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TOM WALTERS | MONA MCKELV Y | SANDY RICHARDSON | VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE

JournalPLUS DECEMBER 2013

MAGAZINE OF THE CENTRAL COAST

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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

12 TOM WALTERS

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 Keith Malcomson, Kyle Owens

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MONA MCKELVY

ANNE MARIE BERGEN

ADVERTISING Jan Owens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Stewart, Natasha Dalton, Joseph Carotenuti, Dr. Julian Crocker, Sarah Hedger, Maggie Cox, Deborah Cash, Will Jones, Bob Huttle, Ruth Starr, Ray Cauwet, Dan Carpenter, Heather Young, and Gordon Fuglie.

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 Brynn Albanese

PEOPLE 10 12 14 16 18

BRYNN ALBANESE TOM WALTERS MONA MCKELVY SANDY RICHARDSON–Womanade ANNE MARIE BERGEN

HOME & OUTDOOR 20 22 24 26

TEMPLETON WOMEN’S CLUB TURNS 100 TRAVEL–Sedona FOOD / AT THE MARKET

COMMUNITY 28 30 32 34 36 42

OUR SCHOOLS–Dr. Julian Crocker VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE HISTORY: SLO and the USO HOSPICE CORNER / CROSSWORD PUZZLE PALM STREET– Councilman Dan Carpenter COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

BUSINESS

37 DOWNTOWN SLO What’s Happening 46 EYE ON BUSINESS

SLO ART SCENE Philip Carey

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From the publisher

T

he last quarter of each year is one of great celebration in the Owens household. We celebrate five October birthdays by having dinner at McLintock’s in Shell Beach—a tradition now in its 31st straight year. In November, we celebrate two more birthdays, Thanksgiving, and my parents’ 66th wedding anniversary! In December, our four generations gather together to celebrate the holidays, and there is always plenty of love, laughter, and memories to share. There’s nothing quite like four generations of family … partying together. We hope your holiday season is rich with the traditions you cherish.

This month’s cover story is on the popular violinist from Café Musique, Brynn Albanese. We first heard the talented group a couple years ago and most recently at the SLO Symphony Pops Concert. Brynn has so much fun entertaining us that you can’t help but put a smile on your face. If you haven’t had a chance to hear her and Café Musique’s great music...make it a point this upcoming season.

Plenty of good reading again this month including: a profile on musician and filmmaker Tom Walters, Hawaiian Mona McKelvy, Womanade’s Sandy Richardson, and honored teacher Anne Marie Bergen.

All four individuals give back to our community.

We also feature the under 40 age group that has joined the Vocal Arts Ensemble and finish with the 100th anniversary of the Templeton’s Women’s Club.

And as always, enjoy the magazine.

Steve Owens

COMING UP AT THE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MET Live in HD: Tosca 12/1 • 2 p.m.

The Nutcracker 12/14 • 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. • 12/15 • 2 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Opera SLO & CPA

Christopher Cohan Center

MBHS & LOMS Choir Concert 12/3 • 7 p.m.

Studio @ Winter Showcase 12/14 • 7 p.m. & 12/15 • 2 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by MBHS & LOMS

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Ryan's American Dance

Pink Martini 12/4 • 7:30 p.m.

A Christmas Carol 12/17 • 7:30 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Cal Poly Arts

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Cal Poly Arts

MBHS & LOMS Bands Concert 12/5 • 7 p.m.

Holiday Sing-Along with Forbes Pipe Organ 12/22 • 3 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by MBHS & LOMS

Presented by Civic Ballet of SLO

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by PAC Outreach

University Jazz Bands' Fall Concert 12/6 • 8 p.m.

NYE with the Symphony!

12/31 • 7:30 p.m.

Alex & Faye Spanos Theatre Presented by Cal Poly Music Dept.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by SLO Symphony

La Boutique Fantasque & Les Patineurs 12/7 • 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

12/8 • 2 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Ballet Theatre SLO

CP Choirs' A Christmas Celebration 12/7 • 8 p.m.

Christopher Cohan Center Presented by Cal Poly Music Dept.

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A hallmark of Union Bank® has been its ties to the community. From the start, we have uplifted and honored those who help neighbors in need. Union Bank is proud of your commitment, and we look forward to continuing to support the enrichment of San Luis Obispo County.

Learn more about our commitment to the community by visiting doingright.com.

Children’s Creative Project Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County Foundation for the Performing Arts Center Hawthorne Elementary School History Center of San Luis Obispo County Hospice Partners of the Central Coast “The Literacy Council serves all of San Luis Obispo County. We assist adults 16 and older to learn to read, write, and speak English. Through Union Bank’s generous grant, our organization can train many community members to become volunteer tutors as well as purchase essential books and materials. A literate community is a viable one, and we are deeply appreciative of Union Bank’s commitment to San Luis Obispo County’s communities.”

Kiwanis Laguna Middle School PTA Lucia Mar Foundation for Innovation North County Business Resource Center Paso Robles Art Association Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County

“Wilshire Hospice (formerly Hospice Partners) is grateful for the support from Union Bank. The support from community partners helps us provide hospice care in our community, assisting many people in the most challenging of times.”

Laurie Smith, ACHCE Regional Administrator Wilshire Hospice

Recreation Enhances Community (REC) Foundation San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund

5 Cities Homeless Coalition

San Luis Obispo Downtown Organization

Alzheimer’s Association—Central Coast Arts Outreach

San Luis Obispo Literacy Council

Atascadero Main Street, Inc.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County Boys & Girls Club of North San Luis Obispo County California Polytechnic State University Central Coast Economic Forecast Central Coast Natural History Association

“Loaves & Fishes appreciates the support Union Bank has given and continues to provide to our ministry of feeding the hungry and responding to the emergency needs of those who come to us for help.

We are grateful for this special partnership.”

San Luis Obispo Symphony

Jackie Sebro Executive Director Loaves & Fishes

United Way of San Luis Obispo County

©2013 Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

SPOKES Templeton Community Library Association Transitions Mental Health Association Youth Works Paso Robles

T:10”

A STRONG COMMUNITY BUILT BY GREAT PEOPLE.

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PEOPLE

BRYNN ALBANESE

VIOLINIST, CONCERTMASTER, TEACHER

By Will Jones

B

est known locally as the violinist for the popular and eclectic band Café Musique, Brynn Albanese has been immersed in music her entire life. Over the last twenty-five years she has performed with the best symphonies, musicians and conductors in the world.

Born and raised on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where her father, Claude, taught music in the Palos Verdes School District, Brynn graduated from Rolling Hills High School in 1986. “My dad is a clarinetist, my mom a cellist. They both played in local orchestras.

I went to their rehearsals and at age four, when they asked me what instrument I wanted to play, I said violin because I could actually see the violinists!” She studied with respected concertmaster and violin teacher, Elizabeth Ivanoff Holborn, until she was eighteen.

Brynn’s brother played trombone, and the family played as the Albanese Quartet during the holidays. “I played the first violin part, my dad transposed the second violin for clarinet, my mother played the viola part on the cello, and my brother played the cello part on his trombone.” Laughing, Brynn said, “That was our version of a string quartet.” At eleven Brynn debuted as a soloist with the CarsonDominguez Hills Symphony Orchestra.

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Although she resisted practice, Brynn’s natural musical ability, particularly her emotional interpretation of well-known works, allowed her to get away with less than perfect technique. “My young life wasn’t dominated by practice. I was in the marching band and I played soccer. I listened to Top 40 music. I knew the words to all of Madonna’s songs.” Participation in prestigious summer camps like Interlochen, in Michigan, and Meadowmount, in upstate New York, helped improve Brynn’s technique. “Those camps opened my eyes. Every other violinist was fabulous and I was way behind them technically.”

Brynn attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University. After a year of intensive technical work with Earl Carlyss of the Julliard Quartet, she was chosen concertmaster for the school orchestra. “The concertmaster represents the orchestra, tunes the orchestra, and is the liaison between the different principals in the string section.” It was quite a distinction for an eighteen-year-old. “There were a lot of violinists in their twenties sitting behind me.” While still in school, Brynn also became the concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony and traveled to the USSR with her school orchestra in 1987.

Brynn met many people from other countries while attending Peabody. She recalled reading LIFE books about foreign countries as a child. “At thirteen I marched into the kitchen and told my parents

PEOPLE I was going to Europe by myself when I was nineteen.” She made it happen, traveling for three weeks, learning important lessons along the way. Later she traveled to Europe with her school orchestra, separating from the group after completing the formal part of the trip. “I traveled all over Europe with a train pass. I have journals filled with stories, like playing on a train in Hungary and busking in the German metro where I almost got arrested.”

Attending the acclaimed Tanglewood Summer Festival on a fellowship in 1991 changed her life. Famed conductor Seiji Ozawa chose Brynn to be the concertmaster for a memorial concert dedicated to Leonard Bernstein. Ozawa conducted and Jesse Norman was the soprano soloist. “We played Bernstein’s Jeremiah Symphony. I was playing at my best.” The fact that Brynn’s mother, Rhoda, had attended Tanglewood in 1959 made the experience even more special.

While performing at Tanglewood, Brynn accepted an offer to be concertmaster for the Boston Philharmonic. “I spent a couple of years finding my way in Boston. In 1994 I got a call from the personnel manager of the Boston Symphony. They needed a violinist for a tour of China and Japan. I had two weeks to get my passport together, and I would have no rehearsals. They had confidence in me but I was scared out of my mind!”

Life changed again for Brynn. “Now I was in with the Boston Symphony, including the Boston Pops. My world burst wide open. I was onstage for the debut of the music for ‘Schindler’s List,’ with John Williams conducting and Itzhak Perlman, my hero, the soloist.” Brynn also played with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, important because all the best and most famous freelancers in town played with Esplanade.

While Brynn performed constantly and made a very good living with the Boston Symphony, the Pops and Esplanade, she never earned permanent status, which turned out to be “a blessing in disguise.” A colleague suggested she move to Holland, and after some consideration she decided to go. “I won my first audition for the Hague Philharmonic, led by renowned Russian conductor, Evgany Svetlanov. I had the time of my life, performing, traveling to places like the Canary Islands, eating cheese and buying fresh flowers every day in Amsterdam.”

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“It was not a lifestyle I enjoyed. I was concertmaster of John Warren’s New World Baroque Orchestra in Paso Robles when I met violist Ingrid English.

We talked about my experience. I told her I loved tango. She told me about her husband’s group, Café Musique.” Duane English came to hear Brynn play, and one day in 2007 he called and asked if she would like to join the group. Brynn also got in touch with a well-known local violinist, Kathie Lenski, a close friend of Michael Nowak, the conductor of the San Luis Obispo Symphony. “I owe a lot of my acceptance in the community to her.”

Busy hardly describes Brynn’s professional life. After an acclaimed appearance with the San Luis Obispo Symphony at this year’s Popsby-the-Sea, Café Musique is working on its third CD, which will include appearances by local favorites like Joe Craven, Louis Ortega, and Tony Clements. In addition to many area performances, the group collaborates with Gulliver’s Travels for riverboat adventures in Europe. Following successful trips to France and Portugal, the next tour will be to the Netherlands and Belgium in 2015.

This year Brynn served as Concertmaster for The Symphony of the Vines and Opera SLO. On December 31st she will solo with the San Luis Obispo Symphony at the Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Pops Concert. In January she will play Mozart with the Symphony of the Vines.

For Nutcracker fans, Brynn will serve as concertmaster on December 14th and 15th at the PAC and at the Granada Theater in Santa Barbara on the 22nd and 23rd. Add violin lessons, a group violin workshop and classes at Cal Poly, and it’s easy to understand why Brynn Albanese is one of the musical treasures of the Central Coast.

“Both of my parents are wonderful musicians. My father is my teaching role model. His dedication inspires me. I want to follow in his footsteps.” Brynn Albanese is well on her way to accomplishing her goal.

Brynn returned to the United States in 2005 following a tragic family event. She moved to Cambria, where her parents now live. “I started playing violin at the Tea Cozy, I shuffled papers in an office, I was an assistant physical therapist.” People started recognizing her ability, and Brynn applied for what she called the “Freeway Philharmonics,” including Fresno and Monterey.

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PEOPLE

tom walters: celebrating a talent, and a human spirit

By Natasha Dalton

“…people confuse two fundamentally different kinds of genius: the professional and human. ‘Professional’ geniuses abound: actors, musicians, scientists, Nobel Prize winners … With the genius of the second type the situation is much more complicated. I’m talking about those rare people who by their very existence warm and illuminate the world,*” Grigory Chkhartishvili, writer.

A film about Wachtang Korisheli (better known as Botso), is the first feature length documentary for its director/producer Tom Walters and writer/producer Hilary Roberts Grant. But it received so much attention, that Jim Dee, the owner of The Palm Theatre where the film was shown earlier this year, had to extend the film’s run.

“Botso is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met,” says Walters, explaining his decision to make a movie about a local music teacher. “His presence is different than that of other people. There’s this component to him besides his talent: He always teaches with emotion and in a kinesthetic kind of way.”

Walters should know: he, too, lived in Morro Bay, where Botso was the first music teacher of his two daughters. As Walters began to learn more about Botso, he discovered ‘kinship’ to many things that define this charismatic man. “He is a ‘go-with-the-flow’ kind of a guy, and I’m the same way,” Walters says. “I share his love of nature, children, art, and his love of music.”

older, he played with them, and now he has a band with Ken Hustad and Bruce Corelitz, called Innerfaces.

And it was music that turned Walters to filmmaking. Working in the system of mental health management, he began to use music as a way of reaching out to psychiatric patients, and wanted to make a video about it. A colleague of his introduced him to Ronald Austin, a wellknown Hollywood writer and producer. “We just hit it off,” Walters says. “He was retiring, and was open to working with me. Austin said: ‘If you get a budget, I’ll come and direct.’”

Walters—a fabulous musician in his own right—has been playing with local bands for years. In the 70s, he helped run the folk music event called Coffee House at Cal Poly. At that time, he performed with Duane English of Café Musique fame, appeared on Weird Al’s very first recording “Take Me Down” on the SLO Grown album, and recorded a couple of albums with another Cal Poly heartthrob Jon Iverson.

It was this apprenticeship that led to Walters’s successful career in documentary filmmaking. Corrina Jones, who worked with Walters on several of his movies, including Botso, describes the atmosphere he creates on the set as ‘non-intimidating.’ “Tom has a way of making people relax; he brings out their best, and it’s not so much a technique— it’s his personality,” she says. “Tom is a very gentle and patient director. His sensitivity and kind nature set up an environment that allows people to be authentic.”

“I’ve always been involved with music,” Walters says. “Way back,” he had a band, Friends of Ned Perkins; then, when his daughters got

So, it’s not surprising then that when Walters and Grant approached Botso with the idea of a film, Botso agreed.

“He thought about it for quite a while,” Walters recalls, “and he said: ‘If kids will benefit from it, I’m willing to do it.’”

That’s why Walters and Grant began their project by setting up a non-profit, which would use the proceeds of the movie for the Youth Symphony scholarships.

Originally, Walters and Grant were planning to collaborate on a smaller project: a short video about the Youth Symphony. But they quickly realized that any story about the Youth Symphony had to include a story about Botso, and that if they were to bring up Botso’s story, they had to tell it right.

Tom with Botso and the Georgian crew.

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Grant’s experience in reality television became a good compliment to that of Walters’. The two also ‘clicked’ on a personal level. Making arrangements for their first

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All through the filming, Botso continued to be “gracious and accommodating.” He is “the opposite of a Diva,” says Corrina Jones. “He is like the grandfather everyone wants to have: friendly, gracious and generous.”

In the end, the film, that took eight years to complete, became much more than just one man’s story. It grew into a unifying force for the community that helped to see it through.

In Georgia, to save money, Walters partnered with a local crew. In SLO, Aspects Studios and Randi Barros came onboard to take the film to the level it’s at now. “It really was a team effort,” Walters says.

And the effort paid off. The run at The Palm confirmed what the first pre-screenings suggested: the film managed to capture the “essence” of Botso. “I feel very good about how it came out, and the greatest validation of it is the audience,” Walters says.

The first venture outside of California was at the Maine International Film Festival, and brought Botso its first Audience Choice Award.

On location in Georgia

meeting, Walters told Grant that—for her to recognize him—he’d be wearing a red clown nose. “He didn’t, of course,” she smiles, “but what he also couldn’t have possibly known is that I used to be a professional circus clown! Somehow, that comment portended a remarkable film!”

Right from the start, the project drew lots of interest—and not only because of its philanthropic goals. The outpouring of support was a reflection of the deep gratitude and respect Botso enjoys in this community.

But the non-profit nature of the undertaking also meant that, to make a living, the film’s crew—which, besides Walters and Grant, includes producer David Thayer and director of photography Simo Nylander— had to simultaneously work on other projects, as well.

The process was long and, at times, difficult. Walters’ decision to make a feature length movie, rather than a 45-minute ‘short,’ made good marketing sense, but called for more time, more work—and more resources.

In fact, it’s the need for constant fund-raising that slowed things down the most. “We have had to raise money a bit at a time, use what we’ve got to work on the movie, then fundraise again,” Grant explains.

A movie—which, as Grant puts it, “everyone can take something away from: whether it’s learning about one man’s love for teaching, the importance of the arts in everyday life, or the power of resilience while facing the worst possible circumstances”—has since been accepted to a number of film competitions, including the Tbilisi International Film Festival, held this month in Georgia, Waimea Ocean Film Festival in Hawaii, and Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels in Biarritz, France.

“I’m not surprised at how well his film turned out,” says Walter’s friend Jon Iverson. “Tom is persistent, but in a very gentle way that gets results. He is clearly focused on improving the world, and uses music and stories to make it happen.”

“This documentary’s humanity makes you feel happy there’re people like Botso…and men like Tom to tell their stories,” adds Corrina Jones. That’s indeed so.

If you missed the film at The Palm, you can catch it at the SLO International Film Festival, which opens on March 5.

For more on Botso, go to www.botsomovie.com, https://www. facebook.com/pages/Botso-The-Passion-of-Music-The-Power-ofArt/180113409572?fref=ts; to learn about Festivals, see www.fipa.tv, slofilmfest.org *Author’s translation

Traveling required additional funds. Walters knew from the start, that to capture the whole story of Botso’s childhood, he had to visit the Republic of Georgia, Botso’s homeland. Georgia is a small country in the south-east of Europe, known for its old cultural traditions and incredible hospitality, and for Walters, visiting it was ‘an amazing thing.’ “Botso was in heaven when we went there; he dropped 20 years,” Walters says. “It was very gratifying to reconnect him with his culture.”

Filming Botso in Georgia

Georgians treat their guests as “a gift from God,” and for Walters, who’s never been to Georgia before, the attention was “totally unexpected” and sometimes even “challenging.”

“The longer we were there, the more the Georgians became aware of us,” Walters recalls. “Pretty soon we were on the news, and after that we were invited to meet their patriarch.” And, visits to people’s houses for interviews often transformed into lavish parties with elaborate meals—making Walters wonder if he’d ever be able to finish the filming he came there for in the first place.

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PEOPLE

MONA MCKELVY MONA’S GIFT OF ALOHA

By Bob Huttle “E A’A KA HULA, E WAIHO I KA HILAHILA I KA HALE” (“Dare to dance, leave your bashfulness at home”) —Hawaiian saying Aloha, dear reader. Has anyone noticed current outrageous airfares to Hawaii? A friend of mine recently saw a $1200.00 roundtrip coach fare from SLO to the islands. Gone are the days of $200.00 supersavers and pleasant Hawaiian week-long vacations for $500.00. But there is no need to pine for the islands, its traditions, music and culture.

You might not be aware of it but right here, on our Central Coast, the spirit of Aloha flourishes. I know this because my wife, Darrylin—a native-born Hawaiian wahine (female)—is a hula dancer with a halau (hula group) in Santa Maria and has become friends with an inspirational Los Osos lady and fellow dancer named Mona McKelvy.

If a person can be compared to a tropical trade wind, it’s Mona. When you meet her, the air freshens, there is the fragrance of plumeria blossoms and flowering ginger, and a soothing Hawaiian melody sways in your mind. Mona is a gift (makana) to all who know her. Her gracious demeanor, unselfish attitude, and helping hands extend to everyone— to say nothing of her radiant smile and infectious laugh.

Born in Hilo, Hawaii to a family of three generations of flower lei makers, Mona, the oldest of eight children, grew up steeped in age-old Hawaiian customs and traditions. At age six, she was sent to hula class, like many Hawaiian girls, with a renown kumu (teacher). Hawaiian music was played regularly, by both her father and the radio, while her family worked gathering flowers, foliage or making leis. While other interests sent her in different directions as she grew, she never forgot the lessons and beauty of Hawaiian music. Her Hilo family still owns and runs the Ah Lan Lei Stand on the Big Island of Hawaii, the biggest and most popular one there. Chances are, if you have purchased a flower lei at Hilo International Airport, Mona’s family made it for you.

As so often happens, life takes one down different paths, some quite unforeseen. As a teenager, Mona pretty much put hula aside, except for participating in casual May Day and summer programs. She attended community college for awhile, where she became interested in fashion design

Mona and her daughter, Mailani

and merchandising. In her early 20s, Mona excelled in colorful window displays and merchandising. She remembers that after eight years of doing this, she desired a change and an adventure: “I needed a break. I was the only child of eight who left Hawaii. You know, you think the grass is always greener somewhere else.” After traveling a bit, Mona found her way to Morro Bay to re-unite with her life-long beloved ocean—and to share it with the new love of her life and future husband, Kiki.

So, when do hula and Hawaiian music make a grand re-entrance into Mona’s life? She answers: “In 1995, I saw a flier looking for people to become involved in a Hawaiian dance group at Cal Poly. Sandy Rodriguez, the group’s ‘Kumu’ (respected and trained leader) was eager to find dancers, musicians, and singers attuned to the spirit of Hawaii. I was drawn in. There was no way I could resist getting involved. I joined originally as a musician and one of the first people Mona, her daughter, Mailani and husband, Kiki having fun with the horns.

Mona (right) with her hula sisters D E C E M B E R

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PEOPLE and especially her family (Ohana): husband Kiki is a wood craftsman, door-maker and “haole” (non-Hawaiian), who, Mona says, “has embraced the Hawaiian culture and who puts up with hula taking over the household.” Daughter Mailani attends seventh grade at Los Osos Middle school, and is an accomplished dancer, musician, and singer herself, who often travels with Mona and her “hula sisters” to performances, workshops, and “Aloha Bashes” around California.

Mailani is a member of Na Mele o ke Kai. Mona continues to be a whirlwind of involvement, a unifying spirit, a spokeswoman for all things Hawaiian. In addition to dancing, she acquires material and props, as well as designs and constructs authentic costumes for children (keikis) and adult dancers. She often spends more time working behind the scenes than she does performing with both the Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo groups.

I met was Rocky Logue, who was a student at Cal Poly and still performs locally. And Sandy? Well, she had such an impact and influence on me to this day and I owe her greatly.” When contacted, Sandy said, “Mona brings forth a positive life force in everything and everyone she touches. She unconsciously exhibits a loving kindness to all, is honest and hard-working. This is such a credit to her Hawaiian heritage and upbringing.” The Cal Poly group transformed into the Na Mele o Ke Kai (“the songs of the sea”) halau (school of hula) and when Sandy retired and left the area, Sylvia Hambly, a student—who eventually became Kumu Sylvia Kealalaua’eokalani Hambly—was given the reins. Sylvia speaks highly of Mona: “Often these days, ‘Living the Aloha’ seems a trite message but to know Mona is to witness the Aloha Spirit in true, living color.” Another member of that Cal Poly group was Pauline Plan, who now directs “Hoapili Pomaika’i Aloha” (“friends bound together with love”) halau, in Santa Maria. These two local groups perform ancient (Kahiko) and modern (Auana) hula at events around the Central Coast. Pauline praises Mona: “It is said to live with Aloha is to have a giving nature and that is the way of life for my dear friend, Mona. Mona gives a lot of her time to share her knowledge and talents, whether it be for her daughter’s school, her community, or a friend; whatever you ask of her, you know if she is able to, she will kokua (help). She is an amazing person.”

Mona cannot do all she does by herself. She thrives on the love and support of her friends

Mona’s spare time? You’re kidding, right?

Mona assists in whatever way she can for Hoapili Pomaika’i Aloha. She is also a massage therapist at Rio Spa and Salon in Morro Bay, and still dabbles with her merchandising and visual displays for a couple of local businesses. In addition, Mona occasionally makes leis for special occasions from foliage and gathered pua (flowers) from her garden.

When she visits her birth home in Hilo, she loves to plunge right in and help with the lei-making for her family’s business.

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Festival in Hilo, Hawaii, which are often attended by local members of our hula halaus.

• Zoe’s Hawaiian BBQ in Santa Maria, which oftentimes sponsors or caters Hawaiianthemed events.

Before I say “A Hui Hou” (until we meet again), I’ll let Mona share a thought dear to her heart from Mary Kawena Pukui: “Keiki (children) carry the Hawaiian culture and traditions into the future. In a world so obsessed with power and so consumed with fear, it is easy to miss the simple pleasures in life. Be sure to remember the unconditional love of children. Listen to them tell the story of their day and how the little things excite and delight them. Children remind us of life, because they are all born with the knowledge of Aloha. HE LEI POINA ‘OLE KE KEIKI” (A lei never forgotten is the beloved child). While no longer a child, Mona always carries the excitement and delight of Aloha wherever she goes, bestowing it to whoever she meets.

You can reach Bob (HuttleUp) at rhuttle@ charter.net. He welcomes your comments. He is also a haole (non-Hawaiian) but loves his Hawaiian shirts and, of course, his wahine wife.

A Hui Hou

If you are intrigued by all you’ve read here and are looking for more ways to slake your thirst for all things Hawaiian, Mona says there are numerous local opportunities available without your having to spend a fortune to fly to the islands. These include: • Instruction in hula and Hawaiian culture from halaus Hoapili Pomaika’i Aloha in Santa Maria and Na Mele a ke Kai in SLO (newcomers are always welcome) • Pale Kai Outrigger Canoe Club in Avila Beach • Red Dirt Coffee House in Grover Beach, which hosts monthly Sunday Summer Kanikapila (jam sessions) Pot Lucks • Ukulele clubs in both North and South counties • Performances of Hawaiian music by touring Hawaiian musicians in many local venues • “Hoikes” (professional showcases of music and hula presented from time to time by our two talented local halaus) • Hula events in Oakland and Pleasanton, as well as the annual Merrie Monarch Hula D E C E M B E R

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PEOPLE

sandy richardson one woman helps others through womenade

By Heather Young

S

an Luis Obispo resident Sandy Richardson started what she calls the grassiest of grassroots organizations —SLO County’s Womenade—after she read an article in Real Simple magazine about a pediatrician in Washington, D.C., who was trying to help her patients who had real special needs. The local nonprofit operates solely on donations, grants and volunteers and helps those in need with no other options.

“I had just retired from teaching—needed something in my life,” Richardson said.

Richardson and her husband, Frank, are both retired teachers. Frank retired from teaching eighth-grade social studies at Laguna Middle School in 2000 and Richardson retired in 2002 from teaching eighthgrade English at the same school. Their daughter, Elaine Stewart, also went into teaching, although now she is a senior marketing director for Melaleuca. Elaine’s husband, Craig, is a teacher at SLO High School.

Richardson has three grandchildren, Gwyneth, Calista and Boone.

“If I’m not Womenading, I’m grandmothering,” Richardson said.

It was partly because she needed something to do, but also because she had seen the need, being a teacher for so many years, that she started Womenade. She and several friends—Julie Jones, Elaine, Kathy Long, Shelley Benson and Julie Shultz—invited their friends for a potluck and each woman donated $35 to the cause in April 2003.

That small potluck has grown to a network with 650 people on email and 410 on Facebook. The potlucks still happen quarterly with each woman donating $35. In order to ensure that all donations go directly to those in need, each person brings an item to share at either a member’s house or at a donated facility. The January potluck will be held at Congregation Beth David in SLO. “One hundred percent of proceeds go to helping people,” Richardson said.

Those who are helped are referred by agencies, doctors, counselors, educators, homeless shelters, nurses and other social service resources.

“We’re sort of the last resort,” Womenade’s South County coordinator, Rosemary Cleaves, said.

In the 10 years since SLO Womenade began with a potluck, nearly $300,000 has been raised and provided in dental care, diapers, clothing, furniture, rent, glasses, gas, groceries and more. In addition to the money that has come out of the organization’s bank account are the donations that have come from Womenade and community members to those in need. Those items include furniture, diapers, formula, clothing, groceries and more.

“We strive to meet the need immediately. Just as fast as we can,” Richardson said. “The first thing we do is put it out over our email list and Facebook.”

The organization attempts to get what it needs directly from its members—such as cribs, clothing, etc.—before reaching into its bank account.

“The Internet has probably been the biggest boon for us to make this successful,” Richardson said.

Womanade’s Board of Directors: Linda Bishop, Carol Devore, Linda Jankay, Marcie Lindvall, Sandy Richardson and Julie Jones.

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When the group first started, Richardson would make calls to the membership to find the needed items.

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up to $300 worth of help from the organization’s account, donated items do not count toward that amount.

“We’re impacting the lives of the people, but also the providers … all those who can make something happen for the children and the families,” Richardson said.

Richardson shares those stories at the quarterly potlucks. Cleaves said that the potlucks aren’t the same without Richardson telling the stories of the people they’ve helped. Passionately, Richardson shared a story of an elderly woman who is living in a care facility and was always caring for others and not getting anything for herself. Womenade gives her a small amount of money each month to purchase personal care items for herself.

“It’s incredible the people we are helping,” Richardson said.

Womanade’s South County Coordinator, Rosemary Cleaves and Sandy Richardson

The organization attempts to get what it needs directly from its members— such as cribs, clothing, etc.—before reaching into its bank account.

“Sandy used to do this all by herself,” Cleaves said.

In December 2009, after years of prompting, Womenade became a nonprofit. Richardson said she resisted becoming a nonprofit because of the cost associated with it and she didn’t want to take any money away from helping those in need. But, coupled with the desire to offer tax deductions to donors, it was realized that the organization raised too much money to not become a nonprofit.

“I didn’t want to pay the fees,” Richardson said, and the organization is not paying those fees after all, donors are paying those fees directly.

Not only are those administrative costs covered by donors, but all overhead costs, such as stamps, printing and envelopes, are donated.

There are many ways that the members of Womenade are helping the community. The first and biggest way is through referrals. Richardson said that the nonprofit pays a lot of utilities. But each family only gets

In South County, Womenade operates a food distribution at Nipomo Elementary School in partnership with the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County. Cleaves, who heads up the distribution, said the organization started with food for 96 families and now distributes 180 bags each month. Each family gets one bag of “shelf stable” food and one bag of produce in recycled bags that the families are encouraged to bring back each week.

Each distribution day, Cleaves gets more than 40 volunteers who arrive at 1:30 to setup and leave at 6:30 p.m. after cleanup. The actual distribution begins at 4 p.m.

“It’s just unbelievable the stories and the need,” Cleaves said. “We get as much out of it as they do—maybe more. There are all of these connections. You start developing a relationship with the students and parents. We have people of all walks of life who come in.”

Womenade is always in need of volunteers and donors to help as many people as possible, but to also keep the overhead costs at zero.

Because there is nowhere to store item donations—although Richardson temporarily stores items—people with items to donate are asked to hold on to them until a need arises. However, she said that if someone has a space that can be utilized as storage for no cost to the organization to let her know.

“It’s a wonderful organization,” Cleaves said. “I think every woman in the county should belong to it.”

To join, donate or volunteer, go to www.slowomenade.com, email sanfranslo@sbcglobal.net or call 543-7450. While there are many Womenade organizations around the country, because of the story in Real Simple, Richardson said there is no national organization.

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PEOPLE

HONORED Teacher

annE marie Bergen sharing her expertise

By Ruth Starr

F

or many, achieving a major honor once in a lifetime is significant. Anne Marie Bergen has the distinction of being honored numerous times for her unique teaching skills.

Her first award and the most impressive, was in 2003 when she was chosen “Teacher of the Year” amongst 360,000 teachers in the State of California. Her second major award came in 2010 when Anne Marie received the Presidential Award for Excellence in teaching Mathematics and Science. She was flown to Washington, D.C. for a week to meet the President. While at the White House she also met Jill Biden who greeted her upon arrival. It was a highlight she’ll never forget.

After building a Science program in Oakdale, California in 1999, Anne Marie was asked to represent science teaching at the state and local levels. She subsequently did a lot of traveling. Her job entailed informing policy makers what was happening in California schools for 4th-6th grades.

In her capacity as an educator, Anne Marie was asked to come to San Luis Obispo as a teacher in residence at Cal Poly from Columbia, California in the Fall of 2010. This was after being recognized as a Cal Poly

Honored Alumni, College of Science and Math in 2008 and commencement speaker in December 2009. A Teacher-in-Residence is a visiting teacher who teaches students how to be a K-12 teacher. Elementary science has been her expertise. She began teaching the old courses to help her learn how to teach the newer courses. She was excited to teach new biology courses. This Fall she was hired as full-time faculty. She is a

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PEOPLE Science Teaching Specialist for the College of Science and Math, specifically for the Liberal Studies Department.

Implementing college level courses applies teaching strategies and modifying the content of the Mathematics and Science courses. This information better prepares future teachers to teach in elementary schools. The courses are designed for undergraduate students who are going to become elementary teachers. It is a more integrated approach to teaching students.

Not only has Anne Marie been involved in teaching, she has also created networks of science educators and people interested in science, business and industry. There is a regional network in San Luis Obispo called CC Stem: The Central Coast Science Technology and Mathematics Collaborative. She is on the diverse board of CC Stem. They look for educators, business people, museum educators and people who are interested in building Stem.

a three part teaching philosophy: 1) the act of learning, 2) meaningful experiences, and 3) compassionate teaching. Students have in turn taught her how they learn and she has been open to their input. It has been a joyful component of her profession.

Anne Marie grew up in Salinas, CA and currently has family all over the U.S. She adores traveling and enjoys having lots of family to visit everywhere. She also loves outdoor activities such as kayaking, bird watching and learning about other cultures. One of her favorite trips was to Chile with family mem-

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bers. They went to Santiago, then to Loabarca, a very small town. One of the relatives has a winery in Loabarca and another relative is a mosaic artist in that small town. The artist relative has since created many mosaic murals outdoors in the town. After Loabarca they traveled south to a town called Pucon where the lakes and volcanoes are in the higher elevations of the southern part of Chile.

Combining serious work and enjoyable travel time, Anne Marie is balancing her life to include the best life has to offer, while sharing her expertise in the world of Science and Math.

CC Stem is a collaborative connecting groups, events, and individuals interested in Stem related events. They want to hook children into thinking scientifically. They would also like the community to have a more scientific awareness. CC Stem is one of nine regional networks in California. One of the goals in forming this web is to learn from other networks what they are doing.

There is a shortage of young people going into Stem related fields. The networks have been instrumental in creating an excitement with young people to get interested in these fields.

Young people, according to Anne Marie, are not aware of science and don’t think about careers in science and math. Engineering is also a huge area of innovation. Students have a very narrow view of what an engineer is.

Anne Marie’s work is also to better present what engineering is about.

A graduate of Biology from Cal Poly in 1985, Anne Marie had no idea she would one day be a teacher at that campus. It was an internship in environmental education that connected her to the scientific fields. After the internship she was determined to work with students and involve them in the learning process. It wasn’t about rote memorization but more importantly about involving students in experiences that would help their understanding of concepts to better understand the world.

She has a lot of energy when she teaches and inspires students with her own excitement about how they can be an excellent teacher.

It gave her pause to think about what she was doing as a teacher. One of the things that came out of her thinking was to write D E C E M B E R

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HOME/OUTDOOR

celebrating 100 years...

templeton women’s civic club

By Joe Carotenuti

A

t the dawn of the twentieth century, progress included a victory for women (and their many male supporters) as they won the right to vote. California granted the right in 1911 long before the Nation. Rather than concentrate on a political agenda, in the small, rural community of Templeton, a few ladies decided to make a prominent mark upon their town.

They were not alone as on August 30, 1913, twenty men formed the Templeton Board of Trade “for the extension and promotion of trade and commerce” and for “advertising and upbuilding (sic) the community.” Many women had their own ideas as to what “upbuilding” would best serve both the minds and spirits of the residents.

Some were no longer willing to address the present and future over refreshments or the back fence. What evolved were no grandiose plans or challenges to the political or social structure. The vision was to carry the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood

(with room for those who claimed neither) into the civic arena. Success depended on the willingness of the ladies to assume even more responsibilities than those traditionally accepted (and expected) in the home. The choice was not one for the other … but one complementing the other.

For Templeton, the saga has continued as the noble desire to make a difference continues to motivate the participants. This year, the Templeton Women’s Civic Club celebrates its centennial.

Here’s the story.

The initial gathering at Mrs. Foree’s home on December 10, 1913 resulted in the Constitution’s mission statement that: “The name of the club shall be the Woman’s Civic Improvement Club and have for its object the betterment and improvement of home and civic life of Templeton and community.”

Important projects come In all sIzes

• Business or residential • Emergency service 24/7

Raising funds was everyone’s responsibility.

From dues to concerts to “socials,” bazaars, serving (non-alcoholic) refreshments, plays, dinners, card parties, a Raisin Festival and pie party, the ladies were ever-vigilant to financial needs. One even made a nightgown and sold 100 raffle tickets for ten cents each.

Committees were appointed, tasks assigned, and the expectation was everyone’s cooperation to guarantee the success of any venture.

Minutes were conscientiously kept and today multiple journals memorialize the century of attention to fulfill their mission statement.

Long-time member Carla Willhoit has read every one and found them more interesting than most modern fiction.

In a unique invitation to a centennial celebration on December 7 at the Community Building, a quote from Isaiah: “They shall run and not grow weary” captures the unfailing efforts of the women—worthy of imitation— to place the good for others above self.

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Sixteen meetings were held the next year but, by far, the most important issue to the Club was the opening of a “reading room.”

Thus began one of the first branches of the County Library system in 1919. Of all their aspirations in the pioneer era of the club, the promotion of literacy (with a strong undercurrent of temperance) was the most significant. With no treasury, the dream required the reality of individual and collective efforts.

Needs, programs, and personnel change, but the club remains an admirable response to lending a helping hand where needed in a small community.

• Electrical work for any size job

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One hundred years later, the intrepid group continues to honor its motto “United in Effort and Working in Harmony.”

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HOME/OUTDOOR

Sedona

offering something for everyone

By Ray Cauwet

Bell Rock.

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edona, Arizona is noted for its red rocks, and rightfully so. Whether you’re traveling north from Phoenix or south from Flagstaff, you will experience a feeling of magic when you come to Sedona.

The red sandstone formations do indeed seem to have a mystical quality. This is particularly apparent, as they appear to glow in brilliant reds and oranges when illuminated by the rising or setting sun.

People of all ages and walks of life are drawn to Sedona. Artists see the wonder in its unique beauty. Retirees appreciate its clean air, country living and the good health that seems to radiate from its citizens. Spiritually oriented people sense its power and energy. Others just feel “called” to Sedona without knowing why.

The early history of Sedona has nothing to do with its name. The first Anglo settler, J.J. Thompson, came to the Oak Creek Canyon area (north of Sedona) in 1876 to claim property under the 1862 Home-

HOME/OUTDOOR to be enjoyed, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many of the trails lead to the popular red rock formations. Among those are Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Sphinx Rock, Coffeepot Rock, Chimney Rock and Courthouse Rock, as well as the Snoopy and Lucy Rocks from the “Peanuts” cartoon.

Mountain biking also is a part of Sedona’s allure. People travel from throughout the nation to mountain bike in the Southwest and Sedona is on top of many bikers’ “must ride” list.

Sweeping vistas and varying levels of difficulty make the area a mountain biking choice.

To access the hiking or biking trails, you need to buy a Red Rock Pass from the Forest Service.

Cost is $5 for daily use or $15 for a week. Golden Age passes are honored for us older folks.

Downtown Sedona is a busy place with its many restaurants, galleries and shops.

stead Act. Soon, other settlers heard the call. They were farmers and ranchers. They raised cattle and horses. Some dug irrigation ditches and planted crops. The canyon became known for the quality of its peach and apple crops.

In 1901, T.C. and Sedona Schnebly came to the area. He was wealthy and many residents complained to him about the slow and infrequent mail service. He immediately made an application to establish a post office.

Several names were proposed for the post office, including Schnebly Station, Red Rock Crossing and Oak Creek Station. The government, however, said these names were too long to fit on a cancellation stamp. Schnebly decided to name the town after his wife, Sedona. It became official on June 26, 1902 and Schnebly became its first postmaster.

Today, there are only 11,000 permanent residents, although it attracts 4 million visitors annually. That is as many as those who visit the Grand Canyon National Park.

The city claims several famous part-time citizens. These include Sharon Stone, Ted Danson, Al Pacino and Sen. John McCain.

Former notables were Lucille Ball, Orson Wells and Dennis O’Connor.

Many of Hollywood’s classic westerns were filmed in or near Sedona. One of these was “Broken Arrow” with James Stewart. Zane Grey also celebrated the area in his novel, “The Call of the Canyon.”

The city lies within the 160,000-acre Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconimo National Forest. The district has 68 hiking trails

If you’re interested in a different type of exploration, you can board any one of the pink, yellow, red, blue or khaki jeeps that call the territory their home. A jeep tour is an experience not to be missed. Rarely do you have an opportunity to explore this pristine area in “relative comfort.” Cost is $45 for a 1 ½-hour trip.

If you hunger for more adventure, you can try a helicopter, biplane or hot air balloon tours. Prices are $100 and up.

Being an artistic community, Sedona is loaded with galleries. There are 13 to visit, exhibiting the works of award-winning painters and sculptors. Most of the creations reflect the rugged beauty of Sedona and the influences of Native American culture.

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lend themselves to prayer, meditation, mind/ body healing and examination of one’s relationship with the divine.

Often, vortexes are referred to as being either electric or magnetic in nature and possessing masculine or feminine influences. There are 11 vortex power points around Sedona. The main ones are Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon.

I visited the Bell Rock site. Located just south of the City of Sedona, it is considered the most powerful vortex in the area. I must say I was a little skeptical about vortexes and didn’t know what to expect. I wondered if I would get an electrical and magnetic energy boost. Well, I didn’t. As I hiked from the parking area to Bell Rock, I didn’t notice any strong energy pulses flowing up from the ground. Instead, I felt at peace with the world and of being close to God. Did I miss the vortex? I don’t know. I do know I had a very uplifting experience that I will long remember.

Sedona clearly is a place that has something for everyone. Its magnificent red rocks form a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, mountain bike riding, jeep and helicopter excursions, cultural pursuits, dining, spiritual activities and just relaxing. I invite you to come visit this amazing city. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information, call 800-288-7336 or go to www.visitsedona.com.

The city also has another claim to fame and one of my favorite topics, namely food. Sedona has more than 50 restaurants that go the extra mile to please their guests.

Whether you favor Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, American or Vegetarian cuisine, you won’t go hungry.

If all these aspects of Sedona weren’t enough to interest you, it has a worldwide reputation as a spiritual Mecca and global power spot. Some of the world’s most amazing alternative healers, intuitives and spiritual guides can be found here. From healing massage treatments, yoga, spas and salons to hypnotherapy, Sedona strives to meet every need.

It also is internationally known for the uplifting power of its vortex meditation sites. Vortex sites are enhanced energy locations that

Cathedral Rock and other spectacular views.

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HOME/OUTDOOR

at the market

roast cauliflower leek soup with pistachios

By Sarah Hedger

H

appy December! While December and its affiliated Winter months usually don’t fill our minds with an abundance of market thoughts, there is no question the bountiful produce options on the Central Coast continue, resulting in more options for us year round. Come December and the cooling trend of Winter, we begin to see more and more citrus, as well as end of the season apples, pomegranates, winter squash, yams, and an abundance of options in the Brassicaceae family—from Brussels sprouts to cauliflower to broccoli to kale, this nutritionally dense family is a great addition to any meal.

December also packs a punch in the nostalgia food department regardless of where your family originates, which religion you believe, or what your favorite yoga pose is.

The holidays are similar to a good meal in that they bring people together in the loveliest of ways. And even if the holiday meal becomes a melting pot of different dishes and flavors, each contributes its own story of deliciousness. The holidays also serve as a fun time of year to learn more about our family’s traditions and the foods attributed to them.

This month’s recipe, Roast Cauliflower Leek Soup with Pistachios, is something I came up with recently in wanting a hearty, creamy soup, sans cream. While I love cream (and butter fat for that matter), sometimes I like to challenge myself to only incorporate ingredients that contribute a ton of flavor and nutrient density. Roasting cauliflower brings out a buttery, nutty element in the vegetable, rarely noticeable otherwise. Roasting the pistachios amps

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cream of roast cauliflower leek sOup with pistachios Makes 8 hearty soup servings FOR THE ROAST CAULIFLOWER: 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into 1 inch pieces 1/2 cup shelled pistachio nuts 1 T olive oil 1/2 tsp sea salt and fresh ground pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toss all ingredients on a lined baking tray and roast for 30 minutes or until cauliflower is soft with some brown bits. Remove from oven and set aside. When cool, coarsely chop and set aside half for the soup base.

up their nuttiness as well as contributing flavor to the cauliflower, on many levels. (If pistachios aren’t to your liking, or conveniently available, you can substitute hazelnuts into this soup with outstanding results). Leeks are a great addition to this soup as they can turn sweet, given the right cooking conditions, and contribute a balanced sweetness, which further brings out the sweetness of the roasted cauliflower. From a health standpoint, the Brassicaceae family are heavy hitters and cauliflower itself packs a good punch. It contains a good amount of B vitamins, as well having a high number of antioxidants as well as being an anti-inflammatory, mostly due to its omega-3 content and vitamin K. Thus, this one ingredient alone is a great start to incorporating more of the Brassicaceaes into our eating regime. This soup goes together easily and is a great one to make ahead as the flavors continue to develop over time (not that it lasts very long as it is nice to have a convenient, light dish to counter any of the heavier holiday dishes that may be getting consumed).

Happy eating!

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FOR THE SOUP: 1 T olive oil 1 leek, cleaned and finely chopped 1 shallot, peeled, and finely minced 1 onion, finely chopped 1/2 head cauliflower, chopped into (1/2 inch) or 1cm pieces 1 small waxy potato, finely chopped 6 cups water, off the boil 2 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp white pepper 1/4 tsp fresh ground nutmeg 2 bay leaves 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk such as almond, rice, soy, etc., mixed with 1/3 cup powdered potato starch or fine rice flour (alternatively you can use 1/2 cup cream) Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add leak, shallot, and onion, sauteing for 5 minutes until softened.

Add cauliflower pieces and potato, followed by water, salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaves. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until cauliflower and potato are soft.

Remove pot from heat, remove bay leaves, and puree until smooth—either with an immersion blender or carefully with regular blender. Return to pot, over medium heat, and add potato starch/almond milk slurry (or cream). Add half of the chopped roasted cauliflower and pistachios, pureeing once again until smooth. (There is madness to this method as you are wanting to get as much of the lovely, roasted/toasted flavor into the soup, on as many levels as possible).

Taste for seasoning, adding more salt/pepper if needed. Finish the soup by adding the remaining roast cauliflower and pistachio.

Finish with a couple tablespoons of good quality olive oil.

Find this recipe and more seasonal inspiration at http://www. seasonalalchemist.com

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HOME/OUTDOOR

slo county art scene

dream on, philip carey, dream on

By Gordon Fuglie

I

n Antiquity dreams figured large in the understanding of the world. Characters in the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer’s Iliad, and the Bible received visions, prophecies and revelations in dreams. In addition to the Bible and Greek mythology, dream imagery in art appeared in the Romantic era where a fascination with the irrational inspired poets and artists.

Following World War I, the Surrealists invested their art and literature with psychologically-charged dream imagery and narratives.

The growth of psychology and psychoanalysis in the last century looked to dreams as keys to deeper, hidden meanings—questing for emotional insights and wisdom. Here in California, “dreamwork” became a serious subject. My internet search turned up a “Certified Projective Dream Teacher” who recently led a Berkeley workshop on “Sound Healing and Dream Work.”

My wife and I occasionally share our dreams (what we can recall of them), but claim only a few insights. By and large she thinks our nocturnal reveries are mostly “the mind collecting and emptying the trash” in our subconscious—the shuffling and re-imaging of experiences accumulated in our waking life. She may be right. I’ve roused from sleep recalling some rather zany episodes.

On the significance of dreams, Morro Bay artist Philip Carey is of my wife’s persuasion. No Freudian theories, Jungian archetypes or dream teachers for him. Carey is of the “isn’t-that-curious” school and a literalist when it comes to recalling his dreams, which are the subjects of his art. A professed vivid dreamer, he can recall his nocturnal narratives in considerable detail. Carey renders his dreams in ballpoint pen, accented with Prismacolor pencils. His favorite art paper is the 3 x 5 inch 3M PostIt note. With these sub-art materials he draws cartoonish scenes accompanied by simple descriptive texts.

Dream art is a more recent practice for Carey, though he has long enjoyed an avocation of making and sending mail art to friends. Mail art took off in the 1960s when Carey was in college. This counterculture art form promoted an egalitarian ethos contrary to the official

art world of markets, museums, and commercial galleries. Mail artists were freed of the need to secure a “bricks and mortar” gallery.

The modest envelope or postcard became the artist’s “canvas.” Add the addressee and stamp and you were done. The format and colored drawings of Carey’s mail art provided an easy transition to dream art.

Until his 2008 retirement, Carey worked in Sacramento for the California State Park system as an exhibit designer and coordinator. Overseeing project teams, he created a range of installations for natural areas, historic sites or museums. He first found his calling for exhibition design at Cal State Long Beach where he earned his degree. Carey went on to work at the Los Angeles Museum of Science and Industry where he was responsible for designing sixty (!) exhibits annually. His next stop was the Roberson Museum and Science Center in Binghampton, NY, serving for 13 years as an exhibition designer and education director before returning to California to work for the State Parks.

Carey once entertained a career as an opera and choral singer, and remains interested in music. He illustrated a dream from 2011, showing himself “accosted by the 1812 Overture.” Instead of depicting an orchestra, the artist drew a comic-style panoramic “wall” of visual pyrotechnics that dazzles the dreamer. Does this reveal a love/hate relationship with music?

The PostIts format also determines his publications. In 2011 he published a limited edition book measuring 11 inches high by 6 ½ inches wide, “stacking” his drawings three to a page. Whimsically titled The Monsignor has Arrived for My Barbeque but the Gophers

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HOME/OUTDOOR capes, the artist included a detailed glossary and index.

Carey occasionally steps outside his PostIt format to produce larger images. (He expanded his 1812 Overture drawing into a 3-D mixed media work three feet in diameter.) Such is his sweeping aerial landscape, Morro Bay • Los Osos • California. The ink and color pencil drawing is an homage to the region he loves. It is drawn from his memory and imagination. Bordered by an irregular pattern of abstract doodles, the fantasy image is an amalgamation of the landscape. The Elfin Forest of Montaña de Oro State Park appears on the right; the Morro Bay Estuary at left. In the middle ground Highway 1 weaves its route along valleys, cliff faces and the slopes of Hollister Peak. The drawing is a pleasing fusion of the sublime and anecdotal.

have Eaten All the Crackers and 178 other Strange Dreams of Philip Carey. To help the reader navigate the cornucopia of dreams-

In 2012, a film, The Strange Dreams of Philip Carey, was produced by Stephen Paschke.

Now available on Youtube, it features the artist introducing his dream drawings, and is accompanied by a musical score and Carey’s singing.

Presently, Carey shows little interest in having a website of his work. He’s too busy

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drawing his dreams. Carey is represented by two SLO County art galleries: Olive Tree, 5850 Traffic Way, Atascadero (www. olivetreefinearts.com), and Deer Run Art & Artifacts, 2080 Main St., Cambria (www. dearruncambria.com).

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Our Schools

the december dilemma: Religion in public schools

By Dr. Julian Crocker, County Superintendent of Schools

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ach year at this time, schools often find themselves between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.”

This happens because it is during the December holidays when the issue of religious expression in public schools sometimes becomes visible. Questions about the use of sacred music, religious symbols, and decorations in the classroom put the matter of “separation of church and state” before us again.

The definition of a dilemma is a choice between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives or between two equally compelling arguments.

The dilemma for public schools is trying to balance the appropriate recognition of religion in American life and society with the clear obligation not to encourage or sponsor a particular religious belief. My experience is that the public can be confused about how to deal with religion in public schools. There are usually very strong opinions on both sides of this issue. Fortunately, there has been much written and decided on this issue by constitutional scholars and the courts, so we are not completely in the dark about how to deal with this matter.

The basis of the dilemma is the interpretation of that portion of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states: “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Within these few words are contained two very powerful concepts, separated by only a comma. On the one hand is the prohibition against the state (i.e. government) establishing or supporting a religious belief or practices. This is referred to as the “establishment” clause. On the other hand is the “free exercise” clause which guarantees religious freedom of American citizens, including students in public schools.

This is not the place to review all the legal opinions on this issue, so here are some general guidelines which hopefully will allow these two equally important freedoms to live together peacefully in our schools.

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1. Religion is a personal matter and individual students are free to express their religious beliefs in school as long as it does not interfere with other students, or with the instructional program. One observer noted that as long as there are Algebra tests there will be prayer in school!

2. Religion is too important in our history and heritage for us to keep it out of our schools, but it should be addressed within the context of the instructional program. This is the classic rule to study about religion, not to promote or support a particular religious viewpoint in school.

3. Students are captive audiences. They are required by law to attend school. Therefore, schools need to be very sensitive to practices that may offend students whose families may hold religious beliefs that are not shared by the majority. Just because no one complains does not give schools the right to become overly involved in religious practices. Students should not be made to feel like an outsider based on religious preferences.

4. Songs, symbols and practices, which clearly have a religious purpose, are not appropriate as stand alone activities in schools. It is possible for schools to address these, but as part of the curriculum with a specific instructional purpose. There are some accepted legal “tests” to guide us in this area. Schools should include a study of a variety of holidays and religious traditions throughout the year and not just in December.

5. Schools should remember that even though symbols such as Santa Claus and trees have become very commercialized, many non-Christian parents and students could see these as religious in nature. The best solution is for schools to remember our educational role and to provide secular instruction about religious traditions and not appear to advocate a particular religion.

6. It is very appropriate for our public schools to teach values such as respect, honesty, caring, the value of hard work and responsibility.

Just because public schools may not promote religion, we certainly should be promoting the core values of our American society.

7. Finally, when questions about religion in schools do surface, it is often an ideal “teaching opportunity” to have students explore the meaning of the First Amendment to our Constitution. Nothing like a controversial issue at school to motivate students.

In actual practice, this December dilemma is usually handled in our schools without problems. But we need to remember when government and religion occupy the same room, the space between the rock and the hard place can become very narrow.

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slo vocal arts ensemble

one generation inspires another

By Susan Stewart

W

hen the members of close families grow up—moving inevitably from childhood to adulthood, middle age, and beyond—their children and grandchildren fill their homes with new vitality, youthful enthusiasm, and always-surprising talents. It’s the natural order of things. The members of the now 37-year-old Vocal Arts Ensemble will tell you they feel like family, too. But finding younger members to keep the group strong and vital has been a challenge. Happily, that challenge is being met by a dozen new members, all under 40, and each with the same devotion that has kept the Vocal Arts Ensemble a worldclass choral gem in our community for nearly four decades.

“The majority of our current membership [between 40 and 50 audition-approved adult volunteer voices] has grown up together,” said the group’s Executive Director, Sarah Maggelet. “And while the average age is about 60, we are now seeing a resurgence of younger voices wanting to join.”

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The 2012 Vocal Arts Ensemble’s Christmas Concert

“I had just moved to SLO when a member of Vocal Arts invited me to the Christmas concert,” said Melodie Beard. “I was hooked! Intimidated, but hooked.” Now a 10-year veteran of the group, Melodie said, “We joke that rehearsal would go a lot quicker if we didn’t like each other so much!”

“I think young professionals getting into their 30s are discovering what’s really important,” said Maggelet. “They are seeing that life is about much more than just making money. They are back in touch with what feeds their souls … with what keeps them sane.”

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A gathering of the under 40 Vocal Arts Ensemble singers

Another under-40 voice said her mother was a long-time member of Vocal Arts, so when Amy Sinsheimer returned to SLO, she promptly re-joined. “I love the common purpose among a diverse group ... working together to make beautiful music.”

In fact, the diversity among the younger voices of Vocal Arts includes a rock singer persuaded by his girlfriend to add his talent to the group.

She thought it would be fun to sing together … a way to spend more time together as a couple.

This young man was surprised to find he loved the different kinds of singing required and, unlike the often ego-centric world of rock, the cooperation required to make it work.

“They really help you to fall in love with music,” says yet another younger voice, Susannah Williams. “To reach a depth … that makes the music exciting and relatable.”

Every new member has a story, but perhaps none quite as poignant as that of Aubrie

Hilstein, whose life was a train-wreck of drugs, alcohol, jail, and rehabs. As Aubrie spiraled ever-downward to a life of addiction and despair, she dreamed of the beautiful music she once made with the voices of her high school choir under the loving direction of Vocal Arts founder and conductor, Gary Lamprecht. It was that dream that inspired her to do the hard work that recovery requires, so she could one day audition and win a place in the Vocal Arts Ensemble—the internationally famous, awardwinning choir who had gone to Austria without her and won first place in the very same festival featured in the movie The Sound of Music.

“I will never forget the joy I felt when Gary sent me the email that I had been accepted,” she writes. “I actually screamed and cried.

Out loud. At work.”

“Being a part of the Vocal Arts Ensemble satisfies my soul like nothing else does,” said Aubrie. “The music we sing ministers to the depths of my being. … It’s the beauty of my life.”

Get ready for the goose-bumps. Vocal Arts is at it again.

We are here for you.

Last year, Aubrie’s fiancé proposed to her at the Christmas concert in The Mission in front of 500 people. The couple will honeymoon in Austria!

This year’s Christmas concerts will be held on December 7th and 8th at The Mission and also at the Methodist Church on Fredericks. Both venues are known for their fabulous acoustics, lifting the impeccably-blended voices of the Vocal Arts Ensemble to starry heights.

“The padres of old knew what they were doing,” Maggelet explains. “They designed The Mission to carry the human voice so it could reach as many neophytes as they could!”

Aubrie Hilstein

Loyal Vocal Arts fans and new-comers alike will be hooked from the opening bar forward. This remarkable choir just keeps getting better; seasoned voices mentoring and blending their talents with the youthful ones that will carry on.

This year’s concerts will be a mix of audience-pleasing favorites as well as innovative new music in varied languages, tempos, and themes including Hebrew, Latin, and IrishCeltic. Visit www.vocalarts.org for tickets and details. Or call 541-6797 today! These concerts sell out fast. This year, the closing piece is a Latin-influenced, jazzy piece featuring percussive instruments and a steel drum, with a title that echoes the concert’s theme: “Peace on Earth.”

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history: Arlene Zanchuck

slo and the uso

By Joe Carotenuti

T

here is desperation in war. The inevitable destruction changes physical and personal worlds forever. No matter the patriotic zeal and individual convictions of those involved, few human ventures match the terrifying momentum of engagement and the not so remote thought of death. In the heat of battle, survival—not philosophy—is paramount. However, simply

USO Volunteer Ladies. (Arlene Zanchuck, far left)

anticipating an unchartered future produces varied versions of terror. Separated from loved ones, training to save one’s life, mentally drifting into the unknown scenarios for many is a brutal anxiety.

In what has become one of the nation’s most benevolent answers to the apprehension and loneliness of war, the United Service Organization (USO) was organized to alleviate what for most was a bit of suffering.

San Luis Obispo, both County and City, heartily endorsed the effort.

Here’s the story.

When formally established in 1941 as a combination of services by the YMCA, YWCA, Salvation Army, and religious groups, the USO immediately developed its own complexion to best serve the military.

Fueled by the eagerness of volunteers to do “their bit” for the war effort, the most famous legacy during World War II were the Camp Shows by famous and not-so-famous entertainers for the troops at the front lines, aboard ships, in mess halls—anywhere a group could gather to forget, if for an hour, the reality of their lives. Many performed at the new Camp San Luis including the renowned entertainer Bob Hope.

Camp San Luis Auditorium, 1942-43 (Arlene is front) D E C E M B E R

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Arlene Zanchuck today

Yet, millions of men and women remember the USO (and still do) as a friendly oasis serving a cup of coffee, a donut, a chance to talk or simply leave the regime of the military behind for a while.

Locally, surrounded by Camp San Luis to the west and Camp Roberts to the north, the “War” was never far away in thought, let alone miles. A vast army of soldiers (and some families) inundated a county of 33,000 residents and the city of almost 9,000 in the 1940s.

Formerly Camp Merriam, the new Camp San Luis began an enormous construction project to train troops for the war in the Pacific. Assaulted by brutal weather in 1941, the future home of infantry and artillery trainees, construction defied the torrential rain. Roads were widened, social and medical services increased while the “war effort” was everyone’s responsibility including inviting soldiers home for a meal. Sadly, today, the memory of the impact on everyone’s life is rapidly diminishing with time.

However, by 1942, three USO Clubs were in operation locally in addition to camp activities. Despite any local upheavals and inconveniences, dances where “hep cats” could “cut the rug” were popular diversions. Beginning above the Safeway Store on Higuera Street, the relentless waves of men required more space. From an upstairs room to its own building, a Federal Recreation Building (now the Ludwig Center) opened in 1942. Funded by a federal grant of nearly $100,000, the building—having hosted hundreds of thousands of troops—became City property by 1946. Preserved in the City archives are some

A graphic promoting the USO Center in SLO showing Arlene dancing.

of the correspondence and blueprints leading to its construction and transfer to the City.

Buildings provide a visual remembrance of times past, but it was the patrons who created the history. Among the legions of volunteers for most any cause, the city’s young ladies formed their own informal cadre of troops to dispel the gloom of war. Among the earliest volunteers was Arlene (Villa) Zanchuck.

“The girls were simply the best,” she recalls, and “there was no hanky-panky.” Invited to a well-chaperoned dance at the Camp in 1941, the petite 21-year-old soon joined her friends in a weekly regime of dances and conversation. The volunteers were expected to always be well dressed including wearing high heels.

A distinct challenge for the women to obtain nylon stockings during the war was solved by spraying their legs and drawing a black line up the back for the seam.

Several divisions were assigned to training at the Camp with a dance (always the “best bands”) scheduled every Saturday night in addition to at least one weekly city dance. “I never missed one,” Arlene proudly recalls.

Indeed, as if scripted for a television drama, she volunteered until the last division, the

104th Infantry Division known as the “Timberwolves,” arrived from the war in Europe to begin training for combat in the Pacific in 1945. Still vividly remembered, a soldier cut in as she danced with another, and at evening’s end she thought she’d never see her new dance partner again. However, the next night, he was there and they danced to every song. He was special and in 1946, she married her Bill … a “good dancer and a gentle man.” Fortunately, the war ended and Bill never left town.

In a series of articles on World War II and San Luis Obispo in La Vista (1981), one summarizes: “After seven divisions had marched through her streets, danced in her beauty, trained for a war, San Luis Obispo was changed. No longer innocent; San Luis Obispo was five years older—a growth statistic; a war casualty—she was richer from the experience.”

Memories of places, memories of events, but the most compelling are memories of others. A community memory of kindness to tens of thousands of soldiers is one of enduring pride. For Arlene, meeting her future husband at a USO dance was a new beginning for a life where they simply “kept on dancing.”

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COMMUNITY

A Retirement Facility Even though the prospect of movingalways maya Green be inBay thePacker distant football game. future, you owe it to yourself to learn enjoy Oh,how and if you you’re can anywhere near my mother, be prepared for flying ashtrays, Hummel carefree living in your own home for many years to come.

hospice corner

figurines, juice glasses, shoes, or anything else she can get her hands on if the Packers aren’t playing well.

Paul wilson’s christmas wish You Don’t Feel Safe and Secure

By Mark Wilson Have to Move

The holidays can also serve as the annual look It’s a fact of life that as we get older, Pristine is fully see at our older relatives and the too often some day-to-day tasks become too licensed and insured. harsh reality of their decline due to aging. At our house it usually resulted in my mother food,own. maybeThat a few arguments about politics, he holidays are the much tooften handle on our All of our workers and grandmother whispering while doing and if you’re in my family, a fair share of one time of year that families gather doesn’t mean you have to move away are carefully screened dishes about how old, feeble and forgetful whiskey manhattans, pickled herring, and together in one place. There’s usually from the comfort of your home. and pass a criminal Aunt Dorothy had become. Or hushed chatter amongst relatives about how much better • Personal • Pristine Home Services is aHousekeeping local background check Care Grandma Wilson would do in a nursing facilthat helps San Luis Obispo and drug test,itygiving you peace ofJohn’s mind • Yard company • Handyman Maintenance rather than living at Uncle house.

None of the Pristine conversations mean spirited; County residents avoid the high cost when someone from iswere working a strange way they came from a place of Servingof moving All oftoSan Luis facility.

Obispo County a retirement in your home.in love. But oddly enough, no one ever talked

T

“She helps me with bathing and other Enjoy Affordable Living ma Wilson’s future looked like and what each personal care. She is so wonderful to me.

Home Services Specialist openly about what Aunt Dorothy’s or Grand-

of them might want for themselves.

All of our services can be provided She should be cloned! …and the price is And then there was THAT holiday. daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. very reasonable.

She even did my win-I call it THAT holiday because it was the year my From housekeeping You to handyman services and plumbing to preparing meals.

There is no task too large or pay for only the services you need Luis Obispo dows!” R. Watson, father hadSan cancer.

It would be the last year of too small for Pristineand Homewe Services.

All of our services can be provided daily, weekly, or on an as-needed provide those services at a price his life. Lung cancer had taken its toll on him basis. You pay for only the services you need and we provide those services at a price you can“They afford. took the time tobest askto me exactly but he did his participate in the famyou can afford. what I wanted.

They arrived on did ily rituals. Paul Wilson lovedtime, having family Pristine Home Services made it possible for home, particularly my brother and I, exactly what I asked, and the price wasand he Convenient One-call us to stayService comfortable and independent the holidays. Pristine He used to find reasonable. especially I wouldloved recommend great joy in the thought that his sons could in our home.

When Mary was diagnosed Our personal care services include a friend.

Hall, San anywhere in theLuis worldObispo they wished for with cancer, is no longer ato threat, the ” goC. shopping, daily errands, mealwhich preparaChristmas and yet they always chose to come people at Pristine became a very important tion, transportation part andofnon-medical Before you home. makeIt was anythatdecisions thathim feel choice that made our team. They were trustworthy, loved and appreciated.

This year was a whole care. Our housekeeping services keep reliable and always stood by ourcould side. Weaffect your future happiness new ballgame though, like no other we’d ever our relationship their staff. beenofthrough your kitchen and thetruly restenjoy of your home withand standard living, as atake family. the He’d time just endured

-Don and Mary Smith surgery, chemo, more and more spotless. We even do windows and to read these two FREE reports: treatment, hospitals, doctors… He was fighting, he was laundry. Our yard maintenance crews Before you make any decisions that could affect your future happiness and standard of living, take every doing everything someone with cancer was “What senior needs to know know how to take care of your favorite supposed to do by society’s standards. He was the time to read these two FREE reports: about living in a retirement facility.” fighting to live, and we were proud of him. I rose bushes and keep the grass neatly “What every senior needs to know about living in a retirement facility.” was proud of him. And that was the problem. mowed. Our handyman services are “Four critical questions to ask a “Four critical questions to ask a service provider...before you let anyone work in or near your home.”

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“Mark I’m tired. I’m just really tired. This Call for rateS We invite you to stuff callisPristine right cancer no fun and I’m thinking it’s now so thattime wetocan send you….these quit …. you know just give in to it.” My by reaction was nothing short of two FREE reports mail.

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indignant. “What? No way! You’ve gotta fight this all the way. You can beat this. I love you Dad.” What father would give up after hearing pleas like this from his son? What I didn’t know then was that my father was fighting to please his family, and not at all for himself. It was, in reality, me who couldn’t bear the knowledge that he was going to die and he didn’t want to disappoint me or for me to be disappointed in him. His real wish

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was for the pain and the horrible ordeal of the treatments to stop and to simply live out his remaining days without being poked and prodded and literally treated to death. He wanted a graceful exit; a better quality of life through his last day. He needed hospice care.

More than that, he wanted my permission.

Permission I didn’t give him because I didn’t know, because I didn’t ask, and I wasn’t listening, really listening, when he walked into my room that day.

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DECEMBER CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 43

The fact is, 90 percent of Americans think end of life conversations are important, BUT THEY DON’T HAVE THEM. Why is everybody waiting for someone else to start talking when 48% of aging Americans say they would welcome it and would feel relieved if a loved one asked them about their wishes for end of life care? So this holiday season as you gather with family, will you start this conversation?

I know, I know…nothing like talking about dying to liven up your holiday dinner. How festive! At the very least would you listen for signs from your senior loved ones about what they want for their end of life care?

If I knew then what I know now, Paul Wilson might have received his Christmas wish that year. Don’t miss your opportunity.

May your holidays be filled with love, joy, peace, and some enlightened family conversation.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FOOTBALL ACROSS 1. Measured with a penny?

6. *Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. ___ hit silver screen in ‘08 9. “Ali ___ and the 40 Thieves” 13. Twilled woolen fabric 14. Australian flightless bird 15. _____ Mara in Africa 16. Like pre-Christian religion 17. Often measured on the dash 18. One born under Aries 19. *Lance’s offense 21. *Influenza health scare 23. E in CE or BCE 24. Where the road splits 25. Scot’s woolen cap 28. Walkie-talkie word 30. Saudi Arabia’s neighbor 35. Color wheel elements 37. Seed covering

39. Native American fruit 40. In neutral 41. Reasoned judgement 43. Frost 44. *Segway user 46. Gilbert of “Roseanne” 47. Subway in U.K. 48. Crashed or slept 50. ____ Bell 52. Top engineering school 53. Detest 55. Make a scene 57. *U.S. enemy 61. *Kind of media 64. “El Capitan” composer 65. Pressure unit 67. Disconnected 69. Deadly snake of southeastern Asia 70. Reef dweller 71. Olive branch meaning 72. ___ _ good example 73. Backstabber 74. Mandarin’s headquarters

DOWN 1. Cooking unit 2. *What people do on a Kindle 3. Therefore or consequently 4. Open-mouthed 5. *”Meet the Fockers” star 6. Titanic’s cause of sinking 7. Mischief-maker 8. New Orleans restaurant staple 9. Shakespeare, e.g.

10. “In your dreams!”

11. Worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples 12. Hokkaido native 15. Price minus cost 20. Maryland Academy 22. Rub the wrong way 24. War vessel 25. *Current millennium, e.g.

26. *What an iPod delivers 27. Blends 29. Aphrodite’s son 31. Result of kissing a frog

32. Celery, technically 33. Iambus, pl.

34. *Succinct public message 36. Witnesses 38. *Italy stopped using it in 2002 42. Chocolate source 45. Fix leftovers 49. *Prince William became one in 2013 51. *______ Wall Street 54. Common candle shape 56. Fungal skin infection 57. Requests 58. Paul Bunyan story, e.g.

59. Arabian tea 60. *Kim Jong-un’s part of the world 61. Deposited by a river 62. Comic Sandler 63. Head vermin 66. Last word of “America, the Beautiful” 68. Bear cave

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palm street perspective

exciting things happening at city hall

By SLO City Councilman, Dan Carpenter

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ith the end of year fast approaching, we have many exciting things happening at City Hall. I’d like to extend a welcome to our new City Clerk Anthony Mejia. 2014 will be the fifth year in a row we have had an election in the City; three regular & two special elections. No doubt Anthony & his staff will have their hands full next fall.

The much anticipated update of the Land Use and Circulation elements of our General Plan should come to fruition in 2014. This is the City’s blueprint for the next 20 years. Begun in 2012 with a diverse community task force and an energetic staff, we were able to secure grant funding of $880,000 and anticipate using $430,000 from our General Fund. The

process to date has been fully covered by the grant funds and is within budget and on time. The Council identified the update to the General Plan as a focused one intended to address infill opportunities, changes in legislation and the need to revisit existing policy direction based on current values.

Significant community outreach through surveys, workshops, open houses, and public hearings have been taking place for more than 18 months. At the October 15th Council meeting, the Council reviewed the physical alternatives that were recommended for further evaluation through the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Some of the areas addressed at the October meeting included the Dalidio Ranch property, the Old Pacheco School site, Pacific Beach High School, University Square, expansion of Mission Plaza on to Monterey & Broad Streets, and some circulation challenges facing Santa Rosa, Chorro, and Broad Streets.

Rentals. We have been receiving considerable communication from our residents both for and against the need to update the ordinance.

By the time this publication is out, it’s my hope we as a Council have given staff clear and concise direction on how to move forward with this ever-growing alternative to hotel accommodations. I’m confident your voices will be heard and we will have acted on what’s best for the community.

A growing concern among many residents in our City is the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana within our jurisdiction.

We currently do not have regulations in place that restrict this type of home grow within the parameters of current state law. Our staff is looking into what other agencies are doing, and the enforcement difficulties created by the current conflicts between state and federal law and the inherent difficulties that California’s approach to decriminalization has created for local law makers and law enforcement. We hope to have some options to consider by early spring 2014.

In the EIR process, the final package of preferred alternatives identified by Council will be fully evaluated along with proposed policy changes currently under development. The Council will review those proposed policy changes in early 2014 where once again the community will have an opportunity to offer their input.

In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my favorite events to participate in as a Councilman. The Downtown Holiday Parade celebrates 38 years as an annual event on December 6th at 7PM. Please join thousands of families in this special night of celebration. I had the distinct pleasure of serving on the first parade committee in 1975 as we began the annual tradition of a Downtown Christmas Parade.

Our family business Hills Stationery Store (formally Hills Bazaar) was instrumental in promoting the Christmas spirit in Downtown SLO for almost a century. I’m honored to continue to participate in this tradition now as your representative on City Council.

November 19th Council meeting was scheduled to have a discussion regarding our ordinance on the prohibition of Vacation

As always, it’s a pleasure to serve you and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. (dcarpent@slocity.org) or (805-431-3174).

NEW TO TOWN?

Get your free welcome packet!

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

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805 Aerovista #103, San Luis Obispo D E C E M B E R

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Call your greeter or go to centralcoastwelcome.com

Downtown

Around

The Magazine of Downtown San Luis Obispo

Inside:

December 2013

W hat ’s U p Downtown B usiness Spo tlights

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A r o u n d

Ode (and farewell) to Downtown SLO

By Deborah Cash, CMSM, Executive Director

“I

’m Downtown Deborah and here for my job,” I said to the team at the table “I know the people, the place, the issues, the ropes and I’m ready, willing and able.”

From 50 seekers I stood out, I guess, because of sheer desire to make Downtown SLO a better place and set the bar a bit higher

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here was the Marsh Street structure expansion, the community it did divide Dozens of meetings, viewpoints, theatrics ensued; in the end, needed spaces it did provide The earthquake in late 2003, rattled and shook more than our nerves Time to reassess the retrofit rules—that threw some folks a huge, expensive curve

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bright spot in the picture was being named a top downtown The Great American Main Street Award was ours; they loved us, hands down People took notice, perhaps surprised, and interest grew And businesses stepped up the game for visitors and customers—old and new

ough going at first in ‘95; funds were scarce and merchants down in the dumps Businesses had closed, streets were torn up and the It's been "never a dull economy had hit some bumps (sound familiar?) moment" at the helm of the Downtown Association!

No use worrying, I decided, and rolled up my s time went by, Downtown evolved from a Deborah Cash, CMSM, sleeves Executive Director drab, closed-on-Sundays town I devised a game plan; this was long before “Ask To the community’s living room, a tourist mecca Jeeves” and a scene of nightlife renowned The Marsh Street Makeover was high on the list All of which today are part of programs we offer From the freeway to Santa Rosa, what a summer-long mess!

To have it all: beauty, safety, success and funds in the coffer Then turning dirt for the Day Center on Prado Road So People’s Kitchen in the Plaza could lighten their load

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On the Cover: Santa and Mrs. Claus will once again be on hand as the final entry in this year's 38th Annual Holiday Parade. On Friday, December 6, Downtown streets will be lined with thousands of visitors eagerly awaiting the county's largest holiday procession with nearly 100 entries representing all walks of life: music, dance, animals, car and motorcycle clubs, non profit and religious institutions and more—from grand to tiny, each showcasing a slice of life in SLO. The parade starts at 7 PM—come early and bring a blanket or chair; grab some dinner, hot chocolate or coffee from one of Downtown's many food and beverage purveyors and settle in for a couple hours of family fun! For parade route and other information visit www.DowntownSLO.com. Photo by Deborah Cash

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ome know us simply as “the place with Thursday Night,” Others love our events in the Plaza and our trees with light Some thank us for upholding the organization’s goals To provide stability and success, no matter how the economy rolls

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oncerts in the Plaza, the Holiday Parade Downtown Foresters (the City arborist we do aid) Porta Potties on big crazy-party nights Downtown Security to break up the fights A diehard Downtown tree hugger and member of the Downtown Foresters.

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eautification Awards, Special Promotions and fun abound To honor our members, attract visitors and keep Downtown

going ‘round Whether for veterans, moms, physical fitness or the area’s finest We provide recognition and honor the best and the brightest

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s well, we work on matters of tremendous importance To address issues like transiency and late night comport-ence We are an urban area at the end of the day We can’t eliminate warts but we can hold them at bay

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ll this is done by working as a team With partners, friends, members and a shared vision, a dream Of a Downtown where businesses are solid and strong And visitors and guests make their stays long here our history is kept alive through our stories and places And people feel comfortable and welcome in all of our spaces Where we continue to be emulated, of whose charm people speak And they continue to ask, “How’d you get that creek?”

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One of Downtown Brown's biggest fans! For copies of Downtown Brown's Holiday stories for kids (4 in all), email: dcash@downtownslo.com

o, the time has come for me to depart Though I embrace a life change, there’s a tug on my heart This wasn’t just “my job” that I once showed up to claim But a part of my life, often one and the same

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hank you for the opportunity to dream my dream And serve members and the community, it’s gone by fast it seems And now we’re on to a brand new day “Around Downtown,” for the last time I’ll say.

D o w n t o w n

B u s i n e s s

S p o t l i g h t s

heese anyone? Come down to Fromagerie Sophie, a gourmet cheese shop located at 1129 Garden Street. Centered in Downtown SLO, Fromagerie Sophie (French for Sophie’s Cheese Shop) combines a love of cheese and celebration to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere for customers to explore their palate and find the perfect cheese for them.

importance of bringing friends and family together. “We want to be able to share our love to entertain guests and inspire customers to do the same.” She hopes to develop a relationship with her customers to give them a personal experience with the ability to come to the store and get the full effect of their perfect cheese.

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Fromagerie Sophie

Sophie Boban-Doering, Paul Doering 1129 Garden Street (805) 503-0805 www.fromageriesophie.com

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orn in France, owner Sophie Boban-Doering, along with her husband Paul Doering, got the idea for opening a cheese shop at a café on a trip to Paris in December 2012. “We thought why are there no cheese shops at home, and that turned into ‘why don’t we open a store?’ Now we’re doing it.” They wanted to be Downtown for its positive atmosphere and support for small, local businesses.

hile it is primarily a cheese shop, Fromagerie Sophie will also sell charcuterie (cured meats), bread and selectfeatured items to complement their cheese selection. The cheeses will include imports from Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, Croatia, and France as well some from local creameries and select creameries across the United States.

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By: Travis Domingues

long with a love for cheese, Boban-Doering brings with her a French and Croatian heritage that has always instilled the

tension and soreness in muscles), gwasha (stimulates blood flow), moxa, herbal formulas and dietary counseling. All of Olcott’s treatments have the goal to obtain homeostasis and help the body be the best it can be. First treatments are complimentary, so if you are trying to soothe some of your body’s aches and pains give Intuitive Acupuncture a try!

Intuitive Acupuncture

Jonathan Olcott, Owner 669 Pacific Street, Suite B (805) 439-2720 intuitive-acupuncture.com

“W

hat feels right, naturally” is both the slogan and the goal of Intuitive Acupuncture, owned and operated

by Central Coast native Jonathan Olcott, whose practice is developed to treat and heal all who are looking to heal their ailments. Originally a car mechanic, Olcott said his life took a turn when he rolled a truck off the Cuesta Ridge in 2006. Suffering from a broken back, Olcott found the most effective treatment to soothe his constant aches and pains to be yoga and tai chi. “It all started to snowball from that point,” said Olcott.

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fter spending some time traveling, Olcott focused on studying Eastern medical practices in Los Angeles at Yo San University. His coursework spanned four years of learning both Eastern as well as Western Medicines.

Olcott’s focus is now completely on treating the people of the Central Coast community. He hopes the “needles” side of these treatments does not intimidate patients and he soothes their anxiety by explaining, “It’s not a traditional ‘shot’ needle that can be painful and leave bruises, but more a wire that passes between the structures of the body, leaving patients calm and relaxed at the end of treatment.”

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hile the name is Intuitive Acupuncture, acupuncture is not where Olcott’s treatments stop.

He is also licensed for cupping (use of cups to release

By: Travis Domingues

Holiday Happenings

AROUNd DOWNTOWN SLO

November 29 th Founders Community Bank’s

SANTA’S HOUSe Opening Day Through December 24th

December 6 th Court Street presents

Get yourHoliday Shine On 38 th Annual Holiday Parade 7 p.m. Downtown SLO

December Cal Poly Fraternities & Sororities present

Holiday Tree in Mission Plaza

December 3 rd ~ 26 th Best Western Somerset Inn presents

Classic carousel in Mission P laza

call (805) 541-0286 or visit www.DowntownSLO.com for more information

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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ballet theatre slo opens new nonprofit school tapestries alight at the slo museum of art

There’s a new nonprofit dance school on the Central Coast. Its mission: provide accessible dance education at an affordable price while presenting masterful works of performing art. Ballet Theatre SLO has presented timeless storytelling through dance at schools and performing arts venues throughout SLO County since 2006. Now the nonprofit performing arts organization has a studio to call its own just in time for final rehearsals for its annual winter spectacular. Located at 209 Bonetti in a space shared with Aikido of San Luis Obispo. For more information about the new dance school or upcoming performances, visit to www.bt-slo.org or call 805-440-1439.

literacy council volunteer training

Volunteer Tutor Training for the Literacy Council will be held on Saturday December 7th and Saturday December 14th from 9:00am – 3:30pm at the SLO County Library. The Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County has an ongoing and urgent need for volunteer tutors throughout the county. To volunteer, please visit our website www.sloliteracy.org for more information. Cost: $25.00. For more information call 805-541-4219.

Help raise $3000 for the morro bay estuary

Morro Bay National Estuary Program announces the first annual fundraising campaign is under way. The goal for this fundraiser is $3,000. Thanks to several caring supporters, nearly $1,000 has been donated so far. Funds raised in this annual campaign will help the Estuary Program achieve restoration, monitoring, and education goals for 2014. These goals include raising awareness about water conservation, addressing sedimentation problems, and monitoring and replanting more eelgrass in Morro Bay. Rejuvenating a youth education program is also a top priority.

Gifts may be given online at www.mbnep.org, or by check or cash to the office at 601 Embarcadero, Suite 11, Morro Bay, CA 93442.

Bold, colorful, and whimsical wall hangings by members of Tapestry Weavers West will be on exhibit in the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art’s Gray Wing through December 29. Juried by SLOMA Curator Ruta Saliklis, the exhibition will consist of 44 tapestries by 23 members of Tapestry Weavers West (TWW).

Founded in 1985, TWW’s mission is to promote the art of tapestry and to educate an audience for its appreciation. This is the group’s first exhibition on the Central Coast of California. A tapestry is a handmade pictorial weaving. Tapestries have been made for thousands of years and are found in cultures from around the world.

The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and exhibiting the visual arts. Located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Hours are 11 – 5 daily.

Free admission, donations appreciated. Tapestry photo is Deborah Corsini from Pacifica, Echo, linen, 36 x 24 inches.

slo parks and rec 3rd annual reindeer run on Dec 7

5K run/walk begins and ends at Mitchell Park and travels along the Railroad Recreation Trail. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and the run starts at 8 a.m. With registration, the festive run/walk includes a Breakfast with Santa ticket and an event t-shirt. All levels are welcome and holiday themed costumes are encouraged. Awards will be given for top runners and best/most festive costume. Toys

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

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

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Gary A. Sage License No. 0E02096 100 Cross Street, Suite 203 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 gsage@dibu.com

(805) 593-1400 (805) 593-1401 fax (805) 593-1413 direct (805) 235-1043 cell

for Tots will also be in attendance to collect toys. Please help by bringing a new, unwrapped toy. Toys suitable for 10-14 year olds are especially needed. To register visit http://beta.active.com/sanluis-obispo-ca/running/reindeer-run-2013. Online pre-registration is $30 (+processing fee) and day-of registration is available onsite for $40/person. Additional Breakfast with Santa tickets may be purchased for $5/kids, $10/adults (plus processing fee). The Breakfast with Santa will be held at Mitchell Park, indoors at the SLO Senior Center. Volunteers are also needed to assist on race day with day-of registration, course marshaling and finish line support.

THE BULLETIN BOARD

local investment pros purchase wacker Associates

R. E. Wacker Associates has been purchased from Union Bank, N.A. by company founder Bob Wacker and the rest of the firm’s investment professionals: Bryan Krill, Matt Wilson, Patrick O’Hara, Mary Rose, Joan Wenglikowski, Ryan Caldwell and Alex Pock. The wealth-management firm has 13 employees and manages more than $650 million in assets on a fee-only basis. Wacker founded the firm in 1988 and sold it in 2007 to Pacific Capital Bancorp, the bank holding company for Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, which wanted to strengthen its regional footprint in San Luis Obispo County. Pacific Capital was acquired in 2012 by Union Bank, N.A. “We believe that we can better preserve and enhance services to our clients by continuing to operate independently rather than being integrated into Union Bank’s existing wealth management business,” Wacker said.

senior health care screening

twin cities hospital begins 14-month renovation

Twin Cities Community Hospital began a 14-month-long, comprehensive modernization and renovation to update approximately 8,000 square-feet of the “200 Wing” Medical-Surgical unit on the first floor of the hospital. The project marks the last leg of a series of renovations to the building, which began in 2009. They will be closing down 12 patient rooms and re-opening the first floor ICU which has eight beds. Hospital CEO Mark Lisa says, once completed, the renovation project will provide a dramatically enhanced environment for the better comfort of patients and employees. “Rest assured this renovation is a very positive move,” Lisa said. “Our patients, physicians, and staff will see improvements in lighting, floors, windows, heating and air conditioning, new nurses’ stations, and more.” For information about Twin Cities Community Hospital, please visit www.twincitieshospital.com

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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.

travel correspondent wins prestigious journalism award

Morro Bay resident, Thomas C. Wilmer is a winner in the 2013 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition, taking the Silver in the Travel Broadcast Audio category for The King Biscuit Blues Festival, Helena, Arkansas Show, featured as an NPR.ORG Podcast produced by affiliate station KCBX serving the California Central Coast. The annual competition is sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation. Winners of the awards are the most prestigious in the field of travel journalism.

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Frank

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december events at the slo botanical garden

Kids’ Garden Gifts! Saturday, December 7 from 1pm to 3pm – Join us at the SLO Botanical Garden as we learn how to transform gardengrown goodness into great holiday gifts. We will learn how to make lotion and soothing bath salts while discovering great uses for some of our favorite plants! Activity is $5 for materials. Class size is limited. More info at slobg.org/garden-gifts. Please RSVP to education@slobg.org.

Secret Lives of Seaweed! Saturday, December 14, at 1pm – Join us at the SLO Botanical Garden to learn the secret lives and uses of local seaweed species. Learn about their life histories, recognize common local species, how to tell the difference between red, green and brown algae (it is not as easy as you think!), why seaweeds are so important, and more! Marine Biology and Ecology instructor Laurie McConnico will lead you through this fascinating subject. Presentation is $5 for members/$10 non-members. Followed at 2pm by a free docent-led tour of the Garden. No pre-registry needed. For more information visit slobg.org/seaweed.

goodwill announces fundraising opportunities for non-profits

In recognizing the need for fundraising opportunities and financial assistance in classrooms that have been devastated by budget cuts in recent years, Goodwill Industries of San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties is offering fundraising opportunities for qualified non-profits and schools from January 30 through April 27, 2014 valued at $40,000. By hosting a three-day weekend donation drive on location, qualified non-profits and schools of San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties can raise

D ressing Windows in San Luis Obispo for over 39 Years

Alan “Himself” D E C E M B E R

alan’s draperies 544-9405 alansdrapery@gmail.com 2013

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money for their organizations. The focus of the drive is to collect clothing, shoes, accessories, and some small housewares items— only furniture under 50 pounds will be accepted. Goodwill provides a trailer and one donation attendant for up to six hours on each day of the drive Friday, Saturday and Sunday. At the end of the drive on Sunday, the percentage of the trailer that has been filled, will determine the funds the organization has raised. Due to the different sizes of Goodwill Industries’ trailers across counties, a 100% full 28-foot trailer will be worth $1000 and a 100% full 24foot trailer will be worth $800. Only a limited number of drives will be held during the eligible period (1/30 – 4/27) therefore, it is highly recommended that interested parties call immediately to arrange a Goodwill fundraising drive to be held at their location by contacting their area representative (SLO Frankie Martinez 805544-0542, ext 518).

donate to provide new coats for christmas

For the past 16 years, the San Luis community has generously provided our County’s homeless with a wonderful home-cooked Christmas Day dinner, live entertainment and much needed care packages containing brand new sleeping bags, hooded sweatshirts, winter jackets, socks, underwear and toiletries. The event is spearheaded by the Jewish Community, but is not limited to any one religious persuasion. Business partners throughout the county donate goods, equipment and services, including SLO Odd Fellows, SLO Camp-n-Pack, San Luis Sourdough, Apple Farm, Marie Callender’s, Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab, Trader Joe’s, Ralph’s, Ride-On, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, PG&E and San Luis Garbage. According to the most recent SLO County Homeless Enumeration Report, the region has over 3,700 people living without permanent shelter, and over 1,000 of those are located in the City of SLO. Donations to the Coats for Christmas Day program can be made by going to the United Way of SLO County website at www. unitedwayslo.org. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 14309, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. Please write “coats” on the memo line. For more information on Coats for Christmas Day, please contact Sheri Eibschutz at 594-1999.

Marie Moore, PhD

Licensed Psychologist #PSY11506

Counseling

528-3782 Helping with lifestyle, health and family problems for seniors, both retired and still employed

THE BULLETIN BOARD

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ballet theatre slo presents la Boutique fantasque

On Friday, December 6th at 11am Ballet Theatre SLO Presents La Boutique Fantasque. Capturing the spirit of the season, a tender love story unfolds in a magic toy shop, where a toymaker’s toys have a secret life. Two dolls have even fallen in love. When they are sold separately, the other toys rally to prevent the sale. La Boutique Fantasque is set to the beautiful score

by Ottorino Respighi based on piano pieces of Gioachino Rossini. The ballet features a cast of 35 dancers from throughout the central coast. Tickets can be purchased by check (payable to BT-SLO) or credit card.

Contact Blair London (440-1439, blair@bt-slo.org) for reservations & payment. All Tickets are $10. All tickets purchased in advance; no tickets sold at the door.

6th annual rotary holiday sing-along

The Arroyo Grande Rotary Club is proud to announce its 6th Annual Christmas and Holiday Concert and Sing-Along on Sunday, December 15th. This special 4pm matinee will be presented at Arroyo Grande’s intimate Clark Center. Attendees will be able to enjoy great regional music and dance groups while also joining their family and friends in singing all their favorite holiday songs including the crowd captivating “Twelve Days of Christmas!” Net proceeds from this show are donated annually to the music and arts programs of various South County schools. Proceeds from the 2012 Sing-Along funded the music programs at Mesa Middle School and St. Patrick School and the photography department at Arroyo Grande High School. Tickets for the Christmas and Holiday Sing-Along are only $12 for adults and $6 for children & students and are now available from the Clark Center Box Office at 489-9444 or www.clarkcenter. org. Special family discount pricing (in advance only) allows up to six family members to attend for only $30!

TMHA CELEBRATES OPENING OF NIPOMO STREET STUDIOS

Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) has completed Nipomo Street Studios—a housing project that will give a new start for local adults in recovery from mental illness. Tenants began moving in last month. In true community spirit, this project involved a team of dedicated volunteers. Central Coast Interior Designers (CCID) donated their time and skills to provide input on paint color, fabrics, window coverings and furniture for a beautiful, coordinated look for the entire Nipomo Street Studios project. They also obtained donations of cash and in-kind items as well as their valuable time and expertise. The original house includes two studio units and TMHA’s SLO Wellness Center, “Hope House.” Six additional studio units range from 350 to 400 square feet, each with their own outside deck or patio, kitchen, bath, sleeping and living areas. All residents have access to on-site laundry facilities, tenant parking and supportive services. Funding for the Nipomo Street Studios project was provided by Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) housing funds, in partnership with SLO County Behavioral Health Services and a $25,000 grant from Rabobank.

Pacific Oak Foreclosure Services INC

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COMMUNITY

eye on Business RETIREMENT TAKES PROS ON THE ROAD

By Maggie Cox, Barnett Cox & Associates

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he City of Bell, California made national headlines in recent years with the revelation of rampant corruption in City government. Stories of exorbitant elected official and City staff salaries led to criminal charges and convictions.

While Bell has cleaned house and righted its course, media coverage of the offenders’ continued legal wrangling reminds us of the outrages this small Southern California community endured.

Bell’s being back in the news in recent weeks got me thinking about three San Luis Obispo city government leaders who stepped up to help beleaguered Bell find its way back to solvency, trust and citizen confidence. Ken Hampian (retired city manager), Bill Statler (retired finance director) and Mike Multari (former community development director) volunteered their time and expertise and spent months getting the Bell community back on course. The trio did it all, from producing goal setting workshops for residents, to creating budgets and plans and organizational flow charts and helping recruit new city leaders. The three retirees volunteered to bring good government back to Bell, and Ken’s contribution especially—bravely stepping in as the interim city manager “pro bono” in the midst of the crisis—was extraordinary and sparked national news of its own. Their winning efforts were recognized with numerous industry honors and accolades.

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And now the holidays approach and year end looms, and I thought it would be fun to catch back up with Ken, Bill and Mike and see what they’ve been up to. Not surprisingly, it’s more of the same. Each of the three has been working throughout California, consulting with communities, sharing SLO best practices and offering counsel to of3_75"x5"CrushedGrapeCMYKad10_13.pdf 1 10/10/13 8:14 AM all sorts of government bodies. They coauthored a “Guide to Local Government Finance in California,” a handbook published in 2012 that one reviewer said should be “required reading for all councilmembers before being sworn into office.”

With independent consultancies, Ken, Mike and Bill can each focus on individual areas of expertise.

They’re teaching college classes and authoring articles for government

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left to right: Mike Multari, Ken Hampian and Bill Statler

journals. They’re providing training for groups throughout California, travelling from San Diego to Willits to assist cities, counties, community service districts, police officer organizations and leadership institutes. And they’re working together on team projects, initiating lengthy and elaborate goal setting sessions designed to bring citizen voices into government decisions and budget planning.

In some cases, the trio’s work offers residents a first-ever opportunity to actively participate in setting community priorities. Mike Multari noted that the very processes thought of as “normal” in San Luis Obispo may be unheard of in other communities.

That comment says much about our community and the abundant opportunities we have to not just participate in it, but have a real impact on how things operate. We’re invited to public hearings, workshops and open houses. We join task forces and ad hoc committees. Our opinions are surveyed, consensus is sought and goals established based on citizen feedback. And happily for us, what’s normal in our community extends beyond government process. Our normal is that of a place where people care about each other and their community, and it shows. It shows in our businesses. It shows in our many nonprofit organizations and it shows in our government. It shows in the community that we’ve created.

It’s fun to shine a spotlight on people like Ken, Bill and Mike. While we’re familiar with the concept of business mentors and retired execs that help fledgling startups, the same contributions in the public sector may not be as visible. Ken, Bill and Mike are working as consultants with a long list of communities and organizations seeking their help, but they also continue to offer volunteer support to a range of causes.

Their accomplishments say much about dedication and commitment, and they also describe the San Luis Obispo we prize: a place where hard work and passion grow great ideas that reach beyond our borders.

I believe 2014 is going to be a year marked by more great ideas propelling us to new achievement. I can’t wait to see what the New Year brings. In the meantime, I want to extend my personal thanks to the people who give so much to support our community. It’s working.

Happy Holidays.

LET THE GOOD TIMES

roll.

MEET THE 2014 FIAT®

Introducing our 5-door offering from the FIAT® brand. A combination of standout Italian design & exceptional, everyday functionality.

MSRP

starting at

500L

$19,100

MEET THE 2013 FIAT®

500e

INDUSTRY-BEST 108 MPGe HIGHWAY RATING+

Take your fun farther than ever before with the unsurpassed frugality of an EPA-estimated annual gasoline equivalent cost of $500+ and an EPA-estimated fuel consumption rate of just 29 kilowatt hours (kWh) per 100 miles.+

It’s no wonder the FIAT® 500e is taking the electric vehicle market by storm.

1371 Monterey Street, SLO 540-5065 | Colefiat.com

W H E R E E V E R Y D AY I S A S A L E D AY !

Discover the value we can create in your life by partnering with your Maguire Investments financial advisor

Carol Abeloe

John-Paul F. Stornetta

E. Chad Silva

Summer Eatmon

Leon Lopez

FINANCIAL ADVISOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR

We draw upon over a half-century of service and over 110 years of combined experience, striving to tailor investment portfolios suitable to each client’s needs.

Kerry Scheidt STAFF

Darlene Chavez

We are always accepting new clients and look forward to meeting with you soon to discuss your situation or develop a personal investment strategy for you.

STAFF

1862 South Broadway, Suite 100, Santa Maria, California 93456 tel: 805-922-6901 · toll-free: 800-244-4183 · fax: 805-922-4055 Stephen P. Maguire PRESIDENT

www.MaguireInvest.com

Securities offered through JHS Capital Advisors, Member FINRA/SIPC. Maguire Investments and JHS Capital Advisors are not affiliated.