraged to save and reuse their poncho throughout the rainy season. J A N U A R Y

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THE BULLETIN BOARD

slo city unveils changes at water facility

442nd Regimental Combat Team, largely composed of soldiers of Japanese descent. Chinese guerrillas commanded by Mao Zedong—the future Chairman Mao—threw a birthday party for an Arroyo Grande soldier. At home, community groups like the Arroyo Grande Women’s Club brought packed lunches for their Japanese American neighbors on the morning they were forced to leave for the internment camps. Local author Jim Gregory brings to life the sorrows and triumphs of a dramatic period in local history. For more information or to purchase the book, go to www. arcadiapublishing.com

MB estuary announces New director

The City of San Luis unveiled much-needed energy efficiency improvements to its Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) during a ribbon cutting ceremony last month. Guests were treated to VIP tours of the WRRF to reveal this transformation that is already saving energy at the plant, helping the environment by reducing carbon emissions, and controlling costs. In alignment with its upcoming full facility upgrade, the City of SLO pursued an energy efficiency initiative called Progressive Resource & Energy Partnership (PREP). Within this initiative, the City joined with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and created the state’s first ever partnership of its kind in order to meet energy efficiency goals. Managed by the City Utilities Department, the WRRF’s major improvements include equipment upgrades and modernization of the facility. For more information, visit www.slowater.org.

Local books – World war II Arroyo grande

On December 7, 1941, war came to Arroyo Grande when two local sailors were killed on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. People from the small town were thrust into great circumstances and quickly answered the call for action. A local storekeeper’s son won the Silver Star after he brought his flaming B-17 safely back to base. A valley farmworker served with the famed

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Assistant Director Lexie Bell will succeed Adrienne Harris as Executive Director of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program in 2016. Today the Board of Directors announced Bell will take on the leadership role for the organization starting in January, after six years as the second-in-command. Bell first began working in Morro Bay as a graduate student at the UC Santa Barbara Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. In addition to her Master’s degree, Lexie graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Biology. Previously, Lexie worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Education, the Nature Conservancy, and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute. A native of Florida, Lexie now lives with her family in Los Osos and enjoys our beautiful Central Coast beaches. Morro Bay National Estuary Program is a non-regulatory, non-profit organization that brings together citizens, local government, nonprofits, agencies, and landowners to protect and restore the Morro Bay Estuary for people and wildlife. The Estuary Program has been conducting monitoring and research, restoring natural habitats, and educating residents and visitors on how to keep Morro Bay clean and healthy since 1995. You can find out more about the Morro Bay National Estuary Program at www. mbnep.org.

THE BULLETIN BOARD 6th annual jewish film festival

Concert Orchestra on February 28, 2016 at the Performing Arts in SLO. Elijah Shanks (cello), Megan Pollon (violin), Jenna Skiff (flute), Liam Wilson (cello), and Claire Sze (violin) also took part in the competition and played beautifully. Each soloist was accompanied by pianist Paul Woodring. The Concerto Competition is overseen each year by Youth Symphony’s Concert Orchestra conductor, Nancy Nagano.

When new year begins, it also means that the Central Coast’s premier event celebrating Jewish culture from around the world is only days away. The 6th annual San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival, January 9th and 10th features award winning narrative and documentary films, along with intimate conversations with the filmmakers sharing their stories about the magic of the filmmaking process. You don’t have to be Jewish to join the celebration, it is for everyone! Screenings always sell out, so you’re encouraged to buy your tickets early. Sponsorship packages that include tickets to all the events are still available. For tickets and more information, visit www.jccslo.com. Start your year off right, and experience the crown jewel in the Jewish Community Calendar this January 9 & 10, 2016 at the San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival.

Screening for adults and seniors 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 blood sugar. Counseling and referrals as needed. Please call 544-2484 ext. 1 for dates, times and locations.

slo youth symphony’s concerto competition

christopher meadows scholarships announced

Last month several young musicians put everything on the line and participated in the Annual SLO Youth Symphony Concerto Competition. Concertos by Haydn to Boccherini were performed with style and precision at the Community Baptist Church in SLO. Adjudicators Paul Severtson, Miriam Grisso and David George came to the unanimous decision that this year’s winners were (pictured) Timothy Shanks (violin) and Titus Shanks (cello) who performed the Brahms’ Double Concerto in A minor, Opus 102 brilliantly. Timothy and Titus will play the first movement (Allegro) from this concerto with the Youth Symphony

free senior health care screening

Five Central California paramedic students from a five-county region have been selected as the 2015-16 Christopher Meadows Memorial Paramedic Scholarship recipients. One of the $3000 awardees is Tania Coulombe from Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Her scholarship award was made possible, in large part, by a donation from the Masons of King David’s Lodge in SLO. Tania (pictured) attends the Cuesta College Paramedic Program. A long time SLO county resident, Tania is employed as an EMT with San Luis Ambulance. She has also worked at Twin Cities Community Hospital and SLO County Fire. Tania began her EMS career as a “candy striper.” The Christopher Meadows Memorial EMS Education Fund was established by Taylor and Heather Tucker, co-workers of Meadows’ at San Luis Ambulance immediately after Christopher’s tragic death in 2009. More information can be found, and donations are also gladly accepted, at www.meadowsscholarship.org.

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COMMUNITY

eye on business new year, new thinking By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

here’s a new year about to get rolling, and with it comes a chance to rethink and refine what we do to create business success. Earlier this winter 500+ community and business leaders heard a presentation by Seth Mattison at the Central Coast Economic Forecast. I was one of the attendees. Seth made some powerful points that have stayed with me and are shaping my thinking as I head into 2016.

Seth has a business helping companies understand generational differences and develop work force strategies to address them. He is a 30-something young man who speaks passionately and offers examples of how companies like mine—companies that easily have three generations working together—are finding common ground and producing positive results. Interestingly, the room was filled with a mix of generations, and Seth scored high marks across them all. He helped define the values held by Millenials, the name given to the group of people born roughly in the 1980s to early 2000s (sometimes also called Gen Y). I employ a number of Millenials and am parent to two daughters who also fit the bill. Millenials are the largest generation in the workforce, and it is estimated that by 2020 will represent more

than half of all workers. It’s a generation often accused of stereotypes like “me first” and laziness; it’s a group about whom much has been written and, in my perspective, it’s a group that is producing amazing results. It’s certainly a group to be reckoned with. Seth’s point was not that we need to surrender to a new generation, but that as good owners and managers if we integrate new thinking with traditional precepts, we are likely to enhance business performance. The good news is that much of what is recommended is already under way in many organizations. I don’t think there’s an employer among us who doesn’t offer some degree of flexibility: schedule changes to accommodate family needs; telecommuting, softening of dress code. Some of the other notions take a little more effort. Seth talked about employees’ resistance to building their way to advancement over time. He said the old models of employees laying low and quietly working hard to get ahead don’t fit the new workplace. That one was unsettling to me, as it is absolutely the way I learned to be as an employee. If not that approach, then what? Are we as employers advised to catapult people into unearned promotions just to

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Seth Mattison

prevent job hopping? The answer, I was relieved to hear, is no. The suggestion is to offer in-between steps and small changes in title—efforts that tell the employee he or she is advancing. That’s a change, but one that is really quite simple. Other suggestions to consider—some are Seth’s and others I found in a terrific Fortune Magazine article—are not difficult, but do call for awareness. Things like clearly explaining the vision of our business or organization; offering feedback and encouragement (not the everybodygets-a-trophy angle, but sincere spoken recognition of good work) and putting a value on community service (we see that in abundance here locally) all help create workplaces that Millenials want to be part of. The takeaway is that people—all generations—want to feel connected to meaningful work. When you think how much time over a career lifetime is spent on the job, that doesn’t seem like such a tall order. We want to spend time being part of something that matters. Technology helps create connection, but it’s people-to-people that creates meaning. The takeaway as we ring in 2016: this is a year for connecting to our employees, our clients and our communities. Little efforts add up to big change and positive working environments. There is no generational divide when we are all working to the same goal. There are just different ways to get there. Happy New Year.

1972 San Luis Drive, San Luis Obispo

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1773 Frambuesa Drive, San Luis Obispo

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First time on the market! This custom built home is situated on over 1/4 acre lot at the top of the cul-de-sac on Frambuesa Drive. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room for the whole family with over 4,000 square feet of living space. This spacious home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a formal living room, dining room, family room, 3-car garage, and RV parking. Take in the beautiful views from one of the upper patios or enjoy some peace and quiet in the fully landscaped backyard. View the complete virtual tour at: http://www.tourfactory.com/1363891

Erin Mott Broker/Owner BRE# 01448769 ph: 805.234.1946 erin@mpsrealty.com

February 7, 2016

Chi Delta Sorority Elks Lodge Latinos in Agriculture Nipomo Presbyterian Church SLO Journal U.S. Agriseeds